Occasional Murmurings

Saturday, September 28, 2013

The Falseness of Facebook

Please don't get me wrong. I truly enjoy Facebook and getting to see snippets of my friends' lives, photos of their children, funny things that happen in their daily lives. I like to feel connected to people I might not be otherwise if Facebook hadn't come along.

But something happened this morning that made me realize there are some real problems with this sense of connectedness. An author acquaintance became a Facebook friend a while back. This author passed away last year, and although I wasn't close to her, her death shook me. Today is her birthday. I know because Facebook told me on the top right hand corner of my screen.

It reminded me again of her passing. This has happened many times before--some friends who have passed away remain on Facebook, their personas still there as if they are alive and well. I decided to check her page today to see who was remembering her as I was. That's when I saw the 'happy birthday's and "blessings and prosperity", etc. Do these Facebook friends not know that she died last year?

Facebook, as far as I know, has no way of knowing when someone passes away. On one hand, it is nice to remember the person as they were, see their posts, see moments of their lives shared for always. But today I am reminded that I have a false sense of who my hundreds of friends are. Just because I am your FB friend, I do not know what you suffer, think, or have experienced unless you have publicly shared it. And I don't know about you, but a real friend is someone who knows things that you will only share in private.

For me, I'd like to apologize to all those people I consider "friends" on Facebook, whom I do not take the time to know personally, in person, face to face. I pray I never blindly wish someone well who has passed to the hereafter, simply because Facebook prompted me to buy them a gift from Starbucks or send them an e-greeting.

I do want to be your friend. I just fear I am not such a good friend on Facebook. I'm much better when I get to know your private heart, face to face, over a real cup of coffee.

Monday, September 16, 2013

On Craving Meat (Or "Where's the Beef?")

I'm a pesco-vegetarian, which means I eat seafood and dairy but generally skip food from creatures that walk or fly. Occasionally, I'll have a strange dream in which eating meat is involved, but only rarely now, and I never crave it. So when I came across a Biblical passage in Numbers, verse 11, about the Israelites beginning to complain about not having meat, I took notice.

Since the Israelites had left Egypt and entered the wilderness under Moses' leadership, God had graciously sent manna from heaven that arrived each morning with the dew. This manna has been described as flakes or resembling coriander, or even a resin substance that may taste like honey to children and pastry to adults. It was to be gathered daily and not stored, for if it was kept overnight, it got rancid and filled with worms. Except on the Sabbath. On the day before the Sabbath, the Israelites could collect the manna and save it overnight and it would not spoil. In this way, they did not have to work on the Sabbath. The collected manna was ground and made into cakes with olive oil and boiled. I imagine the Israelites found every single way to prepare it.

It has been speculated by some scholars that since the Lord was providing this spiritual and physical substance to keep them alive, that the body did not have to eliminate, if you get what I'm saying. I'm not sure if this is the case, but I can imagine that if the body got used to a certain diet, changing it up would mess with the digestive system.

In Numbers 11:4 it says, "Contemptible people among them had a strong craving for other food. The Israelites cried again and said, “Who will feed us meat? ⁵We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. ⁶But now our appetite is gone; there’s nothing to look at but this manna!”"

Notice that the verse says that the Israelites cried AGAIN. In the verse before this, the Israelites had started to complain about hardships. They had been freed from slavery, but now they were beginning to become dissatisfied with walking through the wilderness with God, trusting him to take them somewhere. The Bible says that the Lord was angry with His people and a blaze began to burn around the camp. This might be a good warning for some, but as you can see, once this grumbling and complaining began, it spread like a virus.

Now the people were remembering the good food they used to have as slaves and were crying to Moses, which was driving him crazy. Moses appealed to the Lord and basically said he couldn't take their complaints any longer.

This was the Lord's reply: "¹⁸“Tell the people: Purify yourselves in readiness for tomorrow, and you will eat meat because you cried before the Lord: ‘Who will feed us meat? We really had it good in Egypt.’ The Lord will give you meat and you will eat. ¹⁹You will eat, not for one day, or two days, or five days, or 10 days, or 20 days, ²⁰but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes nauseating to you—because you have rejected the Lord who is among you, and cried to Him: ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’”

Yikes. Be careful what you ask for. God soon created a wind that brought quail all around the camp, hovering about three feet off the ground. The people spent a day, night, and a day collecting all of the quail, the least amount being 50 bushels per person. And then they commenced eating the meat. Can you even imagine how years of eating manna which was spiritual and physical food from the Lord had not prepared the body to accept all that meat?

You guessed it. The people got sick, very sick from a plague that came along with the meat (if you are of the camp that the people had not defecated in years, you can only imagine), and many died.

SO I was thinking about this passage. Something struck me about it. I don't crave the same meat the Israelites did, but perhaps I crave other meat. I looked at my life, and one area in particular (you writers might relate to this), and saw that the Lord has, indeed, provided manna for me for years--spiritual and physical food that he has blessed me with. But how have I handled it? Gratefully always? Or have I at times whined and complained to the Lord that I am now craving more substance? That this manna he has given me is great and all, but now, how about some real meat?

And then it occurred to me. Perhaps the "meat" I am craving will not at all suit me or my family. Perhaps I will not be able to digest this "meat" I am so sure I can handle and am ready for. Perhaps, like a baby, I don't have the teeth to deal with this meat yet at all.

Ouch. Here and now, I repent from my complaints. The Lord has so graciously provided for me my entire life. Who am I to ask him for something that may end up destroying me in the end? I will leave my destiny to him. I will say to God again, "Your will be done, not mine." I will continue to ask him for my "daily bread" and not a drop more lest it spoil. And if and when the Lord determines that I am ready for "meat", I will trust him to provide it when my system is ready to digest it properly. When the meat will be a blessing as the manna has been, sustaining and fortifying, and from God's provision, not from his anger with my complaining heart.

Is there anything you've been craving? Philippians 4:6-7 says, "...in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, give your requests to God." I think the thanksgiving part is key. If we are to go before the Lord and begin asking for more in our lives, let us first begin with thanking him for what he has provided so far, for the manna that has sustained us. Perhaps then our hearts will be positioned more humbly, and we might find that our requests change to what He wills, and not to what we prematurely crave or complain about.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Love is in the Stars

I'm reading C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters right now, so that might give you some insight into my thoughts on how, exactly, we might be deceived in our everyday lives. In nearly every chapter, I've discerned something that rings true to me personally and am heeding bits of wisdom hidden within. If you haven't read this fictitious account of a devil's attempt to capture a human soul, it is not as "scary" as it sounds and truly a worthwhile read.

Back to my thought process. I'm examining my thoughts and intentions, my attitudes and actions lately and although I learn a lot from a man like C.S. Lewis or any number of the current Christian books, it is the Bible that holds the Truth that sustains me. It is only this book that reveals itself deeper each time I read it as if hidden doors lie within.

This was not always my M.O. Back in the day I was a seeker...of God, certainly, but really of anything and everything. I was disconnected to God and therefore sought connection with any substitute. This could be a person. This could be a group of people. This could even be "the Universe." As I floated through my life on a whim, allowing any and every sign to dictate my day, I was especially fond of the daily horoscope. I'm a Pisces and would find the words written for me (and about 1/12 of the human population) to be very personal. Often, I would allow those words of advice or wisdom to linger in my head. If I were out at night and my horoscope said "Beware of tall dark strangers bearing gifts," I would not accept a drink from a brunette. This is tongue in cheek, but you understand what I mean. I would allow the horoscope or any other sign for that matter, Chinese fortune cookie, shooting star, etc, to alter my reality.

Years later, my reality has been transformed by the truth of the gospel: that God gave his only son to die for my sins, so that I may have eternal (and abundant life). John 3:16. I am no longer disconnected to God but am connected to him through his Grace and son Jesus. I am still a major work in progress. In fact, I never feel closer to the truth of this gospel of Divine Grace and Mercy than when I am painfully conscious of just how human and fallible I am. I try to earnestly seek God, ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and try not to be swayed by signs and symbols or horoscopes anymore. I try to "test every spirit" by running it through prayer, and God's Holy word. I don't always succeed, yet I try.

So this morning, I decided to take a quick peek at the horoscopes, my head and heart being far from where I used to be. I haven't looked at them in years, but I no longer fear what they may or may not say. I told myself that yes, the horoscope would seem eerily written for me, but that didn't mean it was MY Truth, and then I turned the page. You know what? Every single horoscope could have been written for me. Why? Because every human has the same desires, needs and fears. If someone wanted to deceive swarms of unsuspecting and good-hearted seeking people, they might easily be able to do it as we all truly want direction, and we truly want to hear what we want to hear. That we're loved. That we belong. That good things are possible. I always wanted to "matter" to the Universe, and with the horoscope and other such readings I got that- a sense that I mattered. Turn on the television or the radio, pick up a book, read a blog post. You'll find someone somewhere confirming what you want to hear.

Once I had signs and uncertainty. Now, though Christ, I certainly have much more than that. Much more than I deserve and more and more and more to explore.

Here are the horoscopes in today's paper in mixed up order. Can you guess which one the Universe wrote just for you?

Put more time and effort into money matters. Look over contracts and make adjustments you feel should be bringing higher returns.

Avoid hasty decisions or making assumptions without having all the facts. A mistake involving someone you care about can end up being costly. Keep things under control by fulfilling your responsibilities.

A trip or attending an event will encourage meeting new people and discussions that will get you thinking about your future and your options.

You may want to make changes to your home or surroundings, but before you jump in, make sure you can afford what you want to do.

Don't jump to conclusions or take actions in haste. Wait and see what transpires before making a decision. Pampering should be scheduled.

A change of location or doing something special with someone will bring you closer together. Whether you are single or in a relationship, socializing will enhance your love life.

Keep the peace. Use charm and take a sophisticated approach to anything you are asked to do. Love will change your life.

A change in your financial situation is apparent. Look at job offers and fill out applications that can lead to better earnings. Love is in the stars.

Uncertainty is likely to overcome you, making it difficult to decide what to do next. Take a close look at personal papers and go over your options thoroughly.

Stick to the truth. You will be caught if you embellish or offer a false excuse. Do your bit when asked for help, or at least offer solutions that are doable. Love is in the stars.

Approach money matters carefully. If someone pushes you to make a quick decision, back away. You can't buy respect, but you can gain it.

OK, humans, if I might summarize our horoscope for today:
Be cautious when dealing with money or making decisions. Be trustworthy and pamper yourself. Get out and live a little because love is in the stars!

:)

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Around the World Art Camp 2013

Tahitian Landscape

Tahitian Black Pearl

We just wrapped up our 4th annual Passport Kids Around the World Art Camp! Twenty kids in rising 2nd-5th grades spent a week exploring different countries through art, music, literature, folklore, architecture, culture, and food.

Day 1: Tahiti
Today, we visited this island nation of French Polynesia. We listened to the sounds of Tahitian music while we made our version of Tahitian pearls,

Tahitian tattooed banana

which later became necklaces and pins. Next we tattooed bananas! The kids loved this one. After a snack of dried mangoes, we studied Post-impressionist Paul Gauguin and were inspired to make our own Tahitian Landscapes with oil and chalk pastels. I think they turned out beautifully.

Greek vase

Day 2: Greece
Today we went to gorgeous Greece. We listened to some music inspired by Greek mythology and spent some time going over the Greek gods and mythology. The kids loved the story of Prince Theseus and the minotaur!

Mythical creature in mosaic frame

We made our own mosaic frames and while they dried, we explored Greek pottery and made our own Greek vases on Kraft paper using patterns and line designs. After a snack of Greek olives, the kids came up with their own myths and illustrated unique mythical creatures!

Albrecht Durer-inspired
scratch art engraving

Day 3: Germany
Today, we went to Europe and visited Germany. We learned a lot about the history of Germany, including its involvement in World War II as well as the fall of the Berlin Wall. The children were very interested and hands were up all over the place, asking questions. We listened to the beautiful music of Beethoven while we created Albrecht Durer-inspired animal etchings with lots of visual texture.
After a snack of German butter biscuits and gingerbread, we visited the Black Forest and created cuckoo clock collages. I love them!

Cuckoo clock collage

Elijah's cups and Stars of David

Day 4: Israel
Learning about the Holocaust yesterday helped us to appreciate the rich history of the nation of Israel, where we visited today. We listened to the sometimes sad but lovely music of Itzhak Perlman while we made our own versions of Elijah's cup used in the Passover feast of Seder. Next we made colorful stars of David, and after a snack of tea biscuits from Israel, we were inspired by the Dead Sea to experiment with watercolor and Kosher salt. It's amazing the visual texture you can create!

Antique cars in
Old Havana

Day 5: Cuba

Cuban Sugar pots

Today, we went to the island nation of Cuba, our neighbor just off of Florida. We learned of the Spanish and African influences on this country as well as its history of slavery. Some kids had already heard the name Castro, so we had some interesting conversations about communism and the Cuban missile crisis. You never know what children are ready to understand! While listening to Cuban drums, guitars, and voices, we made our own sugar pots (az'ucar) with flower pots and wooden beads. After a delicious snack of rice and beans, we drew wonderful pictures of 1940s and 50s cars in colorful Old Havana. I love these!

This camp is truly a labor of love. I love to expose children to other places and other cultures as it whets their appetite for travel, but also creates empathy and understanding that we all share the same amazing Earth. If we begin to think about and pray for other people, we'll begin to care about them. I think that's what it's all about. Not to mention, children's artwork rocks!