Sunday, September 19, 2010

Pondering - Pain (Heaven vs. Hell and Poverty)

"We know much more about heaven than hell, for heaven is the home of humanity and therefore contains all that is implied in a glorified human life: but hell was not made ofr men. It is in no sense parallel to heavin: it is the 'darkness outside,' the outer rim where being fades away into nonentity."

- Dr. Edwyn Bevan (quoted in The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis)

I finished reading The Problem of Pain today. What a difficult book to read. I will probably need to re-read this book a few times to really understand everything C.S. Lewis wrote. Some of the stuff I had already come in contact with through my courses at Seattle Pacific University. Reading this book was like chewing on tough meat. You don't really finish it or feel full without taking multiple bites.

There were two things that stood out to me the most in the book. His discussion about Heaven and Hell and secondly, how poverty is related to pain.

"Of poverty - the affliction which actually or potentially includes all other afflictions - I would not dare to speak as from myself; and those who reject Christianity will not be moved by Christ's statement that poverty is blessed. But here a rather remarkable fact comes to my aid. Those who would most scornfully repudiate Christianity as a mere 'opiate of the people' have a contempt for the rich, that is, for all mankind excep tthe poor. They regard the poor as the only people worth preserving from 'liquidation,' and place in them the only hope of the human race. But this is not compatible with a belief that the effects of poverty on those who suffer it are wholly evil; it even implies that they are good. The Marxist thus finds himself in real agreement with the Christian in those two beliefs which Christianity paradoxically demands - that poverty is blessed and yet ought to be removed."

- The Problem of Pain pg. 109

These two things stood out the most to me while I was reading. Perhaps it's because there is so much poverty and suffering due to poverty that Lewis' statement stuck out to me. Perhaps, it's the hope of heaven that makes me think about how wonderful that 'pie in the sky' will truly be. Whatever the case may be, these are the things I am thinking about and contemplating how that affects the actions and choices I make each day.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Goofing Off


Goofing Off
Originally uploaded by kiki5253


A great weekend in Spokane was had by all. Silverwood was so much fun...though that Gravity Drop ride was sheer terror. I'm not so sure I could ever ride one of those and really enjoy it.

It was a cold day at Silverwood. Probably not the best day to ride the Thunder Canyon ride. Then again...when is it ever a good time to ride something that you'll get soaked in when you're wearing regular clothes. My jeans didn't dry for at least a day and a half. It was so much fun though!!

Enjoy the new pics!

-Cheers

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Saying Good-by is Tough

I can't begin to count the number of people I have said good-bye to over the past few years. I think at the rate I'm going...I say good-bye to more people than I am meeting. Kidding. But it sure has been a lot.

It makes me think about whether or not I've put all of myself into the relationships and what things might change in my life. I am always sad when I say good-bye. It was probably the hardest when one of my best friends moved away to teach English overseas.

I have been so blessed to know these friends and while I'll miss them, I am excited for them. I am hopeful that this new chapter will be full of exciting new adventures. Wonderful new people. Experiences that help them learn and grow. And that occassionaly, they remember to keep in touch. ;-) It's hard to always want the best for them when I feel like there is now a gap in my own life. I miss all of my friends dearly. Even though there is Skype and I can talk to my friends...it's not quite the same as having coffee or getting a meal together and shooting the breeze. I will miss all the hangouts. The BBQ's. The Game Nights. The Jokes. The Laughter.

It's a new chapter for me as well. Making new friends and becomming more aware of myself and the things that I do. The impressions that I leave people with and the importance of being open and honest in everything that I do.

I am looking forward to the new year. I can't wait to see what's in store for me and all of my friends.