I personally enjoyed the Video Essay Project. To me, it was a time for reflection, being able to really look back through the semester and see how I have changed as a person. In regards to deciding what I would recite in my video blog, I had the time to think back and see how this religion course really did change my life. I am appreciative of the growth I have undergone in this semester. If it was not for the Jesuit education Gonzaga strikes to achieve, I would probably never had dipped my toes this deep into religion. I am thankful for the opportunity this project has brought to my life.
Listening to my video blog, I realized how much interest I have in religion and the Christian faith. Although I cannot say that I agree with 100% of the ideas taught in Christianity, I can agree with some. And with the new knowledge of religion, I think of my life in a different light. I truly take the time to think of my growth and what beautiful day each new day brings to me. I am thankful for the teachings that the bible offers to readers, showing those who read the bible how powerful every day is. Regardless of my religious faith, I have found the desire to really read the bible and have taken the time to go through the bible on my own time.
I am thankful for this project and am happy to see the growth in me through this semester and how much this course has impacted my life.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Week 13
The thing I found most interesting in this week's reading is the verses in the Bible written in 1 Corinthians.
I enjoyed the way love is portrayed in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13. This verse tells me to be true to myself. It shows how important love is and what it means to us. Love means much more than what one assumes it means. I like 1Cor. 13:3 where is says, "If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I've done but I don't have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever." To me, this means don't throw myself at someone, don't go into a relationship because I pity someone. Instead, go with how I feel. Love has to be true, I can't just forge it. Then it goes on to the "love is patient, love is kind..." segment. I personally think about love every single day. It is my goal in life to be with someone I love for the rest of my life. It's such a powerful thing, and really hard to understand. I want to trust love and believe that it will find a way to find me, instead of me going out and finding love. Relationships are such a complicated thing, girls talk about it every day. It's relieving to know that Jesus went through trying to understand love as well. Love never fails.
Another pretty interesting thing was in 1 Cor. 15:38 "God gives it the sort of shape that he chooses, and he gives each of the seeds its own shape. All flesh isn't alike". Lately, I feel like there has been an overwhelming amount of discussion over diversity, minorities, differences in people as groups. Am I the only one? I am very exhausted of hearing the words diverse, minority and whatnot. As the Bible states, all flesh isn't alike. No two people are the same. Why are people discussing the differences in the color of the persons skin when each person is different. I feel like our civilization has come so comfortable with clustering people together, individuality is overlooked. I think it is time to stop talking about ethnicities, racism, and realize that each person in the world comes from a different culture. Even among the majority, two people are different. No two flesh are alike.
I enjoyed the way love is portrayed in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13. This verse tells me to be true to myself. It shows how important love is and what it means to us. Love means much more than what one assumes it means. I like 1Cor. 13:3 where is says, "If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I've done but I don't have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever." To me, this means don't throw myself at someone, don't go into a relationship because I pity someone. Instead, go with how I feel. Love has to be true, I can't just forge it. Then it goes on to the "love is patient, love is kind..." segment. I personally think about love every single day. It is my goal in life to be with someone I love for the rest of my life. It's such a powerful thing, and really hard to understand. I want to trust love and believe that it will find a way to find me, instead of me going out and finding love. Relationships are such a complicated thing, girls talk about it every day. It's relieving to know that Jesus went through trying to understand love as well. Love never fails.
Another pretty interesting thing was in 1 Cor. 15:38 "God gives it the sort of shape that he chooses, and he gives each of the seeds its own shape. All flesh isn't alike". Lately, I feel like there has been an overwhelming amount of discussion over diversity, minorities, differences in people as groups. Am I the only one? I am very exhausted of hearing the words diverse, minority and whatnot. As the Bible states, all flesh isn't alike. No two people are the same. Why are people discussing the differences in the color of the persons skin when each person is different. I feel like our civilization has come so comfortable with clustering people together, individuality is overlooked. I think it is time to stop talking about ethnicities, racism, and realize that each person in the world comes from a different culture. Even among the majority, two people are different. No two flesh are alike.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
In Class Writing #3
Reading my In Class Writing #1, I have not been fulfilling my goals that I planned to achieve. In that entry, I stated that it was important for me to have a healthy breakfast and enough sleep. Since then, I have been going to bed before 1 o'clock which I think is very healthy. On the other hand, I haven't been having breakfast in the morning. Instead, I have found something called coffee that allows me to feel full until about lunchtime. Considering that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I know this is really unhealthy for me. Because I don't have access to the COG for breakfast, I have picked up the unhealthy habit. It really is time to keep myself healthy and even go to the gym for re-freshness!
Week 12
The thing I found most interesting in this week's reading is how there are many different pericopes within the Bible.
Like what we do often in class, it's interesting to find out that there is the same overall message threaded through the Bible. At the same time, it is fascinating that word choice plays a large part in how people's views change. It's confusing though that even though the Bible shares the same central idea why Mark, Matthew, and Luke decided to change the words to suit their style. How I see it, I think the Christian religion can be understood and also have one main idea if there was only one type of writing. This way, there would no arguments within the religion on how to perceive things.
I also found the explanations of the metaphors interesting. To me, it's obvious that Jesus isn't the Light of the world, Bread of life, and Gate and the Way. But by implementing these metaphors, I think it makes the Jesus figure more powerful. Saying Jesus is the light of the world shows how much ability Jesus has and the capability he holds within each individual. Using metaphors allow readers to relate and put into figure what the Bible is saying. The usage of metaphors is a literary way of connecting the readers to the Bible. I like that because often, human beings aren't as powerful as light, or the entrance to a gate. But by saying and relating Jesus in metaphorical ways, it shows how much ability Jesus has and how this human being once had.
Like what we do often in class, it's interesting to find out that there is the same overall message threaded through the Bible. At the same time, it is fascinating that word choice plays a large part in how people's views change. It's confusing though that even though the Bible shares the same central idea why Mark, Matthew, and Luke decided to change the words to suit their style. How I see it, I think the Christian religion can be understood and also have one main idea if there was only one type of writing. This way, there would no arguments within the religion on how to perceive things.
I also found the explanations of the metaphors interesting. To me, it's obvious that Jesus isn't the Light of the world, Bread of life, and Gate and the Way. But by implementing these metaphors, I think it makes the Jesus figure more powerful. Saying Jesus is the light of the world shows how much ability Jesus has and the capability he holds within each individual. Using metaphors allow readers to relate and put into figure what the Bible is saying. The usage of metaphors is a literary way of connecting the readers to the Bible. I like that because often, human beings aren't as powerful as light, or the entrance to a gate. But by saying and relating Jesus in metaphorical ways, it shows how much ability Jesus has and how this human being once had.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Week 11
The thing I found most interesting in this week's reading is Jesus' actions as well as how he is perceived.
In the book, The First Paul, Borg and Crossan refer to Christianity as the way. I found this to be interesting because I don't necessarily agree with the fact that there is one religion. I believe that there can be many perceptions in religion. Borg states that although he was raised a Lutheran, he later realized that viewing the world in a Christian light was the way. Yes, the writing in the bible is open for interpretation and can be seen through different ways, I cannot agree that it is the absolute way. Like any religion, it can be viewed in different mindsets at different times.
Another thing that caught my attention was that in John 13, Jesus persists on washing the others feet. Like it stated in the video clip we watched in class, this shows Jesus as a servant leader. (I'm actually not sure if the video was in this class or another.) Regardless, the act of Jesus getting on his knees to do the "dirty work" of cleaning others' feet shows his willingness to put himself below others, and serve from the back. It shows his leadership of not always having the be right, not having to be the one in command at all times. I think this is a very important characteristic in being a leader.
A verse that hit home for me was John 3:17-18. It states that because God gave us his only Son to save our world. In this quote, it resinates with me that we are all responsible for carrying on the legacy to leave the world a better place for the next generation to come. Because God gave us a chance to live on this world, we must pay our respects and do our part in continuing it. In a sense, we are all God's children and because of this, it is crucial that we do pray and keep a healthy communication with him or her.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Week 10
The thing I found most interesting in the reading was Borg's interpretation of religion and practices.
The journey of me going through Marcus J. Borg's book Jesus has been an interesting one to begin with because I don't come from a religious background. Although I have some understanding of what Christianity preaches, I had never experienced it for myself. Reading the Bible for the first time and Borg's book has given me a different interpretation of the religion other than what I have heard any times. This quote from Jesus grabbed my attention, "Not only does our place within culture continue to shape us, but what happens within our culture's life can affect our view of the past" (Borg 294). Prior to this quote, Borg talks about the idea of religion and how it may be applied to an individual's life. This interested me because being a first generation child from Japan, we always practiced Buddhism. My family did not attend temples every weekend or anything like that, but the context of how we spoke and believed traced back to Buddhism. Coming from a man who truly sides with Christianity, it intrigues me that I am able to relate to many of his sayings. From the quote, I can already relate that it is because of my Japanese heritage and culture that I am who I am today. My parents raised me with Japanese practices, for example eating as a family, using chopsticks, no shoes in the house, and speaking in Japanese. It is not until I came to Gonzaga that I found so much passion in my heritage. Since the tsunami that struck Japan, I have come to have a different view on the disaster that occurred in Haiti. Before, as horrible as it may sound, I speak with sincerity when I say that the occurrence in Haiti never grasped my attention. It is not until now, what has occurred in my motherland that I am able to empathize with those victims of Haiti. Though I did not realize until recently, I hold so much pride in my culture.
Another part that grabbed my attention is when Borg talks about the "rights" in Christianity. Because they are too long to list, I will write my reflection instead. I agree, Christianity emphasizes on the denying of the theory of evolution, abortion, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, emphasis on values, and the conformation to Christianity as listed on page 297. I feel that many Americans believe these rights, regardless of whether they are Christian or not. Coming from California, our view points are all over the scale so I cannot say where I get this assumption. To me, I feel that even if one is not of a Christian background, these "rights" are still implemented in their beliefs. It intrigues me that Christianity has the ability to relate with many different people around the world and I am excited to keep studying this religion.
The journey of me going through Marcus J. Borg's book Jesus has been an interesting one to begin with because I don't come from a religious background. Although I have some understanding of what Christianity preaches, I had never experienced it for myself. Reading the Bible for the first time and Borg's book has given me a different interpretation of the religion other than what I have heard any times. This quote from Jesus grabbed my attention, "Not only does our place within culture continue to shape us, but what happens within our culture's life can affect our view of the past" (Borg 294). Prior to this quote, Borg talks about the idea of religion and how it may be applied to an individual's life. This interested me because being a first generation child from Japan, we always practiced Buddhism. My family did not attend temples every weekend or anything like that, but the context of how we spoke and believed traced back to Buddhism. Coming from a man who truly sides with Christianity, it intrigues me that I am able to relate to many of his sayings. From the quote, I can already relate that it is because of my Japanese heritage and culture that I am who I am today. My parents raised me with Japanese practices, for example eating as a family, using chopsticks, no shoes in the house, and speaking in Japanese. It is not until I came to Gonzaga that I found so much passion in my heritage. Since the tsunami that struck Japan, I have come to have a different view on the disaster that occurred in Haiti. Before, as horrible as it may sound, I speak with sincerity when I say that the occurrence in Haiti never grasped my attention. It is not until now, what has occurred in my motherland that I am able to empathize with those victims of Haiti. Though I did not realize until recently, I hold so much pride in my culture.
Another part that grabbed my attention is when Borg talks about the "rights" in Christianity. Because they are too long to list, I will write my reflection instead. I agree, Christianity emphasizes on the denying of the theory of evolution, abortion, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, emphasis on values, and the conformation to Christianity as listed on page 297. I feel that many Americans believe these rights, regardless of whether they are Christian or not. Coming from California, our view points are all over the scale so I cannot say where I get this assumption. To me, I feel that even if one is not of a Christian background, these "rights" are still implemented in their beliefs. It intrigues me that Christianity has the ability to relate with many different people around the world and I am excited to keep studying this religion.
I think it is ironic how it says "Pray for Japan" with the understanding that many people in Japan are not Christian, yet we all do the same thing, pray.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Week 9
The thing that interested me the most in the reading are the five points stated in Chapter 9 of the book Jesus.
The points really stuck out to me because it teaches the reader to be passive-resistant. I've never related Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. to Jesus Christ or any religion to be exact. But when I read the five points, I immediately thought back to the two key leaders in my life. The first point basically says to me that it is okay to fight but fight the right fights. It tells me not to be violent and fight for my cause, rather fight with passion and wholeheartedly. It teaches to be more than what we stand for but living with what we stand for. Points two, three, and four is saying that it is alright to fight but to go the extra mile in order to achieve what we want. It's not about dipping our toes in the water to get a hold of what we want instead to dive in and keep in our hearts what we want. It taught me that it truly isn't enough to want something but to live something and execute it in our daily lives. Gandhi's quote is perfect for this situation, "be the change you wish to see in the world". Points one through four are about being the change, living as the change, and the inspiration for others to be the change as well. Lastly, the fifth point is about accepting failure. If the way things you planned does not go the way you would have liked them to, it is about acceptance. Seeing someone else create your failure is alright but the important thing is to give them guidance and support so that they are able to work through the next time. The fifth point really relates to religion and loving people regardless of their abilities and accepting the flaws. To be the hope for others and inspire them too to live the life you live. I would love to live like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. did one day.
The points really stuck out to me because it teaches the reader to be passive-resistant. I've never related Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. to Jesus Christ or any religion to be exact. But when I read the five points, I immediately thought back to the two key leaders in my life. The first point basically says to me that it is okay to fight but fight the right fights. It tells me not to be violent and fight for my cause, rather fight with passion and wholeheartedly. It teaches to be more than what we stand for but living with what we stand for. Points two, three, and four is saying that it is alright to fight but to go the extra mile in order to achieve what we want. It's not about dipping our toes in the water to get a hold of what we want instead to dive in and keep in our hearts what we want. It taught me that it truly isn't enough to want something but to live something and execute it in our daily lives. Gandhi's quote is perfect for this situation, "be the change you wish to see in the world". Points one through four are about being the change, living as the change, and the inspiration for others to be the change as well. Lastly, the fifth point is about accepting failure. If the way things you planned does not go the way you would have liked them to, it is about acceptance. Seeing someone else create your failure is alright but the important thing is to give them guidance and support so that they are able to work through the next time. The fifth point really relates to religion and loving people regardless of their abilities and accepting the flaws. To be the hope for others and inspire them too to live the life you live. I would love to live like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. did one day.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Week 7
The thing I disagreed with this weeks reading is the very first line of Chapter 7 in Jesus.
I truly believe that Jesus is a teacher. Although it is correct, he more so installs wisdom in all of us, isn't that what a teacher is supposed to do? Starting off with no religious background, reading the Bible throughout the semester has brought more awareness into my life. When I read 1 Cor. 13:3, it really hit me. The Bible and the teachings of Christ is so relatable and has so much knowledge that needs to be discovered. I believe that that's what a teacher does. They bring out the confusion and shows clarity through the difficult times. He is a teacher, inspiring others to seek their inner souls for the answer and building the trust with his followers (students) to establish that relationship to allow people like me to look up to him and seek him for knowledge. I truly believe that Jesus Christ is an amazing servant and leading leader. Very much like Lao Tsu, Jesus leads in a way where he doesn't get in the way of one's life. He is there as support without really knowing he's there. He serves us by showing us the way, providing good for us that we can pick up as well as writing his ideas into text allows more followers to be embraced with his knowledge. He is an inspiration, more so a teacher. He teaches others the importance of being divine and living a life with meaning.
I truly believe that Jesus is a teacher. Although it is correct, he more so installs wisdom in all of us, isn't that what a teacher is supposed to do? Starting off with no religious background, reading the Bible throughout the semester has brought more awareness into my life. When I read 1 Cor. 13:3, it really hit me. The Bible and the teachings of Christ is so relatable and has so much knowledge that needs to be discovered. I believe that that's what a teacher does. They bring out the confusion and shows clarity through the difficult times. He is a teacher, inspiring others to seek their inner souls for the answer and building the trust with his followers (students) to establish that relationship to allow people like me to look up to him and seek him for knowledge. I truly believe that Jesus Christ is an amazing servant and leading leader. Very much like Lao Tsu, Jesus leads in a way where he doesn't get in the way of one's life. He is there as support without really knowing he's there. He serves us by showing us the way, providing good for us that we can pick up as well as writing his ideas into text allows more followers to be embraced with his knowledge. He is an inspiration, more so a teacher. He teaches others the importance of being divine and living a life with meaning.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Week 6
Reading Mark from the bible made me change my view about the bible in general.
Prior to this reading, I had never read the bible before. At first when I opened it, I was uncertain of what the parables were talking about. As I continued to read, it started to make sense in that the parables were as a whole telling the story of Jesus' life. I had heard bits and pieces of Jesus' life and some of his beliefs, but reading this myself gave me a better understanding of who Jesus was and what he actually did. After reading the bible, I learned that Jesus was given a gift to be a one of the Gods or represent God, whomever he/she may be. Jesus had the ability, or mystical power, to fix problems or make people more ideal. He had so much power and people followed him because he had this insane ability to cure illness and diseases. Jesus' ability to heal others and his willingness to do so like in Mark 1:17.29 shows that he has love for all people and the care to heal.
A parable that struck me was Mark 2:13.17. It states, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn't come to call righteous people, but sinners". This verse was powerful to me because it showed that Jesus accepted the sinners and that he was there to help them, to relieve their sins. He loves them regardless, which shows how powerful and loving he is. The commandments he proposed in Mark 9:49.5 was interesting to me as well because I had never read them before. I had always been aware of these commandments, I have never seen them in the context of the bible until now. I found this really interesting and now I am able to understand what it originates from.
Overall the experience of reading the bible for the first time was an eye opener and that I am and will be able to understand the practices of Catholics and Christians through reading the bible for myself.
Prior to this reading, I had never read the bible before. At first when I opened it, I was uncertain of what the parables were talking about. As I continued to read, it started to make sense in that the parables were as a whole telling the story of Jesus' life. I had heard bits and pieces of Jesus' life and some of his beliefs, but reading this myself gave me a better understanding of who Jesus was and what he actually did. After reading the bible, I learned that Jesus was given a gift to be a one of the Gods or represent God, whomever he/she may be. Jesus had the ability, or mystical power, to fix problems or make people more ideal. He had so much power and people followed him because he had this insane ability to cure illness and diseases. Jesus' ability to heal others and his willingness to do so like in Mark 1:17.29 shows that he has love for all people and the care to heal.
A parable that struck me was Mark 2:13.17. It states, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn't come to call righteous people, but sinners". This verse was powerful to me because it showed that Jesus accepted the sinners and that he was there to help them, to relieve their sins. He loves them regardless, which shows how powerful and loving he is. The commandments he proposed in Mark 9:49.5 was interesting to me as well because I had never read them before. I had always been aware of these commandments, I have never seen them in the context of the bible until now. I found this really interesting and now I am able to understand what it originates from.
Overall the experience of reading the bible for the first time was an eye opener and that I am and will be able to understand the practices of Catholics and Christians through reading the bible for myself.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Week 5
The part I found most interesting was that Jesus was never intended to be resembled as God.
The book Jesus continually referred to God as "your God" and the parable Luke 6.36 says "your father". If Jesus is to be interpreted as God then the word "your" would not be necessary in the book or the parable. The word "your" signifies that God is different to all people; like stated in the passage of "The Color Purple". It is really interesting to me because I could never referred to the higher power that I believed in as "God". I do believe in a higher power but I can't refer to him or her as God. It was all explained to me when the book stated that Jesus is signified as God. Jesus states that for Jesus, God walked on real life. And all these verses in the Bible may be interpreted in many ways.
I believe in a higher power but it is not Jesus. I believe that it is our responsibility to pay our respects to our ancestors that have deceased and have been to battle and war for our life that we have today. Jesus is mystical to me but I know that one before, my ancestors actually did walk this Earth. It is our duty to make this world a better place for those who have passed on and left what we have today. It is our duty to share love and show the world what we, today, are capable of. Though I believe in a higher power, it is not Jesus. But from this chapter, I guess I can refer to my ideal higher power as God because "God" isn't just Jesus, it's whomever our interpretation or imagination allows him to be. He is MY Father, he is MY God.
The book Jesus continually referred to God as "your God" and the parable Luke 6.36 says "your father". If Jesus is to be interpreted as God then the word "your" would not be necessary in the book or the parable. The word "your" signifies that God is different to all people; like stated in the passage of "The Color Purple". It is really interesting to me because I could never referred to the higher power that I believed in as "God". I do believe in a higher power but I can't refer to him or her as God. It was all explained to me when the book stated that Jesus is signified as God. Jesus states that for Jesus, God walked on real life. And all these verses in the Bible may be interpreted in many ways.
I believe in a higher power but it is not Jesus. I believe that it is our responsibility to pay our respects to our ancestors that have deceased and have been to battle and war for our life that we have today. Jesus is mystical to me but I know that one before, my ancestors actually did walk this Earth. It is our duty to make this world a better place for those who have passed on and left what we have today. It is our duty to share love and show the world what we, today, are capable of. Though I believe in a higher power, it is not Jesus. But from this chapter, I guess I can refer to my ideal higher power as God because "God" isn't just Jesus, it's whomever our interpretation or imagination allows him to be. He is MY Father, he is MY God.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Week 4
The most interesting thing I got from this reading was that the Bible is up for interpretation.
With the part about taking the metaphors in the Bible not literally was very interesting to me. I know some verses in the Bible and what it teaches but I feel like whomever wrote the Bible left it up for the people to interpret the meanings on our own. In this way, though there may be misunderstandings, those misunderstandings are truth to some. I know that the Bible does not support the change of the definition of homosexuals, and so I've heard that homosexuals are supposedly going to hell. But also, I know that God teaches to love everyone and all different types of people. This idea is very contradictory. But, this is what the chapter in the book was talking about. That it's not going to make sense to take everything in the Bible literally. To me, its interpretation is that God loves all people and though homosexuals may be classified as a different "type" of people (although homosexuals are people as well), God expressed his or her love to them. So I cannot say that homosexuals will go to hell, because to me that's not expressing love. I'm not going to take the text of the Bible literally, instead going to interpret it in the ways that I believe my beliefs may express.
With the part about taking the metaphors in the Bible not literally was very interesting to me. I know some verses in the Bible and what it teaches but I feel like whomever wrote the Bible left it up for the people to interpret the meanings on our own. In this way, though there may be misunderstandings, those misunderstandings are truth to some. I know that the Bible does not support the change of the definition of homosexuals, and so I've heard that homosexuals are supposedly going to hell. But also, I know that God teaches to love everyone and all different types of people. This idea is very contradictory. But, this is what the chapter in the book was talking about. That it's not going to make sense to take everything in the Bible literally. To me, its interpretation is that God loves all people and though homosexuals may be classified as a different "type" of people (although homosexuals are people as well), God expressed his or her love to them. So I cannot say that homosexuals will go to hell, because to me that's not expressing love. I'm not going to take the text of the Bible literally, instead going to interpret it in the ways that I believe my beliefs may express.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Week 3
Reading "The Color Purple" and "Let Your Life Speak" changed the way I think about God.
"Let Your Life Speak"enforced God to me. I come from an uncertain religious background. Religion wasn't discussed in my house growing up, it was much more inflicted in our dinner conversations. Through time and living in the US, I have grasped the concept that God is someone who lives in the sky, heaven to be exact, that watches over certain people's behaviors. God only exists if you believe he/she exists. God is one that shares love and on page 50 states "The God I know..." meaning that "God" is different for each individual. For me, I agree that there is a higher power but I cannot place the name "God" on this person/thing/object that we are all destined to pay our respects to.
This idea was enforced even more when in "The Color Purple" Celie is in confusion of who God really is. When her sister asks Celie to describe to her what God looks like, she is uncertain. This makes complete sense to me because to me, everyone's "God" is different. Though a group may participate in religious activities but when asked to describe who God is, I think that everyone will have a different response and that is completely normal.
I don't know who God is, I don't have enough background to make any judgements. But I do believe in a higher power, one who or that we are placed on this earth to serve. It may perhaps be our ancestors or the souls of our future children, grandchildren and so on-- I don't know. But the structure of "God" doesn't have an exact definition and I like that.
"Let Your Life Speak"enforced God to me. I come from an uncertain religious background. Religion wasn't discussed in my house growing up, it was much more inflicted in our dinner conversations. Through time and living in the US, I have grasped the concept that God is someone who lives in the sky, heaven to be exact, that watches over certain people's behaviors. God only exists if you believe he/she exists. God is one that shares love and on page 50 states "The God I know..." meaning that "God" is different for each individual. For me, I agree that there is a higher power but I cannot place the name "God" on this person/thing/object that we are all destined to pay our respects to.
This idea was enforced even more when in "The Color Purple" Celie is in confusion of who God really is. When her sister asks Celie to describe to her what God looks like, she is uncertain. This makes complete sense to me because to me, everyone's "God" is different. Though a group may participate in religious activities but when asked to describe who God is, I think that everyone will have a different response and that is completely normal.
I don't know who God is, I don't have enough background to make any judgements. But I do believe in a higher power, one who or that we are placed on this earth to serve. It may perhaps be our ancestors or the souls of our future children, grandchildren and so on-- I don't know. But the structure of "God" doesn't have an exact definition and I like that.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
In Class Writing #1
After reading and informing myself about mindful education, I plan to approach education is a healthier way. I want to ideally have more than eight hours of sleep a night and eat a healthy breakfast, prior to attending class. This way, I will be able to be more attentive in class and be alert to what my professors are saying. The alertness will allow me to think from a level two prospective and not brush off the material discussed. Not enough sleep and a hungry stomach will prevent me from receiving a full education so I want to change that.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 2
Reading this changed the way I think about my focus. I was always aware of the fact that sometimes, I just couldn't help but doze off and have my head be in the clouds. I agree that a "mindful education" and "mindful learning" is key to allowing students fully obtain what is taught. All of the readings involved the idea that in teaching, it is ideal to make the material interesting. Realistically speaking, I do not think it is possible to make every teaching material interesting, therefore it is impossible to keep a consistent mindful learning tactics. I find peace within myself when I'm in "flow" talked about in Creativity and Happiness. It occurs to me when I'm playing basketball. The motions I make and the passing or shooting I do becomes natural flow, something I don't literally choose to do. Although I wish that learning was always like that, I know it is not always possible.
I hope to one day become a teacher and then move on to becoming a counselor. I wish that I am able to make learning mindful to my students and simultaneously, I am able to teach my students in a way that they find my materials entertaining and something they find interest in. Then, the material will be more engraved in the student's minds and will make my job more productive.
I hope to one day become a teacher and then move on to becoming a counselor. I wish that I am able to make learning mindful to my students and simultaneously, I am able to teach my students in a way that they find my materials entertaining and something they find interest in. Then, the material will be more engraved in the student's minds and will make my job more productive.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Who am I?
1. I am a woman, strong believer in living for others. I believe that we were placed on Earth make the it a better place for future generations. I have two sisters, I'm not afraid of speaking my mind; though respectful of other's feelings. I hope to one day become an elementary school teacher or a high school counselor. I was born in Chiba, Japan then was moved to Long Island, New York then later moved to a small city outside of San Francisco, California. I love animals and care for those who are afraid to speak up. I think life is great.
2. I am a loving person.
3. Happy
4.
2. I am a loving person.
3. Happy
Who is Jesus?
1. Jesus is the man who walked on Earth who agreed to be crucified of the cross. He was crucified to take responsibility for everyone else's sins. Jesus is now better known as a God for some people. Jesus was born without having intercourse. His mother, Virgin Mary, was implanted with a baby by the Holy Spirits. He is related to Adam and Eve.
2. Jesus is the man who took responsibility of mans actions and was crucified on the cross.
3. Giving
2. Jesus is the man who took responsibility of mans actions and was crucified on the cross.
3. Giving
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