I also seem to be drawn to the book of Revelation, really against most of what I think I know about it. The judgment and loud, chaotic scenes in it, hardly draw me. And what draws me even less is the way Revelation and the Second Coming of Jesus are portrayed in popular books by evangelical Christians. It's a book which many great theologians of the past have avoided. Maybe within it there are elements I need which are weak in my Christian spiritual DNA. I think I pick up a bit on that, already. I'm currently enjoying Ben Witherington's commentary on Revelation.
Deb had to work last night, but later we'll walk to the car show only around a leisurely 20 minute walk from where we live. Alot of hot cars there, even the original Batmobile this year. I'm not much into cars; Deb might be into them even a bit more than I am, but it's still fun to see classics and antiques all souped up and often looking brand new.
I think I need a deeper work of spirituality in my heart and life. I'm drawn to people like Bernard of Clairvaux from what I recently read on this blog. He emphasized regular readings of Scripture, drawing near to God, living communally, and doing good works in the world. I don't know all the details, but I think we need more of these kinds of communities in the context of a disciplined seeking together of God and application of God's truth- in Jesus in the world. Most of what happens in our churches from what I've seen, comes no where near this, or maybe I just missed where it does. Though I must say I love what our church does do.
Morgan is now around seven weeks old and she's doing alright. Here's a photo of me holding her a few weeks ago.
And here's a picture of Tiffany holding her baby Morgan.
What about you? Any random thoughts from your life you'd like to share here?
18 comments:
I truly hope you're not seriously considering a cease from blogging. You have so much to add to the conversation of life. Please don't!
Don't you think many have weighed in on Revelation just to sell a few books? I do appreciate the discussions but publishing a book stating, "I have it all figured out" is somewhat naive.
- Really a cute grandbaby.
Have a great weekend!
actually, ted.
maybe it would be a good thing for you to let some changes happen to your blog. changes that happen a little at a time.
you are being changed.
if you decide to continue to relate on a blog, it can reflect those changes.
i am not saying that your belief in God is changing, but, God is continually changing us from within, so, i think that you really can consider letting that continual change shine...
whether it be in blogging or in other forms of relating.
Change in God is a good thing. it is what is suppose to happen with us in Jesus...God is the one that stays the same.
along those same lines, if you think that you need to stop blogging, then maybe you should do that, and see what happens.
I support whatever decision you make, but I wish you would keep blogging. If it i getting too much, cut back on the new posts. I have noticed other bloggers don't write everyday, and I don't think I could either!
Do what you think Spirit is leading you to.
how about a hot pink background with lime green stripes?
then again, a yellow background with blue lettering sounds interesting too!
seriously ted, i have had the question of letting go of the blog come to me a lot lately.
i am thinking that maybe it has become to big of a thing in my life.
a good thing, but, maybe made too important.
sorry if the ammount of replys are a bother. it is not coming all at once today.
anyway, i see a lot of change in my approach and perspective to bloging lately as well. i find it becoming less of a focus in my life, yet, still a good part of it. i think that the Lord is working on my mind and heart and i am noticing that gradual change reflected in many things that i do.
i could decide to do things more abruptly, but, i think that it would be best for me to leave it in the hands of God. it seems that any question that comes to my mind is one that God can handle in His way and His time.
it seems that He leads me very slowly and with great care most of the time. it is usually my inpatience that causes the problems.
no matter what, God will lead you and the rest of his children.
Thanks, Mike.
I guess I probably won't. The thoughts I shared have come so often to mind, I'm tired of them. Though I've heard that for some extent anyhow, for bloggers, that is not unusual.
I think Revelation becomes far richer when one digs into some of the good work done in it, away from the popular books. Sadly the backlash for many including myself has been to just push Revelation and the Second Coming of Jesus aside. Not good. We need more good writers to help God's people to a better understanding of Revelation.
Thanks. And you, too.
Nancy,
Yes, change is good as a part of God's good working in us in conforming us to the image of his Son.
I'd hate to see you give up your blog or blogging. Maybe you just have to modify it, perhaps designate certain days to stay away from it.
I like what you have to say about God leading you slowly and how impatience can get in the way of that. I certainly hear you there!
But yes, God will lead me and you and all of us, as his children.
I'll be slow to make changes though I am open to that. As to a major change, I'll be especially slow on that. Usually that needs to be clear to me and not just a flash, but constant.
Thanks.
Rachel,
Thanks.
I'm guessing it might be good for me to miss a day here and there. Some rules some think are good for blogging is to post when you want to, and do so regularly, even daily, to keep people's attention the best. Though often I really don't think my posts are that good or helpful. Well, really I have a hard time getting enthusiastic about any of them, lately, for the most part, except the work I do weekly for some time now on L.L. Barkat's book. I put alot of effort into that and that's probably why I at least appreciate the posting of them more.
Thanks.
what i have found here is not just your writing, but, you.
you write, you read the coments, you reply to the coments, and you even visit the blogs of others and leave comments. you really do communicate, and that is what is very special. you do not have this blog for one way spewing of facts. you acutally relate in a caring way with people. i don't think anyone can do better than that.
except maybe you could have a periwinkle blue background with pink flowers :-)
i also think that your suggestion to designate certain days, to take a rest from blogging now and then, is a good idea. thanks.
Deb is at work tonight, so here I am up late!
Nancy, You're very kind. You have to understand that on some blogs (and I had to learn this) with all the comments given, there's now way the blogger could answer all the comments. And along with that in Scot McKnight's blog, "Jesus Creed", Scot wants others to teach and give input to each other. He doesn't think he's needed or that it's healthy for him to do that, to have true Jesus community. And he's a teacher who wants to help the students need him less and less and be more and more on a peer level with himself.
My blog is simple, and I do it as kind of with a pastor's heart by grace, I think or am guessing anyhow.
I do sincerely appreciate your kind words, and I receive them as good encouragement for me. Thanks again.
By the way, we got rained on pretty good on our walk to the metro cruise. I'm afraid we missed the majority of the cars that had been there, but it was still fun even if a bit wet.
Ted, although I've emailed you a few minutes ago in response to the kind words you added to a few of mine, I'd like for you to know that I been reading in and around Jesus Community, finding your thoughts and insights valuable and remarkably honest. You're a gift; keep unwrapping!
Thanks for making the Prayer for this Week among the first things I read (and prayed) this morning.
i am thankful, ted, this is a good lesson for me to learn. a reminder that there are many ways of caring, and doing things with a caring heart. that it is not always what we do, but, how we do it.
i am blessed with your honesty this day.
i hear that there is a time for everything, and it does not always happen all at once. there are seasons.
i am so happy for you, to be able to experience holding a grandchild in your arms must be a wonder.
God is good, in all seasons.
how we do it...meaning what is in our heart and doing what we do out of the Love of God.
Andy,
Thanks for your most kind words and encouragement. I much appreciated your recent post on "Jesus Creed" from your reading of "Chrysalis". And I much appreciate your blog as well.
I look forward to more fellowship with you.
Also, let me add Andy, that I'm sure I could learn much from you, in the Lord.
Amen!
Thanks, Nancy.
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