Ok, so I just spent 11 super busy days in Egypt so I'll just hit a few of the highlights of the trip. We flew into Cairo on the 1st and were immediately amazed by the Egyptians complete lack of instinct toward self preservation on the roadways. The lane markers are not even used as mild guidelines, people are driving and cutting and swerving all over the place, there are horse and donkey drawn wagons on the highways, and vendors and beggars are standing in the middle of the road asking for money or selling what looks like grape kool-ade in plastic bags with straws. It is pure madness.
Our first night was in the Movenpick Resort. It was truly amazing. It had a giant pool and over 20 "clusters" each with 3 stories of rooms. It was complete with restaraunt, bar, outdoor bar, hookah bar, 2 pools, and 2 lazy rivers. Very nice comfy stay.
The next night we took the 12 hour night train to Aswan. This was a completely different experience! It was very cramped, and the food was questionable at best. I will say that I slept like a baby with the train rocking and bumping all night.
The next 3 nights were spent on the "cruise" boat. The rooms were comfortable but 26 of 32 of us got sick with some kind of bug. It was quite miserable. The days were spent in temples and museums! The ancient Egyptians were master builders and the hieroglyphics are amazing. It is truly unique to stand in front of a wall and touch 3000 year old writing with your own hands.
We also visited 2 Mosques where I got the rare privilege to kneel down and lift Islam up to YHWH. That was probably my favorite part of the trip. It is the first time I got to witness Islam closely and we were even in one of the Mosques during prayer time. It was cool to pray for their salvation and their hearts and to lift up a people that Christians often put down.
The rest of the nights were spent in various hotels. The vendors are one of the more memorable facets of Egyptian culture as they will say anything to make you buy something, even "This free gift for you." It's not, and they will take your "gift" back if you don't pay for it. Also toilet paper and even just using the toilet is not always free, in fact it's rarely free.
Another cool stop was the Valley of the Kings. It's cool because the tombs still have color on the hieroglyphics. The color makes the writings even more beautiful.
We also visited 3 specialty shops: papyrus, alabaster, and essential oils. I bought a hand painted papyrus but resisted the urge to get alabaster or oils. They were all very cool though and the shop owners were very nice and accommodating.
Overall, Egypt was very fascinating and a wonderful life experience. I got to see some of the oldest structures in existence, visit old testament locations, even climb Mount Sinai. I have now been in Africa and Asia. It was a great time. The people, excluding the obnoxious vendors, were very nice and welcoming. They are excited about the revolution. We did have one night train ride cancelled due to protesters blocking the track but we were informed and took the bus for 12 hours with one of the drivers from "Crazy Taxi." It was fun though and I'm so glad I got to experience it.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Egypt's Top 11
In honor of the 11 days I spent in Egypt I have decided to present the top 11 things I learned in Egypt.
11. "NO" can sometimes mean "Please try harder to sell me a camel ride up Sinai."
10. Being sick in a 3rd World country is unbelievably inconvenient.
9. Drinking tap water is an often overlooked blessing.
8. "Free gift" can also mean "Come inside and pay."
7. Arabic is a confusing, difficult language.
6. Egyptians have no concept of personal space ... or showers.
5. The pyramids are very tall, and its very hot inside them.
4. The Nile is a dirty, nasty river.
3. Egyptian tours come equipped with a body guard, who comes equipped with 2 fully automatic sub-machine guns and 2 semi-automatic pistols.
2. Egyptian food is bland and monotonous.
1. In Egypt, going 6 wide on a 4 lane road is not only acceptable, but expected and encouraged.
11. "NO" can sometimes mean "Please try harder to sell me a camel ride up Sinai."
10. Being sick in a 3rd World country is unbelievably inconvenient.
9. Drinking tap water is an often overlooked blessing.
8. "Free gift" can also mean "Come inside and pay."
7. Arabic is a confusing, difficult language.
6. Egyptians have no concept of personal space ... or showers.
5. The pyramids are very tall, and its very hot inside them.
4. The Nile is a dirty, nasty river.
3. Egyptian tours come equipped with a body guard, who comes equipped with 2 fully automatic sub-machine guns and 2 semi-automatic pistols.
2. Egyptian food is bland and monotonous.
1. In Egypt, going 6 wide on a 4 lane road is not only acceptable, but expected and encouraged.
Monday, May 23, 2011
The gods of Greece
As I walked along the edge of the Aegean Sea today, carefully choosing each step over the massive rocks of the Greek shore, I had a thought. The waves were crashing over the rocks in what can only be descirbed as majestic rhythm and it occurs to me, it is no wonder that the Greeks and so many other ancient societies had separate deities for every aspect of creation. The sea is so amazing and gorgeous and the sunrises and sunsets are so artfully designed, how could one god create and control such awesome and wonderful powers.
I was amazed by this thought. I realized that, having never been so fully exposed to the variety and wonder of God's creation, I had never even considered how incredible it is that YHWH controls it all!
Today, Elohim amazed me with His creation and control of it, with His eternal interaction with we, who are never in control. God is amazing and loving and so good.
I was amazed by this thought. I realized that, having never been so fully exposed to the variety and wonder of God's creation, I had never even considered how incredible it is that YHWH controls it all!
Today, Elohim amazed me with His creation and control of it, with His eternal interaction with we, who are never in control. God is amazing and loving and so good.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Circles
unfamiliar path taken
into the trees
pushing tripping stumbling
searching
for what has already been found
backtracking into the unfamiliar
time goes by slowly
finally familiarity
but there is no comfort
ominous familiarity illuminates the obvious
running in circles
Running in circles. For months this phrase has been in my head. Every time I go to put up a facebook status or try to think of something to describe myself it comes to mind. I ignored it as a stupid, random thought at first but as it reoccurs I can only come to the conclusion that God is planting it in my mind. Now as I consider its application to my life I know why God is pushing it on me, forcing me to meditate on its meaning, He knows that the circles I have been running in for the past few months are so big that I don't recognize the obstacles that have tripped me hundreds of times. They change just enough that I feel like I'm making progress and new things are causing me to stumble but its the same old logs and fallen branches. They have new moss, the wind has rearranged them, they seem different but that doesn't change the truth that is now so obvious. I have been in this dirt before, I've bled here before, cried here, tried to fix myself here only to resume running in the same circle.
It's not like this circle is all obstacles. It has high points, mountain top experiences where I feel like I'm not lost anymore. From the tops of mountains you can see the road, the escape, the way home. It's so clear, just head that way. It's inspiring and in my haste to get to the place I know I want to be, I run back down the mountain, only to end up running the same long circular track.
But this can only go on as long as I don't realize what's happening. Now what, what can I do? Nothing, alone without a map or compass there is no definite way out of the trees. Luckily, I do have a map and compass and I am certainly not alone. I have Jesus Christ walking with me and God's word as a map. I have had them all along but have tried to find my way out on my own. The especially amazing part is that Christ is not just a comfort and a person to walk alongside me. He has been in these trees before, he has seen every obstacle and, unlike me, carefully navigated past each one without tripping. He knows well the trees we walk through because he has been through them already and he remembers the way out.
Now I just need to follow him. I need to stay close behind him so that I won't trip so frequently. I have to stop thinking that I see the way out and walking away from the savior trying to help me because that's when I start going in circles again.
Thanks to the people who helped me see the circle I was walking. Thanks for not giving up on me. Thanks for going to the father on my behalf and asking him to help me find my way. Family, friends, brothers, sisters, I love you all. And I'm through walking in circles. I hope I can help you if you are walking in a similar circle. Don't hesitate to ask. And remember God is loving and forgiving, always willing to guide us out of the trees.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:8-12
into the trees
pushing tripping stumbling
searching
for what has already been found
backtracking into the unfamiliar
time goes by slowly
finally familiarity
but there is no comfort
ominous familiarity illuminates the obvious
running in circles
Running in circles. For months this phrase has been in my head. Every time I go to put up a facebook status or try to think of something to describe myself it comes to mind. I ignored it as a stupid, random thought at first but as it reoccurs I can only come to the conclusion that God is planting it in my mind. Now as I consider its application to my life I know why God is pushing it on me, forcing me to meditate on its meaning, He knows that the circles I have been running in for the past few months are so big that I don't recognize the obstacles that have tripped me hundreds of times. They change just enough that I feel like I'm making progress and new things are causing me to stumble but its the same old logs and fallen branches. They have new moss, the wind has rearranged them, they seem different but that doesn't change the truth that is now so obvious. I have been in this dirt before, I've bled here before, cried here, tried to fix myself here only to resume running in the same circle.
It's not like this circle is all obstacles. It has high points, mountain top experiences where I feel like I'm not lost anymore. From the tops of mountains you can see the road, the escape, the way home. It's so clear, just head that way. It's inspiring and in my haste to get to the place I know I want to be, I run back down the mountain, only to end up running the same long circular track.
But this can only go on as long as I don't realize what's happening. Now what, what can I do? Nothing, alone without a map or compass there is no definite way out of the trees. Luckily, I do have a map and compass and I am certainly not alone. I have Jesus Christ walking with me and God's word as a map. I have had them all along but have tried to find my way out on my own. The especially amazing part is that Christ is not just a comfort and a person to walk alongside me. He has been in these trees before, he has seen every obstacle and, unlike me, carefully navigated past each one without tripping. He knows well the trees we walk through because he has been through them already and he remembers the way out.
Now I just need to follow him. I need to stay close behind him so that I won't trip so frequently. I have to stop thinking that I see the way out and walking away from the savior trying to help me because that's when I start going in circles again.
Thanks to the people who helped me see the circle I was walking. Thanks for not giving up on me. Thanks for going to the father on my behalf and asking him to help me find my way. Family, friends, brothers, sisters, I love you all. And I'm through walking in circles. I hope I can help you if you are walking in a similar circle. Don't hesitate to ask. And remember God is loving and forgiving, always willing to guide us out of the trees.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:8-12
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Beautiful Game
The year is 2010. Most of the world has been waiting impatiently for this year since the summer of 2006. For most, this summer brings a chance at redemption. For one nation, a chance to defend its right to call themselves the world's greatest. It brings excitement and adrenaline. It gives us all a reason to cheer. World Cup 2010 is almost here at long last.
You have probably guessed that this event dominates the majority of my thoughts. Even right now my heart is pounding as I wonder who will be this year's dark horse. Can the US upset mighty England? What power's will fall? And What will happen in deadly Group G?(if you're confused see http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/index.html ) Needless to say I'm pumped. So, with soccer commanding my thoughts I have been making connections between this beautiful game, life, and God.
It has always been easy for me to see God as a coach. I love sports and my dad has always been there to give me pointers and guide me as I try to excel. This analogy has given me a great view of my heavenly Father. He has the game plan. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. The great thing about using a soccer coach for this analogy is that all the coach's planning can be changed based on the whim of a player. Soccer is fluid and the players have the freedom to do whatever they want. Likewise, we as Christians can step off the path God has placed before us. And, like any good coach, God can adjust His plans based on the player's actions. God never gives up on us. We can never step beyond His ability to save us.
Losing is an inevitable part of soccer. I hate it. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate losing more than I love winning. But, its part of the game. Failure, similarly, is an inescapable aspect of life. Pain, suffering, and heartbreak will happen in life. Luckily, our Father gets us through. Just like any great coach, God feels the pain of our defeat. He has sympathy and helps us back to our feet.
Sometimes pain is necessary for the ultimate good. Training is hard in soccer. Running, agility work, ladders, footwork, sit-ups, push-ups, and team work. It's tough but necessary. Hard work, pain, blood, sweat, and tears make a team great. In Christianity, we go through storms sometimes to come out stronger. Sometimes God pushes us to our limits to make us better. We have to leave our comfort zones, face the fire, and have our hearts broken so that God can rebuild us, refine us, and guide us to save the lost.
God, like soccer, gives us a lot to be excited about. He fills our lives and mends our broken hearts. He is our everything and its time we had the fire for Him that we have for things like the World Cup. I would love to see a day when the world's attention focuses on God the way it will focus on South Africa this summer.
You have probably guessed that this event dominates the majority of my thoughts. Even right now my heart is pounding as I wonder who will be this year's dark horse. Can the US upset mighty England? What power's will fall? And What will happen in deadly Group G?(if you're confused see http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/index.html ) Needless to say I'm pumped. So, with soccer commanding my thoughts I have been making connections between this beautiful game, life, and God.
It has always been easy for me to see God as a coach. I love sports and my dad has always been there to give me pointers and guide me as I try to excel. This analogy has given me a great view of my heavenly Father. He has the game plan. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. The great thing about using a soccer coach for this analogy is that all the coach's planning can be changed based on the whim of a player. Soccer is fluid and the players have the freedom to do whatever they want. Likewise, we as Christians can step off the path God has placed before us. And, like any good coach, God can adjust His plans based on the player's actions. God never gives up on us. We can never step beyond His ability to save us.
Losing is an inevitable part of soccer. I hate it. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate losing more than I love winning. But, its part of the game. Failure, similarly, is an inescapable aspect of life. Pain, suffering, and heartbreak will happen in life. Luckily, our Father gets us through. Just like any great coach, God feels the pain of our defeat. He has sympathy and helps us back to our feet.
Sometimes pain is necessary for the ultimate good. Training is hard in soccer. Running, agility work, ladders, footwork, sit-ups, push-ups, and team work. It's tough but necessary. Hard work, pain, blood, sweat, and tears make a team great. In Christianity, we go through storms sometimes to come out stronger. Sometimes God pushes us to our limits to make us better. We have to leave our comfort zones, face the fire, and have our hearts broken so that God can rebuild us, refine us, and guide us to save the lost.
God, like soccer, gives us a lot to be excited about. He fills our lives and mends our broken hearts. He is our everything and its time we had the fire for Him that we have for things like the World Cup. I would love to see a day when the world's attention focuses on God the way it will focus on South Africa this summer.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
False Peaks
Anyone who has ever been on Trek knows all about this subject. False peaks is a term used when you are trekking up the side of a mountain, look up and see what appears to be the top, then, upon nearly reaching this "peak", another peak comes up from behind it. It is really depressing to be honest. The goal is almost reached and then you realize that there is still quite a hike ahead of you.
I think this happens to Christians everyday. We go along working toward what we think will be our summit. This is the point where we can stop, relax, and look around. We can take in the view from the top of the world. On a side note, the view from the summit of a mountain cannot be matched. Anyway, we are working so hard and we look ahead to that point where the work will be over, where it will be easy. For a lot of teenagers it is summer. We think about how we will be with our "youth group friends" and not sinning will be super easy. For me it was Harding. I figured that it would be easy not to sin because this school makes it so hard to sin. For you, maybe it's your marriage day, your retirement day, or some other occasion that looks like the point where the work will be over.
Unfortunately, this day never comes. Another summit always comes up behind it. Another false peak for us to set our eyes on. I was just as much a sinner during each summer of my high school years. I am just as much a sinner here at Harding. I will be a sinner when I'm married and when I retire. It will never be easy.
So where is our summit. Where is the peak on which we should fix our eyes. I think the answer is Jesus. We are told to fix our eyes on Him as He perfects our faith by enduring the cross. The great news is that He knows that we cannot reach the summit on our own. We cannot be perfect as He is perfect. But isn't that amazing? While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! He sees us on this never ending hike and reaches down to pull us up. And now, to use one of Paul's ideas, we are His. And if He died on the cross while we were sinners then how much more grace will He pour out now that we are His.
Never will the day come when it is easy not to sin. But we can hike each day knowing that we have been given a free ride to the summit. We can live knowing that we are in Christ.
I think this happens to Christians everyday. We go along working toward what we think will be our summit. This is the point where we can stop, relax, and look around. We can take in the view from the top of the world. On a side note, the view from the summit of a mountain cannot be matched. Anyway, we are working so hard and we look ahead to that point where the work will be over, where it will be easy. For a lot of teenagers it is summer. We think about how we will be with our "youth group friends" and not sinning will be super easy. For me it was Harding. I figured that it would be easy not to sin because this school makes it so hard to sin. For you, maybe it's your marriage day, your retirement day, or some other occasion that looks like the point where the work will be over.
Unfortunately, this day never comes. Another summit always comes up behind it. Another false peak for us to set our eyes on. I was just as much a sinner during each summer of my high school years. I am just as much a sinner here at Harding. I will be a sinner when I'm married and when I retire. It will never be easy.
So where is our summit. Where is the peak on which we should fix our eyes. I think the answer is Jesus. We are told to fix our eyes on Him as He perfects our faith by enduring the cross. The great news is that He knows that we cannot reach the summit on our own. We cannot be perfect as He is perfect. But isn't that amazing? While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! He sees us on this never ending hike and reaches down to pull us up. And now, to use one of Paul's ideas, we are His. And if He died on the cross while we were sinners then how much more grace will He pour out now that we are His.
Never will the day come when it is easy not to sin. But we can hike each day knowing that we have been given a free ride to the summit. We can live knowing that we are in Christ.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Nothing comes to mind
Apparently, I am an idiot. I have no way of seeing the truth through my emotion. I am used and abused and I just keep coming back to my abuser. You know what? I don't believe that. I am loved and there are things that only I know. People should really consider their sources before they present their gossip-fed opinion to me as fact. If you want me to vent, here it is. You are wrong. You don't know what you are talking about and the only thing that the person you trashed says about you is that you are sweet and they love you. You have no comprehension of the relationship that you are trashing and you can't make judgements from the outside. If you are right, if I am abused. Then what about the rest of you out there. Why haven't you said anything to save me from myself.
I am so sick of trying to be what everyone needs all the time. I can't do it anymore. I am not able to be what you all need because your needs conflict. I am hurt I am pondering I am wondering if I am right or if you are.
If you are reading this and don't have a clue what I'm talking about then just ignore it. This is a "me" post. Sometimes this blog is the only thing I have that is all about me and tis was on my heart so here it is. I have a real post coming. It's in the works so sorry for all the cryptic stuff.
I am so sick of trying to be what everyone needs all the time. I can't do it anymore. I am not able to be what you all need because your needs conflict. I am hurt I am pondering I am wondering if I am right or if you are.
If you are reading this and don't have a clue what I'm talking about then just ignore it. This is a "me" post. Sometimes this blog is the only thing I have that is all about me and tis was on my heart so here it is. I have a real post coming. It's in the works so sorry for all the cryptic stuff.
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