Reading Week

On all accounts, this week was a success. It was reading week: we had no classes, in order to give us time to do research on our semester projects. Here's the work I accomplished:

* Monday 23rd: 10 hours of studying (7 reading, 3 other)
* Tuesday 24th: 9 hours of studying (6 reading, 3 other)
* Wednesday 25th: 6 hours of studying (3 reading, 3 other)
* Thursday 26th: 6 hours of studying (2 reading, 4 other)
* Friday 27th: 3 hours of studying (3 other)

The reading I did was mostly related to my class on I. Corinthians.
The note-taking was for Systematic Theology B, covering Christology.

I've earned a good weekend off!

Opening The Pages

This semester is turning out to be very interesting.

At first I hated the semester, because of my Preaching/Worship course. I thought we would talk about the theology of preaching: why we preach, what to preach; but instead, we've focused primarily on how to preach. Essentially, the course I'm in is a course on technique, and if there's one thing I'm sceptical in a church it's technique.

But things are getting better. My first sermon's over with, and I was truly humbled by the response of my classmates. They were so encouraging, so supportive. Maybe I need to re-evaluate my attitude....

On another note, I've loved immersing myself in Scripture this semester. I've been reading a lot of Scripture, not just for my classes, but also in my personal time, and for the small group Bible Study that I lead on Tuesday nights.

I'm just amazed at the richness of the Bible. As my Preaching/Worship prof says, "Jesus encounters us in every page of Scripture", and I've found that to be so true. Whether it's in the creation account or in the narratives of Abraham and the Patriarchs in Genesis, the Psalms of praise or lament, prophecies of Isaiah, the gospels, the Pauline epistles, or the apocalyptic visions in Revelation, Jesus is already there, waiting for us, promising to meet us everytime we open the pages of Scripture.

Woman At The Well

No, I'm not going to write about Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well; in fact, nothing even close to it.

But I will talk about a woman: a lovely one I met today. Meeting her once again proved to me that all that's required in melting my heart is a kind and lovely smile. And that she did. And that she has.

So, why the "woman at the well?" I have my reasons.....

Faith For The Flood: Take 1

What a relief! I preached my first sermon today in my class, and it went well. I was given the "green light" on sermon content. The only constructive criticism I received was to read Scripture with conviction, and to make more eye-contact with the audience.

Thank you Lord!

Abundant Life

I had breakfast with Eric this morning at a place not too far from where I live. Poor guy. He's quite frustrated with the (lack of) dating scenarios in his life. For one reason or another things always seem to go sour when he tries to initiate something with women.

Well, I can relate to that. My story with women is not exactly a story of success (although since growing a beard women seem to be knocking at my door .. hahaha). If it wasn't for God's grace in giving me an enduring sense of humour I'd be quite cynical. Then again, I already am cynical. Maybe without God's grace I'd be even more cynical.

It amazes me how angry we get with God, if things don't go "our way". We blame him for our problems, thinking that he "owes" us something, whether it be a job, or a spouse, or a good standard of living, or whatever. After all, Jesus said he'd give us "abundant life." Aren't these examples of an abundant life? That's the way we think nowadays.

But I think that's backward

I have but one task in life, to worship and glorify God. The more I do that, the more I will be drawn into unity with Christ and fellowship with the Tirnity. And as that happens, things on this side of eternity will become not trivial - God does not trivialize human suffering - but a step of sanctification towards eternal glory.

Lord have mercy on us

Christ have mercy on us.

Lord have mercy on us.

No More Mate .. At Least For Now

My throat is so sore from drinking mate that I've decided to stop drinking it for a while. This sucks, because a few of us guys at school founded the mate club. We meet every Tuesday from 1:30 - 3pm, and drink it while discussing theology. It's great. Often times other guys will join us out of curiosity for what we're drinking, but not so with the women. I think they're turned off by the communal nature of the drink. Whatever...

Anyways, back to my sore throat (this is about me me me, after all). I think it's because the build up of bitterness in my throat. It just got infected and now I can barely drink anything without it hurting: anything hot like tea or coffee irritates it, and something cold like pop irritates it also.

About the only thing I can drink is normal room-temperature water. Maybe that's a sign .. I should stop my indulgence of drinks such as coffee and mate.

Die Große Stille

And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. I. Kings 19:11-12.

With these words, the film Into Great Silence began. They were appropriate verses, because the entire film - that's 160 minutes - was next to silent, virtually no talking. The film is about The Grand Chartreuse, the mother house of the legendary Carthusian Order of the Catholic Church. Essentially, the film captures the repetitive, rhythmic life at the "mother house" and beautifully portrays the life of prayer/worship, work, community, etc... It is a voyage into a different world.

Here's how the website introduces the film:

"Silence. Repetition. Rhythm. The film is an austere, next to silent meditation on monastic life in a very pure form. No music except the chants in the monastery, no interviews, no commentaries, no extra material."

I've been pondering what the connection is between the opening verse (above), and the vow of silence upheld by the Carthusians (in this particular Order, monks live in virtual silence .. talking is extremely limited, permitted only at designated times), and I've come to the conclusion that the connection is as follows: God speaks to us through the ordinary.

This is totally counter-cultural, because we are told that God - if he's there - should announce himself in 'obvious' ways (like creation isn't obvious enough): he should come down majestically in a cloud (which he will, when Jesus returns), or he should appear in a thunder, bolt, and lighting show, or even more grandiose, he should announce himself through giant hand-writing in the sky. Jesus' contemporaries were looking for signs and wonders, just like us, but Jesus responded, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given..." (Matthew 16:4)

The sound of a low whisper?

Our culture is a culture of noise: not only talk and music, but the humdrum of all kinds of other noises, like buses, construction cranes, cash registers, computers, and cellphones. We may not like to admit it, but often times - perhaps even usually - these noises just serve to distract us and occupy ourselves. We need to be distracted from the monotony of everyday life, so we buzz and beep ourselves, thinking "Yes, now I have meaning", and we occupy ourselves with making noise thinking "Now I am important."

The sound of a low whisper?

What we don't realize is that we already are important, and we already have meaning, except, we're too occupied seeking the extra-ordinary, and we're too busy making noise. We're not listening. In the meantime, Jesus awaits us with open arms: "Be still."

Be still? "Be still and what...!!!", we say. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10).

The sound of a low whisper?

Yes, Jesus comes to us in the sound of a low whisper. Can you hear him?

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

What a beautiful refrain to read over and over again. This is the "response" refrain in Psalm 136, repeated 26 times, once for each verse. It seems to me that this is a very appropriate response to read on Thanksgiving Sunday, a day I spent in Abbotsford with family.

I arrived in Abbotsford early afternoon, around 1:30, a few hours before the festivities began. It was good to get there early, because that way I was able to "catch up" in a small group with mom, dad, and my niece Tanis, before everyone else arrived.

Everyone else, not just family members but relatives too, arrived around 4pm, and we ate dinner not too much after that. Dinner was excellent, as usual.

After dinner we went downstairs and had a time of family devotions. I tried to say a little something about the Psalm, and it went ok, but I find that my difficulty with the Psalms - actually not just the Psalms, but all the Scriptures - is to get to the "main idea" of a text. I like dancing all around the text, picking up all kinds of interesting tidbits, but I often times miss the central kernel of truth the author tries to communicate.

After opening up the floor for some feedback, we sang what seemed like 100 hymns, before closing the evening with fellowship and conversation.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Blessed By Fire

Today was one of the better days I've had in the last few weeks. Here's how it went.

Morning: studied at home. I did research on the passage I'm preaching on: Genesis 6:5-9:29.

Noon: Anglican Studies Holy Communion and lunch. I'm learning not to stuff myself full of food everytime I eat.

Afternoon: I met up with Alicia mid-afternoon. We studied together before heading out for dinner at my favourite Pakistani Restaurant: Al-Watan. Too much food in one day.

Evening: The highlight of the day was when we went to see an Argentinian movie, Blessed by Fire (Iluminados por el Feugo). This was a movie about the effects the Falkland War in the early 80's had onthe soldiers. Very powerful and real: a very good movie. I've seen a few Argentinean movies over the past year, and I've been pleasantly surprised at the level of cinematography coming out of that country. But more than that, I was just happy to spend some quality time with Alicia. I think our reconcilliation has been astonishing. I'm amazed at how well our times together go. How ironic ..I know her better now as a friend, than I ever did as her boyfriend.

Help On The Way

Today I met with Mike L, the TA for my preaching class. He's going to help me formulate my sermon. I'm preaching a 10 minute sermon to my class on October 16.

The passage I'm preaching on is the same passage I've been tasked to preach on at my church (why did I agree to preach at my church anyways?): Genesis 6:9-9:29, the story of Noah and the Flood.

I was (a little) encouraged after my meeting with Mike today. At least I have a sense of direction now. I know where I'm going...

1 Minute

My gosh .. this is so tough. Today in my Preaching class (see yesterday's post), we had to do a Scripture reading plus give the main idea, in 1 minute. I just about died.

I know. Ridiculous. It's only a minute. Why am I so burdened by this?

I think I feel so pressured because all the people in my class seem/act so smart, and at times I feel so stupid. But I think the key word is that they seem/act smart. They are not. At least not all of them. Plus, most of them have preached before, whereas I've preached only to myself while taking a shower, if that.

But in reality, I think the reason I'm having such a difficult time is because I'm looking in the mirror and not liking what I'm seeing. I'm facing my own vulnerability, more importantly, my own pride. I've throned myself at the top .. a place reserved for Someone Else.

I don't know how I'm going to make it through this semester. I hate this course.

Facing My Demon

This semester is going to perhaps be the most difficult semester for me during my studies at seminary. The reason: public speaking.

I'm taking three courses, Preaching and Worship, Advanced Exegesis: I. Corinthians, and Systematic Theology "B". The 3rd course is no problem, but the first two courses require some public speaking which is something I've dreaded since beginning my Masteral studies. That's why I've left these courses to my last year: I hate public speaking. It's my worst fear. I'd prefer most kinds of suffering over public speaking, but somehow or another, I feel this is a necessary process I need to go through.

I have to face this demon, once and for all. By God's grace - and only so - I will defeat this demon.

Hamaca Paraguaya

Ted and Karin came over tonight, for an enjoyable evening of food and film.

We met shortly after 6pm in Burnaby, before going for dinner at Anton's, my favourite Italian Restaurant in Vancouver. I remember the days when I used to work at Glenayre, in the last 1990's .. we used to go to Anton's all the time for lunch, because the food is just that good!

Well, things haven't changed there. They still serve the best pasta in Vancouver. After dinner (which included a very very yummy tiramisu cake for dessert), we headed downtown for Hamaca Paraguaya, a Paraguayan movie shown here at the Film Festival.

The movie was good, but very slow, and very minimalist. In fact, the entire movie had less than 10 scenes, I'm sure. But, it did a great job portraying Paraguayan life: simple, but full of dignity. I'm glad I went to see it. The only disappointment was that it was in guarani. I shouldn't be surprised, really, because after all guarani is the native language of the people, but I was hoping to hear some spanish. I love the sound of spanish. It's like music to my ears....

But next week I'll have the opportunity to hear some nice Spanish when I see a movie from Argentina.

It was a good evening: good food, goof film, and good family. :)

Film Festival

My favourite event of the year in Vancouver (together with the Celebration of Light fireworks) is the Vancouver International Film Festival. This year it takes place from September 28-October 13. This is the one time per year where movies actually worth watching hit the scene.

I'm just so fed up with pretentious Hollywood. So, here are the movies I plan to see over the next 15 days:

* Paraguayan Hammock (Hamaca Paraguaya), Paraguay: a married couple go about their daily lives, pondering the fate of their son who's gone off to war --> September 28

* The Great Bazaar (O Grande Bazar), Mozambique: two poverty-stricken boys struggle to survive --> September 29

* Into Great Silence (Die Grosse Stille), Germany: examines the humble existence of those who choose to live a monastic life in the Carthusian Order --> October 1

* Blessed by Fire (Iluminados Por El Fuego), Argentina: a movie about the Falkland Islands war in the early 80's --> October 6

* What is it Worth (Quanto Vale Ou E Por Quilo?), Brazil: a film showing how money raised by charities often times ends up lining the pockets of organizers--> October 13

What To Make Of It All..

I've been seeing Alicia more than usual lately. I saw her at least twice last week. Then I spent Friday afternoon and evening with her.

And today I saw her for a few hours in the afternoon. We met at Granville Island, and parked ourselves along the water with dozens of other people who were thrilled to enjoy another sunny September-Sunday. We both brought books to read: I'm almost finished with Saint Augustine's Confessions, and she was getting some knitting ideas from a knitting book.

I don't know what to make of this.

Trampolining In Abbotsford

It's been great visiting with sibblings over the past few months. It's great to have them back in Canada.

This aftetrnoon I visited Ted and Karin at their home in Abbotsford. I spent a good deal of time with their kids too, jumping on the trampoline. Man, that was great fun.

Around 6ish we also ate a great bbq dinner.

By 8:30 I was back at home, studying.

Cough Cough, Sniff Sniff

I'm sick .. again! I woke up today with a headache the size of .. I don't know, it was big. My nose runs all the way to the floor, and my throat, my God, it feels like I'm swallowing a cactus everytime I swallow...

No More Bells And Whistles, Please!

I'm excited, because Friday lunches are back. Friday lunches are the best lunches at school: Holy Communion with the Anglican Studies group, and then lunch at a chinese restaurant nearby. Odd combination, I know, but does it get any better?

Unlike our weekly chapels on Tuesdays, where one never knows just what to expect (what's it gonna be today, traditional hymns, or contemporized(?) hymns, or contemporary music? .. how many more variations of musical arrangements must we endure [and to boot, they seem to get worse and worse!]? .. and when will we end the mixing and matching of lyrics with melodies? .. and, what kind of a service will we have today: a Pente-Presby-Baptist-Reform, or will it be Free-Anglo-Alliance-Menno? .. puhleeeeeeeease! .. and finally, can we just settle on a set liturgy and stick with it, rather than reinventing the wheel every week .. we have, after all, almost 2000, yes, 2000 years of church history and wisdom to guide us .. please, stop the madness or else, put me out of my misery), Friday services are simple, profound and straight to the point. No frills, no song-and-dance, just the bread, the cup, the liturgy of Holy Communion, and a 10 minute homily. Need we have anything else?

I can't believe I just said that. Nah .. sometimes the truth hurts. Ha! I think I'm becoming a liturgical snob, a "rigourist".

Boulevard Café

I went out with Alicia earlier this afternoon, and had a great time. She had a coupon for the Boulevard Café just around the corner from school, so we went there and drank this carbonated water & fruit juice (mango & coconut) drink. I think it's an Italian drink or something. Whatever it is or wherever it came from, I didn't like it.

But I did enjoy my time with her.

The Inner Voice

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I will do after I graduate next April, God willing. I really don't feel a very particular, specific calling, like being a Pastor, for example. Yet at the same time, I know that God has been preparing me, moulding me over the past 4 years, so that he can use me somewhere for the good of his kingdom.

Earlier this week I read a quote by an alumni of our school. This is what she said in her article: "At Regent I discovered that God wasn't at 'the edge,' hoping I would join Him; He was within me, waiting for me to listen to His love. He wasn't calling me to a geographical destination, but to the centre of my being, to mundane obedience."

I found this article, and this quote in particular, very encouraging, because it invites me to be faithful to God "in the present moment," before all else. Maybe God has called me to a specific geographical location - I don't know - but I need not go anywhere but to the very core of my being, in order to listen to the voice of Jesus there. Furthermore, it's in the small, mundane, daily tasks, that first-and-foremost I need to be obedient.