NEW MONTH, NEW BANNER

Just thought I'd change it up again this month.

XO

SOMETHING I NEEDED TO BE REMINDED OF

When Formula Christianity Fails
by Paul Stewart

"The other day I wrote about the influence of pragmatism on the American church. We want our faith to “work” well for us, to make our lives shiny and happy and perfect, which seems to be a good formula until you come to a book like 1 Peter.

“God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment… if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you” – 1 Peter 2:19,20

This letter was written by Peter to the followers of Christ who had been scattered, due to persecution, all around Asia Minor. This community is trying to live out, the best way they know how, their understanding of the cross in the light of the Sermon on the Mount: "You have heard it said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say...do not retaliate, love your enemies."

Jesus does not appeal to pragmatism in the Sermon. He didn’t say, “it makes good sense to make peace with someone who has wronged you” or “carry your enemy’s pack because such an act will help to uncover the basic humanity of that person.” Rather, the disciples are to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, avoid promiscuity, and remain faithful to their marriage vows because God is like this.

Notice, Peter doesn’t give advice on how to reduce stress, or make your problems go away, or give a five-point plan on managing your life. No he tells us to be submissive… and to patiently endure suffering. Why? Because “Jesus is Lord!” and Jesus is like this.

Peter says that we are to respect all human authority … “for the Lord’s sake” (2:13). We should respect the king... not in hope’s of getting something in return but because of our “fear and respect for God” (2:17). We should accept authority from slavemasters, not only if they are kind, but even if they are cruel, “for God is pleased when we patiently endure unfair treatment” (2:19)

As disciples we do these things because this is what the Kingdom of God looks like.

But these words fly in the face of everything we value as Americans -- Free speech; the right to pursue happiness; the right to hot French fries; the right to yell at a customer service agent who is rude; the right to submit a grievance to HR when our manager holds us accountable for actually doing our job.

If we truly believed and lived this message we would be radically different from our world because the message of the Kingdom turns our world upside-down. It shows the world to be foreign, an odd place -- where what makes sense to everybody else is revealed to be opposed to what God is doing among us.

As citizens of heaven we are foreigners here on earth. We take our identity and our mission from another place. Peter is calling Christians to give up striving for power and authority over human beings and instead pursue the good of others.

Peter is not condoning or condemning slavery, he is telling us how to live our Christian life, in a Godly manner; in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, especially when we are in difficult circumstances, and as followers of Christ that will certainly include suffering.

So for our American minds, pre-programmed to find truth in what “works” this is pretty radical thinking. We’re not even sure that to “patiently endure unfair treatment” is a noble thing to do. We’ve got to fight for our right to party.

Even if Peter could convince us, how would we pull this off?

Where can I go to find the strength to smile when someone cuts me off in traffic? How can I be gracious when my manager gives me twice the workload of my co-workers and pays me half as much? How can I love my neighbor when he neglects his yard and decreases my property value?

Peter actually shows us three important ways in this short letter: Christ’s example, the Church, and our hope for salvation."

--

Thanks, Paul!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRITTY

Last night I finally got to celebrate Brittany's birthday with her, even though it was weeks ago! We met up in Roseville and ate out at the Good Earth! That place is delicious and has a nice atmosphere. We gabbed and caught up on recent life happenings, and then went to the little trailish/parkish area for some photo fun.

We also sat down and talked some business. Britty has been accepted to go to Ukraine next fall, 2009. I'll be designing her bookmark, letter, and anything else she needs. I'm looking forward to it!

We met up with Maren at Turnstyle around 8:30 and looked around the store, then went to get some dessert at Baker's Square. (I had the cheesecake!)

Thanks for the fun time, Brit!

Check out the new items on Esty!

CATCHING UP

Speaking of deep and encouraging relationships, lastnight Maren and I got together with our friend from college, RiAnna. I honestly hadn't seen her since May of 2007, and that was even brief. It felt so good just to see each other and catch up. It's neat that we can just pick off where we left a year ago. We also took some fun photos!

HAND WRITTEN LETTERS


It's been a bit too long since I last blogged, so here it goes. I've been thinking a lot lately about friends and my relationships with them. I'm honestly blessed to have such a wonderful group of amazing friends. I wish I had more time to spend with each one, but there really isn't enough time to do that, between working, eating, sleeping, etc.

This year I've been seeing my relatives more than in the past, which is really nice and something I've been hoping for awhile. I've also met some really great new friends this year.

I guess I would like to be more intentional in how I spend my time, I'd like to see and talk to friends more often. Facebook just doesn't cut it. I'm going to start writing hand written letters again, too. Seriously, I've had some of the best, deepest, most encouraging relationships through letters & notes. (I think I have about 300 from Katie!)

So, here's to Hand Written Letters & Friendships!

800 MILES, 4 STATES, 1 WEDDING, 1 ARTSFEST in 4 DAYS

That's right. We drove about 800 miles, were in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska all in a 4 day period. Let me give you the play by play.

Friday

After work we left the cities and hit some not so great weather on the drive to Brookings that evening. The skies were for the most part clear the whole way, until about mid-point we ran into some freaky looking clouds that were very low to the ground, we drove under them as they made a giant arch in the sky. Then it downpoured, but only for about ten minutes!

Saturday


We slept over at the Watkins, and got up early on saturday to go to the Brookings Art Festival. It was alot of fun, there were many vendors, craft, art, food, games, etc.

Another fun thing we did, was jump on Tyler's trampoline! We definately got our workouts in for the weekend!

Sunday

After lunch on sunday we drove from Brookings to Omaha, Nebraska for Megan & Luke Pettipoole's wedding. It was a gorgeous wedding!


Not only did we get to see them get married, but also visit with friends from far away! It was a blast to see Katie, Erin & Wayde, Stevie, and Amy & Tyler.


The evening ended with dancing and the Envy Corps playing. We crashed at Megan's and drove home monday morning.

Independence Day, 2008

July 4th was relaxing, maybe too relaxing. Doug and I were bored and antsy for the day to start. Kate came over around 4pm and we made hamburgers and had a nice dinner. We hung around, watched a movie until 7ish. We took off, headed for Excelsior with some friends, Ryan, Molly, and Phil.
We found a nice spot to watch the fireworks around 8, and just hung around until they started. We even got some delicious ice cream at Licks Unlimited! Yum!

The fireworks were pretty neat, I'm glad we went!

EARLY MORNINGS

So, I'm turning into my mom. As the months progress I keep getting up earlier and earlier, and the thing is, it keeps getting easier. Even on saturdays. Adam called me at 5:40 this morning (by accident) , but I heard my phone because I was sort of awake already. Of course I didn't actually get up until 6:15, but still.

Here is a photo I took this morning of my cute, noisy, meowy kittie.


And here's me.