A Stone, A Cross, A Veil

The stone table. The cross. The temple veil.

The Stone Table was a great slab of rock supported on four smaller rocks, located in central Narnia. It had symbols and characters carved into it, the White Witch claimed they described the rules of the Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time. During the White Witch's winter revolution, she bound Aslan to the stone table and executed him using her stone knife. Susan and Lucy spent that night keeping a vigil at the Table over Aslan's body. At dawn when they witnessed Aslan's resurrection, the Table split in two right down the middle. This may have been because the Deep Magic, inscribed in the Stone Table, was reversed by Aslan's sacrifice, according to the rules of the Deeper Magic from Before the Dawn of Time.

The cross was 2 beams of wood crossed at the middle, towards the top. It stood on a hill outside the city. Christ was killed by being nailed to the cross and left to die. When Christ died it atoned for all the sins of all the nations, from the dawn of time to the end of the earth. Only thru the blood payment of Christ can we ever hope to be welcomed into the kingdom of God. 

The veil was what separated the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle from the priest and people that worshiped there. Only once a year, one man, the High Priest, could enter the Holy of Holies and make a sacrifice for all the sins of the nation. The Holy of Holies was where God dwelt. Of course, God is everywhere, and he can't be confined to a certian room, it was just a way for God to be nearer to us. The veil separaed God in all his glory and power from people. It was symbolic of the separation between man and God caused by sin. No one but the High Preist could enter.



Stone Table can be regarded as symbolizing the Mosaic law of the Old Testament. Just as Mosaic law, written on stone tablets, promised inflexible punishment for sin; so the Deep Magic written on the Stone Table said that for every treachery the Witch had the right to a kill. Just as Jesus transcended the rule of Mosaic law by dying on the Cross, allowing forgiveness of sins; so Aslan transcended the rule of the Deep Magic by dying on the Stone Table, allowing the forgiveness of Edmund's treachery. This is symbolized by the stone table cracking.

The cracking of the Stone Table into two pieces also is symbolic of tearing of the Veil of the Temple of Jerusalem. According to the Bible, the instant Jesus died, an earthquake occurred. Matthew 27:50-51 "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split."

The Temple's Veil, which itself symbolized the separation of God and humans, was torn in two. The Veil would have been around 60 feet tall and 4 inches thick. This symbolized that Jesus successfully atoned for the sins of Mankind and that God and Man would no longer be separate, in the same way that Edmund no longer was separated from Aslan, His friendship, and those in communion with Aslan.

J29 Haunted

"What dead person would you least want to be haunted by?"



Someone boring. i mean, if you have to be haunted, you'd at least want it to be by someone interesting, right? Whats the point if it's gonna be by someone dull, then you'd hardly notice they were there. Or a goody-two shoes, that would be even worse! That'd be like being haunted by a second consience! No! i'd hate that. =|

What about you?

J28 Strange Food

"What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?"

The stew i had on the rez. Definitely the stew. Mostly cause i have no idea what was in it. i didn't recognize some of the... vegetables. And i have no idea what the meat was; the whole thing had a kinda weird smell. i ate two bites and wished i hadn't.


My mom had some pretty disgusting things growing up, she grew up in the Philippines and they have some weird food there. One of the things she absolutely refused to eat (that's popular there) was a dish called balut. Here's the wikipedia definition:
A balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell.
Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors in the regions where they are available. It is commonly sold as street food in the Philippines.


Sounds disgusting, doesn't it? Of course, we eat hot dogs and all kinds of highly processed "meat product", i mean, what the hell is in "meat product"? That could be anything.


What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?


As of 5/7/11 i've had both eel and squid. i didn't like the texture of the squid, but the eel was really good!

Here I Go Moment

A "here i go moment" is defined as that moment when you give it all to God, and say "ok, God. i don't know whats ahead, i dont' understand, but i'm gonna trust you and follow even tho i dont' know what the future holds. It's in Your hands, i'm letting go."

i had a "Here i go moment" this summer. It was actually more than one moment, it was more like a month of struggling over a decision: To leave everything i know for the possibility of something better, or to stay where its familiar even if its not what i want. It was actually a lot harder than it sounds. i could stay in the church my dad attends, where i've gone for years, or i could trust God and follow Him into a whole new, different, unfamiliar place.

i have a hard time trusting God, and this was prolly the hardest thing i've ever done. i don't like trying new things alone, or getting out of my comfort zone. And this was definitely out of my comfort zone! i was supposed to leave everything i knew, and go someplace new where i didn't really know anyone, and i was supposed to do it by myself (w/o another person).

Someone told me that if it was of God and i followed Him, even if i didn't understand, he would bless me more than i could imagine.

It's been 5 months and i can't believe what God has done for me! Its incredible how much He's blessed me, far beyond what i expected. He has given me a wonderful group of people to rely on at my church, a place to serve there, and He's strengthened my relationships with my friends outside of my church body. He's answered prayer, and shown me more than ever His love.

There was one moment where it all came to a head. This was it. i could choose either one in that moment but it would be a final decision. If i chose to leave there would be no going back. i scared out of my mind! i was so afraid i was just doing what i wanted, cause i liked South Side better than Fair Grove. i almost didn't go thru with it, but i prayed and asked God to give me peace about leaving Fair Grove if it was what He wanted. Instantly i felt more at peace, and calm. i just knew God wanted me to do this.

i officially left Fair Grove on a Sunday afternoon, and i went to South Side that nite. During the service, i felt a complete sense of belonging. i knew right then that this was where God wanted me. No question. It was incredible! i felt like i'd come home. 

Five months later its still that way. i still feel at home when i walk in. This is my church, this is where i belong. And i can't wait to see what God has planned for me next!

J27 Manner Of Death

"You can choose your method of dying and the place in which you will die. Where would you like to die and how?"

First, i think asking this question of high school kids is a little disturbing. Umm, how about have my heart go out while i'm flying (in a plane) into the side of a barn? How does that sound? Hmm that sounds familiar.... Oh yea, i remember* ;)


Anywho, i would like to die when i'm 65 (i'm really not looking forward to old age, skipping it will be fine), and i'd like to die of something painless & fast. i'd like to know i'm gonna die a few months before tho, so i can finish up my bucket list. Where? Prolly like surrounded by my friends.... Or skydiving. That would be ok too.

(For those of you that didn't get the Secondhand Lions reference, you have no life. Just saying.)

Where would you like to die?

J26 Childhood

"What do you miss most about your childhood?"

Definetly the innocence. i knew the world wasn't perfect, but i didn't know how bad it truly is. The older i get, the scarier and more dangerous the world becomes. i can think back, and see the little girl i was, playing under the weeping willow. Making up stories of daring girls that risk everything and end up saving their world. Or travel to faraway places and expirience amazing things. All stories. All make believe.

i can think back to the places where i lost my innocence. The day the twin towers fell. i was 10, and i remember being in the backyard with my dad and him explaining what had happend. i remeber a day 2 years later, the day where i lost whatever remaind of my innocence. When i knew, no matter what else happend, it woud never be ok again. Nothing could ever fix it, i couldn't go back. i was an adult far before my time.... and i cried.

Sometimes i wish i could go back to that time of not knowing, not comprehending what was around me, what i woud see and understand someday. i sometiems wish we started our lives as adults, and ended as little children, with all the cares of this world washed away, forgotten.

J25 Five Things To Change

"If you could change 5 things about yourself, what would they be?"

i've been wanting to do a post about this for a while, but i didn't have it finished until recently. And no, this isn't a new years resolution thing. i just happend to finish it in January and didnt want to wait till later in the year to post it.


1. Be more punctual. i'm either way early or late. i'd like to start ariving at places when i'm supossed to, and not 15 minutes either side of it. i don't like being early cause i get bored or i feel like i'm bothering people. And i dont like being late cause i dont' like people to watch me come in.


2. Try new things. i'm a chicken. i like trying new things, but never, ever in front of people. Even my best friends. If i'm gonna try something i've never done before i want to go to like the dessert alone or something. i dont want any chance of anyone watching me. There are a lot of things i want to try, like the other night my friends and i were at someone's house and they were playing Band Hero. i've never played a band game, i really wanted to try, and i know they would have been cool about it and showed me. But i couldnt do it. i'd also like to take a pottery class, but of course a class has more than one student.


3. Speak up. i need to speak up more. i'm scared of saying my opinion, cause i'm scared someone will think its wrong, or stupid or something. Basicly i need to have more confidenc in myself, but thats a whole other post lol


4. Stand up for myself. i'll take whatever you throw at me. i'll either stand there or, very rarely, walk away. Now if someone tries to hurt a friend? Watch out! i'll go to bat for pretty much everyone except myself. i don't pay much attention to what people call me, or say about me, but i know i need to stand up for myself more.


5. Cook for myself. i know this prolly sounds weird. But i don't think "its worth the trouble to cook for one person." However, i'll cook a complex meal for a friend and not think anything of it. So really its just that i don't think i'm worth the trouble. i think this is like a self-image thing. Oh well.


What 5 things would you change in yourself and/or life?

J24 Adore Her

"What song can you not live without?"

That changes about every 3 weeks, i like so many different genres and artists. There are a few songs i always go back to, and one of my favorite is "Can't You Just Adore Her?" by Mandy Moore. It talks about a  girl falling asleep while you're talking to her, and how she likes chocolate in the morning and coffee late at night. i like it cause its like someone is describing me. i can identify with it, ya know? It's like someone followed me around and wrote about me lol. It's crazy accurate. Since it's a Mandy Moore song, i'm not sure if i should be scared i'm that much like her or not!

"Can't You Just Adore Her?"
She likes chocolate in the morning
She drinks her coffee late at night
You can sense that she is guarded
But that's alright
She'll fall asleep while your still talking
With unfinished books beside her bed
She'll cancel all of her appointments
And go shopping instead

And in spite of what is right
Far beyond what she'd except
When the moon begs the question
Will you have the answer yet?
Can't you just adore her?
Can't you just adore her?

She loves to watch the sunset
But she is partial to the rain
With those tears and that umbrella
Her allure goes unexplained
You made dinner in your apartment
You both assume that she'll be late
She always has the best intentions
Her goodness is innate

 

And in spite of what is right
Far beyond what she'd except
When the moon begs the question
Will you have the answer yet
Can't you just adore her?
Can't you just adore her?

Why can't you just adore her?

I like chocolate in the morning
I drink my coffee late at night

Elephants

     One of my goals in life is to not be stepped on by an elephant. Elephants have big feet, so being stepped on by one would probably hurt a lot. i don't like pain, so I've decided being stepped on by an elephant is something i should avoid.

I've thought of several ways to avoid getting stepped on by an elephant, and i believe that if i follow these guidelines I'll be safe from elephant steppage. The first is to avoid rampaging elephants. Rampaging elephants are much more likely to step on me that ones just walking, or grazing on grass. To stay away from rampaging elephants i need to stay away from places elephants are free to run loose. This is mostly parts of Asia, Africa, and the local zoo on the days the monkey's have escaped and picked the lock on the elephant enclosure.

Another way to avoid getting stepped on by an elephant is to have a very strong metal box around me. Now, as this is not the most practical way, i have dismissed it for everyday purposes, but i will consider it an alternative if i think there are elephants running loose near me and there is such a metal box available.

The third way i have deemed an acceptable way to avoid elephant steppage is to carry a tranquilizer gun and tranquilizers strong enough to knock out an elephant. This might be hard to buy, as I'm pretty sure they don't sell these at Wal-mart. However, if i could by some means, weather legal or otherwise, obtain such an object i could carry it with me much more conveniently than a large metal box.

These are just several alternatives, but i believe that if followed they can prove to be very useful ways of avoiding being stepped on by an elephant. So, if you suffer from elephant steppageitis, as i do, i hope these ideas have helped you.

Someone told me about different essays they've read that were well written, but funny or even ridiculous. i thought it sounded like a fun idea, and tried my hand at writing one. What do you think? (be honest)

20 Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At lunch time sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguse your voice.
3. Everytime someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.
4. Put your trash can on your desk and label it "In".
5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffine addictions, switch to espresso.
6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "For smuggeling drugs".
7. Finish all your sentances with "In accordance with the Prophecy".
8. Dont use any punctuation Ever
9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.
10. Order a diet water when you go out to eat, with a straight face.
11. Specify that your drive-thru order is "To go".
12. Sing along at the Opera.
13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme?
14. Put mesquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day.
15. Five days in advance tell your friend you can't attend their party becasue you're not in the mood.
16. Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Bottom.
17. When the money comes out of the ATM scream, "I Won! I Won!"
18. When leaving the Zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling "Run for your lives! They're loose!"
19. Tell your children over dinner "Due to the economy, we're going to have to let one of you go."
20. And the final way to keep a healthy level of insanity is to send this to someone to make them smile. It's called therapy.

Cliques

"Cliques in churches can be a good thing."

This is a whole new concept for me. i've always been taught that cliques are bad, especially in churches. i was taught that a church body should learn together, fellowship together, and serve together. i was taught that things like Sunday school, youth group, or children's time are unnecessary, and sometimes distracting, man-made inventions that don't belong in a healthy church. This is what i was taught, so it was what i believed. It made sense. Until today.

My church doesn't teach that at all, but i still never thought i would hear a pastor say that he thinks cliques are good things. i was completely shocked! But while everyone else went back to the subject we had been discussing, i started thinking about it. And ya know what? He's right. Cliques can be a good thing. What i love most about my church is that there is group of people that are at the same place in life as me, that i can share my relationship with God, with them. i love that we meet every week as a group to share whats going on in our lives, pray for each other, learn about God and what He's teaching each of us. It's an incredible experience, and one thing that makes it so great is that it's a cliques, its a group of people that are going thru some of the things i am, things other people might not understand cause they either haven't gone thru, or have forgotten what it was like.

i like mingling with other people in my church, i like learning whats going on in their lives and what God is doing for them. But my group is my safe place, my comfort zone. It's good to get out and meet new people, but my class is my home.

The last church i was in didn't have those relationships, that i saw. That doesn't mean they aren't there, i just didn't see them. They did everything together, so there wasn't much of an opportunity for those relationships to develop. We were friends, we didn't talk about God, our walk with Him, or church stuff very much. Almost never really. Whats sad is that i knew what i wanted, i wanted a brother/sister in Christ relationship with people my age. At that church there isnt' a defined youth group, or singles group. Everyone just mixes, which can be great cause i've gotten to know people both older and younger than me. But i didn't have those people that i could confide in, and that would help me grow in my relationship with Christ. This is as much my fault as anyone else. Maybe more. i knew what i desperately wanted, and i didnt' try to build it there. i just left. i know my church is where i belong, don't misunderstand me. But i do wish i had at least tried. Instead i just quit. For that i'm sorry.

But im so grateful that God has given me a group like this one! The time i spend with them is like nothing else, its so incredible to support, and encourage each other. Praying together, and for each other is key, i think. It really makes a difference. We're not just friends, we're sharing our walk with God with each other. The only thing missing is my best friend, and then it would be perfect :)

Brown Eyes

Dear Brown Eyes,
We talked for an hour and i still don't know your name. Isn't it funny how that happens? Someone starts a conversation, and we can talk about all kinds of things, but we never get around to introducing ourselves. i know a lot about you, but not a basic thing like your name. Oh well, i guess it doesn't really matter cause I'll never see you again.
You were so nice to me at the dance, i was bummed out and you started talking to me, made me laugh. It helped more than you know. Your stories about college life, and all the crazy rules, i really enjoyed talking to you.
Florida is a long way away, and i know I'll never see you again, but i thank you for the conversation, and for asking me to dance, even tho i was to tired to accept. It was nice. i wish you luck at school, have a good time and break a few rules!
Signed,
Enchanted to meet you

Beginning And End

i wish i was the one to notice this, but i wasn't. i read about it on another Narnia blog. i love how C.S. Lewis ties everything together like this!!
 

FIRST MENTION OF ASLAN
The first book written in “The Chronicles of Narnia” is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Here is a portion from Chapter 7 (A Day with the Beavers) regarding the first ever mention of Aslan’s name.
And now a very curious thing happened. None of the children knew who Aslan was any more than you do; but the moment the Beaver had spoken these words everyone felt quite different. Perhaps it has sometimes happened to you in a dream that someone says something which you don’t understand but in the dream it feels as if it had some enormous meaning – either a terrifying one which turns the whole dream into a nightmare or else a lovely meaning too lovely to put into words, which makes the dream so beautiful that you remember it all your life and are always wishing you could get into that dream again. It was like that now. At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer.
At the mention of Aslan’s name, there were two things that Lucy felt – the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning, and the feeling you have when you realize that it is the beginning of the holidays.


LAST MENTION OF ASLAN
Now here is a portion from Chapter 15 (Further Up and Further In) of The Last Battle, the last book of “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which contains the last ever mention of Aslan’s name. Curiously, the last person who talks to him is Lucy.
Then Aslan turned to them and said: “You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be.”
Lucy said, “We’re so afraid of being sent away, Aslan. And you have sent us back into our own world so often.”
“No fear of that,” said Aslan. “Have you not guessed?”
Their hearts leaped and a wild hope rose within them.
“There was a real railway accident,” said Aslan softly. “Your father and mother and all of you are – as you used to call it in the Shadowlands – dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”
The two themes mentioned with respect to Aslan is repeated – the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning, and the feeling you have when you realize that it is the beginning of the holidays. Now he says, “The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”
I don’t know if this was intentional in the part of C. S. Lewis or not, but this just shows what a genius he was. And his description of the New Narnia makes me yearn even more to see the real Aslan someday.

J23 Nightmares

"Would you be willing to have horrible nightmares every night for a year if you would be rewarded with extraordinary wealth?"

Maybe. It depends on how much $$$ is in "extraordinary wealth". i have really vivid dreams as it is, i'm not sure nightmares added would be worth it. And every night is a lot. i'd spend a year tierd, thats for sure! i guess if it was a lot of money it'd be worth it, but i'm talking like $100,000 or more. i hate being tired and i don't like having dreams of any kind, good or bad.


Would it be worth it to you?

J22 Party Clothes

"Would you rather be overdressed or under dressed at a party?"

i'd rather be under dressed cause at least then i'd be comfortable! Its easier (i think) to dress up a pair of jeans than dress down a formal dress. Plus i think a person who's overdressed looks more ridiculous than someone under dressed. Just my opinion tho.

Which woud you prefer??     

J21 Attractive

"Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 5 years to become extremely attractive? 10 years? 15 years?"

What do you mean "become" extremely attractive"? i'm already that way!
Just kidding! Absolutly not. i'm happy with how i look, i like me this way. So no, i dont want to change how i look, and i certialy dont want to lose years of my life for it. Anyway, who wants to be extreamly attractive? Its the little imperfections, the quirks that make a person unique and beautiful.


Woudl you chose the years or the beauty?

J20 Elevator

"Who would you most like to be stuck in an elevator with? Least like?"

Hmm prolly the person i would most like woud be a friend that i like, but don't know very well so we woudl have time to talk and get to know each other. i would prefer it if this person wasn't prone to panicing. i'm pretty calm in situations like that, so i wouls want someone who would be able to handle it without getting freaked out.


The person i would least like is a guy that has a crush on me (someone i dont like back). That would just be awkward!!


Who would you prefer getting stuck in an elevator with?

Dante

Dear Dante,
i just wanted to thank you for all you did for me while i was living with my grandparents. You were so funny! Trying to protect me all the time. Unfortunately you're shorter than me, and a lot lighter. i know there were times you kept me safe, and i didn't even realize till later. You were always watching out for me, and making sure i had everything i wanted. i remember when you brought some of you're kid's movies for me to borrow. How did you know i love Winnie the Pooh? Maybe it was a little young for a 17 year old, but i was missing home and it helped!
We don't speak the same language, but we managed to communicate ok. It was mostly pointing and sign language, but it worked for us. i remember trying to talk to you when it was just us in the car, that was hard! You helped me understand the money, it was all so different. You even helped me go thru the checkout line the first time i went to the store without my grandparents.
I can tell you really care about my grandparents, and that means a lot to me. You made my stay with them more enjoyable, and easier on both me and them, and i really appreciate that.
So thank you Dante!
Rachel

J19 Enviroment

"What is your greatest sin against the environment?"


Well that would prolly be not buying all the "green" merchandisee out there. The tee shirts, the buttons, the shopping bags, you know, everything with "Green" or "Go Green" or the recycle symbol on it. i'm pretty sure that buying all that junk is the best way to save the environment, cause if it wasnt why would so many companies spend so much on green merchandise instead of actually doing something to help the environment? Just a thought. 


Seriously its prolly not reyscling as much as i should. We have the tubs to sort stuff into, i just dont use them as much as i should.


What about you?

J18 Last Meal

"You can choose your last meal. What will the menu consist of?"

Whatevers out of season. i'm not kidding, i'd ask for somthing out of season and insist on that one thing. Then i'd have more time, see? Lol. Ok, well since you can get about anything anytime now, i'd want strawberries. i love strawberries and i almost never buy them (i'm cheap). i'd want them fresh, like just picked.

J17 Clothes

"Would you rather go a week without bathing, but be able to change your clothes, or a week without a change of clothes, but be able to bathe?"

Wow this is a weird one! It depends entirely on what i'll be doing that week. If i'm not working i'd take being able to get clean, thank you very much. If i'm working... thats tough. i get pretty dirty at work. i'd prolly still take the option to bathe. i know how to air out clothes, and i can make it work.


What about you? Which would you take?

20th Birthday

My 20th birthday was December 28th. It was really cool, really sad, weird, and a lot of fun!
It was cool cause i got to sleep in, talk to some friends i don't normally get to talk to, and hang out with a couple of the associate pastors at my church.
It was weird cause i'm not a teenager anymore. That alone is kinda depressing.
That day was hard for me because now i have outlived my older brother. He died 4 months short of his twentith birthday. It's weird, being older than him. It doesn't feel right.
What made the day really fun was that i got to spend most of it with my best friend =D We drove down to Silver Dollar City and walked around, looking at all the lights. It's like an hour & a half drive one way, so we had plenty of time to talk too! It was a fantastic night, i had one of the best birthdays i remember!!

i've been told we look something like sisters! i guess if i wore glasses we would prolly look pretty similar lol

Just like kids, playing in the fort! Those were so much fun!

i love the reflection of the lights in the water!

We can't decide if thisis a dove... or a duck. Those feet really throw us off lol

There was music playing in sync with the lights on the tree, it was sooo cool!!

i love that they displayed verses like this in public!

Modern Beowolf

In 9th grade i had to read Beowulf (gag me). I know it's a classic, but it's so boring and hard to understand. So for all you who aren't experts in Old English here's a cute, funny summery that you don't need a dictionary for. The names are a little weird, but overall it's pretty cool.

How Beowulf Might Be Told By A Modern Comedian

King Hrothgar is the latest in a long line of warrior-kings of the Danish land of Shild. He is now old and victorious and wishes only to spend his days with his fighting men in the Great Hall he built, known as Herot.

Hint: The best thing to do if you are going to have a party, especially one that lasts for years, is to invite the neighbors. Then they can't complain about the noise.

But nobody invited Grendel, the monster from a nearby swamp. So every night, he comes over and kills and eats Hrothgar's warriors...for 12 years. You would really think Hrothgar would consider moving to some other digs, but he does not.

Meanwhile, Beowulf, a young warrior in the court of Hygelac, King of the Geats, says to himself, "Well, I've whupped pretty much everyone in my neighborhood. What do you say we help Hrothgar with his pest control problem?"

So he and his men sail off for Shild, and Beowulf settles in for the night at Herot to wait for Grendel. He is so confident that he decides to fight Grendel with his bare hands, so it is a fairer fight. He beats Swamp Thing by squeezing him with his bare hands, and then rips his arm off and hangs it on a peg in Herot.

Everybody parties.

While he is mulling over a career on the Shild/Geat pro wrestling circuit, Grendel's mother realizes her baby has been killed. She heads for the mead hall and grabs a victim, which happens to be Hrothgar's best friend.

Hrothgar finds out and summons Beowulf to ask if there is a one year, one thousand warrior guarantee on his service.

Beowulf says, "Sure, let's make it double or nothing." And before you can say 50 pounds of chain mail, Beowulf dives into the swamp, taking with him a famous old sword named Hrunting. It was his Hrunting knife.

Grendel's mother wrestles him into an underwater battle-hall, where Hrunting is hopeless, but his chain mail saves him. Beowulf finds another sword hanging on the wall, and cuts Mom's head off. Then for good measure, he find's Grendel's dead body and cuts the head off that too. Just as his men are whispering the ancient Anglo Saxon word for "fish food" Beowulf surfaces. It takes four of his men to drag Grendel's skull back to Herot where he presents it to Hrothgar.

Then they partied.

Beowulf and his warriors go back home to Geatland and boast about their triumphs. In time, Hygelac and his son die, Beowulf takes the throne and rules with great wisdom for 50 years.

After all these years, a thief stumbles into the hall of a sleeping dragon, steals a gem studded cup and wakes the dragon. [J.R.R. Tolkien, you plagiarizer!]

The dragon storms out, burns down houses with his very breath, and once again, it's Beowulf to the rescue. Trouble is, Beowulf is old now, and his monster-whuppin' days are over. His armor melts, his sword falls apart in his hands and while he wounds the dragon, he is about to be bar-b-qued, when his faithful warrior and cousin, Wiglaf jumps in. Wiglaf is the only one who comes with Beowulf, all his other warriors having found an urgent need to wash their hair or clean the grout in the moat... Wiglaf takes a mighty swing and kills the dragon.

But, in the meantime, the dragon has sunk his tusks into Beowulf's neck and he is dying from it's poison.

But before Beowulf dies, he wants just one last wish: Is it to see his family one more time? No. Is it to send one last message to his subjects or his warriors? No. Thank Wiglaf? Still no. He wants to see the dragon's treasure before he goes. Wiglaf runs back with it, and now Beowulf can die. But first he asks that his warriors build a big tower by the sea, and call it 'Beowulf's Tower.' He then turns over all his treasure to Wiglaf and bids him to use it well.

Now all Beowulf's warriors come out of the woods, saying something like, "Got here as quick as I could, hope I haven't missed anything. Can't wait to help out with that dragon!" Wiglaf now invents the first Anglo Saxon swear words and tells them that their cowardly acts will surely make them targets to the surrounding warrior kings. He is dead right, as it turns out.

The Geats build a big tower and put Beowulf's ashes into it. Turns out the gold had a spell on it, and that, as much as the dragon, killed Beowulf. They roll the dragon into the sea, in the first recorded instance of water pollution, and lock up all the cursed gold in the tower with Beowulf. Kind words are spoken and the fire burns for ten days.

The End

Nathen & Leah

Nate & Leah,
You know I'm kind of disappointed in you two. i thought you would be different. You talked about being a church family, about how you'll always be there for us, no matter what. Leah, you said we were like sisters. Is this how you treat your sister? Really? i left the church. Yea i know it's a big deal. But i did what i felt God was leading me to do. When Rebecca left, or Michelle, or Amanda, you didn't write them off like you have me. i was part of you're youth group. i spent nights at your house, i talked to you about things I've never told my parents.
Why am i suddenly so distasteful? i know you see me, because i see you look away when i come into a room. i know you hear my messages on the answering machine, so why do you never call back? i know you read the emails i send you, so why do you never reply? Is it really that terrible that i followed my God? That i did what i believe he wanted me to do? It wasn't easy for me, ya know? It was hard to leave everything and start over somewhere new, alone. But i really thought you two would understand, you would still be a part of my life.
You know what really makes me mad tho? You didn't invite me to the party for Norman. i spent a lot of time talking to him this summer. i tried to reach out to him, i was on that trip too! i should get the chance to welcome him here. But you didn't give me that chance. i had to hear about the party the day before from my mom. i wasn't told anything about it. So i crashed it. i hope you're happy now. What was that like? To have someone uninvited, and unwanted in your house? And when i gave Norman my number, told him to call me, so we can hang out sometime... That must have killed you.
You know whats funny? The way you're acting, the way you treat me, that's one reason i left the church. i never thought that you two would act this way. And someone there i thought would act this way for sure, has reached out to me, and let me know they still want to be a part of my life. i didn't expect that. i guess you never really know someone, until it gets tough.
i thought you would behave better that this. i guess i thought wrong.

The Lord Of The Rings vs. Harry Potter

Great Geek Debates: The Lord of the Rings vs. Harry Potter

By Matt Blum

Photo: Tolkien Library

Some questions have such clear answers that you know your answer the moment you hear or read it. These are of the “Who was the better James Bond: Connery or Dalton?” sort. You might even blink a few times to make sure you read the question correctly. This is not what the Great Geek Debates are all about. They are about the deep, soul-searching, tough questions — not quite Sophie’s Choice-tough, but nearly so. They challenge you to determine, once and for all, what kind of geek you truly are.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings became the gold standard of fantasy novels almost immediately upon its publication in the mid-1950s. Every fantasy novel that has been published since owes something to it; in some the influence is obvious, and in some less so, of course. And it’s hard to know what to say about J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books that hasn’t been said a million times already, but suffice it to say that, even if you don’t like it, you cannot argue with the fact that, with over 400 million copies sold and translation into 67 languages, they are clearly the most popular fantasy novels ever written. So, vastly different stories they may be, but the comparison is yet valid.

Now, I happen to be among those who love both. I read The Hobbit when I was a little kid and LotR when I was in high school, and then reread them quite a few times thereafter. Then in early 1998, I heard about the first Harry Potter book’s success in the U.K., and ordered the British edition so I could see what all the fuss was about before the U.S. edition came out later that year. I was hooked, and bought each book as soon as it was available, reading through even the astonishingly long ones quickly. As a geek dad, I have read The Hobbit with my young kids, and have just begun reading the sixth Harry Potter book with them; when they’re older, they will be encouraged to read LotR.

Because I haven’t the space to write a treatise on the subject, I must therefore select certain criteria on which to base a judgment of which series I would choose, if I had to. There will be spoilers further on for those who have not read all seven of the Harry Potter books (and for those who haven’t read the LotR books or seen the movies, which might be a few people, I suppose); you’ve been warned.

1. World – The Harry Potter stories are so accessible largely because they take place in a world very like our own, only with one huge twist; whereas LotR takes place in Middle-earth, which has certain similarities to the world we know, but is mostly wildly different. In fact, I would argue (and I know I am far from the first to do so) that on a significant level it is Middle-earth that LotR is really about: the characters and events are mostly important in how they shape the world, and it is the richness of the world that is the biggest reason for the story’s success. So, essentially, the Harry Potter stories have a very accessible world, and one that therefore it is very much easier to pretend you are a part of (my children running around the house yelling “Stupefy” and “Expelliarmus” at each other at least once a day is testament to that). But as neat as that world is, it pales against the richness of Middle-earth. Advantage: LotR.

Image: Warner Bros.

2. Characters - I would certainly not be the first to note the similarities between some of the main players in both stories. Certainly some of the parallels (Gandalf/Dumbledore, Frodo/Harry, Sam/Ron, Sauron/Voldemort) are obvious, but of those only Gandalf/Dumbledore and Sam/Ron interest me much. (As for the others: Harry begins the series as an (almost) eleven-year-old boy and ends it having just become an adult, whereas Frodo begins LotR at age 33, and their personalities are wildly different; and both Sauron and Voldemort are too one-dimensional to be worth comparing.) Gandalf and Dumbledore interests me primarily because, while it seems such a valid comparison, it is in fact not at all, for Dumbledore, though very long-lived, is most definitely human, and when he dies he stays dead; conversely, Gandalf is a member of the Istari in human form, has been on Middle-earth for around 2,000 years by the time LotR begins, and gets resurrected after dying in the fight with the Balrog. Much as I love Gandalf, I always found Dumbledore a much richer character, with many levels of complexity. As for Sam and Ron, well, Sam wins that one because Ron’s a bit too goofy, and Sam is the most heroic character in LotR, for my money. Overall, though, much as LotR is about Middle-earth, the Harry Potter books are about their characters. That’s why my wife, a grown woman, shed actual tears when Fred Weasley was killed, and why the books are named after the main hero, as opposed to LotR, which is named after the main villain. Advantage: Harry Potter.

3. Influence – As I mentioned above, The Lord of the Rings has influenced every fantasy novel since, and that includes the Harry Potter books. It’s too soon to know what the long-term influence of the Harry Potter books will be, but so far their stratospheric success has prompted the publication of quite a few fantasy novels for young readers that otherwise would likely never have seen the light of day. I confess not to having

Image: Warner Bros.

read any of them, but from the reviews I’ve read the world is not a significantly richer place for their presence. Even if they were great works of literature, however, they would still owe something to LotR as well as Harry Potter, anyway. You may say it’s unfair to include a category in which Harry Potter must so clearly lose, but I think it would be unfair to LotR not to include something that so clearly delineates its importance in the history of fiction writing. Advantage: LotR.

4. Movies – Yes, I know, it’s not fair to judge a book by the movies made of it. But I am not merely judging the books, but the stories themselves, and it is undeniable that there are a great many people whose only interaction with either LotR or the Harry Potter series will be with the movies — sad, yes, but undeniable. Now, of course, there are more Harry Potter films than LotR films, and some of the Potter films are very good, some are decent, and some of them are only mediocre. None of them, though, has ever even been considered for, much less won, the Oscar for Best Picture. Seriously, anyone who thinks there’s much of a contest here needs to watch the LotR films a few more times, this time with their eyes open. Advantage: LotR.

I’m sure I could come up with a dozen more categories to compare without even trying hard, but I’m going to leave it there for now, with The Lord of the Rings the clear victor.

Twins

 My younger sister, Tracey, and i get mistaken for twins a lot. Trac is 13, almost 7 years younger than me. But we get asked all the time if we're twins. At camp this summer there were random people coming up to ask if we were twins. And a lot of the time people assume she's the older sister! What? i think this is completely unfair. i'm the older sister, but i get told i look 15 and she looks 17. Looking 15 is sad enough without saying my lil sis looks older.

To make it all worse, i was recently told my younger brother, Joe, also looks older than me. (note: if you know Joe at all you will understand that he only looks older, and only if you dont' know him very well... or have seen him for more than 5 mins, which makes it so much worse!!) i was ticked.

Oh well. i now someday i'll appreciate looking younger.. but for now, i don't like it :/

Job Update

Hey y'all!! So i've been at my job for almost two months now, i figure it's time for an update. OK, well its going pretty good. It's so different from any other job i've had. I'm getting better at answering the phones, and all the computer/ filing/ cleaning work is easy. Even dealing with customers in person is easier than over the phone lol. But like i said, I'm getting better.
i like working with Robin, its enjoyable. And I'm getting used to having 5 year old Amber around all the time. Part of my job is to take care of her, so i spend part of the day helping her with her school, and playing with her, stuff like that. Kids aren't' really my thing, but its going good.
The last few weeks have been pretty weird. David, Robin and their kids were on a vacation so it was just Kevin and me. That was kinda awkward. And uncomfortable. i don't feel unsafe around him, and my dad has met him and says he's ok, so I'm not worried. Its just that he's an adult male and like to talk and tease about things that i don't want to hear about. And he teases me about inappropriate stuff, like i once said that I'm not interested in guys right now cause I'm so busy, and just different reasons. He took the first part- not interested in guys- and now teases me about being lesbian or liking girly magazines, stuff like that. He has a different work style as well. He like me to be in the shop with him, even if I'm just standing there talking. Robin & David aren't like that, so it was weird. Working exclusively with Kevin for two weeks was weird and uncomfortable and I'm glad it's over!! Hopefully i won't ever have to go through it again!

Threshold

Inside this life
Under it's spell
I closed my eyes and lived to tell
The hands were dealt will never disappear
Death she grows near

People change

and instantly
I'm not the same girl I used to be
I can't erase all the memories
But I can explain if you're listening
People change, not just me

Locked up in silence
A living hell
My heart still beats
So I bid farewell

The loving hand that saved me
held too tight
His darkness weighs on me at night

People change then instantly
I'm not the same girl
I used to be
I can't erase all the memories
I can explain if you're listening

People change
Not just me

I never asked
Or wanted to
You stepped across my threshold
How could you.