I learned a few things today. I also was greatly inspired. We met with Mike Toupin (he works with all these different companies to translate the text in the Bible into an understandable written language in places where there is either A) no written language B) has no copy of a Bible, period) I think some of the things that have happened to him and around him are absolutely amazing. He told a story about being adopted into the family of the oldest man in the village. He was literally the oldest man in the whole ethnic group. Something like 30,000 people. He had 6 wives (polygamists, there) and 25 children, over 100 grand children. He was too old to have any more kids, and so he named Mike "God loves me" (in his native language) and therefore adopted Mike and his wife and three kids to be his own. They all received special names, which he was able to use (the names) to explain the concept of Christ and God [the gospel of Christ] to many many people there. See, the interesting thing is that in most ethnic (or diverse language sects) groups, they have no actual concept of some things we validate easily (such as 'faith' or 'priest' - they had to create whole new ideas for them) However, most of these peoples have slight adaptations of Christ-like attributes in their histories and cultures. So in a way, one can relate Christ to a concept that they already understand, but he also warned against blindly teaching things (in one place, the closest word for 'priest' was the word that Islamic people use, and therefore would have caused a misunderstanding if used to describe Christ, or another of Christianity's priests - so they used what they knew from their version of priests [who intercede and sacrifice to ancestors] by saying that a 'priest' sacrifices to God himself on our behalf)
This talk made it easier to relate my desire to go to Japan, etc.. and how there are many more obstacles than I perceived; none of which are impossible to overcome. He mentioned that it take about 3 years to completely learn a language and culture (by 'completely' I mean 'speak it well enough that they don't smile and think "He's trying..."') I find it really hard to express the excitement I have when thinking about being involved with other cultures. The unity is off the charts, and the experiences are immeasurable.
To take something from this, he said you must be on two pillars: 1) flexibility and 2) being a learner.
You have to be flexible, bend from your norm (because other cultures are not always similar to yours)
Learn the culture / language: it's the biggest, most effective way to say I LOVE YOU
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Music: Makes the people: Come together: Yeah
I've been working on my drum skyls lately. Its funny how much muscle you build from playing drums. We went to the Wiedel's house after the Steam and Gas Engine worship, and ate FOOD and played in the river. I'm finding it to be more and more enjoyable to be with people. While on the beach, someone kicked a soccer ball out in the water, and from then on it was a 'monkey-in-the-middle' style game of running and shoving and grabbing at the ball, while in the water. Then the men had wrestling competitions, which uses way more muscles than you knew existed. Joel took the sailboat out, which was pretty fun (and for the official record, we flipped the boat on purpose). I expect to wake up sore from all these ventures, but I never do. I'm not complaining. However, I do notice the sluggy responses from my arms, and when I try to do fast rolls on the drums it hurts, if not is impossible. So what do we learn from this? Repetition.
Jason and I are going to interview a man from Williamsburg about being a missionary. It has to do with a coming Sunday morning in which we'll be interviewing some local people about Christianity and such. But this guy can't make a live interview on Sunday, so we go to him.
I picked some strawberries at Sarah's house last night. I got 7 of them, and they were all very small, save one that could pass as a decent strawberry. I like walking out there in the open field. It's interesting how much of that property is hidden away and peaceful. I find it to be a blessing to be located in a town that has the option of being peaceful. So if you ever want to go for a walk in the woods, I'm in.
Jason and I are going to interview a man from Williamsburg about being a missionary. It has to do with a coming Sunday morning in which we'll be interviewing some local people about Christianity and such. But this guy can't make a live interview on Sunday, so we go to him.
I picked some strawberries at Sarah's house last night. I got 7 of them, and they were all very small, save one that could pass as a decent strawberry. I like walking out there in the open field. It's interesting how much of that property is hidden away and peaceful. I find it to be a blessing to be located in a town that has the option of being peaceful. So if you ever want to go for a walk in the woods, I'm in.
Monday, June 1, 2009
"Oh, voiceless; wasted: You've soaked your heart in gasoline, now light it up and burn"
"The scene is begging for a prayer tonight, it always will"
I've been thinking about 'begging' lately. I'm not sure why. It seems a concept we aren't used to in America. I mean, the idea of being on your knees and asking for something isn't too hard to fathom, but the thought of actually doing it is kinda cheesy. So what exactly would you be willing to get down low and cry, rage over? In places less fortunate, begging for life, mercy, release, justice, etc.. isn't a rare thing: it's a daily thing. So to me, begging reminds of a point of poverty, failure, captivity, slavery, etc.. NOTHING good. I think it would be good to experience a time where begging is necessary.
One other thought lately is about unity, or community. Socialism.
I LOVE (remember about how I only use love when referring to intimacy) getting with other people to eat, play music, play games, talk, socialize. It drives me (similarly to the way music drives me)
One final thought is about suicide. I find it amazing how the rate of suicide went up since the 'stock market doom of 09' - Japan is now at 100 a day. I can't even imagine why one would loathe anything so much as to take the aggression out on himself. I am not (or have not, rather) been immune to the ideas of committing suicide, but never to the point of acting on it (I weigh all options anyway, but rarely act on any of them; I like to know every angle of every thing) So for those of you plotting, please don't, cause it makes me sad.
Something we were talking about a while back was the way we relate to people. One of those ways is through failures. So I encourage you to express said failures, for 2 results are becoming of release: Connectivity and Relaxation.
I've been thinking about 'begging' lately. I'm not sure why. It seems a concept we aren't used to in America. I mean, the idea of being on your knees and asking for something isn't too hard to fathom, but the thought of actually doing it is kinda cheesy. So what exactly would you be willing to get down low and cry, rage over? In places less fortunate, begging for life, mercy, release, justice, etc.. isn't a rare thing: it's a daily thing. So to me, begging reminds of a point of poverty, failure, captivity, slavery, etc.. NOTHING good. I think it would be good to experience a time where begging is necessary.
One other thought lately is about unity, or community. Socialism.
I LOVE (remember about how I only use love when referring to intimacy) getting with other people to eat, play music, play games, talk, socialize. It drives me (similarly to the way music drives me)
One final thought is about suicide. I find it amazing how the rate of suicide went up since the 'stock market doom of 09' - Japan is now at 100 a day. I can't even imagine why one would loathe anything so much as to take the aggression out on himself. I am not (or have not, rather) been immune to the ideas of committing suicide, but never to the point of acting on it (I weigh all options anyway, but rarely act on any of them; I like to know every angle of every thing) So for those of you plotting, please don't, cause it makes me sad.
Something we were talking about a while back was the way we relate to people. One of those ways is through failures. So I encourage you to express said failures, for 2 results are becoming of release: Connectivity and Relaxation.
Refreshing
I had a neat time with my grand mother this morning. We had talked a bit on Sunday night about writing music together, something I have been trying to work out since the end of the semester. We talked a lot about music and differences in generations. And I got to eat lots of Swedish Pancakes.
-I'll make a note now that I anticipated an unspoken understanding, and that was a bad assumption. I want to write music that is NOT worship; NOT for Christian people. I think people take that as "Sam doesn't want to be a safe, good Christian and stick to the safe places" and thats almost it exactly. Art made a comment the other day that almost sounded like an excuse to not be involved with the *sinners* of the world, something to the effect of "if you hang out with bad people, you will turn into a bad person." In a way, he's right. But he is also way wrong. He did redeem himself after that by saying that we have to be anchored to Christ before being involved with others. Meh, I say. I'll also note that I hate "Christian Phrases" and therefore go to great lengths to keep from saying them.
So I don't like getting stuck in the "Christian Book Store" and using the "Christian Dictionary" as a guide for my vocabulary.-
I began reading the book "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson. I found my purpose in life: Nomad! I don't want to stay in one place too long.
I want to live dangerously. I want to be in the fray. I want to have hard times and work through them. I want to have a purpose beyond being part of a club and getting more people to join said club.
I will make people feel uncomfortable. It's time things were shaken.
-I'll make a note now that I anticipated an unspoken understanding, and that was a bad assumption. I want to write music that is NOT worship; NOT for Christian people. I think people take that as "Sam doesn't want to be a safe, good Christian and stick to the safe places" and thats almost it exactly. Art made a comment the other day that almost sounded like an excuse to not be involved with the *sinners* of the world, something to the effect of "if you hang out with bad people, you will turn into a bad person." In a way, he's right. But he is also way wrong. He did redeem himself after that by saying that we have to be anchored to Christ before being involved with others. Meh, I say. I'll also note that I hate "Christian Phrases" and therefore go to great lengths to keep from saying them.
So I don't like getting stuck in the "Christian Book Store" and using the "Christian Dictionary" as a guide for my vocabulary.-
I began reading the book "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson. I found my purpose in life: Nomad! I don't want to stay in one place too long.
I want to live dangerously. I want to be in the fray. I want to have hard times and work through them. I want to have a purpose beyond being part of a club and getting more people to join said club.
I will make people feel uncomfortable. It's time things were shaken.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wound in Bailing Wire
Hirohito, the emperor of Japan up till 1989, had an amazing childhood. Literally groomed, day in and day out, to be an emperor. I feel lazy to have accomplished so little in my life in comparison to him.
Something amazing struck me while reading the book 'Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan' by Herbert P. Bix. Most Asian countries support, from a governmental angle (almost forming the country religion) the concepts of Confucianism. Japan is not exempt from this leading, and has applied many aspects of Confucian principles. A teacher of his, Sigiura, had taught him of ways to guide his behavior. "To Sigiura these were embodied in the three imperial regalia of sword, jewel, and bronze mirror... they denoted the three virtues every monarch should possess: courage, intelligence, and benevolence." (63) Benevolence wasn't in my vocabulary until this real-world usage. Now the concept this nation-wide benevolence was in reference to obedience to the emperor.
I saw a movie this week called "Faith Like Potatoes", which takes place in South Africa, somewhat modern-time. There were a couple instances where a severe circumstance occurred. In one, a fire had jumped across the road way. The main character then drove to get help, while the other workers stayed and fought the fire with branch beating. As the intensity rose, the main character had returned to help, and called out to his South African friend, saying they need to pray for rain. The friend replied (in Zuni) that it isn't rain season and it won't rain. This banter went for a while, until the main character prayed himself out loud. Rain came immediately. Another situation presented was a young girl getting struck by lightning. She was killed instantly, and the relatives took her inside. The main character (same as before) was there, and, having just read in the Bible about people rising from the dead, proceeded to pray for God to bring her life back. She regained life.
I make these references to show something: The benevolence inculcated in the Japanese meant that they would do service for causes beyond themselves. The man in this movie acted on truths presented in the Christian's holy book.
In the American Christian church, we see some lacking of both of those qualities. In followers of Christ, those should be the defining qualities. Self-sacrifice. Faith in the power of God. Unconditional love.
Something amazing struck me while reading the book 'Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan' by Herbert P. Bix. Most Asian countries support, from a governmental angle (almost forming the country religion) the concepts of Confucianism. Japan is not exempt from this leading, and has applied many aspects of Confucian principles. A teacher of his, Sigiura, had taught him of ways to guide his behavior. "To Sigiura these were embodied in the three imperial regalia of sword, jewel, and bronze mirror... they denoted the three virtues every monarch should possess: courage, intelligence, and benevolence." (63) Benevolence wasn't in my vocabulary until this real-world usage. Now the concept this nation-wide benevolence was in reference to obedience to the emperor.
"Thus Sigiura taught that in foreign countries the relationship between ruler and ruled was determined by power and limited to submission, whereas in Japan, 'the emperor rules the people without power. Benevolence has been planted so deeply in the minds of the people that the sovereign/subject relationship has become indestructible. Therefore the people joyfully submit themselves to the emperor.'" (64-65)
I saw a movie this week called "Faith Like Potatoes", which takes place in South Africa, somewhat modern-time. There were a couple instances where a severe circumstance occurred. In one, a fire had jumped across the road way. The main character then drove to get help, while the other workers stayed and fought the fire with branch beating. As the intensity rose, the main character had returned to help, and called out to his South African friend, saying they need to pray for rain. The friend replied (in Zuni) that it isn't rain season and it won't rain. This banter went for a while, until the main character prayed himself out loud. Rain came immediately. Another situation presented was a young girl getting struck by lightning. She was killed instantly, and the relatives took her inside. The main character (same as before) was there, and, having just read in the Bible about people rising from the dead, proceeded to pray for God to bring her life back. She regained life.
I make these references to show something: The benevolence inculcated in the Japanese meant that they would do service for causes beyond themselves. The man in this movie acted on truths presented in the Christian's holy book.
In the American Christian church, we see some lacking of both of those qualities. In followers of Christ, those should be the defining qualities. Self-sacrifice. Faith in the power of God. Unconditional love.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Athens, Greece
"And here we go again
With all the things we said
And not a minute spent
To think that we'd regret
So we just take it back,
These words and hold our breath
Forget the things we swore we meant"
-Here We Go Again, Paramore
It's amazing what some people think of other people. In reading this you might assume that it's automatically a negatively directed thought, but actually not nearly: it's more directed to the positive.
Last night was the 4th consecutive Impact Surry prayer meeting. The largest, most obvious difference was the growth of participants. Every week there have been more involved than the previous. 8 on the 3rd, 14 the 10th, and 21 last night. We also had FOOD (BIG IMPORTANT THING)
Lets also look at the interesting thing: The way we 'get' prayer requests (for the most part) is through those boxes we put around town. The majority of requests received have actually come straight from the people at the meetings. Not that this is bad: I mean, we do have 20 people who are highly diverse, enough to encounter MANY needs and MANY people. I could list everyone and why they would know at least 500 people, of whom at least 50% have expressed open concerns and requests.
So we are back to the topic of what people think of other people.
During this prayer time, there couldn't have been a single negative word spoken against any of those requests. And somewhere near the end we grouped into 3 large sections. We prayed for the things that were close to us: people we personally know, etc. And suddenly Mrs. Bull just starts crying and says, "I'm sorry for crying, it's just that I love to pray, and I'm so happy that there are so many people here that want to pray. I need to pray; I live to pray.." and the rest was drowned by tears.
The age range of our group was large: at least half were under 25. There were people from at least 4 different churches.
After the prayer time dwindled, Jason presented some questions for the group, and from there sprang the most intellectual and heart-deep discussion. As Jay put it, "We became Athens tonight." What makes it so unique is the whole idea: 21 people, different backgrounds, ages and locations, and all together, openly discussing important issues. And we were all in a good mood :D
With all the things we said
And not a minute spent
To think that we'd regret
So we just take it back,
These words and hold our breath
Forget the things we swore we meant"
-Here We Go Again, Paramore
It's amazing what some people think of other people. In reading this you might assume that it's automatically a negatively directed thought, but actually not nearly: it's more directed to the positive.
Last night was the 4th consecutive Impact Surry prayer meeting. The largest, most obvious difference was the growth of participants. Every week there have been more involved than the previous. 8 on the 3rd, 14 the 10th, and 21 last night. We also had FOOD (BIG IMPORTANT THING)
Lets also look at the interesting thing: The way we 'get' prayer requests (for the most part) is through those boxes we put around town. The majority of requests received have actually come straight from the people at the meetings. Not that this is bad: I mean, we do have 20 people who are highly diverse, enough to encounter MANY needs and MANY people. I could list everyone and why they would know at least 500 people, of whom at least 50% have expressed open concerns and requests.
So we are back to the topic of what people think of other people.
During this prayer time, there couldn't have been a single negative word spoken against any of those requests. And somewhere near the end we grouped into 3 large sections. We prayed for the things that were close to us: people we personally know, etc. And suddenly Mrs. Bull just starts crying and says, "I'm sorry for crying, it's just that I love to pray, and I'm so happy that there are so many people here that want to pray. I need to pray; I live to pray.." and the rest was drowned by tears.
The age range of our group was large: at least half were under 25. There were people from at least 4 different churches.
After the prayer time dwindled, Jason presented some questions for the group, and from there sprang the most intellectual and heart-deep discussion. As Jay put it, "We became Athens tonight." What makes it so unique is the whole idea: 21 people, different backgrounds, ages and locations, and all together, openly discussing important issues. And we were all in a good mood :D
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I'm a Masochist!
"Raise the lifeless
Die to fight this
Stand beside me
Storm the gates of Hell"
-Demon Hunter
As one who derives joy from pain, lets remember one thing: I'm not seriously a masochist.
I think I would call it dedicated.
I got poison ivy, and, instead of wallowing and waiting it out, I decided to fight back. Yeah! So, thinking about all the functions of the body in my "how things work" mentality, I undermined the best way to rid myself of poison ivy: "Let it all out, Get it all out, Rip it out, Remove it. Don't be alarmed when the wound begins to bleed"
I found a razor and began shaving at all the bumps. Then, I followed up with bleach. Ah, delicious bleach. Applications never were more fun. This is where the masochism / dedication clash. See, I enjoy the pain - why? Because I know that it is healing me. I know that I am getting rid of the bad, making way for the good. I think that it is perfectly fine to endure pain with joy, knowing the outcome. When you put alcohol on an open wound, it's pro's outweigh the con's.
Thinking in the mindset of a Christ follower, then, would it not be best to endure the pain of [this world] with the knowledge of the [world to come]?
Do the right things. Whats the worst that could happen?
(Little shout out to Heidi on the "living dangerous" thing)
I love the words to that song (and the music / vocals [screams, rather] aren't too bad) "Die to fight this." Can you really say you would?
I, being a male, am into the violence and stuff. I remember telling mom about how I wish there was just an enemy. One thing, that we could see, and rally against, and defeat. Something tangible. Something that can be, at once, up, then fall because of our determination.
Then Jesus has to go with the whole, "Turn the other cheek" - basically "We don't roll that way anymore. The times of giant wars are over - no more physical enemies, only invisible and enacting enemies" (we don't fight flesh and blood, but powers and principalities, anyone?)
So what is left for us, who are so aggressive? Pray with veins coming out of your face? Really dig in and write that letter to the government? God, we've become so lame in our wars.. How does one actually rid oneself of the urges that God instinctively designed him to feel?
Die to fight this
Stand beside me
Storm the gates of Hell"
-Demon Hunter
As one who derives joy from pain, lets remember one thing: I'm not seriously a masochist.
I think I would call it dedicated.
I got poison ivy, and, instead of wallowing and waiting it out, I decided to fight back. Yeah! So, thinking about all the functions of the body in my "how things work" mentality, I undermined the best way to rid myself of poison ivy: "Let it all out, Get it all out, Rip it out, Remove it. Don't be alarmed when the wound begins to bleed"
I found a razor and began shaving at all the bumps. Then, I followed up with bleach. Ah, delicious bleach. Applications never were more fun. This is where the masochism / dedication clash. See, I enjoy the pain - why? Because I know that it is healing me. I know that I am getting rid of the bad, making way for the good. I think that it is perfectly fine to endure pain with joy, knowing the outcome. When you put alcohol on an open wound, it's pro's outweigh the con's.
Thinking in the mindset of a Christ follower, then, would it not be best to endure the pain of [this world] with the knowledge of the [world to come]?
Do the right things. Whats the worst that could happen?
(Little shout out to Heidi on the "living dangerous" thing)
I love the words to that song (and the music / vocals [screams, rather] aren't too bad) "Die to fight this." Can you really say you would?
I, being a male, am into the violence and stuff. I remember telling mom about how I wish there was just an enemy. One thing, that we could see, and rally against, and defeat. Something tangible. Something that can be, at once, up, then fall because of our determination.
Then Jesus has to go with the whole, "Turn the other cheek" - basically "We don't roll that way anymore. The times of giant wars are over - no more physical enemies, only invisible and enacting enemies" (we don't fight flesh and blood, but powers and principalities, anyone?)
So what is left for us, who are so aggressive? Pray with veins coming out of your face? Really dig in and write that letter to the government? God, we've become so lame in our wars.. How does one actually rid oneself of the urges that God instinctively designed him to feel?
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