The Pope and Islam

I've been apologetic toward Pope Benedict XVI since his speech last Tuesday at Regensburg University. This is not because of any anti-Islamic vein within, but because he and I are both sinners redeembed by the blood of Jesus. He is in a very difficult position as spiritual leader for the Catholic world. And as Derek Webb says, Jesus and the Gospel are not safe to preach.

If you have the time, I'd encourage you to read Pastor John Pipers wisdom-filled response to Pope's speech: How Christians Should Respond to Muslim Outrage at the Pope's Regensburg Message About Violence and Reason

Oh, and Webb also said "there's no point in having a platform to stand on if you're not standing on it saying things that are probably going to get you knocked off of it."

A renewed beginning

I'm in a very unusual semester and am just now getting into a comfortable routine. While a number classes interested me this semester, like Surfaces and Colloids or Soil Organic Matter, my adviser and I thought it best if I spent my time focusing on research. My obligations to the school are two research and to assist in teaching an upperdivision class in my department. TAing isn't too difficult and provides me the opportunity to lecture. For instance, the professor is out of town for two weeks and I'm lecturing in his absence. I'm stepping up my commitment to research and speeding up my timetable a little bit.

I've also sheered back my commitments to extracirricular activities. Yes, I've decided to race in some Mountain Bike races, but this is a weekend activity that incorporates spending time with friends. Seeing the PCA church plant off the ground is something very important to me. God has been and continues to be with the church, blessing those involved, the unchurched community, and the rest of the local churches through this ministry.

Thirdly, my semester is purposefully marked with spending time with my friends. It's true that my friends help me enjoy and see God. Likewise, they're in need of the same thing - mainly, joy and peace. Together as friends, bonded by the Spirit, I hope that we'll be encouraged to bring in the foriegner - those that don't know blessings of being in communion with one another through Christ.

I guess you could say that the semester is marked by mission: Mainly, what it means to see God work through my talents as an academic and teacher; how the local church is a vessel of unity and healing (personal and community) to the glory of God; and finally, the role of close, personal fellowship in the Covenant community as a means of knowing and sharing Jesus.

Let us press on to know Him.

Darwin's doubt

"With me, the horrid doubt always arises whether the convictions of man's mind, which has been developed from the mind of the lower animals, are of any value or at all trustworthy. Would any one trust in the convictions of a monkey's mind, if there are any convictions in such a mind?" ~Chuck D. (Charles Darwin)

Coming out party.

The invitation read:

"New, used, and abused grad students,

You are invited to Dan and Paul's Apartment Tuesday evening for the second of the general welcome parties. Your hosts, Dan and I, have been labeled the "danimal" and a "self proclaimed adonis", respectively...

We invite you to bring a token or object from your closet, something with a story, that you can show-and-tell with the rest of the bunch. For example, I have a pink Care Bear backpack that I wore around during my senior year of undergrad. It has a story and is cute. Your object may or may not be cute, but bring it and surprise us.

On a more serious note, this is a great opportunity to continue getting to know each other. We hope and pray that the Spirit would lead us to deepen our friendships; and above all, that Christ would be glorified in our fellowship." ~pb (28 Aug 2006)

Dan and I herald the message and the grad students came. The co-sponsors arrived first, bringing with them munchies and drinks (thanks Josh, Austin and Michael). Many grad students, old and new, made it out to our humble apartment in order to celebrate the will of God in keeping us in academics, and new and renewed friendships. The stories about our closet crap were priceless. I only wish I could recount them all. I'll do my best:

Josh B. once participated in the largest annual cross country race in the nation. Along with the rest of the runners, he dawned an interesting article of clothing. In his case, the pink bucket-cap actually compliments his smile.


While in Nigeria, Michael became acquainted with a local brewery called More Beer. He visited the establishment and used his whiteness to get free paraphernalia. Evidentially, not too many Dutch, white guys are seen in those parts; so, it's a big deal when one comes knocking on the gate, wanting free t-shirts and hats.



Brittany is an affinity for stealing precious, silica minerals from West-coast beaches. This vet/surfer girl took this sand from the beach just before taking off for plains of IL.



Heidi showcased her nut-in-a-jewelry-box. An older, close family friend knelt down as if to propose to her. While an engagement ring was way out of the question, the anticipation was too much. The plastic nut was to help her remember to never take herself too seriously. Great story.



Austin of Lockslee showcased his sword and even gave a live demonstration of his sword wielding skills. Michael tossed an apple up into the night air and in one swipe Austin had successfully severed the fruit in two pieces. Don't line up too soon, ladies, because this Lancelot is engaged!



Kindel wore these waffle-stompers to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest summit in Africa. While at the top, her party played nine-holes of golf ( italicized part added for emphasis). In all actuality, they did hit golf balls off the peak.



"F" - for Fluorine. This notebook tells the whole story. Nina lit to chemistry at a young age and like most chemists she kept a handy dandy notebook. Her high school chemistry memoirs recount her first encounter with "The Mole" and electronegativity.



Danimal shared a home-made, pastel pillow that Sara S. (his g/f) mailed to him from TX. I think After starting the knit-job, she realized a whole sweater made out of that yarn would look like pretty barf. So, she annealed it into a pillow and sent it Dan, who named it "Squarie".



It's quite the inconvenience to roll and unroll my jeans every time I want to commute on my bicycle to school (rolling the jeans up keeps my sprockets and back wheel from eating up my pant legs). So, I bought some man-pris from Kohl's young women's department. While they're comfortable and will fix my problem, I haven't had the guts to wear them in public. Yeah, the European and Asians do it, but this is 'Merica. Here's the first public appearance of yours truly in capris.



More pics are available at my PhotoBucket (link at the right).

**On a sad note, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died yesterday. He was pierced through the heart by the barb of a very large sting ray. I really enjoyed his shows and appreciated his support of conservation. Pray for his family and fans during this time.