Reservations and Review

This next May will mark the one year anniversary of Classical Ride. I have enjoyed every minute of it. Chiefly because of feedback, whether good or bad. But in almost ten months it is easy to believe that I might have changed some of my opinions, or made some new realizations. This blog is the blog I would write now in place of some of the ones I have thrown out there.

1. I think the first mistake I made was a technical one and not a content one. It was a send-off of a very close friend of mine in prayer. My mistake was I included a picture of myself in plain view. My intentions later evolved into a much more anonymous methodology of never including a picture that fully showed my face. So, if you want, by all means go back to the blog entitled "Sarah Jane Murray" and take a look. I have deleted the picture that included my own face.

2. The next reservation is not so much a mistake as an imformative gesture of professionalism. I wrote a blog called "Proverbs...A Wise Man." Later, I wanted to add on with advice from another wise man, so I changed the aforementioned to "Proverbs...Wise Man I" and a whole series of "Wise Men" was sparked. That was simple enough.

3. This too, is not a big one, but I regret to have used the same picture in two separate blogs. Especially two that I liked very much. "Television Shows" and "The Gentleman's Handshake" both showed the same original picture. To me that just seems very unprofessional. Apologies.

4. Alright, this one is a real change of opinion. Sort of. In the blog "Inspire Me" I railed a bit against inspiration and how useless it is. It is something I have been thinking about ever since I wrote it. I have asked many good friend's opinions on it and gotten wonderful answers. I still don't really believe there is a permanent and quenchable inspiration. However, I longer believe to inspire someone alone is to fail. I no longer believe inspiration is useless. Perhaps Zig Ziglar put it best in saying, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing that's why we recommend it daily." What did I ever think was wrong with constant refilling anyway?

5. In "Quote Commentary 10...Leeland Mooring" I criticize mildly the lyrics of a song that talk about the "...tears of the saints for the lost and unsaved..." Now I recognize that, still, it will take more than tears, but that raw, sincere emotion is vital in reaching the world. You have to have a heart for the lost, to build relationships and bring them home.

6. I think since "The Gentleman's Handshake" has one of the highest comment responses of any of my blogs that it deserves to be mentioned. Know this: it is not in modern etiquette the true proper way to shake a girl's hand I suppose. (Though the male instruction was the most widely approved way). Most people will tell you that a man should shake a woman's hand the same as anyone. It depends on where you stand in the feminist movement. Thanks to all for the comments, whether approved, practiced, interested, or annoyed. I love feedback.


7. Maybe my most controversial (unintentionally, though foreseen) post of all was "Science." This one I really went out on a limb and I do not expect to revoke any of my statements very much. I said that Christians should not ardently study science, and with good reason, science is now presented as free from supernatural explanation and that defies the prescence of Almighty God. But if one is firm in belief, "so firm," as one commenter put it so that "NO-THING can move us." If this is right, then be a scientific genius and be ready to argue the natural-obsession out of other scientists. By all means do. I would like to myself, had I the mental capabilities to get a lot of it. One reader rightly put that "Early science pioneers actually looked at science as a way to understand the world that God created, thereby coming to a greater understanding of God." and that "you are learning about God's creation and there is nothing to fear there." Maybe there is something to fear, then again maybe I'm wrong. In any case I will heed the book suggestion "Total Truth" by Nancy Peary that one reader offered. Our anonymous reader goes further on to say this "atheists believe that Christians are too stupid to appreciate the scientific intellect and rational thought, and I think most Christians are too afraid b/c they believe the lies of the atheists." That too I can finally agree with.



8. In "Born" I relate my experiences with "getting saved" or entering a relationship with Christ. Two rememberances have crossed my path either by verbal reminder or sudden nostalgic thought. The first was that my mother did indeed talk to me about what it meant to be a Christian and led my brother and I in the "sinner's prayer." So it was discussed with me to a state of apparent understanding, but not rememberance. Further brain racking reminded me of "getting saved" (if not the actual experience itself, the after effects) and my dad telling me the first thing I should read in the Bible is the book of John.


9. In "The Now" I am afraid that I gave the impression that Now was not a time to be treasured. I hammered it too hard. What I wanted to get across was that, we should never settle for less, at the same time we should not postpone present discomfort, because it only grows with time. No reservations though, just I may not have written on an appropriate degree. I spoke truth along with my fellow bloggeress Sarah Jane Murray. Co-writing is something I enjoyed very much, and plan to do in the future again.


10. "Welcome to America" Parts I and II were the scariest thing I ever posted. I was not sure if I agreed with myself or not. As Marshall McLuhan said, "I don't necessarily agree with everything I say." In part one "Definitions" I began to address the problem: the de-civilization of the United States. It is true in a lot of ways. Is there reason for hope? Sure, I am all about hope. In Part II, "Part of the Problem" I suggested a sure cure. For the record, I am a patriot. I love the U.S.. Tough love is a must at times. The blogs were tough love in words.

11. I made a big mistake in "Principle and Carpetball." It should have been in the Wise Man series (whether than "Anti-Climatic" really, though those were wise men), because the person who gave the advice is someone I consider very wise. Just know that, and I will not feel bad about not putting "wise man" in the title.

12. "..." is by far the weirdest blog I ever wrote. It was like trying to run for political office against a punctuation mark. The reason I wrote it is because I was reading a daily devotional that often would cut half a scripture out and change the meaning. I though that was very wrong. The Word of God needs no help or deception to prove a point. So I guess I just unleashed a little frustration on my readers. I had fun, but apologies.

13. "Wasted Laughter" makes people mad at me. I LOVE TO LAUGH! In fact I wrote an entire reservation blog called "Well-Spent Laughter" so there! I meant what I said in the first blog though. Laughter CAN be wasted.

14. "Author" was my response to all the 'lu-lus' who try and catch God with his own words. End of story.




15. "'Coursing Indepthrible Plasms': A Fictitious Christmas Prelude" felt daring at the time, but I was so blessed with a big response. It has sparked a much bigger project, stay tuned for details.

16. I was ashamed of "Extraordinary" when I wrote it and still kind of am. But it is alright. It sounded so arrogant, so I understand if you got that impression. I am still toying with the theory of one's 'extraordinariness.' I have come to the conclusion that everyone has the same amount, only the greats all capitalize on it. That's the trick. Capitalize. Just a thought.

17. I am usually pretty good about giving credit for my sources. However, I failed to note the quotations that acted as anecdote in "Points of No Return." For those of you who didn't know. It was "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain.


18. I was excited about the response in "Question...The New Morality." From what I have gathered, the only thing that seems to be agreed on morally is that "if it hurts people it is wrong." I feel there must be more to it than that. Many believe that morality is subjective, or as one anonymous reader commented, "Morality is just a set of standards for a particular social group..." The same commenter goes on to state that morality simply isn't real. He then tries to prove his statement with one of our own, C.S. Lewis which gives me the impression he/she is well read. The quote was, "Human beings, all over the earth,have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way,and cannot really get rid of it." This quote however was more assuring us that there is definitely a right and a wrong, but as to what is or isn't, it remains unclear. Another reader and fellow blogger ginniajo (http://ginniajo.blogspot.com/) suggests that it "very well could be piety." A logical guess. Sarah Jane (http://mitiocbygrace.blogspot.com/) agrees it is a "man-made set of rules" and makes good points from a Christian standpoint. The war goes on. I am starting to think Morality cannot be bound by reason. We have to know as C.S. Lewis talks about in "Mere Christianity" (the source of the anonymous reader's quote) that there is something bigger than us out there, and he gave us a really thick book to tell us things we couldn't possibly get together on our own.

Well those are my reservations for the year. Once again thank you for coming along on the always...Classical Ride.

The Real Jesus

In an earlier blog, "Test of Time" we took a look at Downhere's song "The Real Jesus." The song contains the line "Jesus sparked a controversy." It's a legitimate claim, in truth it is beyond doubt. With it he has sparked a world-shattering legacy. He was the archetype for a new brand of heroism. Epochal among epics. A giant. Out of everyone's league, still on everyone's level. Wars, depictions on film and stage, governments, genocides, novels, poems, paintings, sculptures, magazines, companies, songs, schools, theories all have bore his name. Some undoubtedly with his blessing, others out of line. He's been summoned upon in nearly every U.S. court session, presidential innauguration, and sporting event. He presides weekly over the largest gathering of anyone anywhere for any reason in church. He has made his way into every single aspect of our lives. He meets many before every meal and many more before the lights are dimmed down for slumber. He is responsible for the biggest sensation in celebrations in Christmas. The emblem of the cross is popular jewelry for the believer and unbeliever alike. He is on T-shirts he is on ball caps he is on wallets and watches. He is in our vernacular. He is everywhere and still for many we find it so hard to talk about him.

I for one can talk about Jesus Christ all day long. But before you type-cast me as a bible-thumping mugwump allow me to explain how I'm not all that statement cracked me up to be. I find it easy to argue about the contraversy He's stirred. Talk to me about evolution and I can explode into a pro-creation tirade. Give me your worldwide mythologies and I would love to give you truth in its stead. Give me excuses for immorality and and I will feed you scripture in a spoon of reason. That's for the unbeliever. For the believer I am just as bad. Let's talk about predestination, age of accountability, was Jesus a pacifist? Forget who He was and what He did. Forget creation, just speculate as to whether it was seven days humanly speaking or if it was God's 1,000 year day?* Why do I rant and rave in the debate but when it comes to my true purpose of day to day, lifestyle worship I stutter and lack justice? I believe it is noble to defend the law and holy name of Jesus Christ but how immaturely I attempt it. My defense should be grounded in faith in Him and obedience to His commandments and practice of His love. Back to that line. That glorious line that fires me up for the battle of words and truth. "Jesus sparked a controversy." Sure He did. I know that. But what about the succeding line. "...Jesus known for His mercy, gave the blind man sight...Jesus loves the children, holds the lambs, Jesus prays a lot, Jesus has distinguishing marks on his hands..." That's where it's at. Mercy and Grace and Love. That is the real Jesus.

*"...God's thousand year day" comes from Psalm 90:4
To read "Test of Time": http://theclassicmc.blogspot.com/2010/01/test-of-time.html
To listen to "The Real Jesus: http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#The%20Real%20Jesus%20downhere

Sit Down

As one number of everyone's favourite Brando-Sinatra musicals sings "Sit down, sit down, sit down, sit down, sit down, you're rockin' the boat!" It isn't too illogical a request to make considering we are all in the same boat. One standing above the rest can throw the balance.

If you've read the gospels you'll notice that Christ handles every sin he encounters with easy grace and scarce anger. That is except for hypocrisy. Hypocrisy entails a dishonesty that chafes like sand. In Brennan Manning's The Ragamuffin Gospel he paints a picture of the church. He says:

The pious fellowship permits no one to be sinners. So everyone must conceal his sins from himself and from their fellowship. We dare not be sinners.

The church has fast been accumulating the barnacles of a bad rep to its pious planked hull. Possibly because we have forgotten the truth of Morton Kelsey's correction, "The Church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners."

We do not go to parade or flaunt. We go to heal. True too, after your renewal, it is acceptable to pass from hospital to gymnasium, in hopes of spiritual brawn. However, you must resist the reflex to flex and flaunt your alleged gains. Lording over the diligent rowers will only propel them to despair. The truth is we are all unclean. Were it we could bring ourselves to admit it.

Casting Crowns asserts there disapproval of "rocking the boat" in their song "Stained Glass Masquerade" asking listeners,

Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain, but if the invitation's open, to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we close the curtain, on our stained glass masquerade.

Their is forgiveness and love in the confessional to Christ, but there is freedom and fellowship in the testimony to our brothers and sisters. I am not all pessimist in blogging you know. Chances are high that there are plenty in your church that would be happy to listen, forgive, and accept you. Could it be that those that are so repulsed by the mention of sin are so because it has taken or is taking a toll in their life?

The problem with churches is they are full of people and people are full of flaws. The great thing about churches should be that everyone is willing to machete the vines and brush until the oasis is reached and in some places this is the case. Where it is not. Sit down!

Question...The New Morality

I do not mean to imply with the title that one of the most central and greatest truths of all time is now dated and therefore be classed into 'old' and 'new.' Not at all. However, the perspectives and mindsets are reeling. I am really bad about giving out absolutes. I am often called upon to grudgingly admit that I just don't know. Well now I do it with unclenched fists. My question: What is morality? We all seem to know that it is what will hold everything together. The Christian faith bases it on the Word of God, the Bible. I feel like the world has come to view it as, if it doesn't hurt anyone then it isn't wrong. Well that seems like a pretty solid definition. A definition that no doubt politically correct thinkers would applaude with a smug look. But one that Christians may have a hard time tangibly justifying. They will realize that there are a few 'no-nos' that they may not quite have an explanation for as to "how it hurts." While it strains in explanation, it cries "duh" in sense. If an omniscient God says it's wrong it is wrong. But we are all over reason these days. Fact trumps belief in interplanetary eyes. So this blog is centered on feedback. My question is not a thesis for me to answer. It is for you.

What is morality?

Well Spent Laughter...Wise Man (Men) IV

Life lessons from dad are treasured things. More treasured than even the gold dust uncovered in "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" which happens to be the movie in view when one of the earliest remembered pieces of fatherly advice was given. With Humphrey Bogart already dead we see the remaining prospectors losing their fortune in gold to the wind and sands of the desert. They begin laughing in hysteria. My inquisitive older brother questioned my old man as to why they were laughing. This was a crisis after all! My dad said something profound almost, "Well, you can either laugh or cry." We understood. When bad things happen, it is good to take it with a laugh. Much later we have almost the same conversation about espionage sitcom Get Smart. This time it is me reminding him. "We should all try and be like Maxwell Smart" says I as Max jokes about his apartment's explosion. My dad, ever a critic of his stupidity raises more than one eyebrow. I go on to explain the lesson he taught me much before "it is good to take our crises in life with a little laugh." He agreed.

When I was in Ecuador, each morning at breakfast one of the adult leaders would share a sort of daily devotional. On our last morning in Sucua a good man began to share a little of his life's story. He told of some very tragic and difficult times. This was not the expected imparture from our normally jovial friend. After little thought however, it only enhanced his sincere joy. He was the product of a calloused life and what was left was an ever evident appreciation for the beauty in laughter. Adding to my admiration it was also clear as to his motives in spreading his tickled feelings.

A world without laughter is a sick envisionment. We thrive off laughter. While my claim still stands it can be wasted (http://theclassicmc.blogspot.com/2009/10/wasted-laughter.html) laughter is not something to be kept under lock and key. Spend it where you can, find joy in trivial things. Laugh.