The Wholehearted Zero: the Emptiness of Man

As a child first observing my school desk in the First Grade, I can remember seeing just beneath my name a number line for the first time. I now choose to use the number line to outline a few things, what I see as factual observation as I can report in my lifetime. The reason I write of a numberline in this way may at this time seem to me more an effort to convince myself of what I can start by seeing as the truth of the emptiness of man.

<——(-3)——(-2)——(-1)——(0)——(1)——(2)——(3)——>

Above where I write now is what I have typed as a number line close to how I can still picture it as I were still a child of six years old. I am not entirely convinced I had no more or less grasp of infinity then as I do now while writing this. Just by looking at the line, basic observations and assumptions can be made beyond the numerical values. The same could be said of most human beings that are all to this day held in some observation of measurement, most commonly known as numerical value today. Using the given structure of the number line, the assumption can be made of the arrows pointing in both directions that numerical values are extending both negatively and positively on to infinity. Infinity of course is an imaginary quantity used to describe an endless stream of numerical values. It can be easily said how very little mankind can resemble this imaginary number, first by how it is only imaginary by how our complex yet limitedly capable minds can conceive such quantity. Second, by how little any measured numerical value concerning even what mankind fully surveys still does not fully define infinity beyond an imaginary number that may forever be unquantified. If we were to momentarily suspend the typical use of the numerical values written on the number line above, aside from the one and only number that is neither positive or negative, we still see two lines with arrows. We then see two directions that point toward an infinity that would easily outmatch the amount of information that is packed within the human genome when fully mapped. How easy for us then to observe the number zero. It is the only integer that is neither positive or negative. Our perseption of time may allow us to see at the center of this flow one quantity that while it is constant and unchanging, it has no capacity within the realm of true mathematics to change any other numerical value. Like the zero, we are sandwiched between a history locked away in a fading infinity, then at best looking towards an infinity in the future that seems to destroy anyone in its path before anyone truly understands it well enough. The human by themself can be measured up and down the line by and for whatever means. What seems evident by the nature of man is that infinity is always out of reach. Also, no mater what you add or take away from man, the wholehearted zero, there are always ways that the quantity is taken right back to where it started. The constant itself, zero, while it is constant, is neither negative or positive. It can be changed in many ways, yet it can never be changed by itself.

There is a different concept, a different constant that I wish to describe. This is a third infinity. Between each integer, every whole number there is the potential fractional number. 1.5, 1.6, 1.893, 3.14, 3.3333, and so forth. Not only is ther two infinities on this number line that are two, but there is one more that represents what is in between and can make the fullness of all integers. The tricycle of infinity on this number line does more than astound. I doubt that it was intended by humankind to do as I think by considering this infinity tricycle, but in all honesty there is only one entity that comes even close to reflecting infinity in this way. Only God is fully infinite in three different ways in what I have heard in the simplest ways of just how full God is. This is saying something as like with the imaginary number infinity still is, even as a tricycle, God is not an entity that can be merely quantified. He is described to be beyond even infinity, which somehow seems more possible by how humankind has truly only imagined the imaginary concept of infinity whereas God has been described as being revealed by Himself.

To come to a conclusion, I state that the tricycle of infinity reveals both an emptiness in man as well as a fullness that can only compare close enough with God that will always and forever continue to prove such. A true apostle may seem correct by writing in just words how mankind falls very short before infinity, and the only one capable of being truly Infinite.

"So and so, and such such, sitting in a tree

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

First comes love, then comes marriage,

Then comes baby in a baby carriage"

This was a classic poem I remember hearing while I was still in childhood. Unfortunately, and unavoidably I suppose, this poem was usually brought up, as I also remember, as a means to instigate something (usually unpleasant). The use of this poem rarely reflected what the last two lines should do more than imply with most relationships involved with sensuality. More could be picked apart from it.

Love, though, seems to be one of the most misunderstood concepts in my life today. Brought down to the modern English definition, it is described as affection. Strong or not, affection is how love is described. I wish it was more than that, because the last relationship I had encountered a moment when a dog was able to show someone else more affection, physically, than I could humanly do myself. If love is just affection, then even animals are capable of giving such in sparity.

I'm more convinced that an inward build up, like a nuclear fusion engine has been my drive for love that is more. This has been since close to twenty years ago, I had my first crush. I had been smitten by my Second Grade teacher. The one woman then, besides my mom, that could get me both to sit still and keep quiet long enough to think about something and actually learn more about it than I hadn't already known. There was no way of my knowing that I would manifest such behavior at that age, nor also manifest the ugly side of envy that both destroyed a friendship, as well as gave me conviction enough less than a year later to consider the possibility as well as need for Christ in my life at such a young age.

Since then, I can read words that speak to my heart, mind, and soul as to what I really want out of love. "Love bears all things," so Paul writes. Well, then I am sure that true love does more than bear with shortcomings, yet also with real situations that need more than words or emotions to control further decisions.

 "Love..., believes all things." What Paul means by this is that love is more than believing in space aliens, Santa Clause, and the Easter bunny, either as real or myth. Believing in all things, for me, is believing that not only is relationship possible outside of friendship, so is a lasting relationship that I and others will do more than know the what-to-dos as well as keep clear of the do-nots of a real relationship.

"Love..., hopes in all things." Hopes and dreams can be very different in any time of life, or between different people. For me, a hope that is in all things is one that not only hopes for the best, but hopes for the best out of the worst, in any given case. Another thing I felt from my last relationship was a hope that merely was in me graduating from college within six months, getting a boat load of cash, and figuring out why the book called "The Five Love Languages" was even written. The tragedy was not in any failure to prove the worth of her hope, but rather that there was no hope she had beyond me obtaining these things in terms of our relationship.

"Love..., endures all things." Enduring all things is still deeper than merely enduring through hard times. Enduring can mean lasting out the negative signs of changing one's behavior. Enduring is not merely outlasting an argument, seeing who will cave first in apologizing, or forgiving. Enduring also is not going through an argument just to see how normal things can return to. Enduring in love can be compared with a sort of stockholdsyndrome that encorporates all the other things that love does, aside from the dos and don'ts. It feels incredibly unhealthy at first, like my childhood inoculations (that, yes, sorry to nurses everyhwere, it still doesn't get easier with age), yet also after my first season of Cross Country back in 2002, I had grown to become accustomed to running in a way I never had before. More can be said, but I'm sure anyone who begins to understand this no longer needs to take my word for it.

Reading about love in this way now, after all these years, I have some very real things to say. I want this love. I want this love more than my next shower. I want it more than my next walk to a park bench. I want this love more than my next cup of coffee, or even my next meal. I want this love more than my next bike ride to work, or my next college course. I want this love before I ever write a song again. I want this love more than finishing my second read through the bible (this year). I want this love more than a chance to see the new Star Wars movie, in any movie theater at all.

Before I ever say "I love you" again, I want this love. Before I contemplate the word "aishiteru" again, or use the phrase "Je'tem" ever again (even if to tease) I want this love.

Perhaps more than this mere desire of mine is why it took an apostle to write about love in this way, and of all the apostles, Paul. Maybe just for people like me, two words Paul uses after saying love is greater than both faith and hope are like a command that I cannot ignore; "Pursue love." 

♦ drawing Parallels ♦
~within context~

  August 2012

Hello, everyone. It is a glad night that I give a late yet hopefully timely addition to drawing Parallels within context. I'm confident that God's work has been done at Arrowhead Bible Camp this summer of 2012. The work He puts all of us to is never over until the end of the age. This consideration is what I'll cover within the context of a clip from the movie Blade Runner, compared and contrasted with the song "Lonely Man" by the band Audio Adrenaline, then brought to full light with applicable scripture.

Blade Runner

Blade runner is a movie relatively based on the book "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" written by Phillip K. Dick and published in 1968. In this particular scene, the illegally vagrant "replicant," Roy saves his would-be assassin bounty hunter from certain death by falling off the edge of a tall building. The replicant, or android decides to share the final moments of it's life with the "Blade Runner" Decker, giving profound realization of the thought of moments observed by oneself being lost by death to the overwhelming circumstance of overall existence.

"All those moments will be lost in time... like tears... in the rain..."

A drop in the bucket of seeking life beyond what has been given is what Roy ends up seeing himself as, simply for the fact that this is exactly how his life played out. The recognition that he is given so long to live compared to the ones who take credit for being his creator is enough to send him into a frenzy of anger and resentment towards the lot Roy was given. Without life beyond, there is no future to be seen. Without future to be seen, there is nothing left to hope for. Without anything left to hope for, meaning is searched for in the reason behind it all. Without finding reason, there is only pain. Without the comfort of salvation, there is only frustration and anger. Without control, destruction becomes the outcome of this anger. When destruction and fury is all that is the outcome, the very end is clearly seen as without meaning in regards to self worth. Moments of beauty discovered even in times of war and desolation are all lost in the turmoil resulting from the basic strife for life. The character Roy could very much be seen as the example of how realizing your days are numbered produces a sense of urgency bound for complete failure in self worth... when self worth is measured by the success of continued self preservation. Fighting against those credited for being the creator, then seeking vengeance against the creator at the discovery that they are doomed; that there is a limit to the days they have left to live. Desire for life, living more moments to seek out beauty and pleasure alone bring one closer and closer to the final day until such things are meaningless. Then whatever means are used to simply continue on life in a way to further carry out simple personal desires can be seen as meaningless. The pursuit of life in the way presented by Roy is all the more justified in this sense as unparalleled futility. He ended up saving the one meant to destroy him, and was destroyed in the process reliving the scenes he observed in his travels to the dismay that they would never again be relived as he saw it himself.

Lonely Man

Quite bold words are displayed in bold fashion. It paints a bleak picture at the cost of following Christ, considering the call of sacrifice. Loss of all for what the Father calls for us to live by, and carrying our cross as determined by his Son can make one seem fairly lonely. The sense of urgency to look for what is hidden, and uncover what has not been found plays a song speaking successful surrender of sanguine self-sacrament to one known as "the way, the truth, and the light." This surrender is then displayed in the practice of proclaiming loss for the gain of God's glory. What is this proclamation founded on? Loud grungy guitar? Rap singing? The bold mixture of the two? Simply making reference to the name of Jesus? Justifying being a lonely man for the sake of seeking after Jesus? Some people don't like loud noise, or rap, let alone the mixture of the two. Jesus is hardly seen as an enjoyable name to hear about for a good many when it comes to proclamation of genuine faith. Many people don't like the thought of being lonely by following Christ, either. But where is the point in just following the name alone? Christ said himself that there would be several (not just one) that are those who will come in His name... yet are false; seeking only to lead astray the flock God tends to on a day to day basis.

The question that arises from both these examples seems to be how might we see a path to find life beyond what we know, and live according to what is the way, the truth, the light and the only path that is justified by faithfulness He provides in truth, leading to everlasting peace beside the almighty, holy, LORD GOD?

John 14:15-19

       "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

       "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. Yet a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live."

So Jesus, the Son of Man, Lord most high states that if we depend on what he sent us from the beginning to follow in our knowledge of good, we keep the commandments of loving the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. Our example further plays out when we carry our cross, displaying the example of what it means to commit to this commandment and we are able to fulfill the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. We long to see God save us. We long to see him dwell within and without us at all times in the pursuit of holiness, and righteousness. How we get there is often the mystery as our desires play out in our commitments, and we are blinded in our pursuit of Him. Our identity in Christ is lost, and there is no hope because all we long for is the path, the undiscovered country, the future that Christ himself could not see... because he had no need to being God in the flesh. What part of the understanding behind the word future adds up with the fulfillment of the commandments? Is loving the outcome of our future more necessary than a clear and present devotion of love to God with our hearts, our souls, and our minds? Limiting just one of those parts loses the rest, and we fail miserably. Committing ourselves to fulfill it all in our imperfection gives the opportunity to dig up the past or make any way of tripping even the most established in righteousness in our own eyes fail in every way to bring about fulfillment of His work in this world. Blessed all the more we are though, because God still works wonders through the proclamation of His death and renewal of mankind by the resurrection; the miracle of redemption through the cross. It is something to be witnessed, and it is only given when asked for.

For by grace you are saved through faith. And it is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8

How else can we possibly have perspective of the future when everything that makes us so imperfect blinds us from the truth? The future is in the hands of GOD. The only real hope we have in looking to the future is by actually turning our eyes to Jesus, and recognizing that GOD is in control of everything. How much love for my Lord God should I have if I let him display his love for mankind himself rather than chance the sight of it with the failure to display such on my own?

How profound it seems, this mystery. Trying to see the future in simple self sufficient service supplying supple suggestion of the word in order to ease our minds and content the world with enabling pleasure seeking behavior... outside of bringing enjoyment to the teaching of the word. Considering the proverbs of Solomon, those who despise the word are bound for destruction. All the ways of man are right in our own eyes, but God weighs us in terms of righteousness. When we truly commit to Him, we find ourselves more and more dependent on Him... and Him alone. Thus, our desires plot our course through life, but God ultimately establishes what our commitment is pushing towards.

This is all I have for this month so far. Looking forward to more Parallels to make note of in the future. Everyone have a blessed end of the season, and carry on to the next justified by faith in Christ.

Have faith, God bless, and

~keep it real

♦ drawing Parallels ♦
~within context~

July, 2012

Good day, readers. It is a privilege to continue this series, and do so with commitment to Him. The third monthly drawing for the year 2012 covers another song by Foo Fighters, titled Erase / Replace, as well as another song by Audio Adrenaline titled Starting Over. Both these examples reach a different conclusion to a point of discussion that I hope can best be wrapped up with scripture that I make mention and direct reference to.

Erase / Replace

"Attention
Pay attention..."

The beginning words to the song may strike some with thoughts returning to those moments where it seems there is at all times a person telling us to pay attention to them over whatever else our mind's are drawn to. Others might be stricken by pride hearing the phrase "pay attention" coming from anyone who they do not hold in such respect as themselves to give such attention to, based on experience, emotional expression, personal embarrassment, separation of social status, or just simple pride. Either way, not many people like being told what they want to do. We like being told what to do just as much as being held accountable towards what we have to do, especially when we have failed at something we are personally responsible for.

"We made these promises

You made these promises"

Everyone had made their own form of oaths in life, for good or bad. This song I can only assume is lamenting towards oaths left unfulfilled as they were empty from the beginning and subsequently meaningless since they were first made. The writer calls for oath takers to "Erase" their worthless words and "Replace" them with meaning in order to bring about success with the commitment(s) that we all have meant to put ourselves to through our words. It is truly the words of someone broken and bogged down by regret, seeking all the more for a way out; salvation and renewal to restore things to where they are meant to be. I can attest to the statement that God hears these words, but my word on that subject is not required.

Starting Over

"Look what you've done
You've ruined it for everyone
Who told you that you had to lose your innocence?"

Some people might hear these lines and say "Story of my life," just to express how much they feel the burden of blame in the outcome of their troubling circumstances. What this song says to me is how someone realizes that they have fallen from grace, yet through His mercy they are able to "reclaim [their] innocence." One has to be careful in considering these words though, as they might seem to imply that they had actual innocence to begin with. Outside of Christ, there is no innocence, folks. No one seeks after God. Not even one. Or as I once put it to words, "Not one is perfect, and even less understand that well enough,"

Even so. There is more to God's genuine grace than what is given credit by doubters. Just as His love is for us, God's mercy is unconditional, thorough, all fulfilling, all redeeming, ...steadfast and everlasting. There is no force in life more dedicated to the redemption of man than God, as there is nothing else capable of giving such salvation. I am living proof of how Jesus saves, time and time again if need be. My full testimony is rather long because of this, yet blessed I am to hold it true to His cause now as I can personally touch on just about every controversial aspect you might think of in terms of dealing with sin. There are those who have managed to get so far in life to this day that they can safely say that they did not go through a post-redemption fall period at all. They maintain a fairly clean testimony, which makes it only seem hard to relate as tainted my past is. What lack of faith, I should say. Better to find more to relate to, as I should certainly find some way of praising with such a blessed human being, who was brought through into early adulthood faultless before God by their devotion to Christ alone. Simply hearing about someone with none of those big stains to worry about would be something to put my own mind at ease, as I consider such a life as proof of His power. It is such confirmation that envy would not justify my own salvation. To discredit any genuine work of God, ESPECIALLY through the miracle of salvation would disqualify my own testimony.

But all the more blessed I find myself, even in the frustration of frustrations; those moments where I find I need to go back to the drawing board, wipe the slate clean... and start over... for the umpteenth time.

And it is okay to start over. It truly is never too late to do so. I believe so, and I can be bold enough to say that I know so. That is how great my God is, and that is how great His display of power through grace is through my life. What makes it even so much greater is that I don't need to make any promises. I only need to rest on His promise, and it will be fulfilled.

I can get on my own case well enough when it comes to the times where I've fallen. Yet I can find how blessed I am to find forgiveness in light of such, so that now I am broken in heart to the brink. The only thing I know I can count on is Jesus as I now have come to find so truthful. My chains have been broken, even after I've willingly thrown myself in worldly bonds. It breaks my heart all the more to realize just how prevalent His presence was in my darkest times.

When I fail, God is still sufficient in covering the world with His glory. There is a great example I know I can live up to, and through Christ I can even surpass.

Second Samuel, chapter six describes for us the story of David as he is charged with returning "the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim," to Jerusalem. It seems like a tragic story at first, because David was unlearned in the discipline firmly outlined by God in His instruction to the nation of Moses as to how His Ark is to be brought from place to place. The anointed king brought the ark towards the city behind his thirty thousand handpicked men, drawn by the backs of beasts of burden. An ox wagon is not what God told the Israelites of old to carry His throne with. This spelled out bad news, yet He showed grace up until the point where a man from David's entourage, Uzzah notices the ark in danger of falling off of the cart. The poor guy lifted his hand to save the throne of God from certain (yet, faithfully uncertain) destruction, then was struck dead by His authority. Everyone is shocked, and David is especially upset... with God. What was Uzzah doing to deserve what he got? Even so, this tantrum was quite momentary. David could tell that it was his mess to clean here, as clearly he was doing something wrong. So the king goes to back to the drawing board and finds the scripture detailing how the ark is to be dealt with, then gathers everyone again to start the process over.

Success couldn't be sweeter.

After the first six steps with the ark a given offering makes it official, and the band strikes up. The nation of Israel jams out and rejoices all the louder than they were just prior, as they could see what just happened. God gave them another chance. God gave them another chance to place Him at the head of the kingdom He promised to Abraham generations before. Returning things to their rightful place in our lives shouldn't yield any different results. And yet, the victory in Jesus that David witnessed alongside his people wasn't seen by all. When the king got to Jerusalem, he was met by his love Michal... with sinfully sarcastic scorn. Just what was this girl, David's wife none the less, thinking by trying to throw mindless accusations towards the man of her dreams? Why didn't she join in? Was she too busy hanging out in the palace to bother with being beside her God-given man during His moment of triumph through His anointed? Good golly. Sigh. She missed the boat for sure, and as the last verse of chapter six tells she at least never had to deal with the complexities of being a mother in her life. On the other hand, she never was able to redeem the honor of her father Saul,, the first anointed king of Israel which made this boat a truly sorrowful one to miss indeed... Phew! But, yeah. Perhaps she had time to contemplate and make things right for herself at least, so she didn't miss out completely. Who's to say, though? I would hope this example just goes to show how much more God's salvation of anyone should be praised and uplifted by all who share in it themselves. We don't need to erase our sins to just to make some silly oath to replace it with our own promise. We just need to reclaim the innocence God intended for us to have in ourselves, and start over on His terms rather than our own. It not only gives us a clean spirit, but one that can jam out and dance to a tune given in His honor for the clear display of God's glory to mankind.




That's where I'll leave it for this month. I am still very committed to His work here at Camp Arrowhead, and I'm finding all the more reasons to praise his name. This is mostly because I'm seeing just how I am living an example of David, a man after God's own heart, and I am given a chance to surpass such blessing as he received through Christ through my leaning on His honoring promises, building upon my courage with His support, and devoting myself to a worthwhile commitment to the LORD of hosts. Only through the Son I see myself redeemed, and I can begin... I can begin... truly, truly I say... I can begin to see His light and hope all the better. I hope everyone has had a blessed summer so far, and will continue to. In the mean time, God bless and
~keep it real, folks.

♦ drawing Parallels ♦
~within context~

  a double drawing special for June 2012


Felt compelled to do a double drawing for this month, as I've had some fairly compelling thoughts during my first couple weeks at Arrowhead Bible Camp. All the ministries I've become involved in, in addition to this one are such a blessing as they've allowed me to better hear God speaking to me, subsequently bringing me closer to Him.

Now the double drawing for June this year includes a comparison with a particular line from the Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers, a song by the Newsboys titled Breathe, a (hopefully brief) comparison to the theme of efficient running and efficient Christian living in my own words as well as in reference to the song Underdog by Audio Adrenaline, and then a wrap-up with comparing it all alongside applicable scripture.





Here is the line from Two Towers, quoted from the character named Gimli as played by John Rhys-Davies.

Keep Breathing, That's the Key

 "Keep breathing, that's the key.  Breathe! Hwaugh!"

 A fairly wise revelation that Gimli makes while he is accompanying Legolas and Aragorn in their chase is that breathing is the key to running over long distance. The character undoubtedly learned this sometime after remarking that (mythical) dwarfs are more built for sprinting, being "very dangerous at close distances." The three, as told in the actual book, are in rigorous pursuit of a band of orcs that had captured their comrades Merry and Pippin. Being able to cover a long distance over a short period of time by itself was key in this specific moment of the story. Pippin and Merry were on their way to whatever torment was in store for them in the hands of the enemy, so the "three hunters" needed to catch up as quickly as possible to rescue the hopeless pair of hobbits. It was very interesting how Tolkien words the story in which some sort of evil was giving speed to the orcs making it very difficult for Aragorn and company to outrun them. Either way, I would consider Gimli's revelation both in terms of learning how to run long distance on foot, as well as run long distance in life. The concept of breathing, taking in necessary oxygen required to send through the bloodstream to vital organs as well as the muscle system throughout the body in order to keep it moving; it can very well be taken in a different perspective as far as what our bodies take in through our eyes and ears to maintain proper wisdom required to live as typical human beings... even further, as genuine Christians.

Breathe

 "Breathe on me, breathe O breath of God

Breathe on me, 'til my heart is new

Breathe on me, breathe O breath of life

Breathe on me, 'til I love like You do"

 The Newsboys bring up a very nice perspective of the breathing concept, indeed.

"Breathe O breath of God..."

Considering what is meant by this phrase, what could be called the very breath of God? Scripture is the first thing that should come to mind. We are called to meditate on His word, as we believe that the Word is God-breathed. Simply reading the Bible on a day to day basis is a substantial method we use to meditate on the Word. Also, how we live and live out His teaching completes the "spiritual life-cycle" which is taking in what God tells us through the Word from where ever it comes from. Typical sermons, and Sunday School lessons are a great source for the Word, and very much keep the Sabbath holy in that aspect. Limiting oneself to just listening to God on the Sabbath though is one of several ways we constrict our spiritual lungs. By letting the smog of our everyday weekly lives outside of church fill us, we have a tendency to choke due to... the lack of God in us. Just like oxygen itself, God sustains us through the Word. In order for us to chase down the enemy and rescue our comrades, we need His breath flowing through our souls so we have a hope to overwhelm the foe and save the day.

The concept of distance running itself makes for a worthwhile lesson to learn. Things come to mind from how I remember being trained how to run efficiently by Mr. Gronski, as well as how to apply such lessons in combination with developing life-living efficiency.

Here is a basic handbook style outline of my high school cross-country couch's instruction on proper distance running.

1.) Proper Running Form-

•  Back arched- Good posture is key to staying mobile, as slouched shoulders tend to put unnecessary tension on the shoulders and the back as a whole. Balance as well is better maintained with good posture.
• Head erect, and at "hundred yard stare"- A major part of balance for us humans lies in our head position. When mobile and going in a straight direction one should keep their cranium level and for the most part pointed toward the intended destination. The military reference, "hundred yard stare," helps with maintaining head position for balance as well as maintaining mental focus on the journey itself.
• Forearms parallel to the ground- The concept of doing this is treating your arms to your body as running gear works to move a locomotive. The rails of a train prepare the wheels for the next propelling motion by moving in a set position and rhythm. As one rail goes up, the opposite one goes down, keeping in a set pattern of motion to maintain an even propulsion to carry the train along the track. Also, the rails stay parallel with the ground so as to keep a level force of propulsion. Keeping the inertia from your hands to the elbow pointed towards the direction you're running really does help in getting you to the destination faster than if you forced that inertia in some other direction. The force of your hand driving in an upward motion is just that much more force to help take tension off of your legs as they drive your whole body up a hill. This works in any direction for that matter.
• Constant Rhythmic Breathing & Inhale/Exhale ratio-This goes back to the importance of breathing while running over long distance. Going further than keeping breathing steady, a constant rhythm along a particular ratio makes cardiovascular running more efficient in a few different ways. The way Gronski taught us back in the day was to count steps with inhaling and exhaling; breathing in for so many steps while breathing out for so many as well. This makes keeping a steady breathing pattern fairly easy. One thing to consider is that the mind has a tendency to put emphasis on the first and/or final step after/before transitioning to inhale or exhale steps. This emphasis makes it a good idea to use a ratio to compensate for this so that even tension is placed on both legs and feet. 2:1 is the most basic ratio, to take in breath for two steps and then let out an exhale for one. Typically though, more air is required to keep one running efficiently. A 3:2 for this reason is a much better pattern to go by for those running for an extended period of time. With more focus and breathing practice, more intermediate patterns can be followed like 5:4, 6:5, 7:6, and so forth. This steady rhythmic breathing keeps the bodily flow of oxygen steady as well.

2.) Runner's Etiquette-

• Pass after Five- Partly out of courtesy, a good runner should never pass in front of another runner until they are at least five paces distance ahead of the one being passed on the trail. More so, however, trying to immediately pass the other runner after getting ahead of them has a tendency to work against yourself in a mental sense. Achieving a small victory by just passing someone as soon as possible might too well put your mind at ease, which the opponent will be able to recognize and take advantage of at the next opportune moment. Calmly and patiently passing someone is much more effective than letting yourself become complacent in the wrong moment of the run.
• Talk while you run- This works well with team building... not excluding relationship building as well. When covering a good distance, and keeping firm and balanced control of breathing, you should take time to just chat with those you're running with. This shows character, and good character at that.
• Run against traffic- When you are running on the side of the road, one should move against the flow of traffic. This makes avoiding vehicles easier as you are better able to see them coming head on, rather than blindly trust that every driver is a good one as they pass close from behind. The unlikely albeit potential threat of projectiles or other sort of antics more... maliciously juvenile drivers might attack roadside runners with are also more easily spotted when you are able to see them coming at you from in front.

Underdog

"I'm in this race to win a prize,

the odds against me.

The world has plans for my demise,

but what they don't see..."

There are a few places within the Bible that make imagery of life being like a race. The second verse of this Audio A song is inspired by such biblical references, stating how typically Christians lose according to worldly perspective in order to gain for God's glory. This message can be easily misconstrued as stating that all Christians are called to be lowly in all aspects of life, giving no mind to disciplining ourselves at all to achieve this "underdog" label. That is completely selective, double minded understanding of the God-breathed inspiration for the worship sung in this tune. It combines the already completely inclusive, and all encompassing message from the Word about how God is the one that sticks up for the little guy. The weak in body, mind, as well as spirit all find their strength and dependence in the Lord. All who call on the name of the Son find Him, and are able to run the race to the finish as God "substitutes" our weakness with His unfathomable, undying strength.

Throwing the combination comparison between the theme here, we can come up with a bare bones outline for efficient Christian living.

1.) Proper Running Form-

•  Back arched- Maintain stability in your Christian run by keeping oneself straight in their foundation. By establishing good "spiritual posture" through recognizing the foundation of our faith through scripture, we keep ourselves to His law and ease tension off ourselves as we do not let sin drag our shoulders down to a slouch.
• Head erect, and at "hundred yard stare"- Meditate on the Word to keep God's promise to us in our minds, and focus on the finish line as well as the merit given out of His grace.
• Forearms parallel to the ground- Conform our daily habits and lifestyle to what is pleasing to God, as this is part of keeping our spiritual inertia pointed towards Him.
• Constant Rhythmic Breathing & Inhale/Exhale ratio- Be constant in breathing the Word, as this puts God in us to further support us in our run by keeping our spiritual life-cycle circulating.

2.) Runner's Etiquette-

• Pass after Five- Don't move to immediately surpass those who have stumbled out of personal pride, under the assumption that God cares for us to disregard love for displaying spite as a means of gaining honor with Him. Stay humble, as we should recognize that no one truly finishes the race on their own as it is God who runs the race for us.
• Talk while you run- We are told through the Word to address others with psalms and hymns, spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with our hearts. Let us talk with one another while we run the race towards victory, and uplift and uphold each other as He directs us to.
• Run against traffic-Keep the dangers in life in sight as much as possible, be it incidental or the enemy making assault on us. Don't let ourselves be chased down by evil, but rather face it head on under God's guidance and graceful promise to pull us out of any situation that comes our way.

The Biblical comparison to running and Christian living can be found as far back as Ecclesiastes. Solomon remarks in chapter nine, verse eleven "Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift..." stating foundation for how meaningless worldly living is. Time and chance effect all, no exceptions. How much more then could we need God who cares for us and provides for us wisdom to face our trials in life? God also says through the writer of the book of Hebrews "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God." So keep in mind that the eyes of the world are on us at all times. Not so we stress about it, but so we learn to accentuate our faith through righteous steadfastness like a runner endures a race to the very end. Paul, as God said through him, describes the run as based on looking at the Olympian races in that day. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly: I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Running for a purpose comes to mind through this comparison. Naturally we all seek a reward for hard work. The point Paul makes in this passage is that rather than focus on temporal, worldly accomplishments in life like a wreath crown (the equivalent to a gold medal in the ancient Olympic competitions) we as Christians should focus more on the eternal reward offered by Jesus through His sacrifice and promise. Living in self-control may not seem capable of getting us to our final destination faster, but it makes the run all the more easy in the long run.
To conclude and lay firm foundation for the fortifying theme I write here, let us consider the words in Isaiah chapter forty, verse thirty-one, which states the perspective we should see our spiritual endurance.

"...they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint."

So at the end of this special message for June, consider how you run the race in life. Know and understand where your endurance comes from, and why it is so important to maintain such through Christ. Breathe deep the Word, so as to increase such steadfastness. Get to your final destination in strength. His strength.

I hope to have more special messages later on through the year and further. In the mean time, take it easy and
~keep it real.

♦ drawing Parallels ♦
~within context~

the drawing for June 2012

I had to do this one early for various reasons. Namely, I anticipate I'm going to be fairly busy working at Arrowhead Bible Camp the first few weeks so I don't want to complicate things between ministries.

Anyway. This month's Parallels I'm drawing are between Foo Fighter's song These Days, the Newsboys song Lost the Plot, and applicable scripture.

These Days

"One of these days the ground will drop out from beneath your feet..."

I have to say, there aren't that many other inspirational rock groups out there that I enjoy listening to than Foo Fighters, because of the message that can be heard through many of their songs and how I can relate to it. These Days is written by Foo Fighters "front-man," Dave Grohl. The message that can be heard here displays a realization of a potential coming apocalypse, and inescapable death overall. What I find myself able to relate to in such a message through the perspective it is given in is the sort of dialogue that is represented between the verse and chorus. The lyrics go through the typical mindset of accepting death as the end of everything, and subsequently life no longer has meaning after the fact. "But it's alright" comes the kicker, before comes the "[Oh Yeah?] Easy for you to say..." for someone who doesn't know the extent of attachment one should have to life. It is a good mindset to appreciate life as a gift to make it mean something regardless of what death only appears to take away. This perspective is supported in the song where Dave is vocal about recognizing that something is truly wrong with the mindset that says "One of these days you will forget to hope and learn to fear" through changing the "But it's alright" part of the chorus to "Don't say it's alright"

When I was young and in middle school, I struggled with basic End Times theology to the point where I quietly renounced my faith. Over time I came to realize though how lost I would be, struggling like the writer of this song without a firm foundation to place my hope in. Understanding how apt I am to change, sometimes at the drop of a hat, I began to recognize the need to say that something is not alright with standing by and letting life end up considered as meaningless. To be able to express the need for actual meaning beyond simple acceptance shows a mindset that... I have to say is more prepared to receive truth than many others are. I can certainly understand why Dave would state that this song, out of all the other songs he's written, is his favorite. I just hope someone is able to show God in a better light than what has been expressed to the guy so far... It wouldn't end all his struggles right away, but would very much answer questions he might have regarding where he should place the foundation for his hope in.

Lost the Plot

"Heard a rumor that the end is near,

but I just got comfortable here..."

Here, co-writers Steve Taylor and Peter Furler write a song about the end times, to the extent of how it is perceived by believers who struggle with the concept of waiting for Him to show up. The message touches upon the importance in not misplacing the ending of days, as "no one knows the day or hour" it's to occur. It's certainly a struggle to keep faith along with the realization that things will seem completely hopeless by the end. "One of these days..." it's just going to happen no matter what is going on, and it's better not to deceive ourselves in believing too strongly that things will get better in our lifetime to where we let strong emotions cloud our senses. Being Christian is accepting that you're not a part of the world, even though we can, God willing, find comfort in our lives. Hope through faith in God's promise to us is a key foundation to believers, and it only goes to show how little faith one has in His promise when one either follows after rumors, and alternatively when one lives their life in sin out of falling asleep to His calling for us to be sober and righteous people in an indulgently drunk, and wicked world. I certainly can appreciate the message given as "Let's be blunt" so as to get the point in a matter of utmost importance when "we're a little unfaithful" in terms of listening to God.

And what did God have to say about the End Times? Too much to completely cover in one blog post, I'd say. But let's consider the passage in the book of Mathew, chapter 24. Jesus had just foretold prophecy stating the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, "there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

The disciples are understandably concerned as to when this event will take place, so when Jesus sat at the Mount of Olives, they asked Him privately "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" They recognize the prophecy they heard as monumental, and in struggle for truth they long to understand the words of Christ in entirety.

 Jesus answers with this message,

"See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For every nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of birth pains."

As Christians, we should believe and know that everything is alright even in the worst tribulation because God says so. Even so, we know that we should live out life to the fullest, and look to God for answers rather than self proclaimed prophets. All in due time. Furthermore, "don't say it's alright" when everything doesn't feel right in life, especially when such feelings arise from doubt, disbelief in general, or... when you see others show selective understanding of God and scripture. Even though "one of these days the ground will drop out beneath [our] feet" at some point, we should concentrate on receiving God's mercy through His promise and Word... and display it, proclaiming that love to the world any chance we get.

And so concludes the drawing of Parallels, within context, intended for the month of June. I will certainly try to continue this on through the summer while I'm doing His work at Arrowhead Bible camp. In the mean time, "Don't [just] say it's alright," apply His meaning in your life, and let the close of the age come when God so chooses.

That, and God bless you in the summer, as well as

~keep it real.

(originally posted on Facebook the 4th of May, 2012)

♦ drawing Parallels ♦
~...within context~

On this rainy Friday morning, I'm starting this themed monthly message. Let me explain just what this is about. Basically, "drawing Parallels" here is a side project of sorts of my graphic novel titled simply "Parallels" and there are many reasons why it's titled this. One reason is that within the story, I draw out countless side by side comparisons of many different walks of life, both Godly and... decidedly otherwise. "drawing Parallels" takes this a step further by doing a direct side by side comparison between "pop" culture, christian culture, and scripture. I've actually wanted to start doing this for a bit of while now, just I couldn't decide when I was finally going to get to it, nor where I was going to post it up. Decisions led to decisions, and here we are. So without further ado then, I'll get right to it.

This month's topic covers the sun. It was out in full the last few days and made everything beautiful. There are many who have said things about the sun, and what it symbolizes in everyone's life. A fellow of the name George Harrison wrote a fairly uplifting song about this subject, titled "Here Comes the Sun"

This song vaguely describes the warm fuzzies that come around in Spring time when the snow thaws and things spring to life, so to say. Typically, anyone can get the "everything is okay" feeling from warm fuzzies. Anyone can also put all their hope in seeing the sun rise again the next day. It's a touching song, truly. But can one truly find fulfillment and contentment in the sun rising, alone?

The former Christian rock group, PFR (which stands for Pray For Rain, by the way) wrote a song putting attention on the sun as well. This one is titled "See the Sun Again"
 

This song, from my understanding, is directed to someone who has fallen astray from God and faith somehow, and in a very vague but meaningful way is telling the person in question to strain to see God's presence still in their life. This is metaphorically speaking but it makes sense as the writer describes how even when a storm goes over, or when night falls, there is still a "sun" to be seen in the sky.

The bible has a few things to say about the sun. Jesus himself said something rather profound about it (naturally). This can be read in the gospel according to Mathew, chapter five. The Sermon on the Mount was where the Lord gave many profound viewpoints, and the one that goes along with today's topic is in verses forty-three to forty-five;
43) You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45) so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Here it can be seen how hard it is to find fulfillment in simply trusting in the sun rising every morning, as Jesus points out that even those who are against you can find comfort and strength from that same morning star. George Harrison practiced Hinduism, and was for all intents and purposes a fairly spiritual guy. He was really in to the multiculturalist agenda though, which could be gathered from statements he made like "All religions are branches of one big tree. It doesn't matter what you call Him just as long as you call."
From hearing statements like these by themselves, it's hard to say someone like George firmly believes in anything. To his credit, the song could easily be seen as a metaphor for God's presence returning to our lives much like See the Sun Again describes. Throwing a "Christian spin" on the secular or otherwise can pretty fun. To wrap this all up, let's consider how dear we all hold the sun and what it provides for us. Then go deeper in realizing that it provides for our enemies as well, by God's design. It's good to uplift one another with remarking about how steadfast the morning star is, as well as using the sun as metaphor for the presence of God. Ultimately though, we should put focus on God for what he has provided us (being the creator of the sun and all) and for his steadfastness that surpasses all the cosmos, including our beloved morning star.

And that's it for this month. I think I'll try to do these the first Friday of every following month, so expect to see the next drawing Parallels message possibly in the morning of June 8th. Parallels, the graphic novel by yours truly can be found and read by those interested for free on my deviant art page. A link to get there can be found on my profile here on Facebook in the contact info section. You can ask me for the link if you want.
(or you can go straight to it from here-> http://fav.me/d4wg7dz )
Can't wait to do this again next month. In the mean time, folks

God bless and
~keep it real.