DebiLady

Still hooked on the SBCW

2006-10-24T14:41:00.000+02:00

Lizz, the Scot, on the SBCW took this... I don't know why it's mostly of me... but, it's still so funny. I hope you can get it, because we talk kinda fast.... So, since I am still addicted to the SBCW (that school in Switzerland) and thinking about it all the time... I thought I should share a clip from our Graduation party at the end... It definately shows how fun it was!!! It is sooooo weird... It must have just been the right mix of people or something, because I have never felt more myself. Weird, eh? And, I don't think I have ever laughed as much as I did on the SBCW. It rocked! But, I am still moving back to Montana!!! :)

These were some of our best quotes: (Jacob and Jodi, :) hopefully we'll remember more!!)

Jesus did not die for your personal happiness. ~Dr. Glenn Martin
Ideas have consequences. And, so do mantras... ~Dr. Bruce Little, Ellis Potter
Good times, great oldies... ~Ray
Circles please... circles please... unbeliev-Able ~Lilly
The Bible is not a book, it's God in verbal propositional form. ~Dr. Glenn Martin
Straight ahead! Straight ahead! ~Jacob giving directions
Swoosh, one with the waterfall! ~Debi
Stewardship. ~John Khune
I don't know. ~Ellis Potter
iPod therefore I am. ~John Hess (I think it was him, anyway...)

Anyway, I cannot get the clip to upload, so click on the question mark icon and it will bring up the webpage where you can watch the clip! :) Stupid thing... you can only see about 9 seconds of the 1 minute clip... I don't know what I am doing wrong!

My first Hyttetur...

2006-10-23T17:09:00.000+02:00

My last month in Norway, and I get my first very typical Norwegian weekend trip to the cabin... ahh... så koselig!!! So cozy!
We hiked this mountain... I forget the name off the top of my head... Storronden, or something like that... It was GREAT!

Ah... the unplanned perfect picture...

Fun in the sun, or sunset anyway....

I would like to think that I am the Champion! Even if we had only hiked a few minutes by then... ha ha

Tom is one sharp lookin' man...

Ah... Brrrr!!! It's cold... Let's go down again!

But, the view is AWESOME!!!

Huh...

2006-10-07T01:35:00.000+02:00

I love movies and the Biblical Worldview school has ruined me for LIFE! Can I not watch a movie now and just not think! Little Miss Sunshine was a GREAT movie! It was done superbly!! GREAT characters! GREAT script! And, before I would have just left the theater with the thought that the film ended with some super great. . ... well, I won't give away the ending... But, I think I can still say some things without giving away the ending... If I wasn't thinking, then the movie would have left me thinking, that it all worked out in the end (I am sure I am not giving away too much, as most all movies work out in the end)... It was realistically funny... But, now I see how it ended empty, no foundation, no reason, no solidity. No absolute. Bum deal.

...I am trying to upload some pictures but it is not working.

Last thoughts of the SBCW

2006-10-03T11:06:00.000+02:00

The SBCW is now over... I am back in Norway and my head is swimming swimming with thoughts and information...

I suppose that the most important information from the school was the following... but of course there is more information swimming in my head than I can possible mention on one blog... So the best information was the learning to analyze the message of media... Today, there is so much information accessible, but it's not assessable, the tools of logic are no longer taught in schools or universities. To top it off the Bible does not have the authority as it used to in the Middle Ages. Therefore there is no one standard. The Bible and Christianity were the standard for art, medicine, government, etc etc... Since the Bible has lost this authority films have become the source that people use to draw philosophies about life and the meaning of life, it has influenced many Christians as well. I am so thankful to have learned some tools to understand the message behind the film or whatever source of art. Then the question is, is it enough to recognize the message? As Christians, we are to love our neighbors. It is important to offer solutions. But, when the Bible is not recognized as an authority in the western world, how do you do it??? One suggestion, only answer the questions the world is asking. Many times we shout out: Jesus is the answer! But, what question does that imply has been asked... because most likely the world is not asking a question that "Jesus is the answer" is the answer. To love our neighbors is not to shout out the answer at them, but to ask them questions. How does their belief system work or look in relation to the reality of the world around us??? Are they consistent with their belief system?? Explain Biblical principles and how Christianity describes the world we are living in.

Then reveal that it is not wisdom from yourself, but from the Bible...
I heard a story recently about a Christian that met an economist... The Christian started asking him what kind of work he was in and how it all functioned and also shared the Bible's perspective of economy... I cannot remember the details, but I do remember that the economist later said that it was the best discussion he had had on economy ever. The Christian was not an economist, and in fact, he doesn't know that much about economy, and only described Biblical principles.

Which makes me think... What does it mean to "go into all the world and preach the gospel"? If it means geographically, or ethnically (people groups), it is kinda incomplete... what about the places we live in now??? What exactly is being redeemed??? Is it only souls, or is it all of creation, including: art, government, our work places what ever they may be? It is sad that there has become a split between sacred and secular. Secular jobs many times are seen as not important, but they are of course a means for people to earn a living, but also a place to implement Biblical principles. A company founded on Biblical principles will have great success. I laugh every time I think of it, but the cows in Switzerland get a sabbath day, and in Norway I heard that they get two weeks off a year or something... the cows! But, isn't it our responsibility to care for the animals as part of our stewardship of the earth??? I mean I don't know how it should function... but there are so many aspects of life that the Bible describes how we can live that will have impact on those around us and future generations... It's really quite amazing...

Those are the thoughts for now... there is so much more swirling around in my head... but I am trying to just relax this week... ha ha :)

I actually wrote that last week and forgot to put it on the blog... I wonder if I should re-read my thoughts from last week or just post it??? Ah.. I'll just post it!

Astrology...???

2006-09-07T14:05:00.001+02:00

(A picture of a view from my "dorm" room... and even though these pictures are post-project... I am still super tired and feel like a walking zombie... I know I don't totally look like that.... but I am and it is true!)

Well, I finished my project, it was due on Saturday! Wahoo, it is finished! So, now I am an expert on parenting, educating children, and wisely watching films with kids!! ha ha :) I guess some theories, but definitely not in practice!!! :) ha ha Definitely some good principles for educating kids through youth work!! :)

I am still tired and recovering, but, this week the teaching has been excellent, it has been eye opening! God is definately BIG! This week, our teacher is an astronomer who currently is studying the old clay tablets found in the Middle East area. She is studying for their understanding on astronomy back then. It is all so interesting. We have talked about how astronomy and astrology were one concept in the Antique times. The Mesopotamians studied the sky to explain the seasons, the months, and the days. They were using the positioning of the sun and moon to determine what was happening on earth. Which is exactly how astrology was started. It was really interesting to learn that astrology was not evil, mystical, or spiritual. As they were using the sky to explain the seasons, lunar months, and the days, then it was logical for them to also use the positioning of the sky to explain good and bad things happening; for example, five sheep belonging to a farmer died, or a baby was born, floods, drought, etc etc.... The Mesopotamians were reading the night sky to help their kings manage their kingdoms.

Many times we will run into people who think reading their horoscope is getting in touch with Mesopotamian wisdom. And, what we can see is that, it was "wisdom" at the time, when they thought that the heavens went around the earth. Now, of course, we know that the positioning of the sun and moon, determines the months and seasons, but there is no connection to fate, or good or bad things in people's lives.

We can put it into perspective. In the Middle Ages when it was decided that the sun was the center and the earth spun around the sun, then some astronomers could not accept it. They thought if it were so, we would spin off the earth. Many times the understanding of how the world is set-up or functions is understood through the culture. So, in relation to the Mesopotamians, they also logically interpreted the sky or the heavens to explain the happenings on the earth.

It is so interesting to study all this. Many times we are afraid of the things we do not understand. For example, I wrote an email once and talked about how many Christians are afraid of the Asian religions, but it is only that we are afraid of the things we do not understand. We studied the Asian religions, and it is easy to see how they have come up with ways to explain how they view the world. When analyzing the beliefs, there are contradictions, and nothing to fear. To quote Hollywood (ha ha), "When people don't understand, they turn to their assumptions" (Finding Forrester). Astrology and Asian religions are nothing to be afraid of, they will not disprove God. God is creator! The purpose of science is to understand how God set-up nature to function! To reveal Him in all the details needed for the earth to function as it does. This school has definitely given me a better understanding of science and people of other religions and what they are thinking, to be able to have meaningful discussions with people, that hopefully will lead them to The Truth.

Some Swiss Photos...

2006-08-29T16:18:00.000+02:00

Here's some views from L'Abri, Bern, and then a couple from around the YWAM base.

Be one with the waterfall...

2006-08-27T18:57:00.000+02:00

Well, I am still loving Switzerland and the SBCW... but I am definitely tired... Some days I feel like I cannot take the communal living anymore. It is soo hard to go into the teaching or work on the semester project in this communal living setting. It is like I cannot shake all the frustrations. It's hard to sleep with a couple of other girls in the room and hard to get any privacy or down time. Since the other classmates are instantly your friends in this foreign place, then how do you enjoy a day off? I mean I want to go do something fun with my friends. But I am so tired. In need of some variety of people to hang with and places to go in this small village. There is no privacy no place to hide away and just read or watch a movie without interruption. I know many of the others are having a hard time as well, so I know we are all in this together, but it's draining! YWAM gotta love it, gotta hate it!

Last week we went to L'Abri. I am not sure I even know how to describe it! It was really really good! It was founded by Francis Schaeffer, probably the greatest prophet of our time. You could read anything by him and gain insight into where society is headed and what it actually means to be a Christian. What are you saved to? What all does that include? L'Abri, means "The Shelter" in French (it is located in the French speaking part of Switzerland). L'Abri was started as a place where travelers could stop and discuss the meaning of life. This has been a place that has blessed intellectuals of all types, Buddhists, New Agers, etc etc.. Many have become Christians there after analyzing history and society. There is a library filled with books from Christian philosophers, theologians, artists, etc etc. It was so relaxing and beautiful in the Alps! I was blessed blessed blessed!!! I found quite a few books there that pertain to my topic for my seminar paper, so that was super!!!

As films are the number one influential art form today. Films are like sermons, especially since people these days are un-churched people. For my project I am analyzing a Disney film and it's influence on children and coming up with a sort of brochure on "How to Critically Watch Films With Children." I am actually a little excited about this situation... Wahoo for the ability to understand the worldview and the consequences of where beliefs will lead us personally and as a society!!!

The first picture is from the balcony at L'Abri and the other pictures are from studying at L'Abri... and then there is the picture of me "one with the waterfall". It is from a presentation skit we had on the book Abolition of Man written by C.S. Lewis. I was demonstrating if all life is subjective than I can be one with the water. "Shwoosh, one with the waterfall... Shwoosh, one with the waterfall... Swoosh..." I think my classmates appreciate my flair for the dramatics! ha ha!!! :) (One classmate sitting next to me, just agreed- he likes my flair for the dramatics! :) )

Deep Thoughts (or maybe frustrations) with Debi

2006-08-13T15:06:00.000+02:00

Oh, my goodness... I am soo in the mood to blog.... but I am thinking so deep today... I should keep my blog professional, but what is the fun in that??? We need to get a little crazy here... Huh! Well, I gotta couple things running through the brain... I wonder if later I will delete this from my blog???

1) I have totally decided that this SBCW is easier for men to take than for women... But, my male classmates beg to differ- of course! Here is my thought process... Men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti. Men have different categories for their thoughts. So, they have the classroom box and the communal living box and the practical duties box... etc etc etc... And, women on the other hand, do not separate! So, if there is something super frustrating with your roommates or with your practical duty, then it follows you to the classroom, and your emotions are attached to it all. So, I realize that we cannot judge life with our emotions, but we cannot ignore them either... And, that is exactly why I think this class is harder for women- since we are more emotional than men. Plus, this is way harder than just going to university. If you have a classmate that you don't click with.. then you only see them an hour or two per day and then you go on about your business. But here, your classmates are your roommates, who are your only friends in Switzerland. I love YWAMers... you can't live with 'em and you can't live without 'em! Anyway, I started talking about the hardships women have- I do not mean to vent about the logistics here...

2) There is more to the discussion above... Even though I think this class is probably harder for women. I think it is more essential for women. But, of course this is a generality. Women tend to be more narrow-minded thinking about the home and the family, where men are already more keen on the world around them. But, why is that? And, why are women satisfied with that? Now, I am only feminist in the sense that men and women are equal.. I do NOT burn my bra on the stake, I love pink, painting my nails, going to the salon. I love femininity!!! But, seriously, why is it more acceptable for women to not be as wise about the world we are living in? Why when I am taking this class do I get the feeling from others that it is great that I am learning philosophy and foundational Christianity, but it's not really necessary? That really ticks me off. I don't want to sound like a superior brat or something. I have chatted some with girlfriends, and the conversation goes no where, but if I get into a discussion with the guys, then there is actually a discussion. Why, when most Christian mother's think that staying home to raise their kids is the best option, rather than working outside the home? Shouldn't it be important to raise your children with understanding of the world we are living in? Is that just the daddy's job??? I would totally beg to differ... I guess it shouldn't bother me so bad. Since I am interested in understanding the world around me and the thought processes behind philosophers and understanding where society is and where it is headed, then that is good for me, right? I just wonder how many women are seriously contemplating? But, then women with knowledge, does that threaten men?? Because over all I get the sense that women act like they are not thinking, so as to not threaten men. Why are smart, determined women a threat? Why when I look around at the women who have taken the Biblical worldview school are they 40, 45, 50 and still single (and they would be the ones that could train their children with understanding)? Is seems to be that the women that have taken the worldview school that are married, were married before taking the worldview school and took it with their husbands. I was just talking with a married woman here on the base and she says that her husband is going to take the school, but she didn't have the interest to. I just wonder about that.... My opinion and thoughts, I am sure are related to my background, and you can of course study the same things and have an understanding of society and culture without taking an SBCW! Of course! And, the SBCW is not perfect, there are faults in this system as well.... But, where are we headed, and what are the goals?? If we want to reach out to a lost world, then we need to understand the world. If we want to live for Jesus, then we need to understand the extent of what He did for us. One thing I can say, is our teachers (who are Theology and Christian philosophy dudes-men) have it going on. As I am watching and listening to them, I see how they have such a clear understanding of the world and of Christianity, that sin is no joke, it is not something to be brushed off. I thought I had been impressed with people's character before, but not to the extent of what I have seen lately. The humility, the aggressiveness to love their neighbor and even their enemies... it has been more than impressive. I am encouraged and I do have hope. Of course I would like to see a whole world change, but how realistic is that??? I am humbled that I can only be where I am, and only do what I understand to do... I would rather be big and have great influence. But, I am just me and I am just here and I can only do so much and not everything. And, what I can do, I cannot even do in my own strength...

Those are the thoughts for today...

Reformation Tour and Swiss Fun!

2006-08-04T22:49:00.000+02:00

We are on a Reformation Field Trip through Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland... Here's a picture from one of the Catholic churches that became Protestant we visited today in Lausanne. But, I must admit the best part of this field trip is wireless internet! Finally!!! The first thing I did was call home!!! IT was great to talk to my Gramma (she's my hero!), my Dad and my Brother!!!

This is a picture of all the Americans in the group in the Swiss Room at the United Nations-Geneva!! The Swiss Supreme Court building in Lausanne and The UN building were included in our weekend. We were analyzing Biblical principles in government!

Finally now that I have wireless, I am adding all the pictures I can!!! So, here's a random sample of pictures from the last couple weeks!!! There are sunflower fields everywhere... even though this picture does not do it justice, and there is a nest of storks close by... and you can hear the babies chirping! It's soo cute!!!

Last weekend we spent A Day in Bern...
Saturday we had the day off from the classroom... so a few of us girls went for a day in the city...
That globe thing rotated... it was sweet! So there is Jodi, Lilly, myself and Kim.
And, I cannot forget the best news!!! My Gramma, in Big Timber, is living at home again! She's gone home from the nursing home. What a champion! It has been about 6 months since she had slept in her own bed! :) Wahoo!

The Swiss are a genuinely sweet culture... on August 2nd, their national day, every country represented did a presentation! Don't worry we girls did a great job representing the USA! And, we were even educational and demonstrated the Pledge of Allegiance! :)

A perfect Swiss day!

2006-08-01T13:21:00.000+02:00

It all started early in the morning... my first wake up call that I was in a kissing culture, when I met one of the girls we would be spending the day with and she greeted me by kissing my cheek and not just once... or twice... but three kisses on the cheek!!! It woke me from my slumber... There was no need for coffee! That would have been enough to write home about!!!
Then we drove about an hour to get to the Alps... It was a beautiful drive with the sun coming up... We started hiking and all was perfect. The cute little Swiss buildings. I was a little disappointed because it looked like a tourist place, but it seems like that is how all the hiking/trailheads are here. I guess with a very small country and a lot of outdoors people, then you will run into people all the time. It was not Montana where you can hike and not see a single person-that's for sure!!! Then, when we got half way, there was a toboggan ride! A RIDE on the mountain- So, I went twice!! It was soo fun! I was definitely reverting back to childhood! After our little toboggan break, we hiked up some more. It was so totally gorgeous!!! There was a glacier on top of the mountain across the lake and the lake was that light green color. It was awesome! We got to a little restaurant where they had cows and made cheese!!! I could not believe it- a little farm way up the mountain and a family that had a restaurant! Like, heelloo! It was at like 1,800 meters, surrounded by rock and mountain. The cheese was super good. We laid out on our backpacks and took an after lunch power nap at the top of a waterfall with the lake below and the glacier off to the left... it was GREAT! We practiced our yodeling!!!- There is just something about those views that makes you want to yodel and sing: "The hills are alive, with the sound of music..." while running through the grassy knoll covered in wild flowers and green green grass. If only I were courageous enough to do that with people all around! ha ha

On our way down we stopped by the lake and here is the surprising and shocking news! I got into and out of my swimsuit the European way! NO changing rooms! YIKES! This was my first experience, and I did a very bad job of it... I was soo nervous that I giggled the whole time... In other words, the whole area heard me talking and giggling my way through it; I did not go unnoticed!! ha ha! Then after swimming, I had to change back! Ahh... what a mess! But, Switzerland is great!!!... good cheese, good views, good chocolate, good people, good times!
(Just so you Montanans know... The Alps are gorgeous!!!... but where I am living and where I hiked is still not the same altitude as Montana-those Rocky Mountains are just way up there!!!) :)

Swiss Field Trip

2006-07-23T17:42:00.000+02:00

So we were off on a field trip... It was a great day out... We went to a monastery and watched a documentary on the spread of Christianity in Europe... We also stopped along the way to see some Roman ruins from an amphitheater. You don't find that in AMERICA!!! Weird huh!
And here's a picture of some of my classmates, surprisingly there are four Americans to dream about home with and four Scandinavians-which makes for some fun keeping up with my Norwegian lessons! :) Wahoo!

The Wonders of Scotland...

2006-07-18T21:31:00.000+02:00

DRIVING ON THE LEFT! Yikes! But, nothing was as scary as hiking to the Man of Storr! Scotland was super... almost as great as Montana and Norway... I would encourage everyone to visit! Drive on the left (at least our car had FULL COVERAGE!), castles and castles and more castles and the BEST brie and pesto sandwiches!!! YUM! The scenery is gorgeous and they even have dangerous areas! ha ha

Sara and I had way good times!!! And, here was our favorite castle!!! I forget the name, imagine that... as we saw many castles, but here's a pic for you anyway...

Happy 4th!

2006-07-18T21:24:00.000+02:00

(Sigh)... Family Reunion... What a great day to see everyone... Except I am such a bad sister! I do not have any pictures of my brother and his sweet dog that weighs as much as I do... So here is a picture of my sweet Gramma... she is recovering sooo nicely! Wahoo! Wahoo!!!

Sweet...

2006-07-02T07:21:00.000+02:00

Age limit, height requirement, no worries! My good friend Jamie testing the saddle at the Museum of the Rockies, and the high school gang out for a night of catching up, NINE YEARS OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, and they are still the cream of the crop! Look at those sweethearts!...

Big Timber Creek Hike

2006-07-02T07:06:00.000+02:00

WHAT A GREAT MONTANA DAY!!! The weather was great for a hike, the falls were smaller than I expected and the "lake" was a pond! Only because I read the map wrong and I didn't go far enough to Blue Lake and Granite Lake! STINK! Great views though... I went by myself... I wonder now if that was irresponsible, I thought nothing of it at first, I was surprized at all the different comments people made about me going by myself... huh.

Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning...

2006-06-16T18:54:00.000+02:00

Well, we have to pause sometimes in the midst of cleaning to enjoy the nature and wild turkeys! Two beautiful cleaning babes! (I'm cleaning vacation rental homes for some extra dough... )

Hiking the "M"

2006-06-16T02:41:00.000+02:00

You Norwegian people are missing out on some of this school pride thing... The "M" is for Montana State University. It is not from "MY" university (The University of Montana).. but since this is where I grew up, it will have to do! The valley is surrounded by mountains on all sides... it's beautiful! The aroma from all the pine trees was intoxicating!!

She's Recovering...

2006-06-11T17:34:00.000+02:00

Here's a pic of my Gramma, my current ministry... She is recovering slowly... which is sooo good! I am sooo glad that I am able to come home and spend time with her. It has been so great! She wouldn't let me take a picture of her while she is in the nursing home.. so here's a picture from Christmas.

Back in Montana

2006-06-09T22:00:00.000+02:00

Back in Montana and look what I found... a Scandinavian Viking Ship displayed in Big Timber (in one of my Gramma's friends yards-My Gramma thinks its ridiculous and over the top, I think it's hilarious!)... AND glassware named after Norway!!! :)
Then a couple of very rainy days camping, so we turned our little area into "The Hilton of the Rockies"... ha ha...(Which you can't really tell from the pic, but it was organized all good and fancy!) :)

A few more pictures from Norway

2006-06-09T21:53:00.000+02:00

Here's a picture of us students and staff from the School of Biblical Christian Worldview (SBCW)... right before I had to come home!!!

Another view of the fjord from the YWAM base, Eintrøa, Norway

Attempting to study and enjoying the long awaited spring weather... :)

First Blogg

2006-06-08T05:48:00.000+02:00

Wahoo! I finally have a blogg!! So, the picture is from Eintroa, a YWAM base in Norway, but I am here in Montana caring for my Gramma, Yippee she is getting better!!! And I am still trying to get in some Montana summer... hiking, camping, etc etc... Wahoo for my first blogg...