30.1.12
26.1.12
Lately
Evangelism, discipleship, biblical counseling, strategy, ministry mind shifts, church membership, responsibility, the value of faithfulness & commitment to people & things, dying to self & meeting the needs of others, intentionality & diligence in life goals, intentionally learning about various aspects of the world, continual intentional reading--this is a snippet list of what I have been learning & experiencing the values of these past few months.
It is so exciting to learn more and more--Praise God for teaching me!
I do realize that I used the word "intentional" many times in the above list.
24.1.12
22.1.12
Excited
"The first step in effective time management is often to take the time to plan!"
The Wise Woman Manages Her Home
It's exciting to see what I've learned by experience in print. Even more exciting to see the fruit of such principles. Continuing to grow.
The Wise Woman Manages Her Home
It's exciting to see what I've learned by experience in print. Even more exciting to see the fruit of such principles. Continuing to grow.
21.1.12
The title
Titles are very important. I remember my professor stressing the value of titles in my creative writing poetry class, quite especially. During my late Sherlock Holmes readings, I've remembered how titles may actually add to the experience of a story, or help to understand it.
I was recently asked why the title of this blog is called "An Inconsolable Longing." (Although, it may well be noted that I often change the title of this blog to whatever I please.) However, as of late, this particular phrase has haunted me as I once read it in reference to an understanding of Tolkein and Lewis. Please click here to read where this came from.
I quite resonate with this "inconsolable longing" that Piper refers to.
20.1.12
Latest read
"Colonel Ross still wore an expression which showed the poor opinion which he had formed of my companion's ability, but I saw by the Inspector's face that his attention had been keenly aroused.
'You consider that to be important?' he asked.
'Exceedingly so.'
'Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?'
'To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.'
'The dog did nothing in the night-time.'
'That was the curious incident,' remarked Sherlock Holmes."
I've been reading some Doyle this week. It's great fun. I always try to beat Sherlock at trying to solve the mystery, but it really is a pointless pursuit as I'll never be able to see all the clues that Sherlock paints before he explains them to me. But I did beat Watson at solving A Case of Identity today. :)
'You consider that to be important?' he asked.
'Exceedingly so.'
'Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?'
'To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.'
'The dog did nothing in the night-time.'
'That was the curious incident,' remarked Sherlock Holmes."
I've been reading some Doyle this week. It's great fun. I always try to beat Sherlock at trying to solve the mystery, but it really is a pointless pursuit as I'll never be able to see all the clues that Sherlock paints before he explains them to me. But I did beat Watson at solving A Case of Identity today. :)
19.1.12
This morning-thoughts
It feels really good after having a very detailed and painfully scary nightmare to wake up in a safe apartment on my comfortable and warm couch. My heart feels happy just thinking about this. I think there is a particular pleasure in the process of being comforted after hurt.
God is my ultimate comforter. He receives pleasure and glory when I allow Him to comfort me.
18.1.12
Fitzgerald
"There was music from my neighbor's house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars. At high tide in the afternoon I watched his guests diving from the tower of his raft or taking the sun on the hot sand of his beach while his two motor-boats slit the waters of the Sound, drawing aquaplanes over cataracts of foam."
Beautiful writing makes me happy. I want to be in this scene.
17.1.12
16.1.12
What if
I had a thought. What if everyone was taught to read at least five world news articles in the morning before they began their day? This would mean that the conversation between people throughout the day would be much more well informed and decent opinions and ideas would arise from society!
I'm going to try to start doing this, but I need others to help me!
I'm going to try to start doing this, but I need others to help me!
Hoy
Today was and is: a day off, a SUPERB talk with my discipler, possible big moving plans in the making, a failed attempt at making chocolate covered almonds, the best looking batch of chocolate chip cookies I've ever made, Spanish lessons for the bulk of my day, and dinner with friends.
15.1.12
El aeropuerto estaba fenomenal
Airports are great for entertainment. Today I had a chance to visit the airport & pick up friends of mine, but I arrived earlier than necessary because I wanted to people watch. I headed straight for Starbucks and strangely enough, there was no barista in sight so I sat on a stool to begin my entertainment. A few minutes later someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned to find a tall, curly long-haired man, with a rugged face and indie tattoos on his forearms. "Are you waiting for a drink or just waiting?" he asked. He was loud and full of smiles. I would describe Daniel as full of life, curious, and sociable. I feel fondly towards him, but perhaps I feel fondly toward him because he gave me a free drink and had some nice words to say to me. I don't think that was it.
Since it was a slow day for this particular Starbucks, the barista and I got to talking.
The best part of my day is when Daniel pointed out something. There was an old couple walking side by side together towards security. They looked just like any normal couple until you noticed the details. They were both pulling one carry on roller bag together. Their hands shared the plastic handle, side by side, in a sweet way that expressed, we don't have to say a word. Daniel and I both admired and watched until they arrived at security. The white haired man kissed his (wife?) on the forehead as she departed. He waited until she was through security before he left the airport. It was possibly the sweetest thing I've ever seen and certainly made my day.
Daniel and I, we shared a moment in time, an experience, together. We made a memory that neither of us will ever have shared with anyone else. We discussed our mutual love of people watching, various ways people watching can teach you life lessons, funny people watching stories, and had a genuinely good conversation. It was a genuinely pleasurable hour of my time, sitting with a stranger and watching the world travel. While I was waiting for my friends.
What are moments like this derived from? Can they be intentionally made? Or do they just happen whenever the mystic forces allow them to? I'm going to think about this.
I need to sleep. Today was a rough day and my head is aching worse than it has in a while.
Since it was a slow day for this particular Starbucks, the barista and I got to talking.
The best part of my day is when Daniel pointed out something. There was an old couple walking side by side together towards security. They looked just like any normal couple until you noticed the details. They were both pulling one carry on roller bag together. Their hands shared the plastic handle, side by side, in a sweet way that expressed, we don't have to say a word. Daniel and I both admired and watched until they arrived at security. The white haired man kissed his (wife?) on the forehead as she departed. He waited until she was through security before he left the airport. It was possibly the sweetest thing I've ever seen and certainly made my day.
Daniel and I, we shared a moment in time, an experience, together. We made a memory that neither of us will ever have shared with anyone else. We discussed our mutual love of people watching, various ways people watching can teach you life lessons, funny people watching stories, and had a genuinely good conversation. It was a genuinely pleasurable hour of my time, sitting with a stranger and watching the world travel. While I was waiting for my friends.
What are moments like this derived from? Can they be intentionally made? Or do they just happen whenever the mystic forces allow them to? I'm going to think about this.
I need to sleep. Today was a rough day and my head is aching worse than it has in a while.
Another social media rant
The reason people love facebook and twitter is because it takes all the work out of getting to know people and forming relationships. You can create a sense of knowing someone by adding them on facebook or reading their tweets. But that is false knowledge.
Social media is relationships without work, and it's teaching society that we don't need to work within our relationships. That's a lie--relationships require hard work and deep care and selflessness.
Social media is relationships without work, and it's teaching society that we don't need to work within our relationships. That's a lie--relationships require hard work and deep care and selflessness.
11.1.12
Lately
Last night I couldn't go to sleep because I kept talking to myself. I seriously couldn't stop.
Here is a link to my pintrest. I don't use it much but I like the idea of pintrest because it's fun to have tasteful/pretty pictures all found in one place if I ever need some creative inspiration. http://pinterest.com/jaclynmarina/my-style-my-life-in-spice/
Here is a link to my pintrest. I don't use it much but I like the idea of pintrest because it's fun to have tasteful/pretty pictures all found in one place if I ever need some creative inspiration. http://pinterest.com/jaclynmarina/my-style-my-life-in-spice/
Is education a business? We need a revolution.
There is a crisis going on within the U.S. Higher Education system. Here's a mesh of a few of my thoughts--not aiming for anything special.
Students are not being challenged to think critically--or think at all. Youth of this generation have lost their ambition. I think it's plain that if this pattern continues the next generation of America will grow up uninformed about virtually everything. Many students sleepwalk through college and still graduate with a degree (another problem: the grade curve) and they do this having learned nothing. I did this. I know many others who did this.
Faculty is not motivated to care about the quality of their teaching mostly because of two problems: 1) tenure-a well-known issue 2) the faculty at most higher education institutions are not paid very well anymore, or are now only hired part time. This eventually has an effect on the quality of education that is being given as many professors are forced to juggle two or three part time jobs at the same time and because of this, have no sense of loyalty to their employer or students.
In 1972, the U.S. government implemented what is now known as the Federal Pell Grant in order to help low income students get off the street and lower the unemployment rate. When it began, the Pell Grant would pay over 95% of tuition towards a public education. Today I would say the Pell Grant covers maybe 25% of it.
Eventually, with economic recessions combined with bad politics, the government began leaning away from grants and more towards low-interest federal student loans. On top of that, it became a trend to cut education budgets first since educational institutions can actually create a revenue for themselves--by raising tuition and fees. This is a bad idea.
Problems only surmount. Particularly during the the economic recession of 2008 Americans began flocking back to school; especially in response to the rising unemployment rate. Such a explosion in enrollment for public schools made it difficult to accommodate everyone, because of their cut educational budgets. Many institutions were forced to cut faculty, hire part time, (which cuts down the number of classes offered) and alongside that, to increase tuition and fees. What were our students left with? They now have to pay more money, as they stay in school longer, and the longer they stay in school the more their interest accumulates on student debt.
Enter the latest craze: for profit trade schools. Many turn education into a business as they have discovered a new way to finance these institutions. (I'd be interested to know what the reader's opinion on this is:) Wall Street investors sell and buy shares of for profit schools. Is it ethical for education to be considered a business? Not to mention the insanely ridiculous price per credit hour for profits often charge. A program certificate, diploma, or degree at a for profit often costs twice the amount one would pay for an associates degree at a public school-- and for what is most often less quality of an education. These types of institutions prey on potential students by marketing quick programs to complete a degree in 9, 12, or 18 months; hands-on job experience; AND guaranteed career placement. What could be more enticing to an uninformed, first generation college seeking student, who doesn't really even like school? They are sold a product. They are sold education. These students sign papers to take out federal grants, loans, and then private loans, to finance the gap, and end up receiving a piece of paper that usually will not give them the kind of job they were promised. Nor help them pay any of those loans back.
All the while, Wall Street investors make millions as 10% of college students in the U.S. are enrolled in for profit schools, yet owe 50% of the federal student loan debt in America. (Not to mention private loan debt, which is nearly equal to the amount of U.S. credit card debt- $750 million.) So who funds these for profit schools like University of Phoenix, ITT Technical Institute, Devry University, (etc.) and essentially, their multi-billion dollar investors? That would be you and me, the taxpayers.
Don't even get me started on quality of education acquired from these for profit educators.
What can we expect from the future generations of this country if we grow up to be uneducated and in debt? Is this crisis unavoidable or can something be done?
Personally, I think that if I am to avoid the inevitable wreck these future generations may be headed into, the only answer is to rescue my ambition. I must learn to do what the past generations did: work hard at my job, be faithful, and read books & newspapers to educate myself.
Grow some curiosity. Grow some ambition.
Students are not being challenged to think critically--or think at all. Youth of this generation have lost their ambition. I think it's plain that if this pattern continues the next generation of America will grow up uninformed about virtually everything. Many students sleepwalk through college and still graduate with a degree (another problem: the grade curve) and they do this having learned nothing. I did this. I know many others who did this.
Faculty is not motivated to care about the quality of their teaching mostly because of two problems: 1) tenure-a well-known issue 2) the faculty at most higher education institutions are not paid very well anymore, or are now only hired part time. This eventually has an effect on the quality of education that is being given as many professors are forced to juggle two or three part time jobs at the same time and because of this, have no sense of loyalty to their employer or students.
In 1972, the U.S. government implemented what is now known as the Federal Pell Grant in order to help low income students get off the street and lower the unemployment rate. When it began, the Pell Grant would pay over 95% of tuition towards a public education. Today I would say the Pell Grant covers maybe 25% of it.
Eventually, with economic recessions combined with bad politics, the government began leaning away from grants and more towards low-interest federal student loans. On top of that, it became a trend to cut education budgets first since educational institutions can actually create a revenue for themselves--by raising tuition and fees. This is a bad idea.
Problems only surmount. Particularly during the the economic recession of 2008 Americans began flocking back to school; especially in response to the rising unemployment rate. Such a explosion in enrollment for public schools made it difficult to accommodate everyone, because of their cut educational budgets. Many institutions were forced to cut faculty, hire part time, (which cuts down the number of classes offered) and alongside that, to increase tuition and fees. What were our students left with? They now have to pay more money, as they stay in school longer, and the longer they stay in school the more their interest accumulates on student debt.
Enter the latest craze: for profit trade schools. Many turn education into a business as they have discovered a new way to finance these institutions. (I'd be interested to know what the reader's opinion on this is:) Wall Street investors sell and buy shares of for profit schools. Is it ethical for education to be considered a business? Not to mention the insanely ridiculous price per credit hour for profits often charge. A program certificate, diploma, or degree at a for profit often costs twice the amount one would pay for an associates degree at a public school-- and for what is most often less quality of an education. These types of institutions prey on potential students by marketing quick programs to complete a degree in 9, 12, or 18 months; hands-on job experience; AND guaranteed career placement. What could be more enticing to an uninformed, first generation college seeking student, who doesn't really even like school? They are sold a product. They are sold education. These students sign papers to take out federal grants, loans, and then private loans, to finance the gap, and end up receiving a piece of paper that usually will not give them the kind of job they were promised. Nor help them pay any of those loans back.
All the while, Wall Street investors make millions as 10% of college students in the U.S. are enrolled in for profit schools, yet owe 50% of the federal student loan debt in America. (Not to mention private loan debt, which is nearly equal to the amount of U.S. credit card debt- $750 million.) So who funds these for profit schools like University of Phoenix, ITT Technical Institute, Devry University, (etc.) and essentially, their multi-billion dollar investors? That would be you and me, the taxpayers.
Don't even get me started on quality of education acquired from these for profit educators.
What can we expect from the future generations of this country if we grow up to be uneducated and in debt? Is this crisis unavoidable or can something be done?
Personally, I think that if I am to avoid the inevitable wreck these future generations may be headed into, the only answer is to rescue my ambition. I must learn to do what the past generations did: work hard at my job, be faithful, and read books & newspapers to educate myself.
Grow some curiosity. Grow some ambition.
9.1.12
Higher Education
Think about it:
A possible danger of online classes would be the fast-foodization of higher education where low cost, convenience, and the ease of finishing become values in themselves to the possible detriment of what can only be accomplished slowly and over time.
...We Americans want fast-food everything.
A possible danger of online classes would be the fast-foodization of higher education where low cost, convenience, and the ease of finishing become values in themselves to the possible detriment of what can only be accomplished slowly and over time.
...We Americans want fast-food everything.
7.1.12
What a run will do
Although, my entire life I had hoped to be a nomad, I was not prepared for everything moving to a new city would hold. I came to Louisville with a blank slate. I didn't know anyone and no one knew who I truly was. There is nothing that excites me more than unlimited potential--I'm a optimist.
During my run today, I was struck with the thought that what I like to do most is busy my life with a little color. When I first moved to Louisville, I think I forgot who I was. I was caught up in potential. Today I remembered a little bit of who I am.
I like color
I like to create aesthetic experiences for other people
I like quirky things
I like to create
I like to write--it's the best way I can communicate, but I don't practice it as much as I should
I like to read--theology and literature, & not contemporary books, & I'm trying to get into history
I like to listen to NPR
I like music--all types are appropriate for different situations, except country, which is never appropriate
I like to cook--particularly out of Julia Child's French cookbook, it's like art
I like organic gardens
I like flowers
I like roadtrips--I am the master of planning roadtrips
I like to travel, especially international travel and I find myself mostly drawn to internationals rather than American friends
I like finding obscure places to hang out
I like people watching
I like challenges--although it may not seem like it, I do have a competitive spirit
I like to continually learn--above all this is most important to me
I like to run
I like to make new friends & follow up with them
I like to think about deep things, but I never keep it in my brain for long because I have difficulty focusing sometimes and unless something is written out before me it doesn't make a lot of sense in my head, so sometimes I get great thoughts that I need to write out but I don't make time to because my great thoughts usually come when I'm in the shower or about to fall asleep or out for a run
I like higher education
I like learning languages--but have had difficulty in the past with focus
I like change and newness
I write the above list not because I am expert in any of it, but because these things make me happy. I don't know a lot of things; I have little experience and even less knowledge. But I am excited to live this life because I trust that I will learn and grow. Learning and growing is the most exciting thing about life.
During my run today, I was struck with the thought that what I like to do most is busy my life with a little color. When I first moved to Louisville, I think I forgot who I was. I was caught up in potential. Today I remembered a little bit of who I am.
I like color
I like to create aesthetic experiences for other people
I like quirky things
I like to create
I like to write--it's the best way I can communicate, but I don't practice it as much as I should
I like to read--theology and literature, & not contemporary books, & I'm trying to get into history
I like to listen to NPR
I like music--all types are appropriate for different situations, except country, which is never appropriate
I like to cook--particularly out of Julia Child's French cookbook, it's like art
I like organic gardens
I like flowers
I like roadtrips--I am the master of planning roadtrips
I like to travel, especially international travel and I find myself mostly drawn to internationals rather than American friends
I like finding obscure places to hang out
I like people watching
I like challenges--although it may not seem like it, I do have a competitive spirit
I like to continually learn--above all this is most important to me
I like to run
I like to make new friends & follow up with them
I like to think about deep things, but I never keep it in my brain for long because I have difficulty focusing sometimes and unless something is written out before me it doesn't make a lot of sense in my head, so sometimes I get great thoughts that I need to write out but I don't make time to because my great thoughts usually come when I'm in the shower or about to fall asleep or out for a run
I like higher education
I like learning languages--but have had difficulty in the past with focus
I like change and newness
I write the above list not because I am expert in any of it, but because these things make me happy. I don't know a lot of things; I have little experience and even less knowledge. But I am excited to live this life because I trust that I will learn and grow. Learning and growing is the most exciting thing about life.
6.1.12
The reason you won't delete your facebook
** Whoops, currently being edited
Since the explosion of social media during the past few years, a particular question has unceasingly continued to cross my mind. Why is social media so popular and, dare I say, addictive? I've tried to make sense of it through my own personal reflection and experience. Since joining facebook around 7 years ago, I'd say that I've deleted my account a good 20 times--only to reinstate it, every time. And I know quite a few others who have done the same. So why can we count on sites like twitter, facebook, and blogspot to attract and (imprison) the online society? Please consider with me one possible conclusion.
Although at the moment I cannot find the exact quote that I am thinking of from John Piper's Desiring God, I'll never forget his point that our joy is multiplied when we are able to share experience with others. Consider the reason stories are told. If something particularly out of the ordinary happens during the day, a desire to share these happenings with another grows for the simple joy of hearing and sharing. A good story makes people happy--especially for the teller of the story. Joy is also had if there were a particular person who experienced that story with you, mutual bond is formed and can never die. (Memories.) Ultimately, my point is that joy is multiplied when people get to share their thoughts & experiences with others.
Secondly, upon reflection, I've decided that I think what people want most in life is to experience loving, self sacrificial care and engaging, thoughtful conversation with others. People desire community; God created them to desire it. People desire to share their experiences with other others; and they want them to care, self sacrificially.
My point? Society can be counted on to continue to post photos to facebook, update their twitter status, and describe their day on blogspot because they've found a way to share experiences with others. People want others to know "What they are thinking" or "What they are doing" because they want to have a voice, they want to be heard, they want to share and connect. Comments on a particular experience is a plus but whether others care or not--it's not an issue--once you hit "Publish," "Tweet," or "Post" the words are out there and available for others to read, and, ultimately, to care.
This is the reason social media has exploded. It has resonated with the deepest longings of the human heart--connection to other people, community.
Since the explosion of social media during the past few years, a particular question has unceasingly continued to cross my mind. Why is social media so popular and, dare I say, addictive? I've tried to make sense of it through my own personal reflection and experience. Since joining facebook around 7 years ago, I'd say that I've deleted my account a good 20 times--only to reinstate it, every time. And I know quite a few others who have done the same. So why can we count on sites like twitter, facebook, and blogspot to attract and (imprison) the online society? Please consider with me one possible conclusion.
Although at the moment I cannot find the exact quote that I am thinking of from John Piper's Desiring God, I'll never forget his point that our joy is multiplied when we are able to share experience with others. Consider the reason stories are told. If something particularly out of the ordinary happens during the day, a desire to share these happenings with another grows for the simple joy of hearing and sharing. A good story makes people happy--especially for the teller of the story. Joy is also had if there were a particular person who experienced that story with you, mutual bond is formed and can never die. (Memories.) Ultimately, my point is that joy is multiplied when people get to share their thoughts & experiences with others.
Secondly, upon reflection, I've decided that I think what people want most in life is to experience loving, self sacrificial care and engaging, thoughtful conversation with others. People desire community; God created them to desire it. People desire to share their experiences with other others; and they want them to care, self sacrificially.
My point? Society can be counted on to continue to post photos to facebook, update their twitter status, and describe their day on blogspot because they've found a way to share experiences with others. People want others to know "What they are thinking" or "What they are doing" because they want to have a voice, they want to be heard, they want to share and connect. Comments on a particular experience is a plus but whether others care or not--it's not an issue--once you hit "Publish," "Tweet," or "Post" the words are out there and available for others to read, and, ultimately, to care.
This is the reason social media has exploded. It has resonated with the deepest longings of the human heart--connection to other people, community.
2.1.12
The Church & community
"According to Paul, gospel partnership is the normal Christian life. It means standing together united in the gospel, determined to live as citizens of heaven in the midst of our corrupt generation, longing and striving to see the gospel be defended and proclaimed, and bravely copping the conflict, struggle and persecution that inevitably follow."
"Leaders, pastors and elders are responsible to teach, to warn, to rebuke, and to encourage. They are foremen and organizers, guardians and mobilizers, teachers and models. They provide the conditions under which the rest of the gospel partners can also get on with vine work--with prayerfully speaking God's truth to others."
-Marshall & Payne
The Church: prayerfully speaking God's truth to others, within a community of every day life. What a beautiful picture! I want to be a part of that. Develop a vision and make it happen.
"Leaders, pastors and elders are responsible to teach, to warn, to rebuke, and to encourage. They are foremen and organizers, guardians and mobilizers, teachers and models. They provide the conditions under which the rest of the gospel partners can also get on with vine work--with prayerfully speaking God's truth to others."
-Marshall & Payne
The Church: prayerfully speaking God's truth to others, within a community of every day life. What a beautiful picture! I want to be a part of that. Develop a vision and make it happen.
1.1.12
Ano Nuevo
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
(Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
(Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)
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