Tuesday, September 21, 2004

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... Cue symphonic buildup. Cue zooming title. Yes - I purchased the STARS WARS trilogy and I watched the entire thing yesterday (3 movies + 3hr documentary) in one sitting. I fell asleep at times, but man oh man, they were good movies. I used a $10 off coupon from chapters.ca and I even got the movie the day before the official release. Need to pre-order movies more often. While watching the movies (and to be honest, doing some other stuff on the side), I noticed a few things. The pacing's not up to our ADD-generation standards, but I love the movies for what they represent - it is the culmination of cinematic advances married to cultural relevance. It radiated in the hearts of the first watchers in the 70s, and is still finding many followers in recent years despite a poor prequel story. I watched the documentary and it highlighted a few things about the making of the movie that I didn't know/appreciate: - STAR WARS was the first epic type of space/fantasy movie. Before that, most space movies were a la 2001: Space Odyssey - Lucas got in major trouble for not putting the names of the actors in the beginning of the STAR WARS. The director's guild of america 'ordered' Lucas to recut the film and put some credits at the beginning. Lucas refused, got fined, paid up - then quite the guild. - Pixar animation studios was originally part of Industrial Light and Magic. I watch movies because I foremost enjoy this form of entertainment. It's said somewhere that to know the people, see what entertains them - and movies are a good indicator of the type of society that we currently live in. If the current listing of films out there are a hint of our culture, I think we definitely live in some interesting times. Bah, enough of the social commentary. Need to do some more work (than watch a bit more Star Wars). May the force be with you.


Yu-Ling posted at 9/21/2004 11:59:00 AM

Saturday, September 18, 2004

Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. Or something. I dunno, I was only half listening. Becca said it, anyway. Ask her.

- M Scott Peck

All ontario universities are in full swing of things so my work at AFC is consistently becoming more interesting (yet complicated). My basic weekly schedule consists of the following: sun - church mon - free tues - TCBC grad group at nite weds - Ryerson CCF at nite thurs - office work, biblical interpretation class at nite fri - office work sat - office work in morning I'm glad I am having a consistent schedule now. The only difficulty is the numerous commitments and the conflicting meeting times. For instance, I have committed to being a part of the english ministry committee. Now I don't expect the committee to plan around my schedule, yet clearly I am busy on certain nites. Right now, if there is a meeting planned for tues nite, I have to discern which meeting to attend. Planning is important for the church, however, my grad group is important for my personal development. My duties with AFC also requires additional meetings on top of the regular office hours. So I find myself involved with several large projects that will require multiple meetings and again, I have to discern how I may utilize my time. Several weeks ago, my dad tried to get me to read a book about time management. I refused since I currently have a book reading list that will last me til december. He stressed the importance of the book because he noticed my current attitude/skill of managing my time. I still hold my position that such books are certainly helpful, but ultimately it will not relieve me of my base problem: busyness in life. I know some people who find a busy/active life to be very fulfilling. I think I lean towards this attitude - but I also treasure times of leisure, rest... even to the point of longing for an ascetic lifestyle. So how do I achieve this balance? Or is balance even the ultimate goal? In my study of the book 'The Connecting Church' and various passages from the bible, I only have a sense that a christian lifestyle should be simpler. I don't know what are the direct applications of such a statement, but I will definitely explore it much further. Thought of the day: Are you spiritual? Tune in again for backpain bemoanings from the baptist church.


Yu-Ling posted at 9/18/2004 01:18:00 PM

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Biblical community is the life of Christ on earth today. I mentioned before that I am a member of TCBC’s grad group. Basically, we are a small group that have begun to meet weekly for two months for the purpose of community. I gotta admit, this keyword: community, has to be one of the greater brass rings that is tossed around in human ideals. I think first of all, people have to recognize the necessity of human interaction. And in this time and age where people can be constantly entertained in social settings with dozens of people – many people still feel an increasing sense of isolation, distress, and powerless growing inside of them. George Gallup Jr. concluded from his studies and polls that Americans (western culture in general) are among the loneliest people in the world. Back to my grad group. Recently, we have been analyzing our group goals and values. We’re trying to discern the direction for certain decisions – especially regarding focus and openness. In spite of the differences amongst the group, I always thought that we were a ‘typical’ representation of a loving community. Yet, the word ‘typical’ is a double-edged sword and I’m beginning to see the critiques of said community – even a Christian community. First, I know we are dealing with redeemed-imperfect-people. Therefore, the understanding of the group dynamic is crucial. How can I truly love the other person if I’m constantly thinking about my own well being or comfort level. And yet, I am trying to be considerate and allow for other members to have their own personal biases and pitfalls (don’t we all have them?). People are difficult to live with – but I cannot live without them. Secondly, the level of intimacy found in this community is not more profound then any other relationship group that I belong to. Is there any difference between our group and AA (of course AA has helped many people, and we have a lot to learn from their redemptive actions)? Where is the development of meaningful relationships where every member carries a significant sense of belonging? Lastly, as a body of believers – as representatives of the body of Christ, the fundamental strategy of the church is the function of community. I know I think primary about myself – because I have received a minimal return on my investment of time… I assume that the group is not for me. Because I have found that the church is not impactful or significant enough to make the short list of activities for which I had time. Yet, the ‘Scripture lead one to conclude that God intends the church, not to be one more bolt on the wheel of activity in our lives, but the very hub at the center of one’s life and community.’ (FRAZEE, p.37) Perhaps instead of looking at the various ways we can adapt to each other’s attitudes and emotional characters, we should carefully examine how God has formed communities in the past. This is definitely going to be another long-time research/development goal of mine. Tune in again for more confessions of a china man.


Yu-Ling posted at 9/08/2004 10:03:00 PM

Friday, September 03, 2004

"Y'know I wanted to tell you yesterday, but I just, I kinda felt all floopy..."

- Phoebe Sr, FRIENDS

So my brain's kinda on the fritz right now. Anyways, here'a few thoughts that are floating through my head. Starburst fruit&creme candy is good. Love reading books on methodology, strategies, and communication. Need more contemplative/devotional time. What was my 'sacred pathway' again? Ah yes... Ascetic - loving God in Solitude and simplicity. Need to go for a drive around the city by myself - mainly for spiritual refilling purposes, of course. WarCraft 3 is tough - I'm used to swarming by numbers, not casting multiple spells. TCBC Grad group is in transition - I hope we find a common ground and begin to grow outward and inward at the same time. [Need those slaps in the face - need to slap other people in the face] Leadership, vision, strategy, reflection, commitment, implementation - it's a jumbled of roles that is slowly coming together. AFC/CCF/GCN relationship - what's to come? What is the potential for community amongst my univ friends? To what extent? Back to the campus - longing for the campus life again. It'll be especially interesting as I will be spending time on ryerson campus and tyndale. Am I a post-modern christian? Maybe leaning more in that direction - dangerous, but exciting. Hmmm... gained back the weight that I lost in last year univ and quite a bit more. Exercise is definitely in the 'to do' list :P Favourite verses of the week: Proverbs 30:18,19 Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a girl. Tune in again for more musings from AFC office.


Yu-Ling posted at 9/03/2004 01:51:00 PM