David Sedaris

I was in Santa Cruz last night hanging out with a couple friends. We went into Book Shop Santa Cruz in downtown and I picked up David Sedaris' book Me Talk Pretty One Day. So far, its quite funny. I've read the first two short stories and his stories are pretty fun to read. I decided that I need to read some books just for my own enjoyment. I've been reading a lot of dense theology books and books about church and such, not to mention text books for school (not that I don't enjoy these books, except the text books). This should give my brain some relief.

David Sedaris:
Also, last night we went into a couple guitar shops and music stores. My favorite was a small record store just off of Pacific Ave. I bought U2's album WAR on LP. It sounds amazing on my turntable.

Plans

I know this album came out a while ago, but I just listened to it in detail. Death Cab For Cutie's album Plans is amazing; particularly, the song "What Sarah Said". It seriously made me cry.

My grandmother was just in the hospital for about a week because she was diagnosed with a crazy disease that killed her kidneys. She is much better now and is home from the hospital, but I still remember the feeling when I heard that her life might be in danger. I got home from church on Sunday two weeks ago and my dad told me that her condition had worsened. He told me he wanted me to talk to her on the phone (implying that it may be the last time I talk to my grandma). It was all I could do not to cry while talking to her. Memories began coming to mind of summers spent at my grandparents' lake cabin. I remembered her kind smile as she called me in from the lake shore for dinner. I used to sit next to her in the car every chance I could get when I was young. She is such a comforting person. The thought of never being able to say, "I love you, grandma" choked me. Talking to her for those few minutes that day was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I can only imagine how hard things must be for my grandfather. This song is my way to understanding how he might feel.

I thanks God that she is doing better. I'm going out to Minnesota in a few weeks to visit her.

Revelation

I've had a revelation today. (Maybe this isn't new to some people, but for some reason it just clicked today) I was thinking about the effectiveness of imagery and metaphors. I've come to realize that there is something special about imagery. It seems to be the language that speaks most effectively to our heart.

Let me explain. When you read a book and the author writes without using metaphors and imagery, the book seems so dull; like it has no life. But when the author uses imagery, you can almost close your eyes and become a part of the story. The same goes for music. Music without imagery is considered to lack creativity and does not effectively communicate its message. Heck, poetry is the same way. Now, what about scripture? It is written in a way that uses images, metaphors, and parables.

So, where is the revelation you say? Well...

The Jewish traditions all were tangible things that allowed the people to understand God through visuals, touching, and tasteing. Today, we take communion which allows us to taste and smell the body and blood of Christ (Figurativiely of course). But that's my point! God uses elements in creation to allow us to sense Him. Its all imagery and metaphors. These are how we understand God.

But the metaphors, imagery, and senses will never allow us to completely understand God. Its just the closest thing we can get to knowing Him.

So. What bearing does this have in the universe? Why are human being built this way? What spiritual significance does this have?

My brain hurts.

-By the way, this picture has nothing to do with this post. I just thought you might enjoy it. (Yes, that is a cat flying out of that raft)

Wow

This week has finally been a week to relax. After our Men's Retreat last weekend, I've finally had some time to catch up on sleep and get some relaxation time. Leading up to the retreat, my inbox was never empty, I couldn't get enough sleep, and I always felt like there was something to do.

I'm trying to use this week to let my brain relax. It hasn't been easy though because I had a paper due in my communications class, a midterm in history, and a quiz in biology this week. Doesn't sound like a very relaxing week. What's funny is that this week seems relaxing even though I still have lots of schoolwork. Sometimes I don't realize how busy I am. A week like this feels easy when in reality it is still a lot of work.

I'm a workaholic.

AL Central Champs: MN Twins

That's right. The Minnesota Twins just won the American League Central Division Championship. They edged ahead of the Detroit Tigers by 1 game.

For those of you who don't follow baseball, this is kind of a big deal. I am especially excited because the Twins are playing the Oakland A's in the first round of the playoffs. Go Twins!