Song of Justice

Relocation

2010-06-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

Moving forward in life and in the virtual world, find me at

http://justineholguin.wordpress.com/.

Thanks for the good space, blogger. You were first first blog experience and I am grateful!

It's Complicated

2010-05-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years, I have been on a journey.
It was marked by an experience in Nairobi, Kenya - where I fist saw the faces of those I now know are my sisters and brothers - in the midst of rubbish and dirty streets of the Mathare Valley.
Since then, I was a part of leadership of the CBU campus chapter of International Justice Mission, and LEARNED a lot about the issues tied up with poverty in developing nations. One summer, I volunteered with the Orange County Human Trafficking task Force, where I met some incredible people that taught me a lot, simply by the way they live.
I've learned a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.

Micro-financing
Human Trafficking
Prostitution
Illegal Land Seizure
Oppression of Women
Immigration
Refugees

One thing that I've learned is that... it's complicated. I just read an article by Nicholas Kristof on the lack of access to birth control (specifically in the Congo - but really all over the impoverished world.)

Interesting to think how many things could be different if there was more access to birth control. It does seem that addressing the lack of contraceptives can be part of the curbing of pregnancies and related illnesses (including illnesses and death related to abortions and other things such as fistulas...). But I am also reminded that at the heart of the issues is ... selfishness.

How are we to get anywhere without dealing with the issues of the heart?

Returning.

2010-05-12T15:22:00.001-07:00

I have started a few blogs to post, and have quit halfway through. There is too much I have learned in these past few months to summarize in a blog post. Moreover, my few faithful readers are probably people who have walked with me through at least part if not all of the past few months.

So, here I am.

Back in Blog-action.

I may be moving soon, I'll keep you posted on my new virtual home.

For today, my thoughts are all over the place. Today's post is mainly to break the silence since my post responding to Glen Beck.

A little over a week ago I graduated from college, and already have opportunities that I will share soon.
One of the greatest things about college that any who has attended can attest to, is the ways that it shapes identity.
In the process of learning about the way people communicate (an accomplishment signified by a very expensive piece of paper), I have learned a lot about myself.... moreover, who I am in Christ.

Here is one thing that perhaps others can identify with

1. I thrive on conversations. I can accomplish a few big tasks during the day, but if I don't have a quality conversation with someone, I feel restless and without purpose as I finish the day.

As far as intercultural communication goes, that means I am more RELATIONALLY-oriented vs. CONTENT-oriented.
Yes, I do love relationships... but don't we all?

Dragging myself into the discussion...

2010-03-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Glenn Beck.

Though his words are outrageous, I can appreciate one thing that he said. He pointed out that many Christians do not understand what “social justice” or “economic justice” means. In working on my capstone this semester, I have learned a lot about how “justice” has been interpreted from Aristotle til the present. Granted, I have more questions than answers, but I have learned that the term “social justice” can be quite vague. What is this justice we are called to? Perhaps this is a future series of blog posts that will be filled with yet more questions... Yet in the midst of this all, we are still called to seek justice. We need to know what we mean when we seek to follow what we have been called to as part of God’s kingdom. In fact after writing these words I read an article by John Schmalzbauer (that I do NOT claim to agree with completely) that addressed this very issues.

Stanley Hauerwas’ name is being brought into the discussion as one who does not believe that there should be “social justice,” but for very different reasons. While I am still trying to understand exactly what he means by this, perhaps this quotation will leave a sense of where he is coming from.

“What makes the church ‘radical’…is not that the church leans to the left on most social issues, but rather that the church knows Jesus whereas the world does not. In the churches view, the political left is not noticeably more interesting than the political right, both tend towards solutions that act as if the world has not ended and begun in Jesus. Big words like Peace and Justice, slogans the church adopts under the presumption that, even if people do not know what ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ means, they will know what Peace and Justice means, are words awaiting content. It is Jesus’ story that gives content to our faith, judges any institutional embodiment of our faith, and teaches us to be suspicious of any political slogan that does not need God to make itself credible…Most of our social activism is formed on the presumption that God is superfluous to the formation of a world of peace with justice.” — Stanley Hauerwas

That’s about all I can pull out of this Glenn Beck thing, I don’t even feel like I can address the things he said – to think that the gospel deals with only souls, and is separated from the present-age is too ridiculous too imagine. Yet history has shown that pendulum can easily swing either way on the popular interpretation of the gospel. Is there anyone who has taken him seriously?

Stephen Colbert had some interesting things to say

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Glenn Beck Attacks Social Justice - James Martin

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Reform

Check out the “million Christians for social justice” on the sojourners website.
It is fascinating watching the discussion go on – “to do social justice” or not to…
Is it a questions of semantics or is it something bigger?

The kids of America

2010-03-24T00:16:00.001-07:00

According to Teen Rescue there are currently over 20,000 children enslaved in the U.S. today.

80% are girls
80% of those girls are undergoing sexual abuse and exploitation.

Check out Teen Rescue to see stories of people that are doing something to bring HOPE.

To Learn More:

Check out the documentary Very Young Girls, filmed in New York City about the Organization G.E.M.S. (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services)

Watch Shyima's story and hear of a girl RESCUED because of a tip from a neighbor, and the help of the local law enforcement.

The statistics are staggering, because the numbers represent people. Individuals no different from you and I.

I've been talking a lot with people about the church's role in the midst of this brokenness... more thoughts to come later.

Want to work with a non-profit?

2010-03-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to work for a non-profit organization? As I am searching for jobs, I am finding out that there are a lot of resources that are out there.

If you are still going to be an undergraduate, I suggest applying for Oxfam's CHANGE initiative.

The deadline is coming soon, so applications should be turned in quick!

If not, there are lots of other opportunities available. Check out Idealist.org, a job site where non-profits post volunteer and job opportunities.

There are often internship available through International Justice Mission, and many other organizations... I will post them as I find them!

We are responsible.

2010-03-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we as Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly." - Soren Kierkegaard

Though I read it in Irresistible Revolution (by Shane Claiborne from The Simple Way these words have been running through my head. Not necessarily because of the premise that the Bible is easy to understand. In fact, as a Communications Major I have learned too much about the misinterpretation of ANY sort of text... But that's for a later post.

Today, what is sticking with me from this quotation is the obligation to act accordingly with the knowledge we receive.

As I come to the close of my undergraduate degree I think back on the things I have learned that have shaped who I am.

Introduction to Global Studies my Freshman year OPENED up my heart and mind to see the nations woven throughout scripture. The gospel is NOT to be kept in one people group, I learned. In fact, God blessed Abraham originally so that he would be a BLESSING to the nations. Why? So that the name of the LORD would be proclaimed to all nations.

I wrestled with God's desire for His own glory - and ended up in AWE of the grace he uses to reveal it.

The slums of Mathare opened up my eyes to see firsthand the effects of extreme poverty.

Learning that the homeless have names - in Mathare and in Riverside began the process of ISSUES becoming people.

New Delhi, India shocked me with its culture and taught me to love those I do not understand. I began to see the power of a story, and the deep spiritual darkness that can be broken with NOTHING aside from Christ.

International Justice Mission taught me at last year's Global Prayer Gathering that the most powerful weapon we have in the struggle against injustice, is coming before the Lord on behalf of others. Together: In community. Oh, and that we should stop asking "Where is God?" and begin to ask... "Where are God's people?"

An internship at the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force revealed the web of human trafficking RIGHT next door. It EMPOWERED me to know that there are resources available for victims, but it is the responsibility of EVERYONE to keep their eyes open and REPORT things that look suspicious.

Of course there are many other things we learn every day that we are responsible for. And it does not seem like that trend will end any time soon. Today's information?

At least 200 North Korean Refugees to China are forcefully returned to the DPRK (North Korea.) Their whereabouts are unknown. Most likely they are sent to detainment camps. Those that do escape live in fear of being found. What a recipe for victimization. Women end up in trafficking, and have children who are born without a state to belong to. Abandoned, because there is no way to support them. It is illegal in China to adopt these children.

I also read an update on the situation in Morocco from the BBC.

Responsible for the information above, I hope that those of you who know me well have heard about these at some point or another. It may get annoying that I can't seem to find anything else to talk about than what I am learning...

But I... and now you... are now responsible for what we know.

If you feel like leaving a comment, I would like to know what you have learned that you now feel responsible for.

Here in...

2010-03-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand"

Today, 6 aid workers were attacked and killed in the Pakistan World Vision office.

As we sang these words in chapel, I could not help but think about the power of the words that we are singing.

During this season of my life, the reality of the strength of Christ - BEYOND what I can reason and explain... has been part of my everyday reality.

A dear friend has parents who work and live in North Africa, and who recently had 20 (foreigners) expelled from the country for "proselytizing."
That's a whole group of children who have been rejected and neglected, who will once again have those that they trust have to tell them that they are leaving.

On a global scale, with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and these two events...
and on a personal scale with heartache of my own and those that are near to me...
I am reminded that as we stand in chapel, whether our eyes are closed and our legs are tapping...
The words we sing proclaim TRUTH, HOPE, and RESCUE in the middle of situations that are otherwise overwhelming.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand"

The Story of Stuff

2010-01-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this link on facebook - so I looked it up.

2o minutes later, I had been taken through a brief summary of The Story of Stuff.

The information shared is a great introduction to understanding the history of consumerism in our society. There are many great points, but also some underlying theme which my wonderful fiance continually reminds me of.

1. The growing fear of death (particularly as a growing motivator for why we need to care about the environment)

2. The "bad-ness" of everything that is manmade. I think there are more reasons than just to pollute our environment that "stuff" was made - perhaps having to do with the idea of "convenience" - making things easier.

3. The idea that changing the power structure in the government is possible... that we can take away the power from the big corporations is a wonderful idea - but (as a very uneducated non-economic minded young adult) seems (like to video says...) idealistic. This does not mean that we should not care about the things that the video proposes.

Contrarily, as Christians we should care about this even more than those who are not following Christ. Our approach to the issues surrounding injustice in the world ought to be centered in prayer. Perhaps we can learn from "another way" that Annie Leonard suggest, but learn even more from "another way" proclaimed by Jesus.

Fire!

2009-07-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

The adventure began Saturday evening. We were relaxed on the hammock under the shade of a pine, with the creek running next to our campsite. There were no shouts, or people running to get away - but when a sheriff came by telling us of voluntary evacuations of the campsite, a decision had to be made.

What do you do when you are in the middle of possibly the most beautiful place in California and black and orange clouds loom ominously overhead?

Evacuate. (voluntarily)

Vacation was over - and all hands were on deck.

Here are some shots Merrick and I took in the middle of the frenzy. After a police escort down the hill we were on our way home - sad but safe!

You can see all the fires that are going on around here.

American Culture: The Democratically Confused Christian

2009-07-16T10:59:00.001-07:00

Disclaimer: This is a very touchy subject, that I pray I do not sound judgmental in presenting. I mentioned in my previous posts that these topics would come from daily observations. This is merely my developing opinion which is doing exactly that - developing.

I do not mean in any way that all of American society is like this, nor that it is the most prevalent thought - however people that fall under this category are out there.

Observations Day Two: The Democratically Confused Christian

Definition: A misunderstanding of the difference between identity as American and as a Christian. One with this perspective may tend to be elderly and reflect the worldview of previous generations.

Often feels strongly about one or more of the following issues:

The supremacy of America

Immigration Issues

The defense system

Terrorists

Their chosen political party as the only logical choice

The defining feature of those that fall into this category is the claim to represent a part of the church with their views. The identity as American is simultaneous with the identity as Christian.

Again, this is an invitation for additions, comments and questions.

American Culture: Sarcasm

2009-07-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Throughout talking to international students that have come to America I have discovered that the most difficult things for them to understand are idioms. Learning English is one thing. Learning the culture is a completely different type of story!

So, as I observe life throughout my day I have decided to keep a record of the things that make up our culture, that may not be learned from a textbook.

For Today: Sarcasm.

My Definition: Words said in a manner (that may appear serious or joking) that mean the opposite of the vocabulary used.

Example: "That looks cheap." (Said about something that clearly is expensive - like a European car that I saw last weekend in Irvine.)

The reason: Americans highly value entertainment and humor. We like things that make us laugh! When something is not inherently funny, we will use sarcasm and make it entertaining.

Expanded Use: When used in extreme measures may appear to be derogatory to an individual. It is often used in making light or fun of another individual or circumstance.

If you have anything to add, or questions about other uses or situations regarding sarcasm, feel free to leave a comment.

Twitter - Part Two

2009-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

In an edition of the Banner (08-09) (@j_at_cbu) I wrote an article on the now infamous twitter.

Shortly thereafter, an event occurred which can be labeled as no less than a phenomenon.

Suddenly facebook status' are filled with "@"s and underscores and hyphens that have created a new language. This language has been just a part of what I declare is redefining the face of society. With unlimited texting, iphone galore and wireless internet expanding, there seems to be no end in sight to the new face of communication.

While my original article reflected pure fascination, a new rockumentary by David Crowder Band* has released new and vital information about its dangers.

I have no choice but to share in the warning I have received. Take heed my friends.

Iraq (Ee-Rock)

2009-07-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

Keep Our Brothers and Sisters in Prayer in Iraq. Just today, Four Christians were killed and many others wounded after bombs went off outside of a church.

The BBC reports that there are 750,000 Christians in Iraq, and the Joshua Project reports that 1.6% of the population is some form of Christian. 0.1% is Evangelical.

Getting Political

2009-06-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Every day you learn something new.

Yesterday I learned that if you fill out the survey on the bottom of your T.G.I. Friday receipt, you can get a free dessert the next time you come in... or if you fill someone else's out who left in the restaurant, you can get it while you are actually there :)

On another not-so-serious note, I ran into Barack and Michelle Obama at Barnes and

Noble.

Yes, that's right - The Official Barack and Michelle Obama Paper Dolls are here.

Complete with the Red and Black inauguration outfit, (as well as everything Michelle has ever been seen in...)

I admit, I was a little offended by the "Africa Foreign Relations Outfit"... with giraffe and elephant masks.

Seriously?

Way to dignify our nations leadership, America. At least our elections don't resemble that of Iran right now.

Don't know much about the history?

Spend about 4 hours and $7 to read Persepolis, and see what has developed these people into a very persistent nation.

Rainbows and Rambles

2009-06-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

As part of the internship today, my fellow volunteers and I ventured to the great unknown of South Orange County, on a quest to educate and inform clinics and urgent care centers of the plight of human trafficking victims.

After several long hours of driving and talking, frustration and laughter, we ended our days journey in San Clemente - the tip of the County.

Just as we turned around to come home, we spotted something out of the corner of our eyes.

It was the elusive Rainbow Outlet -- a bit smaller than I had imagined.

10 minutes and $15 later, I had a brand new pair of mens rainbows (not a big fan of the womens style)

You see, my last pair of rainbows were last seen in a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. It would be cool to have a GPS on them to see where they are now.

Too bad I didn't think of that before.

While talking in the car I made an observation about ... well... talking.

Towards the end of a great conversation about religion and our different perspectives on life, I realized more than ever that it is too easy to focus on the message we want to convey in a conversation, rather than intently listening and trying to understand what is being said. Thus, utterly ruining any attempt for successful communication.

I wonder what went through Jesus' head as he communicated with those around him. I mean... he already knew what was in their hearts. Crazy to think about.

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

2009-06-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

What if we believed together that God not only loves us, but really likes us?

"When the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian." - Henri Nouwen (*as found in The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning)

I have been thinking about India a lot lately.

The BBC is featuring a photo gallery about the (Sikh) Golden Temple in Punjab.

Also, The Lakers won tonight.

No longer enough

2009-06-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to Jean Sasson.

For my Islam class this last semester I had to read the first book of her Princess trilogy. The true story of a Princess in Saudi Arabia, Jean Sasson uses her friendship with the Princess to tell her life story in three books. After the first one, I had to keep going and find out what happened! It offers perspective on the Islamic faith by one who holds its values dear, yet clearly depicts a world that has bound women specifically in chains of cloth. Though most Saudi Women do not have it this good, If you are interested in human rights, Islam, the Middle East, or Compassion at all... this trilogy is worth the read. My perspective continues to grow on human rights...

With the internship I have I am learning that we have an incredible governmental system in the U.S. to be able to give victims of trafficking and oppression a place of refuge and safety. However, even the government cannot change cultural norms. For example, recently an Egyptian girl was rescued from working as a servant in a Southern California Home for most of her life. Though she was rescued over two years ago, and is now doing incredibly well, her family has broken ties with her. The $19 a month that her family was paid for her to serve here in the States no longer comes in, and her family "responsibility" appears to have been severed. We do what we can to help victims using the resources we have, but the issues involving injustice are deep and complicated.

No matter what, I am convinced that the image that has driven me to want to work in this field is no longer enough. The image of a girl lying on the floor of a brothel, hidden from sight and mind. That image evokes emotion strong enough to work for a day... a week... a month. But ultimately it leaves me drained. Unmotivated. Overwhelmed. For me, it can only be the LOVE of GOD that motivates action against injustice. From this never ending fountain comes a stream of grace that each soul is an image of the creator, and that the compassion I feel is only a glimpse of the heart of My Savior.

Summer update #2

2009-05-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

This past week I started an internship with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.

The new website should be up later this week, so if you check it out once... check it out later to see some more interactive opportunities!

Tomorrow we start visiting local hospitals and check into cash locations to continue education on how to identify victims of human trafficking.

There are a few things I have learned from just one week in action.

1. Trafficking is very real here in Orange County. Check the Sports section of the OC Register... look at all the Asian Massage advertisements.

2. It is incredibly useful to speak another language - I am currently on the hunt for language speakers!

3. All it really takes for trafficking victims to be identified is people to KNOW what to look for.

4. Trafficking is ORGANIZED CRIME, and should not be investigated by the everyday person -

5. Call 1-888-3737-888 if you have any questions about trafficking, if you think you suspect a location or a victim, or for any other related reason!!! It is an incredible resource!!! Use it!!!

Hopefully these posts will be more organized as I figure out more of what exactly I will be doing this summer, but until then -

Welcome home Rwanda, UK, Central Asia, Canada etc.... !!!!

If you have nothing to do this summer, and are in the OC area... let me know! We can definitely use some more volunteers!

Check your... brake lights

2009-05-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

My brake light has been out for a few days... or maybe a week or so. I know, i need to fix it - but its one of those things that just seems to slip out of my mind unless I am in my car.

So tonight after dropping my brother off I promise my dad I will go to Kragen Auto Parts and get a new brake light.

Overwhelmed, I walked into a world where I could speak the same language yet everything seemed foreign. Cars confuse me.

A very nice clerk (Robert) carrying out the trash asked if I needed help.

Apparently my confusion showed.

After getting the make of my car, he said the total would be 649.

My head swirled, I called my dad to make sure I was getting the right thing.

He asked if I had enough money, and I remembered my extra loan money I had been given.

Sadly, I said yes - knowing that this was an emergency that this money was for.

He walked outside with me to take off my old light, grabbed a new pair from the store and another clerk rung it up.

"Six dollars even," he said.

I felt like I had been tricked.

"Are you sure? I thought he said six hundred and forty nine dollars!" I responded.

They looked at my like I was crazy, but I could tell they were laughing inside. Apparently both clerks and my dad clearly knew that 649 meant $6.49.

I did not.

Lesson for the day: Brake lights are typically around 6 dollars. Not 600.

Mission accomplished?

2009-05-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to blog again. So here goes.

I have struggled to figure out exactly what I want to use this blog for - to show the latest trafficking information I have heard, to tell funny stories from the day, to pour out the confusing mess of stuff in my head called thoughts... or to be creative and innovative and create something entirely different out of it.

Considering there has been a lot of life since International Women's Day, a brief synopsis seems appropriate.

School ended.

I'm moved back into Sophie's place.

I thought I would be stoked to be done with responsibilities -

but it turns out that I am addicted to being needed.

or something like that.

When you think of "home" what comes to your mind?

A good friend said that it is wherever the most of her stuff is... another talks about home as the place where her family is...

I am not sure what my definition is as of yet. But I am convinced of one thing, that K White shared with us in our last mentoring group. I want this to be my prayer - for summer and for life.

From Psalms 73

You're all I want in heaven!
      You're all I want on earth!
   When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
      God is rock-firm and faithful.
   Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
      Deserters, they'll never be heard from again.
   But I'm in the very presence of God—
      oh, how refreshing it is!
   I've made Lord God my home.
      God, I'm telling the world what you do!

We are women

2009-03-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today is International Women's Day.

There are events going on in 64 countries around the world! Unfortunately, I haven't found any near-by that have not already occurred - way to go Justine, and be late on the discovery.

But I know now, so as we Spring Forward today - let's remember the ladies of the world in prayer and in thought!!! Here are just a few of the amazing women I have had a chance to meet in life:

Kathy Ham (center) in Kenya, and her amazing daughters Karisa and Kelcey

Kim Van Geloof - and her daughters, Sophie and Allie

Jaya (in the center) in South Asia - and my teammates around (who are also wonderful women !!!)

And of course my family. My mom, to the left of me, my aunt to the right. My grandmothers in front of me. They have believed and poured so much of themselves into me.

My doctor, Anne Ford, and Mary Jo - this picture was taken during the medical part of our Kenya trip.

There are so many more - but as you read this, remember to lift up in prayer the women of the world that do not have the same dignity that we are privileged to have in the United States.

Particularly:

Widows in Iraq

women in afghanistan and saudi arabia

Haha, you said DOOTY!!!

2009-03-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

I have heard this phrase far too many a time - but despite the silly jokes -

I love being an R.A. in the cottages :)

This weekend I am on duty with Sam - and tonight we accomplished a lot!

She learned some chords on the guitar, started her own blog AND we figured out how to transfer pictures from the cell to the mac!

When we do rounds, we go around to make sure that everything is in check - no CBU handbook rules being broken and the such.

Sometimes there are crude messages on the whiteboards of certain cottages of the male gender. Not too bad - just lame.

So tonight, Sam did a little updating of one of the messages:

The latest on Darfur

2009-03-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

On Monday the International Criminal Court charged the Sudanese President Omar-alBashir with murder and war crimes. The humanitarian crisis in Darfur has been going on since 2003, and is not getting better. After the charges, alBashir ordered the humanitarian organizations to leave Sudan. For a brief history visit the BBC website, which is constantly updated with new information relevant to the situation.

A link on the website led me to comments by Sudanese people to the recent charges.

Here are two of the responses:

"The issue is not whether Omar al-Bashir is guilty or not, and by all means any individual that is responsible for genocide should be legally charged; but this is an internal affair in a sovereign country with a judicial system. If the international community is concerned about the situation in Darfur, they should be even more concerned about the safely and the stability of Sudan as a whole once such a warrant has been issued. The safety and stability of the whole country is at stake.
Mohammad Khartoum

The presidency of any nation, whether that nation is the US or Sudan, is an institution which is over and above any one person. This arrest warrant against President Bashir is an assault on the constitution of Sudan, its presidency, all the institutions that serve to uphold its constitution and more importantly its an assault on its people. For a group of lawyers sitting in Europe to believe that they know better and that they are over and above the sovereignty of a nation is an insult to its people.
Ali, Khartoum"

There are so many aspects to this conflict that I want to understand, and be able to communicate to others, but the more that I learn, the more that I see there is something else going on. As you are reading this, please lift up the people in Darfur in prayer to a God that is far greater than our understanding. That he would hear the cries of his children in Darfur, and his church would be the response - led in humility by the Holy Spirit.

For more information on how to be involved visit Save Darfur.

This picture was featured in a collection of drawings of children from Darfur. The quotation underneath the picture read,

"It is very kind to send us food, but this is Africa and we are used to being hungry. What I ask is that you please take the guns away from the people who are killing us."

Lent and Ash

2009-02-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

My good friend is giving up facebook for Lent. As the days leading up to Easter I felt like there was something that I should also find to give up for 40 days - but for what purpose?

In the struggle for the distinction between what is "Catholic" and what is "Christian," Lent can easily slide into the background for an evangelical in America. But since when do we let culture dictate how we are spiritually led?

This morning I came across an article from Christianity today, originally written in the 1960's, then republished in 2000.

Here is the concluding paragraph:

"Lent can become a time when material things are put again in their proper secondary position; when we see in the spiritual the unconquerable forces of life. It can become a time of self-examination, when we reflect upon our present position in the pilgrimage and check our directions. It can become a time of personal readjustment, not through mental resolutions to do better but through yielding ourselves afresh to the God who demands to be obeyed. And it can become a time when, by following the battered path to Calvary, we identify ourselves once again with the Saviour who makes all things new.

The task of the Church during Lent is to make this experience real to the people who are Christ's body. The form is unimportant and may well vary from group to group and from taste to taste. What is all important is that the form support, not obstruct, the way of the Holy Spirit of God who brings life to ritual and free worship alike, and who turns ashes into new men."

I haven't decided exactly what this looks like for me yet this year -but the challenge that it beings is clearer: to reflect on Christ's sufferings, and reevaluate my attachment to things "things" in my life.

Sex slaves in America

2009-02-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

During Justice week we talked about this on-campus - today I was referred to some articles showing its existence. Take a look at Jessica's story and an article about a rescue.

Going to get ready for a one-on-one now, so not enough time to blog my response - but I would love to hear your response to these things.

Back to the grind.

2009-02-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Sewers in Delhi,

I ran across this article today that is from an Indian's perspective on the clash of the progress of India vs. the struggle for dignity.

This morning Merrick and I participated in ITW's simulation Indian Market...

reminding me of the culture that I still struggle to understand.

I can hardly understand some cultures that originate from our very own soil.

MMMM.... Hummus

2009-01-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

A great friend + good conversation + cultural experience = none other than a wonderful time!

Cindy and I went out tonight to La Sajj Cafe: found on none other than a random google search.

We ate food that looked like this:

along with some amazing hummus and baklava.

The woman that owned it was the sweetest, and her daughter helped us understand the menu with pictures!

The food was lebanese, which is something I had never tried before.

Tonight served as a wonderful time to reconnect, while being reminded that there are so many cultures even locally in Riverside. Beautiful people with rich culture and tradition - many who do not know the truth of the gospel.

2008 and I - a very miniature reflection

2008-12-31T17:56:00.000-08:00

Because it is the last day of 2008, I figured today was my last chance to blog for the year.

The BBC has a great collection of pictures from the year. If you click on the link, you need to click on the link on the right hand side to see what I am talking about.

It's crazy to think about how much has happened within this year.

Personally, it is fascinating watching how my perspective and understanding of everything has changed since last January.

My view of the world has changed - literally. Visiting London, Prague and India are memories with people that I hope to never forget. Frankly, I don't think it's possible to forget because they have shaped a part of who I am. I have a ring on my nose to remind me of India - of the reality that goes on there and the ways the eyes of my heart were opened by its people.

My appreciation of my family and friends has changed - Having Nick and Sophie in London made me understand how much I value their friendship. Their engagement is a reminder that we are growing up - and I am more than excited to be able to be a part of their lives as they get ready to start this new stage.

New Stage. It's crazy that I will be graduating in a year. That this is going to be my last spring in college. That my brother is going to be starting junior high, jojo and chris are getting married on saturday, tia and craig in july or august, jason and stephanie in june....

I don't feel that grown up at times.

Like when I sleep in until 11:30 just because I can. But I guess I am. College is insane - it's transition 24/7.

I have no idea what will happen this next year, and what changes 2009 will hold.

I am going to start a the features editor for the banner (CBU's newspaper), continue to be an RA of some incredible girls that have become friends, take classes that are more challenging than previous ones, be a part of planning sophie's wedding and continue the daily surrender to glorify God through it all.

Thanks for being a part of my life in this past year :)

Finals: A new perspective

2008-12-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight Rachel, Amy, Molly, Teresa and I went to the Mission Inn and walked around looking at lights while enjoying kettle corn- fresh from the kettle. On our journey we saw a man singing on the walk by the Mission Inn. His soundtrack was very similar to a certain musician I have heard. It reminded me of this video that I saw on American Idol gives back a few years ago...

I think I have been on a video track lately... so let me add another also from the same season.

I cried the first time I watched it :)

Tonight was also the late night breakfast.

I have come to the conclusion that I love finals week. No regular class, lots of fun activities, great food and excuses to splurge on the sweets.

Okay, so maybe I don't love this week.

But it's not as bad as I previously thought.

Sure there is stress and I am realizing I should not have procrastinated as much as I have. But with the year winding down, it reminds me that I really do love the opportunity I have to study here. And I really love the friends I have made.

Maybe I have a skewed perspective, but I think I am okay with that for now.

It will be very different on Thursday morning when I wake up for an 8 a.m. final, but for now I am going to bask in the afterglow of a wonderful evening

Created for International Human RIghts day

2008-12-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

Go where others will not

2008-12-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

For the past year I have had a part time job working in the faculty workroom of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Besides having a quiet place to work on homework in between tasks, I have learned interesting bits of information from conversations with professors.

Today, Professor Biermann was talking about a website he had worked on of a group called International Crisis Aid.

It sounded like another non-profit that works with international issues such as human rights and poverty... right up my alley :)

So I looked at the website, and their locations caught my eye.

Afghanistan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, North Korea, Pakistan and Sudan.

Not the typical locations.

One of their vision statements is "Go where others will not."

It kind of inspired me - I want that to be part of my mission statement.

The kind of work they do is unglamorous. Dangerous. Kind of like the cross.

Hmmm...

Is it any surprise their vision verse is from Isaiah 58

"And if you give yourself to the hungry, And satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness, And your gloom will become like mid-day. And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your needs in sun scorched land, and give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden. And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."

It's the most wonderful time of the year???

2008-12-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

It's that time again.
Christmas Spirit and Final Papers combine to make a motivation for anything else than school...
Which brings me here to blog... avoiding a ten page paper that has been assigned all semester and is due on Monday.

There is something in me that loses motivation to do something once it has become mandatory. Unfortunately this semester blogging has had to suffer the consequences. HOWEVER now that semester is winding down, my fingers are free once again to type (or not) as they please.

A recent discovery of this week:

Organizations I would love to work for

1.BRAC: Alleviation of poverty and empowerment of the poor

2. Foundation for sustainable development

This is a very uneventful blog. But at least the silence is broken.

I need Africa more than Africa needs me

2008-11-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

I realized after I posted this that I needed to be a little clearer in my description :)

I was asked by an organization called Mocha Club to write about the statement "I need Africa more than Africa needs me." They are a community-based website where visitors can give $7 a month (the cost of 2 mochas) to support a project in Africa. Journalism students at CBU are using this opportunity to spread the word about their organization:

At this very moment, the Africa I experienced over a year and a half ago still exists. While I sit in class, Eveline and Sofia do as well. In the middle of Mathare surrounded by the world of shanties and AIDS, their smiles are etched in my mind forever, as I stress in my cottage over unwritten papers.

I become numb to a greater reality, that life in Africa awakened me to.

Is there something in the air, or in the soil that changes my perception? Or is it simply the reality of life around me. The suffering of life, and joy of spirit, that makes me aware of life beyond the task list of the day.

It is the hard things of life that awaken me to that reality. Death, sickness, hurt and struggles. These things touch emotions that otherwise go unturned. But there are opposites of these as well that serve the same effect. Life, health, joy and peace. In Kenya I saw glimpses of these as well, which brought a brighter sense of reality. A sense of purpose and belonging.

There are so many situations going on in Africa at this moment.

President Carter recently commented on the intense state of Zimbabwe. The Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is multiplying, and the crisis in Darfur continues. Change is needed. The nations are crying out for hope and for true change. The answer to the call lies in Jesus Christ alone.

So do I need Africa more than Africa needs me?

I think the answer is that we both need Christ.

Neither of us will answer the problems of the other.

While I may not be the cure to poverty, the kingdom of God is the cure for desperation of Africa, and my own desperation to truly live.

So now i pose the question to you: Africa is more than faces of pity and hopelessness,

The conspiracy

2008-11-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Okay.

So I may not necessarily like the title, because the word has been used continuously in an attempt o be "different."

Linguistics aside, this is onto something.

We watched this video last week in chapel. Along with several others,

as we were invited by Brian Zuniga to be a part of:

The Advent Conspiracy.

This is more than just the "reason for the season."

It's a crazy thought.

To really value giving more than receiving - so much so that we may never see the results or appreciation of the gift we have given.

We wonder and talk - How can we be a part of the "Christmas Spirit" while not participating in the consumerism that it entails?

As you figure out what that looks like for you during this season, there are some options that the website offers that are interesting.

If you really enjoy gift giving, make sure that your gifts are fair trade!

Some options are:

Ten Thousand Villages in Pasadena.

Trade as One (on online store)

Give a goat through (or many other survival necessities) through World Vision.

Provide a micro-enterprise loan through Kiva.

Buy freedom and support lawyers through International Justice Mission.

Donate and help build a well through blood:water mission.

Also, let your favorite brand names know that you don't support products that are slave-made.

I feel like this conversation is just beginning...

SoCal Fires

2008-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Just walked outside with Merrick... we can see flames off in the distance of the chino fire.

Stay updated at these sites:

Map of Wildfires

Blog of Wildfires

Keep in prayer...

Venting: Online Airline Services.

2008-11-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

Comment for today:

Virgin airlines are wonderful and the website is amazingly easy to navigate.

Lufthansa on the other hand...

Well here's my story.

I have been trying to redeem miles from flying to New Delhi this past summer.

So I created a "miles and more" membership when I got back.

The website gave me a temporary membership number, and said I would receive my PIN number in the mail after the first "mile" was earned.

Unfortunately, this was after my miles were taken...

All to say it has left me in a fix.

Yes, this was back in May - over six months ago.

I lose patience with the website and tell myself I will go back and try again later, somehow thinking things will be different.

...

Well, I guess I will try again later.

When you vote, remember

2008-11-04T10:43:00.001-08:00

The world is watching.

Equal Exchange

2008-11-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

There is one thing lately that has fascinated me and drove my crazy at the same time about the human race.

Opinions.

Everybody seems to have one, some with more validity than others based on their source of information and thought process.

The world of blogging has allowed every “Joe the plumber” to have a venue to have their opinions spread out for the literal world to see.

Rather than a simple speech there is an opportunity for people to comment, for ideas to be discussed. Sure, chat rooms may do the same thing – but the networking capability of blogging has ushered its induction as a new favorite pastime of the international society.

In a random search for other blogs interested in social justice issues I happened across the following four blogs;

http://matthewryanward.blogspot.com/

http://trevinwax.com/

http://chrisblattman.blogspot.com/

http://www.refugeesinternational.org/blog/

They are just four ordinary people, sharing what they have found, and inviting discussion about their conclusions.

And now for today’s topic.

Coffee, food and clothes seem to be the three things that college students consume the most of. Typically we are unaware of where there these resources have come from. Whether slavery or abuse was involved in producing them does not often seem to cross our minds as we order our pumpkin spice latte celebrating the autumn season.

A few weekends ago, CBU went to APU for a Speech and Debate tournament. After leaving at seven in the morning on a Saturday, the on campus coffee shop was a welcome sight about halfway through the day. Although the rivalry between University sports can get intense, I was inspired by something that I saw when walking inside cornerstone café.

http://www.equalexchange.coop/

Four organizations have gotten together to define Fair trade as

“a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.”

I have blogged about this before, but after finding how APU has made a decision to change companies to a fair trade company, I began to wonder where the coffee, tea and sugar that CBU uses finds its origin.

Equal Exchange offers everything from coffee, to chocolate bars, cocoa, teas and snacks such as almonds, cranberries and pecas. Brochures feature pictures and reflections from farmers, producers and consumers that are part of its change.

The following image puts into perspective how different their process if from the conventional coffee chain.

With many of the problems in the trade world today, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. When confronted with the facts that fairly traded products are more expensive, we often choose the cheaper of the options out of “necessity.”

Equal Exchange works to connect the consumer with the farmer.

Diego Perez Lopez, President of CIRSA Cooperative in Chiapas, Mexico said, “Consumers and farmers must continue to walk together. We are all working together in this cooperative effort for the good of all… we are all in the same struggle for a life of peace.”

Aside from workers being treated with fairness, they pride themselves in over 90% of their products as organic.

Dona Ana Lucia Banol, part of the cooperative in Colombia said, “Everything I grow is organic. Why? You see my hands; they’re covered in dirt But they’re no longer burnt from using chemicals. And my land? Well, it’s time to give back to the land a part of what the land has given to me.”

As college students and as followers of Jesus we need to be aware how our decisions affect others – in more drastic ways than we can imagine. With the upcoming election many of us can feel powerless, as if our voice is so small in the presidential campaign of California that it will not matter.

And we vote anyways.

By emailing our food service and other places we shop, we do have a voice in the market of the future and the market of today. So send a few emails... let me know what you find out :)

A very happy ending to a perfect beginning

2008-10-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Most people say that fairy tales don’t really happen.

That the heroic stories of princesses falling out of trees onto the white horse of their prince will forever remain alive only in the animated world.

My experience of the past week however, tells a different story.

If you read here, you will meet two of my closest friends,

Sophia Christine Van Geloof

And

Nicholas Robert Sykes

The first is a ridiculously romantic, and the second a fantastic dreamer.

And so, when Nick decided that he wanted to marry Sophie, he could do it in a way that is no less than extravagant. Considering the fact that they are currently studying in London, and he was taking he to Prague for the weekend as a birthday present, the stage was set for an incredible story.

Which is where my story gets to join in on theirs.

Nick knew that Sophie would want her family around when he would propose, so after countless late nights on the phone and emailing her dad Arty, his dad Kip, a fireworks guy in Prague, and myself, the stage was set for her family (Dad, Mom, Sister) along with myself to fly out and be there when he proposed. His dad and step mom were visiting them in London prior to the weekend, so they would meet us there as well!

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008

Time: 20:30 (Otherwise known as 8:30 PM)

Location: Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

After leaving LAX Thursday night, we arrived in Heathrow for an 8 ½ hour layover on Friday, to arrive in Prague by midnight that night. We awoke the next morning to scope out the spot where the events would take place.

From the first view outside of our hotel, the city literally my breath away with its cold and its beauty. Prague is the one place in Europe that was not destroyed during WWII – every building appeared to tell a story. With autumn leaves decorating the streets, there is no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We ventured through the metro and by foot to finally arrive at Charles Bride around 3 P.M. With the proposal set for 8:30 that night we had plenty of time to walk around and plan out where we could be to hide in the shadows so that we could see when he would propose.

As far as Sophie knew, the plans for the day included going to a Ballet at the Theatre, walking to Kampa Park for a beautiful dinner, and going back to her room in the hotel to watch Harry Potter and order room service ice cream.

The ballet ended early, and rather than walk to the bridge that they were supposed to walk on, Sophie insisted on walking down to Charles Bridge as the most direct way to get to the restaurant by their 6:30 reservation.

Here, a close escape was avoided by quick thinking on Nick’s part, when we nearly ran into them on the bridge that was filled with tourists, artisans, musicians and merchants.

They walked on to the restaurant… and we waited.

And waited.

And spied on them using binoculars (the restaurant was visible from the bridge)

And waited.

And finally the moment came.

We were in pretty frequent communication with Nick via text messaging as to where they were and what was going on, and around 9:00 PM, we finally saw their faces emerge from the crowd on the bridge as they walked to “the spot.”

Nick had every detail planned to perfection, but Sophie wanted to get a picture of the other side of the bridge, where there was a beautiful view of the Prague Castle.

As we waited and watched, they took pictures and talked, and he reached to hold her hand…

And her face melted.

They had joked in the past about how her favorite thing to do is hold his hand, and all he needed to do to propose was to slip the ring box into her hand and she would know what was happening.

Which was what had just happened.

They talked more, and he got down on his knee...

She cried and smiled, (said yes) and they kissed.

By this time, the families and I were bursting to run up and hug her (we had seen them in two months!), but we held back.

As he stood up, Nick’s dad called the fireworks guy who had set up a two minute show on the other side of the bridge.

As they started going off, Nick pulled her over and told her “These are for you.”

They turned to watch, and we ran to sneak up behind them.

The anticipation was so intense, Allie and I were literally jumping up and down waiting for her to know we were there!

As the show ended with a heart exploding in the sky, Nick turned to her and said,

“I have one more surprise for you.”

“What else could there possibly be?” She asked…

and she turned around…

There aren’t lots of pictures from this moment, but in the words of Allie, “It was probably the happiest moment of my life.”

We all hugged and cried, and laughed and took thousands of pictures.

They are now engaged, and the proposal of a lifetime has been written in their history.

We spent the next two days together in Prague, and went back to London to visit their school on Monday Night. We explored London on Tuesday (from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and St. James Park) ended by a “London shower” which sent us to our hotel to watch Harry Potter and enjoy room service.

The “see you laters” at the airport the next day were difficult, but the memories made were worth far more than words can describe.

I hope you have enjoyed the real life tale of an unbelievably perfect proposal.

I certainly have :)

Wednesday's Debate: A recap

2008-10-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

This is a place where I can vent my feelings. Frustrations. Desires. Dreams.

A totally personal place of freedom and privacy (that the world can see…)

So here goes.

I don’t want to vote.

Tonight I joined the speech and debate team (and about 60 others) in Yeager A111 for a smashing discussion and viewing of tonights Presidential debate.

We decided several things.

If John McCain was an animal he would be a teddy bear.

If he was a planet, he would be mars. If Barack Obama was a planet, he would be mercury.

(Think back to the classics and their characteristics of the planets)

These were some thoughts that my friend (and resident!) Molly and I contrived while attempting to find relief from the nights events. Although humor was in plentiful supply in the form of McCain’s jokes/comments/jousts at Obama.

The issues themselves never actually got solved. There were a few things I noticed for sure that jumped out to me.

McCain repeatedly wanted to be sure that Obama understood that he was not George Bush
Obama is a fabulous speaker, resulting in the appearance of having the upper hand

The questions from the moderator were fascinating, including a question that pointed out that the plans of both candidates to lessen the deficit actually would increase it as a result.

While he could have been a little more involved in the conversation, the questions were definitely challenging and pointed towards relevant domestic issues, though they may have gone unanswered.

So the conclusion of this debate, and conversations held afterwards is this:

No matter who our country falls into the hands of, we will have “change” whether we like it or not.

Working through the cringe

2008-10-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Politics.

For some reason, the very mention of it makes me cringe. Thinking about who to vote for, and which issues take precedence over the other. Wondering not how Jesus would vote, but what it looks like for us to pledge our allegiance to Christ, while appreciating and valuing the position we are given in this country to be a member of society.

So why the cringe?

I get intimidated: I don't really know what's going on.

Decisions scare me, even though my vote is only one, I do not want to put my voice behind something or someone that I do not believe in fully. Hmm... I guess that would be anyone other than Jesus Christ...

What scares me more than the decision?

The blur between our identity as "Americans" and "Christians."

Want some varied opinions?

Check out:
Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne

The politics of Jesus by John H. Yoder

Jesus wants to save christians by Rob Bell

Democracy Matters by Cornell West (whom I just discovered from Call and Response. "Justice is what love looks like in action.")

SO, as the election comes nearer there are a few questions I would like to ask :)

As a part of the kingdom of God, unattached to any political party...

Are we to vote on the candidate based on character or issues?

How are we to determine which issues take precedence over another (For example, legalizing current immigrants, or bringing an end to violence in Iraq)

What does the slogan "change we need" really mean?

A phrase that was used in the speech on the website of barack obama disturbed me in its context.

At the end he closes his incredibly well delivered speech with "hold firmly without waver to the hope that we confess"

Sound familiar? Yes, it is from Hebrews 10. Hope?

Not that McCain's slogans are much better, (although i did not hear scripture twisted in this one!)

"fight for justice and opportunity for all... stand up and fight, america is worth fighting for...we never give up, we never quit."

To be continued...

But for now imagine a room full of people whisteling and clapping in excitement)

God Bless the poor and the oppressed.

God Bless the broken and the weak.

God Bless the Nations.

"Missions" and myself part 1

2008-10-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get to the point where your mind is focusing on so many different things that it is difficult to express any one of them in detail?

That is the mindset behind today's blog.

And so I begin... not really knowing what will come out.

"Missionary" "Field Worker" "The Field"

Words most often used when referring to those serving overseas.

We know in our hearts that we have the same task "here" that we do "there"... so why do the terms still go on? What is it that makes the two places different, in our mindset, our words, our awareness and our dependence on the Lord?

In chapel yesterday, Dr. Mooney talked about the "decentralization" that happens when we become followers of Jesus Christ.

There are times when I get into a "rut." I find it difficult to be genuine with the people I love most. My head spins in circles until I become paralyzed at my current situation or circumstance.

When I accepted Christ and began to grow in the knowledge of and in relationship with him, the biggest desire of my heart was to know him deeper in a real way.

When the cross is in view, I have found it impossible to think much of myself in the context of anything other than immense gratitude.

When I lose sight of it...

Everything becomes overwhelming. Suddenly life is "me" centered again, and the process of being overwhelmed begins all over again.

And yet I have found this to be ONE of the reasons I lose confidence and intentionality "here" that I had "there."

Quote for today:

"Discipleship means adherence to Christ...

Discipleship without Jesus Christ is a way of our own choosing. It may be the ideal way. It may even lead to martyrdom, but it is devoid of all promise. Jesus will certainly reject it."

(The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Oh India

2008-10-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is the mosque that I visited in Delhi this summer.

This is muslims praying at the end of Ramadan...Eid al-fitr

(BBC Photo)

Second post of the day

2008-10-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

I know I already posted today, but I had to say that I love children.
From the BBC, can you guess who they are dressing up as?

The curtain has been torn

2008-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Matthew 27 tells the story of the final hours of the life of Jesus.

The few chapters before narrate the story of the time leading up to it.

Why is it that our minds, when suffering and sad, seem so detached from the real person of Jesus that lived and walked this earth?

In reading this last week I am overwhelmed with the sorrow and agony that Jesus went through.

In his silence when he was mocked.

In the words of rebellion against this world that he said, and was mocked for.

In his prayers of deep emotion, for the sake of the Glory of God... so that we may be saved.

I am going to be writing a paper for a class on CS Lewis, entitled,

"Eternity, Justice and the Cross" in which I am going to be researching two of Lewis' works (and several other texts) to explore how our desire to have purpose and for social justice, is inspired by and hinges on the truth found in the cross.

I will share my findings along the way.

This is what has been on my heart lately. The desire for social justice in itself is not what makes us good, or even what inspires change. BUT when it is a natural response and desire of our hearts because of the view of grace that we see in the glory of the cross, we find eternal meaning in each orphan defended, child rescued, and broken comforted.

The curtain has been torn. We do not need to work for peace with God. He has given it freely to those who believe :)

Quote for the day:

"All history comes down to Jesus, and all history flows out from Jesus"

~Dr. Thom Wolf

Thought for the day

2008-09-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

"Justice means much more than the sort of thing that goes on in law courts. It is the old name for everything we should now call 'fairness'; it includes honesty, give and take, truthfulness, keeping promises, and all that side of life. And Fortitude includes both kinds of courage - the kind that faces danger as well as the kind that 'sticks it' under pain. 'Guts' is perhaps the nearest modern English. You will notice, of course, that you cannot practise any of the other virtues very long without bringing this one into play."

from Mere Christianity CS Lewis

Not related pictures:

My Best Friends are studying in London for semester.

Bust first, they took a trip across Europe... here are some photos from their journey :)

Individualism, Take This!

2008-09-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

Some Thoughts on Community.... in regards to Faith... By people wiser than myself.

"But God has put this Word into the mouth of men in order than it may be communicated to other men. When one person is struck by the Word, he speaks it to others. God has willed it that we should seek and find His living Word in the witness of a brother, in the mouth of man. Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother man as a bearer and proclaimer of the divine word of salvation. He needs his brother solely because of Jesus Christ. The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brother's is sure." From Life Together by Bonhoeffer

"Now Faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever your reason takes. I know that by experience. Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: But when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable. The rebellion of your moods against your real self is going to come anyways. That is why Faith is such a necessary virtue: unless you teach your moods 'where they get off', you can never be either a sound Christian or even a sound atheist, but just a creature dithering to and fro, with its beliefs really dependent on the weather and the state of its digestion. Consequently one must train the habit of faith.

The first step is to recognise the fact that your moods change. The next is to make sure that, if you have once accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before our mind for some time every day. That is why daily prayers and religious readins and church-going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed. And as a matter of fact, if you examined a hundred people who had lost their faith in Christianity, I wonder how many of them would turn out to have been reasoned out of it by honest argument? Do not most people simply drift away?" From Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

I am incredibly blessed by the Body of Christ as I have yet experienced it.

From elementary and growing up and the family I was placed in...

From junior high and high school, and friends that I don't contact as much now, but who were a part of the journey...

From the church family at Eastside and Rose Drive, and the genuine relationships...

From friends met here at CBU, and their willingness to walk together as we search for God's heart and direction for our lives...

From the girls in my cottage this year and their random conversations but genuine desire for community and Jesus.

Just very blessed. Thank you to all of my brothers and sisters who have been and continue to be such an encouragement and challenge in this journey of faith :)

That's all for tonight.

All men are created... equal?

2008-09-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

The effects of flooding in Northern India.

BBC News reports that those who the flood is hitting hardest are the Dalit people of Bihar, India.

After being breifly dipped in the culture of India for several weeks, my perspective on this article is different than it would have been before. Not only from a deeper compassion for its people, but from a widened understanding of how deep the roots of Hinduism go into the culture - including the impact and roots of the caste system. NOTE: I am not an expert by any means!!!

BUT, this section of the article stood out to me. This is an exact quote from the author in a worldwide news publication.

"We have to challenge the system. I know the problem is gigantic. But efforts need to be made. Each one of us has to make a step forward.

Another aid agency working in this area assured me that they tried to treat displaced people equally.

The critical point is that while equality may be an accepted philosophy it can only happen once people also agree in practice to be equals.

Equality means that all people should get food and their rights and dignity are respected.
But flooding and discrimination seem to have taken those rights away."

There is the assumption that all people are equal. If my understanding of Indian history is correct... there is no basis off of which to gather this conclusion. Other than what CS Lewis calls in Mere Christianity, "The Law of Human Nature" which "tells you what human beings ought to do and do not."

Where does this sense of equality come from? For those that have no belief in a God at all, or those that do not believe in the God of Abraham... what is the basis for equality among man?

Photo Credit: BBC

Blind Sighted

2008-09-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

A reminder that spiritual warfare is real... it can even make the news.

Reading the news before the Word is not a pattern I would suggest as a morning routine.

Beginning work today at 7 am meant rushing what has turned into a relaxed routine for waking up every morning.

And so, as i check the BBC for the day the first article that caught my attention was "The white priestess of black magic."

It's focus is an Austrian woman who left her home and divorced her husband to restore the ancient spirits beliefs in Osogbo, Nigeria. The claims are that Christian and Muslim missionaries destroyed the cultural practices.

"Followers say she has channelled the river-god Osun into her body, learning the knowledge of pre-Christian deities like no other European has ever done."

Her near death of TB before she received this "possession" was described as part of this ideal of their culture:

"The Yoruba beliefs all depend on sacrifice, that you must give something of value to get something of value, you must suffer pain to gain knowledge."

(I don't want to stretch the connections here, but there seems to be an eerie connection to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil)

There are photos of the statues she has had erected towards the nature spirits alongside of a river, to which people offer sacrifices.

"Mrs. Wenger believes that the spirit world has long been neglected by Western culture, and spirits can appear to anyone as long as they are willing to accept them. "You need special eyes to see them," she says."

As I am reading in Matthew I can't help but find a contrasting yet parallel truth in scripture.

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

2 Why do the nations say,
"Where is their God?"

3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.

4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

6 they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;

7 they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

In "When I don't desire God" By John Piper he discusses the different between the eyes of our heart and the eyes of our head, and how only God can open the eyes within our hearts to see truth. The means of doing this is through the message of Jesus Christ. It is only in hearing this that men's eyes can be truly opened.

The Spiritual World is all too real. I don't understand most of it, but am reminded through this article that evil will continue to grab hold wherever it can - and disguise itself as truth. How are these people to know that what she claims is "an opening of eyes" to this world, is not the side that will win in the end?

Courage and Concern

2008-09-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

To any girl who has ever had long hair, and experienced the loss after the short cut... I commend you.

After going with Rachel, one of my amazing residents :), to get 15 inches cut off her hair today, I was reminded of the rush of courage it takes to simply get it done, and the weird feeling afterwards... when you realize it doesn't go back on!

I was honored to be a part of this event (and the encouragement sessions which followed).

Partially because it seriously is a CHANGE.

Something that the average person is afraid of. Perhaps not on the surface. But deep down... when something familiar is suddenly whisked away, or a decision is made which large impact, there is a sense of fear of the unknown. From traveling to another country, to transitions in life, to funerals or graduations... change is hard.

As a believer in Christ, we have faith that the Lord truly will work all things for the good of those who love and fear Him - because we (are beginning to) understand that things are truly "good" when God is most glorified (which is when we are most satisfied in Him!)

So this is my tribute to Rachel and my mini thoughts on change.

I will try and keep my thoughts shorter than the last post from now on.

Three more updates for the night.

1. My blog will (for the next four months) be serving the purposes for a class as well. Interesting, not sure how I feel about this yet.

2. Here is an article about changes that President Bush is making involving Iraq...

8,000 troops are finally leaving. But where are they going? Afghanistan.

3. An update on what is going on in Uganda, involving the search for justice in northern Uganda with the lord's Resistance Army. It is more complicated than a simple war crime punishment...

Slippin and a Slidin

2008-09-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

So did you know...

I was just sitting here in the box... and i stumbled upon this headlining news on the BBC. "UN says wealthy failing the poor"

Immediately i thought of a few things.

1. Who are the wealthy? The wealthy of the United States or Europe as an International power? Or the wealthy within the specific countries themselves?

2. Wow that's a depressing headline... but why is it not shocking...

3. It sort of seemed like the bad news that no one wants to hear but everyone is expecting. OR (to the average human rights aspiring activist currently enrolled in a number of Universities across the world...) simply discouraging.

What exactly can be done, if the UN, the gathering of multiple nations, has not had success in making a grand dent in the issue of poverty?

The article ends with this quotation:

"Against a backdrop of gloomy economic news, food shortages and high fuel prices, the UN's argument that more should be done to help the world's poorest could be difficult to sell."

Many have heard about The One Campaign and the way that it has affected the effort to end world poverty. But when one has seen the deep rooted causations for poverty... the corruption of government, the misallocation of resources, the boundaries of the world of the wealthy, and the spiritual darkness and bondage... this article comes as no surprise.

Reading this article led to a link entitled "Can aid bring an end to poverty" which has a pretty good summary for people who would like a brief introduction to the main current problems in the world poverty and aid efforts.

It talks a little bit about two specific books which I have not attempted yet... but definitely recommend reading if you are interesting at all in economics, business, international politics etc.

"White mans burden" by William Easterly, and "The end of poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs. (He also has a new book new book out entitled "Rich Christians in an age of hunger: moving from affluence to generosity")

If any of you have read any of these books, I would love to hear your thoughts on these articles... even if you haven't, this is a discussion that needs to happen.

Interesting how these are not new problems. "Life has never been normal." CS Lewis uses this phrase in his discussion on war in "The Weight of Glory." I can't say that I have read the entire book, but in this section his message is that war simply brings to the surface the unrest that is continually going on within humanity.

In the article I first mentioned, one of the reasons attributed to the lack of effort and aid to the poverty crises was the growing economic struggles.

But I guess, that's the way it goes, right?

We are all about humanitarian efforts - when we are in the green zone of safety...

Fortunately (or unfortunately - whatever you take is) as followers of Christ, there is a different way of life we are called to.

Where the "caring for our neighbor" and "suffering with those who suffer" will not always come at a convenient time. In fact, it may come at a time when we are weak, hurting, confused, or feel inadequate. The God of Creation knew it would be so. 1 Corinthians 1:20-31...

The thought that has been on my mind for the past few months, is that every gift of peace, every encouraging relationship, even every "lightbulb moment" or "realization" that "I" come to, is because of the grace of Jesus Christ to reveal it.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (Paul tells about the response of the Lord to the thorn in his flesh)

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

What a contrast to everything that is said to us by everyone around. Tired? Stressed? Overwhelmed with people (Amen)? Discouraged? Unmotivated? Waiting? I have found myself at pretty much all of these places over the past few weeks...

It is not for us to be strong but the Lord. In articles like these, it is easy to lose hope. Hope in man's efforts. Our purpose in social justice, and in caring for the poor is for the sake of the Glory of the Most High God. It is his compassion and his guidance that will bring progress, hope, and change to the developing world.

THERE IS A TANGIBLE WAY TO LIVE THIS TRUTH!!!

Nope, I have not even nearly figured it all out yet. But friends, we are in this together :)

SO, will the UN solve world poverty in the next decade or so? I cannot say I have a prediction that is even somewhat educated in its guess.

So let's get educated. Lets meet the rising leaders studying in our country that are from those nations. Let's lift up our passion, dreams, and desires to be a part of something greater up to the Father who gifted us with them. He WILL accomplish his purposes. We won't always see how we are supposed to get to where we or going, or even where that will take us. What an adventure....

Kind of like the rush of a slip n slide, when you let yourself fall and slide. Which, I was unsuccessful in today. I couldn't seem to keep my knees from landing first. It was like a safety mechanism - my body would not let me fall. Oh that we may learn to keep our knees back, and let go of control!

Much Love my friends <3

Earthquake!!!

2008-07-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

A 5.7 earthquake has just shaken southern california. It feels like my mind is constantly being shaken with thoughts and things that dismantle shelves and pictures off of what I had previously been imagining....

"The Most deadly trick of Satan is not to rob us of our answers. It is to steal our questions."

Every once and a while I stumble upon words, that are simple yet somehow are etched in my mind for the day. Or the week.

Mine for this week was found in the form of a bathroom reader :)

Although the Author is known for many of his other beautifully written books, todays is called " Shaped by God." By Mr. Max Lucado.

The title of the section was called "eyes that never see, ears that never hear."

It put concepts to the words that are flowing endlessly through my mind.

Lately, (with all of the anesthesia and vicodin) I have been unable to focus. On prayer, On reading, On relationships, On emotions...

Basically, I don't know why one would choose to consistently take drugs. The feelings and haziness of life are so frustrating, I don't think I could ever do it without falling into depression.

Thank you to those of who you have cared and prayed as I cope with the loss of my wisdom :)

Anyways, as I am finally coming out of this "hazy" phase, I am being confronted with questions that I feel like I have to fight to ask. Like there is something inside of me letting me know that things are okay the way they are. But there is a much stronger sense inside of me that is troubled by knowledge.

Knowledge of things that are going on in the world AT this very moment.

Knowledge that I am in an incredibly influencial and affluent society.

Knowledge that the God of the Universe has given us the power and ability to involved in...

Doing Justice

Loving Mercy

Walking Humbly with Him.

That is all he has not only asked, but called us to do. SO - while I wait to see what this looks like for me, be encouraged to not give up on your questions! Whatever they may be... It is not up to you to create an answer, but to seek Jesus Christ - and he will reveal things to you in due time.

Ask the questions.

Don't settle for comfortable answers - and I will try to do the same :)

May we have faith as small as a mustard seed - that our questions will be answered - by the God that created everything from the Universe down to every human soul.

May we be willing and ready to listen, accept, change, be molded, and GO as Christ leads us on.

TIME CHANGE!

2008-07-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

According to my calculations...

Merrick is no longer in Kolkata, India and is probably in debriefing in Bangkok, Thailand... and so the block on the right of my page has switched.

4 days from tomorrow he comes home.

Just thought I would share.

The Pulse.

2008-07-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

With the paralysis gone from my literary endeavors, the most recent read has left the blood pumping strong from my heart to the rest of my body.

What could cause this sudden recovery?

“Terrify no more” by Gary Haugen (President of International Justice Mission).

For those of you who are passionate about human rights and social justice issues (which – Praise JESUS – many of you are) I highly suggest this book.

While I have read a few books/articles that are very descriptive and emotional about the horrendous atrocities that are going on it the world, this book targets sex trafficking specifically in the nation of Cambodia, also highlighting cases in Kenya, South America and South Asia.

Rather than dramatize the situation, Haugen does an incredible job of describing the world of the slums of Cambodia. The book details the story of how IJM first became involved, and brings the reader to see the intensity of the world involved of accomplishing their three-fold purpose in the sex-trafficking focus. (I am summarizing here)

1. Get the girls out.

· The book focuses on the work they have done to get under-age children out of the brothels. Here Haugen talks about “the one” mentality. He takes the reader to understand how important it is to truly see each “one” girl that is rescued as a victory – for the kingdom of God. Each individual child is a child of the Creator God, and therefore is worth it.

2. Find aftercare

· THIS is crucial in the rehabilitation of girls that have been through things no child should ever even hear of. Not only have some of the girls had to have intercourse with several thousands of men leaving them at risk to numerous STD’s… it leaves them with emotional scarring and self-esteem that amounts to seeing themselves as a possession, rather than a loved and precious child of God.

3. Seek Justice for the perpetrator

· The system will not be penetrated if the girls are merely taken away. The men and women who are keeping them captive must see that this is something that is going to have dire consequences if continued. And so, they do whatever it takes in working with the government of the country in question to enforce laws that the country by itself has had a difficult time enforcing. For example, they have done immense work in partnering with the Cambodian government to crack down on those selling young girls: something which is already outlawed in the system, but for many reasons nearly impossible to enforce. Unless something is done.

I have read the statistics before. Seen and heard stories of what is going on. A few things about this book have resonated, disturbed or encouraged me deeply…

Haugen talks about how many people ask “Where is God” when they see and hear of the incredible evil that is going on. After being in the middle of the scene of the crimes, Haugen has come to ask himself instead, “Where are Gods people.”

Where are we? I may be too hard on myself at the moment, but I get to a point sometimes where I begin to wonder.

Are we all talk?

Mostly talk?

We (the current college-age generation) are taking steps to “prepare” us for the chance to “make a difference”… and it is a weird place to be. How do we know that the opportunities are not all around us to be active now – and we are simply ignorant of them?

What exactly is the “difference” that we are trying to make?

I understand and believe whole heartedly that Jesus is calling us daily to live in surrender to him – as light and hope in even our southern California world where darkness is masked but everywhere. That does not change the fact that there are certain things that stir my heart.

The descriptions of 14 year old girls, who have grown up knowing nothing else other than how to “wear a mask” so that she will not be beat for not smiling enough for her customers pleasure.

The evil that is in this world in sickening. In talking with my dearest friend, we discussed why she found “The Dark Knight” so disturbing, to the point where she would call it a scary movie. The human mind and body is capable of much.

Batman is not inherently evil. It is a movie: purely entertainment.

But it makes a good, and even scary point… that there is a dementia of evil that I do not understand. We always hear that good conquers evil.

As a follower of Jesus I know this to be true! I believe it, have seen glimpses of it, and feel it deep inside of me. The Glory of the Kingdom can never be diminished.

Haugen quotes Edmund Burke when he said that “All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”

He gives the example of the Rwandan genocide, and reminds the reader that history is simply the story of yesterdays today (I am paraphrasing).

So today my friends,

I would like to hear… Or even just ask you to think with me as I ask myself…

What am I doing today to be a part of the Lord bringing justice rescue and healing to his children around the world.

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

Merrick in India (comes back on the 31st!)

Tyler in Ecuador (comes back on the 25th!)

The Kenya Team (comes back on Aug 4th)

Tim Buskey (comes back sometime in December!)

Rose Drive Rwanda team (leaves tomorrow)

International Service Projects

The Girls around the world that are crying out for hope.

Those at IJM that are using these lives to be a part of their rescue.

Here are a few pictures of Indian Life, courtesy of the incredible photographers Zack Ewing.

Breaking the paralyzation

2008-07-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in the middle of 3 or 4 books, but never mustered the desire or discipline to actually finish one of them?

I have been in this state of literary paralyzation for quite a season now, and would like to celebrate the completion of the first book (which I started last) from the list.

Somehow, "Peace Child" by Don Richardson, captured my attention and my heart for long enough to read the entire 25 chapters. It follows the story of the cannibalistic Sawi tribe in New Guinea, whose entire ethic system places heroic emphasis on characters such as Judas, with betrayal as a virtue. It goes into detail describing the story of how one "missionary family" (known by the Sawi as the Tuans) brought the message of the gospel. By following their journey from culture shock and misunderstanding, to the revelation of the redemptive analogy that the Lord developed deep within the Sawi culture it is beautifully written and faith challenging.

For some reason the style of books that I have been into over this past season has changed dramatically.

The list still contains a few to be completed:

Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot

The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard

And a few that I hope to start and finish:

Terrify no More by Gary Haugen

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

and a new recommendation from coffee with Jen today,

The Open Secret, and The Gospel in a pluralistic society both by Leslie Newbiggen.

BUT

As i have recently learned, the books that really have caught my attention lately are the ones that are the least expected, and so I humbly ask you my friends...

If you were to give advice on a book that seems worthy of making it to the "completed" list, what would you suggest?

Thank you, and...

pictures will come soon from recent activities :)

(As soon as I find my computer cord)

Much Love from my heart to you all <3

At least I still have my legs

2008-07-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hancock.

After thoroughly analyzing this film for 10 minutes in the ride home tonight, my fellow critics and I have reached the following conclusions.

(Don't worry I am pretty sure it doesn't give anything away about the plot to those of you who have not seen it)

So from the minds of 4 disappointed women come some remarks:

1. And the genre is...

It could not pick a genre. From comedy to drama to comedy again... our minds were left confused and unsuccessful in our attempt to categorize.

2. There seemed to be two movies... a somewhat lame first part, and then a let down of a sequel, put together in one movie.

3. Will Smith is truly a great actor, but seems to have picked two let downs for his last films since Pursuit of Happyness (which I honestly could not comment on, since I have not seen the latter two)

4. The most memorable funny moment was a one liner about McDonalds!

I NEVER desire to be a movie critic, but this is partially an attempt to get my mind on things of utter insignificance.

Next Wednesday will mark the halfway point of Merricks journey in Kolkatta. To read an update on their team click here. Almost three weeks have gone by, and I am going by Tammy's new favorite quote:

"No news is good news."

Interesting how in the absence of someone you can learn more about them then when they are with you.

This has definitely been a hard week to get through for may of my friends, with the things that life has handed them. Somehow the Lord is still in control, and Good and Faithful to those who seek him!!!

And, to keep the spirits up of those who may stumble upon my humble words...

Jeff Luckey gave some words of wisdom today. No matter what happens you can always look down and say...

"At least you still have your legs!"

Hanuman who?

2008-06-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

Latest on the BBC... Another opportunity to see how visiting India has changed my perspective on the world...

Indians offer a gold covered statue of a monkey god to Barack Obama, because they heard he carried a monkey good luck chain on him.

"We have heard that he carries a small monkey charm in his pocket. So he is a devotee of Hanuman. That's why we want to present him with this idol," he said.

During our time in India we visited a Hindu temple where the monkey god Han

uman was worshipped. The experience cannot be contained in words. From the sticky floors, insane smells from burnt food offerings, bright colored flowers and pushing and shoving all the way through it would be classified into what I would describe as an American : Chaos. Yet each person seemed to know exactly what they needed to do. It was like a check list, ring this bell, kiss this stair, say these words, walk this way...

The two things that stuck with me most were the bells, the pictures of the gods on the walls, ad the faces that were painted onto them.

The bells left an eerie sound... and brought life to the story of 1 Kings, where there is a test between the followers of Baal and the followers of the Lord. The followers of baal shout and dance and try to awaken and appease their gods... with devotion and passion and unceasingly... and yet their efforts are fruitless.

There was a man that a friend say attempting to feed a peeled banana to one of the statues... and every picture of every god on the walls, had food pressed against the location of the mouth.

And on the faces of each of these idols... was the same smug look. It was deeply saddening to simply observe the bondage that has gone on in India for centuries... and greatly angering to see the injustice to the most High God who IS the only One Worthy of Praise and Worship - who desires good for his children!

Throughout Deuteronomy there are words spoken by prophets where the Lord speaks of his anger towards idols, and warns people to turn away from them. In 1 Samuel 12, Samuel leaves his farewell with these last parting words.

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away."

Oh that the Lord would continue to raise up workers... both national and internationally to speak these words in love and truth to the peoples of South Asia, wherever they are located around the world.

All of this to say, that the one image of Hanuman has much more wrapped up in it than a political statement of support of Barack Obama. The last phrase of the article stated that those who offered him the statue believed:

"India will progress if he comes to power."

While they are entitled to their opinion, I would have to wholeheartedly disagree. My heart is burdened to see that statement. From a humble pair of eyes that observed and studied life in India for a mere three weeks, there is a much deeper change needed in the heartbeat and framework of India if there is ever to be change and progress. What do I think the solution is?

I am not educated enough to know... however a man named Phule who was the guru of Ghandi and of Ambedkhar offered the solution of India turning to follow the Baliraja...

Just a blurp

2008-06-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry the pictures didn't post! I will work out why later...

For now, some thoughts.

Although India frustrated me while I was there, it has made me fascinated with Indian people here. With that combined with Merrick location by the end of this week, my interest in South Asia events is heightened.

For Today: (lift this up in prayer)

Indian girls aborted in large numbers.

He should (if they are going by the schedule I heard) be leaving the training in Thailand by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Missing him oh so much today...

Still breathing

2008-06-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is an official apology to my avid readers (of which there may be few!) to not capturing the thoughts of my South Asia trip in a blog as of yet! I wrote out these thoughts last Wednesday but had internet trouble… so here is the beginning of my return blogs!!

This has definitely been a much harder trip to process and to capture than I thought it would. I think, because it left me dissatisfied with quite a few things. There were some beautiful times, and some hard times, so I will list a few of each to begin to summarize...

Good: The chance to observe. There was so much about the culture and religion, that diving in would have been difficult without the perspective and chance to simply watch how to culture interacts with each other.

Hard: The sickness.

Good: The Encouragement - for the local church by us, and for us to see the Holy Spirit moving in small but powerful ways.

Hard: The separation I felt from the culture. Not until the last few days did I get to meet some national friends that connected me to life in South Asia.

Good: My team! They are incredible individuals. We balanced each other out well as a mini representation of the body of Christ!

Hard: The materialism. It has consumed Western society, and has newfound roots in the upper and middle class of South Asia. How difficult to interact with those in the upper part of society, who are just as lost as those at the bottom. And yet my heart hardens towards the top, and breaks for the bottom. I found my human limits to compassion. It is only Jesus Christ, and a heart that seeks his own, that a compassion for all can begin to be formed.

Good: The Word alive. Where scripture talks about idols... has come alive for me. It is an injustice to the one TRUE God, to have idols in existence and worshipped around the world. This is good not its essence, but in the revelations in my heart that are taking place.

Hard: The Remains of the Caste system. The subjugation of women. The lostness and the darkness. The harshness that can all be summarized as the culture.

Great: WE WORSHIP THE MOST HIGH GOD! WHO IS GOOD! AND WHO DESIRES GOOD FOR ALL HIS CHILDREN! PRAISE GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE. HE IS MOST WORTHY AND DESERVES ALL GLORY AND HONOR AND PRAISE!!!

This is just a bit, as I continue to process these things. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to go and experience and learn. This trip has played a huge role in continuing to shape my heart to resemble one higher than mine... in all humility there was very little that I feel I did on this trip to benefit anyone. It is only Christ in me and in the church that can and WILL bring change to this earth. What will it be called? His Kingdom come.

On a personal note: Merrick left for India yesterday. Keep him in your prayers :) He returns in exactly six weeks from tomorrow... hopefully the new job at Panera Bread will make the days pass quickly! Here are a few pictures to make your reading with your time J

This is the day that the Lord has made!

2008-05-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

And the day that I leave for Southern Asia.

As we have been preparing, I so deeply value your prayers that many of you have faithfully brought before the Father for a variety of things. Last night was so encouraging to have a few of you come and pray over myself (and Merrick!) as I leave in T-Minus 3 hours! Actually our flight does not take off until 4, but after that we will be traveling for a mere 23-25 hours.

From LAX to Frankfurt, to our final destination will be quite a long journey but lots of time to read and get reconnected before journeying these next three weeks together.

The main thing I got on to post was this: Prayer needs.... I have come to value prayer support so much more than ever before in preparation for this trip.

1. That we would find strength and confidence in Jesus Christ in the intense face of spiritual darkness that we will encounter, both before and after our departure. A friend pointed out last night that spiritual warfare may be roaring like a lion while we are in country, but it comes like a lioness (quiet and ravaging) when we return.

2. That the people themselves in the area of South Asia that we will be in will have their eyes opened to the truth of Jesus Christ as the one and ONLY Lord of the Universe. That they would be freed from the bonds of Hinduism.

3. That the Lord would use us in any way possible as we SURRENDER to the Holy Spirit. That we would be sensitive and aware of how the Spirit is already moving in the area, and be EXPECTANT of him to do things greater than we could as or imagine.

A few other specifics:

- The Unity of my team: They are seriously INCREDIBLE people that I would love to be lifted up individually as we each have concerns and anxieties about different things both here and there:

Kinsley and Joe (our leaders)

Aaron

Dane

Ashley

Rikki

Nancy

Kolbi

Dayna

(and myself!)

~ Please pray against disease and sickness while we are there. "Delhi belly" is something we will probably all go through, so please pray that it will pass quickly. Please also pray against any typhoid specifically in ALL members of our team.

~For those who will be missing us back home.

~ For safe travel and opportunities even while we are doing so!

~ For understanding and peace in the midst of the culture and worldviews surrounding us.

~ For all of the unknowns that we will need prayer for as they are revealed to us!!!

you can follow our journey here and click on the team "South Asia A"

Thank you all. I LOVE YOU and will be missing you and excited to share stories upon our return.

Peace and Love :)

Not just waiting on the world to change

2008-04-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

So I was in the middle of working on my Mobilization assignment for Global Perspectives, when I left to have dinner with my wonderful friend Cindy. It is always encouraging to talk with someone who is growing in understanding the heart of Christ in similar yet still different ways...

which led to a conversation with Alicia. With all the ways that we are learning about what is going on in the world, there is still so much we don't know. But what we do know, we feel responsible for. We feel called to take action, not by our own ambition, but by the grace that is given to us ever so abundantly in Jesus Christ.

An example of something that is already being done? Arty recently got back from Kenya, working with the Hamms in Mathare Valley. They have been doing micro finance projects with families in the area, and posted the videos on youtube.

I am excited and in wonder at what the Lord of the Universe will use our hearts to do. May we not rest in awareness, but move to action. May we not act out of our own ability, but by the power that is within us of the One who has defeated darkness. May we forget what we understand to be our own limitations, and embrace the limitless nature of the One who put these desires within our hearts. May we forget ourselves, and remember the Cross. May we stop asking Jesus to come into the dreams we have for our live, and humbly ask how we can fit into the plans He has for his kingdom. May we not judge the need because of the scars of sin, but accept the broken remembering the way we once were. May our love extend beyond emotion, move to compassion, find no limitation, and overflow out of an abundance of the One we reflect. May we stop and realize that there is nothing we can do to change the world, because the only thing that could rescue the world has already been done. May we not be paralyzed by fear, but spurred on in hope. May we never settle for lives of comfort, or fall into the trap that wealth equals success. As we pray and learn and live together, may we remain humbled and find rest in the presence of the Jesus Christ...

My dear friend Becca reminded me of a song tonight... and I would like to share the words. Mind you, it is sung by the powerful voices of Shane and Shane.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea:

A great high priest, whos name is Love,

who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

My name is written on his heart;

I know that while in heaven he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see him there

who made an end to all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free

For God, the Just, is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

Halleluah! Hallelujah! Praise the One, Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the Risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless righteousness,

The great unchangeable I AM,

The King of Glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by his blood

My life is hid with Christ on High

With Christ my Savior, and my God

If war broke out in Ghana, would we even know.

2008-04-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

My good friend Evan Human debuted this song last night. He told me about it a while ago, over conversations of Jesus, life and the violence in Kenya. Needless to say, my heart is continually burdened more and more for the people in Kenya. The question he asked in the song was... would we even know? The facts are... we don't.

There may not be war in Ghana, but there is tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a multi-faceted war in Georgia (not the United States one.) There has been a huge ordeal in trying to make peace in Uganda (yes, it is the same war that Invisible Children is active in.) Do we know these things?

www.bbc.com has become a dear friend this past year. As Christians, we need to not only be informed but be actively in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world... along with the lost. I am only beginning to learn what this looks like in reality rather than theory.

The title of this is "a steady surge of questions" so here are my questions of the day (mixed with random thoughts...)

1. I have been reading about the recent rising death toll in Iraq. War is brutal and harsh. What are we to do as Christ followers. How are we to respond?

2. There is an organization I have just learned about called Kids with Destiny.

Read about it...

3. I leave for South Asia in 20 days. My how time flies! Here is a picture of my incredible team. Please be in prayer for us... Specifically regarding finances and spiritual warfare.

4. Yet another article has surfaced about working conditions: this time in Jordan.

5. If anyone is curious about another site that keeps companies accountable, go to corpwatch.

6. This is where my next question comes in... What on earth are we to do in response to this? Do we stop buying clothes from all companies unless we are sure where they came from? Do we ignorantly not pay attention to these things, and feel like we can't make a difference, so why try? Do we care? How do we act as good stewards of the things that the Lord has blessed us with in this situation?

7. And the last question before chapel today... I am done with school on April 29th :) Anyone want to help me move out?

Bad news... good news.

2008-04-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the good.

After touring American Apparel's factory today in Los Angeles, I got to see first hand the incredible way that this company treats their workers. I would put a link to their website, but I am not a fan of the images that are on it... so if you are really interested, you can find it on your own. The workers have so many benefits, from free massages on the job, to a health clinic IN the factory! Also learned that every worker at an american apparel factory WORLDWIDE gets paid US minimum wage. They also control everything from the material that is woven to the products that are designed... so the whole process except for the cotton (which cant be grown in LA) is sweat free... this makes me wonder about the cotton, but that is for another day.

Now for the bad...

Provacative images. I asked about the images that they use in their advertising, and he replied with the following: They do all their advertising "in house." They use normal people, wearing the clothes as people normally would. They save millions of dollars. They want their customers to feel sexy... so they use images that make the models (who are either workers or friends of workers) look sexy...

Not sure how i feel about this, but i am definitely not excited about it.

The other reports of the day:

Good news:

Merrick emailed me some websites and I have more good news. Here is another link to a site that shows stores around the United States that offer items that are made "free trade" and "sweat free." There are some sweat stores... from things to recycled flip flops, to clothes made with bamboo there are some sweet options :)

And the bad news:

Starbucks and Victorias Secret may be two of girls favorite places to shop. Good coffee and quality garments that matter most... Unfortunately I am not confident in either of these places anymore.

Here is a story about Starbucks attempt to be "free trade" and an article about Victoria's "Not so sexy" working conditions...

All I can say at the end of today... is the more I learn and get closer to a conclusion... the more questions that arise. I have yet to find answers to this huge issue which is becoming bigger in my reality every day.

The Hall of Shame

2008-04-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a list that many have been asking me about. The top companies that know about the mistreatment of their workers, and have turned a blind eye.

Some that might surprise you? American Eagle, Hanes, Guess, Dickies, Wal-Mart (Still!!!!)...

Statements of the poor. Facts about poverty.

We hear these statements. We read the facts. Until we have met the people, seen the sights, breathed in the smell… we are separated. The disconnect between us, and them seems like a world away.

But it is the same world. Different languages, same God. Desperation met with silence from the world of luxury and comfort.

We are critical of guilt laden attempts to make us care.

We give money, feel better… Two percent satisfying our conscience.

The cycle continues. Where is change?

Has the body become preoccupied with clothing itself in finery that it forgets its hands can move? Has our brain been immobilized by overanalyzing our disagreements?

Blessed...

2008-04-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

To be a blessing. It is a theme found in Scripture and that holds true in every breath of creation. Yesterday marks the end of my 19th year of life... which means I turned 19. Strange, yes, but many traditions are!

I have never really understood birthdays. In fact, I have often felt sad around my birthday because somehow I expected to feel appreciated more than is necessary. Honesty is brutal sometimes. It's bruises, contrary to their physical connotation bring understanding in their pain. The concept of gifts is something I also don't totally know how to address... I don't want to hoard them, yet everyone loves receiving presents!

As I am being refined, I am learning this lesson: If we are blessed to be a blessing, then even gifts that are given to us by humans also fall into this category.

I say this with excitement, but awe as I am only beginning to understand what this means.

Let's break that down with an example, too many lofty words in that sentence.

The incredible man that I am privileged to call my boyfriend got together 15-20 people who love me (friends and family) and purchased me a brand new macbook. I cannot say how overwhelmed I am that they are so sacrificing and loving... I spent the first couple hours just playing with it, enjoying the many wonders that come upon entrance to the apple family.

BUT - even this gift is for the glory of the Lord! I have just made the decision to become a graphic design minor (It is a huge need in the developing world, and non profits that work within it.)

To group my thoughts together by the impacts they have had on my life...

1. A double minor in graphic design and global studies

2. A deeper understanding of the incredible friends I have been given.

3. Appreciation of my Father and little brother despite their humanity.

4. Frustration with the oppression that our world is saturated in...

5. An opening of my eyes to the world of clothing and sweatshops. Join me on Friday if you are too....

6. A peace that even though I am overwhelmed, overcommited and stressed... the Love of God is ABUNDANT and my SUSTENANCE.

This was rather stream of consciousness style... Lo Siento mis amigos! As I grow as a writer, hopefully the readability will improve :)

Taken with the newest blessing in my life:

The wonderful man who put it together:

Consumer.

2008-04-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

We are American.

Our very definition gives us the title as a consumer. I am not taking this opportunity to say whether that is bad or good... It is simple a fact.

The bad comes in when we realize we are ignorant consumers.

Do we know... DO I KNOW... where the clothes I am coming from were made? Could I be supporting the mistreatment of children of God, by what I choose to wear?

Merrick got the opportunity to hear Shane Claiborne speak a few weeks ago at Vanguard. He shared a story of a boy working at a clothes factory. This boy had a face disfigured by a large gash that went down his face. He told the story of how he got it: He had not been working fast enough so the boss had strucken him. When he began to bleed on the clothes, his boss got a match and burned the gash shut so that the bleeding would stop.

This story is sick. It sounds fake: made up for a shock factor. And yet it is the reality of many sweatshops that exist in the world today. Sweatshops that produce the clothes that we choose to put on every day. I am still trying to wrap my mind around what this means. Research which companies have fair trade. Find out about other conditions which are unfair and what I can do to have a part in change.

Here is a blog I found that reports current fair trade issues.

I have had no motivation to write a few papers this week... so my time has been spent here. It is a list of hundreds of sites of companies that only use fair trade and organic products.

There are even organizations that exist to organize boycotts and keep companies accountable.

We have probably heard about the wal-mart contreversy in their unfair wages and use of sweatshop clothes, but did we know that target is not much better? And Forever 21 as well?

I am not trying to spread bad things about these companies, I recognize that they are owned by people just as human as myself... and I am still trying to find the truth. It is so hard to sort through everything, but I am convinced that as a Christ Follower I cannot blindly support the injustice that is THRIVING in this industry.

I would love to hear your thoughts. This is a conversation that is only beginning

Deep Fried and Covered in snow

2008-03-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

That is a pretty good description to describe the highlights of Nashville, TN.

Lists seem to be the easiset way to organize my thoughts, so here goes.

1. Good home cookin is supposedly the best thing about the South... while I am not sure I would agree, there definitely is deep fried EVERYTHING. Even the fries taste more fried.

2. Here is the Forensics team at Crackerbarrel... the best place to eat where you are in this part of town :)

3. Another thing that has popped out at me is this phrase...

"It's all about you" I have seen it in BOLD letters at least 2 or 3 times in the last few hours... from the Grand Opry Mall to the bag that our dinner came in... and it made me think.

If this is truly what makes things sell... how much more contrary is the gospel to this culture it penetrates when it shouts things such as "Not to us, but to your name be the glory" and "All to Jesus I surrender" and "Christ in me the hope for Glory - YOU are everything."

These statements cannot be shouted at the same time... which one is our LIFE proclaiming through our actions, our words, and our thoughts.

4. Is it strange to be experiencing culture shock over half a year after re entry? With the topic of LD debate as "What should the United States do to aid the greater horn of africa" I GET TO LEARN about the issues that go around the people that I feel in love with this summer. Yet it is a different world... academic debate... and reality.

I prepare, and file my evidence and focus on the task at hand, and then think...

About Eveline and Sofia and Keith and Kathy, and Mathare... and still am processing how we are all living on the same planet - in completely different worlds. My thoughts struggle to wrap around the truth of Jesus Christ and the power that is in his ressurection, the harsh reality of poverty, the consumer culture of America, the desire to be educated in order to be strategic as a change agent for the Kingdom, the doubt about how what I am learning could be relevant, while still longing to be with dear friends at home.

5. I saw these giraffes in the airport... it made me think longingly of Kenya.

6. Cingular commercials are everywhere... raising the bar higher right?

7. I love getting to know new friends.

8. I am very introspective.

9. It has been a rainy day that turned snowy... what a change that makes on my mood

There are other thoughts in my head but for now...

It's time to sleep.

And pray to have energy to face tomorrow with joy - for the sake of the name of the Lord!!!!!

Missin ya'll in Nashville...

Excuse Me Mr. Mayor, can we make the trains quieter?

2008-02-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today I had the privilige of being a part of the group that got to converse with Riverside Mayor Loveridge.

I honestly had no idea what to expect... but i didn't expect a few of the questions that were asked. For example... where is the nearest location to recycle our cans? (It is at Stater Brother's down the street btw)

(This is in no offense to the people asking the questions... they were only representing the students)

But it did give me a few thoughts and observations about both our students and about the city of Riverside...

The majority of college students (and perhaps Americans in general) are looking for ways to consume rather than give back. Could this be why it is so counter-culture when we want to be involved in service? Why it is hard to reconfigure our schedules to fit in time where we intentionally engage the community along with balance our classes?
Mayor Loveridge pointed out that on average leadership will recieve 1500 persuasive messages a day. 1500.
How then, do we not only sort through these (as from their perspective) but be able to be one of those that rises to the top?
The Mayor also pointed out that he is impressed by people who do things out of the ordinary. Not that we are seeking to impress people, but to "make our mark" no matter what it is for... we must do things out of the ordinary... which makes sense because since when were followers of Christ supposed to fit into the mold of "ordinary"...
Statistic: 80% of high school dropouts go to prison.
Statistic: The majority of those were influenced most in elementary and middle school.
That is the biggest area where the Mayor said we need volunteers and investment... specifically he mentioned Liberty Elementary School.

What would it take for the majority students to not only WANT to be involved, but to be active in investing in our hurting community?

Diagnosis: Sick and Sorry

2008-02-26T22:57:00.001-08:00

I have a new appreciation for duct tape:

For some reason unbeknownst to myself...

a diagnosis is comforting even when results are slow in the coming...

Lastly a Russian Literature laugh for the night...

The shadow of earth and sounds of tyrone

2008-02-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

Last night was occupied with perspectives homework... so today I reflect on yesterday... and today...
I am going to have to shorten my blogging style if I am ever to succeed at this.

The Story

To begin, I am not sure it was coincedence that at the exact time the lunar eclipse was to be seen, clouds blocked our CBU view, making the only possible view available from 15 miles south in Corona.
Naturally, being the naturalist that I am, Aubrey and I hopped in my gasoline chugging saturn and headed to the 15. After arriving at the Magnolia exit we realized... we were 5 minutes away from her Oma's apartment. Our choice was difficult. Waste gas staying warm watching the moon on an offramp, or drink tea with her Oma from a balcony with a better view.
It was an adventure for the night - in that it was very not expected.
It is a great feeling - realizing that a simple action really resonated in the heart and lifted the spirits of one you spent time with.

The Lesson

A lunar eclipse is knowledge that should be retained from high school. In the case of a sudden loss of memory, make sure a cell phone is nearby, with an expert in astronomy on the other line. In this case, Tyler Green.
Definition: When the earth's shadow (which it always has, but can not always be seen) covers part of the moon. When it turns colors it is because it is reacting to different states of the earth's atmosphere which it has neared.
For Future Reference: It happens pretty much every year.
It is another reminder of how very small we are. And how no matter what is going on in this place we call our world... There is still peace... and control... in the Lord who created it all.

The Aftermath

Tyrone Wells: Amazing. A great introspective musical denoument of the night :)

In the near future I will be blogging on the modern mission movement... when I understand it, along with the emerging church. Today my mind has been too preoccupied to really process everything ... but that is why I have a blog! Strangely this seems like it could be a strange form of word vomit, but at least the readers are choosing to continue.

Rather than attempt to find answers, here are questions I am posing for today:

If we are in between the modern and postmodern period, how are we to foster an enviroment for church that meets the needs of both generations?

Can a church exist that meets the needs of both? When is a church plant, or "organic split" neccesary?

What does community look like in a large church setting?

How many current Southern California Churches are open to the movement of the Holy Spirit?

Why can the sole sound of rushing water be soothing... and the sound of silence, deafening?

How can California have three of the largest ports for sex trafficking in the United States... ?

How is it that in a class at Christian University I can still see large effects of the "American Dream" on what we are taught to pursue...? This is not a critique of the University, but a question of how much we have let culture affect us, and how we have affected the culture.

On a more personal note...

How on earth can I use my life to be a part of the Story of the Glory of the Father... love those who have gone ignored and unloved... fight for justice... learn to write, to do graphic design, videography... strive to be in constant conversation with the Lord... and accept grace while passionately pursuing change...

And the last question for tonight... (and least profound, but most paranoid)

What exactly are symptoms of bronchitis?

Stream of Consciousness of Spiritual Warfare

2008-02-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

For greater thing have yet to come
and greater things are still to be done in this city.

The fall of man. The tower of Babel. The Fall of the Roman Empire. The Barbarics. The Vikings. The Crusades. The Discovery of the New World. The persecution of the middle eastern church.

History is moving towards something. Towards the day when the Glory of the Lord will fill the earth in its entirety and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Each day is strategic and purposeful in being a part of His Kingdom Come.

I learn all these things anew every day. The way Jeff put it in class today made sense... Rather than ask what is God's will for my life, we are to ask, How can I use my life to be a part of your story. From our prayers of guidance and strength for ourselves, to our topical reading of scripture, we have been a part of a very individualistic expression of the church. After experiencing the Word alive in other nations... how then do we return and fall back into routine of reading for the sake of reading. Of praying for the sake of hearing our on voice. Of loving when it is convenient. I am not criticizing "the church"... but myself. It is not "a revelation" that i lack. There is no altar call that fits my need today. I do not need to "recommit my life to Christ"... that is a daily decision to die to myself... a decision which I do not even completely understand.

What is it that I currently lack?

Consistency.

Even in the midst of the sickness that seems debilitating. The Holy Spirit is still alive and moving, why am I so unaware of little outside of myself simply because I am sick?

__________________________________________________________________

A thought from Russian Literature for the day.

"The demon of comparison is a very petty demon but one of the most dangerous. He does not attach himself t the strong - there is not much to be gained from them; but he likes to seduce the little ones. And his seductions are, for the little and weak ones, irresistable"
- In Bondage by Feodor Sologub

Something that has been coming up so often in conversation lately is the fact that here in Southern California, the main darkness is that of materialism. Of comfort and apathy. For some reason the light has a harder time penetrating this darkness... because it is disguised by a light of its own. A friend recently had a dream that put this picture together in my mind. (I hope she doesn't mind me sharing!)
The light looks attractive. Harmless. Comfortable. Attractive. Easy. Fun. Succesful.
There are no danger signs warning us that as soon as we get drawn in we will never be satisfied until we experience more. Even then this path will eventually find an end as it dims into darkness for eternity.
Not until we experience the true light coming from the opposite direction can we see that this light had nothing to offer in the first place.
How could we be so decieved? How could we not have seen that there is no way to seek two different lights at the same time? How could we have settled to put ourselves in the position to look at the great light, while creating our garden comfortably and cooly in the midst of the imitation?

How I ask - Have so many settled for less than the fullness of peace hope and joy that comes when following the true light?

HOW?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6

Yes, even here in our "modern and civilized democracy" this reality is true. The fake light has succeeded in making many comfortable with settling for status quo while the rest of history moves towards something great.

Definition: Heavy eyes

2008-02-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

I do not understand the way the human brain functions. Although my body is clearly sending my brain the message that it is exhausted and needs to be rejuvinated, my mind has won over, and will not stop reeling with thoughts - even for it's own well being. And so I have ended up here again.

To give a few recently learned definitions of the week:

ITW: Intense time of activity created to develop perserverance and reveal true qualities about the characteristcs of those on one's team.

India A: An incredible group of people, who I grew accustomed to living with for 48 hours. Can be described as honest, Serving, Excited, and earnest followers of Christ.

Prayer Walking: Conversational prayer. IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AND AMAZING WHEN DONE OUTLOUD. Can be done alone or in groups of two or more. Please remember in Prayer Walking, that God is a part of the conversation, and silence is okay. Warning: Will open your eyes to the world around you in a very real and convicting way. (I.E. praying for the Indian School, the grass by the ADC, and the gardeners of CBU... )

Food: A luxury most of the world does without. A common cause of complaint and comfort among Americans. Overdose can and does lead to physical and emotional disorders. Is often taken for granted among Americans (myself included). One meal can cost over 10 times what a worker will make on an average day in a foreign country.

Kenya: A place where God's heart is alive. Spiritual Warfare is everywhere, currently most evident in tribal hatred and violence often leading to destruction of businesses and lives. Also typically ignored by American media, for the sake of the next definition.

Britney Spears: A woman who has had to undergo some very unique, public and twisted trials in her life. Is the obsession of American media, while thousands of lives are suffering in fear and destruction in areas such as that described above.

The Holy Spirit: A key part of the Trinity. The power of God in his people. First came down in the pentecost of the jews, then the samaritans, then the gentiles. Very radical in nature. Is often not accepted to it's full power (which is even over death itself). Moves powerfully, mysteriously, and is still being understood...

The Persecuted Church: Genuine followers of Christ. Denying of self for the sake of Christ is real in a tangible way. Deserves love of the saints (and in that the church) around the world. Undergoes rejection, fear of government and possibly death on a daily basis. Deeply values and lives the world of God. Results: A growing and thriving authentic community of faith.

The Sword of the Spirit: The only weapon of the armor of God. Also called The Bible, The Word of God. Is often twisted and misunderstood, but never changes. Dramatically changes lives daily. It is alive and powerful. Is not created to bash others on the head with judgement, but first to turn as followers of Christ use it to learn to die to themselves.

Funfetti Cake: Amazing. Healthy for the soul :)

Coffee and Chocolate: Not that neccesary for life.

Support Letters: ... yet to be defined...

Independence: Something women are developed to have far too much of. Example: Myself. Is a great quality when understood in balance.

Homework: Never ending. Incomplete. Designed to reinforce classroom learning, and test competance and responsibility. Currently incomplete.

Oh My God: An expression used by people worldwide. Used in vain, in pain, in prayer, in jokes. Title of a song by Jars of Clay (which should be listened too)

Sleep: Neccessary. Not often found in great quantity among college students, resulting in failure to be able to complete thoughts, homework etc. The reason why this blog is coming to an end.

Goodnight all!

Debate: Affirmative v. Negative v. Me

2008-02-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

I have recently entered the world of debate.

Well that's not entirely true, I have stuck my foot in... and inched my head around the corner. But I am not sure I am ready to dive into the world where evidence is truth and the most confident wins. True it is fascinating watching some of the arguments that people come up with, and the evidence is interesting... I am even passionate about the topic! What then, you say, is keeping me from diving head first into this strange world?

Fear - Impromptu has helped me to overcome the public speaking nervousness, but I am not confident that I will be able to think quick enough on my feet, which leads me to the next point
Logic - I have recently discovered I am and ENFP. Along with this, after the RA group interviews this weekend I have discovered that if you give me a bunch of props and a time limit, I can create an entertaining and comelling commercial. If you give me a bucket that I come within four feet of, and tell me to pour it into another bucket which I cannot touch, and give me hangers and ropes to do the job: I am stuck. Maybe several hours later I could come up with a solution, but I am.... (drumroll please) overanalytical.
Time (I am going to have to next weekend, whether I like it or not, this is simply my venting until the time comes)

On another side of my brain... (closer towards the part where the soul is)

The Holy Spirit.

You know those times when the Lord reveals things... more than once... and you kind of get the feeling that you are not really getting it? Perhaps it is just me, but Kyle Kammer put it as only he could when He said.. "It's like getting drop-kicked to the face"

So the things I am learning.. and waiting to learn

What does it look like to be waiting and expectant for the Holy Spirit to move. We have been given the Holy Spirit when we chose to follow Christ, and so It is inside of us and is our assurance of salvation (1 John 5:6-12) As Francis Chan pointed out... in every message he has given over the past year... If you were to read the Bible without anyone telling you what to believe about it, you would have a huge expectation of the Holy Spirit.
As K****** pointed out, the Baptist Church has at times directed us more towards The Father, The Son, and the Holy Bible. There is definitly a balance between the two, but we need them both. We can grow in spirit and in truth at the same time, and do not need to sacrifice one for the other... then why aren't we... Let me rephrase that.
Am I? Rather than soul searching on the internet, I would love to hear other thoughts about the role that the Holy Spirit plays in your own life, in scripture... or both :)
In Chapel, David Watts has been our most recent speaker, who told many stories of faith and the Holy Spirit through a global scope. His point of the message was that as followers of Christ we need to be living lives of restraint (specifically in America, restraining from the American dream which too often has combined with the Christian dream to create sort of a blurry vision of what American and the Church should look like... but let's save this for another time). The thing that got me most about his message was his stories of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Of the Lord appearing in dreams and visions and healings etc. While I would love to say that I have this strong faith, I believe that my vision has been affected by the skepticism around me. Not to take the blame entirely off of myself, but I have been trained to dissect, to analyze, to understand. I am not questioning the authenticity or depth of my faith, but the way that I understand it. Because of this I have ended my Gallavant through Galatians (though we are continuing it in ISP... and Gallavant was probably not the best word to use) and am beginning to re read through Hebrews...
At the same time I long to see the Holy Spirit move! In my heart, at CBU, in Riverside, at Eastside, In Kenya etc. What if I we genuinely knelt before the Father together and asked for Him to reveal himself, to have his way with us no matter what the cost. Though I know I have done this before, as I am sure many others have before as well... what if it was consistent? What would it look like? Feel Like? If we asked the Holy Spirit to wash over us not only as individuals but together?

My thoughts are not entirely down about this... but my mind is already off in another spot.

ITW. ISP.

This weekend is Intensive Training Weekend for all those at CBU participating in International Service Projects. (hence the cool jargon above) I have no idea what to expect, and have not honestly been in prayer about it a lot. I hear that it is intense. (There are simulations of the travel and other experiences that we should be ready to expect overseas - all I know is that I will be tired and hungry at the end!)

Well I will just have to wait until it is over, there is not much else I can do now to prepare other than pray... and read... and memorize all the facts about South Asia (as well as chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians)

OH! IJM has a new website, which you all should check out.

It is a beautiful day in Riverside!

On becoming an adult.

2008-02-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

I am officialy a slacker. I have no time in my day to make it to Whittier to vote in the Primary's. The thing that has been on the top of my conversation and mind for the past two months... and I am not going to be voting. Why, you ask?
Several reasons, which some would call excuses, and I would agree with.

"Absentee Ballot" had a negative connotation in my mind (with no factual basis.) Now I understand, and will be filling out the form for the official election this November
It did not hit me that "Super Tuesday" was actually on a Tuesday (my busiest day of the week, when I do not get out of class until 9, and only have abreak from 5-6) thus... not enough time to take the 60 or the 91 to my hometown of LA county.

Is it terrible that I am still not convinced that there is one candidate I am willing to support?
Or that I even have a party to identify with? Perhaps I should just pick one and stick with it... and be confident. Alas the endless struggle to find my own political identity.

In other news

Lent is rapidly approaching (It actually begins tomorrow!) Today should be "Fat Tuesday". I have not chosen to participate in that particular tradition. Since when did it become a tradition anyways? World Vision has created a 40 days of justice journey for those who wish to participate.

I have been reading "The Good News about Injustice" By Gary Haugen. More to come on that later... Reading sounds more attractive than blogging at the moment, my thoughts will have to be put on hold.

Ghana and Obama

2008-01-31T21:49:00.000-08:00

Today the delegates from the city of Obuasi, Ghana gave a presentation. Riverside is partnering with them as a part of the sister city program which I had never heard about before. Now that I have... I think it is fascinating. There were several things which I noticed about today that stuck in my mind.

1. The Women are very well respected in Ghanan culture, and looked to as respected leaders (without being feministic!)

2. They currently have a Universal Health Care System in Obuasi, which has improved their ecomony in the last 10 year.

3. They are a city on a gold mine (They have the second oldest mine in the world), yet still are considered a third world country.

4. Though they have many ethnic groups in Obuasi, they are known for their peace. Many tribal leaders from around Ghana live in Obuasi with no tribal tension (contrast this to the chaos in Kenya)

Along with this... Would they have the same situation if there happened to be a rigged election scandal such as in Kenya? There was not huge tribal animosity pre-election: Is every African country just as susceptible to the situation in Kenya?

5. Though the men were very high up in rank (the mayor, private educators etc.) they were very humble and willing to asnwer questions that were asked by the high school students that were present.

6. I would love to travel to Ghana. :)

7. I was watching their faces and what they responded to while CBU was presenting different aspects about our school. As Shamsu spoke they nodded quite often and smiled a lot. They also reffered to Aimee and Tyler (who spoke about ISP) as brothers and sisters. I know this is cultural... But I like it. They seemed to agree more with the younger generation as they spoke, and t have a sense of dignity about their education system - even above the economy (which seems to be somewhat stable and progressing)

Also In Today's events...

We began to dialogue about "Super Tuesday", and I am now officially unsure of who to vote for, specifically in the Primarys. Though after a lot of research I do not think I identify with the Republican party, I am registered Republican for Tuesday's vote, an do not want to support McCain, Huckabee, Romney or Paul (each for different reasons). After we looked at their stance on the main issues (which seem to be the economy, immigration, ethics- gay marriage and abortion- and the situation in Iraq), all except Paul are very similar in their Republican stance.

I am still processing through these things... and this is not even talking Democrats! Barack Obama may be one of the most interesting and impressive stories of success I have ever heard... and I like a lot of his ideas. I do not have enough energy to share anything about Hilary...

So, as a sophmore is college discovering the Presidential Election for the first time I have come to the following conclusions.

1. I do not know anything about the issues and what would truly be best for our nation
2. As a Christian, I am still figuring out what desires we should have for the nation (as Julie pointed out today, is our goal to simply be successful and comfortable?)
3. The majority of this campus is passive and uninformed, (not to sound judgemental I was there and am only slowly starting to come out of it)
4. I do not know anything.
5. I want to know more.
6. My brain is tired and my eyes are burning so I am going to bed.

Oh wait there is a 7

The One campaign has created a list of what each candidate thinks about World Poverty and the AIDS humanitarian crisis. This is not a huge issue in the debate. In my humble opinion this may be what makes me decide on the candidate... if it is about balacning the good and bad my heart is more focused on doing what we can to end poverty than several other issues.

Shoot there is an 8 as well.

Attempting to be politically correct is one of the hardest things I have ever come across.

9...

I need to learn to be confident when feathers are ruffled.

Sneezing from all the feather dust I am done for the day.

I think I am beginning to get it

2008-01-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I was beginning to get it.
You know, the Story of the Glory of God.
But really - I was only learning the basic of how to read it.

There are so many things that are going through my head, they just need to be organized.

1. The Huge need for Community in my life (church and campus)
2. The wall I am breaking down as I learn what it means to wait for the Holy Spirit to move.
3. The Reality of the person of Jesus Christ. I have thought of it often before, and am re learning the personality and amazing characteristics of my Savior and my Lord.
4. What it looks like to live in faith - expectant of the Lord to fulfill his plans of God for his people rather than pessimistic that I live in optimistic hope.
5. Who on earth to vote for! Politics are beginning to mean something to me... yet I do not understand them.
6. I am now late to class because it took so long to set up a blog.

To be continued...