I have been revolutionized!!!(By the Song of Solomon)

Okay, maybe revolutionized is a strong word. But this is the first time that I have ever studied the Song of Solomon (beyond a cursory read through which resulted in me thinking confusedly, "Okay, why is he comparing her breasts to twin fawns?"). I found it a somewhat profound understanding of love and sex. I actually cannot recall an entire sermon ever being preached on this(unless of course it was taught in Sunday School classes for young marrieds). Here is my challenge to you: If you have never studied the Song of Songs at length, read it through at least seven times in a week.

I wonder why we do not use this book in youth groups as a basis for which to talk about love and sex? I mean, let's throw out the 12 step manuels of why it is a good idea to keep sex in marriage, and just use the Song of Songs! It seems like it would provide an understanding of love that is missing today in the smoke and mirrors provided by our friend Hollywood. One of the most profound lines that reappears throughout the book is: "do not stir or awaken love until it is ready". This is a line that appears throughout the man and woman's stated desire and yearning for each other.

Another thing I like about the song is the image of women it portrays. The woman is headstrong and passionate, and she seems to be pursuing her love just as he is pursuing her. I like the fact that she is not some weak, fainting maiden waving a hanky at a big burly prince who comes to rescue her. (This image might may you think of an image of a woman portrayed by some popular evangelical books, but you will note that I did not name the authors or the titles in an effort to be diplomatic).

Anyway, I leave you with this quote from the book: "How graceful your feet are in sandals, O queenly maiden. Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand". (When is the last time you heard someone complimented for rounded thighs? Wow, our sense of beauty has sure changed!!)

The Valentine's Day (Pleasant) Surprise

Last night I came home from a long day at school, knowing that I had to get up at 4 a.m. the next morning for work. On the table was a box addressed to me that had been delivered that day. I stood awhile looking at the box's peculiar shape, trying to remember if I had ordered something online. Finally, I saw an inscription on the outside of the box which read: "Open immediately, flowers enclosed". "Flowers"? I thought. "Who on earth is sending me flowers"? All of a sudden I got a pit of dread in my stomach, thinking that perhaps my stalker of last year found out my address and was making a renewed attempt to win my heart. I hastily opened the box to discover a beautiful rose bouquet and an enclosed card. Who was it from? My brother and my five year old nephew! As you can imagine, I was completely taken aback. Hands down, this is one of the most unexpectedly nice surprises I have received in recent years.

Charlie bit my finger - again !

I'm sure everyone has seen this video..but I really enjoyed it!

Lament Psalm

I had to write a Lament Psalm for my Old Testament Writings class. I thought I would go ahead and post it.

Lament


Oh God, my God, why do you keep your ways so hidden?
Why is your Presence so often elusive?

And yet you are a God who is near;
In the stunning magnificence of your creation
In the tender care You offer to the smallest creature
Your glory is proclaimed in the mountains’ formidable challenge
And your praise echoes from the beak of the red-tailed hawk,
its soaring freedom testifying of Your abundant grace.

Creation’s cycles tell of your faithfulness;
Your abundant love buds unfailingly each spring
When the storms rise up
with lightning’s ferocity,
I hide in your trees’ embrace,
finding shelter and safety under the swaying canopy.

But then the lightning strikes the trees around me
They explode in the thunder’s roar
The flames rise up on all sides
And the mighty rain runs down my body.
Naked and exposed I crouch in the dirt
Shivering and wet I wind my arms tightly around me.

What happened to your protection, oh God?
Why did you leave me exposed and fragile,
Subject to every assault from nature’s fury?
Do I have no advocate, no one to whom I can plead for my life?
How were the trees’ steadfastness
So easily overcome by destruction?

The storm has passed,
And I have dried my own clothes
And cut off my singed hair.
And yet I still tremble inside
Shivering with the cold expectation
Of the next storm.

What will you do next time, Oh Lord?
How much will the storm pummel me?
I wait to hear Your words
Confirming the promise in your character.
How does the faithfulness of your creation
translate to my life?
Is my answer found in the inevitability of winter’s death
And the irrepressible promise of spring?