Friday, June 3, 2011
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Mumford & Sons
It's really late at night, like 4am late. I'm tired. I can feel my eyes aching. But it's also one of those nights where my mind can't shut down, when I seem to be swimming in an endless pool of self reflection. These nights aren't uncommon, but tonight, I've had a lot of thoughts surrounding a band called Mumford & Sons.
If you're unfamiliar they are a British band that plays a very american folk/bluegrass style of music. This past summer especially their debut album, Sigh No More, has become extremely popular. I think they just finished up a world tour that was, for the most part, sold out.
But that's not what keeps me up at night.
Samples:
Sigh No More
Awake My Soul
Just listen. The emotional intensity, the lyrical resonance is undeniable.
"There is a design,
An alignment to cry,
At my heart you see,
The beauty of love
as it was made to be"
"And now my heart stumbles
on things I don't know
This weakness I feel
I must finally show"
"Awake my soul"
"You were made to meet your Maker"
There is something intensely spiritual about these songs. If you go deeper into their catalog, you'll find that it's not just these particular songs. It's just how they write, how they play. It's about our brokeness, our lifelong search for purpose, our failings, our broken hearts, our desire to be redeemed. I mean, simply, it's about life. For this purpose, this album, this band has served as a reality check these past couple of months, reminding me of the things that bind us all. But more than that - it's just sincere. The album sounds like a man honestly thinking about his life. I mean his life, not his house, not his shoes, not his job. I mean talking about his LIFE and feeling the weight of such an undertaking. I think we should feel that weight more often. There is a lot here after all.
Now I know you must be asking yourself - are these guys Christians? I personally don't know. I haven't sought the answer. Especially in this case, I find it to be irrelevant. It wouldn't change their words. It wouldn't change the simple fact that they've enriched my relationship with God. So in that sense, I'm not interested in 'discrediting' them or running them under a banner. I would urge you to listen first. Approach their work with an open mind, hear what they are saying, digest it. Then if you feel like asking that question again, by all means, find an answer.
These songs have meaning. I pray that you'll be as moved as I've been.
Now, hopefully, to bed -
If you're unfamiliar they are a British band that plays a very american folk/bluegrass style of music. This past summer especially their debut album, Sigh No More, has become extremely popular. I think they just finished up a world tour that was, for the most part, sold out.
But that's not what keeps me up at night.
Samples:
Sigh No More
Awake My Soul
Just listen. The emotional intensity, the lyrical resonance is undeniable.
"There is a design,
An alignment to cry,
At my heart you see,
The beauty of love
as it was made to be"
"And now my heart stumbles
on things I don't know
This weakness I feel
I must finally show"
"Awake my soul"
"You were made to meet your Maker"
There is something intensely spiritual about these songs. If you go deeper into their catalog, you'll find that it's not just these particular songs. It's just how they write, how they play. It's about our brokeness, our lifelong search for purpose, our failings, our broken hearts, our desire to be redeemed. I mean, simply, it's about life. For this purpose, this album, this band has served as a reality check these past couple of months, reminding me of the things that bind us all. But more than that - it's just sincere. The album sounds like a man honestly thinking about his life. I mean his life, not his house, not his shoes, not his job. I mean talking about his LIFE and feeling the weight of such an undertaking. I think we should feel that weight more often. There is a lot here after all.
Now I know you must be asking yourself - are these guys Christians? I personally don't know. I haven't sought the answer. Especially in this case, I find it to be irrelevant. It wouldn't change their words. It wouldn't change the simple fact that they've enriched my relationship with God. So in that sense, I'm not interested in 'discrediting' them or running them under a banner. I would urge you to listen first. Approach their work with an open mind, hear what they are saying, digest it. Then if you feel like asking that question again, by all means, find an answer.
These songs have meaning. I pray that you'll be as moved as I've been.
Now, hopefully, to bed -
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Long-Awaited Messiah to Announce Location of Birth During Primetime Special
It seems as though the entire Middle East is abuzz with news of the impending announcement of the birthplace of the Messiah. Speculation has run rampant for years that the Messiah would be coming, with anticipation building to a fever pitch. With all the hype and excitement, a primetime announcement only makes sense. Reports are that scores of angels are being lined up for the special and will contribute a song specifically in tribute to the Messiah himself. People from all over the world are convening on Israel, awaiting word of the Messiah's birthplace.
Any number of Jewish towns are vying for the right to claim the Messiah as their own.
Jerusalem has long been considered the frontrunner, as it is the mecca of the Jewish culture. A top official in Jerusalem had this to say: "We believe this is the place the Messiah belongs. There is nowhere else in all Israel where his brand will flourish like it will in Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been preparing for years for the opportunity to be the birthplace of the Messiah--primarily by killing all their prophets to make space for him.
Bethlehem is another contender, though there is some concern that the Messiah wouldn't want to follow in David's footsteps. "Bethlehem is known as David's town, and for the Messiah to choose to be born there, well he'd have to suffer through endless comparisons," noted one Jewish historian. "Bethlehem itself is a small market, and might not draw the global attention of a world-class city.
Other possibilities include: Shiloh, with its storied Jewish history; Caesarea, with its beach-side location; and Bethel, where the possibility exists that he could team up with other noted Jewish leaders in an effort to oust the Romans.
The wild card in this is Michael the Archangel, who is said to be the closest man to the Messiah in his decision-making process. According to several reports, leaders from all over Israel have been sending prayers up to Michael, hoping to lobby perhaps one of the most influential voices in the final decision.
In the end, however, it will all be up to the Messiah himself. Will he choose the glory of Jerusalem, the legacy of Bethlehem, or some other hitherto unknown location? Check in with us this Thursday at primetime here at JSPN, Jewish-Sadducee-Pharisee-Network, your leader in messianic news, Mosaic law updates, and up-to-the-minutes results in the latest casting of lots.
Any number of Jewish towns are vying for the right to claim the Messiah as their own.
Jerusalem has long been considered the frontrunner, as it is the mecca of the Jewish culture. A top official in Jerusalem had this to say: "We believe this is the place the Messiah belongs. There is nowhere else in all Israel where his brand will flourish like it will in Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been preparing for years for the opportunity to be the birthplace of the Messiah--primarily by killing all their prophets to make space for him.
Bethlehem is another contender, though there is some concern that the Messiah wouldn't want to follow in David's footsteps. "Bethlehem is known as David's town, and for the Messiah to choose to be born there, well he'd have to suffer through endless comparisons," noted one Jewish historian. "Bethlehem itself is a small market, and might not draw the global attention of a world-class city.
Other possibilities include: Shiloh, with its storied Jewish history; Caesarea, with its beach-side location; and Bethel, where the possibility exists that he could team up with other noted Jewish leaders in an effort to oust the Romans.
The wild card in this is Michael the Archangel, who is said to be the closest man to the Messiah in his decision-making process. According to several reports, leaders from all over Israel have been sending prayers up to Michael, hoping to lobby perhaps one of the most influential voices in the final decision.
In the end, however, it will all be up to the Messiah himself. Will he choose the glory of Jerusalem, the legacy of Bethlehem, or some other hitherto unknown location? Check in with us this Thursday at primetime here at JSPN, Jewish-Sadducee-Pharisee-Network, your leader in messianic news, Mosaic law updates, and up-to-the-minutes results in the latest casting of lots.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Discipleship Primer
I think if I were returning to Ball State again this year with Cru, there is one book I would have my guys read to begin discipleship. It is a book that explores the depth of the human soul and the nature of true spirituality. It asks questions about what is the nature of truth, beauty and love--and how those virtues are manifested in relationships. It discusses the realities of the existence of God, suffering, grace, justice and forgiveness. The book? Why The Brothers Karamazov of course.
In bullet form, these are the reasons I'd have my guys read this book first:
1. It's long. It takes commitment to finish. If they are willing to work through Karamazov then they might be willing to work through their sin and pursue spiritual growth.
2. Ministry is about people. Karamazov at its core is also about people. It is about people in all their sin, suffering and glory. There are few books that do a better job describing the reality of life in a fallen world, with fallen people, in the presence of God than this book.
3. Reading Karamazov would hopefully show my guys that one can learn much truth about God and people from the world around them. Most of the truth of God is not hidden away in thick theology textbooks; it is plainly evident before us in the people and world in which we live.
4. There are a ton of specific spiritual implications and questions that can be drawn from the book. Which brother are you like most often? Do you see attributes of any of the other brothers in you? What are the strengths and weakness of each of them? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What makes the difference between whether one is an Alyosha, Dimitri, or Ivan? Etc.
Since I'm no longer there to make them do it, I'll probably just suggest to my guys to read it on their own time. But I mostly post this to point out a truth that I'm presently learning--that the truth of the gospel is often found most clearly and potently in the places you'd least expect it.
In bullet form, these are the reasons I'd have my guys read this book first:
1. It's long. It takes commitment to finish. If they are willing to work through Karamazov then they might be willing to work through their sin and pursue spiritual growth.
2. Ministry is about people. Karamazov at its core is also about people. It is about people in all their sin, suffering and glory. There are few books that do a better job describing the reality of life in a fallen world, with fallen people, in the presence of God than this book.
3. Reading Karamazov would hopefully show my guys that one can learn much truth about God and people from the world around them. Most of the truth of God is not hidden away in thick theology textbooks; it is plainly evident before us in the people and world in which we live.
4. There are a ton of specific spiritual implications and questions that can be drawn from the book. Which brother are you like most often? Do you see attributes of any of the other brothers in you? What are the strengths and weakness of each of them? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What makes the difference between whether one is an Alyosha, Dimitri, or Ivan? Etc.
Since I'm no longer there to make them do it, I'll probably just suggest to my guys to read it on their own time. But I mostly post this to point out a truth that I'm presently learning--that the truth of the gospel is often found most clearly and potently in the places you'd least expect it.
We are Katy Perry
Exhibit A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4UWiSWunaM
Exhibit B: http://www.theworldforgot.com/twf/mp3/Katy%20Perry%20-%20Electric%20Feel%20%28Acoustic%20MGMT%20Cover%29.Mp3
Conclusion - Katy Perry is talented.
The fact is she is a mainstream hit machine, with lyrics and music mostly decided for her. If indeed she did make the decisions herself, well, that's even worse. But watching this video and listening to that MGMT cover, digging the jazz tempo, listening to her deep, soulful voice, and being frustrated by the absolute nonsense coming out of her mouth most of the time - i realized something. We are all Katy Perry.
She has this great musical talent, but instead of producing great, meaningful, soulful music, she creates inane garbage. How must God feel? He's given us all this talent, all these passions and daily we waste it on shortsighted concerns. We doubt ourselves, follow others advice rather than believing in what he's inherently made us.
So, from this day forward, when I confronted with Katy Perry's hyper sexualized nonsense, I'll be reminded of just how much God has given us.
Exhibit B: http://www.theworldforgot.com/twf/mp3/Katy%20Perry%20-%20Electric%20Feel%20%28Acoustic%20MGMT%20Cover%29.Mp3
Conclusion - Katy Perry is talented.
The fact is she is a mainstream hit machine, with lyrics and music mostly decided for her. If indeed she did make the decisions herself, well, that's even worse. But watching this video and listening to that MGMT cover, digging the jazz tempo, listening to her deep, soulful voice, and being frustrated by the absolute nonsense coming out of her mouth most of the time - i realized something. We are all Katy Perry.
She has this great musical talent, but instead of producing great, meaningful, soulful music, she creates inane garbage. How must God feel? He's given us all this talent, all these passions and daily we waste it on shortsighted concerns. We doubt ourselves, follow others advice rather than believing in what he's inherently made us.
So, from this day forward, when I confronted with Katy Perry's hyper sexualized nonsense, I'll be reminded of just how much God has given us.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
hard, difficult studies
Guys, I am really struggling with motivation right now. In light of this, I would like to share with you one of the most, if not the most impactful page (outside of scripture) that I have read. I have probably cited or referenced this quote to many of you at some point. I am not going to give any kind of interpretation of this quote, or how I have tried to understand it. I think it can speak for itself, but I do want you to know that I think about this quote ALL THE TIME.
This is a quote from the English translation of “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It appears at the beginning of chapter 5.
“Some will say, perhaps, that Alyosha was slow, undeveloped, had not finished his studies, and so on. That he had not finished his studies is true, but to say that he was slow or stupid would be a great injustice. I will simply repeat what I have already said above: he set out upon this path only because at the time it alone struck him and presented him all at once with the whole ideal way out for his soul struggling from darkness to light. Add to this that he was partly a young man of our time – that is, honest by nature, demanding the truth, seeking it and believing in it, and in that belief demanding immediate participation in it with all the strength of his soul; demanding an immediate deed, with an unfailing desire to sacrifice everything for this deed, even life. Although, unfortunately, these young me do not understand that the sacrifice of life is, perhaps, the easiest of all sacrifices in many cases, while to sacrifices, for example, five or six years of their ebulliently youthful life to hard, difficult studies, to learning, in order to increase tenfold their strength to serve the very truth and the very deed that they loved and set out to accomplish – such sacrifice is quite often almost beyond the strength of many of them. Alyosha simply chose the opposite path from all others, but with the same thirst for an immediate deed. As soon as he reflected seriously and was struck by the conviction that immortality and God exist, he naturally said at once to himself: “I want to live for immortality, and I reject any halfway compromise.” In just the same way, if he had decided that immortality and God do not exist, he would immediately have joined the atheists and socialists (for socialism is not only the labor question or the question of the so-called fourth estate, but first of all the question of atheism, the question of the modern embodiment of atheism, the question of the Tower of Babel built precisely without God, not to go from earth to heaven but to bring heaven down to earth). To Alyosha it even seemed strange and impossible to go on living as before. It was said: “If thou wilt be perfect, give all that thou hast to the poor and come and follow me.” So Alyosha said to himself: “I cannot give two roubles instead of ‘all,’ and instead of ‘follow me’ just go to Sunday liturgy.”
I certainly don’t live up to this, but by the grace of God this is what I am striving for.
This is a quote from the English translation of “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It appears at the beginning of chapter 5.
“Some will say, perhaps, that Alyosha was slow, undeveloped, had not finished his studies, and so on. That he had not finished his studies is true, but to say that he was slow or stupid would be a great injustice. I will simply repeat what I have already said above: he set out upon this path only because at the time it alone struck him and presented him all at once with the whole ideal way out for his soul struggling from darkness to light. Add to this that he was partly a young man of our time – that is, honest by nature, demanding the truth, seeking it and believing in it, and in that belief demanding immediate participation in it with all the strength of his soul; demanding an immediate deed, with an unfailing desire to sacrifice everything for this deed, even life. Although, unfortunately, these young me do not understand that the sacrifice of life is, perhaps, the easiest of all sacrifices in many cases, while to sacrifices, for example, five or six years of their ebulliently youthful life to hard, difficult studies, to learning, in order to increase tenfold their strength to serve the very truth and the very deed that they loved and set out to accomplish – such sacrifice is quite often almost beyond the strength of many of them. Alyosha simply chose the opposite path from all others, but with the same thirst for an immediate deed. As soon as he reflected seriously and was struck by the conviction that immortality and God exist, he naturally said at once to himself: “I want to live for immortality, and I reject any halfway compromise.” In just the same way, if he had decided that immortality and God do not exist, he would immediately have joined the atheists and socialists (for socialism is not only the labor question or the question of the so-called fourth estate, but first of all the question of atheism, the question of the modern embodiment of atheism, the question of the Tower of Babel built precisely without God, not to go from earth to heaven but to bring heaven down to earth). To Alyosha it even seemed strange and impossible to go on living as before. It was said: “If thou wilt be perfect, give all that thou hast to the poor and come and follow me.” So Alyosha said to himself: “I cannot give two roubles instead of ‘all,’ and instead of ‘follow me’ just go to Sunday liturgy.”
I certainly don’t live up to this, but by the grace of God this is what I am striving for.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The warm summer breezes, The French wines and cheeses
I love stories and Jimmy Buffett is a darn good story teller. I’ll concede that many of his stories are simply a glorification of self and living a hedonistic lifestyle, however if you can get over the “Margarittaville” and the “Why don’t we get drunk and screw” you will find a worthwhile collection of stories. Part of the reason I love Jimmy Buffett is the nostalgia that it stirs up… the smell of sweat and diesel fuel as I worked on the sailboat with my dad, the smell of fresh mulch as we observed the “pseudo” family tradition of spreading mulch over memorial day weekend, or simply playing around the house. Many of my early memories have the tunes of Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet, Billy Joel, Elton John, or perhaps the Oakridge Boys as their background. But I digress… The main point of this blog is to draw attention to one of, if not the best, (at least lyrically) Jimmy Buffett songs.
I encourage you to listen to the song before you read any more of this blog. Here is a link to a youtube video featuring the song “He Went to Paris” by Jimmy Buffett.
I could probably write multiple posts on this song (and I may), but for now I will focus on the lines, “The warm summer breezes, the French wines and cheeses, put his ambitions at bay” and there relevance to my current place in this life.
Now that I am working (not quite full time, since I’m still a grad student, but working none the less) and making my own money, I am starting to really feel the pull of the warm summer breezes, the French wines and cheeses, and I fear that they are starting to put some of my ambitions at bay. I have come to hold vacation up to an almost god-like status, or if it isn’t vacation it is simply the weekend. I spend most of my days dreaming about what I will do with those moments in which I don’t have to do anything, the warm summer breezes, the French wines and cheeses… I have this nagging thought that I was once a very ambitious guy, I was ready to take on the world’s problems. I look back at Hunter from freshmen year of college, and sure I see a lot of immaturity, but I also see a lot of unbridled ambition. I see a freshman at University of Illinois that might have actually believed that he could be the Daniel that brought the kingdom of Babylon to belief in the one true living God, the freshman that wanted to take on the AIDS crisis, and felt so much compassion for the suffering. I’m not sure what happened to that guy. I know he has grown up a lot, he has experienced things that he didn’t count on, but he’s not necessarily living the life he thought he would.
All of this brings me to a decision that I have recently made, that will helpfully lead me to recover some of that freshmen year at U of I Hunter. I’m probably being a little over dramatic hear, so I hope you aren’t expecting anything too spectacular.
I will be moving out of my apartment in about one month. I will be moving in with 4 guys from my church that live near downtown Raleigh. I am thrilled to live with Christian brothers again, and I am really excited to live closer to an actual urban area, but that being said there were certainly many hurdles keeping me from deciding to move. I thank God that he has stirred up the desire to move. I will be moving to a duplex in which I will have so much less living space that I am guessing I will need to rent public storage space to accommodate at least 50% of my possessions, which leads me to the obvious question, why the heck do I have all of this stuff? On top of this the area that I will be moving to is quite literally on the boundary line. The duplex is basically situated on the economic, class, and racial boundary line. You can look to the east and see prostitutes walking the streets or you can look to the west and see (from my estimations) half million dollar homes, with perfectly manicured lawns, elaborate landscaping, wind chimes, security systems, lexus SUVs, multiple refrigerators, finished basements, flat screen TVs, country club memberships, braces, boats, beach houses, etc….
I’m hoping and praying that this new home will allow me to let go of some of those summer breezes, French wines and cheeses (as much as I love them), and allow me to restore some of those ambitions that may have been put at bay.
I encourage you to listen to the song before you read any more of this blog. Here is a link to a youtube video featuring the song “He Went to Paris” by Jimmy Buffett.
I could probably write multiple posts on this song (and I may), but for now I will focus on the lines, “The warm summer breezes, the French wines and cheeses, put his ambitions at bay” and there relevance to my current place in this life.
Now that I am working (not quite full time, since I’m still a grad student, but working none the less) and making my own money, I am starting to really feel the pull of the warm summer breezes, the French wines and cheeses, and I fear that they are starting to put some of my ambitions at bay. I have come to hold vacation up to an almost god-like status, or if it isn’t vacation it is simply the weekend. I spend most of my days dreaming about what I will do with those moments in which I don’t have to do anything, the warm summer breezes, the French wines and cheeses… I have this nagging thought that I was once a very ambitious guy, I was ready to take on the world’s problems. I look back at Hunter from freshmen year of college, and sure I see a lot of immaturity, but I also see a lot of unbridled ambition. I see a freshman at University of Illinois that might have actually believed that he could be the Daniel that brought the kingdom of Babylon to belief in the one true living God, the freshman that wanted to take on the AIDS crisis, and felt so much compassion for the suffering. I’m not sure what happened to that guy. I know he has grown up a lot, he has experienced things that he didn’t count on, but he’s not necessarily living the life he thought he would.
All of this brings me to a decision that I have recently made, that will helpfully lead me to recover some of that freshmen year at U of I Hunter. I’m probably being a little over dramatic hear, so I hope you aren’t expecting anything too spectacular.
I will be moving out of my apartment in about one month. I will be moving in with 4 guys from my church that live near downtown Raleigh. I am thrilled to live with Christian brothers again, and I am really excited to live closer to an actual urban area, but that being said there were certainly many hurdles keeping me from deciding to move. I thank God that he has stirred up the desire to move. I will be moving to a duplex in which I will have so much less living space that I am guessing I will need to rent public storage space to accommodate at least 50% of my possessions, which leads me to the obvious question, why the heck do I have all of this stuff? On top of this the area that I will be moving to is quite literally on the boundary line. The duplex is basically situated on the economic, class, and racial boundary line. You can look to the east and see prostitutes walking the streets or you can look to the west and see (from my estimations) half million dollar homes, with perfectly manicured lawns, elaborate landscaping, wind chimes, security systems, lexus SUVs, multiple refrigerators, finished basements, flat screen TVs, country club memberships, braces, boats, beach houses, etc….
I’m hoping and praying that this new home will allow me to let go of some of those summer breezes, French wines and cheeses (as much as I love them), and allow me to restore some of those ambitions that may have been put at bay.
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