Mr. C.S. Lewis,
I find you the most difficult to read during the summer. No joke my brain is completely old English fried. However I find one quote of yours the most interesting and delightful of them all!
I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would be either a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
Its a great quote. One of my favorites. There is so much truth behind it. Lewis also said one time that he "gave up and admitted God is God". Lewis tells it like it is, once you can get past the whole English dilemma.
Corrine
Monday, August 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
And then the nut was born from the coffee bean...
To the Sojourners Abroad:
Is there life before coffee? There is NO life before coffee. There is life AFTER coffee !!
Sometimes I think this quote fits appropriately with the "regulars" that come into Starbucks. You know, the ones where the Barista sees them walking through the door so we know exactly what they are getting and it better be made this exact way otherwise they will freak and die. Oh, and I'm not joking about the freaking and dying.
I've been at Starbucks going on my third week now. Its enough time to start associating the faces to your "regulars" and start memorizing their orders. It's also enough time to figure out which ones are complete nuts, addicted and just mesmerized at the Starbucks taste. Lets start with the nuts: These are the people who come in thinking they know exactly what they are talking about. They assume I can override computer transactions and make things cheaper with a snap of my finger. These are the people who ask if the shift lead is going to make their drink or if I am going to make it. They are the kind of people who order Macchiatos and what they REALLY want is a cup filled with foam and espresso poured right over it. These nuts literally pull out their hair (I'm not joking) and yell at the Barista if something is not to their liking.
Who knew coffee could be such a life or death matter? I know I didn't.
The addicts can be worse than the nuts sometimes. They can taste every granulated sugar you drop into that drink. They know their Americanos verses their Drips. They know when they want a Black eye or a Red Eye. The addicts know every letter that should go on that cup and can taste the difference between every bold blend (flavored coffee) in the store. If they applied for the job they would be the Albert Einsteins of coffee. FYI don't even think about steaming their milk the "wrong" way. When they say no foam it means don't even think about putting a bubble in that drink. These people take advantage of refills (which most people don't know about amazingly) and have a Starbucks gold card. They are the everydayers that jump around from store to store. Addicted they are and they could never give up their coffee.
The people who are mesmerized by the taste of Starbucks tend to come up to the counter asking you what is in every drink and stand for 10 minutes deciding what to order. To be honest...I don't mind. I enjoy explaining flavors and different drink options. I enjoy explaining what the word "curdle" means to people. They are the people who come in saying "I want something chocolaty with no espresso and whip cream. You pick". They know they enjoy a Starbucks every now and then but their taste buds have not quite adjusted to the taste of coffee unlike the addict who can tell you what part of the acidic taste goes to in your mouth. I love these people because they make me laugh and you have to explore what their tastes are. Its people like this I enjoy because a cup of coffee should always make you smile.
I thoroughly enjoy my job. I laugh at all three kinds of these people. I noticed that I am kind of all three but not nearly as much of a nut. I enjoy having people tell me that I add the right kind of foam or that it is the best "color" foam they have seen. People who pick up their cappuccinos and grin because the weight is exactly as it should be is exciting for a new Barista to see. Some people really get into the mood of the Baristas and enjoy laughing with them. I've seen little kids come in to order their creme based fraps. and WWII veterans come in with their sweethearts sharing their timeless story with us. Its exciting...but the nuts tend to be overwhelming...welcome to Starbucks.
Love,
Corrine Pilar
Is there life before coffee? There is NO life before coffee. There is life AFTER coffee !!
Sometimes I think this quote fits appropriately with the "regulars" that come into Starbucks. You know, the ones where the Barista sees them walking through the door so we know exactly what they are getting and it better be made this exact way otherwise they will freak and die. Oh, and I'm not joking about the freaking and dying.
I've been at Starbucks going on my third week now. Its enough time to start associating the faces to your "regulars" and start memorizing their orders. It's also enough time to figure out which ones are complete nuts, addicted and just mesmerized at the Starbucks taste. Lets start with the nuts: These are the people who come in thinking they know exactly what they are talking about. They assume I can override computer transactions and make things cheaper with a snap of my finger. These are the people who ask if the shift lead is going to make their drink or if I am going to make it. They are the kind of people who order Macchiatos and what they REALLY want is a cup filled with foam and espresso poured right over it. These nuts literally pull out their hair (I'm not joking) and yell at the Barista if something is not to their liking.
Who knew coffee could be such a life or death matter? I know I didn't.
The addicts can be worse than the nuts sometimes. They can taste every granulated sugar you drop into that drink. They know their Americanos verses their Drips. They know when they want a Black eye or a Red Eye. The addicts know every letter that should go on that cup and can taste the difference between every bold blend (flavored coffee) in the store. If they applied for the job they would be the Albert Einsteins of coffee. FYI don't even think about steaming their milk the "wrong" way. When they say no foam it means don't even think about putting a bubble in that drink. These people take advantage of refills (which most people don't know about amazingly) and have a Starbucks gold card. They are the everydayers that jump around from store to store. Addicted they are and they could never give up their coffee.
The people who are mesmerized by the taste of Starbucks tend to come up to the counter asking you what is in every drink and stand for 10 minutes deciding what to order. To be honest...I don't mind. I enjoy explaining flavors and different drink options. I enjoy explaining what the word "curdle" means to people. They are the people who come in saying "I want something chocolaty with no espresso and whip cream. You pick". They know they enjoy a Starbucks every now and then but their taste buds have not quite adjusted to the taste of coffee unlike the addict who can tell you what part of the acidic taste goes to in your mouth. I love these people because they make me laugh and you have to explore what their tastes are. Its people like this I enjoy because a cup of coffee should always make you smile.
I thoroughly enjoy my job. I laugh at all three kinds of these people. I noticed that I am kind of all three but not nearly as much of a nut. I enjoy having people tell me that I add the right kind of foam or that it is the best "color" foam they have seen. People who pick up their cappuccinos and grin because the weight is exactly as it should be is exciting for a new Barista to see. Some people really get into the mood of the Baristas and enjoy laughing with them. I've seen little kids come in to order their creme based fraps. and WWII veterans come in with their sweethearts sharing their timeless story with us. Its exciting...but the nuts tend to be overwhelming...welcome to Starbucks.
Love,
Corrine Pilar
Monday, July 27, 2009
When Eddie just becomes too much.
To the Sojourners abroad:
My friend tonight told me a story from one of those "everyday life story" sites and it totally applies to this post. Listen up.
"Today, my girlfriend dumped me proclaiming that she wanted me to be more like 'Edward'. I asked her who Edward was. She held up a copy of the 'Twilight' book. She was talking about a fictional vampire."
When my friend told me that story I about died. The worst part is when I went to the site to check out the quote 31857 people agreed that he deserved it. Are we kidding ourselves here?
As you walk through our mall past Forever 21 you pass a shirt cart that does graphic tees and embroidery. One distinct shirt in my head is the big white and pink shirt that says "The future Mrs. Edward Cullen". Dont get me wrong. Ive read the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them and the movie and yes even the music but at what point is it too much for our guys?
My mom has coined her little saying for women that coincides with the Harris boys term for men who dont grow up, otherwise known as Peter Pans. Keeping up with the Disney theme my mom termed her women who dream of their knight and shining armor riding up on his white horse to whisk us women away as Cinderellas. Im going to however coin my own little something for the modern day knight in shining armor. Welcome to the Eddie Cullen syndrom.
Edward is perfect. He speaks like hes from another time era. Hes protective over Bella. Traditional. A gentleman. A little bit of a thrill seeker. Gorgeous in all matters of the term and seems absolutely flawless even when he is wrong in what he states, because after all he is just looking out for the woman he loves right? He has a sense of humor and can play the piano. Oh and did I mention he writes his own music? He can seranade, swoon, run ridiculously fast and be so compassionate, yet sometimes angry. The list of his characteristics is endless. This is just what I picked up from reading the books once, yet alone some people have read them 3 times.
Ok so take these characteristics and apply it to the modern day man. For the most part he gets tired and isnt all that much into watching you sleep because well duh he has to sleep too. Somedays hes not absolutely gorgeous cuz he doesnt shave...hmm major turn off? Somedays he doesnt get the hint to be overly protective of you when you need it the most. Gentleman? Not during football season. Speaks from another time era? Sure but it definitely is not English. Musical? Not in the slightest. He can barely serenade, swoon and run ridiculously fast because he is out of shape, yet alone run with you on his back. Hmm sounds attractive right?
Our standards for the men we love are set high...but fictional character high is not realistic here. Unfortunately like the story above there are girls who dream of actually marrying someone LIKE edward cullen. Men are not perfect, just like girls arent. So why would it be fair to make such outlandish comparisons?
We need to be compassionate when they fail just as we do. We are no (insert gorgeous woman here). I was gonna say Megan Fox but I dont think shes that pretty...fyi. :] So ladies, go over your wants for the future guy you want to end up with Lord willing. Some of Eddies characteristics may so happen to come up...I mean sometimes my boyfriend speaks old English. No Joke! and yes he even plays guitar. But he wants to be Matt and he wants to be mine...not some fictional character comparison.
As much as I have enjoyed the Twilight books I will not venture to say they are the best i have ever read nor state they are the worst. I have thoroughly enjoyed them and even have become slightly addicted to the characters and the story line, but that doesnt mean I can expect anything more or less from Matt.
Edward Cullen is fun to watch and read about...but dream about...now that is an entirely different story.
Corrine Pilar
My friend tonight told me a story from one of those "everyday life story" sites and it totally applies to this post. Listen up.
"Today, my girlfriend dumped me proclaiming that she wanted me to be more like 'Edward'. I asked her who Edward was. She held up a copy of the 'Twilight' book. She was talking about a fictional vampire."
When my friend told me that story I about died. The worst part is when I went to the site to check out the quote 31857 people agreed that he deserved it. Are we kidding ourselves here?
As you walk through our mall past Forever 21 you pass a shirt cart that does graphic tees and embroidery. One distinct shirt in my head is the big white and pink shirt that says "The future Mrs. Edward Cullen". Dont get me wrong. Ive read the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them and the movie and yes even the music but at what point is it too much for our guys?
My mom has coined her little saying for women that coincides with the Harris boys term for men who dont grow up, otherwise known as Peter Pans. Keeping up with the Disney theme my mom termed her women who dream of their knight and shining armor riding up on his white horse to whisk us women away as Cinderellas. Im going to however coin my own little something for the modern day knight in shining armor. Welcome to the Eddie Cullen syndrom.
Edward is perfect. He speaks like hes from another time era. Hes protective over Bella. Traditional. A gentleman. A little bit of a thrill seeker. Gorgeous in all matters of the term and seems absolutely flawless even when he is wrong in what he states, because after all he is just looking out for the woman he loves right? He has a sense of humor and can play the piano. Oh and did I mention he writes his own music? He can seranade, swoon, run ridiculously fast and be so compassionate, yet sometimes angry. The list of his characteristics is endless. This is just what I picked up from reading the books once, yet alone some people have read them 3 times.
Ok so take these characteristics and apply it to the modern day man. For the most part he gets tired and isnt all that much into watching you sleep because well duh he has to sleep too. Somedays hes not absolutely gorgeous cuz he doesnt shave...hmm major turn off? Somedays he doesnt get the hint to be overly protective of you when you need it the most. Gentleman? Not during football season. Speaks from another time era? Sure but it definitely is not English. Musical? Not in the slightest. He can barely serenade, swoon and run ridiculously fast because he is out of shape, yet alone run with you on his back. Hmm sounds attractive right?
Our standards for the men we love are set high...but fictional character high is not realistic here. Unfortunately like the story above there are girls who dream of actually marrying someone LIKE edward cullen. Men are not perfect, just like girls arent. So why would it be fair to make such outlandish comparisons?
We need to be compassionate when they fail just as we do. We are no (insert gorgeous woman here). I was gonna say Megan Fox but I dont think shes that pretty...fyi. :] So ladies, go over your wants for the future guy you want to end up with Lord willing. Some of Eddies characteristics may so happen to come up...I mean sometimes my boyfriend speaks old English. No Joke! and yes he even plays guitar. But he wants to be Matt and he wants to be mine...not some fictional character comparison.
As much as I have enjoyed the Twilight books I will not venture to say they are the best i have ever read nor state they are the worst. I have thoroughly enjoyed them and even have become slightly addicted to the characters and the story line, but that doesnt mean I can expect anything more or less from Matt.
Edward Cullen is fun to watch and read about...but dream about...now that is an entirely different story.
Corrine Pilar
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A message from the coffee-aholic.
To the Sojourners Abroad,
My life right now consists of two things mostly and the one that makes me laugh the most is just this: COFFEE. This quote from You've Got Mail makes me laugh:
"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino."
I like to think of coffee as a hobby these days. Its not just my job, its a little bit more than that. Coffee gives me something to laugh about. People come in spending more money on something they think they know when essentially they could get it cheaper if they would just change their order. For example, a regular lady comes in wanting a 3 shot machiatto. To her, machiatto means fill the whole cup up with foam and pour my shots. Shes a wee bit of a nut case too, and I cant say that I would say that about a lot of people either.
Secondly, working at a coffee shop allows you to meet the teenagers who are in that "cool" stage but really...they are just teenagers thinking a cup of joe is so awesome. These two girls the other day were sitting out on the tables and were talking and laughing. Basically having a grand ole time, while i was doing a Trash run (AKA: cleaning every garbage can in the area, thats like 6 cans). I hear from them "hey you should ask her, she looks like shes done it before".
Im no dumby but I have to admit I was extremely curious, and were they even talking about me. 2 seconds later: "Hey can I ask you a question"? More giggles. I lean up. "Sure. Whats up"? They look at each other hesitantly. One of them is slightly more pressing than the other. "Umm have you ever eaten jello with your hands tied behind your back and whip cream on top?" What do you even say to that? Yeah all the time cuz I have so much free time? "No. I cant say that I ever have. Why do you ask?" More giggles...great.
"Well we just did it". umm what a way to leave me hanging there. "As in just for kicks and giggles or was this for some dare?" smiles. no giggles this time. Just flat out smiles. "No. we were really bored and we needed something to do." I couldnt help but laugh, ok, maybe more like chuckle. I cant be rude. "Maybe you guys should stick to reading some books or watching movies". They look at me like I was from the stone age. Really? Am I that old already? Im pretty sure Im still young..."Well the reading books thing not so much but we should do movies".
I finished up doing my trash run thinking this shift could not get any more bizarre. Only later do I realize that I stuck chai in someones mocha frap...for the second time. Im thinking of labeling the chai pump in big bold letters. Yeah...that sounds good.
The second thing my life consists of right now is school. School and music. Its a simultaneous thing basically. I cant study without music and well actually I can listen to music while studying. Summer vacation has been non-existant and I cant wait for the two week break to start before I head into another semester of school. Theres not much I can say about school except for the fact that I am horrible at it, despite whatever smartness I may have acquired. seriously? me and smart. Its more of a joke. I like to think that I am just...well blessed. I am a total clutz and sometimes not the brightest light in the room. I cannot debate or communicate to persuade thousands of people to take my lead. The one thing I think I do well is write, ok and read, but even those subjects are up for major debates. :]
So the summer has been eventful...extremely. but memorable? mmmm...who knows.
Corrine Pilar
My life right now consists of two things mostly and the one that makes me laugh the most is just this: COFFEE. This quote from You've Got Mail makes me laugh:
"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino."
I like to think of coffee as a hobby these days. Its not just my job, its a little bit more than that. Coffee gives me something to laugh about. People come in spending more money on something they think they know when essentially they could get it cheaper if they would just change their order. For example, a regular lady comes in wanting a 3 shot machiatto. To her, machiatto means fill the whole cup up with foam and pour my shots. Shes a wee bit of a nut case too, and I cant say that I would say that about a lot of people either.
Secondly, working at a coffee shop allows you to meet the teenagers who are in that "cool" stage but really...they are just teenagers thinking a cup of joe is so awesome. These two girls the other day were sitting out on the tables and were talking and laughing. Basically having a grand ole time, while i was doing a Trash run (AKA: cleaning every garbage can in the area, thats like 6 cans). I hear from them "hey you should ask her, she looks like shes done it before".
Im no dumby but I have to admit I was extremely curious, and were they even talking about me. 2 seconds later: "Hey can I ask you a question"? More giggles. I lean up. "Sure. Whats up"? They look at each other hesitantly. One of them is slightly more pressing than the other. "Umm have you ever eaten jello with your hands tied behind your back and whip cream on top?" What do you even say to that? Yeah all the time cuz I have so much free time? "No. I cant say that I ever have. Why do you ask?" More giggles...great.
"Well we just did it". umm what a way to leave me hanging there. "As in just for kicks and giggles or was this for some dare?" smiles. no giggles this time. Just flat out smiles. "No. we were really bored and we needed something to do." I couldnt help but laugh, ok, maybe more like chuckle. I cant be rude. "Maybe you guys should stick to reading some books or watching movies". They look at me like I was from the stone age. Really? Am I that old already? Im pretty sure Im still young..."Well the reading books thing not so much but we should do movies".
I finished up doing my trash run thinking this shift could not get any more bizarre. Only later do I realize that I stuck chai in someones mocha frap...for the second time. Im thinking of labeling the chai pump in big bold letters. Yeah...that sounds good.
The second thing my life consists of right now is school. School and music. Its a simultaneous thing basically. I cant study without music and well actually I can listen to music while studying. Summer vacation has been non-existant and I cant wait for the two week break to start before I head into another semester of school. Theres not much I can say about school except for the fact that I am horrible at it, despite whatever smartness I may have acquired. seriously? me and smart. Its more of a joke. I like to think that I am just...well blessed. I am a total clutz and sometimes not the brightest light in the room. I cannot debate or communicate to persuade thousands of people to take my lead. The one thing I think I do well is write, ok and read, but even those subjects are up for major debates. :]
So the summer has been eventful...extremely. but memorable? mmmm...who knows.
Corrine Pilar
Saturday, May 16, 2009
This Crazy, Madness sort of Love
To the Sojourner abroad,
I just finished a book called "Madness" by Jossy Chacko. He was a born and raised South Indian who felt that missions were only for the "white" man. The Lord drastically changed his heart and he is now the head of a ministry that trains and sets up native Indian men to plant churches in India and abroad. The book is truly amazing. Now I am working on finishing Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Its incredible because lately I have been hit with these books that are calling people to step up to action. Not just any people. Believers.
Jossy at the end of his book states, "Imagine if every Christian prayed every day. 'Lord help me see everything in light of eternity'. We could Capture the World!"
Its coming on one year almost since I have been to Mexico where my whole mentality of missions was completely changed. I learned that in Mexico missions is a lifestyle rather than a choice of going abroad or not. I had this preconceived notion that some people were the senders and other people just went abroad. How wrong I was! Missions is definitely a lifestyle and we all have the calling.
Some of us are called to stay in the United States while others are called to Africa. Some go to the ends of China and others are right in L.A.. Is the man who goes to Africa any greater than the middle class man who works in L.A. giving the gospel to his co-workers? Absolutely not. Both of them are fufilling the great commission by spreading the Word to the non-believers.
Its a tendancy we have isnt it? We tend to see the man in China a hero. Why not? The man risks his life to deliver a Bible into the hands of those are thirsty. We tend to see the man in India as revolutionary. Why not? The man enters a hostile, mostly Hindu country bringing forth medical assitance and the Gospel at the point of risking his life. We tend to see the man in Africa as empowering. Why not? Hes helping cure aids, provide food to a nation that is in more poverty than most Americans could never dream of happening.
So what happens to the man in L.A.? or even Utah? what about New York? Is he not fufilling the great commission because he is sharing the Gospel with non-believers? Is that not what advancing the Kingdom of God is all about? Living for Him which then sprouts this different lifestyle that is put on display for all to see?
Somedays like today I just want to get up and walk into another country and just wham share the Gospel. Somedays I feel like I have a disadvantage because of all the training I need before I can walk into a country like India to share the Gospel. There are days like today although that I realize that I am an American with the greatest advantage of them all. I live in a country where I have the freedom of speech to share the truth about the one living God.
I like at the end of Madness Jossy says he is training Great Commissionaries rather than missionaries. The idea of missions is greatly misconceived in our culture. Its so much more than going abroad. It starts with living your life as if you are called where you are at now, knowing that your home is Heaven. We need not to focus our whole direction on where we want to go in the future but where Jesus wants us to share now.
This notion of missions has been on my mind lately. Maybe because the books Im reading right now are action calling books. I suggest reading these books, but first to read the Bible. It is the source of eternal life. It is the one way and only way.
with love,
Corrine
I just finished a book called "Madness" by Jossy Chacko. He was a born and raised South Indian who felt that missions were only for the "white" man. The Lord drastically changed his heart and he is now the head of a ministry that trains and sets up native Indian men to plant churches in India and abroad. The book is truly amazing. Now I am working on finishing Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Its incredible because lately I have been hit with these books that are calling people to step up to action. Not just any people. Believers.
Jossy at the end of his book states, "Imagine if every Christian prayed every day. 'Lord help me see everything in light of eternity'. We could Capture the World!"
Its coming on one year almost since I have been to Mexico where my whole mentality of missions was completely changed. I learned that in Mexico missions is a lifestyle rather than a choice of going abroad or not. I had this preconceived notion that some people were the senders and other people just went abroad. How wrong I was! Missions is definitely a lifestyle and we all have the calling.
Some of us are called to stay in the United States while others are called to Africa. Some go to the ends of China and others are right in L.A.. Is the man who goes to Africa any greater than the middle class man who works in L.A. giving the gospel to his co-workers? Absolutely not. Both of them are fufilling the great commission by spreading the Word to the non-believers.
Its a tendancy we have isnt it? We tend to see the man in China a hero. Why not? The man risks his life to deliver a Bible into the hands of those are thirsty. We tend to see the man in India as revolutionary. Why not? The man enters a hostile, mostly Hindu country bringing forth medical assitance and the Gospel at the point of risking his life. We tend to see the man in Africa as empowering. Why not? Hes helping cure aids, provide food to a nation that is in more poverty than most Americans could never dream of happening.
So what happens to the man in L.A.? or even Utah? what about New York? Is he not fufilling the great commission because he is sharing the Gospel with non-believers? Is that not what advancing the Kingdom of God is all about? Living for Him which then sprouts this different lifestyle that is put on display for all to see?
Somedays like today I just want to get up and walk into another country and just wham share the Gospel. Somedays I feel like I have a disadvantage because of all the training I need before I can walk into a country like India to share the Gospel. There are days like today although that I realize that I am an American with the greatest advantage of them all. I live in a country where I have the freedom of speech to share the truth about the one living God.
I like at the end of Madness Jossy says he is training Great Commissionaries rather than missionaries. The idea of missions is greatly misconceived in our culture. Its so much more than going abroad. It starts with living your life as if you are called where you are at now, knowing that your home is Heaven. We need not to focus our whole direction on where we want to go in the future but where Jesus wants us to share now.
This notion of missions has been on my mind lately. Maybe because the books Im reading right now are action calling books. I suggest reading these books, but first to read the Bible. It is the source of eternal life. It is the one way and only way.
with love,
Corrine
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Dancing in the Street
To the Sojourners abroad
There is something about dancing that is just so exciting and makes me smile....
This definitely was random enough and it took this guy 14 months to make. 40 different countries.
I want to dance for Jesus in 40 different countries. Seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
Love Corrine
There is something about dancing that is just so exciting and makes me smile....
This definitely was random enough and it took this guy 14 months to make. 40 different countries.
I want to dance for Jesus in 40 different countries. Seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
Love Corrine
Friday, May 1, 2009
So this is Life...
To the Sojourners abroad,
I had spent 2 hours writing a post for an online British Lit class. I was putting some finishing touches on the assignment when i accidentally pressed a button that took me away from my post. I pressed every button you could think of to get the post back. I was on the verge of tears. You know those weeks? The ones where everything possible that could go wrong does usually go wrong? Yeah that was this moment.
Unfortunately I didnt have time to retype the assignment and submit it in time. I had to take a 0 on something that I had truthfully done. It was one of those moments when I realized something my dad has always said to me about grades. That putting your whole self into the assignment and trying your hardest was all that really mattered to my parents. In the end was one post really going to advance God's Kingdom? Not so much. So I took the zero and I pray that I can remain faithful in not being silly fingered and stupid in this way again.
Just one of those random food for thought things.
Love,
Corrine
I had spent 2 hours writing a post for an online British Lit class. I was putting some finishing touches on the assignment when i accidentally pressed a button that took me away from my post. I pressed every button you could think of to get the post back. I was on the verge of tears. You know those weeks? The ones where everything possible that could go wrong does usually go wrong? Yeah that was this moment.
Unfortunately I didnt have time to retype the assignment and submit it in time. I had to take a 0 on something that I had truthfully done. It was one of those moments when I realized something my dad has always said to me about grades. That putting your whole self into the assignment and trying your hardest was all that really mattered to my parents. In the end was one post really going to advance God's Kingdom? Not so much. So I took the zero and I pray that I can remain faithful in not being silly fingered and stupid in this way again.
Just one of those random food for thought things.
Love,
Corrine
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Allow Me to Introduce You
To the sojourners abroad,
Allow me to introduce you to something that has been building up in my body since Junior High. Apparently I am allergic to all over the counter pain medications. It is not a fun aspect nor do I look forward the many researching and testing ahead. I should start from the beginning. When I was in Junior High I took some Ibuprofen and spots appeared on my back and arm. My parents took me to the doctors and I was diagnosed with eczema. To us this made sense because eczema runs on my dads side of the family.
I don't really remember having any more reactions to pain medication until I went to the hospital my senior year of high school for a cyst. My mom gave me Tylenol to go with the lovely heavy drug I was given at the doctors. A pretty decent reaction came forth and we ceased the drug taking process. I've had the spots come back but I did not really put two and two together until I caught a cold over Spring Break.
My Spring breaks are not spent in Cancun partying it up with friends nor taking lovely adventures to see my boyfriend. They are quite the opposite. I usually spend them in bed because I am sick. This spring break has not differed. I took an Excedrin to help my headache while I went bridesmaid dress shopping for my friends wedding. I took another when I got home because we were having company and was experiencing that same headache. In the evening I was in my parents room and could not figure out why it was so hot. The itchiness and lovely pain of hit all hit soon after. Looking in the mirror I could not believe what I saw. It was not just bumps but they were all over my back and neck.
The next day I woke up and it was ten times worse. It hit my face and arms. I was swollen and totally out of it. My mom being the brilliant woman that she is made a connection to the medicine being the cause. So basically I am allergic to ALL over the counter pain killers. I took benadryl for two weeks and whenever I stopped they would come back.
I finally after spring break and went to see a doctor. I dont think I have ever seen so many mouths drop or tell me how rare it is. I have always been one to say that I like being unique and classic. Well this is definitely unique and so Classic Corrine. I went to see an allergist and said hes only seen one other person with this case ever. So while uniquely and classic Corrine is going to a lab on Friday to start a lengthy process of testing to find some kind of pain medication she is sitting over here praying that there is no need to ever take pain medication until this is resolved.
I will tell you that its been a good reminder. My Pastor has been going through the Attributes of God in church and I remember during one of the sermons he told us that to question why God has placed certain things in our lives is not fully trusting in His Character of who He is. Especially since we know that scripture tells us that He does not give us anything we cannot handle. So in all actuality I am laughing at the circumstances, because not only do I know that my God is control and knows all things that are happening and going to happen in my life, but I know He has a sense of humor. And to me this is quite humorous. Maybe its just me. :]
With love,
Corrine
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Its time to take a stand.
To the sojourners abroad,
This is a little bit overdue. Funny thing life. You know we get so busy that we just forget other things that are going on. When we get busy our lives become so "me" oriented.
I've been reading this book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I would tell some of you its another Christian book but it is far from that. It is a calling. A calling to live a life that is set apart from that oh so well known stereotype Christians are associated with. I will admit I have a hard time reading "theological" books. Not because I dont like reading about my faith and sucking up anything new, its just they are hard to get through.
This book is different. Francis is practical but very straight forward. I appreciate that about him. My dad was explaining that the book is not really a book. My dad stated its a "calling to action". I am steering away from the "train" scenario mostly because these are just my thoughts lately. See Francis states "Because we dont often think about the reality of who God is, we quickly forget that He is worthy to be worshipped and loved. We are to fear Him".
It hit me. Life is interesting on this side of California. I live with 13 people. Have an Amazing boyfriend (including his family who have been there for us) of a year and couple months. Fantastic friends who amazingly still check in on me when I have seemingly fallen off the face of earth. And for the sake of kicks and giggles, a dog who is only alive because its my moms dog. I am surrounded by people who cover me with their love. Yet I forget about my first love?
Francis says it is an easy thing to do. To forget about the God who came down in the form of a man. Who lived a life I will NEVER meet and then died a death that my brain cannot grasp, not only physical but taking on MY sin and I have the decency to forget Him? I have screwed up many a times. Maybe not the big stuff most people think like drinking and the such a like, but I've done my fair share of screw ups. (Ask the family of 13 over here, they got some doozies and so does the boyfriend). Yet Jesus forgave me on that cross. Incredible.
Funny. I was just reading my journal and RC Sproul states "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God".
I have no clue where this post was going. My thoughts just flowed out of me like a waterfall. I have learned a lot already from 10 pages of Francis' book. My intentions are not to be idle with this new knowledge. A couple of years ago my mom tried her hardest to make a Bible study for the three of us kids. We started to walk through Proverbs. I suppose thats always been pressed on her heart because I remember starting it at least 3 different times with her, and each time learning something new. I remember one thing specifically and it was the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
I remember sitting at the table of our apartment and she telling us that knowledge is only in our heads and will never be enough until it is put to action. I say this because Francis' book is more than that "good Christian" book. My goal is to put it to "action" as my dad phrased it. If there are two things I could leave with you one would be this quote from the book.
"God is the only Being who is good and the standards are set by Him. Because God hates sin, He has to punish those guilty of sin. Maybe thats not an appealing standard. But to put it bluntly when you get your own standards. When we disagree, lets not assum it's His reasoning that needs correction".
I guess it makes sense to me to have God as an authority figure in my life. Let me correct that. THE authority figure in my life. life is not easy and our plans are not our own. I have learned this the hard way and still am.
Secondly, I leave you with this verse.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
Love always,
Corrine
This is a little bit overdue. Funny thing life. You know we get so busy that we just forget other things that are going on. When we get busy our lives become so "me" oriented.
I've been reading this book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I would tell some of you its another Christian book but it is far from that. It is a calling. A calling to live a life that is set apart from that oh so well known stereotype Christians are associated with. I will admit I have a hard time reading "theological" books. Not because I dont like reading about my faith and sucking up anything new, its just they are hard to get through.
This book is different. Francis is practical but very straight forward. I appreciate that about him. My dad was explaining that the book is not really a book. My dad stated its a "calling to action". I am steering away from the "train" scenario mostly because these are just my thoughts lately. See Francis states "Because we dont often think about the reality of who God is, we quickly forget that He is worthy to be worshipped and loved. We are to fear Him".
It hit me. Life is interesting on this side of California. I live with 13 people. Have an Amazing boyfriend (including his family who have been there for us) of a year and couple months. Fantastic friends who amazingly still check in on me when I have seemingly fallen off the face of earth. And for the sake of kicks and giggles, a dog who is only alive because its my moms dog. I am surrounded by people who cover me with their love. Yet I forget about my first love?
Francis says it is an easy thing to do. To forget about the God who came down in the form of a man. Who lived a life I will NEVER meet and then died a death that my brain cannot grasp, not only physical but taking on MY sin and I have the decency to forget Him? I have screwed up many a times. Maybe not the big stuff most people think like drinking and the such a like, but I've done my fair share of screw ups. (Ask the family of 13 over here, they got some doozies and so does the boyfriend). Yet Jesus forgave me on that cross. Incredible.
Funny. I was just reading my journal and RC Sproul states "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God".
I have no clue where this post was going. My thoughts just flowed out of me like a waterfall. I have learned a lot already from 10 pages of Francis' book. My intentions are not to be idle with this new knowledge. A couple of years ago my mom tried her hardest to make a Bible study for the three of us kids. We started to walk through Proverbs. I suppose thats always been pressed on her heart because I remember starting it at least 3 different times with her, and each time learning something new. I remember one thing specifically and it was the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
I remember sitting at the table of our apartment and she telling us that knowledge is only in our heads and will never be enough until it is put to action. I say this because Francis' book is more than that "good Christian" book. My goal is to put it to "action" as my dad phrased it. If there are two things I could leave with you one would be this quote from the book.
"God is the only Being who is good and the standards are set by Him. Because God hates sin, He has to punish those guilty of sin. Maybe thats not an appealing standard. But to put it bluntly when you get your own standards. When we disagree, lets not assum it's His reasoning that needs correction".
I guess it makes sense to me to have God as an authority figure in my life. Let me correct that. THE authority figure in my life. life is not easy and our plans are not our own. I have learned this the hard way and still am.
Secondly, I leave you with this verse.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
Love always,
Corrine
Monday, March 2, 2009
Back to Where We Started
Looking in retrospect upon our travels thus far, there is one thing that must also be addressed. When traversing this great land of wonders and opportunity, even for the most seasoned traveler, at times we deviate from our travel plans. We jump on one train too quickly, or sometimes we choose to simply go in the complete opposite direction than specified. We are not faithful to follow the guidelines outlined for us, we mistake the wisdom of the only One to fully complete the journey and rely on our own wits or intuition. Perhaps we simply do not like the idea of where our journey is leading, or we simply have a change of heart as to where the most favorable destination lies.
Whatever the cause of the deviation matters not, only that we are deviated from the Master Traveller and Conductors plan. There is one truth that links any deviation from this Master Plan, no matter how far we travel away from Him, there is always an end to the line. It’s almost as we are travelling to get to San Diego from Augusta, Maine. To get to San Diego one does not travel north or east but rather south and west. Somewhere along our route we see that the immediate scenery in the north and east directions are more appealing hoping somehow there is a connecting line to bypass the desert we need to pass through to get to our destination.
However, after an hour of travel or so we see that our lush scenery has turned to death and destruction and we wish we had simply gone in the right direction from the start.
There is no connecting line to get you back on route, you simply hit a dead end and have to go back to where you started from. At this point we realize how foolish we were to waste our time and resources on such an empty pursuit, however, we are now headed back in the right direction.
It’s a long train back to where we started.
Usually at this time, there us much remorse and sorrow and regret for deviating from the main travel plan. And at this point in time we also realize how much farther towards the final destination we could be had we not had to back track. But there is always a helpful and loving Friend to accept us after we return from our deviation. The Master Conductor is always a gracious and supportive leader. He does not care where you have been so much as you are back on the right train headed in the right direction.
Nehemiah was a great man who was the Lord’s leading man in getting Israel back on the train in the right direction. One of the greatest things in all that he did though was to admit that he had sinned just as much as any other member of that rebellious nation. Reading through the book
of Nehemiah we can see that getting Israel back to where they had started was not an easy route. Day and night the men of Jerusalem built and guarded, building with swords and spears in hand, ready to protect the Lord’s city as well as their brothers.
When we look at the southwest train through the desert and scorching heat, there is one thing to remember: though for a short time there is oppression, we will soon reach the promised land, the final destination, the Lord’s abode, Heaven.
I hope that through reading this you began to realize the same thing our good friend Clive did when he wrote:
What we do know is that God is ever faithful when we are not. He is always to help us back to where we started and in progressing onto the final goal. He is gracious and merciful is He not?
Love Always,
Matt
Whatever the cause of the deviation matters not, only that we are deviated from the Master Traveller and Conductors plan. There is one truth that links any deviation from this Master Plan, no matter how far we travel away from Him, there is always an end to the line. It’s almost as we are travelling to get to San Diego from Augusta, Maine. To get to San Diego one does not travel north or east but rather south and west. Somewhere along our route we see that the immediate scenery in the north and east directions are more appealing hoping somehow there is a connecting line to bypass the desert we need to pass through to get to our destination.
However, after an hour of travel or so we see that our lush scenery has turned to death and destruction and we wish we had simply gone in the right direction from the start.
There is no connecting line to get you back on route, you simply hit a dead end and have to go back to where you started from. At this point we realize how foolish we were to waste our time and resources on such an empty pursuit, however, we are now headed back in the right direction.
It’s a long train back to where we started.
Usually at this time, there us much remorse and sorrow and regret for deviating from the main travel plan. And at this point in time we also realize how much farther towards the final destination we could be had we not had to back track. But there is always a helpful and loving Friend to accept us after we return from our deviation. The Master Conductor is always a gracious and supportive leader. He does not care where you have been so much as you are back on the right train headed in the right direction.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word
is not in us." 1 John 1:7-10
Nehemiah was a great man who was the Lord’s leading man in getting Israel back on the train in the right direction. One of the greatest things in all that he did though was to admit that he had sinned just as much as any other member of that rebellious nation. Reading through the book
of Nehemiah we can see that getting Israel back to where they had started was not an easy route. Day and night the men of Jerusalem built and guarded, building with swords and spears in hand, ready to protect the Lord’s city as well as their brothers.
When we look at the southwest train through the desert and scorching heat, there is one thing to remember: though for a short time there is oppression, we will soon reach the promised land, the final destination, the Lord’s abode, Heaven.
I hope that through reading this you began to realize the same thing our good friend Clive did when he wrote:
"But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, His
love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and,
therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of
those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever
cost to Him." C.S. Lewis.
What we do know is that God is ever faithful when we are not. He is always to help us back to where we started and in progressing onto the final goal. He is gracious and merciful is He not?
Love Always,
Matt
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
17 Reasons to push you onto the Train:
To the soujourners abroad,
A man spoke to the college group recently and it reminded me of his message that I heard in Mexico 6 monthes ago. This message forever changed my life.
Isaiah 49:6: he says" it is too light of a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob,and to bring back the preserved of Israel; i will make you as a light for the nations,that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth".
Things to say NO to: (I dont remember why he starts out with the no's but here we go)
1. Our friends: they can drone out whatever the spirit says and wants.
2. A relationship: someone who does not share any of your convictions they should not be in your heart (1 Corinthians 7).
3. Media: We live in a culture that causes us to feel shame about us.
4. Busy-ness: We value activity
5. Stuff: we live in a culture that says be all we can buy.
6. debt: school debt is a killer. ADVICE: Do not even think about owning a credit card.
7. Short cuts: Do not look for the fast way out
8. The values of our culture: it has distored everything.
Things to say YES to:
1. the right people: surround yourself with a mentor. latch onto the fellowship of the body and that mentor.
2. A war time lifestyle: We are always at war! The enemy is at hand!
3. Spiritual disciplines: We need to work hard at them and practice them. Meditate and listen to what God says.
4. Knowing the World: For some odd reason believers today think that KNOWING the world makes you APART of the world. wrong-o. We need to be praying for the countries of the world. *See Operation World*
5. Have to be useful: We need to learn to pursue things
6. the local church: Aligns itself with the heart and passion of God. Plug in and get involved!
7. A long haul approach: I totally forgot about this one. But we need to hand over our lives to God. He's got us. Dont doubt it.
8. Following Jesus: We need to live for His passions and not our own. Whatever you end up chosing (Following Him or not) you are still doing something.
The last one is one from a recent message that I heard on sunday, in which God allowed the same man to impact my life once more.
God's will: It is Gods will, His Kingdom and His name. So doesnt it make sense that our lives are about Him? We need to start doing more of the Fathers will than what we think is right, or even what society is telling us.
Take a stand. Say No to your own pursuits and Yes to His. Difficult? Heck Yes. Impossible? No.
Some people have about zero chance of being found (hearing the Gospel) because no one is going after them.
We ALL are called to missions. Deny it all you want, but scripture is clear. (Acts 1:8-But you will recieve power when the Holy spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, AND to the end of the earth").
You may not be called to go abroad, but you are called to share the gospel. You may not be called to go on an organized trip, but you are called to talk to the lost. You may not be in an environment in which you are surrouned by non believers, but you are called then to pray for them and maybe get out of your comfort zone.
Its time for a travel change. You may be scared to board that train but believe it or not your name is still on the ticket. So if the train passes you by then you hop on the next one. You are sure of your destination, but many passengers on that train with you are not. And they are afraid and in denial to ask their conductor for help.
Lets make the travel change. See you on board.
Love always,
Corrine
A man spoke to the college group recently and it reminded me of his message that I heard in Mexico 6 monthes ago. This message forever changed my life.
Isaiah 49:6: he says" it is too light of a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob,and to bring back the preserved of Israel; i will make you as a light for the nations,that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth".
Things to say NO to: (I dont remember why he starts out with the no's but here we go)
1. Our friends: they can drone out whatever the spirit says and wants.
2. A relationship: someone who does not share any of your convictions they should not be in your heart (1 Corinthians 7).
3. Media: We live in a culture that causes us to feel shame about us.
4. Busy-ness: We value activity
5. Stuff: we live in a culture that says be all we can buy.
6. debt: school debt is a killer. ADVICE: Do not even think about owning a credit card.
7. Short cuts: Do not look for the fast way out
8. The values of our culture: it has distored everything.
Things to say YES to:
1. the right people: surround yourself with a mentor. latch onto the fellowship of the body and that mentor.
2. A war time lifestyle: We are always at war! The enemy is at hand!
3. Spiritual disciplines: We need to work hard at them and practice them. Meditate and listen to what God says.
4. Knowing the World: For some odd reason believers today think that KNOWING the world makes you APART of the world. wrong-o. We need to be praying for the countries of the world. *See Operation World*
5. Have to be useful: We need to learn to pursue things
6. the local church: Aligns itself with the heart and passion of God. Plug in and get involved!
7. A long haul approach: I totally forgot about this one. But we need to hand over our lives to God. He's got us. Dont doubt it.
8. Following Jesus: We need to live for His passions and not our own. Whatever you end up chosing (Following Him or not) you are still doing something.
The last one is one from a recent message that I heard on sunday, in which God allowed the same man to impact my life once more.
God's will: It is Gods will, His Kingdom and His name. So doesnt it make sense that our lives are about Him? We need to start doing more of the Fathers will than what we think is right, or even what society is telling us.
Take a stand. Say No to your own pursuits and Yes to His. Difficult? Heck Yes. Impossible? No.
Some people have about zero chance of being found (hearing the Gospel) because no one is going after them.
We ALL are called to missions. Deny it all you want, but scripture is clear. (Acts 1:8-But you will recieve power when the Holy spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, AND to the end of the earth").
You may not be called to go abroad, but you are called to share the gospel. You may not be called to go on an organized trip, but you are called to talk to the lost. You may not be in an environment in which you are surrouned by non believers, but you are called then to pray for them and maybe get out of your comfort zone.
Its time for a travel change. You may be scared to board that train but believe it or not your name is still on the ticket. So if the train passes you by then you hop on the next one. You are sure of your destination, but many passengers on that train with you are not. And they are afraid and in denial to ask their conductor for help.
Lets make the travel change. See you on board.
Love always,
Corrine
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Go West
To the Sojourners abroad:
I was thinking about the Petshop Boys song tonight thats called "Go West". The song's chorus goes along these lines, "Go west/Life is peaceful there/Go West/in the open air/Go West/ in the great big city/Go West". Then another scene popped into my head: Opening scene of Newsies. A statue appears in the city center. On the statue it states, "Go West Young man". Which then naturally made me think of another scene from the movie Rainman. Rainman, played by Dustin Hoffman is sitting in the doctors office with Tom Cruise. An old man is talking about how back in his day all you had to do was "Go West".
I never thought about how often this phrase was and still is used in our culture today. But how much more West can you go before all you do is fall into the Pacific Ocean? Think about it.
You board your train and find your seat. Your destination: somewhere out West, but your not sure where. So you decide as you approach each stop that you will keep on going on and on before you step off that train to settle somewhere. Before you know it you've hit the farthest desitnation you can go and you have to make a train change if you want to keep going. Heres the glich. You only saved up enough money for that one-way train ride. There was no going back. You are stuck. You realize that you should have stopped in the small cute town back two stops ago, but you cannot undue the past. You have to go with it.
How often is our life like this concerning our relationship with our Master Conductor, God? We just go with the flow, not thinking, but just living our daily lives. Some continue to pursue that American Dream and embark to continue their journey out West, but what they dont realize is that todays world has discovered all that there is to be discovered, so you are sinking fast in lifes Pacific ocean. You do not research your desitination, you do not care. You'll know when you get there if you made the right choice with no regrets.
Are we ignorant to knowing and acknowleding there is a God? As pilgrims of this Earth we need to make knowing God our greatest endeavor on this Earth. Sometimes we place ourselves in the position that we know more than God. But think about this..."If we make God small enough to understand He is no longer big enough to be worshipped"(Pastor Scott Ardavanis).
Point is: "God is incomprehensible but He is not uncomprehensible" (Mr. Fred Schwamb). He is all knowing. Nothing surprises Him.
So how far west can we go without consulting our master conductor? How far west do we go before we realized we slipped up and now we are drowning in our sin?
Thank goodness for the master Engineer who died for us. Jesus Christ. Amen?
Love Always,
Corrine
I was thinking about the Petshop Boys song tonight thats called "Go West". The song's chorus goes along these lines, "Go west/Life is peaceful there/Go West/in the open air/Go West/ in the great big city/Go West". Then another scene popped into my head: Opening scene of Newsies. A statue appears in the city center. On the statue it states, "Go West Young man". Which then naturally made me think of another scene from the movie Rainman. Rainman, played by Dustin Hoffman is sitting in the doctors office with Tom Cruise. An old man is talking about how back in his day all you had to do was "Go West".
I never thought about how often this phrase was and still is used in our culture today. But how much more West can you go before all you do is fall into the Pacific Ocean? Think about it.
You board your train and find your seat. Your destination: somewhere out West, but your not sure where. So you decide as you approach each stop that you will keep on going on and on before you step off that train to settle somewhere. Before you know it you've hit the farthest desitnation you can go and you have to make a train change if you want to keep going. Heres the glich. You only saved up enough money for that one-way train ride. There was no going back. You are stuck. You realize that you should have stopped in the small cute town back two stops ago, but you cannot undue the past. You have to go with it.
How often is our life like this concerning our relationship with our Master Conductor, God? We just go with the flow, not thinking, but just living our daily lives. Some continue to pursue that American Dream and embark to continue their journey out West, but what they dont realize is that todays world has discovered all that there is to be discovered, so you are sinking fast in lifes Pacific ocean. You do not research your desitination, you do not care. You'll know when you get there if you made the right choice with no regrets.
Are we ignorant to knowing and acknowleding there is a God? As pilgrims of this Earth we need to make knowing God our greatest endeavor on this Earth. Sometimes we place ourselves in the position that we know more than God. But think about this..."If we make God small enough to understand He is no longer big enough to be worshipped"(Pastor Scott Ardavanis).
Point is: "God is incomprehensible but He is not uncomprehensible" (Mr. Fred Schwamb). He is all knowing. Nothing surprises Him.
So how far west can we go without consulting our master conductor? How far west do we go before we realized we slipped up and now we are drowning in our sin?
Thank goodness for the master Engineer who died for us. Jesus Christ. Amen?
Love Always,
Corrine
Thursday, February 5, 2009
To the Northbound Passenger...
To the Sojourners abroad:
Recently you experienced your first train ride: a true experience indeed. I can’t help but laugh at how uneasy you were having experienced that uneasiness myself not that long ago. So much goes into just one train ride! The time when to leave, when to arrive, where to go, where to sit, how to say goodbye…
But with everything considered, I’d like to let you know how proud I am you had the faith to step onto that train. You see you had not experienced anything like that before, at least in the context of a train, and yet you believed, without seeing how it would occur beforehand, that that train would take you to your destination.
You could not see your destination, you could not hear or smell or feel it either! But you still knew it was there, having never seen it, having never been there, just because I told you that it was there and I am here.
If you had gone off of common sense, your mind would have told you naturally that it was folly to pursue such a foolish endeavor having never seen the place before. However, I suppose that having a past, similar experience gave you faith that this place existed, that what I told you was true. You could not get to me on your own, you needed some means of conveyance.
I repeat myself because I want you to see the obvious connection between faith in trains and faith in Christ. Haha! My dearest friend, think about it! Have we ever seen heaven? Have we ever seen something relatively close to looking like heaven? I would hope the answer, although meant to be rhetorical, would be no, because if you have seen something you think is close to heaven then either heaven is not what I have come to expect in all its ecstasy, or that we need to sit down and have a serious conversation. Haha!
Stepping onto the train God wants us to be on, the one that leads us to Him, takes faith. He has told us where it is (with Him) and when we’ll get there (maybe not an exact date in our calendars, but we can extrapolate a little bit). It is also the only way to Him; there are no alternate routes or different buses that go towards Him, but only one through faith in the Son of God Jesus Christ who has cleansed our filthiness and had our relationship with the Lord begin. But there is a little more of a journey for some to understand why we would even want to go to Him.
First off, He is infinitely glorious and majestic and kind and true. His love extends far beyond anything we can imagine. Tis true that God is a just God (what need would there be for the sacrifice of His Son if He was not?) but is that not more of a motivation to want to be on His good side (I speak in human terms)? But basically this is the God that has provided a way from eternal damnation to eternal splendor. Romans 5 talks about how we are now at peace with God because of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, which can logically only mean that if we are now at peace with Him (if we have this faith) then previously we were enemies against Him (the God who created all things and blesses us with everything!). Would you not rather be on His good side?
Secondly, we yearn for something to fulfill our lives. Theorists try to convince people that the universe spontaneously created itself and that the matter was formed at some point in time (but by what!?!). If this theory holds true, then our lives hold no purpose. CS Lewis addresses this thought
My final question is this, my friend: If we can believe in a place we have never seen on Earth and plan ahead to be there and spend so much time in preparation to be there, why is heaven not the same in our minds? Rather, if we expend so much energy to go to a place that is temporal and will one day no longer be, where is our passion to be in an everlasting splendorous place with the benefactor of every good ever observed?
If I am bankrupt in God’s economy and He offers me an eternal loan equal to that His own Son receives, why not take it? CS Lewis also writes
Why not step onto that train?
Your fellow traveler,
Matt
Recently you experienced your first train ride: a true experience indeed. I can’t help but laugh at how uneasy you were having experienced that uneasiness myself not that long ago. So much goes into just one train ride! The time when to leave, when to arrive, where to go, where to sit, how to say goodbye…
But with everything considered, I’d like to let you know how proud I am you had the faith to step onto that train. You see you had not experienced anything like that before, at least in the context of a train, and yet you believed, without seeing how it would occur beforehand, that that train would take you to your destination.
You could not see your destination, you could not hear or smell or feel it either! But you still knew it was there, having never seen it, having never been there, just because I told you that it was there and I am here.
If you had gone off of common sense, your mind would have told you naturally that it was folly to pursue such a foolish endeavor having never seen the place before. However, I suppose that having a past, similar experience gave you faith that this place existed, that what I told you was true. You could not get to me on your own, you needed some means of conveyance.
I repeat myself because I want you to see the obvious connection between faith in trains and faith in Christ. Haha! My dearest friend, think about it! Have we ever seen heaven? Have we ever seen something relatively close to looking like heaven? I would hope the answer, although meant to be rhetorical, would be no, because if you have seen something you think is close to heaven then either heaven is not what I have come to expect in all its ecstasy, or that we need to sit down and have a serious conversation. Haha!
Stepping onto the train God wants us to be on, the one that leads us to Him, takes faith. He has told us where it is (with Him) and when we’ll get there (maybe not an exact date in our calendars, but we can extrapolate a little bit). It is also the only way to Him; there are no alternate routes or different buses that go towards Him, but only one through faith in the Son of God Jesus Christ who has cleansed our filthiness and had our relationship with the Lord begin. But there is a little more of a journey for some to understand why we would even want to go to Him.
First off, He is infinitely glorious and majestic and kind and true. His love extends far beyond anything we can imagine. Tis true that God is a just God (what need would there be for the sacrifice of His Son if He was not?) but is that not more of a motivation to want to be on His good side (I speak in human terms)? But basically this is the God that has provided a way from eternal damnation to eternal splendor. Romans 5 talks about how we are now at peace with God because of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, which can logically only mean that if we are now at peace with Him (if we have this faith) then previously we were enemies against Him (the God who created all things and blesses us with everything!). Would you not rather be on His good side?
Secondly, we yearn for something to fulfill our lives. Theorists try to convince people that the universe spontaneously created itself and that the matter was formed at some point in time (but by what!?!). If this theory holds true, then our lives hold no purpose. CS Lewis addresses this thought
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”There are so many other factors that play a part into this faith, but for the sake of ink I defer for now.
My final question is this, my friend: If we can believe in a place we have never seen on Earth and plan ahead to be there and spend so much time in preparation to be there, why is heaven not the same in our minds? Rather, if we expend so much energy to go to a place that is temporal and will one day no longer be, where is our passion to be in an everlasting splendorous place with the benefactor of every good ever observed?
If I am bankrupt in God’s economy and He offers me an eternal loan equal to that His own Son receives, why not take it? CS Lewis also writes
“Christ offers something for nothing: He even offers everything for nothing.”
Why not step onto that train?
Your fellow traveler,
Matt
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
To the southbound passenger:
To the sojourners abroad:
This is a new blog dedicated to exploring God's character and who He is and applying it to today's life. Life is like a train. Bet you havent heard that one before huh? Or maybe you have. The point is we are like pilgrims on this earth. Another word for pilgrim in today's day and age might be traveler, wanderer, a passenger rather and the conductor being our Lord. So sojourners we embark on our first journey. We head southbound to San Diego, and this is for a very special person there.
Christina Rossetti writes:
Trust me, I have not earned your dear rebuke,-
I love, as you would have me, God the most;
Would lose not Him, but you, must one be lost,
Nor with Lot's wife cast back a faithless look
Unready to forego what I foresook.
This say I, having counted up the cost,
This, though I be feeblest of God's host,
The sorriest sheep Christ shepherds with His crook.
Yet while I love my God the most I deem
That I can never love you over-much
I love Him more, so let me love you too;
Yea, as I apprehend it, love such I cannot love you if I love not Him
I cannot love Him, if I love not you
I spent a lot of time on the train yesterday and it got me to thinking about how life has many stops and go's, and pushes and pulling. Like a train. We trust the master conductor to do his job and sometimes we dont. Its our journey. This journey was something quite different however. I look forward to going to San Diego again.
Love always,
Corrine
This is a new blog dedicated to exploring God's character and who He is and applying it to today's life. Life is like a train. Bet you havent heard that one before huh? Or maybe you have. The point is we are like pilgrims on this earth. Another word for pilgrim in today's day and age might be traveler, wanderer, a passenger rather and the conductor being our Lord. So sojourners we embark on our first journey. We head southbound to San Diego, and this is for a very special person there.
Christina Rossetti writes:
Trust me, I have not earned your dear rebuke,-
I love, as you would have me, God the most;
Would lose not Him, but you, must one be lost,
Nor with Lot's wife cast back a faithless look
Unready to forego what I foresook.
This say I, having counted up the cost,
This, though I be feeblest of God's host,
The sorriest sheep Christ shepherds with His crook.
Yet while I love my God the most I deem
That I can never love you over-much
I love Him more, so let me love you too;
Yea, as I apprehend it, love such I cannot love you if I love not Him
I cannot love Him, if I love not you
I spent a lot of time on the train yesterday and it got me to thinking about how life has many stops and go's, and pushes and pulling. Like a train. We trust the master conductor to do his job and sometimes we dont. Its our journey. This journey was something quite different however. I look forward to going to San Diego again.
Love always,
Corrine
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