3-31 Park Field Trip

Is It By Chance?

Is it by chance
That the radiance of the sun brings such a sweet touch to the skin?
Or that our planet works so in sync,
Everything working together to accomplish something greater.
The sight I see with the combination of rain and sunshine;
The beautiful colors all lined up in the sky,
The rainbow they call it, cannot be by chance.
Is it by chance that the aroma of the orange blossoms
Is so blissful to the nose?
I cannot look at the beauty of this world
And not see my Creator in it.
Every detail is so exact.
Everything functioning perfectly.
The very trees and rivers
Exclaim the praises of their Creator.
As I see the white fluffy clouds that could do no harm
Turn the sky into a dark vicious sight
I ponder the power of God.
To know that the wind and seas obey Him,
That the thunder roars at His command.
I cannot look at the earth in all its beauty and subtlety
And believe it’s all by chance.








I went to Lake Bonny Park for this assignment, and I stayed there for at least 40 minutes. As I sat in the park and began to look at the nature around me I began to feel overwhelmed by the beauty of nature and the creativity and power of God. As I thought back to what I learned in biology about plants, how everything works just right and every part is in plants that are needed it allowed me to see a greater beauty and more of an appreciation. To see how much care God put into making the plants.
One of the things that stood out to me a lot while I was at the park was the death among life. There were many plants with blossoms on them that were a vibrant green and among these were dead plants. Brown and lifeless (I included a picture above). I saw this as a reflection of the new life that comes with knowing Christ as Savior. Among the “dead” or the lost, we are able to be vibrant as we are filled with Christ’s love. We are able to stand out among the rest and others are able to see the beauty in us because of the transformation that comes with accepting Christ. And just as with the change of the season life and green comes to the plant again, so we can gain new life when we begin a new season and turn our lives over to Christ.
I also noticed the beauty of the sky. It’s color so perfect and refreshing. As I looked out to find its end I saw that it just continued. A massive expanse covering us. This helped me to better understand the omnipresence of God. How He can be everywhere. Never ending.
I really enjoyed this trip because just recently I had been struggling with a decision, not knowing whether or not I was doing the right thing, and as I was sitting in the park the Lord brought to my heart the words of Scripture “Peace, be still”. This reassured the confidence I have in Christ trusting that He will lead me in the right path if I live in obedience to Him daily.

3-29 State of the Planet

“It must be a gift of evolution that humans can’t sustain wonder. We’d never have gotten up from our knees if we could.” This is one of the lines that stood out the most to me in Hass’ poem, State of the Planet. It stood out to me for two reasons. The first being how well he captured the incredible things in nature. If we really were able to observe nature and see all the beauty in it and how well everything works in sync I don’t think we would ever be able to stop looking. Even now, the scientists who specialize in different aspects of nature are discovering new things each day. New species discoveries are being made as well as a better understanding for how things, such as cells, work to perform their function. A cell is small in and of its self but to have all the other parts that make up the cell performing a very specific task is incredible. If even one of these incredibly small parts didn’t do its job correctly the whole cell would be out of tune and this would affect the organism as well.
The second thing that stood out to me was the fact that Hass, as an evolutionist, could find incredible beauty and wonder in the nature around him. As Christians, we understand that we have a Creator who has given us this beautiful world that functions so perfectly for us to enjoy. But often times we simply overlook it and dismiss how incredible it is that each and every aspect of nature functions perfectly in order for everything to exist the way it does. Many times we, myself included, don’t take the time to enjoy all the wonder found in the earth around us and subsequently we don’t give the praise and thanks to the Creator. God gave us this earth for us to enjoy and to see a reflection of the power and creativity of our God. I think it’s incredible that Hass, an evolutionist who believes this all has happened by chance, is still able to see beauty in it all and notice the fine details that make everything function so perfectly. Though Hass doesn’t believe in a creator he still finds wonder and awe in the things surrounding him.
As Christians, if we could take the time to see the wonder and awe in God’s creation we would be much more at peace. God gave us this earth to enjoy and if we allow ourselves to, we can get lost in the magnificence of nature for awhile. Just seeing how well everything functions together and how meticulously God takes care of each part of His creation puts me at peace. I know that this is a big big world and if my God can take care of all the plants, animals, and people, and put that much detail into creating them, then He can take care of me!

3-24 Levels of Being

As Professor Corrigan drew and discussed the “Levels of Being” diagram in class I realized how much it really does relate to us. Just as the outer layer of the earth makes up only about 1 percent of its composition so the “outer self” of humans only makes up 1 percent of humans. These also relate in the sense that it is the first thing that you see. You’re able to judge the appearance right away. See its beauty and faults. It’s the easiest level to get to because it’s right there before you. But the inner layer is more difficult to get to and takes more time. You must get to know people on a deeper layer to see this part of them. This part of people makes up the most of them. What people do, say, and think come from this level.
As me and my group members were discussing some the actions and qualities of Twinkle in the story This Blessed House one of them said something about how Twinkle seemed to drink a lot. Though we considered this an outer layer quality at first we discovered that it’s very likely that this probably stemmed from a struggle or insecurity she was dealing with on her inner level. We talked about how Twinkle’s constant excitement could simply be a cover up of some hurt she was experiencing. Many times people try to hide their hurt by changing the appearance of their outer layer to seem happy or content.
Professor Corrigan also talked about the core of a person being “self in God”. Just as this is the very deepest part of the earth and the most difficult and dangerous part to get to the core of a person is much the same. Oftentimes people never fully establish who they are in God. Because God is so magnificent and so great I don’t believe anyone can ever fully establish this part of themselves. No matter how close you are in your walk with Christ there is always something new to learn and more room to grow. Continual development in this area is incredibly important, however. Though you can never fully develop it the stronger rooted you are in this area, in Christ the more stable you are as a person. You are able to know who you are and what your purpose is in life. As you develop this area and know more about what you stand for it becomes easier for others to see the inner layers of who you are.

3-21 My Tea with Madame Descartes and This Blessed House

There were many similarities in these two stories. When I first read them I was a little disappointed I guess you could say because nothing really happened, there was no climax in the story. But as I thought about them some more and read into the descriptions a little I realized these stories were meant for so much more than just a story line and entertainment. As you read these and others like these you learn about a character. Through knowing what they think and what they do the reader is able to relate this to people they may know or they may even be able to relate some qualities to themselves. You’re able to grow as a reader and as a person from reading these stories.
As I read the different things the author said about these characters I realized that it takes so much more than physical descriptions to describe and know a person. Often times the qualities we see in others that we like and remember long term are not physical but qualities they have or things they do. Just as David St. John says in My Tea with Madame Descartes “There’s so much we name as beautiful simply to dismiss it, cage it, desire then dispense with it” we often look at physical beauty and admire it until it gets old or something better comes along and you soon forget. But actions and character sticks around a lot longer and tells you so much more about a person. I really enjoyed reading these stories because I was able to see the importance of character. How well you can get to know someone by observing their qualities and actions.
Through reading This Blessed House I felt like I was able to really know Twinkle even though she doesn’t exist. The descriptions the author gave brought her to life and made her seem to be a person I have known for quite some time. I, as the reader, was able to relate to the character and through her actions I learned from myself.

3-19 Character Story

It’s the end of the day and it’s been a rough one for Alley. What better to do than go to the park. It’s the only place she could go where no one would bother her. Even the park didn’t seem the same as usual. Alley saw a man sitting on a bench. It was the only empty seat near her and her feet were aching from the new shoes she was wearing. Alley usually tries to avoid meeting new people but she needed to sit. He was very jittery, anxious almost. Alley decided to sit but she wouldn’t talk to him.
As soon as she sat down she could smell him. It was an odd scent. Something she had never smelt before. Alley couldn’t decide if she liked it or not. He was an average man. Not big, not small, just average. His hair was brown, just like the fall leaves that covered the trees and the ground that surrounded them. His face was rather pale and he looked like something was bothering him tremendously. He wore a thick coat; a little too thick for this nice cool weather, Alley thought. He had to be burning up wearing that coat.
As Alley had decided earlier she hadn’t said anything to him. She really didn’t feel like interacting with anyone new and he didn’t seem like he was the least bit interested in the person that was now occupying the park bench next to him. His jittering was starting to get to Alley though. He was shaking his legs a lot and it shook the whole bench. Finally, he apologized. He must have seen the agitation in Alley’s face. Alley felt bad, “It’s okay” she said. He stopped.
They both sat quite again. Alley began to wonder about this man. She was generally not the least bit interested in strangers but this man seemed different. He was many years younger than Alley. Twenty five she guessed. Oh how she wished she were twenty five again. Then again, as she thought about it she remembered it’s a lot of work being twenty five. Establishing a career, trying to start a family, wondering if all of that is what you want for the rest of your life. No, she was just fine being fourty three. She’s learned a lot and glad she knows it now.
Alley couldn’t help but think that she could help this man in some way. She’d experienced a lot in her life and if her mistakes could save someone else the heartache why should she be so selfish?
“My names Alley.” It’s the only thing she could think to say. She was always bad at starting conversations. This was part of the reason she had so few friends. His pale face all of a sudden turned a little pink. “Ben” he said not looking at her.
“It’s a beautiful day. Isn’t it?” Alley said, trying to continue the conversation.
“Yes, splendid! I’ve been out here all day and haven’t felt like leaving. You just can’t pass up days like these. Even if you are busy. Every once in a while you just gotta check out for the day. It’s good for ya. Like a reboost. “
Alley couldn’t help but notice how much life had filled him all in that split second when she asked that question. He no longer was shaking, he lifted his head and he looked at her for the first time. His eyes were a piercing blue. They took her breath away. She could see, just in one glimpse of his eyes, all the hurt and joy he’d experienced. She had never seen so much in a person from one look before.
Ben began to talk about how important it is to enjoy the small things like a nice day. He talked about the relaxation that came from submerging yourself in these things. He talked about his job working with the FBI. He was incredibly intelligent for his age. Alley couldn’t believe all he knew. He didn’t have to tell her she could just tell that he was a wise man. As he described his job and all that he witnesses on a daily basis, the evil and horror, Alley couldn’t understand how anyone could witness all that and still have joy like he did. From the minute Alley started talking to him his demeanor changed. He was no longer jittery and he no longer looked sad. But she couldn’t help but wonder what was bothering him before and how his mood changed so quickly. She didn’t want to ask though. The life and joy that exuded from him was captivating. She had tried to offer her help and experience to him but he blew her away. He had so much more knowledge and experience than she would have ever dreamed of having. Not just from his job but simply from his life. He talked about his family and his late discovery of their importance. They didn’t talk to him anymore because he took advantage of them one too many times. Now, he sees how important it is to have family and he talked so highly of them. Even though he hasn’t talked to them in years Alley could tell he loved them.
Alley started to think about her mom. She hadn’t visited her since their last argument three years ago. Her mom was like Ben. Always telling her to slow down, take time to enjoy life. Alley never understood what that meant, until now. She’d been so busy with everything she didn’t even have time to realize she was miserable. Alley now saw all those long hours at her job and all the stress that went into it as nothing. She realized the only thing that matters and the only thing that should have mattered all along was that she enjoy her life and the people placed in it.
Alley’s mood about the day, and life had taken on a new outlook. It no longer seemed burdensome and everyone in it an annoyance. She now appreciated everything. She noticed for the first time the greenness of the grass, the crispness in the air, and the pleasant sound of the leaves crunching as people walked on them.
Suddenly she realized something; the key to all the knowledge that Ben seemed to have. Life is something to be enjoyed.

3-15

pass

3-03 Sonny's Blues Lectio Divina reading

During the Lectio Divina reading I was able to grow a lot in the text. As we were beginning with the lectio stage I was listening to Professor Corrigan reading and the words “Freedom lurked around us and I understood, at last, that he could help us to be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did” stood out to me the most. As I reflected on this and what it meant through the second reading I saw that it had a very strong connection to spirituality. Many people can sense the freedom that Christians have and those who have a close relationship with Christ desire those around them to experience that freedom as well. For me, as I’ve grown deeper in my relationship with Christ I have developed a stronger desire to share the freedom and peace I’ve received through accepting Christ. Before making this choice I had struggles and made mistakes but I no longer suffer in the same way. I have a new freedom in Christ and though I may struggle I don’t struggle in the same way. I know have my Savior to lay my burdens on and I have the confidence that He will carry me through. During the oratio section of the Lectio Divina my prayer became “Lord make me that desperate, that determined to share Your gospel with others. Give me such a burden for others and their struggles that You may reach them through me.” Just as Sonny seemed to be so persistent that his listeners find freedom so that he may find freedom I also desire that passion. It is my prayer that those around me will sense my freedom and the presence of Christ will be so strong within me. I also want my desire to see others saved so strong that I am always praying for them and always living to show the joy and peace that comes from my redemption in Christ.