I : Coox

Meet them where they are

2011-11-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

Just this night, around 5,000 people gathered at Occupy Cal on Sproul. Some were there to show solidarity with occupy movement and some where just there to hear Robert Reich speak. Despite their reasoning, I believe all the people there were open to learn and discuss the change they would like to see. Meanwhile, Interpraise was occurring only 2 blocks away. This was a cross-fellowship gathering to worship God in Christian unity.

There is some profound disconnect with this. Sproul was full of thousands of people fighting for economic and social justice in our country and looking for hope. They have grown tired with the realities of this life. They know that we as humanity are meant for so much more than the current state of society provides. Deep down, there is a need for change to fix the brokenness they feel. They are sacrificing their time, efforts, and even physical health towards the pursuit of change. I know these efforts will be in vain. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the power of this movement and that it has the ability to stop tuition increases, make public education more affordable, and fight the wealth imbalance in this country. I believe that this occupy movement has the potential to achieve much of what they seek. But these things are not their true desire.

Let's say they "fix the system." Let's say the protesters manage to make public education affordable to all and dramatically cut the wealth imbalance between the rich and poor in America. Let's say the banks and corporations truly become accountable and stop"controlling" the political process with their money. Then what? Sure it may satisfy the immediate need for change, but they are all external things. This sense, deep down, that change is needed will not leave. I think many of these protesters will eventually become disenchanted and begin to fight for change in other aspects of society.

This movement is driven by deep-rooted desire for change. People are externalizing it to bigger societal issues. These can be very important and worthwhile causes, but once they are achieved there will still be dissatisfaction. I believe that what they are really seeking is the hope that only God can provide. They sense the brokenness of this world, and strive for redemption from it. If only Christians could step into that void with the Good News of Jesus' death and resurrection and His ability to save us from our brokenness. If only there was someone there to tell them of the hope Jesus offers that there is so much more than the world has to offer. This campus is ready to hear the truth that "will set them free." They are right there on Sproul, right now, seeking out change and open to ideas for how to get there. Why can't we Christians go and meet them where they are, and share our God with them in the context of where they are and what they understand?

Then I remembered all the Christians at Interpraise... 2 blocks away. Sure, it was planned way beforehand, but the symbolism struck home. As Christians, we often choose not to engage society. Society is dirty, and we like our clean worship songs and prayer. Worship and prayer are good things, but the Jesus of the Bible went out to the dirty places. He met with the unclean, on their own ground, and related to them in ways they could understand.

I think this protest necessitates that Christians take risks. We can no longer afford to sit and watch as events unfold. This is our campus, this is our society, and we are just as responsible as anyone else to bring restoration and peace. We need to put ourselves out there on the front lines of these discussions, bringing with us hope Jesus offers. It is not the healthy that need doctors, but the sick. We've been spending a lot of time with the healthy. I can't help but feel that this protest is going to be a challenge for the Christian community on campus. It is my prayer that we rise up to meet the challenge and that we engage the campus with love and humility. Most importantly, we must bring the hope and restoration that can only be found in God.

This can not be forceful evangelism. As we start conversations and discussions about the topics of the occupy movement, I believe themes of worldly dissatisfaction and hope for a better future will inevitably arise. It is there, when we meet them where they are, that I believe we can convey the gospel in it's most raw form. This protest is reaching the most raw aspects of our humanity, and our most deeply held moral convictions that there is something "better" out there. Let's show them that the "better" is found in Jesus, and He will bring the internal transformation they mistakenly seek externally.

Lyrical Longings

2011-09-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been asked the question "What is one thing you wish you were better at."? I used to always answer "singing."

I'm starting to realize I have a longing at being better at something else too: writing lyrics. As a guitarist, I would often write musical pieces - yet I would long to write lyrics that adequately captured the complexity of my emotions and feelings that I conveyed in the music. I know that I am not skilled at expressing myself through words, which is why I think it comes more freely through the guitar.

Similarly, I think it's why I connect well with certain artists. Namely, Eric Owyoung (Something Like Silas / Future of Forestry) and Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) are the artists that most often strike a chord in me. Their lyrics resonate with me and I feel like they are often expressing emotions that I am unable to. Even more than this, they are able to weave their lyrics into their music so seamlessly that they create a single united entity - such that their is no separation between the emotions conveyed through the words and the music.

A lot of modern Christian music lacks creativity. Not that the artists aren't creative at all, but there I don't feel deep creative passion. Hillsong's lyrics are full of passion, but I don't feel it outside of the lyrics (not hating on Hillsong... just saying their music isn't designed the same way). What Jon Foreman and Eric Owyoung do is seek God passionately and creatively through their music. They don't straight up say "I praise you God," but that sentiment is abounding in their songs. It's not the type of music that people easily pick up and can sing, but I believe that's a good thing. Instead of a simple chord progression and melody, it is a deeper exploration of music. They seek out new aspects of God, and aren't afraid to be honest with their words or music.

We are called to be creative beings. God created us in His image, which intrinsically makes us creative. Throughout the Bible, music has been used to connect man with God. There is something that tones and pitches convey that words can not describe. We strive to memorize quotes and facts and ideas and often fail - but lyrics stick with us. It is something that I can not quantify, but it is real. It is almost an emotional connection to God - a unspoken path into the most holy places.

If we are called to be creative, why can't our worship reflect this. We need to break the stereotype that worship is simply singing songs to God. Even more importantly, we need to break the stereotype that musicians giving their all and playing to the best of their ability becomes a "performance" if it's worship music. A musician giving all he has for God should not be looked down on. The simplicity of worship music enhances the disparity between what is considered a "performance" (aka playing well) and "worship music" (aka strumming a few chords).

So back to the point: we should and need to worship God with our creativity. I worship God more effectively with a song that I don't know how to sing, but expresses my emotions, than a simple song that I can sing about God but don't connect to it. There is something about listening to an honest reflection of core of a person's soul and the simplicity of the truth around him that opens up a deeper understanding of who God is. As we explore more of the creation, we are bound to discover truth about the creator.

I have found little more powerful than doing this through music. Discovering more of who God is through a channel that is already indescribably bringing you closer to Him. Music is powerful, and God has potential to move a man's soul through it.

How I long to take part in that. To write a song that reflects the core of who I am and the truth around me -a song that extracts the music of my soul and layers on poetic truth into a single unified offering to God. It is my prayer that I experience God deeper through this quest for musical creation, and can in turn share it to bless others.

It is only appropriate that I end with a lyric that captures my feelings, from Future of Forestry's "I Fall"

I'll find a voice to bring you honor

If You could only give me the melody to give You

The affection that my heart knows but never found the song

First Week of Staff

2011-09-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

After finishing the first week of school as a staff member, there are a couple things that stood out to me.

First of all, the things I expected.
- I really like our staff team. I expected this, but I am nonetheless overwhelmed by their love. I am glad to know each of them individually, and I consider it a blessing to call them my friends. They are people I know will give their all in helping me, as I would do for them.
- Meetings are similar to when I was a student. There's just more of them.
- Freshmen still don't always understand the role of staff. "Wait... you said you graduated already? Why are you here?" --- "yeah, twice actually"
- I really enjoy meeting with students. I go to campus during my free time (see below), and just chill. Whenever I run into people and start conversations, I always come away blessed.

Some things I didn't expect.
- The transition from student to staff wasn't as bad as I would have imagined. It was much harder going from undergrad to grad than from grad to staff. I think because as a grad student in IV, people were constantly asking me "why are you still here" or "are you just here helping out?". Coming on staff, the only questions I got were "are you on staff?". Also, the boundaries that separate student from staff were already sort of forming my grad year, so that wasn't much of a shock.
- I have so much free time. I didn't realize the extent to how much free time I have. Granted, intern meetings haven't started yet, and I haven't found a job. I know that once those things get into place and more structure is put in my life, I won't have as much free time. But as for now, I don't know what to do with myself a lot of the time. I feel guilty because I think there should be more I'm supposed to be doing... but there isn't. I'm just not used to being in Berkeley and having so little to do (for now).
- I stay up late. I thought I would keep a better sleep schedule on staff. I don't know why I really thought that. Probably because I'm old. Anyways, since my brother stays up late, I do too.

So I continue my journey in the staff world. Since I seem to be having so much free time, maybe I'll be updating this more frequently? Probably not though, since I've said that several times. I'm looking forward to how I learn and grow this year, and how I can lead students toward their own growth and development.

It is by the grace of God that I am here, "and grace will lead me home", wherever that may be.

when words prevent hearing

2011-07-02T00:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight is one of those nights where I think a lot. It started during a conversation with a friend from home (the one from the previous post). After talking for a bit, we were both going to drive to a third mutual friend's house to hang out.

On the way there, I was deep in thought about the conversation. I put my ipod on shuffle, hoping to hear a song that would refocus my mind and let me think clearly. A song started playing quietly, and although I didn't recognize it nor hear any words, it calmed me. The music filled my car as I drove through the silent night, and provided a soothing retreat for my mind where I could think. Although the song has no lyrics, it spoke to me in ways that no other song has been able to. It was perfect for that moment.

Too often we are caught up with what is being said. We focus so much on what other's tell us, we don't have time to sit back and listen to the music of the world that frames all of these words. There is a distinct rhythm and melody to our lives. If we let the words and lyrics mask the melody, then we lose sight of the essence of the beauty. Words are tossed around too carelessly and they have little meaning when little thought is put into them. Yet when a beautifully crafted melody is played, each note meticulously woven into a perfect blend of harmony, it is there that we see the perfect union of the music. It is there that we see the true existence of our lives, stripped of the careless layers of words and definitions that constantly weigh us down.

This song reminded me that words are not as important as what is behind the words. It spoke directly to my soul, without having to be filtered in the brain. I am glad that the author's didn't try to write lyrics, but let my heart feel the emotion of the song, and put my own "lyrics" to it.

After the drive, I checked my ipod and found out the song was "Healed," by Shane and Shane. I am reminded that an artist's offering of worship let my soul feel rest. I hope to someday create art that speaks to others, without having to say a word.

Latin Influences

2011-06-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

I've always known I've been heavily influenced by Latin culture. I guess that comes with growing up in Escondido.

I was reminded of this fact oddly today. While at the Padres game, the people in the row behind us were talking in Spanish for most of the game. It was oddly comforting and familiar, even though I could not understand what they were saying as well as I used to be able to. In the Bay Area I would hear a lot of Asian languages, but not Spanish very often. Hearing Spanish again reminded me of my home, and made me think more about the influences my youth had upon me.

World View Crash

2010-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight was one of those nights I won't forget in a while. It started out normal enough. I went to a Padres game with Chris, my parents, and my best friend from home. (the Padres won, by the way). Anyways, after the game we come home, and I walk with my friend towards the car and start talking to him. This is where the night took a sudden turn.

We started talking about faith. I asked him how he was doing. He wasn't doing too well. Apparently over the past couple of years, he had started doubting a lot more. As a physical therapy student, he started believing evolutionary theory / psychology, and started to wonder about the nature of sin. As he described it, it's hard to recognize that you need Jesus if you don't exactly recognize the sin problem. Furthermore, he had spent time with a family in Mexico. He saw the way that they were perfectly devoted to Catholicism, which was different theologically than how he grew up. Despite this, they were just as friendly and kind to their neighbors as anyone he knew. Thus, why should his religion be the one true one? It's hard for him to believe this when there are countless people around the world believing other things.

As I was listening and talking to him, my foundations were being shaken. Perhaps the hardest part wasn't simply hearing what he was saying, but it was the fact that HE was saying it. This guy, my best friend, was the person who showed me what it meant to be a Christian. He was the one who brought me in and led me to Christ, in effect. Throughout high school I had looked up to him as a model for what I wanted my life to look like in Christ. Thus, to see him doubting and questioning faith, it was hard for me.

We talked for quite a while, talking about these topics and related ones. Coming away from it, I feel shaken up. I am starting to listen to my doubts a little more, and hear the questions ringing in the back of my head. Just the fact that my friend could have gotten to this state disillusioned me. If he could fall down this far, what makes me different. I used to look up to him, and look at where he is now? Also, I was upset with myself for not talking to him earlier. How could I have not noticed?

I'm going to need a lot of prayer in the coming days to get through this. I'm also going to ask to pray for my friend also.

Just before we left, I asked if there's anything I could do. All he said was "I won't refuse prayer." I reminded him of a story during high school. He used to pray before every time he would drive somewhere, for safety. Then, one time, he decided not to just to see what would happen. Then his car broke down. I hope remembering that story will both make him laugh, but also think again about his faith and what he believes. Please keep praying for him. I know I will be.

Churches / Cathedrals in Europe.

2010-07-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

When you travel to Europe, you will soon realize that churches and cathedrals are everywhere. Often in many of the smaller towns, the significant feature will be the cathedral in the center of the town. For the larger cities, the cathedrals are popular tourist attractions that draw crowds to see their architecture, sculptures, windows, and history.

The weirdest part about seeing these cathedrals is that I would always have a funny feeling. It was almost a sense of despair. These cathedrals, built as places of worship, have turned into tourist attractions. At first glance, it is awesome that the cathedrals are full of people. However, it is soon apparent that the people inside don't come to worship, and may not even understand the Christian significance. Instead of entering a place of worship, tourist enter a building that has cool art. Many of the cathedrals even sell souveneirs - inside the sanctuary. I couldn't help but think about Jesus overturning the tables inside the temple of Jerusalem. What would he do to the commercialized Christianity that exists in Europe?

It really is tragic that Europe, previously a center of Christianity, is struggling to survive spiritually. Europe is spiritually dying, in desperate need of revival. It's hard to believe that an entire continent, saturated with churches and cathedrals, has lost understanding of their significance. However, it makes sense when you understand that the churches and cathedrals have often lost their Christian attachments. The physical infrastructure is there, but not the spiritual.

Some churches don't even close for Mass. I was at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart in Paris, and there was a mass going on. I couldn't help but feel sadness watching people walking around the cathedral during mass. It's as if tourists saw Mass as a spectacle, just another thing to experience while in Europe. What has happened to the reverence and respect that our God deserves? I know that if I were in a service, I wouldn't want tourists walking around and viewing me as an attraction. I also wouldn't want my place of worship to be an attraction, constantly drawing camera-laden crowds.

Let's pray for a revival in Europe. The churches and priests and pastors and missionaries are all there. What's missing is the hunger and desire for God. I pray for a spark to ignite the hearts of all Europeans, and then the desire and passion to see the flames grow and shine to the rest of the world.

Mid May Musings

2010-05-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so these aren't really musings. But it's mid may. And it's been a while

In case you didn't hear, I took the advice of my neighbor Max and decided to stay in Berkeley for my master's degree. This was only slightly due to the fact that I could more likely ride a tiger at Berk than Stanford.

In reality... after much, much, much contemplation and praying, the night of April 14th I went to sleep leaning towards sending in my acceptance to Stanford (the deadline was the 15th). However, that night before going to sleep, I said one last prayer asking God to show me where He wanted me to be. As if... I would wake up and the answer would be there.

So the next morning, I woke up, and didn't feel anything new. I then checked my email, and saw an email from Professor Stacey, the admissions officer for my program. Berkeley was offering my a 10,000 scholarship for my grad school. With that email, I realized both that I could attend Berkeley without needing any loans, and also that God had answered my prayers. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me this next year.

It's great to see that our God is faithful to answer prayer. While often it's unseen, I give thanks that His answer was so clear to me this time.

More to come later

Wise words from the nextdoor neighbor

2010-04-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

10:29pmBrian

alright max

its all up to you

where should i go for grad school

berk or stanford

10:29pmMax

lol

it's all up to me?

10:29pmBrian

yes

(maybe)

10:30pmMax

hmm, well we must examine this decision on an extremely indepth level.

Berkeley....or Stanford...which has more lenient policies on public intoxication and/or exotic animals on campus?

10:30pmBrian

berk

probably

10:30pmMax

Well, then the choice is obvious

Berkeley it is

10:31pmBrian

awesome

10:31pmMax

unless you don't plan on getting drunk and riding a tiger in grad school

in which case, i don't know what you're doing with your life

Chico, first night

2010-04-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

I am staying in a Super 8 Motel. The internet for this motel isn't free. We are instead using the internet from the nextdoor Holiday Inn. Awesome.

(Lack of) Birthday Cake

2010-04-07T00:32:00.000-07:00

Sarah made me an awesome Boston Cream Pie / Cake for my birthday this weekend! It was amazing! and I brought back about half of it to my apt.

Today, after a very long day, I came back looking forward to eating a slice. Instead, I found an empty tubberware, not even washed, where the cake used to be.

Sigh

Stanford Visit

2010-03-20T01:01:00.000-07:00

So today I visited Stanford.

I am lucky enough to have a HS friend who lives 15 minutes away and great friends willing to lend me their car to make it there. I drove down the night before Visitation Day and crashed at my friend's house.

The day started with me given a parking pass and very inadequate instructions on how to reach the right parking structure (and no map). After a couple minutes of figuring out where I should go, I finally parked and made it to the orientation.

I think the initial reaction was dominated by the building. It is like CITRIS at Berkeley in its concept, but it is much bigger and designed more for the CEE department. It has all these features the lower energy and water use, which was explained to us on tours that were to come.

The program started with the department chair (a UCB grad) giving an introduction and overview, what you probably would expect. They had huge amounts of fruit salad and drinks that were just out to eat for breakfast. After introducing the department, each professor that was available did an intro and a brief talk about what classes they teach / research focus.

After breaking up into programs and meeting the other students (I'm in EES - enviromental engineering and sciences), we had a lunch. Much like the breakfast, it's obvious they have money, because it was pretty high quality food (they had bacon to put on sandwiches).

After lunch, everyone had a specific schedule that was broken down into 15 minute intervals, that told you waht to do. These included tours of facilities, meeting with grad students, and meeting with faculty. I really enjoyed meeting with the faculty, and they all seem like great people. That was perhaps my best experience from the visitation day.

On the whole, I need to determine if the academic benefits of going to stanford are worth 30-40k. I also have to weigh in factors such as friends / family, living conditions, do i want a new experience, etc. into my decision.

I have 3 weeks and counting to decide. If you have any thoughts please let me know! Berkeley and Stanford both have very similar programs academically and prestige-wise, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Power Grid

2010-03-07T11:27:00.001-08:00

Is an awesome game.

Although it took 3 hours for us to finish the game. I think next time we will go faster now that we know what we are doing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Grid

I am not superman

2010-03-02T01:24:00.000-08:00

I have finite capacity. Mental. Physical. Emotional.

I can not upgrade a wastewater treatment plant
-theoretically, for my design class
-calculating hydraulics, biological loads, flowrate
I can not lead a competition team that does not work together
-that does not commit to accomplish our goals
I can not design a water treatment system, and build it
-write detailed analysis of the treatment principles used
-while managing budgets, renting cars, registering people
I can not lead a worship team that does not put in effort
-not striving to learn
-to take initiative
-to look beyond themselves to serve the community
-to explore worship beyond music, and be willing to share
I can not solve racial tension
-be a scape goat for thousands
-solve the problems that apply to you
-watch you sit idly as I tackle the problem of the centuries
-that actually apply more to you than me
I can not write poetry on what it means to be me
-analyze poets that openly attack who I am
I can not be a son, brother, friend, boyfriend
-and have time to be myself too
I can not motivate this senior IV class to action
-to remind them to plan prayer meetings
-to organize and plan game nights
-taking out other classes
-being good examples
-to stop being apathetic
-give up their comfort for the sake of others
-take ownership of this fellowship and these people who look up to them
I can not be a good example for the younger IV students
-trying to lead by example
-meeting up to talk, eat lunch
-checking in with them, being a friend and a support

I am not superman

I can not carry the weight of the world
I can not do everything I want to do
I can not do everything you want me to do
I can not solve all your problems
I definitely can not solve all my problems.

But

I can do my best
I can strive to be the best friend, support, man that I can be

and I can trust. In something greater than me.
Because only He can give me strength to make it through.

and I pray.
and pray
and pray

Some Nights

2010-02-22T01:25:00.000-08:00

I am very creative with words

Tonight. I am not. And I don't know what to say.

Oh well, goodnight

Johns Hopkins

2010-02-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

It's weird how fast things change. My Johns Hopkins application was due Jan 15. I decided to apply about a week before. At the time, it was just another possible destination, however unlikely, for my post-undergrad years.

But now that I've gotten accepted, it has become so much more than that. Now it is assurance for next year. I will be going to a grad school. Now it is relief. Now it is an excuse to not work hard this semester. But I still need to work hard...

Now I just need to make sure I graduate... and wait for the other schools to reply.

Thank the Lord

futility

2010-01-27T01:14:00.000-08:00

it's one of the things I really can't stand

When I hope for so much,
but my hope is frustrated by reality

2010-01-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

Looks like I'm taking Poetry for the People this semester.

This is going to test my comfort zone, as well as my ability.

It's harder to blog during the school year, or maybe it's just been transitioning back into the Berkeley lifestyle.

Afternoon at the beach

2010-01-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

After going to church in the morning, followed by a delicious lunch of costco pizza and watching some playoff football, I decided to go to the beach. I left in the late afternoon down Del Dios Highway (translated: highway of the gods), top down in the miata and wind flowing in my hair. My mom had decided to come along to see the sunset and read a book as well. There is something calming about the late afternoon soon, a couple hours before it sets. Everything is much more peaceful and magical.

Once we hit the water, we drove around and ended up at Solana Beach (fletcher cove I think). While my mom pulled out her chair, I grabbed my camera, notebook, and a pen and headed down the coast along the bluffs. This is what they look like.
I ended up getting quite wet as the tide came in, because the water reaches the rock, but it was worth it

And then the sun really began to set

I also wrote some stuff down, but maybe I'll put that up at another time.

If you want to see the rest of my pictures, hopefull I'll have them up on facebook at some point.

Just one of the many good days I have while home, and the blessings of living in San Diego.

the essence of me

2010-01-06T00:28:00.000-08:00

How do we define who we are?

What constitutes our true essence: that thing that sets us apart from everyone else?

If all is stripped away and left bare.

If you could look directly into my soul, no facades, no false impressions, no walls that I put up to make you see me as I want you to see me, what would remain? What would the remnant of who I am be?

If you took away the friends
If you took away the sports, the guitar, the engineering, and all the things I do

If you could take those away from me, whether by breaking my thumb or sending me away from those close to me

...Who would I be?

I keep searching for answers, but only time will tell.
When all the questions fade, truth must remain.

But for now, as I struggle to find what is true
I'm finding the essence of me is in You

I'm always better with words when I'm tired

2009-12-28T01:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when the sun sets a certain way
The beams of light fade, ceasing the day
I return from my journeys, hoping to see
A glimpse of hope, a definition of me

The beating of my heart, defines a life
rich in fortune but not devoid of strife
Despite my command, of all things me
the vast unknown will erase security

So what can I do, what can I say
except to trust that there is a way
beyond what I know, beyond what i see
This gift we call life, awaits perfectly

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T00:18:00.000-08:00

I feel Christmas has never been as merry for me as most other people. Don't get me wrong, it is a magical time where love and goodwill towards fellow man trumps all other considerations. Most importantly, it is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and the introduction of salvation and God's personal love for each of us. But perhaps that is part of the problem with Christmas today. We recognize and seek out the love that exists in the world, but rarely acknowledge the love that is God. We strive for the imperfection when the perfection is attainable.

My mom used to question me if something was bugging me each Christmas morning - as a family we gather around our Christmas tree and open presents. Nothing would be the matter, but because I was not overflowing with joy on Christmas, then by the logic of this world, something must be wrong. After this happened a couple times, I began to wonder why this was the case. Why was I unable to be truly joyful and happy on the "happiest day of the year?" As soon as I asked myself that question, I realized that the answer was inherent to the question. This world places so much expectation in Christmas: it is supposed to be a magical day that is perfect and harmonious, yet this is impossible. Our culture idealizes Christmas and paints a picture of it so distorted from reality that nothing can match up to it. Thus, although we receive material things that are supposed to make us happy, we can not help but feel like something is missing from the perfection that we seek, because that perfection can not be found in things on this Earth (except in Hollywood).

Despite receiving many fantastic and wonderful gifts, it is hard for me to say I have received all I wanted. If so many of the things you want is non-materialistic (relationships, state of minds...), then its hard to feel satisfied after receiving gifts.

From all this, I have concluded that the only path to true happiness in the Christmas season is to remember why we celebrate. We celebrate the coming of a Lord who brings with him the ability to make us perfect through association. We will never be perfect apart from him. So next time we are rushing around and striving to create the "perfect Christmas" or buy the "perfect gift" for whoever, maybe start asking questions. Giving gifts is a wonderful act, and is an action of love that should continue to occur. However, ask yourself if these gifts will really bring lasting joy and happiness, and most likely the answer will be no. This by no means implies that we should stop giving gifts. I just felt like commenting that the entire commercial aspect is overemphasized when it really does not satisfy as much as the love, friendships, and happiness that will arise from family and friends gathering together. The true spirit of Christmas arises when people gather together to celebrate the love that holds them together, and exchanging gifts is relatively minor in comparison.

I don't want to be a downer about Christmas. These are just some reflections I had over my Christmas experiences over the years. The entire holiday season is a positive influence on humanity. It reminds us of our values of family, love, and joy that we are so often to brush aside for the rest of the year. Just don't go looking for perfect contentment and lasting joy in the things of this world, because only God truly satisfies.

Merry Christmas everyone. May the best gift you receive this year be a love that transcends all things.

First Post

2009-12-26T00:11:00.000-08:00

I decided to try this whole thing out. Here it is