Just before the summer began, I made a decision to 'expand my mind' over the break. i admittedly haven't been reading much outside of my curricular requirements. i am, however, glad that through my human geog class [titled "population, environment & sustainable development"], i was able to absorb a great deal of information from some really good reads and indepth research projects - some philosophical, some current & confrontational. this was probably one of the the toughest class i've ever taken, and i constantly kicked myself for actually taking it over the semester. but in retrospect, it was possibly the best class that i have ventured to take outside the sciences. i think it also has changed some of my ways and habits to perhaps love the world a bit more. i'm also a lot more conscious of energy cost and consumption, and being more up to date with global affairs.

Nevertheless, my book list is expanding. though a slow reader, i am glad to say that i just finished "A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken, at the top of my booklist. I'm not going to go into any reviews here right now, but it was pretty amazing. Next up, I'm probably going to grapple with Chesterton's "the Everlasting Man" or C.S Lewis's "Surprised by Joy". it seems like my book preferences are not particularly diverse, and I guess it's true that I'm trying to delve more deeply into the more philosophical aspect of Christian thought. To understand its application as described by some of the greatest thinkers in Christian literary works and to derive, as a complement to the bible, a source of application and encouragement in this life of mine.

This past semester, I found myself mired in the worries of life and giving in to temptations -- struggling particularly with speech: watching what i say, and my motives for saying such things. it's so easy to lapse back into bad habits, and this (bad language) together with slothfulness in reading the bible/praying regularly, is what i'm trying to repair (under the mercy of the King) to the point of it being completely indispensable in my life. and to derive the JOY of being under the mercy that both Sheldon and Lewis talk about, and is a fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22. I used to be a happier and willing Christian -- but while I believe i am saved, i think my obedience has been severely lacking.

So pray for me -- for these next few days and also (heh) for the rest of my life.