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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