Trying to follow

Through recent conversations, readings and other things I’ve been listening to, I’ve begun a list of things I’d like to write about. The problem with this list is it is a list of things that is going to require me to do a little research, refrencing things and so forth. It won’t be writing off the cuff like I usually do. I think I’m capable of doing this, it’s just going to take a little more effort on my part. I am a poor motivator of myself though. Rather, I do well with interaction and dialogue. That being said here are some short summaries of things I would like to write about soon.

Who am I Trying to Follow?- I’ve been meaning to do this one for a long time. The title of my blog means a lot to me and I’ve realized it probably needs some interpretation. I’d like to write a series of post about who it is I’m trying to follow and more importantly, why. I have hesitated in writing this before because a direct response to this question can often result in misinterpretation. Sometimes, I think it would be better for someone to read my writings and determine from that the answer to the question. This series will come, it just might take me a while to be satisfied enough to post it.

Christianity and Anarchism- I’ve been listening to the audio CD from a recent conference on this topic put on by Jesus Radicals. It’s sparked a renewed interest in me and a desire to articulate my beliefs as it relates to this. Just to get you slightly interested, I think I would say I’m in many ways an anarchist in my beliefs. I would even say, I think Christianity is far more Anarchist then it is capitalist. More to come later.

Universalistic thinking- I don’t know if I just made up that word or not, but this topic is going to be way touchy. This conversation has popped up a number of times in a couple circles I’ve been a part of and I feel the need to articulate some of my thoughts on the issue. If you don’t really know what I’m getting at you might just have to stay tuned for the post. Basically I want to discuss the idea of faith and it’s exclusiveness or lack thereof.

That’s it for now. I’m afraid if I make my list any longer I won’t end up writing on any of them. Hopefully I can post something about one of these topics in the next week, while it is still fresh in my mind. Stay tuned.

When I learned about the Yanomamo a few years back it was in an academic setting. We read a whole book on them and discussed their culture as a way to better understand society and people. Unfortunately, their current state of affairs and our role in that was not part of the conversation.

For a Yanomani, her land is much more than the soil she treads.
Help us to prevent her from being evicted from her land at www.survival.es.

At the beginning of 2006, I joined forces with my friend, Peter, to start an initiative to raise funds to help address the AIDS Crisis that is facing a small village in South Africa (and the rest of the world). The team now includes Josh & David. We are trying to make the needs of these communities available through video, pictures and stories. We want you to be able to see the needs there are and then pool your resources to address it and then see that need met.

It’s an exciting project to be a part of and I’d LOVE for you to subscribe to the Eikon Project Blog. Please visit the site and help spread the word.

World Swim for Malaria!

At the age of twenty, Benjamin Franklin, partially reflecting on Philippians 4:8, wrote a list of virtues he felt where important to a disciplined life:

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.

2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.

3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.

4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.

6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.

11. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.

12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

As I’ve been re-looking at my goals and trying to put them in a order and format that I can really keep to and appreciate, I’ve decided to go with a similar format to Benny’s.

I listed these virtues in a quick brainstorm last night, so I’m probably going to change them around at different points.

Moderation: Avoid extremes. Simply meet needs

Justice: Live in a way that is un-oppressive.

Simplicity: Free my life of unneccessaries

Discipline: Live as I plan, not on a whim.

Grace: Allow myself and other’s God’s redeeming grace.

Humility: Remain a follower (of Christ)

Prayer: Submit my life and desires to God

Ambition: Use every minute as if my last.

Sacrifice: Forego worldly pleasures and wants.

Passion: Let my passion fuel my actions.

What are your virtues?