9.30.2007
Fish we Miss and Writing Too
Where have I been? As though Easter came and went without the merest whisper from my keyboard about our life and times...we race through each day, checking items off a never-ending list of "to do" without making enough time for "to be." There are still closets to be cleaned, address books to be filled, and honeymoon pictures to be scrapbooked...but I need some time to be, and for me that involves a bit of spilling my thoughts onto this virtual paper.
Sorry for the voiceless absence. I can barely seem to find time to make phone calls between workdinnerclasseschurchhubbydogsandstuff. But...there must be time to reflect and recharge. I'm back.
In a short recap...we were both exceedingly thankful to greet June, as Jerod finished the school year and I did too. I thought we'd have mad loads of time to do all manner of interesting and fun things...but the summer seemed to slip right out of our fingers...too fast to catch. We attended six weddings between the end of May and the first of September...and one of those I was in. So, that was many of our Saturdays...great times of catching up with old friends and even making some new ones and exploring new places. Congratulations Theresa/Jason, Eddie/Tonya, Grant/Tiffany, Phyllis/Mike, and Annie/Johnny. Did I leave someone out? We were invited to a few more, but couldn't make them all. It must have been a summer of love!
Vacation was a great (hot!!!) get-away with my family near Beaufort, SC. I think it was 900 degrees with 1000000 percent humidity each day, but we still managed a plantation tour, a jaunt to Savannah, and a kayak at Hunting Island. I became one with my sweat...perhaps I was cleared of all body toxins! Really, I haven't experienced heat like that in many years. Perhaps next year's vacation will include a snowy mountaintop.
Speaking of heat...it has been hot and dry here in SC like nothing I've ever seen. It has rained one day since July...and even that was spotty and sprinkly. We are struggling to keep our proudly planted green things alive. The entire month of August was over 90 degrees, and most of that over 95 degrees. And even September has brought us 15 days over 90 degrees. Needless to say, I am tired of the heat, the summer clothes are fading, and I am craving the cool breezes of Fall. Come on, Fall!!!!! And rain. Lord, we need rain!!!
In a strange twist, I opted to opt OUT of free Winthrop U. classes and PAY for classes at York Technical College down the street. Bizarre. I know. To make a long notsointeresting story short, York Tech had the classes I needed when I had time to take them, and I'm starting on a certificate in graphic design. I've long wanted to know how to create art and fantastic graphic communications, and am loving these classes. It has me in class every night, Mon- Thurs, but it's been a workable schedule thus far. I'm even taking a whole class in Typography--letterforms, fonts, use of words in design--it's been AWESOME since I'm a self-professed font-nerd.
Jerod is working away at Woodlawn with fourth and fifth graders this year...math, science, and art. It's too much, he'll tell you quickly, to plan six classes each week...so I hope and pray he continues to have the strength and wisdom to drive each day, teach, and keep himself up. I don't know how he keeps patience with all those kids! He makes me smile daily. :)
And...we had to say our goodbyes to our fishes this week. We set up a clawfoot bathtub pond over the Summer in the backyard, and Jerod has been busy keeping the water levels right, the plants healthy, and the fishes fed. It's his hobby. We had five fish that have been our swimmy companions since May. But this week, two of them went belly-up...Haley and Barry Fanilow (he was a fantail) both passed away. Jerod feverishly checked the water levels...perfect. What could it be? We scanned the Petsmart aisle for anti-parasite food. But we still weren't sure what might cause our previously apparently happy fishys to pass away. Today, when we got home, Jerod went out to feed the fishys...and two of them were GONE. GONE!!!!! Now, just so you know, fish don't usually run away. They were absolutely no where. We lost Davey Jones and Lucy (my favorite). I am very sad about our fish loss. We were attached to them. And it's just awful not knowing what happened to them. The only thing we can figure is that a bird or raccoon got them...???? So, we have one left...Skeeter...and I hope that he's not too freaked out about losing his pond-mates. At this point in the season, it's best for us wait until next Spring to get some new fishes with the coming cooler weather. So, a moment of silence for the fishes...
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Thank you for joining me for that. And in related news, a personal hero, Marcel Marceau the famed French Mime passed away last week. It's not been a good week for me and loss.
But I'm back, and glad to be typing and healthy and blessed. I will be back. There is more to say. More to think. And more being to do.
shells
Sorry for the voiceless absence. I can barely seem to find time to make phone calls between workdinnerclasseschurchhubbydogsandstuff. But...there must be time to reflect and recharge. I'm back.
In a short recap...we were both exceedingly thankful to greet June, as Jerod finished the school year and I did too. I thought we'd have mad loads of time to do all manner of interesting and fun things...but the summer seemed to slip right out of our fingers...too fast to catch. We attended six weddings between the end of May and the first of September...and one of those I was in. So, that was many of our Saturdays...great times of catching up with old friends and even making some new ones and exploring new places. Congratulations Theresa/Jason, Eddie/Tonya, Grant/Tiffany, Phyllis/Mike, and Annie/Johnny. Did I leave someone out? We were invited to a few more, but couldn't make them all. It must have been a summer of love!
Vacation was a great (hot!!!) get-away with my family near Beaufort, SC. I think it was 900 degrees with 1000000 percent humidity each day, but we still managed a plantation tour, a jaunt to Savannah, and a kayak at Hunting Island. I became one with my sweat...perhaps I was cleared of all body toxins! Really, I haven't experienced heat like that in many years. Perhaps next year's vacation will include a snowy mountaintop.
Speaking of heat...it has been hot and dry here in SC like nothing I've ever seen. It has rained one day since July...and even that was spotty and sprinkly. We are struggling to keep our proudly planted green things alive. The entire month of August was over 90 degrees, and most of that over 95 degrees. And even September has brought us 15 days over 90 degrees. Needless to say, I am tired of the heat, the summer clothes are fading, and I am craving the cool breezes of Fall. Come on, Fall!!!!! And rain. Lord, we need rain!!!
In a strange twist, I opted to opt OUT of free Winthrop U. classes and PAY for classes at York Technical College down the street. Bizarre. I know. To make a long notsointeresting story short, York Tech had the classes I needed when I had time to take them, and I'm starting on a certificate in graphic design. I've long wanted to know how to create art and fantastic graphic communications, and am loving these classes. It has me in class every night, Mon- Thurs, but it's been a workable schedule thus far. I'm even taking a whole class in Typography--letterforms, fonts, use of words in design--it's been AWESOME since I'm a self-professed font-nerd.
Jerod is working away at Woodlawn with fourth and fifth graders this year...math, science, and art. It's too much, he'll tell you quickly, to plan six classes each week...so I hope and pray he continues to have the strength and wisdom to drive each day, teach, and keep himself up. I don't know how he keeps patience with all those kids! He makes me smile daily. :)
And...we had to say our goodbyes to our fishes this week. We set up a clawfoot bathtub pond over the Summer in the backyard, and Jerod has been busy keeping the water levels right, the plants healthy, and the fishes fed. It's his hobby. We had five fish that have been our swimmy companions since May. But this week, two of them went belly-up...Haley and Barry Fanilow (he was a fantail) both passed away. Jerod feverishly checked the water levels...perfect. What could it be? We scanned the Petsmart aisle for anti-parasite food. But we still weren't sure what might cause our previously apparently happy fishys to pass away. Today, when we got home, Jerod went out to feed the fishys...and two of them were GONE. GONE!!!!! Now, just so you know, fish don't usually run away. They were absolutely no where. We lost Davey Jones and Lucy (my favorite). I am very sad about our fish loss. We were attached to them. And it's just awful not knowing what happened to them. The only thing we can figure is that a bird or raccoon got them...???? So, we have one left...Skeeter...and I hope that he's not too freaked out about losing his pond-mates. At this point in the season, it's best for us wait until next Spring to get some new fishes with the coming cooler weather. So, a moment of silence for the fishes...
.......................
........................
...........................
................................
Thank you for joining me for that. And in related news, a personal hero, Marcel Marceau the famed French Mime passed away last week. It's not been a good week for me and loss.
But I'm back, and glad to be typing and healthy and blessed. I will be back. There is more to say. More to think. And more being to do.
shells
4.08.2007
Birthdays, Yard Ghosts, and "Freeze-ster"
Nothing like a few days "off" to give you a clearer head and the desire to type. I turned 32 this week. I'm not sure about this 30's thing. I'm starting to understand the "real age" versus "felt age" idea. I feel about 25. Whatever. I guess age is just a number. Now if only I could quit sprouting gray hairs!!! Thank you, Loreal number 45 "French Roast."
Our yard is full of "ghosts" as the temperature has plunged to record lows for the area, and we've had to cover all of our leafing spring plants with various sheets. Over the butterfly bush is a lamentable purchase made by my brother in college. For some reason, he was pressured into buying the same sheet/comforter set as his roommate (I really thought only girls tried to match their room stuff--perhaps the mother was driving that train)...so he purchased a fairly hideous black and white spotted affair. Somehow, in the grand scheme of life, I ended up with the twin top sheet, so my butterfly bush is currently sporting a black-and-white spotted sheet with a teal stripe at the top. The hydrangea is draped in pink...And it all gives the appearance of short trick-or-treaters with their ghost costumes on! :)
Bring back SPRING!!! We had our Easter service this morning, which I have renamed just for today, "FREEZE-STER." It was pretty cold in service, and Jerod began to turn purple...like Grimace (McD's). We spent about 10 minutes in the warm car after service before we braved the Freeze-ster picnic in the park after church. It's weird to picnic with your coat on. Just in case you ever think to try it. Unless you're on vacation. Then you can picnic with abandon. I think there's some rule about most picnic foods containing mayonnaise as well. That's a rule that was meant to be broken. Not as much a factor today, considering the refrigerator-like temperatures, but in general...mayonnaise is a bad idea. Service was amazing, as usual. I am so blessed to be a part of a congregation that is such a lovely representation of Jesus--flawed misfits and beneficiaries of Grace--all trying to love and represent. It's a thing of beauty.
And with that, I wish you a happy Freeze-ster. May the beauty of the Risen Lord make you breathless and hopeful. May the future break into your present, and may the kingdom of Christ reign in your heart today.
Our yard is full of "ghosts" as the temperature has plunged to record lows for the area, and we've had to cover all of our leafing spring plants with various sheets. Over the butterfly bush is a lamentable purchase made by my brother in college. For some reason, he was pressured into buying the same sheet/comforter set as his roommate (I really thought only girls tried to match their room stuff--perhaps the mother was driving that train)...so he purchased a fairly hideous black and white spotted affair. Somehow, in the grand scheme of life, I ended up with the twin top sheet, so my butterfly bush is currently sporting a black-and-white spotted sheet with a teal stripe at the top. The hydrangea is draped in pink...And it all gives the appearance of short trick-or-treaters with their ghost costumes on! :)
Bring back SPRING!!! We had our Easter service this morning, which I have renamed just for today, "FREEZE-STER." It was pretty cold in service, and Jerod began to turn purple...like Grimace (McD's). We spent about 10 minutes in the warm car after service before we braved the Freeze-ster picnic in the park after church. It's weird to picnic with your coat on. Just in case you ever think to try it. Unless you're on vacation. Then you can picnic with abandon. I think there's some rule about most picnic foods containing mayonnaise as well. That's a rule that was meant to be broken. Not as much a factor today, considering the refrigerator-like temperatures, but in general...mayonnaise is a bad idea. Service was amazing, as usual. I am so blessed to be a part of a congregation that is such a lovely representation of Jesus--flawed misfits and beneficiaries of Grace--all trying to love and represent. It's a thing of beauty.
And with that, I wish you a happy Freeze-ster. May the beauty of the Risen Lord make you breathless and hopeful. May the future break into your present, and may the kingdom of Christ reign in your heart today.
3.28.2007
Giant Red Wagon!
3.25.2007
My toes came out to play...
The toenails are bright red and excited about emerging from the lint-laden socks that have held them in sweaty captivity since the leaves began to turn. Now if only someone could figure out how to get my toenails to GROW OUT in color! Yes, I know this is not that interesting a revelation, but I do love when the bartlett pear trees bloom, the breeze is still cool, and the birds begin to belt out their spring songs. Yeah!! Spring!!!
Oops. More pictures...
Oops! I realized that my pictures from before did not post properly. Here are a few from the game we won against Notre Dame. We played again on Sunday against the Oregon Ducks...and did not fare so well. I have a few pictures that I'll put up this week of some other nice spots in and around Spokane. (or Spokandyland as I took to calling it after finding a shirt with the word on it!)
So....What a cool experience and blessing to get to go all the way to Washington state and hang with some amazing people...and see Winthrop go further than it ever had.
GO EAGLES!!!
So....What a cool experience and blessing to get to go all the way to Washington state and hang with some amazing people...and see Winthrop go further than it ever had.
GO EAGLES!!!
Spirit Fingers for Winthrop!
This was just before the Notre Dame game. I had on red pants and red shoes even. It was a blast to see the game live...
3.15.2007
A Gator, a Hydrant, and an Old Navy Truck
Near Post Falls, Idaho...the same yard full of stuff...there was so much stuff to see!
More Lake Coeur d'Alene
The sign on the lifeguard stand told us to swim at our own risk...no lifeguard on duty.
Good thing I was dissuaded by the 30-degree temperatures. I can imagine this place is LOVELY in the summer!
Good thing I was dissuaded by the 30-degree temperatures. I can imagine this place is LOVELY in the summer!
Idaho rocks.
At Lake Coeur d'Alene in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I'm very happy about being in Idaho, apparently.
Idaho Wildlife
The Wildlife in Idaho was breath-taking. I mean, look how close I got to this buffalo!
Idaho Industrial Park
The Spirit Lake, Idaho Industrial Park. I really think this pared down idea of the industrial park is going to take off...
Idaho Fun
Another shot in the yard/junk store/sculpture garden...Notice the snow-covered mountain in the background!
Full of Bull in Idaho...
Random yard full of stuff for sale...but no one around...so I took pictures. This bull was made of metal, and I have no idea how it was upright on its front two feet!
3.14.2007
March Madness
OK, so I got a call Monday at lunch and was invited to go along with the Winthrop Eagles to Spokane, Washington, for the NCAA tournament first round...and if we win...we'll stay for second round. So I write this from Washington state sometime on Wednesday! How crazy is this!
So, cheer for the little Winthrop Eagles as we take on Notre Dame at 2:30 Friday. GO EAGLES!!!! Beat the Fighting Irish (the day before St. Patty's). I'm here at least through Saturday, possibly Monday if we win.
This is all so very cool. I had noooo idea I'd be included in this fun. Tomorrow we go to Mount Spokane and around the city. I'll post pictures. Apparently I'm just yards away from the world's largest red wagon...that excites me. :)
Here are some notes I wrote on the way here whilst bored and feeling literary:
Hanging Hopes on Tall Shoulders
It's restless on the airplane as over a hundred of us have been up since before the sunrise, excited…expectant…and now weary from traveling across the country to watch our favorite basketball players live up to monumental media hype. The tall guys in black warm-up suits show no signs of nervousness, taking this trip to Spokane, WA, in stride as though trips to the NCAA tournament happen every day.
Flight delays, no food—save pretzels in various forms—and no in-flight entertainment. But I shall not complain. Outside my window I catch glimpses of snow-covered Rocky-Mountain-tops and vast valleys. My little Winthrop in the Big Dance again. And somehow, I've been thrust into a mini-drama of epic proportions, picked out of a veritable hat to accompany the team and a small group of fans. We're garbed up in various hats, shirts, stickers—anything to prove we're good fans of the Cinderella Eagles of 2007. I hope our little drama ends with high fives and hugs and a few more days in Themiddleofnowhere, Washington. Well, maybe that's unfair. I've never been to Spokane, but I wouldn't mind to stay until Sunday and watch Winthrop take on yet another opponent. I'm just a measly staff member and an alumnus, but I feel like I'm living in an "against all odds" Disney sports flick. March Madness to be sure.
So, cheer for the little Winthrop Eagles as we take on Notre Dame at 2:30 Friday. GO EAGLES!!!! Beat the Fighting Irish (the day before St. Patty's). I'm here at least through Saturday, possibly Monday if we win.
This is all so very cool. I had noooo idea I'd be included in this fun. Tomorrow we go to Mount Spokane and around the city. I'll post pictures. Apparently I'm just yards away from the world's largest red wagon...that excites me. :)
Here are some notes I wrote on the way here whilst bored and feeling literary:
Hanging Hopes on Tall Shoulders
It's restless on the airplane as over a hundred of us have been up since before the sunrise, excited…expectant…and now weary from traveling across the country to watch our favorite basketball players live up to monumental media hype. The tall guys in black warm-up suits show no signs of nervousness, taking this trip to Spokane, WA, in stride as though trips to the NCAA tournament happen every day.
Flight delays, no food—save pretzels in various forms—and no in-flight entertainment. But I shall not complain. Outside my window I catch glimpses of snow-covered Rocky-Mountain-tops and vast valleys. My little Winthrop in the Big Dance again. And somehow, I've been thrust into a mini-drama of epic proportions, picked out of a veritable hat to accompany the team and a small group of fans. We're garbed up in various hats, shirts, stickers—anything to prove we're good fans of the Cinderella Eagles of 2007. I hope our little drama ends with high fives and hugs and a few more days in Themiddleofnowhere, Washington. Well, maybe that's unfair. I've never been to Spokane, but I wouldn't mind to stay until Sunday and watch Winthrop take on yet another opponent. I'm just a measly staff member and an alumnus, but I feel like I'm living in an "against all odds" Disney sports flick. March Madness to be sure.
3.08.2007
Amazing Grace...how sweet the movie
I saw a preview of AMAZING GRACE a few months back and thought it looked really good...we saw it tonight. The story itself really overtakes the movie itself if that makes any sense. Certainly there were just a handful of parts that seemed heavy-handed on sentimentalism...but by the end, you just didn't care. Bring out the marching bands, the banners, whatever it took! It's a movie about one man's passion for humanity and equality. It's about the fight to abolish slavery in England, but also about having determination to fight a system utterly flawed. Well done overall, well acted and executed. It's an even slow pace, but it lent itself well to the theme of perserverance. It's "Amistad" lite. If you haven't seen "Amistad," then shame on you. And then I wonder, "what will be the 'slavery' of our time?" What will future generations look back upon and wonder how WE let it happen? AIDS pandemic in Africa, homelessness, human trafficking. Yes, yes, and yes most likely. What if there are no future generations because we wrecked the planet? Just thoughts.
And John Mayer is an idiot, because while he writes songs like "waiting on the world to change," people like Bono are using their God-given platform of fame to actually CHANGE the world. Get off your high (and I don't mean high horse), John Mayer, and do something. (aside: I like his music, especially "Continuum," but that song drives me up a wall!)
And now that I'm being self-righteous, I shall turn the pointing finger...what am I doing to change the world? I'm living a smaller life than the one I imagined for myself. I don't know yet if that's good or bad. My heart is to help, but I feel trapped by the 9 to 5-ness of the work week. And so I try to live with integrity, doing the small things I can...and praying for opportunities to contribute in some meaningful way to those who are hopeless and helpless. What is God stirring in my heart?
Go see "Amazing Grace" if for no other reason than to support a film that does not glorify dysfunction, alcoholism, death/destruction, violence, and moral decay. At the least it is educational, as it is based on a true story. At the most, it will help you ask yourself..."what is my God-given passion, and how can I see it through?"
And John Mayer is an idiot, because while he writes songs like "waiting on the world to change," people like Bono are using their God-given platform of fame to actually CHANGE the world. Get off your high (and I don't mean high horse), John Mayer, and do something. (aside: I like his music, especially "Continuum," but that song drives me up a wall!)
And now that I'm being self-righteous, I shall turn the pointing finger...what am I doing to change the world? I'm living a smaller life than the one I imagined for myself. I don't know yet if that's good or bad. My heart is to help, but I feel trapped by the 9 to 5-ness of the work week. And so I try to live with integrity, doing the small things I can...and praying for opportunities to contribute in some meaningful way to those who are hopeless and helpless. What is God stirring in my heart?
Go see "Amazing Grace" if for no other reason than to support a film that does not glorify dysfunction, alcoholism, death/destruction, violence, and moral decay. At the least it is educational, as it is based on a true story. At the most, it will help you ask yourself..."what is my God-given passion, and how can I see it through?"
3.05.2007
A Blog from February 3...Sin, Passion, Politics, and Jesus
Oh the things that have been swirling in my head in the past few weeks. Sometimes it just helps to "put them down on paper," so to speak, in order to make some sense of them.
So, this one is more for me...if you're interested, feel free to read...but I just need to clear a bit of head room (that made me think of Max Headroom for those of us in our 30's...you'll know what I mean) to make space for some new and exciting thoughts.
A bit of a spiritual journey...
Earlier this week I emailed an old high school friend with a very quick, bullet-point synopsis of my life since HS graduation...one of the things I included was a relatively recent church change and the radical re-formation of my faith that I have undergone in the last few years. I've been a Christian since I was six, and have been blessed to never have strayed from the faith--not that I haven't questioned nearly everything about it at some point--but I've always sensed God's presence in my life and have had a deep knowledge that He loved me and that I was loved by Him. It's something that really can't be explained in words. (even though I just tried! ha)
So, I've been through many phases of my Christian faith--the teenage radical bring-your-Bible-to-school and preach to people phase, the college sorting-out of exactly what I believe vs. what I've been told to believe phase, the judgmental everyone-is-sinning-and-I'm-not phase (which in and of itself is sin enough--yes I see that now), and now the a compassionate, holistic phase.
A horrible nutshell of my faith progression, as things like this are never really nutshellable, but whatever...gives you (if you're still reading) and me an idea of my journey.
My friend replied to my email (I paraphrase somewhat) "Glad to see you are experiencing a more laid back Christianity..." What an interesting perspective. Because I feel more alive to my faith now than ever before, but the way I want to act upon it and make it known are radically different.
More history (I know, soooo exciting!)...I was a member of the STATE board of the Teenage Republicans and a devout conservative in high school. My leanings will certainly always be in that direction, but I am more and more convinced that Christianity supercedes government. The ideals of my faith are so much BIGGER than government. My government is not a faith-based organization, and thus, I cannot reasonably expect it to "act" in Christian ways. I cannot expect "Christian" legislation or moral behavior from a system that does not ascribe to Christianity. Politicians are almost all swayed more by pols and voting blocks than their own personal sense of faith or morality. It's just the way the system is set up. So, while I believe in the preservation of "family values," I believe that it is MY responsibility to live those out. I should vote because it is my duty to learn about and support candidates who might reflect some of the things I stand for...but I will NEVER picket or lobby or beg some government official to legislate morality. Abortion is a travesty, and I am passionately pro-life...but I would be more effective counseling pregnant girls on their options than I would ever be throwing rocks at doctors or screaming at anyone.
(Ooooh, I'm starting to rant) Additionally, while I'm on the topic...Republicans and Democrats...who's to say which one is more "moral" or "Christian?" Some might say, "Well Republicans are pro-life and pro-family..." Well, we had a Republican President and a Republican-controlled Congress for several years...was there anything overturned???? And since when is the Democratic idea of feeding/clothing poor people and improving education LESS Christian than preventing abortion? Jesus talked a lot about helping the poor. And finally, what about the CHURCH? If we did more feeding and clothing and less lobbying, picketing, and hating...wouldn't we impact the world more? Governments rise and fall, but an act done in the name and compassion of Jesus will stand.
Next...I was for years involved in a situation that focused almost entirely on sin--not sinning, who was sinning, what should happen to people who were sinning, and the choir members who could see everyone telling us all who was sitting out there and sinning...SIN SIN SIN. Certainly it is something that should be dealt with in the life of every Believer/Christian. But to continually focus on it is completely unhealthy...and if you already tend toward the idealistic and/or judgmental (as I do--see! confession)...you can get caught in a spiral of being everyone else's sin watch-dog. And since when did the Bible ever say that we are to convict people about their sins? That is the job of God (the Holy Spirit specifically). And when did the Bible ever say that we are to condemn people for their sins? That is Satan's forte. Our job is to help other Christians in their walk, by lovingly addressing and bringing their sin to them after much prayer...and then restore them to the faith. But our job with non-believers is simply to LOVE them...wherever they are...and by whatever means they are there. Drug addicts, prostitutes, AIDS victims, homeless, wife-beaters, and the list goes on and on. When did the church quit loving people and start beating them up for doing what unbelievers do? The Bible clearly says "They will know we are Christians by our LOVE." Love was the sole identifying factor. It seems today that most people know we are Christians by the way we condemn everything that's not like us, or by our screaming/demanding, or by our holier-than-thou attitudes.
So, more than ever, I am not laid back about my faith...but instead of looking to Republicans, Democrats, or everyone else to get up and do something...I am praying about and doing the things that Jesus commanded. The New Testament church was involved in community and fellowship with other believers, loving their extended community through service with no strings attached, breaking bread with one another (yes!), worship, and prayer. People who seem the most lost or the most unlike me can provide huge opportunities for love.
And randomly, I will add...I was very challenged last week to think about our planet. Our Pastor delivered one of the most beautiful sermons I've ever heard on the way that God created the earth and how He intended it to run. Most startling in the list was that God gave the earth to man to "serve and protect" it. He created it, and gave it to US to protect it. So, more than anyone...Christians have a DUTY to step up and be the biggest tree-huggers out there. I'm not sure what all that will mean for me just yet...I recycle, I conserve energy...but I really want to discover what else I can do. I want to take my duty seriously. (Hmmm...most people associate environmentalists with Democrats, don't they? See how the lines begin blurring when you take a whole approach to faith????)
In closing (I know, it's been long...and if you're still with me...BRAVO!)...my faith is personal, but not private. I'm called to live it out with everyone around me in different ways, responding to each person I meet appropriately--rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn. Encouraging, feeding, clothing, protecting...I should worship with everything I do...reflecting the glory of God by maintaining His beautiful Creation--which is a reflection of His attention to detail and care for us. Mostly, I am being challenged to act upon my convictions. I still don't know how all of this will work itself out in "real life," but I know that I am less laid back than ever and more inclined to stretch myself to love, to accept, and to serve. That is what worshipping God with my life means. It means reflecting Him and giving Him glory every moment of every day.
Whew. My brain is tired. And a little emptier. But my soul is singing. Can you hear it?
Goodnight.
for more on the sermon: "The Story of God: Being Human" (From 1/29/07) that inspired some of this... www.renovatuscommunity.com
ENTER, Then go to MEDIA and LISTEN
You can get a free podcast on itunes or listen to it in the archive (the podcast is up...the archive should have it in a few days). It's an hour long...our pastor is long-winded like I am!!! :) One of the best sermons I've ever heard...he even espoused the idea that we were born to live naked...but you'll have to listen to find out all about that. hee hee hee.
So, this one is more for me...if you're interested, feel free to read...but I just need to clear a bit of head room (that made me think of Max Headroom for those of us in our 30's...you'll know what I mean) to make space for some new and exciting thoughts.
A bit of a spiritual journey...
Earlier this week I emailed an old high school friend with a very quick, bullet-point synopsis of my life since HS graduation...one of the things I included was a relatively recent church change and the radical re-formation of my faith that I have undergone in the last few years. I've been a Christian since I was six, and have been blessed to never have strayed from the faith--not that I haven't questioned nearly everything about it at some point--but I've always sensed God's presence in my life and have had a deep knowledge that He loved me and that I was loved by Him. It's something that really can't be explained in words. (even though I just tried! ha)
So, I've been through many phases of my Christian faith--the teenage radical bring-your-Bible-to-school and preach to people phase, the college sorting-out of exactly what I believe vs. what I've been told to believe phase, the judgmental everyone-is-sinning-and-I'm-not phase (which in and of itself is sin enough--yes I see that now), and now the a compassionate, holistic phase.
A horrible nutshell of my faith progression, as things like this are never really nutshellable, but whatever...gives you (if you're still reading) and me an idea of my journey.
My friend replied to my email (I paraphrase somewhat) "Glad to see you are experiencing a more laid back Christianity..." What an interesting perspective. Because I feel more alive to my faith now than ever before, but the way I want to act upon it and make it known are radically different.
More history (I know, soooo exciting!)...I was a member of the STATE board of the Teenage Republicans and a devout conservative in high school. My leanings will certainly always be in that direction, but I am more and more convinced that Christianity supercedes government. The ideals of my faith are so much BIGGER than government. My government is not a faith-based organization, and thus, I cannot reasonably expect it to "act" in Christian ways. I cannot expect "Christian" legislation or moral behavior from a system that does not ascribe to Christianity. Politicians are almost all swayed more by pols and voting blocks than their own personal sense of faith or morality. It's just the way the system is set up. So, while I believe in the preservation of "family values," I believe that it is MY responsibility to live those out. I should vote because it is my duty to learn about and support candidates who might reflect some of the things I stand for...but I will NEVER picket or lobby or beg some government official to legislate morality. Abortion is a travesty, and I am passionately pro-life...but I would be more effective counseling pregnant girls on their options than I would ever be throwing rocks at doctors or screaming at anyone.
(Ooooh, I'm starting to rant) Additionally, while I'm on the topic...Republicans and Democrats...who's to say which one is more "moral" or "Christian?" Some might say, "Well Republicans are pro-life and pro-family..." Well, we had a Republican President and a Republican-controlled Congress for several years...was there anything overturned???? And since when is the Democratic idea of feeding/clothing poor people and improving education LESS Christian than preventing abortion? Jesus talked a lot about helping the poor. And finally, what about the CHURCH? If we did more feeding and clothing and less lobbying, picketing, and hating...wouldn't we impact the world more? Governments rise and fall, but an act done in the name and compassion of Jesus will stand.
Next...I was for years involved in a situation that focused almost entirely on sin--not sinning, who was sinning, what should happen to people who were sinning, and the choir members who could see everyone telling us all who was sitting out there and sinning...SIN SIN SIN. Certainly it is something that should be dealt with in the life of every Believer/Christian. But to continually focus on it is completely unhealthy...and if you already tend toward the idealistic and/or judgmental (as I do--see! confession)...you can get caught in a spiral of being everyone else's sin watch-dog. And since when did the Bible ever say that we are to convict people about their sins? That is the job of God (the Holy Spirit specifically). And when did the Bible ever say that we are to condemn people for their sins? That is Satan's forte. Our job is to help other Christians in their walk, by lovingly addressing and bringing their sin to them after much prayer...and then restore them to the faith. But our job with non-believers is simply to LOVE them...wherever they are...and by whatever means they are there. Drug addicts, prostitutes, AIDS victims, homeless, wife-beaters, and the list goes on and on. When did the church quit loving people and start beating them up for doing what unbelievers do? The Bible clearly says "They will know we are Christians by our LOVE." Love was the sole identifying factor. It seems today that most people know we are Christians by the way we condemn everything that's not like us, or by our screaming/demanding, or by our holier-than-thou attitudes.
So, more than ever, I am not laid back about my faith...but instead of looking to Republicans, Democrats, or everyone else to get up and do something...I am praying about and doing the things that Jesus commanded. The New Testament church was involved in community and fellowship with other believers, loving their extended community through service with no strings attached, breaking bread with one another (yes!), worship, and prayer. People who seem the most lost or the most unlike me can provide huge opportunities for love.
And randomly, I will add...I was very challenged last week to think about our planet. Our Pastor delivered one of the most beautiful sermons I've ever heard on the way that God created the earth and how He intended it to run. Most startling in the list was that God gave the earth to man to "serve and protect" it. He created it, and gave it to US to protect it. So, more than anyone...Christians have a DUTY to step up and be the biggest tree-huggers out there. I'm not sure what all that will mean for me just yet...I recycle, I conserve energy...but I really want to discover what else I can do. I want to take my duty seriously. (Hmmm...most people associate environmentalists with Democrats, don't they? See how the lines begin blurring when you take a whole approach to faith????)
In closing (I know, it's been long...and if you're still with me...BRAVO!)...my faith is personal, but not private. I'm called to live it out with everyone around me in different ways, responding to each person I meet appropriately--rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn. Encouraging, feeding, clothing, protecting...I should worship with everything I do...reflecting the glory of God by maintaining His beautiful Creation--which is a reflection of His attention to detail and care for us. Mostly, I am being challenged to act upon my convictions. I still don't know how all of this will work itself out in "real life," but I know that I am less laid back than ever and more inclined to stretch myself to love, to accept, and to serve. That is what worshipping God with my life means. It means reflecting Him and giving Him glory every moment of every day.
Whew. My brain is tired. And a little emptier. But my soul is singing. Can you hear it?
Goodnight.
for more on the sermon: "The Story of God: Being Human" (From 1/29/07) that inspired some of this... www.renovatuscommunity.com
ENTER, Then go to MEDIA and LISTEN
You can get a free podcast on itunes or listen to it in the archive (the podcast is up...the archive should have it in a few days). It's an hour long...our pastor is long-winded like I am!!! :) One of the best sermons I've ever heard...he even espoused the idea that we were born to live naked...but you'll have to listen to find out all about that. hee hee hee.
Bring back the blog!
I think I'm bringing back the blog.
I've missed it. I might have things to say...things to report...excitement of the highest order...or I might not. You'll just have to swing by to find out! :)
I've missed it. I might have things to say...things to report...excitement of the highest order...or I might not. You'll just have to swing by to find out! :)
4.12.2006
Teddy Bear Tea Party
Winthrop's own "Big Stuff" mingles with the kiddies. He's an eagle. With a basketball jersey.
3.29.2006
3.15.2006
A Little Patch of Sunshine
My dog, Tink (aka "Stink" depending on what she's eaten), loves to lie in the front doorway. Why? There, in the morning hours between 9 and 11:30 or so, she finds a little patch of sunshine. A place where she can soak up the rays, stay warm and cozy, and sleep peacefully. She will lie there until she is panting from the heat, and I have to remind her to go lap up water before she croaks.
Don't we all crave a little patch of sunshine...that place where we feel cozy and warm, where we have the peace to rest, and forget about even the most basic of needs?
She is lying there now...only disturbed by the potential to get a treat from an incoming husband. She looks peaceful and hopeful...another lovely day of sleeping and eating and some petting too.
That's the life, kids. A little patch of sunshine. I find it mostly in God...when I'm right with him, and I know that He is in control and will take of things. Something reminds me about "Be still and know..." or as Pastor J-Mart quoted a few weeks back from another version, "Cease striving and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) And so many times I forget, and strive on my own...trying to work every problem out in my own little futile brain. I need to remember the Tink and find my place in the doorway and let the Lord shine down on me.
Have a little patch of sunshine day. (I'm really resisting the urge to go for the Christian cliche here, and write a little patch of SONshine...GROAN! But I didn't do it...see? I'm still cool...yeah. I am. Darn it.)
Don't we all crave a little patch of sunshine...that place where we feel cozy and warm, where we have the peace to rest, and forget about even the most basic of needs?
She is lying there now...only disturbed by the potential to get a treat from an incoming husband. She looks peaceful and hopeful...another lovely day of sleeping and eating and some petting too.
That's the life, kids. A little patch of sunshine. I find it mostly in God...when I'm right with him, and I know that He is in control and will take of things. Something reminds me about "Be still and know..." or as Pastor J-Mart quoted a few weeks back from another version, "Cease striving and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) And so many times I forget, and strive on my own...trying to work every problem out in my own little futile brain. I need to remember the Tink and find my place in the doorway and let the Lord shine down on me.
Have a little patch of sunshine day. (I'm really resisting the urge to go for the Christian cliche here, and write a little patch of SONshine...GROAN! But I didn't do it...see? I'm still cool...yeah. I am. Darn it.)
3.12.2006
So I'm writing nothing. Yup. Just thought I should write something. But it's really nothing. Several lines of absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. Just letters in a line that don't really reveal anything. And that's all I have to say. Well, let's see. I shall recount things I like.
I like warm weather.
I like sandals and painted toenails.
I like chocolate chip cookies.I like a tall man named Jerod.
My parents are cool.
My brother and sis-in-law are like the smartest people ever.
I really like the fact that our ceiling fan makes the room pleasant.
I like my new Orange Crush clock/light that I won on ebay.
I like ebay.
I like my dogs; even when they are annoying, they are sweet and are happy to see me.
I like yard work and dirt...most of the time.
I like my space...I just joined and have found many old friends.
I like orange.
I like orange.
I like orange.
I like orange so much I wrote it four times.
I like pizza...mostly just cheese...if I'm feeling wild...maybe some green peppers, hamburger, or chicken.
I like Qdoba...a lot...and I miss that there's not one close-by.
I like Winthrop. (GO EAGLES! NCAA big dance this week!)
I like outfits that go together without much thought or ironing.
I like comfortable shoes.
I like tulips...all colors.I like Spring...it's as if God is just showing off.
I like Diet Sprite.
See, now I wrote about something. Go me.
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