Jonathan Edwards

“Upon a review of the statement given by Mr. Edwards as to his early religious experience, it is evident that he was not one who could satisfy himself upon any insufficient grounds: not a symptom of carelessness or of presumption can be discerned; he looked upon himself with a holy jealousy; he thought, he read, he conversed, and above all he prayed, that he might be enabled more accurately to search his own heart, and thus escape the danger of self-deception, and be convinced by proofs which would stand the test of the judgment of God, that he was a child of light, a subject of holiness, and an heir of glory. And thus studying himself under the penetrating light of the word, and the gracious influences of the Spirit of God, he acquired that exact knowledge of the various inward exercises and outward displays of the Christian character, which enabled him in after-years, with such skill, to separate delusive appearances from those which are solid, and to mark the strong difference between the mere professor of the name of Christ, and the actual partaker of the power of the gospel. It was in these early years of his life that those correct views were formed which afterwards expanded in his admirable treatise on Religious Affections.”

Reflection:
As Jonathan Edwards continued to grow in the Lord, he became more and more confident that it was God’s work in him that brought him life and not his own, and he endeavored to live this out with all that he could. To him it wasn’t just about knowing certain religious rules or interesting facts about God, but it was about having a real life, intimate relationship with God that overflowed in worship and prayer. As he lived this way, Edwards grew more and more into the wonderful life that God had for him. A life that was more and more in line with God’s calling.

Response:
Let’s pray that just like Jonathan Edwards, we too would get caught up in the wonder, majesty and calling that God has over our lives. Let’s ask that this would not just be about outward appearances, but that we would be transformed in this relationship with God from the inside out.

Source: Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 1, Birth — Parentage — Early Religious Advantages — Serious Impressions and Account of his Experience.

Hey guys,

I just started a new blog on fitness and exercise so go check it out at http://any1exercise.com and follow me on twitter @Any1Exercise.

There are new posts everyday.  It is still developing so any tips or comments would be appreciated.

The Journal of Web Semantics announced two new special issues, one on semantic sensing and another on the semantic and social web. Both will be publshed in 2012 with preprints made freely available online as papers are accepted.

The special issue on semantic sensing will be edited by Harith Alani, Oscar Corcho and Manfred Hauswirth. Papers will be reviewed on a rolling basis and authors are encouraged to submit before the final deadline of 20 December 2011.

The issue on the semantic and social web will be edited by John Breslin and Meena Nagarajan. Papers will be reviewed on a rolling basis and authors are encouraged to submit before the final deadline of 21 January 2012.

See the JWS Guide for Authors for details on the submission process.

I won’t lie, I am not into veggies. I mean they are just alright, but if I had the choice between pasta or a salad:

The pasta would win.

Heck, so would a cookie.

But, what if I could trick myself into getting some green into my life?

Would you think I was crazy if I added 5, just 5 leaves of spinach to an amazing smoothie?

• Almond Milk
• Frozen Berry Medley
• Fat-free Vanilla yogurt
• 5 Organic spinach leaves

Tip: Adding frozen fruits is an awesome way to get a cool smoothie without spending too much on fruits!

Look at that color!!

Look at that color!!!!

Bernard of Clairvaux

“It was in zeal for [the Lord] that, pitying your error and your unhappiness, I was moved to interfere beyond my custom in order to save you, although you were not mine. Your serious fall and miserable case has moved me thus to presume. For whom of your contemporaries have you seen me reprimand? To whom have I ever addressed even the briefest letter? Not that I regarded them as saints, nor had nothing to blame in them…Your fellow soldiers whom you have deserted by flight are fighting and overcoming; they knock and they enter in, they seize heaven and reign while you scour the streets and squares, sitting upon your ambling courser, and clad in purple and fine linen. These are the ornaments of peace, not the weapons of war. Or do you say, Peace, and there is no peace (”http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bible/asv.Ezek.13.html” \l “Ezek.13.10″ Ezekiel xiii. 10). The purple tunic does not put to flight lust, and pride, and avarice, nor does it protect against other fiery darts of the enemy. Lastly, it does not ward off from you the fever which you more fear, nor secure you from death. Where are your warlike weapons, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the breast-plate of patience? Why do you tremble? There are more with us than with our enemies. Take your arms, recover your strength while yet the combat lasts; Angels are spectators and helpers, the Lord himself is your aid and your support, who will teach your hands to war and your fingers to fight (”http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bible/asv.Ps.144.html” \l “Ps.144.1″ Psalm cxliv. 1). Let us come to the help of our brothers, lest if they fight without us they vanquish without us, and without us enter into heaven; lest, last of all, when the door has been shut it be replied from within to us knocking too late, Verily I say unto you, I know you not (”http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bible/asv.Matt.25.html” \l “Matt.25.12″ S. Matthew xxv. 12). Make yourself known then and seen beforehand, lest you be unknown for glory and known only for punishment. If Christ recognizes you in the strife, He will recognize you in heaven, and as He has promised, will manifest Himself to you (”http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bible/asv.John.14.html” \l “John.14.21″ S. John xiv. 21). If only you by repenting and returning will show yourself such as to be able to say with confidence, Then shall I know even as also I am known (”http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bible/asv.iCor.13.html” \l “iCor.13.12″ 1 Corinthians xiii. 12).”

Reflection:
Bernard of Clairvaux cares for his former pupil Fulk so much and is so concerned to see Fulk live out his calling, that he decides to write this lengthy letter to Fulk so as to try and convince him of what the better way of living is. Therefore, Bernard encourages Fulk to remember his fellow brothers from the monastery who are actively living for the Lord with everything they have, and compare it with the relative weakness that a life in the world has to offer. To Bernard, living any other way was just a waste of time, and would ultimately wind up costing Fulk everything.

Response:
In the same way, God is calling us again to put off the worldly things of this life and join Him in the work of the Kingdom. Let’s pray that we too would be confident of the calling we have received, so that we are not caught up in the world’s desires and plans for us, but that we would willingly follow God with all of our hearts.

Source: Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, Letter XLV (circa A.D. 1120) To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres

For all you football fans out there, the announcement you’ve been waiting on for months has offically been made: GAME ON!

The NFL lockout which has plagued households across America finally came to an end Monday afternoon.

The sports world was becoming agitated with no word from the players and the training season looming on the horizon.

However, the NFL Players Union pulled through just in time and consented to a 10-year collective bargaining agreement. Training will commence later on this week and new team adjustments are already in the process.

So all you fans out there gather your beer and your wings because the football party is about to begin.

Thanks to NPR!

A Happy, Healthy Meal: McDonald’s announces changes to its most famous order.

Call your legislators! Congress flooded with calls about the debt ceiling.

Another race gap? Recession has hurt minorities most.

Two more years! FBI Director’s term extended for the first time.

And, how natural are “natural fragrances?”