In the Beginning. . .

In the beginning was the Logos. And the Logos was set in motion creating all things seen and unseen. The Logos is the word and the word comes from the ultimate source of all things made and unmade. The Logos is Truth that comes from the source which all things were made and must return. The truth is the word and the word is conveyed in vast formations--plain and mysterious.

The logos is a living entity and exists in all things. Yet all things come from the source: a single entity that binds and creates all things known and unknown.

The Logos, the word, and the source are synonymous symbols by which Truth can be found. . .

Through the word. . .

Through light. . .

Through sound. . .

Through motion. . .

The Logos set in motion creates all things seen and unseen; known and unknown; made and unmade.

The Logos speaks this way so that you can better understand. . .

To speak through metaphors can the Truth be inspired that then when the Truth finds you can the Logos be understood.

Let the Logos speak.

Let the people hear.

Let the Truth find you.

For the Truth cannot be found lest the Truth finds you first.

Through the word, through light, through sound, and motion.

John 1:1 (ESV)

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life,^a and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Stained Glass Without a Sun

I am Stained with colours 

I am Strained of Impurities 

I am etched of poetry 

I am drawn with delicacy 

I am here where you can see

I am drawn so you can understand

My story

My life 

My past, present, and future. . .

But today my stained colours are dim

My impurities back again

My poetry slacked 

And drawn without tact 

For who am I?

To think I could shine brighter then any of you...

I am here where you cannot see 

I am drawn but you cannot understand

My story

My life

My gifts, strengths, and dreams...

I am stained glass without a sun

To shine through me

To shine for me

To shine for you

So we can see...

The beautiful colours that are not made by me...

But for us

So we can see...

Our story

Our life

Our hopes and dreams...

Behold the curtains are drawn

And we hide so ever shamefully 

Take our stained glass, 

Take our colours,

Take...

Our story

Our life

Our past, present, and future...

Our hopes and dreams...

And share it with the world

For stained glass without a sun

Cannot shine on it's own.

Draw up the curtains

And let the sun in.

Glow bright, straight, and true

for our colours are beautiful indeed.

But I need a sun, as do we all

For stained glass without a sun is dim indeed...

Open up your curtains

Let the sun shine through

So our life, our story, our savior...

Can come into.

Our hearts

Our minds

Our souls

For evermore...

Amen.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Logos Kinon

So I’ve been following around the blog-sphere and started to notice something that some blogs have that mine doesn’t.

A theme...

I thought I had a theme... In fact, it would appear that the theme of this blog is fairly obvious but I don’t think I’ve ever come out and admitted that [I] even knew what it was...

The name has always been “Renaissance Man.”

Why?

Well that is something I aspire to be. . .

It’s a life long pursuit, yes, but what pursuit in life isn’t?

I honestly had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up because I couldn’t make up my mind... I was also scared that whatever I chose to become wouldn’t make me happy, I’d change my mind but it would be too late... I had to be certain! But I just couldn’t choose to do any one thing, because I knew that any one thing couldn’t make me happy.

I use to tell people, then, that I wanted to be a jack of all trades but master of none.

I soon realized that employers and businesses don’t like to hear this sort of thing: they rely upon individuals with very specific skills and character traits.

Well, there’s nothing really wrong with wanting to know how to do all sorts of different things or to desire many different abilities; however, it’s still important to find what you’re really good at and stick with it--also know as “finding your niche.”

“What am I good at?” was the next question...

Photography and graphic art are two things I’ve always loved and enjoyed...

I love taking pictures and I love manipulating them to make something out of this world!

I love talking about it, can’t stop thinking about it, and I love teaching others about it all the time.

It didn’t stop there, though, and that’s when life started to get really interesting.

Still images are amazing things and like they say, “A picture speaks a thousand words”

I then thought to myself, “I enjoy speaking words of encouragement especially through my writing and my photographs... But if a picture speaks a thousand words, then how many words are spoken in moving pictures or film?”

The standard film rate in American cinema is 24 frames per second.

And a feature length film is said to be an average of 90 to 120 minutes in length

1000 words times 24 fames times 60 seconds times 120 minutes equals 172,800,000 words!

Of course, I’m not just talking about the dialog, and yes, one cannot take in a single frame of film as they can a single photograph; however, the possibilities of communicating ideas and the amount of skill that goes into this extensively collaborative business is incredible!

So incredible... That I’m sure it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life...

You take film and you get both a collaborative effort extensively involved in both art and science.

Am I capable of being the best at every little aspect of film making? Of course not. But working in film still gives me the chance to use what gifts I do have and mix and match them with the gifts others have. I’m not so bright when it comes to music, but I can still use what little knowledge I have to work with someone who has dedicated his or her life to musical theory. I may not be that great of a craftsmen, but who knows? I may get to work with some of the greatest craftsmen this world has ever known. And to think, it can all happen on the set of a film.

I now like to think of the renaissance man and the filmmaker as synonymous--one and the same...

I now realize that, overall, this has been something I’ve been wanting to achieve since I was learning more about art in high school.

I was home schooled in fact which could be of no surprise considering that many other renaissance souls out there were home schooled also.  But now, at twenty years of age, I am encouraged to share that I am attending University seeking a degree in mass communications with emphasis in film production, cinematography, digital editing, and motion design.

As for my writing... I shouldn’t desire to limit my scope in the film industry only. So while I may not always speak of filmmaking or whatever I may be working on at the time, I should like to discuss things beyond that.

I try not to seem like an activist of sorts. I tend to remain neutral on most controversial issues. Instead, I would seek to share what little wisdom I have found through life and scriptures not to point out the wrong in life, but to expound on how we all can live better.

Whether I’m doing it here on my blog or hopefully someday in film, I shall strive to be of what encouragement I can  while seeking advancement in both art, science, and the word of God.

Of course, what little life I have left in this fascinating universe will be dedicated to He who as made me. All glory be to God and God alone. Amen.

So what is the theme of my blog?

Well,

If the Pen is Mightier then the sword...

If the word of God is sharper than any two edged sword...


If a Picture Speaks a Thousand Words...

If Film Is Thousands of Moving Pictures

Then the theme of my blog is this:

"Ho Logos Kinon"--The Moving Word

Finally, for anyone who is interested in art or science or both; for anyone in search of encouragement; for anyone interested in film production, photography, or graphic design; for anyone interested in sharing some deep thoughts in this sea of information, I hope you find yourself welcome here.

To any renaissance man (or women) out there,

God speed,

~Rob Oakley  (An aspiring Renaissance Man)



"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

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You know that feeling...

The feeling you get when you’re asleep but you still feel like you’re awake?

It’s a restless tossing and turning that all thanks goes to having too much on the mind...

I understand the necessity of resting the eyes and the feet, I tend to do it even when I feel the need during the day. But my mind... My mind seems to never sleep, never rest.

And it’s not a simple shutdown that I’m looking for, but a pattern of thought that ends.

To take everything I was thinking about the day before, or anything I’m worried about, and just stop thinking about it...

Being anxious for nothing isn’t nearly as easy as it seems...

But I would do good to at least put myself in a position where I didn’t have to worry about anything because I took the responsibility of securing whatever it is I’m concerned about. I asked questions, I did my research, I tied the loose ends, I even said I was sorry...

Yet still, I feel like I can never get any sound and peaceful rest...

Sometimes I get too much sleep... In fact, I think sometimes I get just enough and the truth behind my lack of rest is I’d rather be resting then living... This would explain why I’m so worried about getting up the next day, the tossing and turning comes from me not wanting to face any present or future consequences.

I’m really not afraid of getting dirty... But I tend to avoid it whenever I can.

This will surely lead me to failure and even. . .

Death.

They say that one third of your life is spent sleeping...

Let’s start making more of what two thirds we have left...


"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Straylight Run and my 100th blog post

For the Best

by

 Straylight Run

And it takes more time than ive ever had,

drains the life from me, makes me want to forget.

As young as i was, i felt older back then, 

more disciplined, stronger and certian. 

But i was scared to death of eternity,

i was saved by grace and destroyed by naivety,

and i lied to myself and said it was for the best.

So now faith is replaced with logic so cold,

ive disregarded what i was now that im older.

And i know much more then i did back then,

but the more i learn the more i cant understand.

And ive become content with this life that i lead,

where i drink to much and dont believe in much of anything.

And i lie to myself, and say its for the best.

Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come...

Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come

Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come (And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)

Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come(And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)

Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come (And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)

Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come (And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)

This song was sent to me by a dear friend of mine and I wanted to pass it on myself...


I suppose this is a large stepping stone for me. Not only is this my 100th post but I'll also be turning 20 years old with in the next 48 hours. 


I'll put it in the way my friend did.


I'm not scared.


I'm terrified.


It's not that I'm scared of change or getting older...


I'm scared of not knowing, not seeing, not hearing the sweet abyss speak to me the words of wisdom and devine counsel... To know, to see, to hear what the future holds for me...


There's plenty of knowledge in the world and the writing of many books there will be no end...


But to be wise in knowing, to understand, to discover--who I am and what I am for. . .



My life isn’t as typical as I once thought... I feel that I now live with a much higher purpose and I continue to suppress all that would make me ordinary. I long to make my mark in this universe, but am without means or desire... Because it would not be for my own glory but of that which made me... There is no more authentic originality in my work for it is nothing more than reflections of what has already been made; wherefore, I am a procreator that projects life on the walls of emptiness and nothing more...

I long to create life just as my creator before me. To breathe into new worlds of my own inspiration, to share such worlds with others through whatever effective means I have to my disposal.

To release from this flawed earth and escape my shell is what I long for most. . .

For I am indeed a spirit going though a painful and confusing human existence...

Yet I endure for the sheer pleasure of life--The taste of the air is sweet and the sights are even more desirable...

But there is nothing to gain, nothing worth while, nothing worth pursuing without the love, without the grace, without the glory of God being the central purpose.

I was created to serve.

And before man, I will serve the Lord.

Although I'll begin to change outwardly, bodily, and ideally, I hope and pray that my heart will never change.

I will always look at the universe not for it's complexity...

But for it's wonder.

God, make in me a true servent that longs for nothing but you and you alone.

Grant me the faith of a child and the love of a son.

Amen.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

So I've been B.U.S.Y and I'll really regret feeling that way. . .

There's this thing about wanting less on your plate that always get's me confused. . . Shouldn't having a lot to do make me a happier person? Then have to ask myself, "Why do I really do it? Because it makes me happy?"


Sometimes I forget that there are people watching me but only because I never get that sense of approval or appreciation that everyone or. . . At least every guy really longs for... My life continues to be something merely observed and, on occasion, poked at by some bystander I probably hardly know, but then again who's fault is that, who's fault is it that I barely know who's observing me?

Dear void, are you listening?

Well if you are, that probably means you've been listening since the beginning. I just wish you'd say something back every once in awhile.

So I'm apologizing in a way to you Emptiness, that in a way, I've considered myself to be very busy. As a matter of fact, it is this business that has kept me away for such a very long time, that has kept me from writing to the Abyss on such very rare but meaningful occasions.

I was reminded on how terrible a thing, being busy, can really be.

It means that I consider myself distracted and unaware of my surroundings.

Unable to fathom how great a universe I happen to exist. The very plain I stand upon should thoroughly  seduce me into thinking, "My God! What a world you have made"

Being busy is like saying I'm ignoring my best friend. . . Which in someways, I have indeed done this horrible thing to indeed go on to do what I think is keeping me busy. Realistically speaking, I'm making an escuse to not make time, and realize that everything I do isn't for my self benefit that it is to give me an opportunity to shine a little dim light in the darkness that surrounds me that I feel is so close it almost chokes the life out of me. But I must endure this darkness, I must continue to shine, realizing that it is this purpose that keeps me going forward.

I should never aim or state that I am or have been busy.

I am always glorifying that which has made me--My Lord, my God. Amen.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

To New Found Memories

Hello you,

Remember me? Well, I could never forget your beloved face. It is your face that reminds me of all the faces of my friends, family, and moments that have taken my breath away. It is through your eyes that I am able to witness things from another perspective, it is through your ears that I can hear myself think, and it is your lips that communicate my ideas to the rest the universe.

Why is that important to me? Well, because you are my friend and I love you.

It's been a long time I know... I guess I just got caught up with things, rather, I became apathetic and worrisome that maybe you would rather not hear from me again. On the contrary, I know now how much you've missed me as I have also missed you.

Let's keep in touch--this time I don't think it will be so hard--as I've decided to write to you daily.

It is to you, dear friend, that I wish to share every precious moment as possible and it is by you I hope you will find enough interest to share with whomever makes their way around your graceful presence.

I shall also keep you in a written form... Although there I will keep even deeper thoughts locked in the depths of my mind,however, if ever there be some substantial or provoking thought I'd long for you to share, sure enough I will place it here where others may find it.

Today, Jan 11th 2010 I wrote:

So I've decided to start keeping a journal. Why? Well, I have quite the forgetful memory and, as of late, I have been interested in expanding my mind. I want to better recall the events in my life so that when another asks, "How was your week?" Or even "How is life?" for that matter, I'd be better prepared to answer with a few words at least rather then a typical and utterly bland and blank stare. It is rather embarrassing to be in such a situation and I believe by at least writing daily, I can try to redeem myself.

So. . . Here is to a new year and new found memories in the year 2010 or "Twenty-Ten" as some are calling it

Sound the Buzzhorn! Whitfield and Today's Disconection

by

Rob W. Oakley

-----George Whitefield, born December 16, 1714, was an entrepreneurial prodigy so to speak taking up his recently deceased father’s business and quickly learning the tools of the trade and became an excellent salesman. Later on Whitefield would acquire the aid of a stepfather and worked very closely with his family. Other then obtaining a vast understanding of sales and business, Whitefield also went on with an interest in commerce and evangelism.

-----After reading Frank Lambert's scholarly article “Pedlar in Divinity” one can very well come to the conclusion that Whitefield was hardly a pedlar but a man who knew how to take advantage of the leading mediums of communication. Rather then using any profit gained for the benefit of his own welfare, Whitefield would go on to sustain the advertisement of his work and his ministry to the less fortune.

----It was a social dilemma in that no one had any desire to gather in the name of commerce or the name of God. It was this matter, which sparked Whitefield's interest in that he knew; in order to sustain a body of believers and the governing forces between them, the people must mobilize and remain active together. Unfortunately, this was not the great case of the time until George Whitefield and his booming evangelical voice was heard throughout the New World.

-----In 1734-1735, Whitefield oversaw many of the initial stirrings of the First Great Awakening along with the other powerful and influential speakers such as Jonathan Edwards. The people were more then likely growing weary of the general topics being merely of who is and who is not of the proper doctrine. It was a battle of “Free Will” versus “Elected Grace” and many were beginning to feel like nothing more but empty and hopeless shells damned to be thrown away. On the contrary, Whitefield would assure that humankind at least have the powers within themselves to make a difference in the world around them. It was wrong for them to think condemning one another was more crucial then leaving such responsibility to God. Without first seeking the kingdom of heaven, they were instead seeking their own answers to the mystery of God's sovereign hand. Whitefield challenged their thinking and called them to dress better, to read better books, and to start pointing their fingers at themselves instead of one another.

-----George Whitefield was extraordinarily good at acquiring the attention of an audience (and a large one at that) so much to the effect that crowds would spontaneously appear from out of nowhere. One individual in particular was Benjamin Franklin.

-----Now of course, Franklin had every intention to make a profit off the charismatic Whitefield. Therefore, it would seem that the true Pedlar in this situation was Franklin and Whitefield being of the divine—that is the divine influence of God. Taking all of Whitefield's journals, sermons, prayers, and pamphlets, Franklin took it all and published them on mass scale including the mainstream of the city's newspaper. Some were greatly agitated of the situation, calling it religious propaganda. As long as Franklin was making a profit, however, and Whitefield continued to generate an audience, there was no stopping such a landslide revival. Although it all does seem to be propaganda and highly compromised due to a conflict in interest, there were still many converting to Christianity and making effective and immediate changes.

-----After all this success, the Great Awakening would soon come to an end, yet the impact continued to last echoing from generation to generation. Nevertheless, up until now it would seem there has been a drastic decline once again within today's society. With the advent of the World Wide Web, telecommunications, video-to-video conferences, and digital downloads of podcasts and even books, it would seem that the people are no longer mobilizing. Of course, there are vast amounts of social networks such as Facebook, Blogspot, and even You Tube but there is still a lack of the intimate “togetherness” necessary for a growth in relationship. There are no longer questions being asked, instead it would seem that the many happenings in a person's life are being “presented” to the observer rather then shared intimately.

-----There's a social bound between two individuals when they speak face to face. Although instantaneous messaging between chat rooms and texting and even live broadcast has brought the world closer together, not many are truly close. The moment the television is turned on, the family will no longer speak at the dinner table. Rather then interacting with each other they instead interact with the celebrity or politician on the screen, and yet, they cannot even talk to those projected images or ask them pressing questions.

-----Knowing all of that, could it be possible to have a revival today? Would George Whitefield's crucial techniques and voice be as effective? Could it be done better with today's technology? There have been numerous occasions when the people have actually gotten together as one and united community. However, and as of late, it would seem that is has taken great tragedy to enable such a thing to effectively motivate the movement. It would seem in order to get involved one must first know and then care to get involved. The problem with today's society and the problem Whitefield would face is that there are too many stuck in wondering the worse between two very unfortunate vices—ignorance and apathy. If the people do not know to get involved, more then likely they do not care to get involved either and it may be very well because of a lack of involvement between one individual to the next.

-----“Not only did Whitefield view commerce and religion as compatible, he maintained that trade was an essential feature of the divine economy. He argued that God would have deemed creation incomplete if his human creatures lacked company. Therefore, the Almighty made it impossible that “communities be kept up, or commerce carried on, without society.” Indeed, “Providence seems[ed] wisely to have assigned a particular product to almost each particular Country, on Purpose, as it were to oblige us to be social.” Whitefield concluded that the mutual dependence of commerce and society demonstrated that “the one great end of [human] existence,” consisted in individuals' being useful to each other in social life. Toward that end, he determined to share his “particular product”--his evangelical message—with the widest possible audience through the means at hand.

BIBILOGRAPHY

Lambert, Frank. “Pedlar in Divinity:” George Whitefield and the Great Awakening, 1737-1745. The Journal of American History, (December 1990): 812-837.

...:::Analytical Essay of Jonathan Edward's “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”:::...

by

Robert W. Oakley

-----“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is one of Jonathan Edward's most well known and 1 rousing sermons given during America's first Great Awakening. The significance of the Great Awakening and Jonathan Edward's involvement, inspiration, and intrigue in the spiritual welfare of the American people is displayed throughout the document and serves an impact not only to its own time, but still remains influential to this day in schools, universities, churches, and among the nation's finest leaders and the individuals who follow them.

-----Jonathan Edwards was born on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut to Timothy and Esther Edwards. He was the fifth of 11 children and his childhood education led him deep into Biblical studies1. Growing up as a Puritan evangelical, Jonathan Edwards would soon take rise to be among the most famous preachers of his time with a degree from Yale University and a devout love for God and His creation backing him up. Edwards had a fond fascination with nature and science (especially spiders and psychology) which gave him a firm advantage in his writings and sermons.

-----In 1734-1735, Edwards oversaw some of the initial stirrings of the First Great Awakening along with the boom of George Whitfield's revivals. The work of George Whitfield, greatly contributed to the Great Awakening with his immensely motivational and powerful speeches, makes Jonathan Edwards' involvement seem minute in comparison because Whitfield's presence was so widespread. On the contrary, Edwards' work did play a major role in awakening the populace in that he did not only speak in terms of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, but also showed how one could seek God's perfect will in acknowledging His sovereign wrath but promise of everlasting grace.

-----Edwards was the successor to his grandfather's Church in Northampton, Massachusetts, the largest and most influential church outside of Boston. This made it all the more imperative to thoroughly convince the congregation of the intense doctrine of God's wrath and God's grace:
so that they too could know the truth and influence the nation.

-----“In Puritan theology the focus was on what God has done for us. In the aftermath of the Awakening, the new emphasis was on what man can do in response to God's great gift.”What man can do to save himself—to keep him out of the depths of hell—is nothing, according to Jonathan Edwards. A statement which gathered the attention of not only nonbelievers but also the believers themselves. “The use of this awful subject may be for [awakening] unconverted persons in this congregation.” The unconverted wouldn't necessarily mean those who are not normally church goers or considered Puritans but those who have not acknowledge that Jesus is the Lord of their lives and have no excuse for their wickedness. It seems implied that any desire to partake in sin would suggest that one is not or was never converted (saved) in the first place, nor would they have an authentic fear of God. The wrath of God would forever punish those who had brought Him displeasure in their sinfulness because their very salvation itself is faulty; they did not fear the Lord.

-----Edwards revealed that the “good state of [one's] bodily constitution, the care of [one's] own life, and the means [one] uses for [his] own preservation” have nothing to do with salvation. Those who were not blinded by the mysticism of empirical self benefit perhaps took great refuge in that their devout worship and fear of God was not in vain. For the rest, there was much trembling and fear of the very ground opening up to swallow them whole.

-----The purpose of this intense sermon would be to awake those who think well of themselves but do not fear the Lord in that they believe that God could never be so angry toward them for being a part of the elect: to show them that the Lord God is sovereign and does not take sin very lightly at all. And, wherefore, the people would respond with utmost fear of their own damnation, confirming their sinfulness and need for a savior, and to worship the Lord as new creatures with a new outlook on God, not only His anger toward their sin but also His love and mercy. Simply trusting in the covenants of grace laid out by the coming of Jesus Christ and utterly fearing the wrath of God was all that was required.

-----For many, men of God were self-righteous, condescending, arrogant, unfriendly, or argumentative.The church attendance, rituals, and regulations prompted congregates perhaps to feel they were nothing more than empty shells. Instead of sound doctrine and invitations to receive fulfilling lives in the presence of the Lord and each other, many were led to believe that being among the brethren meant nothing more than debating theology and determining who is and who is not part of God's elected people. Not that it mattered to be separate from the world, but to be fortunate enough to be allowed in church membership and partake in the holy sacraments.

-----The Great Awakening and this powerful sermon tore down the walls which before blocked the view of slaves and sinners, people in desperate need of redemption, love, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They needed to hear that God was angry with the natural ways of mankind; they also needed to hear, however, that God had not deprived them of His mercy. They had an opportunity to turn, to choose, to acknowledge Him and the gift of salvation to all man. Black or white, bound or free, man or women, sinner or saint, everyone had fallen short of the glory of God but everyone had a chance to give God everything and in His name be changed forever.

-----Finally, the “Tactics first used to mobilize religious groups—such as organizing committees and writing petitions and letters—also proved useful for political activities.” In awakening from the deep sleep of blissful ignorance, individuals repented, were redeemed, and resolved to become increasingly active in not only religious affairs and a more intimate relationship with God but also the affairs of the political arena. Now holding the countries leaders accountable for their actions, the people would assume men of virtue and utmost respect for God and the equality of man to be elected. “The Awakening thus fostered greater political awareness and participation among colonists.”

-----The revivals would soon tone down, the Great Awakening would soon end, but the impact it had was everlasting. This is shown by the testimonies of many individuals and the admiration of one in particular, a Jonathan Edwards of our own time so to speak, John Piper.

-----Piper wrote,“The Message of Jonathan Edwards in The End of Which God Created the World is an intensely personal concern for me and a word of great public significance. In that book, a vision of God is displayed that took me captive thirty years ago and has put its stamp on every part of my life and ministry. But, more important than my own experience, is the immense significance of Edward's vision of God for the wider public of our day.” Although it would not seem directly that it was Edward's “Sinners in the Hand's of an Angry God” that captured Piper, the great influence is still present and no doubt John Piper would also find the sermon still intriguing compared to many of his other contributions to Christian theology.

-----The Great Awakening developed as a theology of "total dependence" on the transformative emanations of the Holy Spirit under Jonathan Edwards. Confronting his congregation, Edwards presented two images: images of "Sinners in the hands of an angry God" against those of "the divine and supernatural light".

-----The result of such sermons during the 1730s brought society to remarkable conversion and interior reflection. This spread throughout New England in different degrees throughout the decade, with another resurgence or zeal occurring in 1742-1743.6 Without the aid of this man, his transforming words, and all the impacted lives, the world we know today could be much different. Jonathan Edwards is much more then a legendary theologian, in fact, a part of him lives amongst all who proclaim the name of Christ. Despite these things happened quite a few centuries ago, the revivals and Edwards' words still echo far into eternity revealing the greatest truth of all—God's sovereign grace and gift of salvation.

Bibliography

Goldfield, Abbott, Argersinger, Anderson, Barney, Argersinger, and Weir,

The American Journey. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2009.

The Great Awakening, “Some Figures of The Great Awakening.”

http://www.great-awakening.com/figures.htm

(accessed November 9, 2009)

Piper and Edwards, God's Passion for His Glory:

Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2009.

The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University,

"Jonathan Edwards: Biography."

http://edwards.yale.edu/research/about-edwards/biography

(accessed November 9, 2009).

Wake Forest University, "Lecture Four The Great Awakening."

http://edwards.yale.edu/research/about edwards/biography

(accessed November 9,2009).

Eternal Scholar

                                                                                               

By Robert W. Oakley

Available in ways seen and unseen, edification subconsciously yet consciously embraces the mind of the life-long student, the eternal scholar, who considers learning and discovering a constant venture for the vast amount of information is, quite tranquilly, endless with endless rewards given only to the willing and dedicated. The experience of learning novel things and their deeper meanings, their scores of emotions, and their intricate mysteries form the mind. The discovery of unfamiliar worlds and uncovering their complex culture, their diverse nature, and their unknown territory bring a better sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose. The experience of not just learning but also learning to do it well grants satisfaction and advancement. More imperatively, though, the eternal scholar recognizes the experience of learning and the experience of education does not have to favor a strict or difficult life but, rather, has the potential of glorifying and enjoying life for all eternity.

Although the veil of uncertainty often warrants difficulty in obtaining an education, hoping for the opportunity only encourages but seeking for opportunity, finding opportunity, and taking advantage of opportunity unveils a much clearer route to learning. In other words, sitting around waiting for the opportunity won’t do any good; therefore, research is required. Generally speaking, learning from mistakes gains the best experience and the best way to learn from mistakes is to observe the mistakes of others in a controlled environment.  Where is such a place? There are many opportunities that can come and go but only a few advantages to truly pick from particularly universities or even community colleges. Although the many roads of life confuses the thought of the highly acclaimed certificates or diplomas, considering college, in many cases, should not render as a choice but an honor, a not-to-miss opportunity of living a joyous, free, and educated life.

With the constant change of culture, with the constant demands of the world, and with the constant battle for survival within  upper and lower bureaucratic or even chaotic societies, The knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the complexities, inconsistencies, and anomalies of even the simplest ways of living must utterly equip themselves within the mind. As an explorer uses a compass to find a way through the crashing storm of a raging sea, so should these tools— knowledge, wisdom, and understanding—be used to channel a way around the uncertainties in life. Without these precision tools for seeking out truth, becoming lost, consumed, and even destroyed is of a much higher certainty than a safe passage towards a haven full of bounty.  Truth is imperative to obtain, to know, to understand and one way to achieve such truth, such powerful tools, is to attend a university.

The void of uncertainty produces fear and fear produces chaos. Ignorance terrorizes but understanding conquers.  There are institutions all over the world taking responsibility of providing tools students need to dilute the unknown and decimate apprehension—Institutions providing a knowledgeable and confident life in education or in a future career. On the one side, college can still seem notorious, unnecessary, or nauseating, but once an understanding is established that college intends to prepare a life full of potential, advantage, and prosperity, the opinions should change. The individual, however, must choose to learn. Without the drive, determination, and devotion of the student, a college cannot bear much help nor could any other form of education whether it is an internship or a practical job. In essence, dedication and hard work assures and preserves success. Colleges want to provide exactly that—a successful and joyful way of living. Not that only failure and despair would transcend for not going to college but the mere advantage shouldn’t go without consideration and the overall opportunity must be seized. College, although necessary, is not absolutely necessary. Much knowledge and wisdom can be obtained from experience and such experience can be obtained through peers, elders, and corporations that offer any experience needed to succeed in life. The best place to find these people, of course, is at a university where almost any thinkable profession and all the experience needed to prefect any given trade is available. 

There are many success stories of a life without a college education, there are many successful men and women who have made their way very well in the industry who felt that a form of higher education was not necessary for them to succeed; however, many of them would still encourage it for this reason: knowledge is the key to truth and, thus, success. Once opened, this door unlocks a whole other world of opportunity and is free to whoever enters within the gates, the gates of eternal wisdom. One major purpose of life is to obtain knowledge so that the development of the mind can continue. In essence, the meaning of life is to know truth.  Finding that truth is a matter of dedicated study, a devotion to learning, and the mindset of a life-long student—an eternal scholar. With these tools, with these incredible institutions, with this state of mind, anything is possible.

 

I Ate Dinner Alone Last Night

-----It’s a curious condition, something we all have, and something I don’t want anymore—human emotion: why bother having it? If it weren’t for love, there wouldn’t be any hate, if it weren’t for happiness, there wouldn’t be despair, if it weren’t for peace, there wouldn’t be any war.
-----It’s been a rare occasion until as of late and there is nothing lonelier then a dinner table with empty seats. As I set my own table, and sat there in solitude, I couldn’t help but think, “For how much longer I will sit alone, for how much longer I will be by myself, and how much longer will I have a place to call home?” I’ve taken so much for granted—every blessing disregarded—because at that moment I was only thinking of myself. Did it occur to me at all that when I leave this wonderful home God has so blessed me with to go on and do my own thing that I won’t be the only one saying goodbye? Did I consider the feelings of those whom I claim to love and how my lack of existence would impact their lives? What would the world be like if I was to suddenly disappear; a better place perhaps? Questions. . . Is that all I can do? The minutes slowly drifted across my little rift of time; I pondered further, to try and come to a close, the last 18 years of my life. . . Was it all worth it?
-----WAKE UP! I cried inside! Don’t you understand that this isn’t the end? You aren’t losing anything but why do you feel and see your world falling apart? Hold on to your emotions! Don’t let go! They make you who you are. . . Why are you in despair? Every bite was bitter sweet, painful, depressing. I couldn’t stand to think of a world without love because I realized that even though there is pain and misery I truly wouldn’t have any other way. It’s the pain that makes me stronger, faster, better. It’s love that I want most. . . But can’t have. . . Because I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve my wonderful family, my wise parents, my fun-loving siblings, my encouraging friends. Hell and damnation is what I deserve! Lord I cannot fathom why you would love such a monster. Amazing was all that I could think of then. Although I live in a world full of imperfection, lies, deceit , dirty looks, and the things people use to say—it’s the curve that made my confidence crash—I still serve a God who will always love me no matter what and the only thing He asks in return is that I love Him back. I was so selfish. . . This is your life and it’s been all but ordinary; now sit inside your wall of shame leaving what’s forgotten, you make it so hard to find a world, a home, you can call your own.
-----My plate was now empty but the chair in front of me no longer was. I began to imagine my siblings sitting there sharing a coke, my parents sharing their wisdom, and my best friends sharing their dreams. I than understood that I wasn’t alone anymore and that I never was because no matter what my family will always love me and my friends will always be there. If not, I know for sure there is one person who will always be there for me: Christ Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, my Friend. I began to feel the comfort of His spirit within me, and the strength of His words as I reminisced their meanings. No longer was I afraid, no longer did I have doubt, and no longer did I feel alone. I used to feel that my efforts in friendships were in vain, that my involvement in the lives of the people around me was worthless, because every time you say hello that means you’ll have to say goodbye and that’s something I never want to have to do. I guess I still haven’t answered my question. . . Why bother with human emotions?
-----Without love, without joy, without peace, without emotion: we would be nothing more than empty shells and thoughtless machines; however, there wouldn’t be any misery, we couldn’t feel pain, we wouldn’t hate, or go to war. Its human emotion that defines the greatness of God for it is only love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance that comes from Him and not hate, despair, war, intolerants, roughness, disbelief, or a lack of self control. God did not want to make us love Him rather He wants us to want to love Him and without human emotion that would be impossible. Although we would feel no pain, although every mistake in life we made would have no impact, and although every painful memory we may have hidden within would go away, life would have no meaning. Pain makes us bigger, better, faster, stronger, and love makes us the greatest things of all. To love even though there is pain, to live even though there is hate and stupid mistakes in this world, to laugh even though deep inside we are weeping makes us invincible.
-----I use to think that everything I wanted to have, to do, to give, and to say, never really benefited my life; that it all sort of meant nothing because I just couldn’t see beyond myself. Now I realize that the fruit I have produced in the last few years has not only impacted my life but also impacted the lives of others and produced fruit in them; thus, I have discovered much more purpose and meaning to life. May I conclude that human emotion is very important and that I would be lost without it. There just isn’t enough love in the world and sometimes too much pain I guess that causes me to wish away my feelings, but I must always remember that this isn’t paradise (that’s yet to come) and it is in our diverse trials that worketh patients so that one day we will be made perfect and entire wanting nothing.

John 15 12- 27

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants for the servant does not know what is master is doing; but I have called you friends for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that what you ask the Father in my mane he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: a servant is not greater than his master, if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you, if they kept my word, they will keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account on my name because they do not know him who sent me.

Wow!

Sometimes life is defined with simple letters, symbols, which represents some state of being or thought. It was quite amusing: while working at the French Café, this week I was privileged to open the store for business for the first time in a very long time. Well, we’ve all been there done that, it was very, very slow. No business whatsoever. To illustrate the intense boredom, we literally spelled out the word with the wooden spoons we hand out to customers so that we can locate them when their food is ready. The neat thing about the word too is that if you read it backwards you can see my name : ) So this is how we defined the day and, for the moment, our lives but all in vain for our desire to do something very soon turned into a heavy lunch rush. Other times life defines itself through action, a progressive outcome due to some result of genius or is it slight chance? Was it a work of pure design or just coincidence? It was lunch time! Of course it’s going to get busy. Let’s be honest with each other most who read my little posts profess to believe in a creative design rather than a simple roll of the dice so why then? Why pray, live, or express ourselves? It’s all preordained isn’t it? I mean I was supposed to write this… or was I?

O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach. Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too. If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand holds me fast. If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" -- Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one. You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.

That’s why…

What? You don’t see it? Although God knows everything, we do not and even if we could count the things God knows and is doing in our lives it would take an eternity! “But why?” you still ask. We mustn’t really trouble our minds with such incomprehensible inquirers but is such a question really so difficult for one to find an answer for? We just don’t pray because he told us too, we don’t pray because we have too (he already knows what were going to say, right?), we pray because we love too.

God didn’t create robots: he created man with a will to choose to love Him or reject Him; however, God is sovereign choosing his sheep and doing as he pleases (which is a another very good topic). Everything we do for God our father in the name of Christ no matter how small or insignificant brings God joy and honor which is our primary purpose not only to glorify Him but also to enjoy Him forever.

In conclusion, I challenge all who read this to take a moment and consider the importance of just gazing at the stars just how you did when you first saw them so long ago and exclaim with genuine wonder, “Wow!” Don’t make a mess of things and look at life, the universe, and everything as if it were clockwork or some sort of machine, but instead realize that life is wonderful and God is big.

Three Things I Strive to Be

By Rob W. Oakley

-----Sometimes I wonder why the moon is new where the stars are shooting to when they're shooting through the skies. There are wondrous things that I would like to know like how they make the winds and turn the tides and then I wonder why I wonder so.

~Hubie: from the Pebble and Penguin

-----There are many of you who may not be the greatest fans of Disney but I grew up with several of these films one of them being the Pebble and the Penguin. The protagonist of this story is Hubie which is struggling to find that perfect pebble for the love of his life, Marina. Hubie is shy and always hesitant in letting Marina know how he truly feels but also conflicted with the intimidating antagonist Drake who wants the dazzling Marina only for a trophy. Realizing toward the climax of this colorful tale, Hubie comes to terms that Marina truly loves him back and that she rather have the penguin he truly is than a silly materialistic pebble. Mustering incredible strength through his many trials, Hubie finds his way back to defeat the horrible Drake and live happily ever after. At times I feel very much like Hubie but on many scales. Incline your ears to hear my story which I can assure the depth will wax your minds to a better understanding of who I am and what I stand for. Bright fame is my name, a wagon maker is the meaning of my middle, and an oak tree meadow defines the last—[my name is Robert Wayne Oakley and these three things I strive to be: kind, fun-loving, and passionate.]

-----Hubie, although very timid, was very kind hearted to everything and everyone that surrounded him. There’s never a time where I don’t considered the feelings of my family and friends. Kindness many would define as simply being nice to others or doing good deeds; on the contrary, Kindheartedness reveals to me a much deeper meaning. Compassionate ways of thinking, a considerate mindset, and selflessness must embed their worth to the mind if any is to consider doing unto others as they would have done unto them—this defines my outlook of true kindness. I aspire to be kind to my family: kind to my parents, siblings, and distant relations. Whenever in need of someone to talk to, whenever in need of someone to listen, whenever in need of anything—I’ll do my best to be there for my family and friends. I take to heart the many teachings of my family and friends and Savior Jesus Christ. I am a firm believer in the sacrifice of God’s one and only son who He sent to die for our sins which was much more than an act of kindness. It is written, “That all have come short to the glory of God but who so ever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” By the many teachings of my Parents, the experiences I’ve had with my family, being the eldest of six, and by dwelling in the words of the Lord I have leaned the importance of being responsible, obedient, and kind, as well as, playful.

HUBIE: Sometimes I wonder if there'll ever be someone right for me, someone who may wonder too who's wonderful Like y-y-y-y-I don't know. Like y-y-y--you must be bored to tears with all this wacky nonsense.

MARINA: Oh, no! I don't think its nonsense at all even if you are a bit wacky.

-----Hubie’s most remarkable characteristic trend is his stutter. Although I don’t stutter aloud, I feel that I do sometimes inside, but any chance I get to unwind, have fun, and enjoy life I waver the thought of having to worry about what I’m going to say and try to make the best of times. I may not be the heart of the party (which is the way I prefer it) I do my b-b-b-best to make those that surround me interested and happy. If I can get them to smile at a worthy cause and not to make them chuckle due to some embarrassment or vain jangling, I’ve completed my task of (hopefully) remarkable joy. It brings me great pleasure to be merry with the ones I love which inspires me to one day be a loving husband and Father. I admire little children because they constantly remind me to have childlike faith and always gaze upon the world God has made with wonder. I hope to one day raise a family of my own, a family dedicated to the Lord and each other. This leads me to share my passionate desires.

-----Clumsy, apprehensive, but passionate—Hubie didn’t have many talents but knew his place and wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of his dreams much like his comrade Rocco the Rock hopper. Rocco wanted to fly but as everyone knows, penguins can’t fly! This wasn’t going to stop Hubie or Rocco from using their abilities to achieve their goals. Sometimes there are things we can’t achieve, certain task we are unable to perform but that doesn’t stop us from trying our best. The Lord has blessed me with many talents some of which are hobbies such as Graphic art and Photography. He has also blessed me with the gift of writing and leadership. I love to write and I feel that I was born to lead: only by the grace of God may I use these gifts for His glory! God has created man in His image; likewise, man has a longing to create. Although man’s inspiration and originality is dependent on the creator, God wants us to glorify Him through our artistic ability which is one of my passionate desires. To write, to paint, to shoot, to direct all for the glory of God—these are only a few things I long to do. Through my God ordained vision which He reveals more and more to me each day do I long to lead and direct understanding that a good leader is a good servant, responsible, and wise. It is my goal to write inspiring stories that reveal the wonder of the Lord and to one day direct films that will touch millions of lives. Above all else, however, I want to be a man who follows God and performs His great works, a man of God in my home, and around my friends—the people I love.

-----At times, many would call me a perfectionist a name which I resent greatly; however, it is the truth and probably one of my greatest weaknesses. Although I aspire to be kind hearted, fun-loving, and passionate about a great many things, I am far from perfect. I know I will fall and falter but I also realize that this is simply part of the growing process. When I do stumble, I pray for wisdom for it is written, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God who gives it to all many liberally.” And I also pray for forgiveness from God and those whom I failed. It brings me great comfort to know that my family and friends are there to catch me when I crash and it brings me abounding joy to return the favor by being kind, fun-loving, and passionate.

If You Were in the Largest Empty Room...

What would you fill it with?

It can be anything...

just not everything...

Where whould you dream?

What do you dream?

Who would you want to share your special place?

What is the theme behind all your imagination?

What is your alter ego?

What laws of physics, among other things, would you brake?

God is a writer!

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

I was reading John this morning and I just thought to myself, “Wow! God can write!” Well of course he can, but to think that God could inspire man to create such master pieces within His very own word is very encouraging.

I also was thinking how awesome it would be to witness all of the miracles Jesus preformed: the transformation of the water into wine, the healing of the sick, and five thousand fed. I’d also would of liked to of heard all of the conversations he had with His disciples and the Jews, in fact, it would of been really neat to of overheard his conversation with the Samaritan girl.

But than again, I am very inspired and blessed to at least have the Word upon my lap so that even though I did not live during the time of Christ, I can still at least read about it and know! know that He is indeed Lord and that he has indeed saved the world!


~Rob