Happenstance

This title may not apply to this posting, but I like the word a lot, so deal with it.

Anyway, I was supposed to have my entire weekend planned with an Advertising Seminar that was supposed all day today and most of the day tomorrow. Unfortunately, the guy who was supposed to teach the seminar is a Senior Copywriter with Euro RSCG in NYC, and had plane malfunctions this morning, and was never able to leave NYC. This can be looked at in two ways: 1) a bad thing because it was supposed to be a great seminar with great opportunities to make connections at a ton of agencies in NYC; 2) a great thing because I had gotten all my school work done, and therefore now have all the time in the world to do other things this weekend. Also, all of the packets they made for the seminar are now ours, and we get a refund on the fee we paid...so essentially it was free information. This is good.

So what did I do with my newfound time? Not much really. Bought some groceries, played some games (video and board), and hung out with friends. We've begun a sort of Saturday night tradition of having people over for games and dinner and such, and it's really nice. I'm not into the party scene anymore, and I just enjoy having the company of friends now.

I know this is going to be the second posting in a row about nature, but today was just absolutely gorgeous. Sunny, a little breeze, 65 degrees...just simply amazing. I just couldn't help but feeling happy today, and considering the way things have been going for me lately, this day was much needed. I wouldn't say I'm completely revitalized, but this is definitely a start. Tomorrow's supposed to be beautiful, too. It's going to be sweet. Now for a little prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all the blessings of this life; my fiancee, my wonderful parents, my awesome and caring friends, all the people of this world, and everything good that goes on in your Name. Thank you most of all for your unending grace and love, without which I would surely suffer.
In your Son's name I pray,
Amen.

"Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever."
- Psalm 107:1
- posted by Scott @ 12:19 AM

 
Huzzah for Nature!

This will be a short posting, just a little shout-out to God for his amazing work in nature.

I went to Richmond today to meet some people at the Martin Agency (you'll be happy to know they're responsible for the Quizno's ad with the Spongemonkeys), and the day was beautiful. And then riding around with my friend Ben around sunset, the sky was this amazing shade of orange. I'm convinced there is no paint in existence that can equal God's paintbrush.

Nature rules. Huzzah!

- posted by Scott @ 12:33 AM

 
A New Appreciation

The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
John 9:30-33

So I've been known to rant against the Gospel of John, because to me, it's the most Anti-Semitic one of them all, and I just don't seem to like the language of it sometimes...it used to get to me. But with passages like the one above, I have learned a new appreciation for the latest Gospel to be written (at least that was included in the Canon). And now that I've developed this appreciation, I'm not really sure why I didn't like it in the first place. I guess it was because there had to be something about the Bible I didn't really like, and unlike many people I know, the Book of Revelation wasn't going to be it.

Anyway, this passage speaks to me because it seems very allegorical to me. This passage refers to the retort the man-born-blind-but-healed-by-Jesus gives to the Pharisees upon the assumption that because the healing took place on the Sabbath, Jesus was a sinner. But we know Jesus has the last say, because He's the Man (Son of Man, to be exact). To be silly for a minute, if I were to throw a party, I'd definitely invite Jesus, because in the pinch, I know He'd be there to save the day in the event something goes wrong (ya know, like Water into Wine?)

The allegory comes in when the man says, "You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes." This sentence could mean a variety of things. For one, later on in the passage (not quoted above), Jesus says that he came to give sight to those who could not see, and remove sight from those who thought they could. The sight Jesus is referring to the sight of the heart, the inner insight that breeds faith. The man was not only given back his physical sight, but granted the grace of inner sight, which Jesus would not grant to the Pharisees.

Also, the fact that you do not know where Jesus comes from...hmm, this is interesting. Jesus can come to you in a variety of forms, and usually comes through other people. I know for a fact that I came to know Jesus by the people I met when I came to college. I know that I grew to believe in Jesus because of the faith that I saw in other people. I know that I came to be Christian because Jesus came to me in the form of these other people. So how can you help others see Jesus through you?

Remember, the road to Heaven is not one you can take alone; we get there together or not at all.



P.S. My Lenten Discipline (I've finally figured it out) is to try and write in this thing as much as possible (like nightly if I can).
- posted by Scott @ 12:59 AM

 
The Ashes of Piety

As many of us know and some of us celebrate, Ash Wednesday was "technically" yesterday. So many Christians around the world went to their churches for the imposition of ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of penitence and preparation for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is a time where some traditionally give up something ("fasting") or take something on (like prayer time or what not). It is based off of the 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus spent in the wilderness fending off temptation from Satan (for those of you who don't remember this part, I suggest you read your Gospels again).

Here's the thing with the ashes. It's a symbol, but it's also a sign of piety. Piety can be viewed as a double-edged sword because not enough piety is a bad thing, but too much piety is also a bad thing. Jesus spends a good deal of his ministry trashing the "hypocrites" for only being pious for show. And I can see how having ashes on your head all day long just to show people you've been to Church that day can run in the category. This is the reason why I typically wash off the ashes as soon as I get a reasonable chance to do so. I claim it's for skin reasons (and it partially is), but I also hate to show people up.

Now can it be a reminder for others to go to Church that day (of the denominations that celebrate Ash Wednesday)? Yes, of course. But does having the ashes on your head make you holier than others? Of course NOT. The "holier than thou" syndrome is a horrible thing. A key aspect about Judaism that I still like to this day is that the Rabbis are not looked on as being superior spiritual persons, just a font of veritable knowledge when people are need of such knowledge. In Christianity, this sense of spiritual equality can be skewed as many look to priests, ministers, pastors, etc. as being superior and closer to God. Some even think their leaders are incapable of sin. This is ridiculous! Unless somebody knows something I don't, everybody on this earth is human, and to be human means to sin.

To be human means to sin. And that's the beauty of Christ. He came not for the righteous but for the sinners. Does that mean we can get away with sin? No, because that would cheapen the grace that God gives us through Christ.

Sometimes here on campus, we have what I like to call "The Angry Preachers" who teach nothing but fire and brimstone and "You're going to Hell." Without a doubt, each one of these preachers believes they live without sin anymore. And without a doubt, each of these preachers takes the Bible as the Word. And yet when confronted with their own argument of The Word by saying that to claim to be without sin is a sin in itself (1 John 1:8-10 I believe), they always say that we take the verses "out of context." I'm sorry, I was under the impression that if you thought it was The Word, the context didn't matter...correct me if I'm wrong. And if we're arguing context, then we're arguing interpretation, and then we're trying to fit the supposed Word in our own frame of mind, and that misses the point. There's a quote I'm fond of that says, "You know you've created God in your own image when He hates the same people you do."

Anyway, I'm off topic. Piety can be a dangerous thing, so when it comes to the ashes, here's what I have to say: Keep them on as long as you want. When they are on for the wrong reasons - like to show off, or anything beyond your personal connection with God - wash them off.

Because remember, when you pray, pray in secret, because God sees all secrets.
- posted by Scott @ 12:25 AM

 
How Strong is Your Faith?

For the past few weeks in Bible Study, we have been studying the Apocrypha of the Old Testament. So far we've done Bel and the Dragon, Susannah, and the Letter of Jeremiah (also known as Baruch 6). Tonight we began 1 Maccabbees. For those of you without Jewish roots like me and are probably unaware (yes, I'm assuming), First Second Third AND Fourth Maccabees contain the stories that Jews get the holiday Chanukah from. And for those of you who are wondering if Jews use the Apocryphal books as part of their canon, no they don't. Chanukah is a very minor holiday that happens to occur around Christmas every year, and about 50 years ago some Jews decided they needed commercial competition for Christmas, so Chanukah was tapped to do the job.

Anyway, enough of your quick history lesson. Tonight we went through the first 4 chapters of 1 Maccabbees, and I have to say it has got to be one of the most incredibly dense books I have ever read. Just going from battle to battle. But here's the thing that struck me and is still sending ripples down my spine. Antiochus was King of Judah at this point, and he decided to desecrate the Temple and make everybody believe in his gods. If people refused to believe in his gods, they were killed. Our chaplain asked us if we could see ourselves choosing death for faith.

Here's the thing: it's incredibly easy for us living in the United States to say yes to this question. Why? Because this is the EASIEST country to be Christian in. Deny it all you like, it's the truth. Why is it so easy? Because you don't have to make that decision in this country; it's not even a remote possibility. Every Christmas time, our college ministry writes letters to Christians imprisoned for their faith around the world, and today we actually got a letter back from a guy in Egypt who is still in prison for his faith (I believe he was going on 8 years). His answer was yes to the question above. Wow.

I'd like to think I can say yes to that question. But to be honest, since I've never been in the situation, I can't really tell you positively one way or the other. And that's a sobering feeling, because I'd like to think that my faith is strong enough to conquer the fear of death (well, especially with what I'm going through of late, this question is especially hard to answer). I also would like to believe that my faith is strong enough that if I was ever presented with such a decision that I would make the decision to die without hesitation. But I'd be fooling myself if I thought I was that strong. Like I said...a sobering feeling. Definitely something I need to pray about.

As for whether I could make that decision like the guy who wrote back to us, I can say this. I haven't been there, I haven't done that, and I most definitely have not gotten the T-shirt.

As for those who can make that decision, here's what I have to say:

Wow.
- posted by Scott @ 12:58 AM

 
Captions

One of the readings in Church today was Luke's version of the Transfiguration, when Jesus talks to Moses and Elijah in front of a few of the Apostles, including "tends-to-have-his-foot-in-his-mouth" Peter. At the end of it, Jesus is draped in white robes, and he's alone, with Moses and Elijah having left. My chaplain preached about people being transfigured in front of you, like meeting that someone new that changes your life or his/hers. I never really thought of it that way, but I found it to be a great message. It also brought new appreciation for those around me who I know have changed my life.

...

Lent starts on Wednesday. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I feel like the kid who knows he's about to become a middle child, and has only a small amount of time to get used to the idea. It's not that I have a problem with Lent, I just don't think I'm in the mood for it right now. Lenten disciplines have been so easy to come by for the past two years, and I'm stuck this year. I have no idea. With my mind so cluttered with school work, my internship/job search, and other hassles (for one, depression), quiet time with God has been hard to come by. It's not that I haven't been praying, but it's more like a supplication here, a thank you there...I hope God knows he's on top of my list of favorites. It truly is going to be Tuesday at 11pm when I figure it out.

...

Seminary...yeah, Seminary. It's definitely a recurring thought. I still haven't really figured out why. I've told myself time and again that even if I do go to Seminary, it's going to be a sort of "second career." I have a knack for advertising, I really do. It just seems that I may be missing something. Maybe my sanity just isn't here. I won't have parental support for Seminary (at least not yet). I'm just so busy with school and work (I do currently have an internship) that I'm just exhausted. I can't think straight anymore, I'm doing so much work. So why am I STILL thinking about Seminary?

...

I've been tossing and turning a lot lately, and I've had the dream again. I just need a break.
- posted by Scott @ 12:40 AM

 
Shaking Faith

As I have said in a previous blog entry (read: "the Story of My Life", probably in the Archives by now), I have dealt with depression before in my life. Although for a long time I thought I had defeated it, and last semester thought that the feelings were just because I hated my classes (sans one, my religion class), that I wouldn't have to deal with it again. Well, I was wrong. Unfortunately, I'm dealing with it again. To avoid a long explanation of how it works in my head, here's the gist of how my mind works: I'm sad, why? I don't know. Well stop being sad! I can't!

That's pretty much how it goes, and for those of you out there who are also dealing with depression, I'm sure you can relate. Fortunately, it doesn't get in the way of my self-value, and I don't lack self-appreciation. It's more of a problem of motivation and simple problems of mood control. For those of you who know me well, I'm sure you've always thought that I'm moody. But I think that this thing - this disease - that I'm dealing goes much deeper than just being moody.

It's strange, really, how I deal with people now. One second I can be laughing and enjoying somebody's company, and the next I'm basically non-reactive. It's not that I'm mad, it's just that I'm not in the mood anymore. And there are people that I have a hard time dealing with in general, and these are the people I basically don't speak to unless I have to now. There's so much more tension now. And the worst part is I used to let things roll off my back, and I can't do that anymore, and that upsets me greatly.

Motivation is the hardest thing. I have trouble focusing on school work because I can't motivate myself to do it - though I've learned from the way I studied for my Advertising test that scare tactics work really well. I need my support system of friends, but I can't seem to make myself talk to people anymore. It truly is a struggle against what I want to do, and what my mood says I should do. Sadly, the mood is winning now.

When I was dealing with depression in high school, I kept on having a dream where I would die, and be buried in the ground in a coffin, and I would wake in the coffin, and not be able to get out. I've never really understood what it meant, but it shook me to the core then. The dream has come back recently, and I'm still kind of shaken up about it. In my mind, the dream makes me think of death, and now when I think of death, I think of basically ceasing to be, everything going black. I feel the sensation of what it may be like to drown and not be able to breathe.

This is a difficult situation because obviously as a believer in God, I shouldn't fear death. Because death is only a step to greater enlightenment and another portion of life. Why is it that the fear has returned? Although I have been sleeping, my sleep has become more restless. I'm just not sure what's going on.

I am going to see someone about this...took me a long time to finally agree within myself that this needs to happen, but I am.

I need some words of advice, I need some support, and most of all, I need to know that God loves me.
- posted by Scott @ 10:30 PM

 
The Double-Edged Sword

I feel like ranting about outreach today. Outreach is an interesting entity. It's something that can be scary, yet is a somewhat necessary evil when it comes to keeping alive any organization, especially the likes of a religious organization. Sometimes outreach can be viewed as working for charity, and striving to feed the poor or tutor at-risk kids, or something of some greater "noble" status. While this may be necessary, it seems that the basic workings of outreach, like friendship and kindness, at the local level get ignored. The worst possible thing we can do as people trying to do outreach is work so hard for the people who are less fortunate than us and forget completely to reach out to those immediately around us, like our friends or family.

In advertising and marketing, we call these friends and family "current and repeat customers." These people make up what we call the "80/20 Rule," which means that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your buyers. This rule can be applied to outreach as well. Many churches lose membership because they forget about their repeat patrons, and just try to bring in new members. And people can lose friends and lose their closeness with others when they work so hard for people they don't know that they forget about the feelings of those around them all the time. It can be frustrating.

So how do we approach outreach? Matthew 28:19-20, The Great Commission, says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." This verse defines the double-edged sword. This verse has brought about the Bible-Thumpers, and this verse has brought about the types of Christians that literally make other Christians cringe at the thought of. How is it that outreach can become so skewed that fear becomes motivation? Let me tell you something. I wasn't brought into faith by fear, but by love. And to quote my chaplain, no one was ever brought into the faith by fear who has stayed in the faith for very long.

I think one of the main problems with outreach is that it tries to change who people are. Yes, we can convert people, but we have to appeal to their individuality. There is basis for this in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, which says, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Look at that! Four verses that go to show that each person is their own person in their own way. And I know I'm being redundant when I say that, but there's a point to be made. You can't force people to do anything. You have to just present your case - which should be made out of love - and live it through your actions.

I'm tired of having to beg the question about how to reach out to people. To borrow from "The Matrix", all you can do is show people the door. They are the ones that have to walk through it.

And remember this: you may be doing great work for the less fortunate, but don't forget who makes up your support system.
- posted by Scott @ 12:01 AM

 
The Search for Lenten Disciplines

It's that time of year again - the time when many Christians have to figure out what discipline to take on for the 46 days of Lent (yes, 46 days if you include Sundays). I've only been Christian for two years, so I'm on my third Lent. My first year (Lent started two weeks before my baptism, so I took on a discipline), I gave up coffee, and donated the money I would have spent on coffee to the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life. Last year, I gave up all meat. This was a struggle at first, but the vegetarianism stuck with me until this past Thanksgiving. It taught me a lot about the blessing of being able to afford eating meat on a daily basis, while at the same time allowed me to lose weight and better my blood pressure by 20 points (high blood pressure runs in my family, both sides). It wasn't until recently that I went back to eating meat full time, but it's only because I need meat for health reasons. Although I haven't been officially diagnosed, I demonstrate all the signs of Hypoglycemia, which essentially means I'm not allowed to go more than 4 hours without eating something of some substance unless I'm sleeping. It's kind of rough when you're trying to watch your weight, but I manage somehow.

Lent this year is proving to be hard for me because I can't really figure out what I want to do. I'm not going to give up meat again and I don't drink coffee frequently enough anymore (due to Lent two years ago) to really make it a good enough "fasting." My fiancee and I decided to give up eating out, which we tend to do two times a week on average. But I need a discipline for myself. Some suggestions have been made about taking on prayer time, or keeping a spiritual log, or just adding something to your day that you think will bring you closer to God. I think that this blog is doing that already. And I already try really hard to converse with God when I'm walking through campus or when I'm having quiet time. I sit here praying and trying to think of something I can deny myself of that would bring me closer to God.

I briefly thought about ice cream, but then I realized that that's the only dessert I can really have, and since Lent is not supposed to be a marathon, that discipline would just turn out badly for all involved. I'm addicted to caffeine (yes, I'll admit it), so giving that up would be miserable (though it may have to happen at some point). So I don't know.

Lent is based on Jesus' denying of temptation by Satan in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:3-11), and I find it in interesting that some denominations (the more "mainstream" and liturgically conservative denominations mostly) participate in this tradition, while others (the more "Biblically-based" and fundamentalist denominations) do not. Even though it's not specifically mentioned as something to do, I think Jesus provides us with a model for prayer. That's what Lent's all about. You don't give up something like chocolate just because you feel you ought to; you deny yourself something you enjoy or you take on something extra to bring yourself closer to God. That's what Jesus did. Jesus was sent into the wilderness to pray, and he fended off temptation through prayer and faith in God. We can't be Jesus - unfortunately - but we can be like him at least for a little while.

I just wish I could find that thing that would make me be like Jesus if but for a little while.

Any suggestions?
- posted by Scott @ 12:10 AM

 
Favorites

After conquering my gigantic advertising test today, I haven’t really the mind for a long entry. However, in the spirit of trying to keep this up as a daily entry, I am just going to put up some favorite verses. Today, it’s Psalm 25:1-7:

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
Do not let me be put to shame;
Do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you
Be put to shame;
Let them be ashamed who are
Wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways,
O Lord;
Teach me in your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation;
For you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy,
O Lord, and of your
Steadfast love,
For they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my
Youth or my transgressions;
According to your steadfast love
Remember,
For your goodness’ sake,
O Lord!

- posted by Scott @ 8:30 AM

 
Equality for all

In the midst of my studying for my ridiculously big advertising test non-stop, I went to classes today. In New Testament, we started studying Matthew today, and my professor was reading parts of the Sermon on the Mount.

A passage really stood out for me – Matthew 5:44-48: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your bothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

This passage spoke to me because it shows that God is so benevolent that everyone is equal in his eyes. Men, women, Jew, Gentile; everyone is equal. No matter what religion you are, God sends the rain for you as well as those who consider themselves “holier than thou.” I’m all for equality in all religions, because God is too prolific to be put into the “box” of one specific religion. Just as there are different languages for different people, there are different ways to get to God. All God wants is belief, love, and adoration.

So it doesn’t matter who you are, I’m probably going to love you…or at least try my best to do so. And I’m all for equality in the workplace (and that includes the priesthood.) I think some Bible-as-Word people should look at Galatians 3:27-28 and realize that women don’t have be submissive. Galatians 3:27-28 reads, “As many of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” There we go with equality again. If we are all one in Jesus, then why does it matter which roles men and women inhabit? If a woman wants to be a priest, she has just as much right as a man. I believe that to be self-evident in the message Jesus portrays in his ministry, and in Paul’s writings in Galatians.

And I’m still going to love you, regardless of whether you agree with this or not.

- posted by Scott @ 11:48 PM

 
The Still Small Voice

I think the hardest part about keeping a journal is updating it regularly. This has to become a daily thing for me to do before I go to bed, and it's proving difficult. For those of you who are used to the whole blogging/journalkeeping concept, I guess you could probably tell me this becomes easier over time. Also, I think the fact that I told myself this would be a spiritual journal, and not just daily events, adds to the difficult task I already gave myself. I typically don't write things down that are in my head, and while some entries have been great, some haven't exactly worked very well. The problem is that since the "Story of My Life" entry, not only have I been extremely busy with school, but I've been kind of out of ideas.

The big problem with being busy all the time is that it gets in the way of appreciating what you've got going on right in that moment. When I talk about living in the moment, I don't mean to just disregard the past and future, but to not let yourself get so bogged down in the things you can't control that you forget about the moment you're in right then. Perhaps the most difficult thing to do in these circumstances is allow yourself to listen for that "still small voice." Some call it your conscience; some say subconsience. I say it's God trying to tell you things. Sometimes he won't say anything, other times he's trying to smack you with the divine 2x4 of wisdom; unfortunately, we have to be able to listen to it in order to learn what we should be doing.

Maybe living in the moment isn't the best thing when it comes to trying to listen, but I know that trying to worry about things months from now (for example, my upcoming wedding plans) just isn't going to help me get through this week (a huge test and other things as well). Who knows what's right? God. Simply put. And we can't know how right he is unless we listen. My chaplain has said numerous times that she has friends who say that if it's easy, it must not be what God intended for them to do. Well, I'm afraid that if you feel this way, you should reexamine your outlook, because that easy and fun task may be what God wants you to do. God may want you to be a graphic designer, or a cook, or whatever. You just have to be open to God's ideas and be able to change if necessary.

And once again, I'm not really sure where this went, but at least I have something to show for tonight. I have a huge test on Wednesday, and that's killed my brain.

But I'll leave you with Scripture. Matthew 6:33-34: But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.
- posted by Scott @ 12:41 AM

 
Walk the walk

Emerson once said, "What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you are saying."

We all know it's easy to talk about doing good things; we're especially good at that whole "good intentions" thing. As a college student, I know it's difficult to find time for the good deeds (especially this semester with the workload I have). I think what we fail to realize is that good deeds don't have to be on the scale of Habitat for Humanity or Alternative Spring Break trips - at least not all the time. Good deeds are easy. Hold the door open for someone who is coming into a building behind you - JMU has been called the "Doorholding Institution of America" by one of my professors, and he seems to have research to back it up, too. Smile at people you don't know; you may just brighten that person's day.

I know, I know, I'm sitting here with my words and not very much action. I'm not perfect, and I'll be the first to admit that. And I'm probably the last person you'd expect to jump up on the soapbox about this, but hey, God tends to pick the least likely person to do things. He's crazy, I'm convinced, but he's got more power than we can imagine, so I suppose I can concede that the guy knows what he's doing.

In a society where individualism is breathed in by advertising (my future field) and popular culture, doing something for someone else is practically unheard of. Giving yourself freely to others is nearly an impossible feat in the eyes of society today. So where are we supposed to fit in?

College students today are going to be the future, and I hope we show promise. We're more politically motivated now than ever before, and yet more apathetic about things that seem to matter, like family and kindness. To preach the Gospel at all times is a hard thing to do. I personally think it's harder to do that with words, which is why our actions speak so loudly. In a society which says "what can you do for me now?", what can you do for it? I hold doors open; I am sometimes even in the mood to talk to random people in dining facilities. But I think the most important thing I do is say "thank you" and be respectful of other people. And even that is difficult sometimes, especially on those really difficult days.

I'm not really sure what I meant to get out of this entry, but I hope somebody gets something out of this, even if it isn't me.
- posted by Scott @ 12:07 AM