Christ's Love

We're reading through Romans this week with Fisherwick, the church I go to here. Today was Ch. 4-8, which, in many ways, is the heart of the whole book. This was at the end of the reading. It's one of those passages that just get's you jazzed and excited about what God has done through Christ for us!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation,
or distress,
or persecution,
or famine,
or nakedness,
or danger,
or sword?
[...]
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
For I am sure that
neither death
nor life,
nor angels
nor rulers,
nor things present
nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height
nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~Romans 8:35, 37-39~

I read last week that Christians are currently the most persecuted group of people in the world, between China, Russia, North Africa, and the Middle East*. It's passages like this, even more importantly the reality that it conveys, that explain how it is that every year thousands of those who hold fast to the love of God and believe in Christ Jesus die for their faith. That they would rather die being faithful to this God from whom they can never be separated, then die having denied him is incredible. Only a love from a God like this can be honored with that sort of devotion. A devotion that doesn't take others' lives (as with suicide bombers, etc.), but gives up one's own life for nothing other than a devotion to God.


*This is very likely true, but ought not to detract from the fact that there are other groups of people who are highly persecuted around the world as well. We should be pushing and fighting for all whose very lives - a gift from God - are under threat from others.

Acceptance to Oxford

Source.

I've got some great news to share - I got my letter of acceptance into Oxford in the mail today! It's kind of crazy and still sends me into a bit of a shock - I really wasn't expecting it and was thinking towards other plans for next year.

But, there's two other hurdles to jump through.

1. Funding - the next letter I get from Oxford will be from a specific college and will have info on funding. I'm already nearly $50,000 in debt from my first two degrees, so one of my commitments on my PhD is that I don't want to go into debt for it. We'll see what happens there.

2. Finishing my MA - there are two stipulations that Oxford made that are going to make life challenging these next few months: a) I have to score a 67 overall (that's like a 95%) in the states, as well as a 67 or better on my dissertation alone and b) I have to have it all done and the grades to Oxford by July 31st. Yikes!

Needless to say, life's about to get really busy and I'm going to be working at pushing 50-60 hour weeks (if not more) to get everything done.

God's good and He's gotten me this far, and as a good friend of mine, Lauren reminded me, life is exciting in His hands. So, if for some reason Oxford doesn't end up working out because of money or getting my MA done, I can at least say my dream of being accepted to Oxford happened. :-) And if I don't end up getting to go, I know that whatever else God has for me will be incredible! It's the abundant life and the 'plans for a hope and a future' that God promises - it's the only life e that will ever truly be fulfilling. So, that's what I want to pursue - whether that means Oxford or not. :-)

The Adventure: Sunday

Sunday was our 'exploration' day - the day where we did things I haven't ever done in Northern Ireland.

At St. George's Market on Saturday, we'd been told about 'The Old Inn' in Crawfordsburn, out towards Bangor (where C.S. Lewis was born). We slept in Sunday morning and then decided to head out that way for breakfast. It's this lovely 4-star hotel. The pub part of the hotel is in the oldest part of the building - dating back to 1614 and still topped with a thatched roof. We were a little concerned about the cost, but decided to go for it. Boy are we glad we did! They directed us to the library where they brought our three teas and scones - which were all wonderful. The owner happened to be walking through making sure everything was tidy for the 160 that would be coming for Sunday lunch that day - and stopped to say hi and chat with us a bit. The staff that helped us were incredibly helpful - Paul, the bar tender who first helped us, is actually a Queen's law student - small world. :-) While we were there, we found out that they have a 'couples deal' - two four-course meals for dinner, a night over at the hotel, and breakfast the next forming for £109! It's an incredible deal for a hotel that would easily charge $300 in the states for the same (if not more). So, it's now my top recommendation to couple's who come - that they should get away for a night to 'The Old Inn'. :-)

After a lovely morning in Crawfordburn, we headed back into town and West Belfast. West Belfast was the site of the most significant tension between Catholic's and Protestants in the 60s and 70s - so much so that a 16 (?) foot tall 'peace wall' has been erected between the two communities. On each side of the wall run two main roads - Falls Road (on the Catholic Side) and Shankhill (on the Protestant Side). We first headed to the Shankhill since I'd been there before with Billy Stevenson - who grew up there. You'll see some of the murals from this area up top. The murals focus on military groups and the legend of the 'red hand of ulster' - the Protestant claim to N. Ireland. Then we headed over to the Falls Road - where I'd never been - to see their murals. They focus more on political issues - including one mural that has Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. and place Bobby Sands (a key figure in the Catholic IRA movement in the 60s and 70s) alongside them - as one who fought for freedom. We also came upon a memorial garden to an IRA battalion (it's in the pictures above).

The long history of division and violence is hard to reconcile with Protestantism and Catholicism. A good friend of mine here, Stanley Gilmore, explains it to me this way. It's not Protestant's and Catholic's that are violent or the cause of this, nor the religions, but rather 'political Protestants' and 'political Catholics'. The faith is more a part of their political outlook and agenda - sort of like 'Christian Republican's' in the US who sometimes let their political views rule the day - rather than Scripture. It's perhaps too simplistic - but I think it's still a helpful perspective on it.

From there we headed into town to Queen's so Jenny and James could see the university and the Botanic Gardens that are attached to it. Unfortunately the bougainvillea (sp??) weren't out - a flower that Jenny and I grew up with in Kenya and brings back vivid memories - which was a bummer since I was hoping to show them to her. But, the flowers in the Palm House were incredible!! So James took lots of pictures for his grandmother who would have loved it. :-) From there, we headed off to a late lunch at Maggie May's - a travel book recommended spot. I'd been there before and really enjoyed it. However, an hour after ordering, the waiter came back to our table to tell us he had never gotten the order in the system and had forgotten what we ordered. We were starving and our blood sugar was really low - but we decided to persevere and had a good lunch.

From there it was back home for a bit of a rest before church, with a short stop at Tesco for some quick shopping of Irish tea and our dinner for that night.

Church that night was great with Derek sharing! I was so glad Jenny and James got to experience Saturday Night Live at Fisherwick - it's a wonderful setting and a wonderful group of people. I think they both really enjoyed it and I had the chance to introduce them to Derek afterwards, and a bunch of other friends at the church.

Well, rather than head home, we had one last stop for the evening - The Empire. A pub/music venue - The Empire hosts a Christian singer who plays popular cover songs every Sunday night and was supposed to be really good. I'd never been because it doesn't start until 10pm and the buses stop running at like 11pm on Sunday nights. Unfortunately the guy wasn't there, but we had a wonderful time sitting and listening to his 'sub' - a folksy, country kind of singer who did covers that were fun to sing along to. About 10 friends from church ended up coming along so Jenny and James got to spend more time with them - so that was GREAT!

About 11:30/midnight we decided to call it a night and headed home and to bed. We needed to get our sleep, because we needed to be at the car rental place when it opened the next morning at 8am, so that we could then head to Dublin for a day there before Jenny & James headed back to the states Tuesday morning. But, that's the next chapter in our adventure....

Lakeside Hostel & Travel Service :-)

I'm really excited. For the next five months, a friend is coming nearly every month (except June) to visit, stay at Lakeside, and see Northern Ireland. I'm so excited and feel totally spoiled! That doesn't even include the nearly 75 that will be here throughout the summer from JBU! :-)

[March - Jenny (my sister) and James (her husband) were over for an incredible 5 days. Then I got to spend a day in Dublin with Nathan & Valerie Cozart, Lauren Raikes, and Kristen Raikes - it was an incredible day! Then JBU came over with 12 so I got to see old friends: Jacob Little, Criag Meeks, Danielle Vogus, Heather Stevenson, and Billy and Mindi.]

April - Daniel Ray's coming to visit one weekend (he's working for an engineering firm in Belgium). Hopefully in Aug/Sep we'll meet up in Rome and have an adventure there -it's going to be my 'dissertation is finished' celebration. :-)

May - Matt Reddin, a buddy from when I worked in JBU Admissions, is coming. He found a round trip ticket for $500 and booked it. It'll be great to catchup with him!

June - No one yet, so if you're reading this - come on over! (actually, it's going to be the busiest month with JBU people, so it's probably good as nearly every bed will be maxed out).

July - James and Lindsey Barnes. James is a best friend from college. We skype nearly every week, but it'll be great to get to have a holiday with them and show them around N. Ireland!

August - Bethany and Job Hammond. Bethany is a best friend from high school. Her and her husband, Job (an amazing man!), are hoping to come over after they lead a mission trip in Europe. It'll be great to see them and get more time with them then just a few hours over coffee that we usually manage whenever the three of us happen to be in Little Rock at the same time.

It's exciting! I love having family and friends come and with Lakeside, it's so affordable for people to come and I love showing them around N. Ireland. To be honest, I feel both really spoiled and really fortunate. So, if you want to come on over, I'd love to have you at Lakeside adn show you around!! :-)

The Adventure: Saturday

Sorry for the week hiatus from updating you on Jenny & James' trip to N. Ireland a couple of weeks ago. A JBU team was here this last week to do some remodeling at the house to get it ready for the summer and fall. In fact, one of the things they did was put in a classroom with a projector and bring a 40 DVD collection of Irish themed films - so, here I sit, posting this, watching Waking Ned Divine ("I've been using some fruity soaps Maggie) on a big screen projector in my own private home theater :-). Don't worry - I won't use it often, but I was up at 3:15am this morning to take the crew down to Dublin airport - so this is the end to a long day. :-)

The Adventure: Saturday

Saturday kicked off with a trip to St. George's Market. It's an open air market on Saturday mornings in Belfast - rated one of the best in Europe. A great morning where we sampled sausage rolls, crepes, and other goodies as our 'breakfast'. :-) Afterwards, we were off to County Down to see Inch Abbey, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and enjoy some Irish Stew.

On the way, we popped into Inch Abbey. There's a picture up top of Jenny and James with the ruins of the chapel behind them. It's these incredible old ruins that sit in the valley, with St. Patrick's Cathedral overlooking it. Several years back, a JBU alumn got married there - it would be a beautiful place for it!

Then we were off to St. Patrick's Cathedral to do a walk around. Without much to eat for breakfast, we got hungry pretty quick and it was super windy - so we were keen to get off to lunch. We had Irish stew in the same little cafe I had discovered with mom and dad back in October. A great lunch - and really filling!

After lunch we headed to Castle Ward - by far one of the coolest places I've ever been. I'd been in 2007, but I was keen to go back and just hadn't had a chance yet since I moved here in September. The house is both neoclassical and gothic - the wife liked Gothic, so the back house is like Alice in Wonderland, and the husband liked the classical look, so the front 1/2 of the house (both inside and out) is very classical. It's the trippiest and yet such a cool place! There's a lot of history in the house - including 10 stuffed squirrels that make up a comic book strip - they were bought at the World's Fair. The house is full of cool, historical things like that (like a linen tablecloth that's 250 years old and in incredible condition!).

While waiting for the house tour to start, we walked around the gardens - on our continuing quest for a castle. No luck, but we did find a bridge with a walking path underneath it where Jenny and I pretended to be trolls. It was a lot of fun just being goofy (there's pictures up top). As well, we took a couple pictures of Jenny and James with the grassy, green hills.

From there, we were off to Newcastle. On the way, we popped up to the Dundrum Castle that overlooks Murlough Bay. I lived in Dundrum for a few weeks back in the summer of 2007 while I was on a mission trip. It's a beautiful view of the small town, the ocean and the bay, as well as the Mourne Mountains - the tallest mountains in Ireland. They're beautiful!

We stopped in at Newcastle for a cup of tea and some dessert cake (I introduced James to 'Banoffee' - this great bannana/toffee desert) at this great cafe that overlooks the ocean. It's a really cool little seaside tourist town. It's also home to one of Tiger Wood's favorite golf courses.

With the sun setting, we had two quick stops to try to make before dark - Tolleymore Forest and the maze in Castlewellan. We were pretty tired from walking around the gardens at Castle Ward, so we weren't up for walking through Tolleymore, but rather did a drive through. Even just driving through it, you get a feel for the incredible trees that are in Tolleymore - trees that are said to have spurred Tolkien and Lewis' imagination.

Last stop before heading back to Belfast was Castlewellan and this human size maze built with hedgerows. We only had about 15 minutes before the park closed - so after 5 minutes of Jenny and James having a go at figuring it out - we took off running to try to beat the maze in the ten minutes we had left. Thankfully Nate Menken had shown me the way last time we were there - so we made it in time - but had a lot of fun running around like chicken's with our heads cut off.

It was back to Belfast, a chance to rest at home, and then back in to town for a pub and Irish music. It took us a long while to find a place that had music - we ended up at Kelly O'Cellars, a Catholic pub in town that's been around for a long-time. About 10:00 or so there was a group of young musicians who showed up - they play most nights. We sat around and listened for a little while. It's a pretty rough place in many ways - so Jenny and James certainly got the full pub feel.

We headed home and to bed - a long day, filled with a lot of laughter, and some incredible sights. The next day we planned to sleep in, do a few things around Belfast, then head to Sunday Night Live at church and then to The Empire afterwards for live music.

The Adventure: Friday

So, last Friday morning we kicked off the first full day by heading to Enterprise and picking up our car for the week, a Chevrolet Captiva SUV. Now, if you've never heard of a Captiva, it's because they don't make them in the US. Not a bad little car, actually. There's a picture of it in the slideshow above with James and I (the drivers) standing in front of it.

We headed straight for the North Coast - considered one of the most beautiful parts of N. Ireland - and cut out towards Carnlough and drove along the coast up to Ballycastle. A beautiful ride through the Glens of Antrim.

Our first stop was Carik-a-rede, a rope bridge that spans the mainland with a fishing island. Fishermen, a while back, stretched a rope bridge to this island from which they'd fish. The National Trust has since taken it over, but it's a beautiful place.

The rest of the day was a stop off in Bushmills for Fish & Chips for lunch, a tour of the Bushmill's Whisky factory (distilling whisky, with license, since 1608), a refreshingly cold time at the Giant's Causeway, and a stop over at Dunluce Castle just as it was closing - one of the key things on James' list. James really wanted to see a castle while he was here - unfortunately, the Germanic, large castle form never really made it to Ireland, so the majority of 'castles' here are like big, walled manors/mansions.

The last stop over for the day, before heading back to Belfast, was coffee at Roughan's, a second-floor coffee shop in the seaside town of Port Stewart that overlooks the bay. That was a really restful time after a long-day of sight seeing.

After the 1.5hr drive back to Belfast, we finished off with pizza and pasta from a local italian joint, a bottle of wine, and a great night of sitting around and talking, before hitting the hay. We'd hoped to do a pub with Irish music that night - but we were all just too exhuasted. We also tried our hands at making homemade chocolate chip cookies - which was a pretty funny experience since the kitchen here is set up for cooking for 50-60 people, everything is HUGE! The measuring scale, the beaters, the bowls, etc. (See the pictures up top :-)

It was a great day, with really meaningful and fun conversations and karaoke sessions in the car. There's two new R&B songs we had stuck in our heads - 'you turn me right round' and 'heads, shoulders, knees, and toes'. :-)

The Adventure: Thursday

Last Thursday morning, I met Jenny and James outside the Jury's Inn in downtown Belfast where their bus from the Dublin airport got in. We were all tired, but it was so great to see each other! After heading back to the 'mansion' for showers and some breakfast, we headed back into town.

It was a really low key of day of walking around - with a stop at Primark for some cheap clothes. I ran off to class, while Jenny and James walked around town some more and had coffee. They were so exhausted that they said they just sat there and stared at each other. :-)

About 6:30pm, I connected back up with them at Victoria Square with Billy, an older friend from class. Jenny, James, and I were exhausted, so we needed to grab some dinner before we all collapsed and head home to bed. We headed on over to 'The Crown' - the only state owned pub in N. Ireland - and had Beef & Guiness pie - which is absolutely amazing! James had a half-pint of Guiness and Jenny & I split one, just so Jenny could say she'd tried it. :-)

It was so amazing to have them here! I was giddy for the few days before they got here and although we were all tired, it was incredible! I'll fill you in over the next few days about our adventures to the North Coast, Downpatrick Castleward, Crawfordsburn, and Dublin.

[Oh yeah, they also brought 'Christmas in March' with them. My dad just got an iPhone, which he loves, so he sent me his old PALM Treo 750. I'm loving it and it was totally like Christmas to have a new toy. Got it going that first day Jenny and James came in, so they were able to have a phone to call their boys and my mom everday while they were here.]

Jenny & James Get In TOMORROW & I'm SOOOO EXCITED!!!

From Photos for Blog

My sister Jenny and her husband are leaving S. Carolina today and in less than 24 hours we'll be together here in Belfast. I can't wait! I feel so spoiled!! My parents were here in October, I was home with my family over the holidays, and now my sister and my brother-in-law are coming to visit for 5 days. It's so incredible!

We're looking forward to having a blast! I'm sure we'll have lots of pictures - so I'll post them next week. You might even get a picture of me - I know, shocking! :-) Did I mention that I'm SOOOOO EXCITED!! It's so hard to concentrate on homework today - ugh! :-)

And, because I came across this last picture as I was looking for the one above, I wanted to post it. I think this is an amazing picture of my wonderful and beautiful parents! I really am so incredibly blessed! They are such a rich blessing - and so good looking, dang! (must be where I get it from :-).

From Photos for Blog

Shootings in N. Ireland

You may have heard on the news or read online about the killing of 2 soldiers and injuring of four others (2 soldiers, 2 civilians) this weekend. If not, here's a link:

CNN Article

I had a friend from Germany email this morning concerned for us. All is fine, as far as Belfast is concerned. The shooting occured about 15 miles north of Belfast in County Antrim.

I think this is a isolated incident and not indicative of a 'new wave' of violence, or anything like that. I do think it's also a sign of a peace process that certainly hasn't unified Ireland or brought the unity that some have talked about. As my pastor at church challenged us yesterday, we all have a responsibility in our relationships and societies to not cover up the difficult things, but to engage in love, forgiveness, justice, and unity. It's a good reminder, whether it's national politics or interpersonal relationships.

I am concerned that the Police were so quick to state that 'dissident Republicans' were their primary focus. While it makes sense that this would be were to start, I really believe it was a mistake to name it so strongly - as it once again reiterates the 'us vs. them' mentality that has plagued Irish politics. They would have been much better off saying 'we are looking at all possibilities and investigating anyone who might have had a reason to attack this group, getting ready to leave for Afghanistan, or this base.' Something that focuses on the attack, without focusing on a 'possible' group. Eh, but that's me.

Here's a Glimpse: A Letter from India, 1947

From Photos for Blog

The above is one of the four pages of a letter sent to Peter from Dacca, East Bengal. It's from a friend of his, Dinah Stock, who's gone out to Pakistan to teach in a university. India/Pakistan received their independence from Britain on August 14, 1947 at which point the Indian/Pakistani federation was setup.

What makes this letter so fascinating is two things: (1) that it's Dinah's first letter from East Bengal, so it's full of incredibly rich description about her new home and (2) that it's written just a month after independence, so it gives a great glimpse into the Hindu/Muslim tension's of the time. Here's a few excerpts that were particularly rich:

Notice the comment about Ghandhi's fast, as well as the struggles of the new Pakistani government.

'I don't know that I have much to tell you about the situation here in general [...] You probably know as much as I do about the near breakdown of Government in the Punjab, and the recent [next page] resurrection of trouble in Calcutta just when everyone thought it was over, and Ghandhi's fast, which does seem to be stimulating the people of Calcutta to a desperate effort to regain control. Here in Dacca, none of these things are happening: there have been riots, but as far as I can observe, people are now anxious to live at peace with one another. But the town itself is in chaos because of the arrival of the East Pakistan Government with all the expansion that is bound to mean. Government officials are living in [?parapes]; houses are being requisitioned on all sides; bamboo huts are being run up to accommodate the clerical staff, and there's a shortage of building materials. I should think Dacca has got to become one ['one' added after wards with an editorial mark] of the biggest cities in India; but as far as I can observe no one has had time to do any planning; it is simply expanding at top speed as best it can.'

This one is about her new house help. I'm amazed by all he does - especially the taking care of the accounts at night. But, as a cultural insight, the fact that he spent his own money on new pots and pans is amazing.

'I live alone in a 3-roomed bungalow, and owe a great deal of the ease of life to my bearer, Abdul Huq. He comes at 7.30 in the morning, gets the breakfast, does the shopping (he knows a few words of English, so can consult me about it) cooks and tidies up and goes over the accounts every evening, and leaves after dinner - all for 60 rupees a month without food or sleeping quarters. His zeal for the honour of the house is great, and his methods sometimes rather high-handed: I paid him his month's wages and he promptly went and spent more than half of it on crockery which he thought no mem-sahib could do without, so of course I had to pay him back [?meekly].'

Then, lastly, is this great description of what she thinks of India. I've never been, but the way she writes makes in tangible:

'In spite of the hot and clammy weather (for the rainy season is excelling itself) there is a kind of beauty about this country. It is in the magnificent clouds and [?strange] [next page] changing lights in the sky, and the vivid green of the paddy fields and [?clumps] of sugar cane, and the [?gleam] of water everywhere and the slow movement of ox-carts and the bright check shirts of the men. '

After this, she talks about a 6 week holiday coming up where she thinks she might go to 'Darjeeling' to climb around in the foothills of the Himalayas. Made me smile because of Darjeeling Limited as well as this incredible picture in my mind of hiking around in the foothills of the Himalayas. It's amazing that that image of adventure captures my imagination now - 60 years after this letter was written.

Chastity Lookin' Better Than Ever

Dallasvintageshop.com

Embracing Chastity
I'm smiling as I write this because my mom, understandably eager for her son to get married ('in God's time' :-), will likely be cringing at the title of this post. Don't worry mom - keep reading. I promise, it's not what it seems.

For some friends I knew at JBU, the move from the 'JBU bubble' to the secular world - whether in the business world or academia - was characterized by a period (still going on for some) of sexuality. Freedom at last! It has been the opportunity to try 'swinging' with other couples or simply having sex with complete strangers. I had a good friend of mine in Arkansas concerned that this too would be my time to experiment and 'taste freedom'.

To be honest, I've found my time at a secular school and in a secular environment incredibly affirming of my desire to wait until I'm married to experience sex. Sure, sexuality is more in my face now then it has ever been. While at JBU I couldn't have named anyone having sex (unless they were married), but here it's the accepted norm around me and something that's a part of life for several of my friends here.

Throughout my life, the motivations that have kept me from pornography and sex have been friends. Friends whose marriages have been nearly ruined by pre-marital sex, relationships that have been left in tatters from indiscretions, and women whose lives have been ruined by the men they love who, after 20 years of pornography, treat them as simply another image on a page. My conversations with these dear friends continue to live vividly in my memory.

But, the older I get the more another element has come to play into my commitment to chastity. It's the idea that I want better sex, not more sex. I know, that sounds weird, so I'll explain.

Better Sex, Not More Sex
Even though it's surely TMI (too much info), my sex drive is just as charged and alive as any other 25 year-old, single male. Now, there's two caveats to that. One, it's a lot like any really wonderful thing - the more you experience it, the more you desire it. So, the fact that I haven't had sex at 25, I'm sure, means that continuing to not have sex is easier for me than for another 25 year-old whose been having sex for years. Second, because I've worked (and certainly have to continue doing so - perhaps more than ever) at not letting my thoughts be lewd or sexual in nature, I'm sure it's easier for me to be a 25 year-old who hasn't had sex, then for those whose imaginations have carried them through any number of scenes out of a romance novel.

Back to better sex, not more sex. Sex is one of those things that everyone whose had it (at least that I know or have spoken with) has loved it. It's been one of the most amazing, wonderful, delightful things of their life. As a result, I'm not concerned that I'm missing out. It's not like sex is going to be less fun or less enjoyable 5 years from now simply because it's 5 years from now. As if there was some universal expiration date. It'll still be wonderful.

Comparison's Weight
There's this unanimous agreement that sex is wonderful. Now, my life is lived in a world of comparison. How fast is my computer now compared to the computer I grew up with as a kid? How beautiful is this beach compared to the one in Charleston? How difficult is this teacher compared to Dr. Vila, Dr. Castelman, or Prof. Jones? How good is this book compared to the last one?

By nature, I compare. It seems in-bred in me - a pursuit of the questions and analysis that form comparisons. Comparison performs an analysis on several fronts in every situation. It's a comparison of what's better, what's worse, what's the same. This author's writing isn't as articulate as the last. Dr. Vila, Dr. Castleman, and Prof. Jones were all a lot more difficult than this teacher. This is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen...except that the water is so much colder than the east coast!

Knowing this instant inclination to comparison in myself, I continue to choose to make a strategic decision about sex. That I'd rather be on one marvelous beach - where I can fully enjoy all of it's attributes - then be distracted while I'm there by the process of comparison. I find the same truth born out when I think about sex. While I don't think comparison is the death of enjoyable sex (the majority of the world would seem to prove that), I do think it relegates one to either 'more sex,' a constant pursuit for 'even better sex,' or a disappointment that it's 'not as good as' sex.

Better Sex
When I break my vow of chastity, I want to do it for better sex, not more. I want to experience it in a way that I know comparison will never play a part. Experience it in a way in which, when it comes to sex, it will be the BEST experience I've ever had and will ever had. I want sex where it sets a bar that will never be moved or compared to. In fact, that any comparison is in figuring out how to have better sex with that one person - where comparison of sex itself is the issue, where it's not being muddled into a comparison with/of the person.

It's in better sex that there's the freedom to be goofy, to have fun, to trust, and to be free - and to not worry about comparison.

I really think that this is the deep practicality of God's directions - his call to godliness and to obeying him. It's the reality that following his directions really leads to the 'abundant life' in all ways - sex, friendships, fulfillment, financial wisdom, etc. Just like a good father gives his child directions to make their life better (not worse), so God's directions truly are well intentioned - to give us the best life, not the mediocre or the 'missing out' version of life.

[There's a whole other aspect to this as well. It's my deep belief that sex is best when it flows out of a deep, strong non-sexual relationship first and a lifetime commitment second. For it's in there, that relationship + understanding + commitment + trust = better, freer, funner sex.]

The Reality of Help
Now, lest I end this sounding like the high and mighty monk sitting on the island shouting back at the world, let me insert a caveat. Having dated only once, I know from personal experience how easy it can be to fall into the physical 'arms' of a relationship. I know my own proclivity and inclination to that part of who I am as a 25 year-old functioning male. But, I have seen others pursue the this ideal and been deeply fulfilled for having pursued it and stuck to it. So, it continues to be my pursuit, my desire, and my goal. And yes, on my own, I would never accomplish it - because I know my own tendencies all too well. However, with the Spirit and His promise to give us strength and perseverance, I have no doubt I'll one day enjoy better sex (that only keeps getting better and better), not just more sex.

'Godliness is of value in every way,
as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.'
- Paul's 1st letter to Timothy (4:8)

Winter's Death Punch & Presenting This Weekend

From Winter's Death Punch

Winter's Death Punch
Winter's in its death throws. With 50 degree (10 celsius) weather a couple of weeks back, I was getting all excited about Spring and Summer. The tulips were coming up, the daffodils and crochyses (sp?) were out, and it was beatiful, green, and sunny. Then winter threw one last punch.

When I stop and think about it, the States was this way. Spring weasels it's way in for a week, then winter comes back for a week or two, as if in the throws of death, and then Spring returns for good...or at least until Summer and Autumn come, only to be chased away by Winter once again.

I woke up to a heavy snow this morning that didn't last long. In fact, the snow that did fall will be gone tomorrow as it does start warming up again. Hopefully winter really is dead this time and won't come back with another left hook or right jab.

Presenting a Paper This Weekend
I'm presenting a paper this weekend at the Irish Historical Student Association conference in Maynooth, outside Dublin. It's a paper entitled 'Postmodernism's Troubling Place in Holocaust Denial: Moderation and Extremism' that looks at the foundations of postmodern theory in Jean-Francois Lyotard, Ferdinand de Saussure, and Hayden White, and then analyzes whether or not Postmodernism defends and supports the claims of Holocaust Denial.

I won't give away the ending, but I'd be more than glad to share the paper with you, so just shoot me an email or Facebook message if you're interested.

This is one of those papers that was a class assignment and a 'mind exercise' on my part, to see if I could understand both Postmodernism (and it's implications on history) and Holocaust Denial better, since they are both fairly contemporary issues. Because it was just a single paper, none of the persons I write about are figures I know well or whose writings I am confident in understanding - so I may be answering a lot of questions after my paper presentation this weekend with - 'That's a great question. I actually have no idea, because I don't know what I'm talking about. But I would guess that.....' The other alternative is to make sure that I use up all 20 minutes of my presentation with the paper and don't leave any time for questions. ;-)

But hey, it goes on my CV, it's a really low-key conference, and it'll be a great experience for getting used to presenting papers.

There's a conference called Researching Africa Day (it's the 10th annual conference) at St. Antony's College (Oxford) in May. I may try to submit a paper from the dissertation work I'm doing for that - we'll see. I hate to pass up an opportunity since this is where I hope to do my PhD, but life is pretty crazy busy for the next couple of months.

Well, I'm off to bed. May God bless you on this Thursday/Friday and show himself both transcendent above the troubles of this world and personally intimate in your own life, all at the same time.

Here are more pictures from the snow. Enjoy!

Dead Man in the Lobby

From Photos for Blog

A couple of weekends ago there were 30 youth out from a church nearby - Christ Church. Derek Bingham goes there, for anyone who knows him.

It so much reminded me of a Winterchill - except this time I was on the New Life Ranch side. Clogged toilets, broken lights, keeping bathroom's stocked, trying to get them warm water one morning for their showers when there was none, along with other 'challenges' that made for a fun weekend.

The first night they were here they played a human version of Clue. That's what the dead body in the lobby was about. :-)

They set up a projector, lights, sound, and a band in the lounge and seemed to have a blast! Saturday night they made their own music videos - which hopefully will be on Youtube soon. I'm pretty sure I heard Barbie Girl blasting through the house. :-)

It also felt a lot like Visit Days at JBU, as the previous event had just been two weeks earlier than that and now the next group is three weeks afterwards. our events in Admissions were roughly every 2-3 weeks. Even though you've got that space in between, by the time you've cleaned up from one group, you're getting ready for the next.

But I love doing it, so it's totally worth it!

Weekend Trip to the North Coast

From Photos for Blog

If you look closely, you can see the outlines of the hills of Scotland at the back, in the middle of the picture between the island and the rocky cliffs.

This last weekend I had an incredible time on Ireland's Northern Antrim coast. Without question, one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, with a sea stretched as far as the eye can see that captivates the imagination and get's the blood stirring with a desire to set off in a boat on a great adventure. It's no wonder the British conquered the world by sea and had one of the (if not) the most powerful presences on the ocean of any nation well into the 20th century.

Seth (former JBU grad) and his wife Julie invited me up to Julie's parents house in Port Stewart. It's a wee coastal village comprised mostly of summer vacation homes and retired couples, with a few year-round families. It's located minutes from Castlerock, where C.S. Lewis holidayed as a child with his mother. Saturday morning we had a wonderful walk along the promenade in Port Stewart, stopping in to Roughan's (pronounced 'rowan' - don't ask me how, it just is. :-) for coffee and a bite to eat. It's on the 2nd (US, 1st in the UK) floor and looks out over the entire bay into the blue ocean. The pictures by Peter Nash that line the wall are beautiful, but pale in comparison to the view that captures the imagination through the large glass windows.

Beyond that, a walk along the beach at Downhill (literally situated 'down the hill' from the Bishop's palace. :-) and a bit of a walk around Munseden Temple (aka the Bishops palace and grounds), before heading back home to catch the Irish vs. England 6-Nations rugby match and relax for an evening in front of the tele.

Sunday morning was church at the small, but vibrant Presbyterian church there in Port Stewart, led by a young minister with a passion for his congregation, for Christ, and for the world. A bite for lunch, then we set off on the 3 hour drive home along the coastal route.

Twice as long as the 'usual' way from Belfast to Port Stewart, the drive that curves along the coastline of the Glens of Antrim lauds itself for it's 'outstanding coastal beauty'. Without question, it is one of the most beautiful places I've been. From the white rock of Ballintoy and the wee cafe at the bottom of the hill, to the stretched out green pastures that made me think I was in Scotland, to the ruins of churches and homes all along the way - the drive home was captivating. We were fortunate to have sun nearly the entire way and we were mesmerized. Quite by accident, we dropped in to this little carpark and walked up to an old church and burial site. One of the tombstones dated the person's death to 1785! That was around (or before) the time that Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln were born - only 9 years after the 13 colonies declared independence from London with the Declaration of Independence. Incredible!

So, I leave you with the picture that started this post that is really more of a tease then helpful (since it's taken with my phone). If you ever get the chance to come to Northern Ireland, on a sunny day, take the road that passes by Ballintoy and Ballycastle, Cushendun and Cushendall and stretches from Dunluce Castle outside Port Rush to Carickferguss Castle just out side of Belfast - it will invoke a forgotten imagination to life and reawaken your spirit of adventure.