It Is Well With My Soul

I am excited to enter deeper into my relationship with Jesus Christ. He shed his own blood for my soul; He has done much good for my parents and their parents. I have seen the goodness of God--I see it daily. God's grace and goodness is new each day; He is loving, patient, kind, merciful, gentle, forgiving yet challenging, fair, and just.

I ran into a relationship snag yesterday; after a long, tiring day I snapped! I yelled, yes I went there. I hurt people (who by the grace of God let me know they forgive me). Looking back, I unleashed the angry beast of self-righteousness and yelled at my mom and got angry at innocent bystanders. I realized the issue was not brought before the Lord; I tried to solve the problem on my own and guess what? I was drained. My understanding is God allowed things to go the way it did and there is peace among the parties but I really could have had a holy touch on the people involved instead of looking back and snapping at loved ones. I think my heart was in the right place but my method trampled the message but as a redeemed Christian I believe God went before me and restored what needed to be done.

God is good; Jesus, thank you for making who I am and going before me. Thank You, God, that you know my name, you know my every thought; thank You that you hear me when I call. You are my maker, master, redeemer--You are all to me. I am striving to live a life that is holy and pleasing...God is before me and with me wherever I go.

Peace,
Sudea

Daniel from the book of Daniel

Hello faithful blog readers,
I wanted to share about resolve and resolving, or being certain about something and doing it, being determined to do it.
I took a Bible class on the book of Daniel and through the many times that I read over the book of Daniel I was struck by a few different things about Daniel and his character. Remember in Daniel 10:19a the angel says to Daniel that he's "highly esteemed" so you can tell Daniel is a man of character: he's wise and full of integrity and the list can go on.
We watched a video called "Lord, Save Us From Your Followers" and it was thought provoking and it was a reminder of many things, some topics were the Christian response towards homosexuals, natural disasters, homelessness, Christianity in the US, etc. I was touched by a few things that reminded me I should really resolve myself when it comes to my faith and all areas of my life.
Some things that I encourage all of us to resolve in our lives are the areas of coming to the fact of the goodness of God and the role of Jesus in our lives:
What this means for me*...
1) I resolve to remember people before considering and remembering their sins and their actions.
2) I resolve to seek Wisdom that can only come from God.
3) I resolve to be prayerful.
4) I resolve to allow Jesus first before me first.
5) I resolve to love.
6) I resolve to listen, to understand, to hear and to see.
*I am on a journey and I would really like to exemplify Christ...I have to confess that I could get in the way of what God is doing...so forgive me and you can keep me in your prayers.
I want others to see Christ and not get in the way anymore; I want to be a Christian attached to Christ and allow him to be head of this body.
Daniel started off all the time praying! That man prayed so much it was like he was wired to pray or had a timer that went off whenever a situation came up; he knew God was accessible through the means of prayer and he resolved to go to God first. Now, when Daniel was to do anything he was in prayer and when he did things God's wisdom showed forth. Daniel was on the veggie diet in the beginning of the book and then he was seen as much wiser and healthier than others eating from the tables of the king...Daniel depended on God not physical substance though he had it through the all-veg diet. As he resolved to the veggie diet, the result was God's glory and God-blessed health; Daniel was promoted; whatever Daniel did he was wise about it, he resolved and it and then God was glorified. The steps Daniel took taught me: think and pray, pray, pray. After seeking God, then resolve (be determined, be certain what God wants) and then he did! I would sure like to be like Daniel; he prayed, made a decision, and executed that decision.
If you can't tell, I am a huge fan of Daniel (other than Jesus). He's was a man; he was captive who turned into a political advisor—he was in leadership and was in a normal job…I really admire Daniel's courage and character.

Meno's Question Blog 1

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Meno's Question Blog 1

In Meno’s question to Socrates, he asks whether virtue is something one is taught or something that one simply practices without another person teaching virtue to them. To answer this question we must address what assumptions may come up; we can assume that virtue is good and right. Meno can assume that Socrates is the right person to go to get answers about virtue; we can also assume that Socrates knows virtue, and he himself is virtuous. To go any further and get any answers, we should have the definitions for virtue, teaching, and practice; we need the definitions to understand what virtue, teaching, and practice is and is not; we need to know limits. I believe that after knowing what limits we have, we can better understand the question; like Meno, he asked how one could have virtue; he carefully questions if the practice of virtue is something that is basically acquired by practice, alone, and not taught. For Socrates to answer this question, he would have had to ask himself what definitions Meno was seeking, because to be clear and thorough, he must address all sides of this question. When a person asks a question they can come from any direction; for example, I will ask a professor a question, because I want to know what he thinks, and he may answer in a way that makes me dig deeper and still not give his opinion or view.
Socrates is probably very intrigued by this question, because he loves wisdom; he will want to be clear with his answers so his audience will receive what he wants to convey. I could see during this discussion Meno questioning Socrates, but Socrates could be asking Meno what he believes virtue is or what things are virtuous. Another question that may come into this time could be “Who is virtuous?” or “How can one measure virtue?” When the big, moral questions are asked, one may not be receptive to the right answers; however, Socrates believed in the god so he had discerning ideas of virtue and good along with non-virtue and evil. This can lead us to some issues; like, how can the teacher of virtuous know what virtue is his or herself? How can the student be certain that his or her teacher knows virtue is; further, how can the teacher know their teacher learned exactly what virtue.
After digging into Meno’s question we can assume that Socrates will answer how one could have virtue. Socrates will be an effective communicator, who differentiates what is virtue and what is not. I personally feel that virtue can be acquired through practice, but to know these things one must go through questioning. One must see virtuous things happen and choose to learn and repeat the actions. Virtue is important, and one cannot simply be virtuous unless that person has understood the opposite of virtue. To be able to differentiate virtue, one must have been taught what it is like to be virtuous and not to be virtuous. Once Socrates clears up any confusion, defines what virtue, teaching, and practice, and addresses and issues that can be raised he can answer Meno.

How Should I Think?

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

How Should I Think?

How Should I Think?
Logic, as described on Wikipedia, online encyclopedia, is the study of arguments. Logic in Greek is understood to be words, and more so as thought or reason. As I look in the Microsoft Words Program it says logic is synonymous with reason or judgment. First of all, let me just say that this topic of logic is very broad. Logic is not a topic I understand easily. As I am studying it, I have to look to analogies and examples and as I am explaining it, I have to do the same. At this point, I cannot break this down to the bone, but I can take you through my thinking of logic.
As I had mentioned earlier, in order to have any grasp on logic I have to break it down. I am sure you would like for this to be easy to understand. Since logic is synonymous with reason, I want to be reasonable. An example of being logical is, if I, being here in Redding, CA, go buy stamps at the post office when they are open, not closed, and if I buy clothes at the mall while they are open, not closed. And if I want to plant apple trees, at my farm, I would want good soil, good light, and good planning so that those plants would grow, and I would be successful. It is logical to complete these tasks during the day while stores are opened for business and the sun is out for me to see where I am planting my apple trees. Now, what is being ill thinking is doing the opposite of the previous example: to buy clothes at the mall when they are closed and to buy clothes or to go to the post office to buy stamps when they are closed. It would not be reasonable to try to plant apple trees when it is dark.
Furthermore, it leads me to how I should think. I believe it is important to think right and to act right. I am now raising the question if being logical or reasonable is being right? To answer the question of “How should I think?” I have to ask who am I? I am Sudea, the daughter of God who is made in his image. If I am made in his image I should reflect Him. His character, which I can understand through his word, the Bible, is an example of whom I should reflect. So, how should I think? I should think as God would think. I would base my understanding or reflection of logic with God as my guide. I would say when one is thinking logically, they are thinking rightfully. This brings me to my last point of how I should ultimately think with verse eight from Philippians Chapter four.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philipians 4:8
I should think rightfully, purely, lovely, and admirably; I should be excellent and praiseworthy for God’s glory; in my Christian worldview that is logical.

Treating Others Well

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Treating Others Well

According to an Internet search for a definition of ethics, it a word to capture a set of good, right conducts. Also included in the several definitions were words like principle and morals.

Ethics is also known as principles, morals, and beliefs. Morals, principles, and beliefs are important to have. When one is conducting himself or herself well, in public or private, he or she is displaying some sort of principles. In the absence of morals, principles, ethics or beliefs then we see wrong thinking and further wrong conduct. I disagree with Protagoras in his view of ethics in The Consequences of Ideas, by R.C. Sproul; he says they are “a matter of preference”¹. Protagoras does not end with that note, but he continues to say that morals are a mere expression of customs or conventions, which he believes are not really right or wrong.

In addition, morals help us stay in line with good and correct thinking, but it is God who establishes those basic morals of loving our mother and father, not stealing, and so on through the Ten Commandments. God works in ways to guide us to do the right or moral thing. Morals, in today’s society, have lost its place. It is difficult to see that in secular settings, students are not blatantly taught what morals are and are not, because then the foundations of truth would come out and there may be a leak—bring up separation of church and state. God would be in the discussions and public school teachers cannot impose their thoughts.

Finally, to answer the question of how I should treat others, it has some to do with ethics. I am a follower of Christ; as a Christian, I firmly believe in loving God and loving my neighbors as I am commanded to do. It is a principle in my life to treat others with love. Love does amazing things in the best interest of others that is why God says when we love one another our joy may be full. As in Matthew 22:36-38, it is the greatest law. We aren’t just called to love the Lord, but beyond that to love him with all our heart, soul, and mind. We are to include every part of our being. The quote that I grew up hearing was “treat others how you want to be treated.” I know that not all my actions reflect a very refined or perfect set of principles nor does it always reflect God’s image, but I believe that daily, God is teaching me to grow that I may learn from past mistakes and do things differently. If something should go wrong today in my reaction to someone and it is not how God would react, I can seek repentance and forgiveness from God and that person. In taking that action, I think my ethics are being sharpened. My principle is to treat others as a reflection of God. The answer is treating others how God treats me: with love.
1
1 ¹R.C. Sproul, The Consequences of Ideas (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2000), 30.[i]

Thoughts of Right and Wrong

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Thoughts of Right and Wrong

It was the first day of philosophy class. Dr. Berger was calling out the names of each student and he had them stand up and he asked them questions. He didn’t ask, “Where are you from? What major are studying?” or “What year in college are you?” No, he asked us philosophical questions right off the bat! I knew I would not be comfortable during this interrogation. I am a terrible “on the feet” thinker ever since I was young, except when I was younger I was always right (NOT!). This time I was in a college philosophy class.

When it was my turn I was asked, “What is right?” This question can be cut up into many pieces, but I would like to answer right is good and wrong is bad or evil. One may ask, where does good come from? Good comes from God and good is God and God is good, all the time. Socrates would have said that good comes from serving “the god” by asking him questions. I believe that when I first asked, I answered looking to satisfy both parties of believers and non-believers. In my philosophy, I could say that the world is like the people of Athens, and I am like Socrates. My view of right and wrong will upset the people of Athens. Does it change the fact that right is right and wrong is wrong?

During my examination, standing there with twenty other students critiquing me and trying to grasp all the questions, another one swiped me. A question similar to “Is choosing God right or not?” I was asked. I answered to satisfy others, but I betrayed myself. I answered that choosing God is right, but not everyone has to choose Him, and their choice not to choose God, he or she is right. The truth in my answer at that time was people will make a choice whether God is what they want or not; however, the truth remains that God is necessity in our lives, for both believers and non-believers.

When I first answered, I may have conveyed that we should choose to God or not and I may have put the emphasis on choice. This is my more thought out answer: the choice of not choosing God is denying Him. Denying a person their identity or their existence is wrong. Not choosing God is wrong for both believers and non-believers. It is the harsh reality. If a student does not like a professor, does it take away his or her professor’s existence? No. The professor still exists. To diminish the professor would be wrongful act on the student’s part for it brings him or her to his or her original design to reflect the image of God. So, back right or wrong: they are opposites. Right in my simplest answer is good and good is God. Thanks for reading; I welcome questions or concerns or suggestions. Thanks!

First Things

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

What Are Your First Things?

What Are Your First Things?

Thursday, in Philosophy and Critical Thought, Dr. Berger shared about C.S. Lewis’s first things. Lewis says that we must have our priorities straight or else if we have second things confused for first things we will not achieve any of them, but having first things first and second things second, we will achieve both.

In our discussion, I realized my first and second priorities were mixed up. In actuality, I didn’t know what my first and second things were; I never sat down to think, “This is my first thing in life…” I have made several goals in the past but they are not in any order. I wasn't sure I had succeeded at my first or second thing without knowing what they are. That night, I chose to “pursue truth” as a first thing with school. I also realized through dialogue between Dr. Berger and a couple of students that homework is not a first thing. When I want to pursue truth I want to do that in classes, asking questions, listening well and doing my homework and studying.

While studying for a test that night, I went through my notes with the mindset that I will seek truth in what I was reading and studying and learning. I remember making connections with the concepts and thinking to myself, “Wow, I know this is comes out of this equation during this process.” I felt like I achieved my first thing; I felt it was accomplished. I am not sure where grades come into play for me, because I got my test back and it was lower than an A. Even with the few hours of studying for the two nights of reading, reviewing, and studying plus all the work I did along the way, I found that I did not get an A. Does that mean I do know the information? I don’t know. I will go and speak with my professor this week.

As for now, I am still in the middle brain storming my “first things” or what I think my first things are. I have lots of words on the whiteboard in my head of “first things.” No one wakes up and says, “my first things are…” I know that I want “pursuit of truth” to be my first thing because it is a positive first thing. There is no harm in doing this first thing, at least not right now.

Although the discussion on first things helped a bit, it was also confusing. I have discovered some of the first things people have listed to be conflicting. If we want to represent Jesus with our love, who gave his life for his friends, then we wouldn’t want survival to be our first thing. I am currently looping around this talk of “first things” and what mine are and are not. I know that a guide for having first things will be to have them in the right order and to make sure they do not clash.