Well I have completed what I set out to do. I have finished the Chronicles of Narnia. It was an interesting journey which resulted in having a deeper appreciation for C.S. Lewis. I will most likely amend this blog site to include other writings of C.S. Lewis too.
The Last Battle was finished today, as I waited for my son. He was getting a root canal done, so I had much time to read. What did I think about this, the final installment of the series? What relation can we find to our life today?
As you can see by the title of this post, the real verse the fake seem to stand out to me. You see, what has happened is that there is a false Narnia that has been created. Complete with a false Aslan. How did this happen? Surly not in Narnia! But alas it does. So here is my question for you, the reader. How can we know if we are living in a false Christian world or not? How do we know that we are not following a false god?
I heard a report once about counterfeit money. The question posed to these workers, whose job it was to identify the fake money, how do you do it? You would think that maybe they would find and examine the fake money. That way they would know what they are looking for. The answer however was that they study the real money for hours and hours. They get to know everything about the real money. How it looks, how it feels, how it smells, and how it folds. In fact they never even study the fake money at all. They study the real thing.
Likewise, we need to study God and God alone. When we spend hours and hours with God we will know when we are serving false gods. It is all too easy to slide and find ourselves thinking we are serving God when in reality were are serving ourselves.
So the people (or should I say, subjects) of Narnia are fooled. In the end though the real Aslan appears and destroys the fake Narnia. It is at the end where C.S. Lewis mentions the word Shadowlands. This is another word for our world. It is a beautiful descriptive word. Shadows can only happen where darkness is. In the world to come there will be no darkness, and therefor no shadows.
Thanks for those who read my thoughts as I read through these books.
Till next.
Doug Conrad
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Lewis and I: How much dark is darkness?
Lewis and I: How much dark is darkness?: Reading through the Silver Chair was interesting. I figured out why it was called Silver Chair. Not much is mentioned of this actually, but ...
How much dark is darkness?
Reading through the Silver Chair was interesting. I figured out why it was called Silver Chair. Not much is mentioned of this actually, but Prince Rilian is captured and tied down to this silver chair. Alsan breaks the spell and the prince is free. That is when we find out who the prince really is, he is the son of King Caspian. The children and the prince are trying to get out from the Underworld. This is the part of the story that made me want to put down the book actually.
Now let me explain. I wanted to put the book down because I don't like tight spaces. The idea of total darkness and being trapped underground was enough to make we want to get out quickly. I know it is just a story but it got to me. I sure they don't make a movie of it.
It got me thinking though. We talk much about Jesus being the Light of the World. We think of John chapter 1:7-9. Light is good, darkness is bad. This is the simple way of thinking about this subject. How much dark is darkness? How much light does it take to have light?
Do we really think about a world without Jesus as darkness. When reading the end of the Silver Chair, I thought about darkness. I don't like when things are pitch black. Is that how we see the world? Or do we see that everything is okay but would be better with Jesus? The Bible is clear that every human has sinned, and therefor is in darkness. Pitch black darkness. We are under the spell of the wicked witch. Without Jesus there is no light. The Bible says we were dead in our sins. It doesn't say we were half alive. It doesn't say we were okay, we just need Jesus.
So darkness is total blackness. No light anywhere.
How about light? Is it the lack of darkness? I think light shines on our darkness. It doesn't take much light to get rid of darkness. A small light or candle can do the trick.
Here is a story I heard from "Sticky Church" arthur Larry Osborne:
They were on a cave tour. The guide assured Larry that it will never get pitch black on the tour. So he convinced his wife(who doesn't like the dark) to go. Sure enough at one point the guide turns off the lights, so people can get a feel for total darkness. Larry pleads with the guide to turn the lights on as his wife is getting very nervous. With no luck there, he turns to his son and tells him to turn on his light for his watch. He turns on the light, and the darkness is gone. Larry' wife can relax. All is well, except for the other tour mates.
Why tell this story? A little light in darkness is powerful. A little light in light not so much.
When you read the Silver Chair remember the darkness that is life without Jesus.
Now let me explain. I wanted to put the book down because I don't like tight spaces. The idea of total darkness and being trapped underground was enough to make we want to get out quickly. I know it is just a story but it got to me. I sure they don't make a movie of it.
It got me thinking though. We talk much about Jesus being the Light of the World. We think of John chapter 1:7-9. Light is good, darkness is bad. This is the simple way of thinking about this subject. How much dark is darkness? How much light does it take to have light?
Do we really think about a world without Jesus as darkness. When reading the end of the Silver Chair, I thought about darkness. I don't like when things are pitch black. Is that how we see the world? Or do we see that everything is okay but would be better with Jesus? The Bible is clear that every human has sinned, and therefor is in darkness. Pitch black darkness. We are under the spell of the wicked witch. Without Jesus there is no light. The Bible says we were dead in our sins. It doesn't say we were half alive. It doesn't say we were okay, we just need Jesus.
So darkness is total blackness. No light anywhere.
How about light? Is it the lack of darkness? I think light shines on our darkness. It doesn't take much light to get rid of darkness. A small light or candle can do the trick.
Here is a story I heard from "Sticky Church" arthur Larry Osborne:
They were on a cave tour. The guide assured Larry that it will never get pitch black on the tour. So he convinced his wife(who doesn't like the dark) to go. Sure enough at one point the guide turns off the lights, so people can get a feel for total darkness. Larry pleads with the guide to turn the lights on as his wife is getting very nervous. With no luck there, he turns to his son and tells him to turn on his light for his watch. He turns on the light, and the darkness is gone. Larry' wife can relax. All is well, except for the other tour mates.
Why tell this story? A little light in darkness is powerful. A little light in light not so much.
When you read the Silver Chair remember the darkness that is life without Jesus.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Lewis and I: Growing faith with breakfast
Lewis and I: Growing faith with breakfast: At the end of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader we come across an interesting scene. It reminds me of the end of the Gospel of John. In John&#...
Growing faith with breakfast
At the end of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader we come across an interesting scene. It reminds me of the end of the Gospel of John. In John's Gospel the scene is Jesus sharing breakfast with the disciples. The Disciples had been fishing and had not caught any fish. They had spent the whole night out on the water. As the sun is coming up they spot Jesus, (although they aren't sure it is him at first) and are invited to have breakfast. Jesus had already had a fire going and they fish were ready! Where did he get the fish from? Don't know. Why was Jesus there? But let's get back to Lewis's story.
So the Dawn Treader is heading to the very end of the world. They come across this land and get off the boat. The Lamb ( as Lewis calls him) is standing on the shore ready to serve breakfast. What happens next is interesting. Lucy and Edmund are asking about the Land of Aslan. Aslan tells them that as they are now growing up they won't be able to enter Narnia like they used to. They will have to find a different way.
" You must learn to know me by that (another) name. For this was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
Our faith must grow as we get older. We still need child like faith, but if still understand God the same way today as we did when we first believed, we are in trouble. I think this is the point that Lewis is getting at. Lucy and Edmund have seen Aslan as kids. Now they are growing up and need to see Aslan as adults.
We grow as we experience more of God in this life. I trusted in Jesus as my personal savior when I was four years old. My understanding of God has changed since then. My faith in God has grown since then.
So when Lewis says, "You must learn to know me by another name." I believe he is encouraging us to grow in our faith. Jesus is more then just saving us from hell, as important as that is.
Question: How have you grown since you first met Jesus?
In John's Gospel, Jesus encourages the disciples after giving them breakfast. This is the great passage of restoring Peter. Jesus encourages Peter to be the leader he goes on to be in Acts.
Our faith can never be idle, it must be growing.
So the Dawn Treader is heading to the very end of the world. They come across this land and get off the boat. The Lamb ( as Lewis calls him) is standing on the shore ready to serve breakfast. What happens next is interesting. Lucy and Edmund are asking about the Land of Aslan. Aslan tells them that as they are now growing up they won't be able to enter Narnia like they used to. They will have to find a different way.
" You must learn to know me by that (another) name. For this was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
Our faith must grow as we get older. We still need child like faith, but if still understand God the same way today as we did when we first believed, we are in trouble. I think this is the point that Lewis is getting at. Lucy and Edmund have seen Aslan as kids. Now they are growing up and need to see Aslan as adults.
We grow as we experience more of God in this life. I trusted in Jesus as my personal savior when I was four years old. My understanding of God has changed since then. My faith in God has grown since then.
So when Lewis says, "You must learn to know me by another name." I believe he is encouraging us to grow in our faith. Jesus is more then just saving us from hell, as important as that is.
Question: How have you grown since you first met Jesus?
In John's Gospel, Jesus encourages the disciples after giving them breakfast. This is the great passage of restoring Peter. Jesus encourages Peter to be the leader he goes on to be in Acts.
Our faith can never be idle, it must be growing.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Lewis and I: "Do you feel sufficient...?"
Lewis and I: "Do you feel sufficient...?": I am back to reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I took a long break, but am now back to trying to finish my goal of reading through all the b...
"Do you feel sufficient...?"
I am back to reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I took a long break, but am now back to trying to finish my goal of reading through all the books before the end of the year. I think my last entry was when I finished The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Well I did read through The Horse and His Boy and didn't find much there. Prince Caspian got interesting again. Towards the end of the book Aslan asks Prince Caspian a question, which is the main point of this entry.
Here is the question: "Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?" The question is posed by Aslan to Prince Caspian. What follows is that Caspian says no, and is praised by Aslan for that answer. Aslan responds, "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been proof that you were not."
So here is my question: Are we as followers of Christ ever to feel sufficient? Where is the line between taking pride in our ability and relying on God for our abilities? How much of the time do we think about God working through us? Must we always feel insufficient? How much is our own learning, our own skill gaining, and our own experience?
I am a songwriter. I write songs. I make up a melody, come up with chords, and think up some lyrics. Not always in that order. Now when the song is done, was it my work? Sure I was inspired by God in some fashion, but was it my work or God's work? I have heard songs written by people that use the line, "God gave me this song" and to be honest the song is not that good. So by giving credit to God for a song that is not that good in the first place, are we insulting God?
Back to Caspian. He had just won the battle. He was about to be King. It was his leadership and determination that lead the way. Yet he knew that unless Aslan was with him, he couldn't succeed.
So how do we balance these two aspects in our lives. How do we give glory to God through what we do on a daily basis?
Here is the question: "Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?" The question is posed by Aslan to Prince Caspian. What follows is that Caspian says no, and is praised by Aslan for that answer. Aslan responds, "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been proof that you were not."
So here is my question: Are we as followers of Christ ever to feel sufficient? Where is the line between taking pride in our ability and relying on God for our abilities? How much of the time do we think about God working through us? Must we always feel insufficient? How much is our own learning, our own skill gaining, and our own experience?
I am a songwriter. I write songs. I make up a melody, come up with chords, and think up some lyrics. Not always in that order. Now when the song is done, was it my work? Sure I was inspired by God in some fashion, but was it my work or God's work? I have heard songs written by people that use the line, "God gave me this song" and to be honest the song is not that good. So by giving credit to God for a song that is not that good in the first place, are we insulting God?
Back to Caspian. He had just won the battle. He was about to be King. It was his leadership and determination that lead the way. Yet he knew that unless Aslan was with him, he couldn't succeed.
So how do we balance these two aspects in our lives. How do we give glory to God through what we do on a daily basis?
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Lewis and I: Aslan's sacrifice
Lewis and I: Aslan's sacrifice: Aslan's sacrifice near the end of Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe somehow caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting it even though I had...
Aslan's sacrifice
Aslan's sacrifice near the end of Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe somehow caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting it even though I had seen the movie, I didn't remember that part. I found it interesting that the girls followed Aslan and even watched the sacrifice. Much like the women around the cross of Jesus. Reading this passage a few days ago, in the season of lent, I was moved.
The description of Aslan's sacrifice, was very similar to the Gospel accounts of Jesus's death. As I read I pictured myself standing near the cross and seeing my friend and teacher dying. I am by nature a sensitive person. I will admit, I cry at Hallmark commercials. Yet reading this passage, I was reminded again of the cost of my sin. Jesus forgave our sin. Reflect on that statement. It is easy to focus on the first two words. It is true and a wonderful thought, that Jesus forgives. Some stay their focus right there. They focus on how Jesus forgave them. They are free from the slavery of sin because of Jesus.
We can't forget the other two words: our sin. Jesus death and pain was real. All the suffering was for our sin. Our sin was not forgotten about. It was dealt with, by Jesus dying a real death.
I trust during this Easter/ Lent season you will take time to think about Jesus' death and resurrection.
When Aslan dies it is a terrible time in Narnia. It doesn't last for long. Aslan comes back to life and the children start their reign.
The description of Aslan's sacrifice, was very similar to the Gospel accounts of Jesus's death. As I read I pictured myself standing near the cross and seeing my friend and teacher dying. I am by nature a sensitive person. I will admit, I cry at Hallmark commercials. Yet reading this passage, I was reminded again of the cost of my sin. Jesus forgave our sin. Reflect on that statement. It is easy to focus on the first two words. It is true and a wonderful thought, that Jesus forgives. Some stay their focus right there. They focus on how Jesus forgave them. They are free from the slavery of sin because of Jesus.
We can't forget the other two words: our sin. Jesus death and pain was real. All the suffering was for our sin. Our sin was not forgotten about. It was dealt with, by Jesus dying a real death.
I trust during this Easter/ Lent season you will take time to think about Jesus' death and resurrection.
When Aslan dies it is a terrible time in Narnia. It doesn't last for long. Aslan comes back to life and the children start their reign.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lewis and I: What do you feel when somebody mentions Jesus name...
Lewis and I: What do you feel when somebody mentions Jesus name...: Well I haven't been able to post anything for awhile. Busy doing other things. I'm sure no one noticed... so I thought I better write someth...
What do you feel when somebody mentions Jesus name?
Well I haven't been able to post anything for awhile. Busy doing other things. I'm sure no one noticed... so I thought I better write something about the 3 chapters I read.
Chapters 7-9 of book 2.
In chapter 7, Lewis tells how, "at the name of Aslan each one felt something jump inside." We read later in chapter 9 that Edmund had a horrible feeling when he heard the name of Aslan, while the other children had a lovely feeling.
This gets me thinking... How do I respond when I hear the name of Jesus? Does my heart jump with joy or do I get a horrible feeling in my heart? I think how one responds to Jesus' name tells much about that person. Those who claim an allegiance with Jesus most likely would jump at the mention of His name. The opposite is true as well.
Names are interesting. I never really thought about the name of Cheryl until I met my wife. Not sure if I knew anyone with that name growing up. So the first time I heard that name not much happened in my heart. Now it is a different story. If I am in a conversation and someone mentions the name, I immediately think of my wife. If I am helping a customer and her name happens to be Cheryl, I think of my wife and my heart is warmed. Hope this isn't getting too sappy, it is almost valentines day.
I think you get where I am going, names have a connection in out brains and hearts. Edmund didn't share the same feelings as the other children because his heart was filled with darkness. He was succumbing to the witches wishes and therefor fear instead of joy filled his heart, at the sound of the name of Aslan.
So the question I leave you with is this: What does your heart feel when you hear the name of Jesus?
Chapters 7-9 of book 2.
In chapter 7, Lewis tells how, "at the name of Aslan each one felt something jump inside." We read later in chapter 9 that Edmund had a horrible feeling when he heard the name of Aslan, while the other children had a lovely feeling.
This gets me thinking... How do I respond when I hear the name of Jesus? Does my heart jump with joy or do I get a horrible feeling in my heart? I think how one responds to Jesus' name tells much about that person. Those who claim an allegiance with Jesus most likely would jump at the mention of His name. The opposite is true as well.
Names are interesting. I never really thought about the name of Cheryl until I met my wife. Not sure if I knew anyone with that name growing up. So the first time I heard that name not much happened in my heart. Now it is a different story. If I am in a conversation and someone mentions the name, I immediately think of my wife. If I am helping a customer and her name happens to be Cheryl, I think of my wife and my heart is warmed. Hope this isn't getting too sappy, it is almost valentines day.
I think you get where I am going, names have a connection in out brains and hearts. Edmund didn't share the same feelings as the other children because his heart was filled with darkness. He was succumbing to the witches wishes and therefor fear instead of joy filled his heart, at the sound of the name of Aslan.
So the question I leave you with is this: What does your heart feel when you hear the name of Jesus?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Lewis and I: Faith and telling the truth ( Lion, Witch, Wardrob...
Lewis and I: Faith and telling the truth ( Lion, Witch, Wardrob...: Faith and Telling the Truth It is interesting to know where the wardrobe came from and helps what happens to Lucy make sense. Having read ...
Faith and telling the truth ( Lion, Witch, Wardrobe 1-6)
Faith and Telling the Truth
It is interesting to know where the wardrobe came from and helps what happens to Lucy make sense. Having read this part of the story before and seen the movie, makes this reading go a little quicker. So as you can see, I was able to cover a few more chapters in this post
At the end of chapter 2 Lucy gets out of the wardrobe. I find it interesting that none of the other kids believer her. Does it sound too good to be true? Why not try to find out? Why not go with Lucy to explore and see? I know they examine the wardrobe only to find nothing. This is puzzling. Later on they do find Narnia through the wardrobe. Was it because they didn't believe? Lack of faith?
People who don't have faith don't understand scripture the way people who believe do. Is this what Lewis is trying to get at? I don't know, but it is possible.
No back to not believing Lucy in the first place. It reminds me of when I have presented the Gospel to someone and they don't respond the way I would think. We have been forgiven so much, how can you not accept that forgiveness? Admitting sin is a small price to pay for the great gift of forgiveness. I supposed it sounds to good to be true. How could there be another world through the wardrobe? How can there be a God who would forgive me? Eternal life? Sounds too good to be true. But it is.
Now onto anther observation:
Why does Edmund lie about going to Narnia? Is he afraid of the witch? Is he trying to forget he went? Does he want it all to himself? I don't know and maybe I will find out later on.
Telling the truth. We struggle to tell the truth when we are not sure of how others will react. When we are sure of what we believe we need to stand up and speak the truth. We don't need to be rude or impolite. Truth is what this world needs.
It is interesting to know where the wardrobe came from and helps what happens to Lucy make sense. Having read this part of the story before and seen the movie, makes this reading go a little quicker. So as you can see, I was able to cover a few more chapters in this post
At the end of chapter 2 Lucy gets out of the wardrobe. I find it interesting that none of the other kids believer her. Does it sound too good to be true? Why not try to find out? Why not go with Lucy to explore and see? I know they examine the wardrobe only to find nothing. This is puzzling. Later on they do find Narnia through the wardrobe. Was it because they didn't believe? Lack of faith?
People who don't have faith don't understand scripture the way people who believe do. Is this what Lewis is trying to get at? I don't know, but it is possible.
No back to not believing Lucy in the first place. It reminds me of when I have presented the Gospel to someone and they don't respond the way I would think. We have been forgiven so much, how can you not accept that forgiveness? Admitting sin is a small price to pay for the great gift of forgiveness. I supposed it sounds to good to be true. How could there be another world through the wardrobe? How can there be a God who would forgive me? Eternal life? Sounds too good to be true. But it is.
Now onto anther observation:
Why does Edmund lie about going to Narnia? Is he afraid of the witch? Is he trying to forget he went? Does he want it all to himself? I don't know and maybe I will find out later on.
Telling the truth. We struggle to tell the truth when we are not sure of how others will react. When we are sure of what we believe we need to stand up and speak the truth. We don't need to be rude or impolite. Truth is what this world needs.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Does Lewis answer the question, Why we pray? Chapters 11-15
All through with The Magician's Nephew and was surprised by the ending. I didn't expect that at all. I will get back to that in a bit, but I would like to discuss what happens in chapter 12 first.
Digory and Polly are in Narnia and have met Aslan. They get hungry and are wanting food. The horse with them Fledge is eating the grass. Digory is complaining about meals not being arranged. He wonders why Aslan has not made arrangements for their food. Fledge suggests asking Aslan, but Polly thinks that Aslan should know with out being asked. Fledge replays, "I've no doubt he would, but I've a sort of idea that he likes to be asked."
No maybe when you read that you think of how husbands are supposed to know what their wives are thinking, but that's not where my mind went. I thought about pray. Now I realize that Aslan is not God but I think Lewis is using Aslan as a analogy. So going off that, I was thinking, why do we pray?
If God knows everything, why do we pray? Is is just an exercise for us to acknowledge God in our lives? Is it just for us to rely on God? I think CS Lewis is on to something.
God wants His children to ask Him, because that brings Him joy. Praying to God brings God joy. Makes Him happy. So next time you pray, think about that. You actions are making God happy.
Let me just conclude this entry by saying I was surprised by the ending of book 1. The apple that Digory brings back from Narnia, is planted. A tree grows, and then the wood from that tree is used to make the Wardrobe in book 2. I just didn't see that coming. Anyway enjoyed book 1, looking forward to book 2 (which I have seen the movies and have read portions before).
Digory and Polly are in Narnia and have met Aslan. They get hungry and are wanting food. The horse with them Fledge is eating the grass. Digory is complaining about meals not being arranged. He wonders why Aslan has not made arrangements for their food. Fledge suggests asking Aslan, but Polly thinks that Aslan should know with out being asked. Fledge replays, "I've no doubt he would, but I've a sort of idea that he likes to be asked."
No maybe when you read that you think of how husbands are supposed to know what their wives are thinking, but that's not where my mind went. I thought about pray. Now I realize that Aslan is not God but I think Lewis is using Aslan as a analogy. So going off that, I was thinking, why do we pray?
If God knows everything, why do we pray? Is is just an exercise for us to acknowledge God in our lives? Is it just for us to rely on God? I think CS Lewis is on to something.
God wants His children to ask Him, because that brings Him joy. Praying to God brings God joy. Makes Him happy. So next time you pray, think about that. You actions are making God happy.
Let me just conclude this entry by saying I was surprised by the ending of book 1. The apple that Digory brings back from Narnia, is planted. A tree grows, and then the wood from that tree is used to make the Wardrobe in book 2. I just didn't see that coming. Anyway enjoyed book 1, looking forward to book 2 (which I have seen the movies and have read portions before).
Monday, January 7, 2013
Chapters 6-10
I was in a hurry to find out if Digory and Polly made it back to London or not. Alas, it took a few days to get some reading time. So as I was waiting to have work done on my van, I read.
Indeed they do get back to Uncle Andrew's office, but the wicked witch or Queen comes with! The story gets interesting as Uncle Andrew can't believe his magic actually worked. Of course she was not suppose to come and Digory and Polly are trying to figure out how to get her back. In this confusion that the Queen gets out of the house and causes more problems. Uncle Andrew we found out likes to have his drinks. Lewis, being this is a kids book, explains wine as "nasty, grown-up drink." Which I suppose it would seem.
About this time Polly goes back to her home to face punishment from her mom. She is told she will have her supper with, "all the nice parts left out." Not exactly sure what that means, but most likely dessert? or maybe conversation? But she is then sent to her room for several hours. Lewis comments that this was somehow normal. Interesting comment. Were all the kids naughty? Or was this just how punishment was passed out? I supposed can't take away the iPod. Or the TV.
Towards the end of chapter 7 Digory is said to "set his teeth." Interesting way of saying grit your teeth. I suppose you bring you teeth together when you are setting them to make a mold. I can't say I have heard that expression much.
I forgot to tell you that Digory does get back to the woods between the worlds but he brings others along. Trying to get the witch back, this time Uncle Andrew along with Polly, plus a few others also come along. It seems if Digory would have just gone back right away with out trying to explore other pools, none of this would have happened. Of course we would have no story then.
We found out about the beginning of Narnia. It begins in darkness. Or nothingness. Finally some stars, and a song. In fact we see the power of song in the hymn of thankfulness song in this land of nothingness. Things start to change and the Lion appears. The animals start to talk.
The end of chapter 9... "Narnia, Narnia, Narnia awake. Love. Think. Speak." I love the progression of love, think, and speak. Sometimes we think too much before we love. And we speak way too much before we love or think.
Let me make a few comments about chapter 10 and then this post needs to be done. I thought it was interesting that the beast have choices to make. Only the ones who choose were able to speak. It some who reminded me of when Jesus talks about what you have done and not done for me. Our actions speak louder then our words.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Chapters 3,4 & 5 Magician's newphew
Second post here, well I guess technically third one. I have read through chapters 3-5. I am finding this a good read and the story moves along at a good pace. Maybe that's why these are considered classics.
I was intrigued by the words that Digory says when he finds himself in the woods. He makes the comment that he feels like he has always been there. As I read that I wondered to myself, is that what heaven will be like? When we get there will we feel as though we have always been there? I suppose that will depend on how we live here on earth, to some extent. I believe we should live our lives here on this earth in preparation for heaven. How do we do that? Well reading scripture to get to know God more would help. Also doing things that had eternal results. Investing in people. Giving your time to those around you and in doing such sharing God's love. How much of heaven do I know? Do you know? I may be reading too much into Digory's words but just thought I would share it anyway
Why did Digory not know it was Polly right away? Why was there a delay before he knew?
I thought it was interesting that it was Digory that wanted to explore more worlds but Polly wanted to go home. Then later on it turns out Polly was right not to explore. Polly never trusted the Queen and sure enough just as chapter 5 ends both Digory and Polly grab the rings and disappear.
I suppose there is more to say but I will leave it at that for now.
I was intrigued by the words that Digory says when he finds himself in the woods. He makes the comment that he feels like he has always been there. As I read that I wondered to myself, is that what heaven will be like? When we get there will we feel as though we have always been there? I suppose that will depend on how we live here on earth, to some extent. I believe we should live our lives here on this earth in preparation for heaven. How do we do that? Well reading scripture to get to know God more would help. Also doing things that had eternal results. Investing in people. Giving your time to those around you and in doing such sharing God's love. How much of heaven do I know? Do you know? I may be reading too much into Digory's words but just thought I would share it anyway
Why did Digory not know it was Polly right away? Why was there a delay before he knew?
I thought it was interesting that it was Digory that wanted to explore more worlds but Polly wanted to go home. Then later on it turns out Polly was right not to explore. Polly never trusted the Queen and sure enough just as chapter 5 ends both Digory and Polly grab the rings and disappear.
I suppose there is more to say but I will leave it at that for now.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Well, I have made it through the first 2 chapters and can't wait to find out what happens next. Being slightly claustrophobic the first pages were unsettling. It would make for a interesting scene in a movie, but I guess that what books are for. Let your mind create the scene for you, not Hollywood.
I would like to note some interesting words and phrases that I found.
Coiner- one who makes coins usually fake.
Going to sea- very British phrase, referring to getting out of the city for the summer. It might be like some here in Minnesota go to the cabin for the summer.
Ginger-beer- carbonated drink, maybe
like cola?
Dead silent- this phrase I have heard many times, but it struck me this time. It seams redundant. If something is dead then it is already silent. Maybe extra emphasis?
Old buffer- meaning old bumbling man.
So what's up with the colored rings? Is there a significance to the colors? Is there a reason why the yellow one is when you go to another place? Just wondering.
Some quotes from chapter 2.
"Men like me, who possess hidden wisdom, are freed from common rules just as we are cut off from common pleasures. Ours, my boy, is a high and lonely destiny." Is C.S. Lewis referring to himself here by any chance?
Another quote: " No great wisdom can be reached without sacrifice." I found that to be very true. Too often in our modern world, we want everything without sacrifice.
Well there are some thoughts from the first 2 chapters of The Magician's Nephew.
I would like to note some interesting words and phrases that I found.
Coiner- one who makes coins usually fake.
Going to sea- very British phrase, referring to getting out of the city for the summer. It might be like some here in Minnesota go to the cabin for the summer.
Ginger-beer- carbonated drink, maybe
like cola?
Dead silent- this phrase I have heard many times, but it struck me this time. It seams redundant. If something is dead then it is already silent. Maybe extra emphasis?
Old buffer- meaning old bumbling man.
So what's up with the colored rings? Is there a significance to the colors? Is there a reason why the yellow one is when you go to another place? Just wondering.
Some quotes from chapter 2.
"Men like me, who possess hidden wisdom, are freed from common rules just as we are cut off from common pleasures. Ours, my boy, is a high and lonely destiny." Is C.S. Lewis referring to himself here by any chance?
Another quote: " No great wisdom can be reached without sacrifice." I found that to be very true. Too often in our modern world, we want everything without sacrifice.
Well there are some thoughts from the first 2 chapters of The Magician's Nephew.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The beginning
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