Thought X

Pretty exciting stuff happening on the job front today...

I got an e-mail back from a post house that needs a machine room tech guy. I wrote them last night and they must have wrote back really fast, but I didn't get it until a couple hours ago. Anyhoo, they wanted me in for an interview Tuesday (today) at 5:30. That would have been sweet, but obviously I'm in Topeka, KS right now... not exactly all that close to LA. But it's still exciting to get an offer like that... again, it was only an interview, but still pretty exciting.

I purchased a couple of books today... both by Brian McLaren: 1. Missin the Point (co-author Tony Campolo), 2. General Orhodoxy. I'm pretty excited about reading them after I finish Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. I guess one thing that hit me while skimming those books at Borders was this: Both men in 'Missing the Point' seemed to be saying that relying on Jesus is the center of the Christain faith. How do I rely on Jesus? Is that an arrogent question?

Something cool from 'Missing the Point' was when both authors talked about how a common mishap of Christians (myself included) is to think of life and salvation as the end of 'the journey'. They compared it to all these people running a race, and stopping three or four strided past the start line and celebrating. After a while, the spectators grow tired of watching these people miss the point and they go on to run the race. I'm learning that Jesus' death grants me entrance into heaven, but also communion with God here and now. (this is terribly out of context, but you can read it if you wish... it's the chapter about salvation... one of the first chapters in the book.)

Today, when I was hangin with Dennis, I remembered Oliver Simmons. He's a Jahova's Witness, and has been as long as I can remember (which goes way back to 1st grade btw.) Now, when I think of him, I think of someone who was probably the nicest guy I know... was always so gentle (even though he was a physically strong man) and kind. He hardly ever said anything bad about anyone, was fast to give out compliments, and always seemed to have a smile on his face. From what I'm told to believe, he's part of a cult, and oh yeah, by the way, he's going to burn in hell.
So, this burns me up a bit. I've trusted my life to Jesus. So, I have a place in heaven. But, Oliver seems to be running the race (living life) in a much more life giving way than me. He's doing a much better job of bringing God's kingdom (as far as treating people as Jesus treated people). I guess, when it all comes to head, he still isn't perfect, and niether am I. But, b/c I've trusted my life to Christ, I'm 'saved' and he's not. Hard to swallow, but I guess it sounds more reasonable when I write it out. Trusting your life to Chirst is the key... living life therafter is the hard part. With all the love God has shown me, how come I don't wake up in the morning and say, "How can I share with someone else the love God has given me?" I haven't ever done that throughout a day, and many times I have not even thought about that at all. And, burning in my still, Oliver has done that a lot, maybe intentionally, maybe not, but he's done it. I can testify to that.
Ephesians: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this, not of yourselves, it is a gift from God -- not by works so that no one can boast.
I'm boasting for Oliver. But, can he not have true communion with God b/c he follows a misleading religion? I guess his religion is all based on works.. not observing birthdays, Christmas, school mascots, no drinking alcohol... etc. Maybe he is in to following strict guidelines... but he certainly has a good heart. And I guess I'm distressed there is no hope for him currently.

Today, I met with Katie for lunch. It was fun to laugh and talk and tell stories. She really brings out a fun side of me that's not always present elsewhere. With some of my guy friends, I get a competative attitude, with other girls, I try to hard to impress them... even though they probably don't care. But, with Katie, it's chill. Laughs and smiles are always around. It was a fun couple of hours.

I am leaving this place in just four days... and seeing all these wonderful people makes me sad it's comming so soon.

Out
-C P