Da`ath

---Timeless Truths--- (Isaiah 1:1-31)

2008-08-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

Israel is on trial for forgetting their half of the covenant
God is pissed
Israel will still be saved.

So What?

God demands holiness

Teach Me, O Lord

2008-06-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Teach me, O Lord, Thy way of truth,
And from it I will not depart;
That I may steadfastly obey,
Give me an understanding heart.

In Thy commandments make me walk,
For in the law my joy shall be;
Give me a heart that loves Thy will,
From discontent and envy free.

Turn Thou my eyes from vanity,
And cause me in Thy ways to tread;
O let Thy servant prove Thy Word,
And thus to godly fear be led.

Turn Thou away reproach and fear,
Thy righteous judgments I confess;
To know Thy precepts I desire,
Revive me in Thy righteousness
--Words by Joseph P. Holbrook--

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

2008-06-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him,
As angel heralds said.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,
O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven,
And to the endless day!

--15th Century Carol, Author Unknown--

A'rah

2008-04-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Once again the good guy gets screwed, and the unjust collect the reward.

Lord may my words and motives be of you.

For you will have your way with our enemies.

One More Year of Life Down!

2008-03-23T23:20:00.001-07:00

Today is my 24th Birthday I asked for no gatherings this year since my B-day shares Easter. I received my request except a nice surprise visit from my aunt and uncle. It was very nice to see them today.

As I reflect back on my 23rd year of life I am filled with both remorse and hesitation (with the loss of my mother and a revelation that I have very "unique" ways of perceiving things) about the upcoming year.

Once again I am at a crossroads of life. Hopefully the paths I choose this year will be less bumpy and be filled with new relationships, new studies, and an ongoing relationship with God.

Silent Treatment

2007-10-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

So I come home after having a nice evening out with friends (we went to Il Fornaio) and I get the silent treatment from my family.

My aunt and uncle were coming into town today, I was told last night that they were coming, and I was expected to change my schedule!

They think its because I don't want to see my aunt and uncle, which I spent a whole day with her by myself a couple weeks ago.

I am not ready for family functions, I've tried them in the past in which that night sleeping was hell, I will be one of these days.

So let it be!

Where are you?

2007-10-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

This cartoon expresses some of the many things that I have been feeling lately.

Thanks Laura for sending it to me.

Faith versus Trust

2007-09-09T22:39:00.001-07:00

I know that God is God. I know God is gracious and merciful.
I know that God is good and loving but do I trust him?

That may be the question I need to answer.

Hiatus

2007-09-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

This blog is on hiatus until I can post something more positive then the negative/pessimistic things that are coming out.

Hopefully I'll be back soon!

She's in a better place now...

2007-08-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Why do people think that the above saying is helpful?

I know that she is in a better place.
She is perfect, worshiping God!

Even though the saying is somewhat comforting, it isn't!

We miss her. We miss the hugs and the kisses. We miss the talks, the affirmation, the scoldings, and the way she talks. I miss how she would play devil's advocate to make me think about things. I miss the way that she would rub my head and the way she smells. I miss her smile and laughter.

She was Mom.

Unacceptable

2007-08-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

According to many people I might be in the anger stage of mourning.

I am angry when people take advantage of people when they are in an unusual situation.

Some Examples:

Contractors who take advantage of people who lose everything in a natural disaster.
Insurance salesmen who work out of hospitals.
Funeral homes that send you brochures when someone in the house is dying (NOT A COINCIDENCE)
When people in leadership take advantage of people whom they serve by selling products that will "help them" either it be a horrible self-help book or a "cure-all" medicine.

THIS MAKES ME ANGRY!!!

5 Things I like about Jesus! (The Real Thing)

2007-07-19T15:58:00.001-07:00

Jesus is weird at times.

Fig tree, must I say more?

Jesus was radical

Look at what He said... If all of what He was was a good teacher, read harder!!!

Jesus is the ultimate judge and ruler

Well duh! (Read the last book).

Jesus is patient/understanding

If He could put up with the original twelve then I know that He can handle me, even though at times I seem to take one step forward and two steps back.

Jesus loves me

Being the perfect sacrificial lamb allowed me to have a relationship with Him and God. (If that's not love I don't know what is)

R.I.P. Lisbeth Luisa Barnhart

2007-07-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today at around 4:00pm Lisbeth Luisa Barnhart died after battling breast cancer for the past year and a half. She was a wonderful mom and a wonderful mentor of what it meant to be a fully dedicated follower of Christ.

Through Sunday...

2007-07-04T20:07:00.001-07:00

That is the estimated time for mom by the doctors and nurses.

I really don't know how I am feeling, it all seems surreal.

Tempers are rising between family members, fights about slide shows and "martyrs"

Words are said that aren't meant, frustration and anger.

Just focus on mom's life before she leaves us and moves on to be with God.

5 Things I like about Jesus!

2007-06-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

So I have been tagged by Laura, so here it goes...

I like that he is a Caucasian male with brown hair and blue eyes and is a good date. (He can always turn water into wine)

I like that Jesus is my own personal God and that I get more out of Him by myself then with other believers because "No one has my Jesus!!!"

I like it when I can feel Him because that is the only way I know I am saved. Heaven forbid I read or study the Bible when all I have to do is feel the Holy Spirit.

I like Jesus because his father promises that "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Jesus is kickin' because he stinkin' loves me.

Amos Wrap-up!!!

2007-05-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

We just finished up the book of Amos in Sanctify!

Some of the key images used within Amos:

"Hear, and testify against the house of Jacob,"
declares the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,
"that on the day I punish Israel for his transgressions,
I will punish the altars of Bethel,
and the horns of the altar shall be cut off
and fall to the ground. (Amos 3:13-14)

"I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
I will not look upon them.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:21-24)

Some of the key things that stood out to me were:

Yahweh has limited patience.
Yahweh detests meaningless worship.
Even through the horrible things that was going to befall the Northern Kingdom, Yahweh was still going to

The Valley Song

2007-04-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

You have led me to the sadness
I have carried this pain
On a back bruised, nearly broken
I'm crying out to you

I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy

When death like a gypsy
Comes to steal what I love
I will still look to the heavens
I will still seek your face

But I fear you aren't listening
Because there are no words
Just the stillness and the hunger
For a faith that assures

I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy

While we wait for rescue
With our eyes tightly shut
Face to the ground using our hands
To cover the fatal cut

And though the pain is an ocean
Tossing us around, around, around
You have calmed greater waters
Higher mountains have come down

I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy

--performed by Jars of Clay--

Family

2007-04-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight my siblings and I had one of the first fights we have had since we have heard the news about mom.

Even though I know things were said that had some truth to it.

I know that this family will not break apart and through us losing mom we will grow even closer together.

Hold Thou my Hand

2007-04-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hold thou my hand; so weak I am, and helpless,
I dare not take one step without Thy aid;
Hold Thou my hand; for then. O loving Savior,
No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.

Hold Thou my hand, and closer, closer draw me
To Thy dear self---my hope, my joy, my all;
Hold Thou my hand, lest haply I should wander,
And, missing Thee, my trembling feet should fall.

Hold Thou my hand; the way is dark before me
Without the sunlight of Thy face divine;
But when by faith I catch its radiant glory,
What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are mine!

Hold Thou my hand, that when I reach the margin
Of that lone river Thou didst cross for me.
A heavenly light may flash along its waters
And every wave like crystal bright shall be.

--words by Fanny Crosby--

Update!!! (It could be better...)

2007-04-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Last week the doctors told us that hospice is not going to happen yet; tonight they say that it should start.

They now give her 6 months to live...

---Timeless Truths--- (Amos 4:1-13)

2007-04-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

Bashan is a place with very green pastures which are good for cattle.

So What?

Yahweh keeps his promises about obedience and disobedience to his covenant (Deuteronomy 28)
Yahweh is the God of all

Jesus, in Sickness and in Pain

2007-04-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Jesus, in sickness and in pain, be near to succor me, my sinking spirit still sustain; To Thee I turn, to Thee.

When cares and sorrows thicken round, and nothing bright I see, In Thee alone can help be found; To Thee I turn, to Thee.

Should strong temptations fierce assail, as if to ruin me, Then in Thy strength will I prevail, While still I turn to Thee.

Through all me pilgrimage below, whatever my lot may be, In joy or sadness, weal or woe Jesus, I'll turn to Thee.

--words by Thomas Gallaudet--

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

2007-04-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

Pass me not, O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by. 

Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by. 

Let me at thy throne of mercy find a sweet relief,
kneeling there in deep contrition; help my unbelief. 

Trusting only in thy merit, would I seek thy face; 
heal my wounded, broken spirit, save me by thy grace. 

Thou the spring of all my comfort, more than life to me,
whom have I on earth beside thee? Whom in heaven but thee? 

Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry; 
while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by.  


--words by Fanny Crosby--

Update!!!

2007-04-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Mom is home from the hospital and the news is what the floor doctor thought. Hospice is still not in order a little longer though and it might be necessary. The next plan is to do another round of radiation that just pin-points the tumours and new clinical drugs. We will wait and see...

I always new that the next step would ocurr but I never thought that it would be this soon, even thought it is over the prognosis that the doctors gave us back when the brain tumours were found. It might be time to reaccess my activities/jobs.

Things that I can modify:

Being a Bookkeeper
Being a Webmaster
Being involved with Sanctify
Biola Mail Clerk (this is the last thing that is going)

There are probably more but that is where I am going to start.

Update!!! (Not a Happy One)

2007-04-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

On Monday Mom was taken to the emergency room because of the excessive vomiting. Tonight all we know that the doctors might have missed something. A couple weeks ago we received good news that the tumours in the brain of shrunk.

Tonight doctors have told us that there are not only two tumours but three and that they have grown. This has not been confirmed by the Oncologist but by a floor doctor. Maybe he is wrong?

---Timeless Truths--- (Amos 3:1-15)

2007-04-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

God punished Israel because they were His and they knew the Law.
God punished Israel because the rich oppressed the poor
God promised that an adversary will plunder Israel

So What?

Christians know God and belong to him therefore we are held accountable for our actions.
God definitely has a sense of humour and even though He punishes his children He is also merciful

---Timeless Truths--- (Amos 2:6-16)

2007-03-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

The Israelites were harsh on the poor contrary to Yahweh's command (Deuteronomy 15:7)
Father and son shared the same woman (Probably pagan prostitution)
Abused the "pledge" system (Exodus 22:26-27 )
The Israelites disregarded the Nazirites

Nazarites were Jews who were set apart to do Yahweh's work, Samson and Samuel are examples (Numbers 6:1-21)

Notable differences than the other nations

Amos states four transgressions instead of one like he did with the other nations
Israel's transgressions seems less intense then the other nations
Amos inserts a section of what Yahweh did for his nation

Defeated the Amorites (Joshua 10)
Raised up prophets and Nazirites

So What?

God seems to take the sins of his people more "seriously" then those who aren't.
Yahweh is a jealous god.

Transformation

2007-03-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today the College Leadership team went to our pastor to discuss our dreams of Sanctify!. I am so excited at the response that we received from him that it confirmed that we are on the right path.

Some thoughts that I cannot forget are:

We have to be excited for our future as the new "Young Adult" ministry and for the College group and where the youth pastor can take it.
We cannot ignore the fact that everyone does not learn the same way and must still accomadate people who do not.

Some thoughts that were affirmed:

That it is not about us but where God is leading us.
That Sanctify! is a needed ministry within TFB

---Timeless Truths--- (Amos 1:11-2:5)

2007-03-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

Edom (Descendents of Esau)

Worked with the other descendent nations to fight and plunder the Israelites
Kept fighting against his brother Israel (Jacob)
Teman was a clan of Edom

Ammonites (Descendents of Lot by his daughter)

Worked with the other descendent nations to fight and plunder the Israelites
Bitter enemies of Israel
Ripped open pregnant women in order to expand their boarders
Rabbah capitol city of the Ammonites David plundered it
Deuteronomy 23:3-6

Moab (Descendents of Lot by his other daughter)

Ruth was from this nation
Worked with the other descendent nations to fight and plunder the Israelites
Bitter enemies of Israel
Disrespected the dead
Yahweh will destroy this nation, like the Philistines
Deuteronomy 23:3-6

Judah (Southern Kingdom)

Relatives of Israel
Did not keep the Law
Did not keep the statutes
Followed idols like their fathers

So What?

We should return to Yahweh before his wrath falls on the church.

---Timeless Truths--- (Amos 1:3-10)

2007-03-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

Damascus (Syria):

They killed the people of Gilead by running them over with threshing sledges made of iron.

Hazael was annointed king of Syria by Elijiah only later to be destroyed by Yahweh

Yahweh moved them back to Kir; the place where they originally came from

Beth-Eden was the capitol city of Syria

Gaza (Philistines):

They sold entire cities into slavery to Edom
Ashkelon was the capitol city of the Philistines
Yahweh destroyed the remenant of the Philistines

Tyre (Canaanites):

They sold entire cities into slavery to Edom

They broke the "covenant of brotherhood"

So What?

Yahweh holds everyone to some sort of "human code."
Even though Yahweh wasn't their god He will hold everyone accountable for their decisions and actions.

---Timeless Truths--- (Amos 1:1-2)

2007-02-24T19:32:00.001-08:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

Amos came from Tekoa a small city south of Jerusalem
Amos was a shepherd, a land owner, for a boss of shipyards
Gave his message during the reign of Uzziah King of Judah (Southern Kingdom) and Jeroboam King of Israel (Northern Kingdom)
A great earthquake hit two years after he proclaimed his message

So What?

God uses the unexpected people to give his message
We need to listen to those whose message is based in biblical truths instead of emotions, church politics, or personal vendettas.

---Timeless Truths--- (Haggai 2:10-23)

2007-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

Holy items only made the first thing that it touch holy. Transference didn't continue from item to item
Handling the dead made you unclean
God blessed Israel

So What?

God does not bless those who turn from His way.
As the leadership team and the church move forward through times of distress and toil we must turn to God; He might be trying to get our attention.

January Rant

2007-02-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

I don't post anymore for those of you who actually read this. Between my job at Biola and the church I am completely busy. I had the year end to finish and am trying to bring up their new website.

The website hasn't been updated due to the fact that someone said they were "tech-savy" (thought they weren't) and someone else said that they had "time" to do it.

I agreed to look into fixing the website when I was hired on staff but wasn't aware of the amount of work that it takes to get a new site up. We have all the pages laid out and are waiting on the staff and ministry leaders to give me information so we can publish.

Their due date is this Friday for all information so I can publish it by March 1, 2007. I have a great team who is helping me out and teaching me how to make a webpage and hopefully keep it updated.

When the website is done then hopefully I can post a little more often. It will definitely be a stretch to publish it by then but I will sure try...

Update!!!

2006-12-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was told that my mom's brain tumor has grown. She is going to be put on a new drug that is still in testing; hopefully it will do the trick...

For those of you who care...

2006-12-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

I got the job at Biola in Mail Services, Monday was my first day. Even though I am tired at the end of the day (hopefully that will change) I absolutely love it.

October

2006-10-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

Since I am a slacker here is what I've been up to in October:

- Looking into a job at Biola and waiting forever to get a reply
- Working at TFB
- Went to Gorman twice to go dirt bike riding

That's my life ain't it boring?

---Timeless Truths--- (Haggai 2:1-9)

2006-09-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural Truths

God promises that the new temple will be better then the first.
Riches will be brought back to the temple.

So What?

As we look into starting a new group we need to remember that God is with us when we feel like it is not going as we planned
We need to remember that if it is by His will that the new group will be better then the first.
We need to remember that it is not by our will but by His will that this will be done

As the older generation in the church is dyeing off and the memory of the grandeur of TFB that it once was. We need to turn from our wrong doings and build the church back into what He intended it to be.

---Timeless Truths--- (Haggai 1:12-15)

2006-09-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

Timeless Truth:

He disciplines his people to make them obey. When they finally do obey he blesses them with much.

So What?

As we start a new ministry we must obey Him in what he says so we may be blessed.
When the new ministry looks like it may fail we must remember that God is with us.
Without Him we are fruitless in what we do.

Outreach versus Missions

2006-09-13T23:16:00.000-07:00

After College Briefing the college group came back hyped for local missions. Since Labor Day weekend I have contacted some local elementary school's PTA Presidents within our school district. Our intent is to help out the schools with anything that our college group can provide for example: planting, basic maintenance, Christmas presents and supplies for the low income students, trash pick-up, etc.

Well today I received a call from someone who was interested in what we were doing in the mission field and then basically told me that it isn't a local mission it is a local outreach. Her view was that we weren't telling them about Jesus so we weren't doing a mission.

My argument is this: We will be effective Christians in the community because we are showing Christ's love through our actions instead of through our words.

---Timeless Truths--- (Haggai 1:1-11)

2006-09-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Historical/Cultural:

A historical point of the passage is that God's temple was destroyed and not current for today.

Timeless Truth:

A timeless truth within the the passage is when the Israelites were more focused on what they wanted to be doing and not on what God wanted them to do. In return He withheld His blessing.

So what?

As we start a new ministry we need to make sure that whatever we do it is in correlation to God's overall plan.
We need to make sure what we do is for His glory and not ours.
We must make sure that our ministry does not stray from our vision: Helping people becoming fully devoted followers of Him.
We need to see if we are not being blessed, and understand why He isn't blessing us.

God's Plans versus Our Plans

2006-09-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

Haggai 1:1-11

Setting: Israel is coming home after the Babylonian-Exile during the reign of Darius. (verse 1)
Question: The people are more concerned with their dwellings instead of God's dwelling. (verse 2)
Reason why God is upset: God is upset that His temple is not their main priority. (verse 3-4)
Explanation: LORD tells the people that they cannot prosper without Him. (verse 6)
Command: The LORD commands the people to rebuild his temple so that He may be glorified and pleased. (verse 8)
Explanation to the Command: God did not bless the people because his house lies in ruins because each person is to busy building his own dwelling. (verse 9)
Punishment: Withholds His blessings to the people.

Haggai Timeline

2006-09-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

Haggai tells Zerubbabel and Joshua to rebuild God's Temple:

(In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month)

The people obey God's command to rebuild God's Temple:

(In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the twenty-fourth day of the month)

God tells the people the blessing that He is going to bestow on His Temple:

(In the second year of Darius the king, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month)

God blesses the people:

(In the second year of Darius the king, in the ninth month, on the twenty-fourth day)

God chooses Zerubbabel as a Signet

(In the second year of Darius the king, in the ninth month, on the twenty-fourth day)

August

2006-08-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted for over a month here is what I have been up to:

I finished Philosophy class with a B.
I need to still get a grade for my Choral Techniques Class.
I applied for a job at Biola.
I went to Jr. Summer Camp where I was in charge of 9 boys.
Went to Laughlin for the last time this year and had some fun times on the lake.
Registered for 4 classes at El Camino, so I can stay on my parent's health insurance and defer my student loans.
Joined the Biggest Loser Club so I can finally focus on my health.
Started pondering a new Bible Study for Thursday nights.

Things to do:

Get hired, and hopefully drop 2 classes
Read through Haggai and disect it.

Hopefully the Last Philosophy Test Ever!!!

2006-07-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

Descartes.

Metaphysical view and methodology

Descartes attempts to move away from the irrationality and fanaticism of his day. He wants a method for distinguishing what we really know from what we only believe. For Descartes, philosophy is testing beliefs for their certainty and examining how some beliefs support others (Washburn, The Many Faces of Wisdom; Prentice Hall Publishing)
Dualism: The metaphysical view that all things are reducible to two essentially different realities. This seems to be the common sense view of reality? Or is it? What do you think?
Dismayed at the inconclusive nature of philosophy. There is too much disagreement and not enough clear and distinct (read, certain) ideas or truths.
Descartes sought to come to develop answers about mind, God and matter that would yield conclusions of certainty—like those of geometry and mathematics. He used the tools of intuition and deduction.

What can we know for certain? His project unfolds in three stages: from mind, to God, to matter.

Method: he used the method of systematic doubt. Doubt everything, don’t trust your senses (cf. Plato) and search for a truth which is undeniable and certain. “Give me a place to stand, and I will move the world (‘Give me just one certain truth and I will build an entire philosophy on it.’)”
For Descartes knowledge = certainty. This is a key aspect of his epistemology.
At minimum I can conclude that if I doubt, I must think (evil demon experiment); hence, “I think, therefore I am.” The mind must be a thinking substance—this is its ‘whatness.’
First conclusion: there is Mind.
Descartes discovers in his mind is the idea of perfection: “I doubt; it is more perfect to know than to doubt; so I have the idea of a perfect being.”
Eidological argument.
The Ontological argument.
Second conclusion: there is a God.

Descartes moves on to from God’s existence to the reality of material substance and the external world.

If God is a perfect being He would not deceive us with respect to our clear and distinct ideas.
It is clear and distinct that objects “out there” impress themselves upon us independently of our wills; we can account for this only on the certainty of the existence of those things.
Third conclusion: there is Matter.

Descartes was disillusioned by the contradictions among philosophers and became enamored by the possibility of certainty in philosophy through a geometrical method for philosophy.

Descartes stresses a need for a method. The two essential operations which constitute the geometrical method are intuition and deduction:

Intuition: this is the intellectual faculty by which truths are immediately apprehended.
Deduction: this is the faculty by which the intellect moves, by necessary inference, from one proposition (itself intuited or deduced) to another.

This method, Descartes believed, would yield a knowledge of what is knowable.

Interactionism:

Pro—Mind and matter at least occupy, in some way, the common ground of space and time.
Con—Descartes describes the place of interaction but not the how of interaction.

David Hume

Hume held that the source of all knowledge is perceptions.

There are two kinds of perception:

Impressions: vivid or lively sensations, the immediate data of experience.
Ideas: pale copies of impressions, the material for thinking.

The radicalness of Hume’s empiricism consists in his application of the empiricist criterion of knowledge rigorously, consistently, and exclusively.

There are two consequences of Hume’s radical empiricism:

His skeptical analysis of substance.
His skeptical analysis of causality.

Hume argued that experience yields no rational knowledge of either substance/mind or causality (every event must have a cause), even though we may enjoy a natural belief of these things.

Hume states that we have no sense impressions of any underlying substance, either material or mental. Upon introspection of ourselves we only experience a passing parade of perceptions.

Hume contends we have no sense impressions of any necessary connection between causes and effects together. Hume argues we only experience succession and continuity in our daily events with no rational knowledge of cause and effect in the traditional conception of causality.

Hume’s position is known as phenomenalism: All we can know is the phenomenon or appearances presented in our perceptions.

The philosophical skepticism of Hume is apparent also in his reduction of all knowledge to two sources:

Relation of ideas: knowledge of the form “A is A” is certain but has no bearing on reality.
Matters of fact: knowledge of reality but holding no certainty.

The radical empiricism of Hume results in a sort of epistemological dead-end: We can have no rational certainty of metaphysical truths, truths that bear on reality.

Plato “The Republic:”

Plato’s Dualism: 3 Kinds of Dualism.

Metaphysical dualism: 2 levels of reality (emphasizes transcendence of immaterial world and an upward approach in investigating reality).
Epistemological dualism: true knowledge only comes through reason and when a person apprehends the Forms. Sense experience is fleeting and vague/indistinct
Anthropological dualism: radical distinction between soul and body. The soul through reason can apprehend the Forms in the upper world of no space and time (eternal) and the body through sense experience comes in contact with the lower world of particulars in space and time (temporary & fleeting).
Plato’s Theory of Forms.

Definition. A Form is an eternal, unchangeable and universal essence. Illustration: Think of a design for a computer or a house then the many different homes that are built. The Form is the original design but the various instantiations of the design of the house in the neighborhood are the copies or particulars of the original Form or design. Examples of Forms: Truth, Beauty Justice, Goodness, the #1, Triangle, etc.

Degrees of Reality and Knowledge.

Plato emphasizes the transcendence (plus objectivity) of the Forms and the apprehension of the Forms (true knowledge) as we ascend the epistemological ladder from opinion to knowledge.

Metaphysical ladder: Becoming to Being; images to sensible objects to mathematical forms to higher forms (to ultimately the Good).
Epistemological ladder: Opinion to Knowledge; imagination to perception to reason to understanding.
Plato at tempts to stop an infinite regress of being for the Forms by positing the Good (a Form that is beyond being and knowledge). It is not clear that this is coherent in the way Plato (or Miller) describes the concept of the Good.

The Good, the Sun, and the Cave is a parable to help motivate us in our quest for knowledge.

The Sun in the Visible World by its Light cause of Sight and the existence of objects of sight.
Good in Intelligible World by its Truth cause of Knowledge and existence of objects of knowledge (Forms).

Tangent

2006-07-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics:

Since every human action aims at some good, human action as a whole must be purposeful, this in the end, aims at some supreme good.

The supreme good is Eudaimonia (happiness or flourishing)

Eudaimonia is neither health, wealth, nor pleasure because they are fleeting

To define Eudaimonia more precisely if we look at the unique qualities of human nature.

Humans share with animals a nutritive power (psyche or soul) that makes nourishment and growth (biological life) possible
Humans also share with other animals a sensitive power that makes movement, desire, and sensations possible
Only unique to humans is a rational power that makes theoretical and practical knowledge possible.

Two types of intellectual virtues:

Theoretical capacity called sopia (wisdom)
Practical capacity called phronesis (prudence)

Intellectual wisdom therefore, lets humans to know what is right or good in general and to decide in specific situations what is the best thing to do. According to Aristotle in order to live the good life, we must not only know the good and choose the good, but also do the good.

Eudaimonia occurs when the human realizes the full potential of his nature and happiness centers around cultivating and living in accord with the intellectual and moral virtues.
Moral Virtues are a mean between two extremes with respect to both feelings and actions.

Moral Virtues are learned through practice and through "moral education"

Ayan Rand "The Ethics of Emergencies:"
Opportunist

Believed that you should only help another person only if it was an emergency and if it didn't put the helper at a great risk.
Altruism: Helping everyone all the time.

Immanuel Kant "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals:"

Ethical Theories:

Teleological: The rightness of actions is defined by their consequences or results
Deontological: The rightness of actions is defined by their conformity to duty

Kant is a deontologist who argues that morality is a matter of ought or obligation. This ought is universal and necessary and therefore unconditioned by any consideration of consequences.

What is it that is absolutely and unconditionally good?

Kant's famous answer: The good will, a will that wills out of duty and thus conforms to the moral law

Categorical Imperative:

The fundamental principle of morality is the Categorical Imperative: "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."
Kant's moral formalism lays down the Categorical Imperative as a test for the self-consistent or self-contradictory character of actions: Does the universalizing of the principle of one's action result in a contradiction? If so, the action must be judged to be immoral
A categorical imperative is an unconditioned, universally binding moral law.

Marx and Engels: Manifesto of the Communist Party:

Marx and Engels were promoting no social classes, equal distribution of wealth, and no private properties.

Six Objections against Communism and Six Arguments for Communism (O=Objective; A=Argument)

O1: There is no land for the people
A1: The land that they had was only for the rich
O2: Abolishing private property all work will cease and in its place universal laziness will take hold
A2: No capital, no wage labor
O3: All culture will disappear
A3: Culture is a product of the upper class' capital therefore only there culture will disappear.
O4: Abolition of the family by introducing women to the workplace
A4: Destroying the social class system will destroy the barrier between the women and destroying the upper class system of "wife swapping"
O5: Abolish countries and nationalities
A5: It would end exploitation of one country over the other and it would put each nationality as just mankind
O6: It would abolish religious and philosophical ideas
A6: They could care less about this they felt as that when a revolution occurs then the religious and philosophical ideas change with the incoming party.

John Rawls: A Theory of Justice:

Justice is fairness

Justice provides a way to assign rights and duties in society. It requires that the burdens and the benefits are distributed fairly according to relevant differences and similarities.
The subject of justice regulates how we structure major distribution of the rights and duties

Theory of Justice: Explains how it is and under what circumstances citizens are obliged to obey the laws which the state creates
Veil of Ignorance:

Deprives the representatives of information about the individuating characteristics of the citizens they represent. Thus, the representative parties would be unaware of the talents and abilities, ethnicity and gender, religion or belief system of the citizens they represent. As a result, they lack the information with which to threaten their fellows and thus invalidate the social contract they are attempting to agree to.
Only works in hypothetical situations...

2 Principles:

Each citizen is guaranteed a fully adequate scheme of basic liberties, which is compatible with the same scheme of liberties for all others;
Social and economic inequalities must satisfy two conditions:

All offices and positions must be open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity;
Economic inequalities are only permitted insofar as they are to the greatest benefit of the least well off members of society.

Trying Something New

2006-07-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Okay I am going to try and post about what I am currently reading. No promises though...

Good News!

2006-07-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

Took my first philosophy test and I thought it was cake. (Don't know if this is good or bad)

Mom got test results back and the tumours neither grew nor shrunk. (Could be better)

I got a job as the TFB bookkeeper. (Finally some direction in my life)

EAT!

2006-06-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

Today Yam had its monthly EAT! where the young adults get together and go out to lunch after Sunday School. While there some conversation came up about some individuals within the group and the friction that they cause some of the members which resulted some of them from attending. At first the solution was to start a second bible study to help with the transition period and to get away from the people who bother us but after pondering it I still think that is a plausible solution but not the healthiest.

One reason why I would say that it is not healthy is that we are supposed to be adults and running from our brothers and sisters in Christ whom we do not get along with is not the answer. We need to figure out why the hell they bug us so much and maybe embrace those qualities in them so as to balance us out and hopefully have both sides grow closer together as a community and in Christ.

YAM Challenge Day 2

2006-05-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

A disturbing thing came from my readings tonight. I decided tonight I would focus on the whole book of 2 Timothy. One of passages that I came across was in chapter 2. If these are the things that believers in Christ should have I am somewhat behind.

God gives us a promise that if we do what he asks then he will make us a "special utensil" ready for the owner to do every good work. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.

However, to do that we should...

Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. (2:22-25)

Maybe its time to reexamine me because boy am I feeling somewhat convicted.

YAM Challenge

2006-05-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

So Tuesday night we, the collegians were given a challenge to do the following things for
2 Timothy 3:10-17.

They are:

Read prayerfully, slowly, and repeatedly.
Write down what comes to mind.
Post some thoughts, questions, observations, confusions, and anything else that comes to mind here.
Keep doing it until June 13

So since Laura reminded us to do it over at Laura's Writings here it goes...

After reading it for the first time since the meeting I noticed that verse 16 does not mention anything about historical truth. Maybe next time I will have something deeper then that.

Family

2006-05-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

This was one of the topics that came up this past weekend. It fits under the topic of family which was one of my issues that I have a hard time giving to God.

If Mom Weren't Sick...
I would go on an extended mission trip
I would join the Peace Corps
Go away to school---(preferably Colorado)

Pro's/Con's of Doing What I Want:
I wouldn't be with her as much
I am in limbo
Animosity between my siblings and me
I wouldn't be able to go to the funeral---(especially if I look into somewhere far away)
Both me and mom would be worshipping God and resting in Him.

Why I don't want to miss my Mom's funeral:
I would not have final peace with myself and her condition. I would not be able to say goodbye to her. I would not be able to tell her all the things that I should. It would not give me closure.

I would not be able to say the following: "I'll see you on the other side," "Thanks," and I love you."

Things that I Would miss from my Mom:
Hugs, Affirmation, and talking to her.

There you go there is a portion of one of my down falls. I don't know if I am up to giving up everything. I think the only way I would truly be happy is either in two ways:
1) God miraculously heals mom from cancer for the rest of her life.
2) Mom finally dies and is put out of her pain and misery.

Jeff's Life Plan

2006-04-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I had the opportunity of having my life plan figured out by my aunt. Now, I was expecting something more then what I apparently gotlike a spreadsheet telling me my talents, spiritual gifts, desires, and things that I will overall succeed at. Boy, was I wrong!

It was a plan basically telling me what areas in my life I still haven't gave up to God and the patterns, themes, and trends that I go through in my life. So here I am being vulnerable to the people who actually read this. Here is what I need to give up:
Family
Control
Stress
Intolerance
There you have it. If I feel up to it later maybe Ill delve into what this all means and also my patterns, themes, and trends.

Some Good News

2006-04-20T02:08:00.000-07:00

I spoke to my choral education teacher today and she said that I should take an incomplete in the class and that I would have more time to finish the course work and whatever else she has me do to make up. That probably means that I will not graduate in 3 weeks but I still have a chance for walking in the summer which is in July. Could be worse I guess.

Back to studying for a philosophy test.

God or the Girl

2006-04-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

I found this new show while I was channel surfing. I was attempting to do Philosophy homework God or the Girl. I have watched the first 3 episodes and I feel that I can somewhat relate at where these four men are going through in their lives.

I am not struggling with a girl or the thought of becoming a Catholic Priest but I am confused at what God wants me to do with my future.

Life Update

2006-04-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is over I really enjoyed the time I had at home with my mom and my family. I finally told them that there might be a chance that I might not graduate this semester. Their response was somewhat good.

My mom's MRI scan results came back and there hasn't been any change with the tumours in her brain. They put her on a second chemotherapy that is supposed to be really strong in the brain. My dad thinks that the news is good and that the radiation hasn't had its full effect yet but why would they put her on a stronger chemotherapy if the other one was working? Whatever happens I know this she can never have radiation again and if she is at the strongest medicine there is now than the outcome doesn't look very positive.

We are trying to finish school strong. Instead of having 4 weeks of classes as I thought I only have 2 more weeks of classes and then finals. I am going in and talking with my two of my professors who I am struggling in their class. I know that one class might be impossible to pass Performance Forum for music majors, which I hate music. I might go in and tell them my reasons this semester and see what happens.

I think right now if I do graduate I will go and apply for a job at Biola and start working on my Master's from Talbot. Or I might look into missionary work through Send International. Right now I really still don't know on what I am going to do with my life.

Crossroads

2006-04-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to graduate from APU in about a months time, with Spring Break next week. I don't know if I am going to graduate but I am still aiming for it. Looking back on my college career I am definitely lost in the direction that I am supposed to go when I am done. I am entering the unknown soon and that is confusing and frightening, but at the same time it is intriguing and exciting.

If I do graduate I will earn a B.A. in Music Education with a minor in Biblical Studies but right now in my life I really do not want to do anything with music. I wish I could do something with bible but I am still not confident that I want to do something with that. Who knows?

Nephesh

2006-02-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

I feel like the last couple of weeks I have been emotionally dead. I am not very happy lately more like my usual sarcastic bastard---as some of my friends would call me. I would say I have been a little depressed but what college student hasn't? I have a bad case of senioritis which I don't know if that is caused by my mood lately or whatever it is it will probably bite me in the butt in the end. I have 3 general education classes and I hate Philosophy the other 2 I don't mind but they are not very interesting to me.

I need to go buy a lottery ticket so I could win and open up my dream of a Christian Conference Center in the Tejon Pass and throw away my 4 years of expensive education. I truly believe I am living in the wrong time or at least in the wrong area. I want to be in nature in open spaces and not confined.

I miss home I miss my mom even though I go home every weekend to see her. I know that sounds very lame but I don't care its the truth. I haven't told all professors about what's going on at home even though my roommate keeps suggesting that I should---but how do you bring up such a topic?

I have to admit my personal time with God is also lacking lately probably because I like to spend time in my fantasy land to escape the harshness of the world. But tonight I have came across some old devotional and prayer files on my computer. I ended with my written devotional on August 21, 2005, but tonight I decided to start again. I am studying I and II Samuel I have started with looking at the main characters and the formation of the Kingship of Israel. Hopefully in time I will be able to cohesively put together my study and post it or even maybe teach it someday---I know its a long shot.

Teens and Faith

2006-01-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

Since I can't sleep I was surfing the net and came across this article. As I look at two of my siblings, two brothers 16 and 13, I think that it really applies to how both of them view God and the Christian faith as well as the majority of the Junior and Senior high students at my church.

It is very disturbing to me that they never understand the true meaning of what it is to be a Christian. It's even worse that if they claim to be a Christian and say the "magical" prayer that they are saved. What's even more shameful are the church staff/leaders who ignore this problem with the youth of today.

Lamentations 3:22-33

2006-01-18T00:12:00.000-08:00

GOD's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with GOD (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.

GOD proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from GOD.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times.

When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The "worst" is never the worst.

Why? Because the Master won't ever
walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
He takes no pleasure in making life hard,
in throwing roadblocks in the way.

I was introduced to these verses back at Yam's first worship experience back in '03. These verses are what keeps me going since I found out that my mom was diagnosed with cancer over the summer.

God is Still Good

2006-01-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight I received a call that my mother has two cancerous tumors in her brain. Yet through out all of the shit that I feel that my mom and my family have been through, I still know that God is good.

Let the banging of heaven's gates start once more.

This is My Father's World

2006-01-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

by Franklin L. Sheppard words reprinted from Thoughts for Everday Living by Maltbie D. Babcock

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world: the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare the Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world: Oh, let me never forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world: The battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and heaven be one.

Spring School Schedule

2006-01-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

3 Unit Classes:
Introduction to Literature
Introduction to Philosophy
Public Communication
Secondary Choral Methods

1 Unit Classes:
Hebrew Readings
Symphonic Band
Applied Piano

This is my lightest semester since I started college, I am so jazzed!!

Punishment from God

2006-01-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

I was surfing the internet today and came across an article in which Pat Robertson, host of the 700 Club, felt that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was a divine punishment from God. I am one who believes that whenever in the Bible where something is stated very clearly what you should and should not do, it isn't up for interpretation. Even though I may fail miserably and break the laws that was given to me I am aware of the certain consequences that may occur.

Hymns

2005-12-22T21:26:00.000-08:00

I love hymns I think that they are more theologically based then most worship and praise songs in modern day worship. However, out of all the hymns that I don't get to sing--I go to the contemperary service-- my favorites have to deal with the birth of Christ. Even though they have been adapted into society and into contempary services I never truly realized the texts of the hymns. I feel that it is a shame that my generation have closed their minds to the beauty and the powerful lyrics within this lost art form. O Little Town of Bethlehem is a hymn that I analyzed my translation follows.

O insignificant Bethlehem, how quiet are you at night!
Above the sleeping of the town the stars go by above.
Yet in this town God becomes man and tonight.
All hopes and fears of all time are solved tonight.

For Christ is born to Mary.
While man is sleeping the angels are watching and celebrating the birth.
All angels proclaim the holy birth
Give praise to God and pray for peace for men on the earth.

Man does not realize the great Gift that was given to them by you.
So God gives to the human heart the blessing of His heaven
Even though man was not expecting because of the sin within the world
The meek will still receive Him, as the dear Christ enters into the world

Children who are naturally pure and happy pray to the Christ ordained from God.
Miserable people cry out to Thee, Son of Mary.
Where charity is observing and faith holds the door open
Man finally realizes that Jesus, is the Christ, and glory breaks.

Jesus whom was born in Bethlehem come to us, your believers pray
Take our sins and cast them away from us, enter our lives today
Your believers hear the Christmas angels tell the great tidings:
“O come to us, live with in us, our Lord Emmanuel.”

The Oscars

2005-12-12T16:53:00.000-08:00

With the release of The Chronicles of Narnia last Friday I was wondering if it would be nominated for the Oscars. When I came across this article why is Hollywood so turned around? Why is the Oscar committee so astonished with Brokeback Mountain and how innovated it is, yet The Passion of the Christ was totally looked over.

I am in no way promoting watching the Oscars--I have better things to do then to watch it. N

Now do not get me wrong I am not a big fan of Gibson’s movie to begin with. First off it’s not biblically corrects and it’s anti-semetic, but it was something that hasn’t been done before. The only reason why it was not nominated was because it was religious.

Almost Over

2005-12-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

I have 1 week left of school but I have to get through finals first. Right now I have 7 finals left before I could go home for Christmas break, then I come back for 1 more semester until I finally graduate.

Believers Working Together

2005-11-30T23:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was pondering at 911 Chapel about the relationships between the Christians Schools in Southern California---Azusa Pacific University, Biola, and CalBaptist. APU and Biola have a well known rivalry but how often do these 3 schools come together to work as one?

I have been at APU for 3 years and there has never been an activity where a group of believers from a "diverse? backgrounds can come together to serve a greater need. Plus, when has TFB come together with another denomination come together and serve the local community. Shouldn't the both of them have the same goals?

Dr. Gerald Wilson

2005-11-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Today I figured out that one of the greatest scholars at APU died. Dr. Wilson was a faculty member in the Department of Biblical Studies, who was suddenly taken to be with the Lord on Friday, November 11, 2005.

I had him for both of my semesters for Hebrew he was able to teach 20 of us how to read Biblical Hebrew. He was a patient man with a great sense of humor and even though he made fun of us all the time. He truly cared about each and everyone of his students.

Gerald was a wise and thoughtful counselor. As a "Master Teacher" I listened carefully and intently to his words and drew strength and insight from his knowledge. Wisdom, grace, and strength all marked this incredible man of God. He made a tremendous impact on my life; I will definately miss him.

Siyach: Philippians

2005-11-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Philippians 4:1-23

Key Verses:

1. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

~ Even during troubling times and when I feel like you aren't there you are comforting me.

2. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil 4:8

~ Keep my eyes on the end of the race on the ultimate and glorious prize.

3. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

~ Allow me to get passed myself and my stubborness and truly fully rely on you.

John the Baptist and Jesus

2005-10-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

In my Life and Teachings of Jesus Class--btw this is my favorite class this semester--we were discussing the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus. I don't know why but it was somewhat disturbing to me.

1. In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Matthew 3:1-2

2. From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Matthew 4:17

~Could Jesus have been directed in his ministry by John, could the time that Jesus was a follower of John been when Jesus was given his mission? I guess the reason why I think its disturbing is that Jesus is 100% man and 100% God, yet Jesus is being taught by a prophet of God.

Siyach: Philippians

2005-10-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Philippians 3:1–21

1. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Phil 3:21

~ I am nothing you are everything, transform me into the perfect creation that you intended.

2. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-14

~Thank you for waiting for me at the end of the race. Let me not focus on the past but wholly focus on you..

The Doctrine of Inspiration

2005-10-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Inspired directly translated from the Greek is “God breathed”

What does that mean?

From the mouth of God

Spirit generated

Produces something that others deem valuable

According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the bible is for…

Teaching

Reproof

Training in righteousness

Equipping

Proficiency in every good work

Correction

Siyach: Philippians

2005-10-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2:1-30

1. If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Phil 2:1-2

~Once again Paul mentions the idea of being of the same mind. I now know that Paul basically means the core issues. Thanks to Laura for helping me answer this question.

2. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4

~Reveal to me your will and ways of YAM. Help me put aside what I want to see and what would be beneficial to my fellow believers.

3. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:5-11

~Humbleness… easy to say hard to do.

4. Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Phil 2:14-16

~Arguing with the fellow believers the biggest turn off for a non-believer?

Population Control

2005-10-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

Have you've ever wondered that since man has gotten so advanced that the earth has to kill us off some way? I don't want to sound incensitive but I wonder if all the natural disasters that have been happening lately, earthquake in South Asia, hurricane in Louisanna, Tsunami in Asia, are just a way to help with population control. Even though we can find cures to diseases we will never be able to control mother nature.

With that said my prayers go out to the latest people hurt by nature.

Siyach: Philippians

2005-10-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Philippians 1:1-30

1. And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:6

~ Thank you for not giving up on me even when I want to.

2. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Phil 1:9-11

~ You are a constant force that never changes, and to think that your love is infinate is bewildering to me.

3. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear omen to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. Phil 1:27-28

~ My question is how do you stay in one spirit when you don't believe a 100% with what your fellow believers think is true?

One of my friends has posted her ideas on this question at Laura's Writings

Fall School Schedule

2005-10-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

My school schedule for the Fall:

All 3 Units:
Music in Worship
Ancient/Renessaince Music
Orchestration
Introduction to Philosophy
Life and Teachings of Jesus (My favorite)
Senior Seminar: Ethics and Education

All 1 Units:
Brass Techniques
Symphonic Band
Tuba Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Applied Lessons
Performence Forum
Brass Master Class (If I went...)

Monday Chapel

2005-10-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today in chapel worship was music with two guitars. As I was worshiping I noticed that no one was standing. By the way I usually never stand for worship due to the fact that I worship better sitting down, there are less distractions. I had to ask myself why in a room of 800 people no one was standing for an awesome time of worship, since that is the custom of my school. Why is it so hard for people to understand that worship does not have to have drums or be loud to be considered worship? Yes, I know that music does of an effect on your emotions, but when are we gonna push our emotions aside and focus on him? You think a group of mature Christians would understand what worship is by now, but unfortunately they do not.

Purpose

2005-10-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this is basically a reflection time on my growth with God and what is happening in my life. In doing so I hope I will grow in knowledge and wisdom and my relationship will flourish.