I already posted this once today, but I've added a few things out of boredom...
Because everything else today has been random, so will this post. After weeks of having no visits scheduled at the school, today we had FOUR show up! Crazy! So, it was a random day, but good! In honor of that, other random things...
1. I wish it was Thursday so I could watch So You Think You Can Dance tonight.
2. I can't stop listening to Jackson Browne and Frou Frou and Imogen Heap and the old Starfield CD lately. Random? Yes. Couldn't be a more varied music selection. Copied Dad's Jackson Browne and Jimmy Buffett and Bad Company CD's last week on our trip back from Chi-town. Thanks for the good tunes dad!
3. Kate is married! (pictures to come) It's crazy! It's not real to me that one of my closest friends is now married and will be living halfway across the country soon. At least I have a reason to visit Baltimore now. Note: I will be honest--I was a darn good CD maker for pre-wedding, post-wedding, reception, and honeymoon car ride mixes for her. ;-)
4. Even though technically I am a member at Eastview, I am feeling churchless as of late. It is so hard to find community there when I live here and feel like my community is all over the place.
5. I'm not happy that my neighbors enjoy playing loud techno music at 3 a.m. I don't live in a college apartment, so this is not acceptable. I also don't appreciate when one of them leaves his laundry in the washer or dryer for 6 days at a time. Sick.
6. I want to go on a vacation. Really bad.
7. I have 3 weddings left this summer. That's not bad considering I had like 9 two years ago.
8. We are doing a fiesta-themed booth at the North American Christian Convention for the Bible Bowl Nationals. Dorky, I know, but you gotta do what you gotta do. It's Bible Bowl, people...need I say more? (I like to pretend I didn't do Bible Bowl for 2 years in Jr. High...but I won't lie; I did.)
9. I think I'll go for a walk tonight. AND get an ice cream cone. OK so instead I had strawberries and chocolate pudding. But I did go for a walk.
10. I'm really wanting to take a spontaneous road trip soon...maybe this matches up w/ #6.
11. I don't think I will ever see the movie The Omen. The previews are enough to give me nightmares.
12. I do, however, still need to see The Breakup despite my brother-in-law's negative response.
13. CIY starts this week all over the place. I'm jealous. It brings back sweet old memories from the BCG's and from adventures w/ Amanda in high school and a million other things that ever happened at CIY.
14. I'm so glad Missy finally posted that they're having a baby so I can express my excitement! Yay! Steph and I vote it's going to be a boy; Alli and Heidi think it'll be a girl. My tiny little old roomie is prego! :-)
15. Currently I'm watching ABC's new show How to Get The Guy...and wondering if I need to be on it. J/k. Well, maybe...
16. How is it that when I go to Kroger with the intention of only leaving w/ some fruit, I end up with half of the store?
17. I love popcorn.
18. I need a haircut.
19. I have too much time on my hands, clearly. Next blog will be something of substance. I promise. Pinky-swear.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
beating a dead horse?
Here is a letter I'd like to write to some churches nationwide right now:
Disclaimer: As you consider my words, Church, please don't think that I harbor anger or bitterness against you, as many sometimes do, because I dearly love you. I love the Body of Christ and how each part is different yet plays a crucial role in a greater purpose. I love the variation and the beauty of uniqueness within God's creation. I love how each of us reflects the Father's image in a different way. I love that it is a place where all are welcomed and all are loved, and I love that the Church is made up of imperfect people who are simply set free...free to love and to give and to serve...within and around the world.
Dear Church,
I'm writing you out of concern that we might be missing the point on a few things. After a considerable number of congregations have begun to debunk The Da Vinci Code through 4-week or even 5-week sets of sermons, I have begun to question this as a necessity. Dan Brown's fictional piece has been out for 3 years now, and only the fame of the film's recent release has brought on this phenomenon of Christian defense. If the book alone contains the falsehoods we're now decoding, why has it taken us so long to do so?
It is claimed that 45 million American adults have read this book and that, out of that number, a large percentage have probably believed statements that are unbiblical and nonsensical. False teachings are everywhere in Brown's writing. Are they not everywhere in fictional work? Are they not everywhere in the world? Dan Brown's bright ideas may appear to be different, but in reality they are nothing new. Why didn't we argue the Left Behind series in a similar way? Why have we left alone the millions of other false teachings that permeate our culture? The Barna Research group, in fact, concluded that "The Da Vinci Code confirms rather than changes people's religious beliefs." If it is already confirming rather than changing beliefs, then why are we taking so much time out of our Sundays to argue Brown's fictitious story when we could be preaching a 5-week series straight from scripture--perhaps 1 Timothy 1:3-11--about false teaching?
I realize that I, having completed Bible College (though I still feel like I know very little), may be more grounded in my beliefs than some believers. If I were to read Brown's book (which I have not yet done, simply because I just haven't) I would probably recognize and be able to separate truth from fiction quite easily. There are some who may not be able to, and that is probably why we're taking such a strong stand against The Da Vinci Code--to help those brothers and sister decipher what is true. However, I think we're misplacing the blame--it isn't necessarily the fault of Dan Brown that some may be led astray by fictional truth.
Might it be the Church's fault? Can I even make mention of such an idea? Is it possible that the Church is at fault for failing to teach basic foundational truths about Jesus? Perhaps a stronger emphasis on solid Christian beliefs, a better foundation on truth, or further discipleship and follow-through with young believers might be the answer. When that begins, the Christian worldview can be formed and nurtured, and then a believer can look through the eyes of Scripture and into things like The Da Vinci Code, the latest Kanye West album, American Idol, the AIDS crisis in Africa, or Brad Pitt and Angelina's relationship. Having a Christian worldview is the starting point.
One of the best things about the Church is that it's a place where believers and seekers can be taught the truths about Jesus and the Bible in a corporate setting. The reason for this is so that conversation and action happens; truths are not only taught, but they are talked about and, in turn, lived out. Wouldn't it be a shame if, right now, a seeker came to one of these Da Vinci Code-Decoding services and saw how argumentative and defensive we seem to be? That is my fear in all of this--that we might lose many on account of prideful defense (or in this case offense). Just this morning I could sense an argumentative nature that should probably have taken place between the preacher and Dan Brown rather than between the pulpit and the pews.
I appreciate and am thankful for the decoding of fiction that is happening for those who may not have been able to discern what was true and even for my own knowledge. However, I simply feel it has been drawn out too long and we are missing the point. We are beginning with culture and going back to Scripture to find a strong defense. Shouldn't we begin with Scripture and simply learn and study and understand so that then we can view culture?
These are just questions I've pondered throughout this series and as I've discovered the growing number of churches covering this fashionable topic for varying numbers of weeks. I am not a leader in a Church, I realize, so my words may mean very little. But I am, however, one of the many who sit in the pews on Sunday morning and crave spiritual food that will help me to understand my God and His Kingdom and His creation more. I would love it if we began with His word.
Thank you, and I look forward very much to the next series to come, whatever it may be.
-Mandy
Disclaimer: As you consider my words, Church, please don't think that I harbor anger or bitterness against you, as many sometimes do, because I dearly love you. I love the Body of Christ and how each part is different yet plays a crucial role in a greater purpose. I love the variation and the beauty of uniqueness within God's creation. I love how each of us reflects the Father's image in a different way. I love that it is a place where all are welcomed and all are loved, and I love that the Church is made up of imperfect people who are simply set free...free to love and to give and to serve...within and around the world.
Dear Church,
I'm writing you out of concern that we might be missing the point on a few things. After a considerable number of congregations have begun to debunk The Da Vinci Code through 4-week or even 5-week sets of sermons, I have begun to question this as a necessity. Dan Brown's fictional piece has been out for 3 years now, and only the fame of the film's recent release has brought on this phenomenon of Christian defense. If the book alone contains the falsehoods we're now decoding, why has it taken us so long to do so?
It is claimed that 45 million American adults have read this book and that, out of that number, a large percentage have probably believed statements that are unbiblical and nonsensical. False teachings are everywhere in Brown's writing. Are they not everywhere in fictional work? Are they not everywhere in the world? Dan Brown's bright ideas may appear to be different, but in reality they are nothing new. Why didn't we argue the Left Behind series in a similar way? Why have we left alone the millions of other false teachings that permeate our culture? The Barna Research group, in fact, concluded that "The Da Vinci Code confirms rather than changes people's religious beliefs." If it is already confirming rather than changing beliefs, then why are we taking so much time out of our Sundays to argue Brown's fictitious story when we could be preaching a 5-week series straight from scripture--perhaps 1 Timothy 1:3-11--about false teaching?
I realize that I, having completed Bible College (though I still feel like I know very little), may be more grounded in my beliefs than some believers. If I were to read Brown's book (which I have not yet done, simply because I just haven't) I would probably recognize and be able to separate truth from fiction quite easily. There are some who may not be able to, and that is probably why we're taking such a strong stand against The Da Vinci Code--to help those brothers and sister decipher what is true. However, I think we're misplacing the blame--it isn't necessarily the fault of Dan Brown that some may be led astray by fictional truth.
Might it be the Church's fault? Can I even make mention of such an idea? Is it possible that the Church is at fault for failing to teach basic foundational truths about Jesus? Perhaps a stronger emphasis on solid Christian beliefs, a better foundation on truth, or further discipleship and follow-through with young believers might be the answer. When that begins, the Christian worldview can be formed and nurtured, and then a believer can look through the eyes of Scripture and into things like The Da Vinci Code, the latest Kanye West album, American Idol, the AIDS crisis in Africa, or Brad Pitt and Angelina's relationship. Having a Christian worldview is the starting point.
One of the best things about the Church is that it's a place where believers and seekers can be taught the truths about Jesus and the Bible in a corporate setting. The reason for this is so that conversation and action happens; truths are not only taught, but they are talked about and, in turn, lived out. Wouldn't it be a shame if, right now, a seeker came to one of these Da Vinci Code-Decoding services and saw how argumentative and defensive we seem to be? That is my fear in all of this--that we might lose many on account of prideful defense (or in this case offense). Just this morning I could sense an argumentative nature that should probably have taken place between the preacher and Dan Brown rather than between the pulpit and the pews.
I appreciate and am thankful for the decoding of fiction that is happening for those who may not have been able to discern what was true and even for my own knowledge. However, I simply feel it has been drawn out too long and we are missing the point. We are beginning with culture and going back to Scripture to find a strong defense. Shouldn't we begin with Scripture and simply learn and study and understand so that then we can view culture?
These are just questions I've pondered throughout this series and as I've discovered the growing number of churches covering this fashionable topic for varying numbers of weeks. I am not a leader in a Church, I realize, so my words may mean very little. But I am, however, one of the many who sit in the pews on Sunday morning and crave spiritual food that will help me to understand my God and His Kingdom and His creation more. I would love it if we began with His word.
Thank you, and I look forward very much to the next series to come, whatever it may be.
-Mandy
Thursday, June 01, 2006
multi-tasking
I'm pretty good at doing multiple things at once. Currently:
-watching So You Think You Can Dance that I taped while I talked to Faith on the phone earlier.
-emailing another friend
-yelling at the teenagers who, currently, have their cars parked outside on the street with loud rap music blaring and they're literally dancing in the middle of the street. (I'm not actually yelling at them except for once in awhile screaming "Shut up!" at a volume they probably can't hear, but hoping they do...)
-filling out the U.S. Census I got in the mail today. Kinda fun, but definitely didn't realize we still had those since the days of Caesar Augustus and such. I remember asking my parents when I was little how they counted populations and they always told me there was a census, but I never quite believed it till now!
-eating frozen peaches from grandma & grandpa. yummy...
-uploading songs for kate's wedding CD's that i'm working on.
-obviously, blogging.
I should probably find some more things to do because I'm clearly not doing enough.
-watching So You Think You Can Dance that I taped while I talked to Faith on the phone earlier.
-emailing another friend
-yelling at the teenagers who, currently, have their cars parked outside on the street with loud rap music blaring and they're literally dancing in the middle of the street. (I'm not actually yelling at them except for once in awhile screaming "Shut up!" at a volume they probably can't hear, but hoping they do...)
-filling out the U.S. Census I got in the mail today. Kinda fun, but definitely didn't realize we still had those since the days of Caesar Augustus and such. I remember asking my parents when I was little how they counted populations and they always told me there was a census, but I never quite believed it till now!
-eating frozen peaches from grandma & grandpa. yummy...
-uploading songs for kate's wedding CD's that i'm working on.
-obviously, blogging.
I should probably find some more things to do because I'm clearly not doing enough.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
things i should probably buy soon...
-Anderson Cooper's book Dispatches from the Edge. Just spent 3 hours in BN reading it today and I'm almost halfway through it. Amazing stuff. And can I just say that he's pretty hot for a 40 year old guy? I'm just sayin'....he is!
-an iPod. someday, apple. someday.
-a new cell phone. nah, i'll just see what free ones i can upgrade to.
-The Fray's CD. Thanks Steph--you got me hooked on that song and now I hear it everywhere! But I love it!
-wedding gifts...ugh.
-a ticket to fly to Cali to see Becka. ;-) i promise, girl, i gotta get out there before you and faith get famous from the Amazing Race.
yeah, that's all. i couldn't think of anything else to say. note: i will not be purchasing any of these soon, however, unless you want to send donations. :-)
-an iPod. someday, apple. someday.
-a new cell phone. nah, i'll just see what free ones i can upgrade to.
-The Fray's CD. Thanks Steph--you got me hooked on that song and now I hear it everywhere! But I love it!
-wedding gifts...ugh.
-a ticket to fly to Cali to see Becka. ;-) i promise, girl, i gotta get out there before you and faith get famous from the Amazing Race.
yeah, that's all. i couldn't think of anything else to say. note: i will not be purchasing any of these soon, however, unless you want to send donations. :-)
Saturday, May 27, 2006
it's a beautiful day...
It's pretty much like the most gorgeous day ever. I guess I could request just slightly less wind while driving with the windows down so that my hair wouldn't fly everywhere, but I'm not going to complain. It's beautiful. 93 degrees + sunshine + Saturday + nothing really to do = a good day.
I love that when I have nothing really to do I can find a million little things to do such as sleep in, go for a walk/run (mostly walk), vacuum out my car, wash my car, change my shower curtain liner, wash my bathroom rug, file my nails, paint my toenails, write on my blog, make a yummy dinner, bake an angel food cake, read & lay out at the park, Sudoku, and on and on. I think I'll also rent a movie I love...possibly Lucky 7...and eat popcorn. And maybe get some ice cream.
I love summer. These are the days.
I love that when I have nothing really to do I can find a million little things to do such as sleep in, go for a walk/run (mostly walk), vacuum out my car, wash my car, change my shower curtain liner, wash my bathroom rug, file my nails, paint my toenails, write on my blog, make a yummy dinner, bake an angel food cake, read & lay out at the park, Sudoku, and on and on. I think I'll also rent a movie I love...possibly Lucky 7...and eat popcorn. And maybe get some ice cream.
I love summer. These are the days.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
lots to say...
<----(heidi, sorry i posted the "oops it looks like we posed with heidi's cardboard cutout" picture on...i HAD to!)OK...first of all, I've gotta share some fun from last night's little Girls' Night Out w/ Alli, Steph, and Heidi. It was soooo good to catch up and just go out to eat and we all knew we'd pretty much revert back to age 18 but who cares? It was just like old times, minus a few people. As we sat at our table at O'Charley's I said, "I feel like we're on Sex & The City...minus the sex. Well, and the city."
We had some good times chatting about life and singlehood and jobs and nieces and nephews and diversity issues in schools and food (i have to include steph's quote of the night that her caramel pie ice cream tasted "like heaven in her mouth") and apartments and houses and friends with babies and all else under the sun. And then we had silly time in Meijer as well as our photo shoot... here are pictures from the night:
heidi & steph...i think discussing the goodness of the caramel pie ice cream but i can't remember...
one of our many attempts to take photos of ourselves in the parking lot......and that's all the good ones I got b/c my camera sucks and kept dying. oops. I need steph to email me hers. (hint, hint Steph)
...and onto tonight's conversation piece that really doesn't even need to happen...American Idol. seriously, do we need to even have a 2-hour event tomorrow night? i think we all know who's going to win. And if it's Katharine, you better believe I'm never watching it again. Doesn't matter anyways...Elliott was my vote.
-And what's with every other channel now having some sort of rock star show? Come up with something new, people!
-the ACM Awards ended with Kelly Clarkson performing with Rascal Flatts...I wasn't too impressed. I'm pretty sure their voices don't blend very well. Please try again.
-the movie The Interpretor is pretty darn good. I just finished it.
And, that's all. 5 minutes of your time spent reading this? I know, I have nothing better to do.
P.S. Yay, I'm taking 2 personal days that I need to use up--tomorrow (wednesday) and Friday so 4 day weekend for me and a nice day off tomorrow! Hopefully I'll be able to find something fun to do!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
yuck.
i feel yucky today.
yuck.
that's all.
i think i'll go rent a movie and sit around and do nothing in my comfy clothes all day and night.
and i'm sad my roommate has now moved out. :-(
yuck.
that's all.
i think i'll go rent a movie and sit around and do nothing in my comfy clothes all day and night.
and i'm sad my roommate has now moved out. :-(
Thursday, May 18, 2006
this is my work break...
So this is going to be my 15 minute afternoon break that we're supposed to get every day... I need a break from working on new displays for camp teams to take and from calling references.
I'm currently listening to someone's old school Audio Adrenaline on iTunes. It's Don't Censor Me from way back in the day. I really wish I had the older stuff, however, like with PDA and Who Do You Love and those oldies but goodies. They remind me of when Cory would come home from CIY with her tapes and I'd listen to them at night on my Walkman. I was cool.
Last week, Cory and I had a fun time torturing each other by emailing old cheesy Christian lyrics back and forth to each other. (It all started with her having a Point of Grace song in her head--the one that had a video where they were singing in an empty cafe.) It was fun. So in honor of that, here are the old school songs, CDs, and such that will always remain cheesy but continue to hold some kind of memory or tradition:
-anything Point of Grace, such as...The Great Divide, Circle of Friends, Life, Love, & Other Mysteries, Gather at the River, or Keep the Candle Burning
-speaking of candles, you've gotta have Kathy Troccoli and Go Light Your World on this list. That will forever be the graduation service song that was either played or sung when Rondel planned our graduation services from high school.
-dcTalk's Free At Last CD or Nu Thang. Seriously. I love those. I think I might have to break out some of those soon. I'm pretty sure the song I Luv Rap Music from their first record will be remembered for awhile by most guys who lived on F1 or F2 in Titus at LCC. I suppose now is an okay time to come clean with us leaving that on their answering machines...they'll never know.
-don't even know who sings it, but from an old, OLD CIY cassette tape, the song Housin'. (not to be confused with the Audio Adrenaline song Big Big House). "Come and go with me, to my father's house...we can live together. Come and go with me to my Father's house; we can live forever! ... to the rap part (which of course I still know the words to): You like what you like and I like what I like, forget about what we like it's all about what He likes, see He likes to be the one in full control of your heart of your mind, of your body and your soul. And I'm down with that, cuz he's the one that made me. The power over evil is the power that he gave me but not only that, He gave me the mind to catch the beat that moves your feet and moves your body to the rhyme..." Need I say more?
-Another one that reminds me of Cory, Shelly, and Linnea is "...in the Eye of the Hurricane...in the center of the storm...in the chaos there's a comfort, a harbor safe and warm..."
-I have to bring up the group Church of Rhythm, who I believe encountered a bit of identity crisis after my obsession with them in Jr. High during which I had them sign the inside cover of my Bible. When I saw them at the Clinton Jr. High Overnighter I was all about the Free At Last poppy song of theirs and any other song of theirs. Amanda, I'm sure you'll remember those days... Then a year later at CIY they were suddenly hardcore alternative. Weird.
-Must I even bring up old Amy Grant music? Baby, baby, that was alllll classic. Don't even get my heart in motion...
-Hm...I believe Jars of Clay was an obsession of mine during a phase of my high school years after seeing them at ICTC and meeting them afterwards. I was such a dork.
Well I'm sure there are more, but it's so fun to think of those old school songs I used to jam to on my Walkman and on church youth group trips. Remind me if I'm forgetting some faves...
I'm currently listening to someone's old school Audio Adrenaline on iTunes. It's Don't Censor Me from way back in the day. I really wish I had the older stuff, however, like with PDA and Who Do You Love and those oldies but goodies. They remind me of when Cory would come home from CIY with her tapes and I'd listen to them at night on my Walkman. I was cool.
Last week, Cory and I had a fun time torturing each other by emailing old cheesy Christian lyrics back and forth to each other. (It all started with her having a Point of Grace song in her head--the one that had a video where they were singing in an empty cafe.) It was fun. So in honor of that, here are the old school songs, CDs, and such that will always remain cheesy but continue to hold some kind of memory or tradition:
-anything Point of Grace, such as...The Great Divide, Circle of Friends, Life, Love, & Other Mysteries, Gather at the River, or Keep the Candle Burning
-speaking of candles, you've gotta have Kathy Troccoli and Go Light Your World on this list. That will forever be the graduation service song that was either played or sung when Rondel planned our graduation services from high school.
-dcTalk's Free At Last CD or Nu Thang. Seriously. I love those. I think I might have to break out some of those soon. I'm pretty sure the song I Luv Rap Music from their first record will be remembered for awhile by most guys who lived on F1 or F2 in Titus at LCC. I suppose now is an okay time to come clean with us leaving that on their answering machines...they'll never know.
-don't even know who sings it, but from an old, OLD CIY cassette tape, the song Housin'. (not to be confused with the Audio Adrenaline song Big Big House). "Come and go with me, to my father's house...we can live together. Come and go with me to my Father's house; we can live forever! ... to the rap part (which of course I still know the words to): You like what you like and I like what I like, forget about what we like it's all about what He likes, see He likes to be the one in full control of your heart of your mind, of your body and your soul. And I'm down with that, cuz he's the one that made me. The power over evil is the power that he gave me but not only that, He gave me the mind to catch the beat that moves your feet and moves your body to the rhyme..." Need I say more?
-Another one that reminds me of Cory, Shelly, and Linnea is "...in the Eye of the Hurricane...in the center of the storm...in the chaos there's a comfort, a harbor safe and warm..."
-I have to bring up the group Church of Rhythm, who I believe encountered a bit of identity crisis after my obsession with them in Jr. High during which I had them sign the inside cover of my Bible. When I saw them at the Clinton Jr. High Overnighter I was all about the Free At Last poppy song of theirs and any other song of theirs. Amanda, I'm sure you'll remember those days... Then a year later at CIY they were suddenly hardcore alternative. Weird.
-Must I even bring up old Amy Grant music? Baby, baby, that was alllll classic. Don't even get my heart in motion...
-Hm...I believe Jars of Clay was an obsession of mine during a phase of my high school years after seeing them at ICTC and meeting them afterwards. I was such a dork.
Well I'm sure there are more, but it's so fun to think of those old school songs I used to jam to on my Walkman and on church youth group trips. Remind me if I'm forgetting some faves...
Monday, May 15, 2006
tv drama and affairs
So I can't handle the drama anymore. No more season finales for me...I think my heart needs a break from beating so fast by being worked up from these shows. I just finished watching Grey's Anatomy and last week's Gilmore Girls season finale that I had taped and still hadn't watched. My heart has been just about leaping out of my chest, and I think that's a sure sign that I should stay away from these shows for a little while. (good thing they were the season finales...but i'll be back next season!) Anyway, I know most of you reading couldn't care less, but I have to vent and let out my frustration! And I promise, I'm going to tie these 2 shows together with a major frustration about TV drama...I know you're so excited to stay tuned for that!
First, Grey's Anatomy. Seriously, Meredith and Derek need to get themselves figured out. And Izzy can't quit! She has to come back! And I'm glad that sometimes, just sometimes, Alex knows the right thing to do and say at the right time. I think he redeems his faults in those moments. I know deep down that Burke & Christina will be just fine...and even if he can't operate for some time due to his gunshot wound, I think it'll be good for their relationship and make them stronger. I just can't get over Denny...just can't get over it. I can't imagine being suddenly engaged, either, and then an hour later having to see my fiancee's body headed to the morgue. I just can't imagine it...
Now, Gilmore Girls. What in the world is going on? I can NOT believe Lorelai slept with Chris. Before I go off on that, I have to note that Rory did an amazing acting job when Logan left for England...that was really good. Overall, I'm pretty disappointed with the season finale being overtaken by the stupid people singing on the sidewalks. At least it wasn't about Layne's cheesy band. Those scenes are the most pointless scenes ever. Just give me Luke, Lorelai, Rory, Logan, and Lorelai's parents. And we can leave out Chris, because he's throwing in too much crazy drama.
My major frustration (which ties both of these shows together) is that all of the sudden it is completely fine for people to have affairs. I know this is nothing brand new, but it just makes me so mad! With Derek and Meredith--I understand Derek's marriage isn't picture-perfect, and he claims he just can't help but look at her without wanting to be with her. Can you practice some self-control Derek? And with Lorelai and Chris, she was completely acting on an impulse of anger and I'm not quite sure what it is she wants...but it should be Luke. No matter what, I can't stand how these shows and so many others just make affairs OK. Last night my roommate and I talked about the same thing after watching Rumor Has It. Same thing. People, it is NOT okay to have affairs! Whether it's physical, mental, emotional, or whatever, it's unfaithful. I am tired of how the media downplays it just to produce drama even in real life.
I can't seem to figure out, though, if the media is simply representing what's happening already in culture, or if society is reproducing what they're seeing in the media. Which way is it? Is it both? I've always wondered that (almost like "which came first? the chicken or the egg?").
I need to think about this more instead of just blurting out some random words for all the world to see on here. I guess I should start piecing my thoughts together a little more! I think I just need to dialogue about this to get my brain rolling on that subject.
hm...
First, Grey's Anatomy. Seriously, Meredith and Derek need to get themselves figured out. And Izzy can't quit! She has to come back! And I'm glad that sometimes, just sometimes, Alex knows the right thing to do and say at the right time. I think he redeems his faults in those moments. I know deep down that Burke & Christina will be just fine...and even if he can't operate for some time due to his gunshot wound, I think it'll be good for their relationship and make them stronger. I just can't get over Denny...just can't get over it. I can't imagine being suddenly engaged, either, and then an hour later having to see my fiancee's body headed to the morgue. I just can't imagine it...
Now, Gilmore Girls. What in the world is going on? I can NOT believe Lorelai slept with Chris. Before I go off on that, I have to note that Rory did an amazing acting job when Logan left for England...that was really good. Overall, I'm pretty disappointed with the season finale being overtaken by the stupid people singing on the sidewalks. At least it wasn't about Layne's cheesy band. Those scenes are the most pointless scenes ever. Just give me Luke, Lorelai, Rory, Logan, and Lorelai's parents. And we can leave out Chris, because he's throwing in too much crazy drama.
My major frustration (which ties both of these shows together) is that all of the sudden it is completely fine for people to have affairs. I know this is nothing brand new, but it just makes me so mad! With Derek and Meredith--I understand Derek's marriage isn't picture-perfect, and he claims he just can't help but look at her without wanting to be with her. Can you practice some self-control Derek? And with Lorelai and Chris, she was completely acting on an impulse of anger and I'm not quite sure what it is she wants...but it should be Luke. No matter what, I can't stand how these shows and so many others just make affairs OK. Last night my roommate and I talked about the same thing after watching Rumor Has It. Same thing. People, it is NOT okay to have affairs! Whether it's physical, mental, emotional, or whatever, it's unfaithful. I am tired of how the media downplays it just to produce drama even in real life.
I can't seem to figure out, though, if the media is simply representing what's happening already in culture, or if society is reproducing what they're seeing in the media. Which way is it? Is it both? I've always wondered that (almost like "which came first? the chicken or the egg?").
I need to think about this more instead of just blurting out some random words for all the world to see on here. I guess I should start piecing my thoughts together a little more! I think I just need to dialogue about this to get my brain rolling on that subject.
hm...
Sunday, May 14, 2006
currently...
- I am about peeing my pants in suspense after watching Greys Anatomy tonight. It was the first part of the season finale and I'm not sure if I can handle waiting till tomorrow night for the rest of it. I definitely screamed pretty loud and am still shaking. too involved in a tv show? no...
- I am watching Rumor Has It with my roommate. And I'm sad that she's moving out in the next week. :-( Let's not talk about it.
- loving Ray Lamontagne. I just bought Trouble tonight at Borders and it was the perfect night to drive in the rain and listen to it...I had been wanting that CD for awhile and last weekend saw the Austin City Limits with him and Ben Folds on it, and that pushed me over the edge. I had to get it tonight when I thought of it in Borders.
- I'm wayyy excited to read Margaret Feinberg's What the Heck Am I Going to Do With My Life? I read her book Twentysomething and loved it, and I already feel like I'm going to have a lot more direction after reading this book. Also, looking fwd to reading it together with Faith and talking about it every Thursday night on the phone.
- looking fwd to moving to my new office tomorrow...not any bigger than my cubicle, but it will be a nice change at least to make me feel like there is a bit of change in my life and workplace.
- I'm so happy I got to see my girl Amanda graduate yesterday and hang out w/ her and the Cole family last night in Streator. AND...met her boy... :-) And I just love her friendship...that deserves a whole new post in itself. We can't wait to be in each other's weddings someday (that's just a sidenote).
- I am in a great mood...had a great Mother's Day w/ the parents and all the fam. Played Yahtzee with Grandma Shirlye at the nursing home and got beat TERRIBLY. The funniest part is, when I started to say "play Yahtzee" I said "play Nazi" instead. That made it much more entertaining...I told Grandma she could be Hitler. Instead, I think this lady named Betty walking around the nursing home might be the actual Hitler...she provided some nice entertainment as well by yelling at us to get out and by poking grandma. oh, Alzheimer's...you do crazy things but at least it can be funny!
graduation
So today was LCC's graduation and it made me ponder several things.
1) my own graduation from LCC 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure I still feel like there's an assignment I forgot to do or some reason I shouldn't have graduated, yet I did. And they still hired me...so I'm assuming I got it all done? Guess so!
2) I also remember my only concerns at graduation being these 3 things: 1-worrying about my cap falling off my head, 2-tripping on the stairs or on stage and then falling on my face (as every girl worries about in heels), and 3-having to go last and turn the tassle for everyone. Why does it automatically have to be the only person who served on Student Cabinet that year? Can't it just be the last person to walk across the stage who has to do it?
3) Graduation is both memorable and unmemorable. I have no recollection of what Gary Johnson's sermon contained on my graduation date of May 14, 2004. Yet, graduation is still a memorable thing in general. It's an accomplishment. a HUGE one that, at the time, you just don't realize. And after it's finished, you still forget how big of a deal it kind of is!
4) Graduation is also pretty much the reason I do my job...yeah I'm here to recruit students to come to LCC, but I don't want to recruit to keep students there. I do it to bring people in and eventually get rid of them again so they go back out into the world to serve and lead! There are two seasons that are the culmination of all my work--Move-in/Orientation weekend, and Graduation. It's what is beyond both of those that is most important. I hope the people I recruit are world-changers.
1) my own graduation from LCC 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure I still feel like there's an assignment I forgot to do or some reason I shouldn't have graduated, yet I did. And they still hired me...so I'm assuming I got it all done? Guess so!
2) I also remember my only concerns at graduation being these 3 things: 1-worrying about my cap falling off my head, 2-tripping on the stairs or on stage and then falling on my face (as every girl worries about in heels), and 3-having to go last and turn the tassle for everyone. Why does it automatically have to be the only person who served on Student Cabinet that year? Can't it just be the last person to walk across the stage who has to do it?
3) Graduation is both memorable and unmemorable. I have no recollection of what Gary Johnson's sermon contained on my graduation date of May 14, 2004. Yet, graduation is still a memorable thing in general. It's an accomplishment. a HUGE one that, at the time, you just don't realize. And after it's finished, you still forget how big of a deal it kind of is!
4) Graduation is also pretty much the reason I do my job...yeah I'm here to recruit students to come to LCC, but I don't want to recruit to keep students there. I do it to bring people in and eventually get rid of them again so they go back out into the world to serve and lead! There are two seasons that are the culmination of all my work--Move-in/Orientation weekend, and Graduation. It's what is beyond both of those that is most important. I hope the people I recruit are world-changers.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
traffic school
So I had to go to traffic safety school last night because of my one and only ticket that I received months ago. 6-10 p.m.--the most boring night of my life. It couldn't have come on a day when I was more tired, but I survived! The little old teacher was just adorable, and I'm pretty sure I almost teared up a couple of times due to his stories from being a past cop and all the accidents he witnessed, losing his son to an accident b/c he didn't wear his seatbelt, and all the disgusting things he had to see b/c of people who are drunk and then drive. Idiots. I really HATE when people drive after drinking. Do I really need to prove why? I think it's obvious.
Speaking of driving safely, I was on my WAY to Bloomington to take the class, and I almost got hit by this lady with an Arkansas license plate. She totally just merged right into my lane, ignoring my little red Focus in the way. Ugh.
I definitely have a little bit of an aggressive driving behavior. I even took the little quiz in my book last night and it made me realize I need to cool it down when I get mad at all the Lincoln drivers who don't know how to use their blinkers. Hopefully now I'll stop losing my patience in the first 5 minutes of my day on the way to work.
AND...I felt like a jr. higher trying to keep myself awake by tracing the letters in my book, doodling my name, and drawing geometric shapes. I almost kept giggling though, when the teacher would say "happen" or "push" or "can't" with his Southern IL accent. It sounded like "heappen" or "poosh" or "ceeant". It was funny to me. Anything to stay awake.
However, for the friend I talked to all hours of the night that caused my tiredness, it was well worth it.
Anyways...I promise someday I'll have more substance on here...I just need to sit and write someday.
P.S. it's freaking cold outside today! what happened?! seriously, summer, come back!
Speaking of driving safely, I was on my WAY to Bloomington to take the class, and I almost got hit by this lady with an Arkansas license plate. She totally just merged right into my lane, ignoring my little red Focus in the way. Ugh.
I definitely have a little bit of an aggressive driving behavior. I even took the little quiz in my book last night and it made me realize I need to cool it down when I get mad at all the Lincoln drivers who don't know how to use their blinkers. Hopefully now I'll stop losing my patience in the first 5 minutes of my day on the way to work.
AND...I felt like a jr. higher trying to keep myself awake by tracing the letters in my book, doodling my name, and drawing geometric shapes. I almost kept giggling though, when the teacher would say "happen" or "push" or "can't" with his Southern IL accent. It sounded like "heappen" or "poosh" or "ceeant". It was funny to me. Anything to stay awake.
However, for the friend I talked to all hours of the night that caused my tiredness, it was well worth it.
Anyways...I promise someday I'll have more substance on here...I just need to sit and write someday.
P.S. it's freaking cold outside today! what happened?! seriously, summer, come back!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
nothing at all of importance
i don't know how, but somehow that stupid "oh where is my hairbrush?" song just popped into my head. i realized it after i got annoyed with some voice in my head singing it.
krista taught me how to play Sudoku (is that the right verb there? do you play it? do you just "do" it? do you "solve" it? whatever.) last week and i came to the office to print off some online if i could find them. and then i ended up on here. i don't know how. i'm bored.
today was holerfest. reminds me of the holerfest several years ago in which i could not enjoy the festivities due to completing my Legal Environment independent study for Rick Hobler. I spent a greater part of the evening in the library computer lab (which used to be right NEXT to the hole) working on writing several chapter reviews from these legal journals in which i was VERY uninterested. I don't believe I really even had time to eat dinner that night. Keep in mind, this was all in the day our IDS 302 project had JUST been completed and everyone else was right outside the window having fun without me. it was a sad, sad day. you shouldn't feel bad for me, though, b/c it's over. like 4 years ago. i'm over it.
i'm already realizing how bored i'm going to be when my roomie shannon moves out later this month. i will miss her dearly. :-(
i can't even begin to tell you how much i really like the cream puffs and eclairs that are available at your local ALDI store. they're wonderful. just a thought.
Rob Blackledge is coming here on Tuesday. Should be fun to hear him sing us some of his tunes again!
My skin has been pretty itchy lately...for a few days it stopped and i think it's coming back again. Maybe i need to put more lotion on. or maybe i am going to become yet another statistic in the midwestern mumps outbreak.
did you hear that they want to raise stamps 3 more cents to 42 cents? Jeez, by the time i get married it's going to cost like $3000 just to invite people! ugh.
and on that note, i will end this meaningless post. Sorry to get all Ecclesiastes on you.
krista taught me how to play Sudoku (is that the right verb there? do you play it? do you just "do" it? do you "solve" it? whatever.) last week and i came to the office to print off some online if i could find them. and then i ended up on here. i don't know how. i'm bored.
today was holerfest. reminds me of the holerfest several years ago in which i could not enjoy the festivities due to completing my Legal Environment independent study for Rick Hobler. I spent a greater part of the evening in the library computer lab (which used to be right NEXT to the hole) working on writing several chapter reviews from these legal journals in which i was VERY uninterested. I don't believe I really even had time to eat dinner that night. Keep in mind, this was all in the day our IDS 302 project had JUST been completed and everyone else was right outside the window having fun without me. it was a sad, sad day. you shouldn't feel bad for me, though, b/c it's over. like 4 years ago. i'm over it.
i'm already realizing how bored i'm going to be when my roomie shannon moves out later this month. i will miss her dearly. :-(
i can't even begin to tell you how much i really like the cream puffs and eclairs that are available at your local ALDI store. they're wonderful. just a thought.
Rob Blackledge is coming here on Tuesday. Should be fun to hear him sing us some of his tunes again!
My skin has been pretty itchy lately...for a few days it stopped and i think it's coming back again. Maybe i need to put more lotion on. or maybe i am going to become yet another statistic in the midwestern mumps outbreak.
did you hear that they want to raise stamps 3 more cents to 42 cents? Jeez, by the time i get married it's going to cost like $3000 just to invite people! ugh.
and on that note, i will end this meaningless post. Sorry to get all Ecclesiastes on you.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
i want to be engaged
Don't tune out too quickly there...
I'm not talking about engaged as in ring on my finger, planning a wedding, buying a dress, spending thousands, planning my life together with the love of my life...
Although someday I do look forward to that, I'm talking about a different kind of engaged.
This thought popped into my head last night for some reason, and I just realized that I want to be engaged more in life. I need to be. We all need to be.
I'm talking about being engaged, fully, in conversations. So much in tune with the conversation and that person that you're not distracted by something on your mind, looking for someone else, checking your phone, texting another person, or going over whatever you need to say or do next in your head.
I'm talking about being engaged in friendships, family, and other relationships. I mean tuned into that person's life and truly caring for and loving them. I want to love people wholeheartedly and without superficiality. I see that too much and it bothers me...in myself and others.
I'm talking about being engaged in society...in acts of social justice, politics, pop culture, the community around you, the environment. It's easy for me to be engaged in pop culture and getting caught up in American Idol or The Next Food Network Star, but it's another story for me to completely engage other things of importance. (And note, I do think it's important to be in tune with all kinds of pop culture to know what other people in the world are thinking and doing.) I need to care more for the invisible children in Northern Uganda, the AIDS crisis in Africa and worldwide, people living life without joy in many parts of Europe, those living in Haiti under corrupt government, those in New Orleans and nearby that are STILL struggling to live, people who are homeless or needy even here in Lincoln, IL.
I'm talking about being engaged in my job...making sure that I am giving my best 100% of the time and making sure that I always see the bigger picture of Kingdom ministry being done beyond just what happens here at LCC and in the Admissions office. The outcome is not getting students to apply, become admitted, or even to graduate. It's what happens when they're finished with this place that I want to see happen. It's what I need to be motivated by daily in the tasks of my job.
I'm talking about being engaged in creativity...one of the best ways to understand and embody part of God's character. I want to be more involved in the arts...I want to sing more, dance more, learn to paint, learn how to create and imagine more...
I'm talking about being engaged in the body of Christ...to truly accept my brothers and sisters as they are and to find community there and be accepted myself. I want to be more involved by serving, leading, encouraging, helping, offering all that I can.
I'm talking about being engaged with Christ...to be the Breath of God, to have the Holy Spirit alive and active in me--confronting my sins and showing me the right way, to read and understand the Word that is living and active and then to act on it. I want to be engaged in prayer and constant communication with the Lord who already knows my thoughts anyway, so why can't I seem to offer up more time in my busy and un-busy days to give to Him?
This is how I want to be engaged. No rings necessary.
I'm not talking about engaged as in ring on my finger, planning a wedding, buying a dress, spending thousands, planning my life together with the love of my life...
Although someday I do look forward to that, I'm talking about a different kind of engaged.
This thought popped into my head last night for some reason, and I just realized that I want to be engaged more in life. I need to be. We all need to be.
I'm talking about being engaged, fully, in conversations. So much in tune with the conversation and that person that you're not distracted by something on your mind, looking for someone else, checking your phone, texting another person, or going over whatever you need to say or do next in your head.
I'm talking about being engaged in friendships, family, and other relationships. I mean tuned into that person's life and truly caring for and loving them. I want to love people wholeheartedly and without superficiality. I see that too much and it bothers me...in myself and others.
I'm talking about being engaged in society...in acts of social justice, politics, pop culture, the community around you, the environment. It's easy for me to be engaged in pop culture and getting caught up in American Idol or The Next Food Network Star, but it's another story for me to completely engage other things of importance. (And note, I do think it's important to be in tune with all kinds of pop culture to know what other people in the world are thinking and doing.) I need to care more for the invisible children in Northern Uganda, the AIDS crisis in Africa and worldwide, people living life without joy in many parts of Europe, those living in Haiti under corrupt government, those in New Orleans and nearby that are STILL struggling to live, people who are homeless or needy even here in Lincoln, IL.
I'm talking about being engaged in my job...making sure that I am giving my best 100% of the time and making sure that I always see the bigger picture of Kingdom ministry being done beyond just what happens here at LCC and in the Admissions office. The outcome is not getting students to apply, become admitted, or even to graduate. It's what happens when they're finished with this place that I want to see happen. It's what I need to be motivated by daily in the tasks of my job.
I'm talking about being engaged in creativity...one of the best ways to understand and embody part of God's character. I want to be more involved in the arts...I want to sing more, dance more, learn to paint, learn how to create and imagine more...
I'm talking about being engaged in the body of Christ...to truly accept my brothers and sisters as they are and to find community there and be accepted myself. I want to be more involved by serving, leading, encouraging, helping, offering all that I can.
I'm talking about being engaged with Christ...to be the Breath of God, to have the Holy Spirit alive and active in me--confronting my sins and showing me the right way, to read and understand the Word that is living and active and then to act on it. I want to be engaged in prayer and constant communication with the Lord who already knows my thoughts anyway, so why can't I seem to offer up more time in my busy and un-busy days to give to Him?
This is how I want to be engaged. No rings necessary.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
the Shanes, Bethany, and Aaron
So last night, we had Shane & Shane, Bethany Dillon, and Aaron Shust here @ LCC. FINALLY, is all I have to say! I've been wanting to bring Shane & Shane here for about 4 years now, and Bethany for quite awhile, so it was an awesome night of worship.
It's hard to promote it as a concert, in my mind, when I know that a night with those guys is nothing but a night of worship. It was refreshing.
On the other side of it, it was fun getting ready for it even though they had some rough spots getting here w/ some trailer issues in Iowa and then after the concert some other crazy things happening! They're all awesome people and SOOOO friendly.
If you haven't signed up yet for the Global Night Commute, or if you have no idea what I'm talking about, go to Invisible Children's website and check that out. It's this Saturday, April 29th in cities all over the country. It's your chance to show up to a silent protest against the war in Uganda that little kids are being forced to fight every day.
ALSO, the guys who made the film for Invisible Children and started this whole shindig are ON OPRAH TOMORROW, Wednesday the 26th. Watch it!!!
Today my niece is THREE YEARS OLD!!!! HOLY COW!!
It's hard to promote it as a concert, in my mind, when I know that a night with those guys is nothing but a night of worship. It was refreshing.
On the other side of it, it was fun getting ready for it even though they had some rough spots getting here w/ some trailer issues in Iowa and then after the concert some other crazy things happening! They're all awesome people and SOOOO friendly.
If you haven't signed up yet for the Global Night Commute, or if you have no idea what I'm talking about, go to Invisible Children's website and check that out. It's this Saturday, April 29th in cities all over the country. It's your chance to show up to a silent protest against the war in Uganda that little kids are being forced to fight every day.
ALSO, the guys who made the film for Invisible Children and started this whole shindig are ON OPRAH TOMORROW, Wednesday the 26th. Watch it!!!
Today my niece is THREE YEARS OLD!!!! HOLY COW!!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
it's good to be home
It's nice to come home for a few days. And in 'home' I mean to my parents' house. I still feel like I have two homes. I probably always will.
Good ol' Streator...not much to do here, but no different than Lincoln I suppose. At least Lincoln isn't known on Jay Leno for some crazy guy leaving his garage door up and thinking it was stolen... (if you haven't heard about this or seen this clip, let me know. i'll fwd it your way.)
Today I accomplished much...slept till 10:30, vacuumed out my car, helped dad mow the grass, washed my car (5 min. prior to the rain. I've concluded that washing your car is like doing a rain dance.), showered, went to visit Grandma in the hospital, went out to eat w/ other Grandpa at the American Legion, and came home to watch movies w/ the 'rents. Oh, and I had a lovely time sitting outside reading before we watched movies.
Have I told you how much I love this weather?
And let me tell you about the newest addition to my parents' house. It's a Gazelle. The animal, you ask? No. Heck no. It's Tony Little's latest exercise gizmo that my mom bought and it now adorns our living room. It's quite hilarious. I gazelled today for awhile, and mom put in the DVD of Tony Little's instructions which are quite hilarious. Money-making or not, that DVD is probably the silliest thing a person has ever created.
Well enough storytelling for now. I'm up way late tonight and for some reason felt the need to blog about my day in Streatorland. Hope it gave you something to do for 30 seconds of your day.
Happy Easter!
Good ol' Streator...not much to do here, but no different than Lincoln I suppose. At least Lincoln isn't known on Jay Leno for some crazy guy leaving his garage door up and thinking it was stolen... (if you haven't heard about this or seen this clip, let me know. i'll fwd it your way.)
Today I accomplished much...slept till 10:30, vacuumed out my car, helped dad mow the grass, washed my car (5 min. prior to the rain. I've concluded that washing your car is like doing a rain dance.), showered, went to visit Grandma in the hospital, went out to eat w/ other Grandpa at the American Legion, and came home to watch movies w/ the 'rents. Oh, and I had a lovely time sitting outside reading before we watched movies.
Have I told you how much I love this weather?
And let me tell you about the newest addition to my parents' house. It's a Gazelle. The animal, you ask? No. Heck no. It's Tony Little's latest exercise gizmo that my mom bought and it now adorns our living room. It's quite hilarious. I gazelled today for awhile, and mom put in the DVD of Tony Little's instructions which are quite hilarious. Money-making or not, that DVD is probably the silliest thing a person has ever created.
Well enough storytelling for now. I'm up way late tonight and for some reason felt the need to blog about my day in Streatorland. Hope it gave you something to do for 30 seconds of your day.
Happy Easter!
Saturday, April 08, 2006
spring tunes and intersection
I want to put together a spring soundtrack. Or just a bunch of music that I love right now.
Here's what's in my ears:
Nathan Angelo
The Gabe Dixon Band
Wertz (as always)
United Live worship
Watermark
I want to tell you how much I love the first two there...they're new faves. I found their music and fell in love with it. Check out their myspace sites and get a little taste of the flava... (FLAVA-FLAVE! )
On a diff. note, today was Intersection '06 in Bloomington/Normal where all the campus ministries and people of all different denominations, backgrounds, personalities, etc. gathered to serve in one of 4 tracks (Vivacity, Simplicity, Scarcity, or Longevity) around B/N. I did the Longevity track which meant I hung out w/ some old war veterans in the nursing home. I had the coolest old man--he was so nice. It was such a blessing to get out and do something beyond myself for once. It makes me realize how selfish I am and how my days pretty much go by without actually realizing that there's a world around me in need. I usually need something to smack me in the face to help me see it.
I hung out w/ a girl named Courtney who goes to Fuel, and she's legally blind. I'm so impressed with the way she lives on her own and how she gets around so well. God used her in awesome ways today--she was able to hang out with a veteran who was actually going blind himself, so God was clearly orchestrating that one to put them together today.
Anyways, putting those two things together I found that sometimes I'm just as blind even though I can physically see. I'm sure she sees a lot of things that I don't in people or in this world, and I'm probably missing out. I need to start opening up my eyes to more.
And on yet another different note, check out The Mocha Club--something similar to what Invisible Children is doing, but a way to make a very small sacrifice of two mochas a month (=$7) to raise money to help people in Africa. I know most of those kinds of things ask for like $35/month, so this was something I know a lot of us can handle. Check it out.
Here's what's in my ears:
Nathan Angelo
The Gabe Dixon Band
Wertz (as always)
United Live worship
Watermark
I want to tell you how much I love the first two there...they're new faves. I found their music and fell in love with it. Check out their myspace sites and get a little taste of the flava... (FLAVA-FLAVE! )
On a diff. note, today was Intersection '06 in Bloomington/Normal where all the campus ministries and people of all different denominations, backgrounds, personalities, etc. gathered to serve in one of 4 tracks (Vivacity, Simplicity, Scarcity, or Longevity) around B/N. I did the Longevity track which meant I hung out w/ some old war veterans in the nursing home. I had the coolest old man--he was so nice. It was such a blessing to get out and do something beyond myself for once. It makes me realize how selfish I am and how my days pretty much go by without actually realizing that there's a world around me in need. I usually need something to smack me in the face to help me see it.
I hung out w/ a girl named Courtney who goes to Fuel, and she's legally blind. I'm so impressed with the way she lives on her own and how she gets around so well. God used her in awesome ways today--she was able to hang out with a veteran who was actually going blind himself, so God was clearly orchestrating that one to put them together today.
Anyways, putting those two things together I found that sometimes I'm just as blind even though I can physically see. I'm sure she sees a lot of things that I don't in people or in this world, and I'm probably missing out. I need to start opening up my eyes to more.
And on yet another different note, check out The Mocha Club--something similar to what Invisible Children is doing, but a way to make a very small sacrifice of two mochas a month (=$7) to raise money to help people in Africa. I know most of those kinds of things ask for like $35/month, so this was something I know a lot of us can handle. Check it out.
Friday, April 07, 2006
best day ever
Here's why.
1) gorgeous weather. actually REALLY warm. and it's ok with me if it rains later cuz it's still warm.
2) we took a break at work today to go outside and play whiffleball!
3) i've actually had stuff to do and i've accomplished a lot today.
4) our boss took us to DQ and paid for it all.
5) i'm seeing matt wertz tonight. (AND Aubs and Alli)
6) i'm wearing flip-flops.
7) work is fun. i love this place!
8) BECKA got a blog!!!!!!! :-)
9) it's friday.
1) gorgeous weather. actually REALLY warm. and it's ok with me if it rains later cuz it's still warm.
2) we took a break at work today to go outside and play whiffleball!
3) i've actually had stuff to do and i've accomplished a lot today.
4) our boss took us to DQ and paid for it all.
5) i'm seeing matt wertz tonight. (AND Aubs and Alli)
6) i'm wearing flip-flops.
7) work is fun. i love this place!
8) BECKA got a blog!!!!!!! :-)
9) it's friday.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
things i love (at random)
-cleaning out the dryer filter
-wearing summer clothes (this includes flip-flops)
-chicken salad @ Vintage Fare in Lincoln
-lately, Watermark, Norah Jones, and Stevie Wonder
-concerts
-bright colors
-fresh flowers (mostly daisies, as they are "the friendliest flower" in meg ryan's words)
-this desk calendar w/ 4 different tear-off notes from Pottery Barn that I am soon to buy
-air popped popcorn with melted real butter and parmesan cheese
-cramps. just kidding.
-my friend becka's abbrev's for words
-the feeling of all the LCC kiddos leaving on Week of E and the feeling they have when they come back
-singing along with a friend and a guitar (of course only those who can actually play and sing)
-making completely random lists on my blog
-playing different kinds of "Hit the Ball" (as the girls will all remember from our many times outside of the D-wing back in the day, and as I just played in my living room yesterday w/ Shannon, Barb, Haley, and Emily...although we didn't sign our ball.)
-projects. as of now, i have none. i need one.
-balancing my checkbook (i know. weird.)
-the shoes i'm wearing today
-mixing colors that wouldn't normally match
-vanilla soft serve from DQ with fresh berries.
-crossing things off of a list.
-polka dots and stripes
-being tan
-Oswald Chambers. I love reading my little daily devotions in My Utmost...
-the new Clorox Anywhere spray. I went on a rampage and cleaned every inch of our refrigerator yesterday. You can literally use it almost anywhere! Near babies, near food, etc.
-wearing summer clothes (this includes flip-flops)
-chicken salad @ Vintage Fare in Lincoln
-lately, Watermark, Norah Jones, and Stevie Wonder
-concerts
-bright colors
-fresh flowers (mostly daisies, as they are "the friendliest flower" in meg ryan's words)
-this desk calendar w/ 4 different tear-off notes from Pottery Barn that I am soon to buy
-air popped popcorn with melted real butter and parmesan cheese
-cramps. just kidding.
-my friend becka's abbrev's for words
-the feeling of all the LCC kiddos leaving on Week of E and the feeling they have when they come back
-singing along with a friend and a guitar (of course only those who can actually play and sing)
-making completely random lists on my blog
-playing different kinds of "Hit the Ball" (as the girls will all remember from our many times outside of the D-wing back in the day, and as I just played in my living room yesterday w/ Shannon, Barb, Haley, and Emily...although we didn't sign our ball.)
-projects. as of now, i have none. i need one.
-balancing my checkbook (i know. weird.)
-the shoes i'm wearing today
-mixing colors that wouldn't normally match
-vanilla soft serve from DQ with fresh berries.
-crossing things off of a list.
-polka dots and stripes
-being tan
-Oswald Chambers. I love reading my little daily devotions in My Utmost...
-the new Clorox Anywhere spray. I went on a rampage and cleaned every inch of our refrigerator yesterday. You can literally use it almost anywhere! Near babies, near food, etc.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
it's true...
...it's April Fool's Day and I totally forgot! I need to do something...
...I haven't showered today.
...I can't get enough of the color green.
...I'm dying for summer to get here, for cookouts, concerts, flip-flops, and all that it brings.
...I'm burning CDs for my momma and my aunt that I promised to burn over a month ago.
...All my NCAA teams are out, so I don't care too much about the Final Four anymore.
...in case you're wondering, Kate won our office pool. Yay for her!!! :-)
...Matthew McConaughey may just be the hottest man alive. Thinking of seeing Failure to Launch again.
...speaking of that movie, I like Sarah Jessica Parker and her fragrance Lovely. Sprayed it on in Bergner's last night.
...Can't seem to find springy shoes that I like that are cheap enough and that fit both of my feet. I think my right foot may be smaller than the left. new discovery.
...The Next Food Network Star may be my new favorite reality show. (well, 2nd only to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition which is already named the best show ever.)
...I need to read a good book. I have no motivation. Or I just can't seem to get into the right one. It's like men. I just can't find the right one and when I think there could be a good one, I lose interest. Can I make that comparison? I don't know...
...My closets need some serious cleaning that I'll probably tend to today.
...I haven't showered today.
...I can't get enough of the color green.
...I'm dying for summer to get here, for cookouts, concerts, flip-flops, and all that it brings.
...I'm burning CDs for my momma and my aunt that I promised to burn over a month ago.
...All my NCAA teams are out, so I don't care too much about the Final Four anymore.
...in case you're wondering, Kate won our office pool. Yay for her!!! :-)
...Matthew McConaughey may just be the hottest man alive. Thinking of seeing Failure to Launch again.
...speaking of that movie, I like Sarah Jessica Parker and her fragrance Lovely. Sprayed it on in Bergner's last night.
...Can't seem to find springy shoes that I like that are cheap enough and that fit both of my feet. I think my right foot may be smaller than the left. new discovery.
...The Next Food Network Star may be my new favorite reality show. (well, 2nd only to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition which is already named the best show ever.)
...I need to read a good book. I have no motivation. Or I just can't seem to get into the right one. It's like men. I just can't find the right one and when I think there could be a good one, I lose interest. Can I make that comparison? I don't know...
...My closets need some serious cleaning that I'll probably tend to today.
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