What would Jesus do?

It is a safe bet that if my blog layout changes I am procrastinating. Today I am putting off finishing my seminary application. Another means by which I procrastinate is to read blogs of friends and fellow YAVs. While reading a new friends blog I came across videos from a BBC show that I had to share!



We are reminded on Sundays that we should pray with the confidence of children. Perhaps we should consider asking questions with intensity, eagerness, and inhibition of children as well! While we laugh at the seemingly ridiculous questions of Ben and Karen, they address some serious theological questions and concerns that many Christians share. Why doesn't this all powerful God just fix all the bad and the suffering in the world? Why do we not have everything we think we need--like a sun that will shine forever! Why does God allow evil to exist? Why does Jesus put up with our nonsense--with our selfishness? Why did God send His only son to die for our sins?

As someone who is interested in ministry I also think this video is a reminder to be patient and willing to teach those that have questions. It is also a reminder to be prepared!

Here is one more clip from the show. There are more on youtube if you are interested.

The Amazing Race

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I have two "races" to coming up in my life. I interpret "race" to be an event that challenges me--an event that requires endurance and strength. The first of my races is the Mardi Gras Marathon. I can't believe it is only a little more than a week away!

The other "race" is one that we are all participating in, the season of lent. It is a time of reflection and confessions, a time to refine our deliberate discipleship practices. If we are intentional and committed to this season it will be challenging. To take up our own crosses and follow Jesus will take discipline, strength, and endurance.

I am anxious about finishing the marathon. I wonder if I am really prepared and if I have the will power to run 26.2 miles. I already know how the journey to the cross ends. It ends with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our saviour, the promise of ever lasting life.

Mardi Gras

Here are some pictures from Mardi Gras Day. Enjoy!

The costumes are pretty outrageous...

So are the floats....

And the crowds!
My roomates are pretty outrageous too =)

I managed to snag a Zulu coconut.

Who Dat

It has been an interesting week here in New Orleans. I don't know whether to laugh at, be offended by, or join in the Saint's frenzy. At church on Sunday there were Go Saints signs at the front of the church--right next to the pulpit! Two weeks from now when we play in the super bowl I am not sure anyone will be at church. The streets of the city were silent last night as the Saints played and ruckus after the win. Even in our neighborhood, everyone was out in the street celebrating the victory.

I was in North Carolina in 2004 when the Panthers advanced to the super bowl and for the Tar Heel Championship in 2005. I went to several huge games in my two years at Ohio State. But--I have never seen anything like the party in New Orleans last night! I can not even imagine what the Super Bowl will bring. No doubt it will be a good time here in the Who Dat Nation.

God is here

I should be asleep. I went to bed but find myself unable to sleep because my mind is too busy. So, I thought I would put good use to my busy mind and write a post. Perhaps if the thoughts go down on paper (or the internet) I can get some sleep!

I am laying in bed wandering, with a heavy heart, why am I so fortunate while others are suffering so much? Why am I laying in my bed with a stable building under me and a roof over me head while people in Haiti lay trapped under collapsed buildings or tents? Why am I able to eat whenever and whatever I choose while some people, even children, are hungry? Why should I be here in New Orleans enjoying life so much while a friend from high school is saying goodbye to her baby girl? Where is God in all of this mess???

I know He is with me. I feel His presence and am comforted by it. He is in Haiti. He is wrapping His arms around those trapped in rubble--He is holding them tight. He is crying alongside the survivors--sharing their pain and suffering. He is smiling and welcoming those who have come home to Him.

God is certainly with that baby girl as she fights for her life. He brings her peace and comfort. He brings her so much love that all those around her can see His light shining through her. He is holding the hand of this girl's mother. Who better to hold hands with than a man who has seen His own child suffer so greatly? He is probably in awe of the internet prayer chain that has reached an untold amount of people since the time of diagnosis!

God is with those who are hungry, poor, and homeless--and those that aren't. God is everywhere! How else could we make it through the day, through the hard times, through the tragedies? How else could we ever get a good nights sleep?

the big picture

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Dear God,

Thankyou for all the opportunities for character development. Can I have a break now? I am tired.

Amen

It is amazing that in times of suffering we can praise God. It is even more amazing to be able to praise God for our sufferings--but how can we not? I know God is using my experiences and time here in New Orleans to help me grow and develop--God is preparing me to do His work in the world.
For those that do not already know, I have felt called to apply to a dual degree program in divinity and social work. Looking back over the past month or so I can see so many ways in which I am being prepared for this call. If you feel so called to read it, here is a link to my admissions essay which I submitted with my social work applications:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AYjZG6qAij9pZGNkbnp4emhfNGdnamZ4bmZ4&hl=en

I have never used google docs before so let me know if the link doesn't work!

prayer

There are types of prayer that come easily to me--prayers of adoration, love, and thanks. I find the prayer of confession to be especially powerful and something I have really developed and appreciated over the past few months. When it comes to prayers of petition or intercession I begin to struggle...

There are two things that have weighed heavily on my mind for a few weeks. Deep down I feel like all I really need to do is pray--to give it up to God. But when I try the words do not come. I try to open a conversation with God but my mind immediately takes over. If I were to truly give it to God I would be losing control. Not only would I lose control but I would open myself up to God's will which may not be in line with my will.

It has taken a lot of discussion and many sleepless nights to get to a point where I can admit my struggle with prayer and to understand why it exists. I am glad to be at this point because it is only when we acknowledge our struggles and understand them that we can overcome them and grow.

You may wonder why I would share this--I certainly do! It is hard to share, but I do anyway because I value Christian community. I share because someone might read this and relate to it. It might make Christianity more real and accessible to someone. Many might read this and share advice--maybe they have been in this place before. I share because in times that I can not pray for myself I know others will and are praying for me.