Both of my boys have taken to the word "random." They'll say, "Mom, that's so random!" It makes me smile when they say the word because I think most of what they come up with is so, ahh... random - especially during the summer. Apparently they come by this behavior honestly as I am feeling very random this summer, also. Don't get me wrong - a little randomness is nice given the level of focus I have had to maintain in the last few years. The by-product of this lifestyle is that I am not writing much. Again, it is a bit of a relief, but I also miss the flood of provoking thoughts rushing through my brain.
In the form of a few updates, I thought I'd let you know what I am doing with my brain this summer. I am reading book after book - books that are purely my choice in reading, and mostly rather light (I keep telling myself that I will pursue more academic reading when the school year begins and I am immersed in educational psychology). The lightest of my reading is by Robin Jones Gunn. She writes fiction for women my age, and I have enjoyed those books, but she also writes for adolescent girls. Strangely, I love The Christy Miller Series and her newest, The Katie Weldon Series. I highly recommend these two series of books for any young girls desiring a combination of purity and fun in their lives.
In my pursuit of Truth and cultural relevance, I read The Unlikely Disciple: The Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University. I have some things to blog about from this read, but Steve grabbed the book from me immediately upon my finishing it, and it is from the library, sooo I may or may not get to write on this book. I will say, however, that it is a very good read. I desire to experience the thought processes of those who are very different from me - it is enlightening. I believe God uses this understanding to mature my own thinking and to make me more friendly towards differing viewpoints. A major theme developing within me is in regards to engaging all sorts of people in thoughtful conversation. In my life experience, mutual understanding and growth does not happen in the midst of emtional confrontation, anger, rigidity, etc. I seek to stand for God's Truth, but under the umbrella of love and care for people. Actually, this idea is one of the themes in The Unlikely Disciple. Kevin Roose, the author and unlikely disciple, experienced the love of God's children at Liberty University despite the vast differences between him and others. Such love surprised him, and in all honesty, it surprised me, too.
My next read is The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible. A.J. Jacobs and Kevin Roose have a connection - thus my choice of these two books. I've barely begun this book, so I'll save my comments for later.
I've been engaged in a small group Bible study of the book of Esther. It is a Beth Moore study. Once again, her leadership is amazing and I am inspired to delve deeper in my Bible study and faith walk as she teaches. I have not been summarizing the process as I study - which is part of the reason I generally do not enjoy group studies - to keep up with a group means I feel rushed through the material. But, I love the relationships encountered in group studies.... One piece of Truth I am considering right now is the difference between how Satan views me and how God views me. To Satan, I am merely a number; a number he can add to his minion of evil doers in this world. To God, I am Heidi Leigh Winter Tracht - an individual with a history, and a future, and a specific purpose within His plan for the world and His Kingdom. What can one woman do? Well, read the book of Esther and discover. From this Truth, I embraced my next memory verse:
"for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." Romans 11:29 (NIV)
You may be noticing that my verses are becoming shorter.... I am struggling a bit more with memorization, and I was quite ambitious in the beginning. In order to keep up and still remember the first few months of memory work, I am intentionally seeking shorter verses now. And, you know what? God still blesses short pieces of memory work in His Word. Amazing, isn't He? It is a daily struggle to keep my mind from placing God in a Heidi-sized box.
Perhaps the last significant item I will place on my summertime list of randomness is an interest developing within me to learn more about issues related to Israel and Biblical prophesy. Over and over again in Scripture, God places special emphasis on Israel. In order to recognize God's hand; to recognize Biblical prophesy, I believe I must know and understand more about Israel. There are also strong connections between Israel and the U.S. that I believe will enlighten my understanding of culture and politics. My first stop will be taking a look at the work of Joel Rosenberg. Additionally, with my new i-pod, I am downloading podcasts from a variety of news sources (i.e., both conservative and liberal). All the while, I am praying and seeking Godly revelation for the ability to engage with all kinds of people. For a taste of Rosenberg, listen to the following broadcasts: Understanding the Islamic Revolution Parts One and Two. Another great listen is The Dangerous Deception of the New Spirituality Parts One and Two.
My thoughts are coming to a close. It is time to act on the to do list for today. After writing all this, and quickly considering my journey this summer, maybe it is not as random as I thought.... "Talk" to you soon!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I have fallen off the wagon....
Oh, for those of you who continue to check in with me, I have just been brainless this week. I have nothing to say.... Part of this is certainly due to the fact that I have not cracked my Bible study book for over a week. Oops! I have some catching up to do... tomorrow! I have fallen off the proverbial wagon and hope to hop back on soon.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Godly Revelation vs. Ideological Drunkenness
Hearing new ideas from the Lord while studying Scripture never fails to amaze me. I pray that this type of amazement never dwindles within me. Yesterday I spoke of my new study - Beth Moore's Esther Bible study. I did not plan to finish Acts and start Esther within a few days of one another; it is just the way things happened. I began Esther expecting to be challenged, yet I did not expect to hear new words from the Lord so quickly. I especially did not expect to hear words that connect so closely with my study of Acts and my interest in culture and critical thinking.
Yesterday I wrote of ideological drunkenness - it sounds so academic, doesn't it? That is not my intention.... :) King Xerxes' excessive behavior reminds me of our culture's over-the-top, obsessive need for more, more, and more... as well as the demand for tolerance, tolerance, tolerance. We are bombarded with the need to blindly accept all ideas from all people - unless the ideas are traditional, then it is okay to openly lack tolerance. Oftentimes it appears like there are only two options: either kindly accept all differences and be the worldly definition of tolerant, or hatefully deny all differences and be the worldly definition of phobic. The middle ground is quickly fading from existence. Just as Xerxes' excessiveness and liberality created chaos, so does our current state of excess and ideological drunkenness.
When King Xerxes realized he was in a hole, after Queen Vashti denied his demand, he sought counsel. The folks Xerxes trusted for advice stand out to me as the same kind of advisers our contemporary culture trusts - experts in law and justice, wise men who understood the times, and those who were close to the king. My observation indicates that no Godly advisers were included in Xerxes inner circle. The hole Xerxes found himself in subsequently deepened.
We will experience a similar result today if we choose faulty advisers. Be extremely cautious of the counsel on which you depend. Counsel comes in the form of face-to-face interactions, writings, conversations, speaking, preaching, teaching - basically anything that enters one's mind, whether conscious or unconscious. We can not recognize and understand Godly counsel apart from our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Godly revelation is more valuable than the views of experts in law and justice, wise men who understand the times, and those with whom we are closest.
Godly revelation reveals the ridiculousness of humanity's attempt to make sense of the world.
Godly revelation guides believers in engaging the culture while also glorifying God and edifying others.
Godly revelation reverses ideological drunkenness.
Yesterday I wrote of ideological drunkenness - it sounds so academic, doesn't it? That is not my intention.... :) King Xerxes' excessive behavior reminds me of our culture's over-the-top, obsessive need for more, more, and more... as well as the demand for tolerance, tolerance, tolerance. We are bombarded with the need to blindly accept all ideas from all people - unless the ideas are traditional, then it is okay to openly lack tolerance. Oftentimes it appears like there are only two options: either kindly accept all differences and be the worldly definition of tolerant, or hatefully deny all differences and be the worldly definition of phobic. The middle ground is quickly fading from existence. Just as Xerxes' excessiveness and liberality created chaos, so does our current state of excess and ideological drunkenness.
When King Xerxes realized he was in a hole, after Queen Vashti denied his demand, he sought counsel. The folks Xerxes trusted for advice stand out to me as the same kind of advisers our contemporary culture trusts - experts in law and justice, wise men who understood the times, and those who were close to the king. My observation indicates that no Godly advisers were included in Xerxes inner circle. The hole Xerxes found himself in subsequently deepened.
We will experience a similar result today if we choose faulty advisers. Be extremely cautious of the counsel on which you depend. Counsel comes in the form of face-to-face interactions, writings, conversations, speaking, preaching, teaching - basically anything that enters one's mind, whether conscious or unconscious. We can not recognize and understand Godly counsel apart from our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Godly revelation is more valuable than the views of experts in law and justice, wise men who understand the times, and those with whom we are closest.
Godly revelation reveals the ridiculousness of humanity's attempt to make sense of the world.
Godly revelation guides believers in engaging the culture while also glorifying God and edifying others.
Godly revelation reverses ideological drunkenness.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Ideological Drunkenness
I cooked like a crazy woman on Saturday. Then, we spent Sunday with Steve's family in Galion. Sooo, I began my Monday with a disastrous kitchen at the forefront of my mind. The Bible study technique that worked so well during the school year involved studying in my car - away from all distractions like a messy kitchen crying out to be cleaned. This technique is difficult during the summer months. What is a woman to do??? Well, I set up a chair in front of my flower garden (that Steve so lovingly worked for me). Ahhh, it was perfect!
Several weeks ago, I felt clearly led to pursue Beth Moore's study of Esther. At first, I planned to do it by myself as that is how I like to roll. At some point, however, I felt like the Lord wanted me to study with other women. I asked one of my neighbors what she thought of the idea, and before I finished my sentence, she responded with a resounding, "Yes!" She had a few people to invite, and I had a few people to invite. Last Thursday we began! (If you are a Mount Vernon reader, then let me know if you want to join... it is not too late!). I am full of expectancy as this is totally not my idea! Not many people initiate a committed Bible study during the summer months, but I know this is what God was asking of me.
A verse and a half of Esther stood out to me this morning:
My first thought upon reading these verses was, "Replace 'wine' with 'ideas." This is what the verses would say:
I have a basic understanding of the Book of Esther, so I know that the excessive drinking at this celebration had some serious ramifications. In considering the excessive ideology of our contemporary culture, my question is, "What are the ramifications of the abundant thoughts we consider so easily in our culture?" It reminds me of the verse from Ecclesiastes I have quoted several times recently:
It is NOT that we should avoid deep thinking, or asking questions.... I believe we should carefully consider the ideas presented by our culture. As humans, the ramifications of our thoughts in action seriously affect many people, including many future generations. Consider the idea of homosexual marriage. It is a controversial debate in our nation. Christians and non-Christians support and oppose this idea. What do you base your opinion (and your vote) on? What are the ramifications of supporting a different form of marriage? Since marriage between one man and one woman is a part of the foundation of western civilization, we have a solid understanding of its affects based on many years of research. If and when homosexual marriage is accepted and considered commonplace, it will be many more years before we know its actual ramifications upon our culture. As a result, this is an idea we must consider with great seriousness.
What are the ramifications of humankind's drunkenness on ideas? I believe we are experiencing some of the affects, but not the full force of the affects. For those people who believe in Biblical prophecy, we will someday know and understand the full force of humankind's ideological drunkenness. In the meantime, it is vital for those in relationship with Christ to prayerfully consider the origin of ideas; to carefully approach all ideas through a filter made of Godly revelation.
Several weeks ago, I felt clearly led to pursue Beth Moore's study of Esther. At first, I planned to do it by myself as that is how I like to roll. At some point, however, I felt like the Lord wanted me to study with other women. I asked one of my neighbors what she thought of the idea, and before I finished my sentence, she responded with a resounding, "Yes!" She had a few people to invite, and I had a few people to invite. Last Thursday we began! (If you are a Mount Vernon reader, then let me know if you want to join... it is not too late!). I am full of expectancy as this is totally not my idea! Not many people initiate a committed Bible study during the summer months, but I know this is what God was asking of me.
A verse and a half of Esther stood out to me this morning:
"...the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with king's liberality. By the king's command, each guest was allowed to drink in his own way for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished" (Esther 1:7b-8, NIV).
My first thought upon reading these verses was, "Replace 'wine' with 'ideas." This is what the verses would say:
"...the royal ideas were abundant, in keeping with king's liberality. By the king's command, each guest was allowed to think in his own way for the king instructed all the teachers and leaders to serve each man what he wished" (Esther 1:7b-8, Heidi's version).
I have a basic understanding of the Book of Esther, so I know that the excessive drinking at this celebration had some serious ramifications. In considering the excessive ideology of our contemporary culture, my question is, "What are the ramifications of the abundant thoughts we consider so easily in our culture?" It reminds me of the verse from Ecclesiastes I have quoted several times recently:
"But, my child, be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting" (Ecclesiastes 12:12, NLT).
It is NOT that we should avoid deep thinking, or asking questions.... I believe we should carefully consider the ideas presented by our culture. As humans, the ramifications of our thoughts in action seriously affect many people, including many future generations. Consider the idea of homosexual marriage. It is a controversial debate in our nation. Christians and non-Christians support and oppose this idea. What do you base your opinion (and your vote) on? What are the ramifications of supporting a different form of marriage? Since marriage between one man and one woman is a part of the foundation of western civilization, we have a solid understanding of its affects based on many years of research. If and when homosexual marriage is accepted and considered commonplace, it will be many more years before we know its actual ramifications upon our culture. As a result, this is an idea we must consider with great seriousness.
What are the ramifications of humankind's drunkenness on ideas? I believe we are experiencing some of the affects, but not the full force of the affects. For those people who believe in Biblical prophecy, we will someday know and understand the full force of humankind's ideological drunkenness. In the meantime, it is vital for those in relationship with Christ to prayerfully consider the origin of ideas; to carefully approach all ideas through a filter made of Godly revelation.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 2009: A Finish Line
Quite a number of important tasks have been completed in June 2009: the kids' 3rd and 5th grade school years; my two year journey in earning a master's degree; and my study of Acts. Today, as I complete the book of Acts, the ending reminds me of the beginning.
I started reading Acts because I felt the Lord urging me to study it with the idea of finding His Truth for engaging people in our culture as it currently is functioning (i.e., rather than lamenting how our culture appears to be crashing). In my journal, on November 3, 2008, I wrote a summary of ideas that I believe the Lord brought to the forefront of my mind prior to reading Acts. Here is the summary:
Today, on June 17, 2009, as I complete Acts, I note the following:
Whether free or in prison;
Whether on land or in a storm at sea;
Whether accepted or rejected;
Paul focused on His relationship with Christ, and
Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Savior of All People.
While Paul frequently offended the "religious" of his day, he
earned the respect of unbelievers and new believers.
As a result, Paul's relationship with Christ,
and Paul's Godly wisdom received wide recognition.
God was glorified, God's power was recognized, and
The Gospel of Jesus Christ was amplified -
Just as God had promised.
Paul stood true and firm to the Truth of One God &
Jesus Christ as Messiah, but
he followed the rules of the government
while not offending
those who did not know the Truth.
The result: Paul was given many freedoms
to share Christ.
Paul shared Christ through continual care for others.
Paul positively impacted the lives of needy people.
As a result, Paul was respected and cared for by believers
and non-believers alike.
While Paul is known for
his ambitious missionary journeys,
his influential speeches,
his strong personality, and
his powerful witness for Christ,
the difference he made resulted from:
his love for people,
made possible by a Godly transformation,
and his ability to work with the opposition,
made possible by the almighty power of God.
Paul offers us a great example of a Godly witness in 2009.
I started reading Acts because I felt the Lord urging me to study it with the idea of finding His Truth for engaging people in our culture as it currently is functioning (i.e., rather than lamenting how our culture appears to be crashing). In my journal, on November 3, 2008, I wrote a summary of ideas that I believe the Lord brought to the forefront of my mind prior to reading Acts. Here is the summary:
- Seek God First.
- Depend on God for Provision.
- Only those in Relationship with God will Hear & Understand Truth - Do not Expect More.
- Truth comes from Divine Revelation, not Human Minds.
- Christians are Responsible for Social Services.
- Transformation comes through the Power of Changed Hearts.
- Know God Better than any other in order to Discern His Plan.
- Special Interests Blind Men.
- Judges are Important in Terms of Providing Order.
- Christians are Foreigners.
- Christians are Ambassadors of Christ.
- Keep the Law as to Not Offend.
- Give the Government What is Theirs.
- Give God What is His: Life!
- God Allows His Children to Choose Bad Leaders.
- Respect Leaders.
- Always Obey God.
- Influence Peacefully & with Humility.
- Christians Must Unite.
- Christians Must Share.
- What God is Accomplishing CAN NOT be Stopped.
Today, on June 17, 2009, as I complete Acts, I note the following:
Whether free or in prison;
Whether on land or in a storm at sea;
Whether accepted or rejected;
Paul focused on His relationship with Christ, and
Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Savior of All People.
While Paul frequently offended the "religious" of his day, he
earned the respect of unbelievers and new believers.
As a result, Paul's relationship with Christ,
and Paul's Godly wisdom received wide recognition.
God was glorified, God's power was recognized, and
The Gospel of Jesus Christ was amplified -
Just as God had promised.
Paul stood true and firm to the Truth of One God &
Jesus Christ as Messiah, but
he followed the rules of the government
while not offending
those who did not know the Truth.
The result: Paul was given many freedoms
to share Christ.
Paul shared Christ through continual care for others.
Paul positively impacted the lives of needy people.
As a result, Paul was respected and cared for by believers
and non-believers alike.
While Paul is known for
his ambitious missionary journeys,
his influential speeches,
his strong personality, and
his powerful witness for Christ,
the difference he made resulted from:
his love for people,
made possible by a Godly transformation,
and his ability to work with the opposition,
made possible by the almighty power of God.
Paul offers us a great example of a Godly witness in 2009.
Monday, June 15, 2009
To write, or not to write
I finished my master's program, work is wrapped up for the academic year, the boys are home for the summer, and I am not writing much these days.... I am learning a new way of living - one with much less pressure and much more focus on the boys. I am also needing to establish my summer routine of daily quiet time. I had a great system going when there was some place to be every morning by 9:00. Slowly, but surely I am adjusting to a simpler, more peaceful daily existence.... Ahhh.
When I was too busy to think straight, the Lord gave me words to write like a faucet running at full tilt. Now... not so much. It is June 15th, though so I have my second memory verse of the month to share; the 12th memory verse of the year; the mid-point in my goal for 2009. It is an appropriate verse, I believe:
This is it, my friends. This is where I am right now. Relaxing, enjoying, absorbing, reading, listening, thinking, but not writing/speaking much, and this is just fine with me. Keep checking in, if you choose because one never knows when the faucet will begin running again. You never have to make yourself known in this venue, but I always enjoy hearing from you!
When I was too busy to think straight, the Lord gave me words to write like a faucet running at full tilt. Now... not so much. It is June 15th, though so I have my second memory verse of the month to share; the 12th memory verse of the year; the mid-point in my goal for 2009. It is an appropriate verse, I believe:
"Just say what God tells you to. Then it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit" Mark 13:11b (NLT).
This is it, my friends. This is where I am right now. Relaxing, enjoying, absorbing, reading, listening, thinking, but not writing/speaking much, and this is just fine with me. Keep checking in, if you choose because one never knows when the faucet will begin running again. You never have to make yourself known in this venue, but I always enjoy hearing from you!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Questions
The diversity of thought in this world is overwhelming! I relate with Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes 12:12:
"But, my child, be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting" (NLT).
I believe many people are exhausted with the opinions expressed in our culture. As a human, I feel limited. How can I possible impact something like world peace, for example? What about hunger, poverty, homelessness, health care, education, Spirituality, and the list goes on.... When I see pictures of third world living conditions, when I hear of human right abuses, when I see the hurt in my own community, I am simply overwhelmed. Even to consider helping the child in my son's class goes far beyond a meal, clean clothes, and care expressed between the hours of 9:00am and 3:30pm. He needs parents who know how to love, who know how to unselfishly live, who are interested in climbing out of the pit they are caught in.... We all need a personal, transforming, passionate relationship with Jesus Christ!
Yet, even amongst our "brothers and sisters" in Christ, there is a lack of unity. If the people of God can not get along, then how can anyone get along in this world?
"But, my child, be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting" (NLT).
I believe many people are exhausted with the opinions expressed in our culture. As a human, I feel limited. How can I possible impact something like world peace, for example? What about hunger, poverty, homelessness, health care, education, Spirituality, and the list goes on.... When I see pictures of third world living conditions, when I hear of human right abuses, when I see the hurt in my own community, I am simply overwhelmed. Even to consider helping the child in my son's class goes far beyond a meal, clean clothes, and care expressed between the hours of 9:00am and 3:30pm. He needs parents who know how to love, who know how to unselfishly live, who are interested in climbing out of the pit they are caught in.... We all need a personal, transforming, passionate relationship with Jesus Christ!
Yet, even amongst our "brothers and sisters" in Christ, there is a lack of unity. If the people of God can not get along, then how can anyone get along in this world?
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