another Lewisian insight

I've realize more and more the amount of stuff that has flown under my radar when taking a second look at things. Namely literature and all sorts of media from back when I was younger.

The pop culture references made by Animaniacs. The opera and classical music homages made by Looney Tunes. The numerous allegorical references made by countless authors in long forgotten short stories and novels I've read in my much younger youth.

Some of the most prominent novels from years before that comes to mind are the Chronicles of Narnia. Needless to say, jam-packed with allegory.

I've decided to read and reread the novels in the series and add my own commentary to the already countless writings on said novels.

The Magician's Nephew
-Aslan sings existence into being.
Biblical translations have said that God spoke existence into being. What if He sang it instead? Would it be any less beautiful?

-Aslan said to Digory that since man brought corruption into the world, it is through man that he will save the world.
One man.......يسوع .יֵשׁוּעַ. 耶穌. 예수님. Ἰησοῦς. Иисус. Iesus. Through His victory we no longer fear the death that comes from Adam's failure.

-Aslan makes Frank and Helen king and queen of Narnia.
God put Adam and Eve in charge of a newly created existence. With that, I daresay, it is implied that they were to look after and take care of the Earth. We should do likewise.

-Is it always the case that each family has a crazy/weird uncle?
-The horse was named "Strawberry", and then it grew wings and his name was changed to "Fledge". I personally think "The Flying Strawberry" should have been it.
-Did the idea of the green and yellow rings give rise to the idea of the red and blue pills in The Matrix?

Other books to follow.

Hitchcockian moment

Halloween has come early. For me that is.

It was a scene straight out of "The Birds".

I was driving through this neighborhood when what seemed like several flocks (emphasis on "several flocks") of dark colored birds descended on me. I know now how Tippi Hedren must have felt when filming.

Never had I seen so many birds. I empathize more dearly with ornithophobiacs now.

about MADANG time

English speakers have corrupted so many different languages through different opinions on spelling, bad pronunciation, and a plethora of other mistakes. The one I've made and have been making is of both the former and intentional.

16 October was much anticipated. This reunion was a long time coming. Perhaps happening at the right time, in my opinion. It had been 3 months since the MADANGs were all together and I'm pretty sure that the 3 of us can all agree, it was definitely needed.

We all met at an undisclosed place, bright and early. Except I was running on CP time and VR was on that RIDONK time. All is forgiven, us MADANGs are allowed to do so.

SB and I decided that we wanted to not be here shortly before VR's arrival. The following half hour was too funny.

The not so subtle Soviet-China-Audio-Love-Poems-(ing) tickets was interesting. Rent-A-Cops were ever present in every parking lot corner. It was soon home to a nice honorary MADANG couple. Props to them.

We all piled in SB's ride for the rest of the day. Props to SB for driving stick. Quite possibly the only chick I know who can.

The much adored, hated, and missed Shining Crown Jewel was our oyster for today. French food was requisite and our rendez-vous with M. Jean Jacques was a definite necessity. Le déjeuner was TOO good, my whole day could have been spent in that restaurant alone. But of course, M. Jacques could not be held up and has YET to have disappointed me every time we meet. I regret not sending HC some. Much apologies.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in SB's whip catching up, contemplating life, and exploring other parts of the Shining Crown Jewel. It seems so bizarre minus the other missed and loved folks being there. Mad props to VR for getting us those journals. VR knows which ones.

We parted ways at Chez Le Roi, just a few minutes away from our original destination.

Of course, another meeting is in the works. When that time comes, world just wait.

meaningful conversations

Genesis 1:3
And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Much of our daily discourse is usually of frivolous matters which in the end amount to little or no worth at all. I realize the former statement is highly cynical even nihilistic. Bear with me though.

How long can we talk of the weather? How many times can we talk about the taste of food before we tire of both the food and the conversation? How much gossip and lies do we spread over the course of a day? How many times do we talk for sake of filling the void of silence?

Small talk is necessary for risk of offending people we've just become acquainted with, but after all is said and done, what else is there left to say?

Once relationships have been established and it is known that we are to and want to maintain them, by all means indulge in small talk, but know there are much more meaningful conversations to be had.

Why is the sky blue? Do my eyes pop out if I don't close them when I sneeze? Why do we need stinkbugs?

Why does the caged bird sing? What happens to a dream differed? How do I compare thee to a summer's day?

These conversations occur in hopes that they will lead to...

How can I help you through this time of need?
How can we move pass this situation?
How can I pray for you?

1 Thessalonians 2:8
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Paul wrote these words to the Church in Thessalonica because he knew there was something, Someone worth talking about.

I hope to remember such words everyday, in the meantime, I gotta work on my small talk.

American Dreaming

I believe in America.

Mario Puzo once wrote these words in praise of this wonderful country we live in. Others beg to differ, but that's because they don't live here.

Aside from the jingoistic fancies, I've heard many stories of immigrants coming to the home of the free with a few dollars in their pockets hoping to make it big and to live the Dream. In turn, American history is full of people who have had nothing to their names make ridonkolous fortunes in their lifetimes from honest hard work, all sorts of hustlin', or just dumb luck. Sometimes all three.

This very notion of the American Dream has been ingrained in the very essence of my being for as long as I can remember. Having grown up in a household with immigrant parents and with other families and friends of more immigrants, I was almost constantly reminded of this Dream.

Everybody in the land of the brave has had some kind of chutzpah in fulfilling theirs. Due props to them for it is on their backs that the foundation was laid and that the miracle of America was built upon.

What then and how does this Dream come into fruition for me? Is it through the newly placed white picket fence surrounding the McMansion? Is it through acquiring Sparky the golden retriever? Maybe it's a yacht. Hopefully playing Powerball can get me all this.

I believe dreams make the world go round, not money. Yes, dreams come true. Yes, living the dream is a GREAT achievement. BUT, what good is the Dream if I gain the whole world yet forfeit my soul?

Matthew 6:19-21.

Read it and not weep.

Rejoice.

mooncakes and the such

中秋節.

This is the first time in a long time that I've actually celebrated it with a proper 月餅. So syked to eat one, it's been ages. 蓮蓉 ones, hands down, are the best. Don't argue with me on this, it'll be a lost cause.

After eating such wonderful things, as by custom, an observance of the full moon was in order. I remember once again why so many poets write about the moon, it truly is beautiful. He definitely knew what He was doing when creating all that celestial stuff.

It just so happens that this Mid-Autumn Festival also coincided with the first day of autumn. Go figure. I hear people talking about this super harvest moon thing we're supposed to be experiencing with this full moon. This brouhaha sounds like werewolves are expected to come out of the woodwork.

Come whatever, I'm gonna get me some more of that mooncake. MMM. 中秋節快樂!

praying, writing, fighting, listening, waiting

This is an overdue post.

Back in April, my dear CCF planned for a retreat. This was in our talks and prayers for months and finally came together after getting all the details worked out. MH graciously offered her family mountain home in Wintergreen for us to use for this weekend getaway, the usual folks took care of rides, PT folks did their thing, and VH and me in charge of food. Wooo!

Honestly, I've only been on a few retreats but this would be the first one that I would play a big role. The speaking role.

Of course, the 2 weeks before the whole getaway was spent praying and writing as to what would be suitable to talk about. How He listens and delivers! It ended up as a mixture of conversations I've had with Him and others I've had over the last 3 years. Writing this piece was of great joy and emotion.

We all definitely needed this break. After being slammed with papers, mid-terms, projects, and the usual spring semester pandemonium...I think it was well deserved.

I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves there that weekend because I tried and succeeded...to some extent. That weekend has forever been etched into my mind as one of the most intense weekends spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc. etc. All across the board, hands down.

The drive up was very scenic. Never have I seen so much rolling green hills and countryside. At the same time, never have I ever gone up and down land so steep. Pauvre Renée.

Everybody turned in rather soon after a long afternoon of driving and hearty dinner. I couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind. I awoke TOO early and began breakfast. Cooking brings me peace. But only for a moment. Saturday was the day that His words would be flowing through my mouth. I hope and pray His words from my mouth still resonate in our ears.

I think every emotion, thought, and action possible crossed my mind that weekend. Joy. Hate. Peace. Jealousy. Love. Despair. Kindness. Bitterness. Truth. Lies. Happiness. Sorrow. Fear. Hope.

Sleep didn't happen that weekend. I'm used to it. There's always the following weekend to sleep.

Conversations and thoughts which brought tears to my eyes and joy to heart that weekend still resonate with me.

Finding a quiet room in house with 11 other people is hard but doable. I needed His peace. So grateful He always provides the littlest of things.

Sunday was the drive back. So long mountain house, back to the war that is school in April.

Despite the overtaxing of every sense of my being, in retrospect, I'm glad and grateful it happened. I remember a conversation I had with CM's dad about welcoming and embracing adversity. We both agreed on this one prevalent notion, we are better for it after embracing it.

He pushes us to the edge in times of adversity in hopes that we fight with Him for Him. Or run back to Him. In both situations, we have to no less depend on Him. 是我們所倚靠的!

On the same note, listening to Him is a learned process. The whole weekend I continued trying fine tuning my being to hear Him. We're always talking to Him, He most definitely is responding. Just gotta listen.

I anticipate another retreat. Full of praying. Full of writing. Full of fighting. Full of listening. Full of waiting.

耶和華 ─ 我的神啊，祢所行的奇事!