Saturday night and needing a post BAD!

Okay. It's Saturday night and I'm about to go out, but I remembered that I've not put anything on here for a while. Here's a question. I was at work the other day, and I saw a box that said "Henco En Corea". What the heck is up with that? I've seen lots of "Hencho En Mexico" and all, and also "Made in Korea", but why would the "Made in Korea" be in Spanish? That's bizarre and that's all I have to say. I'm amazingly not in a weird mood tonight...actually I'm pretty depressed for some reason or another so I'm going to go out instead of sit around the house. I'll have to go and perform some psychoanalysis on myself later, and possibly give myself some counselling...though my mind gets a 'resident discount' from itself on all counselling/interventions. Okay. Until Next time,

The Armchair Theologian.

Reflections upon possible temporal infractions...

I was reading something today and was struck by a completely lateral thought....as is the case in my often back-firing brain. Consider the following:

In the gospel of John, at the wedding at Cana, Jesus turns water into wine. Now normally, wine is the outcome of the process of fermentation. Grapes age and ferment, making wine. (not to mention pressing and everything else involved). I don't doubt for a second that it happened, but here's my question. I'm wondering if Christ changed the water into wine by transformation (as in turning it's essence from one form to another) or by injection (putting the relevant elements into the existing water, kinda like injecting crystals into water to make lemonade)? Also, was the wine created already fermented or did Christ inject the elements and then 'fast forward' time, making the wine ferment extremely rapidly? In performing miracles, does God usually use natural processes and modify them, or skip them altogether? Would either way would show forth his absolute sovereignty over creation or would one work better than the others?

I know these questions don't have answers, and I'm not seeking any. Just a point of curiosity though. This would fall under the realm of 'theoretical theology', which is often pointless though quite entertaining! HA! Just thinking aloud and having some silly cranium time. Until next time,

The Armchair Theologian

Late night reflections...

A long time ago, I was in the house of a friend of a friend and I read the poem All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum (related to the book, though I've not read the book). That poem is so amazing...it's so simple and yet so profound. My accademic life and career of writing have often been a struggle to do what he did with that poem; say so much so well with so little. Also, I've often reflected on how some of the most difficult and complex truths of theology and philosophy are nothing more than what I learned in Sunday school explained with big, confusing words. I've been thinking for years about writing a book called All I really need to know I learned in Sunday School. Specifically, singing one song. As to what song I sung, I won't tell. That's giving away way too much and compromising my chances at my Pulitzer. I tell you what...those Pulitzer dudes screwed me once and I swear by Bruce Campbell's Datsun that it won't happen again! But, I found myself listening to a song tonight that reminded me of another truth that I have frequently and fantastically forgot. I was listening to Friends by Micheal W. Smith (covered by Jump5) and was reminded of several profundities:

**********************************************
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes he’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the lord’s the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love god’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
**********************************************

Man. Smitty is right on track with that. I've been realizing recently that I've been choking myself from friendships with certain people because sin has blinded me to my own unloving heart and desperate need for koinonia. I won't get into stupid or needless detail, but I've got to remember:

1. Good friends are a gift from God.

2. Friends need love, regardless of what's going on.

3. Friends need prayer, more often than not.

4. A lifetime friendship is a tremendous blessing, though it sometimes feels like a huge burden.

5. Understanding the first, living out the second and third and growing in the fourth are all impossible outside of the grace of the indwelling Christ.

I have a tendency to really hate people and I constantly need the grace of God in my life to understand and properly respond to how tremendously much he's blessed me with the wonderful and beautiful (those who know me know what I mean by that) people in my life. I thank God for you all and I owe some of you an apology. Man. I'm such a fool. Until next time,

The Armchair Theologian

All Units: DefCon Fang!

Okay. First off, the guitarist for Rascal Flatts looks a heck of a lot like Sean William Scott. I just noticed that today and that's such important news that it must headline my latest post. Now, onto my latest post. This one will be short, but in the flavour of what's most loved around here...griping about relationships. Now I originally started this blog with theology more in mind, and I do put up some theological and philosophical stuff time and again, but not always...

For those who know, I've got like 7 weddings to go to this summer. All my friends but a tiny handful are getting married and I'm kinda already getting bugged a tad at a marriage phenomenon that I call 'honey vision'. Now you ask "What's Honey Vision?" (possibly without the needless capitalization) Well, 'honey vision' is the phenomenon of when a young married man/woman forgets about all their other friends for a few years while they enjoy the intimacy of married life. It's usually the worst across genders too because it's strange to know how close you can be with someone whom is married now. It's the newleywed version of 'tunnel vision'. You all know what I mean...

You are friends with 'Bobby'. Bobby and you aren't best friends but Bobby and you are close. Then Bobby meets Betty and they start dating. Bobby still remains friends with you but you don't see him as much. Then, Bobby gets engaged and is off the radar during his engagement period. You go to his wedding and have a good time. He apologizes for being busy for the last few months and promises that he'll give you a call in a month or two, when things 'settle down'. You call and leave a few messages and run into him in the mall once or twice, but you don't hear from him for like two years. Then one day you run into him and he gives you a large, drawn out apology with the explanation that he needs to spend some time 'with the guys' (because either pootie is getting boring or he's had a serious struggle that the wife cannot seem to help him through). You agree and try to fit him back into your life and the friendship either recovers or doesn't.

Seeing that all my friends are getting married, I'm kinda getting bummed out that I'm losing too many friends to 'honey vision'. Now 'honey vision' doesn't always last too long (usually a few months before the wedding until 2-3 years after), but the period of 'honey vision' is always a frustrating one for those left behind. Especially for a friend that you invest a lot in. I don't even have a lot to say about it, but I'm sorta griping/venting on the ole' blog again. Does anyone identify with the pain in the butt factor of 'honey vision'? Let me know. Any ideas on coping with 'honey vision'? Any wisdom?

I mean, I do have some biblical answers for the issue, but I'm interested in feedback. I got some good stuff with 'the truth about E', and I'm hoping for something good here. Until Next Time,

The Armchair Theologian