Science isn't interested in what's known, but what's unknown; to put on the blinders and pretend that we know everything is naive in my opinion.
-Dr. Timothy Heil
I spent a few minutes enjoying the sun by the Mary Kahrs Warnell Memorial Garden today. The turtles apparently had the same idea; I spotted half-a-dozen or so sunning themselves on the flat rocks protruding out of the water. Surprisingly, the coy fish didn't even really make me feel anxious; then again, I am in the business of conquering fears these days. The breeze was pleasant. My mother called, interrupting my oh-so-Thoreau moment, but I truly didn't mind, and talked quietly with her for a few minutes as I watched Spring unfurl its details .
People often talk about the historic serenity of North Campus, but truthfully, I have always felt more connected with South Campus. Surrounded by dozens of stoic science buildings, I have generally been able to find solace. It's lovely. Quiet. Still. I felt rather childish as the burning desire to drop my apple core into the pond began to build within me, and I knew it was time to go to lunch.
I started thinking about my beloved science, and the harsh criticism it has received, especially in recent years, from my beloved church. For some reason, it has become a trend in modern western society (which has incontestably infiltrated the modern church) to pit science and religion against one another, insisting that the two are enemies. I think that the general public misunderstands the goals and overlooks the self-imposed limitations of science. It's difficult to overcome the false dilemma of the mindset that we have been raised on, to offer even the smallest amount of consideration to the both-and view that is characteristic of many eastern cultures. (Let me be clear, I am BOTH either-or AND both-and.)
Science studies the natural world. It seeks to discover truth by disproving claims, much like a sculptor carves away bits of his chosen medium to reveal a beautiful piece of artwork, or a paleontologist gently sweeps past layer after layer of dust and soil, carefully uncovering each delicate fragment of bone. Or, if you will allow it, the way that God refines us through sanctification; He removes our impurities, strengthens our faith and deepens our love. He calls us to die to self so that Christ's love can be magnified in our lives.
One of the hallmarks of science is its self-corrective nature. Science admits its mistakes (something the church has always struggled with), but remains conservative. As a general rule, it does not change suddenly in drastic leaps or bounds (if it does, we're probably talking about pseudoscience, which is another point of discussion entirely), but gradually over relatively long periods of time. True science begins with intellectual humility, which:
...depends on recognizing that one should not claim more than one actually knows. It does not imply spinelessness or submissiveness. It implies the lack of intellectual pretentiousness, boastfulness, or conceit, combined with insight into the logical foundations, or lack of such foundations, of one's belief.
-from A Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking, by Dr. Richard Paul & Dr. Linda Elder
Last night at Wesley, Bob made an interesting assertion. He said that "the central ingredient to inviting God's Presence is the genuine humility of his people." So science, in its purest form, serves as an avenue of invitation to the Presence of God? When I consider the complexities of the universe, and more recently, the intricacies of the human body that I have gained such a comparably limited amount of knowledge about through formal education, I have to say yes.
Thursday, March 27
Tuesday, March 25
Has Anyone Seen My Coat?
A page is turned in this world to reveal a little girl
With a heart that's bigger, as it is unfurled
By the language in her soul, that's teaching her to grow
With a careful cover of love that will not fail.
-Bebo Norman, A Page Is Turned
That's me.
I spent an hour or so today sitting in a tree, enjoying the glorious weather, and thinking. Interestingly, it was the same tree that I sat in last fall on the day I wrote my first facebook note. My, how things have changed. Before, I was impatiently waiting for much more than just autumn. Today, perched much higher (as I've become a stronger, more confident climber) in this dear old tree, I was able to be still and listen to the birds.
Soon I could hear the small group of musicians - some professors, some students - that has, in recent weeks, taken to playing together in the courtyard outside the ecology building on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Like most things unusual and unique, these fellows have taken up residence in a special place in my heart - especially the fiddlers and the old white-headed men with long beards and suspenders.
Springtime is upon us. I want to laugh when I think back to that day in September; I was so eager for winter, for the progression of life, for change. Figuratively, my winter came quickly, and was cold and dark. Fortunately, it did not last long. Sitting in that tree, I thought about one of my favorite scenes from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. After they cross The Great River, the group thinks they've lost Lucy, but she turns up, asking if anyone has seen her coat. They are all so relieved at her return that only Mrs. Beaver notices the flowers and trees blooming before their very eyes. "I don't think you'll be needing those coats anymore!" she says.
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.
-Song of Songs 2:11-13
With a heart that's bigger, as it is unfurled
By the language in her soul, that's teaching her to grow
With a careful cover of love that will not fail.
-Bebo Norman, A Page Is Turned
That's me.
I spent an hour or so today sitting in a tree, enjoying the glorious weather, and thinking. Interestingly, it was the same tree that I sat in last fall on the day I wrote my first facebook note. My, how things have changed. Before, I was impatiently waiting for much more than just autumn. Today, perched much higher (as I've become a stronger, more confident climber) in this dear old tree, I was able to be still and listen to the birds.
Soon I could hear the small group of musicians - some professors, some students - that has, in recent weeks, taken to playing together in the courtyard outside the ecology building on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Like most things unusual and unique, these fellows have taken up residence in a special place in my heart - especially the fiddlers and the old white-headed men with long beards and suspenders.
Springtime is upon us. I want to laugh when I think back to that day in September; I was so eager for winter, for the progression of life, for change. Figuratively, my winter came quickly, and was cold and dark. Fortunately, it did not last long. Sitting in that tree, I thought about one of my favorite scenes from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. After they cross The Great River, the group thinks they've lost Lucy, but she turns up, asking if anyone has seen her coat. They are all so relieved at her return that only Mrs. Beaver notices the flowers and trees blooming before their very eyes. "I don't think you'll be needing those coats anymore!" she says.
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.
-Song of Songs 2:11-13
Sunday, March 23
10,000 B.C.
Last night I took my cousins, Conner and Thomas Owen, to see 10,000 B.C. It was completely their choice, and I wasn't that excited about it. If you haven't seen it, do not read this; it will ruin the ending for you.
I love this movie. Those of you that know me best will probably figure out why.
D'Leh's father left him when he was a boy. He never quite understood, and faced ostracism from his peers because of this abandonment. Eventually (still a young boy), he met a girl named Evolet, and they grew into love as they grew up together. After he "won" her by killing the mammoth on his first hunt, he gave her up out of fear that others would discover what he felt about himself: that he was a fake. (He totally wasn't)
Some slave traders came and took her away, along with several others. Without hesitation, D'Leh left with a few companions in hot pursuit of her. He had come to know her deeply and knew that she was worth dying for. He risked his life for her dozens of times. He never gave up. He followed her far beyond the end of the world as he knew it.
Let me be clear, Evolet was no sissy. She was clever and strong and brave and persistent. She left a trail for him. She knew he would come for her. Later, she stabbed a guy with his own arrow. (That's what I'm talkin' about!)
Finally, in the tradition of Braveheart, D'Leh finds himself in Egypt. He has gathered many followers that have come to seek the freedom of their people. His desire was wildly contagious. His purpose was no longer solely to rescue Evolet, but to set free thousands of captives. Tic'Tic (his surrogate father) tells him this:
A good man draws a circle around him, and in it he cares for his family, his [wife] and children. A great man draws a larger circle including his brothers, his friends, and protects them as he would his family. But then there is the rare man who has a special destiny. His circle extends beyond boundaries to include the world of innocents who lack the will to defend themselves.
Although he doesn't believe it at first, D'Leh is destined to become such a man.
After a sweet battle, D'Leh and Evolet are about to be reunited. They are literally running toward each other, when the enemy, her captor (the one she had just stabbed), shoots her in the back with an arrow. D'Leh could not rescue her from death.
But Old Mother (this weird spirit lady back home) could. She took on the wounds of Evolet (whom she had practically raised as her own daughter), and died in her place, thus giving life back to her. Sound familiar? The same thing happened to me when Jesus called me back from death, saying "Wake up, O sleeper. Rise from the dead." (Eph. 5)
How fitting on Easter.
I love this movie. Those of you that know me best will probably figure out why.
D'Leh's father left him when he was a boy. He never quite understood, and faced ostracism from his peers because of this abandonment. Eventually (still a young boy), he met a girl named Evolet, and they grew into love as they grew up together. After he "won" her by killing the mammoth on his first hunt, he gave her up out of fear that others would discover what he felt about himself: that he was a fake. (He totally wasn't)
Some slave traders came and took her away, along with several others. Without hesitation, D'Leh left with a few companions in hot pursuit of her. He had come to know her deeply and knew that she was worth dying for. He risked his life for her dozens of times. He never gave up. He followed her far beyond the end of the world as he knew it.
Let me be clear, Evolet was no sissy. She was clever and strong and brave and persistent. She left a trail for him. She knew he would come for her. Later, she stabbed a guy with his own arrow. (That's what I'm talkin' about!)
Finally, in the tradition of Braveheart, D'Leh finds himself in Egypt. He has gathered many followers that have come to seek the freedom of their people. His desire was wildly contagious. His purpose was no longer solely to rescue Evolet, but to set free thousands of captives. Tic'Tic (his surrogate father) tells him this:
A good man draws a circle around him, and in it he cares for his family, his [wife] and children. A great man draws a larger circle including his brothers, his friends, and protects them as he would his family. But then there is the rare man who has a special destiny. His circle extends beyond boundaries to include the world of innocents who lack the will to defend themselves.
Although he doesn't believe it at first, D'Leh is destined to become such a man.
After a sweet battle, D'Leh and Evolet are about to be reunited. They are literally running toward each other, when the enemy, her captor (the one she had just stabbed), shoots her in the back with an arrow. D'Leh could not rescue her from death.
But Old Mother (this weird spirit lady back home) could. She took on the wounds of Evolet (whom she had practically raised as her own daughter), and died in her place, thus giving life back to her. Sound familiar? The same thing happened to me when Jesus called me back from death, saying "Wake up, O sleeper. Rise from the dead." (Eph. 5)
How fitting on Easter.
Wednesday, March 19
a life-blow to some
Sometimes things happen to us that hurt our feelings. A family member says something that crushes you. Perhaps you find yourself utterly forsaken by someone you trusted. Maybe a friend gives her allegiance to a person that hurt you. People betray confidences. Gossip spreads. Relationships are broken. These are endemic among the human race. Earlier this evening, I was struggling with one particular situation in my life that causes me heartache, and ordinarily, I would have discussed it with my two closest friends, but I decided to discuss it with Jesus instead.
And why wouldn't I discuss it with Him? He has been an intimate, loyal, trustworthy, understanding, kind, merciful, wise, strong, funny, compassionate, patient, and true friend. With a careful eye, I have watched him fulfill every need that has developed in my life over the past few months: deepening friendships, business, rest, emotional health, discipleship, community, physical comfort, new passions (like climbing, drawing, and piano), a restored closeness with my mother, Emily Dickinson's poetry, forgiveness, romance, confidence, freedom, and laughter.
Yet I will never know the full extent of His love for me. That thought makes my heart feel so full, and for the first time in years, I find myself cured of "destination disease," and content where I am in life. He is my Peace. When I remember this, I realize that whatever goes on in the hearts or lives of others doesn't matter (at least not to the effect of making me feel bad about myself), however important these things may seem. Heck, sometimes it feels like the world as I have come to know it will end because of some relational issue. And end it does. But sometimes this particular kind of end is necessary; and a new spectacular world will spring up.
A death-blow is a life-blow to some
Who, till they died, did not alive become;
Who, had they lived, had died, but when
They died, vitality begin.
-Emily Dickinson
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
-Isaiah 51:11
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.
-Isaiah 54:7
You were like a young wife, brokenhearted and crying because her husband had divorced her. But the LORD your God says, "I am taking you back!"
-Isaiah 54:6 (CEV)
I am so alive and so in love with this "God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." (Romans 4:17b). When I consider His love for me, I want to cry a little because I know myself, and I know that I am not worthy of such love. But by loving me, he makes me worthy. lovely. whole. perfect.
And why wouldn't I discuss it with Him? He has been an intimate, loyal, trustworthy, understanding, kind, merciful, wise, strong, funny, compassionate, patient, and true friend. With a careful eye, I have watched him fulfill every need that has developed in my life over the past few months: deepening friendships, business, rest, emotional health, discipleship, community, physical comfort, new passions (like climbing, drawing, and piano), a restored closeness with my mother, Emily Dickinson's poetry, forgiveness, romance, confidence, freedom, and laughter.
Yet I will never know the full extent of His love for me. That thought makes my heart feel so full, and for the first time in years, I find myself cured of "destination disease," and content where I am in life. He is my Peace. When I remember this, I realize that whatever goes on in the hearts or lives of others doesn't matter (at least not to the effect of making me feel bad about myself), however important these things may seem. Heck, sometimes it feels like the world as I have come to know it will end because of some relational issue. And end it does. But sometimes this particular kind of end is necessary; and a new spectacular world will spring up.
A death-blow is a life-blow to some
Who, till they died, did not alive become;
Who, had they lived, had died, but when
They died, vitality begin.
-Emily Dickinson
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
-Isaiah 51:11
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.
-Isaiah 54:7
You were like a young wife, brokenhearted and crying because her husband had divorced her. But the LORD your God says, "I am taking you back!"
-Isaiah 54:6 (CEV)
I am so alive and so in love with this "God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." (Romans 4:17b). When I consider His love for me, I want to cry a little because I know myself, and I know that I am not worthy of such love. But by loving me, he makes me worthy. lovely. whole. perfect.
Monday, March 17
One Fainting Robin
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
-Emily Dickinson
This is why I am studying speech therapy, in case you were wondering.
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
-Emily Dickinson
This is why I am studying speech therapy, in case you were wondering.
Wednesday, March 12
Overcast
I am at the beach with Lindsey and Danielle this week. Even the drive down was the best I've ever had - the highlights include listening to the Beach Boys, Ingrid Michaelson, Death Cab, and Hanson, Danielle convincing most of the trucks we passed to honk, semi-serious talks about self-image and relationships, Garmin, and free Chick-Fil-A.Upon arrival, we immediately headed to the ocean. I kicked off my flip flops, turned around, and, unable to contain my child-like excitement, sprinted down to the water's edge. There are at least two witnesses to this event. Danielle found a tiny Jelly Fish and part of a Sand Dollar, a "Sand Nickle" one might call it (as I did).
---
Yesterday it was a little overcast, but we went out for about an hour and sat in the sand in our bathing suits (Lindsey was smart and left her cover-up on). Occasionally, I would get up and chase seagulls for a few minutes. The few people that walked past (in jeans and sweatshirts) must have thought that we were absolutely insane. Danielle used two straw mats to fashion a wind-blocker. Ingenious.
---
Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields [them] all day long,
and the one[s] the LORD loves rest between his shoulders.
-Deuteronomy 33:12
Our Jesus has been so good to us so far this week. He's offered us a break from everything about life that causes confusion, stress, worry, fear, and frustration. We have entered a No-Facebook, No-Phone Zone and will remain here for the next 48 hours. We have elected to sleep in one king-size bed (though there are three others), and today already looks like a beautiful sunny day.
Tuesday, March 4
Toad Strangler
Holy holy holy cow. Had I been offered a glimpse last Friday as to the slight, but unexpected turn that my life was about to take I would have refused to believe it. Surely God's timing is always flawless; yet He leaves it up to us to acknowledge that fact.
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
-Isaiah 43:18-19
I'm beginning to see the new thing. It's a little frightening, but in a good way - like running through the forest, caught in a mid-summer-late-afternoon toad strangler; like watching a thunderstorm; like allowing the sheer size of L'Arc d'Triomphe to dwarf you; like slacklining.
A huge prayer in my life has not only been answered, but in an absolutely beautiful way, painted with humility, forgiveness, repentance, mercy, grace, restoration, and healing. What a blessing it has been to thumb through the last few month's journal entries of documented prayer for my old friend, and to see these things Jesus asked me to pray for answered before my very eyes. What a blessing to discover that another friend served as an advocate on my behalf, a catalyst for this breakthrough, just what I needed.
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. -Psalm 40:1
Dear friends, continue to wait in Him. He will answer.
Come and Listen
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. -Psalm 27:14
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
-Isaiah 43:18-19
I'm beginning to see the new thing. It's a little frightening, but in a good way - like running through the forest, caught in a mid-summer-late-afternoon toad strangler; like watching a thunderstorm; like allowing the sheer size of L'Arc d'Triomphe to dwarf you; like slacklining.
A huge prayer in my life has not only been answered, but in an absolutely beautiful way, painted with humility, forgiveness, repentance, mercy, grace, restoration, and healing. What a blessing it has been to thumb through the last few month's journal entries of documented prayer for my old friend, and to see these things Jesus asked me to pray for answered before my very eyes. What a blessing to discover that another friend served as an advocate on my behalf, a catalyst for this breakthrough, just what I needed.
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. -Psalm 40:1
Dear friends, continue to wait in Him. He will answer.
Come and Listen
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. -Psalm 27:14
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