new likes...
I think my new preference in cars is the Honda CRV. I see them all over the place here. And after driving Marti's Forerunner, I think I could definitely like that size car. But the new CRVs have really dorky looking tail lights. They're long and skinny and run from the top of the car down to the bumper. The older ones aren't like that. So in that respect, I like the old ones better. I still like the Honda Civic pretty well though, and wouldn't be at all disappointed with one of those!
I like singing in the choir at First Baptist Woodstock. When I came here I thought there was a chance it wouldn't be "up to par" with what I was used to, but it's pretty awesome. I'm enjoying it.
Lastly, I really like Canton quite a bit. It's being added to my list of potential places to live after college. Don't worry, though... I'm not completely sold on moving here just yet. I love St. Augustine way too much to decide this early. There's several factors I will have to weigh before making a decision, but I have a good year and a half to decide.
Well, that's all for now. I'm not sure why I posted this stuff... I just wanted something to write about! Stay tuned!
Jun 5, 2004
Jun 2, 2004
Phos Hilaron (Hail Gladdening Light)...
Hail Gladdening Light
Of His pure glory poured
Who is the Immortal Father, Heavenly Blest
Holiest Of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest
The lights of evening 'round us shine
We hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Divine
Worthiest art Thou, at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue
Son of our God, Giver of life alone
Therefore, in all the world Thy glories Lord
Thine own
"As early as the 4th Century, Phos Hilaron (Hail Gladdening Light) was already considered ancient, being a mainstay of evening prayers in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps. At that time in Jerusalem, a candle was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship, the candle was brought forth from the tomb, it's bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord. Phos Hilaron literally means 'hilarious light,' especially meaningful given that this hymn was probably sung in the catacombs by the earliest Church."
--from the Passion "Hymns" CD
*At the latest Passion concerts they do something similar to the lighting of the lamps while this hymn is read by the entire congregation. It's pretty incredible!
Hail Gladdening Light
Of His pure glory poured
Who is the Immortal Father, Heavenly Blest
Holiest Of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest
The lights of evening 'round us shine
We hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Divine
Worthiest art Thou, at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue
Son of our God, Giver of life alone
Therefore, in all the world Thy glories Lord
Thine own
"As early as the 4th Century, Phos Hilaron (Hail Gladdening Light) was already considered ancient, being a mainstay of evening prayers in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps. At that time in Jerusalem, a candle was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship, the candle was brought forth from the tomb, it's bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord. Phos Hilaron literally means 'hilarious light,' especially meaningful given that this hymn was probably sung in the catacombs by the earliest Church."
--from the Passion "Hymns" CD
*At the latest Passion concerts they do something similar to the lighting of the lamps while this hymn is read by the entire congregation. It's pretty incredible!
what i thought i wanted...
by Sara Groves
Tuxedo in the closet, gold band in a box / Two days from the alter she went and called the whole thing off / What he thought he wanted, what he got instead / Leaves him broken yet grateful // I passed understanding a long, long time ago / And the simple home of systems and answers we all know / What I thought I wanted, what I got instead / Leaves me broken and somehow peaceful // I keep wanting you to be fair / But that's not what you said / I want certain answers to these prayers / But that's not what you said // When I get to heaven I wanna go find Job / I want to ask a few hard questions, I wanna know what he know / About what it is he wanted and what he got instead / How to be broken yet faithful // What I thought I wanted / What I thought I wanted / What I thought I wanted / What I thought I wanted // Staring in the water like Aesop's foolish dog / I can't help but reflect on what it was I almost lost / What I thought I wanted, what I got instead / Leaves me broken and grateful // I'm broken and grateful / I want to be grateful, peaceful, thankful, faithful, grateful //
by Sara Groves
Tuxedo in the closet, gold band in a box / Two days from the alter she went and called the whole thing off / What he thought he wanted, what he got instead / Leaves him broken yet grateful // I passed understanding a long, long time ago / And the simple home of systems and answers we all know / What I thought I wanted, what I got instead / Leaves me broken and somehow peaceful // I keep wanting you to be fair / But that's not what you said / I want certain answers to these prayers / But that's not what you said // When I get to heaven I wanna go find Job / I want to ask a few hard questions, I wanna know what he know / About what it is he wanted and what he got instead / How to be broken yet faithful // What I thought I wanted / What I thought I wanted / What I thought I wanted / What I thought I wanted // Staring in the water like Aesop's foolish dog / I can't help but reflect on what it was I almost lost / What I thought I wanted, what I got instead / Leaves me broken and grateful // I'm broken and grateful / I want to be grateful, peaceful, thankful, faithful, grateful //
May 19, 2004
awesome...
I went to 7/22 last night at North Point Community Church. It was SO good. Louie Giglio spoke and their usual worship band led the music. I just couldn't get over how huge it was. Literally thousands of people my age meet there every Tuesday night, from far and wide, for the sole purpose of worshipping one God. Incredible. Many ministries that grow to outrageous proportions, in my opinion, lose their origional focus and become more hype than anything else. The ministries that have stemmed from North Point, however, (namely the Passion ministry, including David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, Louie Giglio, and others) are thoroughly annointed with the power of Christ, from everything I have seen of them. Louie definitely isn't all hype; he's a passionate and powerful communicator of the Word of God. When I got to 7/22, I was nearly ten minutes late due to a late start, rain, and a detour along the way. By the time I got into the auditorium, it was completely packed and people were already starting to line the walls. I found a decent spot on the staircase, and joined in with the worship that was already in progress. From my spot, I could see nearly everyone in the auditorium. At one point, I just had this incredible picture: I imagined every Christian wearing red, representing that they were covered with the blood of Christ. Out in public, you would see red scattered throughout a crowd, but in this room of thousands of people, it was an overwhelming sea of red. What an amazing thought! I know that size is not what matters in a ministry, but at the same time, I believe there is an awesome power in collective worship on such a huge scale. There's power in numbers; there's power in the Body when they're all together.
One thing I learned from Louie last night was based on John 8:31. The enemy may be perfectly happy for you to do things "for God" as long as you don't root and ground yourself in the Word of God, in Christ Himself. You must ABIDE in Him, which is to hold on and never let go. That is when we become TRUE followers of God, when we become His disciples.
That's all for now. Stay tuned. Peace out!
I went to 7/22 last night at North Point Community Church. It was SO good. Louie Giglio spoke and their usual worship band led the music. I just couldn't get over how huge it was. Literally thousands of people my age meet there every Tuesday night, from far and wide, for the sole purpose of worshipping one God. Incredible. Many ministries that grow to outrageous proportions, in my opinion, lose their origional focus and become more hype than anything else. The ministries that have stemmed from North Point, however, (namely the Passion ministry, including David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, Louie Giglio, and others) are thoroughly annointed with the power of Christ, from everything I have seen of them. Louie definitely isn't all hype; he's a passionate and powerful communicator of the Word of God. When I got to 7/22, I was nearly ten minutes late due to a late start, rain, and a detour along the way. By the time I got into the auditorium, it was completely packed and people were already starting to line the walls. I found a decent spot on the staircase, and joined in with the worship that was already in progress. From my spot, I could see nearly everyone in the auditorium. At one point, I just had this incredible picture: I imagined every Christian wearing red, representing that they were covered with the blood of Christ. Out in public, you would see red scattered throughout a crowd, but in this room of thousands of people, it was an overwhelming sea of red. What an amazing thought! I know that size is not what matters in a ministry, but at the same time, I believe there is an awesome power in collective worship on such a huge scale. There's power in numbers; there's power in the Body when they're all together.
One thing I learned from Louie last night was based on John 8:31. The enemy may be perfectly happy for you to do things "for God" as long as you don't root and ground yourself in the Word of God, in Christ Himself. You must ABIDE in Him, which is to hold on and never let go. That is when we become TRUE followers of God, when we become His disciples.
That's all for now. Stay tuned. Peace out!
May 13, 2004
what luck...
In the two weeks that I've been here, I've had two cars die on me. First, the Suburban incident. Then, last night at like 10:20, my car died while I was driving home from church. You know how your parents always warn you about strangers on dark backroads, and to be careful if you ever have car trouble on one of those roads... well, just my luck, I broke down on a DARK country road, couldn't get hold of the Briants, and had no other option but to have strangers help me. Luckily, the people who stopped all were very nice. We called 911 and a cop came and helped me (a slightly cocky young flirt who definitely wanted to make his presence known, and definitely wanted me to know about his new sqad car!). Eventually, I got in touch with Marti, and a tow truck came for my car, so we were finally home by midnight. So, $344 later, my car is all better. Not to mention the $1.85 gas prices! How outrageous! Anyway, maybe I have all my car troubles out of the way and the rest of the summer will be just peachy. I do hope so.
On a better note, yesterday was our "fun day." One thing we did that I thought was really cool was we went to this all-organic grocery store called Harry's. When Marti was explaining it to me, I pictured a little produce market. Harry's is as big or bigger than an average grocery store, but it has way better stuff. Like half the store is the best fruits and veggies that I've ever seen. They have all kinds of cool stuff... way too much to explain. Then we got Cold Stone ice cream. (Can't be all healthy!) I had a blueberry-cheesecake milkshake. It was great! Last night Marti and I went to choir practice, and then I stayed afterward for the Wednesday night college thing. It's called "The Brink." Choir is awesome; The Brink is okay. It's a little more "youth-group-ish" than what I'm used to. I'll give it a few more tries. I plan to go to "7:22" next Tuesday at North Point. I'm sure that'll be awesome. I met a guy, Craig, (friend of the Briants) who goes there, so at least I'll know somebody. Anyway, that's all the exciting news for now. Stay tuned.
In the two weeks that I've been here, I've had two cars die on me. First, the Suburban incident. Then, last night at like 10:20, my car died while I was driving home from church. You know how your parents always warn you about strangers on dark backroads, and to be careful if you ever have car trouble on one of those roads... well, just my luck, I broke down on a DARK country road, couldn't get hold of the Briants, and had no other option but to have strangers help me. Luckily, the people who stopped all were very nice. We called 911 and a cop came and helped me (a slightly cocky young flirt who definitely wanted to make his presence known, and definitely wanted me to know about his new sqad car!). Eventually, I got in touch with Marti, and a tow truck came for my car, so we were finally home by midnight. So, $344 later, my car is all better. Not to mention the $1.85 gas prices! How outrageous! Anyway, maybe I have all my car troubles out of the way and the rest of the summer will be just peachy. I do hope so.
On a better note, yesterday was our "fun day." One thing we did that I thought was really cool was we went to this all-organic grocery store called Harry's. When Marti was explaining it to me, I pictured a little produce market. Harry's is as big or bigger than an average grocery store, but it has way better stuff. Like half the store is the best fruits and veggies that I've ever seen. They have all kinds of cool stuff... way too much to explain. Then we got Cold Stone ice cream. (Can't be all healthy!) I had a blueberry-cheesecake milkshake. It was great! Last night Marti and I went to choir practice, and then I stayed afterward for the Wednesday night college thing. It's called "The Brink." Choir is awesome; The Brink is okay. It's a little more "youth-group-ish" than what I'm used to. I'll give it a few more tries. I plan to go to "7:22" next Tuesday at North Point. I'm sure that'll be awesome. I met a guy, Craig, (friend of the Briants) who goes there, so at least I'll know somebody. Anyway, that's all the exciting news for now. Stay tuned.
May 11, 2004
the furniture business...
I learned to stain today. I've been waxing up until this point. Staining is easy. Waxing isn't hard, but there's a lot less work involved in staining. I did a nice kitchen table. It was beautiful.
Nobody cares, do you? That's okay.
Not much else to report currently, except that church was awesome this week. Guy named Bryan taught in Sunday school and he was really good. The pastor's son-in-law spoke in church, and he was really good, too. I think I'm going to enjoy my 3 1/2 months there. Hopefully, I'll be able to go to "The Brink" tomorrow night, which is their Wednesday night college thing, similar to Fusion that I'm used to.
Just found out that Marti and I don't have to go into the shop tomorrow after all. We thought we would because it's a busy week, but we don't! Which means that we can go to the Bible study that meets in the neighborhood. Cool. Stay tuned.
I learned to stain today. I've been waxing up until this point. Staining is easy. Waxing isn't hard, but there's a lot less work involved in staining. I did a nice kitchen table. It was beautiful.
Nobody cares, do you? That's okay.
Not much else to report currently, except that church was awesome this week. Guy named Bryan taught in Sunday school and he was really good. The pastor's son-in-law spoke in church, and he was really good, too. I think I'm going to enjoy my 3 1/2 months there. Hopefully, I'll be able to go to "The Brink" tomorrow night, which is their Wednesday night college thing, similar to Fusion that I'm used to.
Just found out that Marti and I don't have to go into the shop tomorrow after all. We thought we would because it's a busy week, but we don't! Which means that we can go to the Bible study that meets in the neighborhood. Cool. Stay tuned.
May 7, 2004
May 3, 2004
the georgia girl...
Life is good here in Canton (a small city right outside Atlanta, for those who don't know). I arrived here Wednesday, unloaded my car, and just chilled out for a while. That evening, I went to Ashlee's track meet (Krissy and Christina [and Allie], you'll be happy to know I'm living with runners!), and then to choir practice with Marti. Thursday I jumped right in to work. And it was a BUSY day. Marti and I were out of the house by 7:30 and worked till about 4:00 I think. Then there was all the running around for the evening, and then we had to come back and make dinner, and lug a huge dresser downstairs (two flights) for me to use while I'm here. Luckily, it was lightweight. The activity at this house doesn't stop till about 11:00 pm! Friday I hung out at the house while Marti met with a client. Friday night Rex and Marti were getting themselves all together to leave on Saturday to go to France on a mission trip. Yes, that's right, the two adults in the house left on a mission trip clear across the Atlantic Ocean. I'm the responsible adult over four kids for eight days. I do morning wake ups, daily errands, afternoon activities, and dinner. So far, it's been good. The only hindrance was that I drove the Suburban to church Sunday because we didn't all fit in any of the other vehicles, and when we were leaving church it wouldn't start. The battery was dead. And it was raining. But a nice man helped us, so all was well. So other than that, everything has been great. Not much else to say. More reports to come. Later.
Life is good here in Canton (a small city right outside Atlanta, for those who don't know). I arrived here Wednesday, unloaded my car, and just chilled out for a while. That evening, I went to Ashlee's track meet (Krissy and Christina [and Allie], you'll be happy to know I'm living with runners!), and then to choir practice with Marti. Thursday I jumped right in to work. And it was a BUSY day. Marti and I were out of the house by 7:30 and worked till about 4:00 I think. Then there was all the running around for the evening, and then we had to come back and make dinner, and lug a huge dresser downstairs (two flights) for me to use while I'm here. Luckily, it was lightweight. The activity at this house doesn't stop till about 11:00 pm! Friday I hung out at the house while Marti met with a client. Friday night Rex and Marti were getting themselves all together to leave on Saturday to go to France on a mission trip. Yes, that's right, the two adults in the house left on a mission trip clear across the Atlantic Ocean. I'm the responsible adult over four kids for eight days. I do morning wake ups, daily errands, afternoon activities, and dinner. So far, it's been good. The only hindrance was that I drove the Suburban to church Sunday because we didn't all fit in any of the other vehicles, and when we were leaving church it wouldn't start. The battery was dead. And it was raining. But a nice man helped us, so all was well. So other than that, everything has been great. Not much else to say. More reports to come. Later.
Apr 26, 2004
the countdown has begun...
In slightly more than 32 hours, I will be leaving Jacksonville for Atlanta!! I'm super excited! I do have moments, however, where I'm like "what am I getting myself into?" but I'm positive I'm going to love it, so no worries. I think I'm mostly excited to be in a totally new environment for a few months. Besides, what could be cooler than living with good friends who I haven't seen in a long time and doing something that's "right up my alley" as a job. These few days between St. Augustine and Atlanta, however, are a bit crazy, trying to see everybody that I want to see before I head out. I have a feeling I'll be sending quite a few mass-emails while I'm gone... not because I don't care enough to write individual ones, but rather because there's like a million people I feel I need to keep in contact with, yet I will probably have limited internet time. So if you get one of those, don't feel jipped! Anyway, I'm off to get one of two remaining nights of sleep in my own bed. Later!
In slightly more than 32 hours, I will be leaving Jacksonville for Atlanta!! I'm super excited! I do have moments, however, where I'm like "what am I getting myself into?" but I'm positive I'm going to love it, so no worries. I think I'm mostly excited to be in a totally new environment for a few months. Besides, what could be cooler than living with good friends who I haven't seen in a long time and doing something that's "right up my alley" as a job. These few days between St. Augustine and Atlanta, however, are a bit crazy, trying to see everybody that I want to see before I head out. I have a feeling I'll be sending quite a few mass-emails while I'm gone... not because I don't care enough to write individual ones, but rather because there's like a million people I feel I need to keep in contact with, yet I will probably have limited internet time. So if you get one of those, don't feel jipped! Anyway, I'm off to get one of two remaining nights of sleep in my own bed. Later!
Apr 22, 2004
time for change...
FINALS ARE OVER!!! We had "dockside Fusion" at Jayce's beach house tonight. It was cool. We had a really good turnout too. My strawberry lemonade was a big hit! I had to say my goodbyes to everyone tonight since I won't see them for four months. I'm way excited about Atlanta, but I will definitely miss everybody in St.Augustine. I look forward to August as much as I look forward to next week. Change is good but tough at the same time.
Peace out, my friends.
FINALS ARE OVER!!! We had "dockside Fusion" at Jayce's beach house tonight. It was cool. We had a really good turnout too. My strawberry lemonade was a big hit! I had to say my goodbyes to everyone tonight since I won't see them for four months. I'm way excited about Atlanta, but I will definitely miss everybody in St.Augustine. I look forward to August as much as I look forward to next week. Change is good but tough at the same time.
Peace out, my friends.
supernatural...
(for allie!)
oh where is superman when you need a helping hand?
don't look for wonder woman when trouble's really coming
and please don't count on batman when danger you must face
I highly recommend God's supernatural grace
supernatural
Jesus walked on the water
supernatural
God made a sidewalk through the sea
supernatural
Jesus made instant wine
supernaturally
(for allie!)
oh where is superman when you need a helping hand?
don't look for wonder woman when trouble's really coming
and please don't count on batman when danger you must face
I highly recommend God's supernatural grace
supernatural
Jesus walked on the water
supernatural
God made a sidewalk through the sea
supernatural
Jesus made instant wine
supernaturally
Apr 20, 2004
Apr 16, 2004
my Redeemer lives...
I know He rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe; I believe
my shame He's taken away
my pain He's healed in His name
I believe; I believe
I'll raise the banner
'cause my Lord has conquered the grave!
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
You lift my burden
I'll rise with You
I'm dancing on this mountaintop
to see Your kingdom come
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
I know He rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe; I believe
my shame He's taken away
my pain He's healed in His name
I believe; I believe
I'll raise the banner
'cause my Lord has conquered the grave!
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
You lift my burden
I'll rise with You
I'm dancing on this mountaintop
to see Your kingdom come
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
my Redeemer lives
Apr 15, 2004
latest readings...
I really enjoyed Scott's post that I just read concerning the sacraments. I guess my friendship with Christina has really opened me up to things that I have never really considered before, so I had already done a lot of thinking on the topic before I read what Scott had to say. Compared to what it has become, my way of thinking two years ago seems so very closed-minded, legalistic, and judgemental. It blows me away to think about how much God has taught me since then. It only serves as a reminder that I will never "arrive" in my relationship to God. But that is not to be seen as a bad thing. Not at all. The fact that we can continue to grow closer and closer and closer to Him is so incredibly awesome. It is something that should be highly cherished every day of our lives.
I really enjoyed Scott's post that I just read concerning the sacraments. I guess my friendship with Christina has really opened me up to things that I have never really considered before, so I had already done a lot of thinking on the topic before I read what Scott had to say. Compared to what it has become, my way of thinking two years ago seems so very closed-minded, legalistic, and judgemental. It blows me away to think about how much God has taught me since then. It only serves as a reminder that I will never "arrive" in my relationship to God. But that is not to be seen as a bad thing. Not at all. The fact that we can continue to grow closer and closer and closer to Him is so incredibly awesome. It is something that should be highly cherished every day of our lives.
Apr 14, 2004
worship the King...
we will worship the Lamb of Glory
we will worship the King of Kings
we will worship the Lamb of Glory
we will worship the King
and with our hands lifted high
we will worship and sing
with our hands lifted high
we come before You rejoicing
with our hands lifted high to the sky
when the world wonders why
we'll just tell them we're loving our King
we will worship the Lamb of Glory
we will worship the King of Kings
we will worship the Lamb of Glory
we will worship the King
and with our hands lifted high
we will worship and sing
with our hands lifted high
we come before You rejoicing
with our hands lifted high to the sky
when the world wonders why
we'll just tell them we're loving our King
Apr 12, 2004
Apr 10, 2004
i can...
God sent His Son
they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He bled and died
to buy my pardon
an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
because He lives, I can face tomorrow
because He lives, all fear is gone
because I know He holds the future
and life is worth the living just because He lives
Happy Easter! Hallelujah, the grave is empty! I know my Redeemer lives!
God sent His Son
they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He bled and died
to buy my pardon
an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
because He lives, I can face tomorrow
because He lives, all fear is gone
because I know He holds the future
and life is worth the living just because He lives
Happy Easter! Hallelujah, the grave is empty! I know my Redeemer lives!
Apr 5, 2004
through a glass...
I was reading a post that Laci put up last night, and the quotes she posted reminded me of a verse I read this morning in my quiet time. (here's the quotes...)
The way out. To show the fly the way out of the bottle was the life's hope of Ludwig Wittenstein but the truth is that human beings don't want a way out of the bottle; we are captivated, enthralled by the interior of the bottle; its glassy sides caress and console us; its glassy sides are the perimeters of our experience and our aspiration; the bottle is our skin, our soul; we're accustomed to the visual distortions of the glass; we would not wish to see clearly, without the barrier of the glass; we could not breathe a fresher air; we could not survive outside the bottle.
Or tell ourselves, in the classy-echoing language of the bottle, that this is so.
--Joyce Carol Oates, from I'll Take You There ("Anellia") p. 190
To show the fly the way out of the bottle? Break the bottle
--Joyce Carol Oates, from I'll Take You There ("Anellia") p. 243
The verse is I Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
The "glass" in the verse technically refers to a mirror, but I think it works for my example, as well. Like the bottle, we have boundaries to what we know and experience. We can sort of see what's beyond our boundaries, but not really--not clearly. The stubborn ones, when told of what truly lies beyond the bottle, stick their fingers in their ears and yell, not wishing to know the truth. We would not wish to see clearly, without the barrier of the glass. They convince themselves that what they see through the glass is the true way things are.
So how do we see clearly? Break the bottle. The only time we will completely "get it" is when we're in heaven, face to face with God. We might get some little glimpse of what it's really all about while we're here, but like the verse says, we won't really know till we see Him. To know that what we're seeing is slightly (if not drastically) distorted is enough for now.
I was reading a post that Laci put up last night, and the quotes she posted reminded me of a verse I read this morning in my quiet time. (here's the quotes...)
The way out. To show the fly the way out of the bottle was the life's hope of Ludwig Wittenstein but the truth is that human beings don't want a way out of the bottle; we are captivated, enthralled by the interior of the bottle; its glassy sides caress and console us; its glassy sides are the perimeters of our experience and our aspiration; the bottle is our skin, our soul; we're accustomed to the visual distortions of the glass; we would not wish to see clearly, without the barrier of the glass; we could not breathe a fresher air; we could not survive outside the bottle.
Or tell ourselves, in the classy-echoing language of the bottle, that this is so.
--Joyce Carol Oates, from I'll Take You There ("Anellia") p. 190
To show the fly the way out of the bottle? Break the bottle
--Joyce Carol Oates, from I'll Take You There ("Anellia") p. 243
The verse is I Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
The "glass" in the verse technically refers to a mirror, but I think it works for my example, as well. Like the bottle, we have boundaries to what we know and experience. We can sort of see what's beyond our boundaries, but not really--not clearly. The stubborn ones, when told of what truly lies beyond the bottle, stick their fingers in their ears and yell, not wishing to know the truth. We would not wish to see clearly, without the barrier of the glass. They convince themselves that what they see through the glass is the true way things are.
So how do we see clearly? Break the bottle. The only time we will completely "get it" is when we're in heaven, face to face with God. We might get some little glimpse of what it's really all about while we're here, but like the verse says, we won't really know till we see Him. To know that what we're seeing is slightly (if not drastically) distorted is enough for now.
