Balancing solitude and society.

"Solitude and Society, finding the balance between them is a great struggle." Dr Hotchkiss.

That comment was made in the midst his lecture this past wednesday on the marks of Romanticism, of which I sadly do not remember much of. But it was that comment that really got my brain going, and of which I would like to share some quick thoughts on.

As human beings created in the image of God, we were made for relationships, Father, Son, Holy Spirit have been in perfect relationship from eternity past and will continue to live in that perfect relationship for eternity. And so for for us humans to take part in society is a good thing, to have friendship and fellowship is of grave importance in this life. Solitude though, can be a good thing in this life as well. To break away from the cares of this day and spend time alone can be just as important.

I think there are two dangers that go along with Solitude and Society, it is not just the struggle of finding the balance between the two which Dr. Hotchkiss mentioned that we must be careful of, but we also must ask ourself what that time is spent doing. I would argue that not only is it dangerous if you are one who spends too much time to himself, or too much time with other people, it is also dangerous if in that time alone or with friends it is being wasted.

Finding the balance and figuring out when to be with people or take a step back and be alone is indeed a great struggle. I think that can many times be answered by asking yourself the questions of what am I using this time for, and why?

If your time with friends is always spent "hanging out" and never any effort of pointing them to Christ is made, be careful! Just as, if all your time spent in solitude is spent watching movies, playing computer games, checking facebook, etc, and never spent with The Lord in prayer and scripture, or reflecting over the day/week, or completing the tasks set before you for that day, then you too must take heed! "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15,16 ESV)" We are called to be intentional with our time.

A simple way I like to think about it is this, I think we should use our time in solitude in a such a way that it allows us to make the most of our time with others. For example building our relationship with The Lord helps us to more fully love and serve others, or completing our hw allows us to more fully be there when we do get to be with people instead of always having our mind on the tasks we need to complete as someone sits across from us and shares their heart, or reading a book to gain another perspective on life that could be helpful to the body. With that thought process, it also allows for saying no to specific times of fellowship so that you can step back, spend some time alone getting the things done you need to, and make more of the next time you do get with that person.

These are just a few thoughts though, and I am by no means anywhere close to this in my own walk. I struggle with wasting time just as much as the next person, using it on myself and my selfish passions, and by God's grace, I hope and and pray (as well as fight!) to make more of it for His glory and honor.

An unexpected grace.

I think one of the coolest things that can ever happen to a Christian is going through a time of reconciliation with someone you have sinned against. The whole thing is just a marvelous process. From the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin, the confession of that sin to The Lord for it is He who we sinned against most importantly, the seeking of repentance from God, to the confession of that sin to the brother or sister in Christ and the seeking of forgiveness from them.

I recently was able to come to the end of that process with a sister in Christ, and she was open and willing to happily forgave me. Our friendship had a few rough patches this past fall and it did not end on the best of notes as December 14th came around and we all went home for the Holiday. But by His goodness, God really ate at my heart over Christmas break, His Spirit opened my eyes to my sin, and through prayer and the reading of His word, I was able to seek the forgiveness that Christ freely offered on the Cross. I was really able to turn the situation over to Him, cast all my anxiety about the matter in Him, and learn (still learning!) what it means to rest in His sovereignty.

Though I knew I had now to reconcile with her, I had no idea what that was going to look like or if it was even going to happen before this friend (it is such a blessing to still say that word!) went to Israel for the semester. But as I prayed more and more about it, God opened up the door to speak with her after one of the main sessions here at Truth and Life, and she was just so understanding and forgiving. It was such an unexpected blessing for this all to come about so soon!

And now I am just so. so excited to face this semester. I know God is going to grow, stretch, and challenge me in many ways, and this is just one less extremely heavy burden that has been lifted, for I know it would have been on my mind the whole time, but now it is something of the past I can grow and learn from. The timing of it all was just so perfect and it couldn't have gone any better.

Through all my anxieties and distrust, Christ placed peace and comfort on my heart, taught me how to give it over to God, and so He worked it all out in His perfect sovereignty.

Let me end this post with some encouraging verses:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6, 7 ESV)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16 ESV)

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:25-34 ESV)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)

Some goals for 2013.

I really cannot believe that 2012 has come and passed, the years really are moving by so fast. This past year by Gods grace I was able to complete 2 crazy trying semesters, had a summer for the ages, and made many friends along the way. The Lord was extremely gracious to me as well, and revealed so much about Himself and so much about my sin, and I am extremely grateful. As I enter into 2013, I have no idea where the Lord is taking my life but I do know that He is in control and has the perfect plan, no matter what it entails. Here are some overall goals that I have for the year (I will probably do a post eventually with more specific goals for this coming semester).

Goals for 2013:

1. To fall more and more in love with my savior Jesus Christ and as J.C Ryle puts it, to grow in grace. There is nothing more important for the Christian; we should bother with nothing else in this world if we do not first set our sights on the Lord. To know the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit more and more every single day that you live, and because of that to grow in practical holiness, should be the two main goals of every single Christian. So along with that I would like to do my best to be in the Word and prayer as often as I can (ideally every day), to be and serve at my Church as much as possible, and to fellowship with my Christian brethren often.  

2. To graduate from The Master’s college, and make the most of my final semester. I can’t believe that this is it!!! It has been an extremely insane 2 and a half years at TMC and I cannot wait to see where God takes, grows, and stretches me this final semester.

3. Lord willing, by years end to find a job, ANY job. I don’t care if it’s at a fast food place while I look elsewhere, just something to start working and paying off loans.

4. To read 25 books: From summer 2012 to New Years I was able to read 23, (some were for school but still great reads nonetheless), I can’t remember what I read Christmas break past the new year and I don’t think I did much, if any reading spring semester.

5. Make some sort of consistent habit of exercising and eating just a little bit healthier.

My Favorite Albums of 2012.

1.The Classic Crime – Phoenix

This album just speaks straight to my soul. If you ever find yourself in a state of apathy and can’t seem to find the will to keep going, put this album in and let it awaken your heart. The guitars are huge, the vocals are soaring, and the lyrics are entirely and utterly relatable.

2. Ingrid Michaelson – Human Again

Heartbreaking and yet inspiring at the same time, Ingrid Michaelson takes you on a journey into the center of a world filled with break-ups and moving on, and you either come out ready to take on the world and love again (with songs like Fire, This is War, Do it Now, or Blood Brothers), or further despaired (songs such as: I’m Through and Ghost) and to that I suggest you dive right back in to this world she has so beautifully created.

3. Yellowcard – Southern Air

Ever since the genre defining Ocean Avenue in 2003, Yellowcard has always been one of my favorite bands, and Southern Air did not disappoint. The opening song: Awakening, will probably be my Anthem for my upcoming final semester of college. If you like Yellowcard, you’ll like this album, the sound is still classic Yellowcard: pop punk with the violin  (though they did slow down some), and the lyrics are more mature, so you can’t really go wrong.

4. Taylor Swift – Red

It’s no secret to my friends that I’m an unashamed Taylor Swift fan (which I’ve gotten a lot of flack for), she always had her place in my mind as popular music that I enjoy and can sing along to with friends. But I had no idea she was capable of writing an album like this, Red is truly incredible. Showing the ability to cross genres at will, there is something for everyone here, regardless of your view of her beforehand.

5. Go Radio – Close The Distance

From the opening seconds of “I won’t Lie” I knew I was listening to something special with Go Radio’s Close The Distance. The opening 3 tracks are about the strongest string of songs you will hear all year from the pop rock genre, and the rest of the album keeps going (though I personally can’t stand the single “Go to Hell.”) The lyrics are relatable and Jason Lancaster sounds as good as ever.

6-20 Alphabetical Order

Alex Goot - In Your Atmosphere

Pop at its finest. The choruses are massive and catchy, and all the songs are about relationships and thus, relatable.

Anberlin – Vital

Anberlin is back with a vengeance; this album is hard and awesome.

Freelance Whales – Diluvia

A perfect album to have playing in the background when you’re on a long night drive or reading a book.

Fun – Some Nights

All I can say is the opener Some Nights is still my jam, what a song. A solid album as well.

Hit The Lights – Invicta

Summoning their inner The Graduate, Hit The Lights grew up with this album, and I cannot wait to see where they go next.

Imagine Dragons – Night Visions

Right where they left off with the Continued Silence EP, Imagine Dragons does it again and writes an album that will surprise everyone. I’m happy they got pretty big in the mainstream world, as I don’t mind it when I walk into someone else’s room and hear this playing instead of 95% of the crap out there.

Jenny Owen Youngs – An Unwavering Band of Light

Can’t really go wrong with this girl.  

The Lumineers – The Lumineers

Pure, unadulterated talent. Such a solid album.

Memoryhouse – The Slideshow Effect

One of my favorite albums early on in the year, but sadly it didn’t have the lasting effect that I wish it did. After their ep was so beautiful, I wanted this album to be amazing, and while it is good, just doesn’t get many repeat plays from me.

Mumford & Sons – Babel

This album is so, so good, and “I Will Wait” may be the best song of 2012.

Neon Trees- Picture Show

Good album, 80’s sounding pop rock written in 2012. “Mad Love” and “Trust” are two of my favorite songs.  Great follow up to the ever catchy Habit.

The Rocket Summer – Life Will Write The Words

Bryce Avary being Bryce Avary, writing solo effort catchy pop punk but also growing up right before our eyes, can’t wait to see what’s next.

Scars on 45 – Scars on 45

Male/Female  vocal pop rock from England, and man is it good.

Strange Vacation – Chasm

Basically, The Boys of Summer have grown up, maturing in sound and lyrics.

Winterpills – All My Lovely Goners

Another favorite album early on in the year that didn’t get much repeat play, but I will be visiting this again soon, because the dual vocals are lovely.

21-30 Alphabetical Order

The Autumn Film – 8 track Tape

David Crowder – Give Us Rest

First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar

House of Heroes – Cold Hard Want

Lucy Rose – Like I Used To

Owl City – The Midsummer Station

Phillip Phillips – The World From The Side of The Moon

Regina Spektor – What We Saw From The Cheap Seats

Stars – The North

The XX – Coexist

Honorable Mentions (Alphabetical Order)

All American Rejects – Kids in The Street

Arrange – New Memory

Beach House - Bloom

Carlie Rae Jepsen – Kiss

Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do

Gotye – Making Mirrors

Japandroids – Celebration Rock

Lana Del Ray – Born to Die

Meiko – The Bright Side

Nada Surf - The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy

Safety Suit – These Times

Sharon Van Etten – Tramp

Sleigh Bells – Regin of Terror

Soko – I thought I was an Alien

Tennis – Young & Old

We Shot The Moon – Love and Fear

Also, Of Monsters and Men's - My head is an Animal would be my number 1, but it technically came out in 2011, only in America was it released in 2012.