The Greatest of These is Love

He is Always WIth Us! (song & dance from VBS)

2009-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

More Adorable Overload: VBS concludes

2009-06-26T11:05:00.001-07:00

All smiles!

Greg gets attacked by a fan.

Little Luke and his playmate. They were taking turns tickling and giggling.

Here I am, dressed up as Pharaoh. I refused to let the Israelite slaves go from Egypt, then kicked them out when all the first born Egyptians died for the 10th plague!

I had the blessing of babysitting little Natalie (the one in the lighter denim American frock, in front) a year ago... She is SO cute and told her mom that I was dressed up as a Princess... haha. I guess I wasn't a convincing male patriarch afterall.

This was taken the last day, when each group "crossed through the Red Sea"(aka on top of the blue tarp and under "water fabric") before the "Soldiers" (their crew leaders) and "Pharoah" (that's me!) tried to catch up and ended up drowning. Our stories were pretty intense. A lot of people die in the stories. The Bible's kinda un-kid-friendly... haha...

Meet Ransom (dressed as "A Cloud" slash tribute to Michael Jackson):

The Kids got to put their names on the cardboard cross on the 4th day, after eating the Passover meal and learning that Jesus was the ultimate Lamb, the last and best sacrifice:

I loved that the groups were each color coded! :)

Greg and Ransom give everyone high fives on their way out of Bible Bayou. And check out Sarah and Stephanie, some of the awesome crew leaders :)

I think this was when Greg asked "Who had fun this week?!" or something. hahah Yay for so many hands!!

The Green group was preeeeetttyyyy rowdy :)

Greg gets in costume as "a Pillar of Fire". More for fun than anything else... I love the motion.

Darling girls! I loved all the kids so much. What an amazing time...

I worked primarily with Ransom, a rising 6th grader, and Greg, a rising high school senior in the Drama area - also known as "Bible Bayou". Fitting name to go with the "Crocodile Dock" theme, eh? :) It was really fun! We made the bible come to life with over-the-top acting. It was also kind of funny, because the room we were in was also where I got ready on my wedding day!

Here, Ransom and I are preparing and handing out the matzo and parsley for a our mini seder feast:

Greg teaches the kids about the seder. Being a messianic Jew, he was able to also sing a prayer for us in Hebrew, which was awesome. It was super cute to see the kids react as they heard him sing the traditional passover prayer.

Vacation Bible School (with video!)

2009-06-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

I am having such a blast at Vacation Bible School this year. Last year was stellar, too, but I feel like I know even more of the students this year and well, I get to play a bigger role and be more into it since I'm not juggling a middle school program at the same time. I wish I had gotten some pictures from when I was acting as "Pharoah" (we're studying stories of Moses in the Old Testament) yesterday. The kids were inflicting the first nine (out of ten total) plagues on me. It was pretty hilarious. They LOVED it. They got to scare me away each time after asking me to let the people go (which, of course, as the story goes, I never did. however, it was more goofy and played up my ways of saying no)... They were locusts (snapping clothes pins), dead fish (plastic fish thrown at me - which they LOVED), boils (i "fell asleep" and they put red stickers all over my face), gnats & flies (which "went in my ears and nose!"), and more.

One of my favorite lines (there are so many good ones) was when I was asking what the bad smell was... and had they showered? (before exclaiming about the dead fish) and one super cute kid looks at me and smiles and shouts "NO!" hahahahaha

Anyways, here's a video of a sweet shy little boy being dressed up and "Watered". And some super cute pics, too :) Enjoy!

So many adorable kids and students! I love 'em all...

Cardo-boxing: Have Fun & Kick Butt!

2009-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, when I joined my gym, I did this sort of introduction/self-analysis with a trainer. We went all around the gym and tried different ways of testing my endurance, agility, flexibility, strength, etc. Turns out I'm very flexible and not in quite as bad shape as I was expecting. At the end, he had me try my hand (literally) at boxing. I was BLOWN AWAY. It was so much fun! The punch is so satisfying. I mean, you can HEAR the effort you put into the punch and there is so much complexity to it all that it works your whole body really well. After only about 10 minutes throwing punches with him, I was exhausted.

... And exhilarated. So I knew I had to try the "Intro to Boxing" course. But that was only 30 minutes and focused solely on technique. It was good, and actually made me quite sore the next day in my ribs, but I wanted more! So, this week I was finally able to attend the Cardio-boxing class.

We started out with four laps in one direction, then switched and ran another four. Somehow I ended up being front of the line and was excited that I was able to go pretty quickly - and steadily, too. The class progressively got more challenging. We did some warm ups, like jumping jacks and whatnot, and finally got into punches. We took turns hitting the bag and learned some more tricky sequences of shots and ducking. Though I felt comfortable with the "boxer's rhythm", I was pretty terrible at doing the sequences properly and in order.

By the end of the class, as we did some last stretches and push ups, I was on Cloud Nine. I found that every time I punched into something (rather than practicing in the air, which we did a lot of), I smiled afterwards. I don't have a lot of anger, so I'm not upset when I'm punching... but I just find it satisfying. The sound you hear as a result of a punch is like a tangible result, much like mowing a lawn or seeing a finished project that you made. I was sweating, hot, and so tired I could hardly do some of the exercises.

But it was awesome. I loved it! I really want to keep this up :) I love cardio-boxing!

BREAKING NEWS ... On Coffee!!

2009-05-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

"Fresh, Hot Cup of Cockroaches - Food Media
Source: www.chow.com

Preground coffee is full of roaches, says one entomologist."

UGHHHH disgusting! Makes me even happier that I stick to whole bean...

Hands On Your Head

2009-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

I just overheard one of the preschool teachers from the day school which plays outside my window say to the kids:

"If you're ready for snack, put your hands on your head."

And I thought to myself how bizarre life would be if the way we treated kids was the way we lived our entire lives. That is to say, how does putting ones hands on ones head have anything remotely to do with receiving a snack? I think that if I were still a kid, it would confuse me greatly. So... if I'm hungry, and I want a snack, and I put my hands on my head...

Will a snack just appear out of no where? Why on my head? Why not on my belly, to signify the hunger?

Okay, so maybe I'm taking this too seriously but it just makes me laugh. We are so odd in how we treat kids sometimes and I wonder if it only makes the rapid growth and learning more confusing and difficult to understand for the little ones. Why not just say "If you want to get a snack, we've all got to be quiet first" or something more logical? I suppose it's the tangible distraction. Putting your hands on our hands on our head keep us from poking others, anxiously picking at our nails, or digging for snacks in our pockets.

It seems a lot like surrender to me. Maybe that's a good metaphor for our relationship with God. Put your hands up where He can see them, and trust that He'll provide? :)

The WHY Questions (Quotation on faith as framework: by Donald Miller)

2009-04-21T08:28:00.001-07:00

"I wonder what it must feel like, for those without a faith system, to wake up one morning and suddenly ask why questions, the way I asked them up on that hill in west Texas. I would think it would be difficult to explain pain and suffering, to explain beauty and meaning and purpose with only subjectivity as framework. When I think of this, I think of that Douglas Coupland book with all the nursery rhyme characters who are lost, looking for something good that was supposed to happen but never happens because the plastic surgery didn't work or the drugs started to own them or the depression that is always, always waiting just outside the door found a crack it could slip through to whisper hard and unwanted truths into the ears of the characters whose stories were supposed to come true, were supposed to end with a happily ever after."

~ Donald Miller

p. 24 from "Through Painted Deserts:Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road"

Feet & Family... Reflection from Holy Week #2

2009-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Maundy Thursday service, a service which emulates the act of Jesus having washed the disciples feet before the last supper, touched me more than any previous year. I had been asked a few minutes before the service to wash the feet of those in attendance, and felt a bit nervous about this since I'd never done it before... but as I washed feet, I felt this sense of overwhelming love and intimacy. It was as if I got a minuscule glimpse into the love Jesus had for his followers, and I felt a love for them as well, sensing this sort of adoptive family of the Body of Christ.

The first lady whose feet I washed had lovely shimmery red nail polish, and well cared for feet. I whispered to her that I "liked her toes" trying to be brief but meaning the nail polish. I felt awkward at her response. She said "Thanks! I had them done for tonight."

It made me realize how insecure we all are... That we want to be known for our best elements, to be seen as the best of who we are, not for our worst. Yet, there weren't nail salons in Jesus' day. The people whose feet He washed were disgusting, dirty, sweaty, and smelly. They couldn't have prepared beforehand, to be sure and have nice clean feet to be "washed" by Jesus. Yet, even having had a pedicure a month or two beforehand, I felt a bit embarrassed having my feet washed because my toe nail polish was messed up and my feet were not in great condition. I'd been walking around all day and wearing what became kind of gross socks.

Yet, I had my feet washed too. And no one (so far anyways!) has told me of terrible things that came of my dirty, unattractive feet.

I think sometimes - well, who I am kidding... probably always - we're afraid to show that "bad part" of ourselves and live in a shame, to varying degrees, for not being who we think we ought to be. And what's worse, is rather than accepting forgiveness or being willing to "be washed", we opt to betray God or think that betrayal is what we are due. No, no, no. God wants to wash us clean - clean not just of dirt, but of shame.

At the end of the service, we prayed the following prayer:

"Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen."

The portion that particularly struck me was the line that I bolded. My mother-in-law was visiting and therefore attending the service with my husband, as well as my own mother. Somehow they ended up in the other line to have their feet washed, but I thought of them as I washed the feet of parishioners of our church. I felt surprisingly joyful once I began to do this, though I was rather anxious at first not knowing which towel was for which purpose, or how much water to put on them... how or where to hold the feet, how to know when I was "done".

And I began to think of the power of doing this. Of being on my knees, of physically serving, of being "lesser than"... and how supremely joyful I felt, somewhat to my surprise. I looked up and caught my husband's eye, and then smiled at him and my mother-in-law. They are now my family. My husband and I have formed our own chosen family and remain intrinsicly connected to the families in which we were raised - not by choice but by divine determination. And this, the literal family both chosen and not chosen, the family of the parish of my church - people whom I may know well, may like or dislike, or may not even know...

This is the family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed.

He chose to be betrayed, and despite it all, He loved us.

Therefore, who am I to hold things against another? Perhaps I ought to stick to washing feet instead.

ASSIST US! ... Reflection from Holy Week #1

2009-04-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

There is a part of a prayer that we say every week during the 11:00 am service at my church, that always seems to trip me up. I mean, in my speech. I always seem to have a hard time saying it.

"O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace... that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in;"

I start to stutter and over think the alliteration. All those slithery S sounds throw me off. But as a result of that, I always seem to pay the most attention to this phrase.

God's assistance is through the grace He gives us. It becomes more and more apparent the more I stumble over this phrase. God helps us not in giving us precisely what we ask for, or even giving us great things. No, no. His help is in the form of loving us when we're crying. His help comes when he says "Beloved, I forgive you and I love you - even as you are." His help comes when we get second chances, maybe even 77th chances... His help comes when we are loved despite being grumpy, difficult, or even hideous. His help comes in ways that the world wouldn't expect.

Grace isn't something common in our world. Eye for an eye, or ... as my husband put it when he hurt me physically and then I bit him and hurt him worse, an eye for a life. Haha! Of course, he was kidding, but the point is true. We like justice. We like revenge. We like coming out as a winner and not a loser.

But God doesn't care. He cares FOR us, not for our position, rank, record, or works. We are loved. And this love, this grace, helps us. Even when we can't even say it!

(special thanks to Grace Stering, my ... cousin-in-law? from whom I stole the cool ways of writing "Grace" :)

Cosi Reflections

2009-04-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

We don't have internet at our apartment, so I am sitting here at Cosi with my tall latte (Classic!) to use their internet for multiple necessary reasons. A young lady sitting next to me seems to be in college. Just by her demeanor and the fact that it's pretty warm out today and she chose to wear an all white dress - as if it's like July or August. It's not HOT, it's just warm, honey. hahaha But that's college for you, isn't it? She pulled up a word document that said something like HISTORY 2010 or something. So, I assume she's a sophomore in college? But anyways,

I just find it fascinating that she was sitting here eating her sandwich and chatting with friends on gchat. For a bit, it almost made me feel like she is "going out to lunch with friends"... just, on gchat. Isn't it bizarre that our communication has evolved to this point? I mean, if you're reading this, you're gathering a glimpse of my thoughts which were from an earlier time than your reading, and from a distance. How bizarre.

It makes me sad to see her have a friend (or tutor?) join her and continue occasionally chatting on gmail as if he isn't talking to her at the same time. It seems so rude to me, so not-in-the-moment. Is this what we are learning to value these days? The immediacy and efficiency of things instead of the reality, the personal relationships face-to-face, the flowers slowly blooming, the sun's gradual warmth...?

I challenge you, and myself as well, to be more present. Now, not later.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Alleluia! Christ is risen, indeed...

Cherry Blossoms with Mom-in-Law!

2009-04-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

2 Fortunes

2009-04-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

One of my dear co-workers treated me to lunch today! Chinese :) I got veggies. Yummilicious, as one might (or might not for that matter) say... and here were the fortunes. They made me laugh:

"Playing safe is only playing"

and

"No man is a failure who is enjoying life."

And what on EARTH do they mean, anyway?! Ha. I don't even think they make sense.
Any "translations" or "interpretations"* for us?

*hahaha needless quotations.

Tourists in NYC

2009-04-07T07:31:00.001-07:00

Slightly awkward of us both, but fantastically composed by the one and only Kevin Hagen :) Thanks for showing us around in "the city", Mista Mista!!

The Gospel in 1984

2009-04-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Three excerpts from 3 pages of George Orwell's book 1984: all of which struck me as poignant expressions of the gospel message in some way or other.

"He did not support, from what he could remember of her, that she had been an unusual woman, still less an intelligent one; and yet she had possessed a kind of nobility, a kind of purity, simply because the standards that she obeyed were private ones. Her feelings were her own, and could not be altered from outside. It would not have occured to her that an action which is ineffectual thereby becomes meaningless. If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave love. When the last of the [rationed] chocolate was gone, his mother had clasped the child in her arms. It was no use, it changed nothing, it did not produce more chocolate, it did not avert the child's death or her own; but it seemed natural to her to do it."

- remembering his mother, the main character reflects on what is important and what love truly is... p. 164
___________________________________________________________

"What mattered were individual relationships, and a completely helpless gesture, an embrace, a tear, a word spoken to a dying man, could have value in itself."
- the main character figures our what really matters... p.165
___________________________________________________________

"Nothing that I can do or say, or stop myself from saying, will put off your death for as much as five minutes."
- the reality of the universality of the human condition: we are all closer to dying every day. The only one who can do anything for us is Christ Jesus! p.166

Another Word of Wisdom from Dr. Paulson

2009-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

"...when you deal with people's actual living needs,
you must translate the Gospel
so people can receive it."
- Dr. Steven Paulson

FEBRILE

2009-04-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

I love learning new words, and get frustrated when I don't know the definition to a word in a book I'm reading. Sometimes I'll even get a list going in the back of the book so that I can go and look them up later without ruining the "flow" of my reading. Usually I do that with Italian or French books, but sometimes with ordinary English ones too :)

The other day, in reading George Orwell's 1984 (as a result of a stranger on the bus telling me "You have to read it!"), I stumbled upon the word:

FEBRILE.

I hadn't heard it before. It is an adjective that, according to Merriam-Webster means:

"marked or caused by fever : feverish"

Perhaps one could say that I am a febrile reader?

haha... Maybe I should study for the GRE's. I just love words and language! :) Perhaps because I love to relate with people, but whatever the case, may you add another to vocabulary today (or be reminded of how smart and well-learned you are if you already knew it).

Mockingbird Conference (March 26-28, 2009 in NYC)

2009-03-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

Not that I have much to share that can't be found elsewhere, but I do feel compelled to briefly share about the pleasure that Matt and I had in attending the Mockingbird Conference this past weekend. Not only was it a great first (legitimate) visit for me to New York City and a great reunion with many FOCUS friends... but it was a life-giving, encouraging, thought-provoking, ministry-improving, peace-giving conference. Why, you ask? How could it do so much?
Well, essentially, it was a weekend to be ministered to instead of always just pouring out into others, we were poured into - a unique thing when working in ministry. It was as if we were all in a big family, sharing in the body of Christ as well as the message of the theology of the Cross and of God's grace. I'm not sure that it was explicitly Episcopalian, but whatever the case we were with like-minded Christians who see God's love for us as a one-way gift that simply cannot and is not earned. It was profound and enlightening, but also fun and exciting. There was a delightful balance of interesting discussion, social time, and free time so that it didn't feel too overwhelming or draining. It was a beautiful weekend full of God's radiant love.

We met some really incredible people, saw dear old friends, and got to share our lives with many. It was so much fun for Matt and me to spend time with Kevin in his little apartment and walking the Brooklyn bridge together; to spend time with Briana at Union Square and enjoying asian fare at Republic; to catch up with the Bride-to-Be Elizabeth, and see friends I haven't seen in far too long. We had the great honor of meeting Dr. Steven Paulson, whose words were impressively clear and poignant, unabashed, undefensive, and extraordinary all at once. When we went to thank him, we got to discussing Minnesota where he lives (and where Matt's dad is from), and I just mentioned my dream to go ice-fishing there someday. It was as if he was struck by a good, happy lightning. The energy flowed through him and into our hands as we shook. His face brightened and he invited us to go ice-fishing with him someday! He said he was amazed at how beautiful it was to hear a WOMAN say she wanted to go ICE-FISHING in MINNESOTA. hahaha... It was really funny, but I'm hoping he's serious :) Because I will come visit for sure!

We heard more wisdom from Dr. Dorothy Martyn, who is a psychoanalyst I believe and cute as a button. She shared with us about her experience in counseling young children, and the ways that Grace influences relationships. One topic that we discussed was the difference between "If then" statements which tend to be received as threats and power-plays and sharing the responsibility - or perhaps a better way of expressing it is: not blaming a child or shaming them into better behavior, but clearly stating expectations and not using expectations/rules as a weapon but as a way to continue in a positive relationship. She's written a book which is no doubt a great one for any parent, titled "Beyond Deserving: Children, Parents, and Responsibility Revisited". I'll have to get it when I someday, God-willing, add to God's creation ;)

And, of course, it was a delight to hear from my very own boss, the talented, wise, and ever-humorous Dr. Paul F.M. Zahl speak about "Abreaction in Art". I'm so glad he's got so much passion and cultural-connection, though I must say that I am utterly in another realm due to my lack of pop-culture knowledge. Being married to Matt has certainly helped, but fortunately, Matt will be the one to be preaching from a pulpit in future years so I'll leave it up to him to do the abreaction in a PZ-way... I can help from the background :)

We also met great individuals, and really enjoyed speaking with the Zuckers and Rev. Joseph Martin... the fellowship time was as enriching as the pre-programmed portions. The people added a lot to it, and in sum, there was delightful worship, fellowship, discussion, and spiritual wisdom throughout.

All in all, the conference was truly outstanding. I am sorry to hear that they are struggling financially, but certainly would applaud any contributions from friends! :) We pray that there will be a third annual conference again next year and hope to attend it - with more friends in tow this time! This is a ministry that is needed and powerful, that blesses many. Many thanks to all those who spoke, befriended us, prayed for the conference and attended it. We are blessed to have been there.

If you're interested in learning more about Mockingbird, check out their website and blog! Rumor has it that they will post recordings from the conference for you to check out later. It's sure to amuse you AND bless you... http://mockingbirdnyc.com/Mockingbird/Home.html

I just wish you could have been there if you missed it! Here's to next year.

FREE DOWNLOADS HERE.

Add this to my list of "Things To Do Before I Die"!

2009-03-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm going to the Mockingbird conference, so... Check that off. But the wingsuit flying experience?!?! WOW.

Wingsuit Base Jumping!

Travel

2009-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've been quite bad at updating lately, but I've been tremendously busy! It's exhausting, really. Largely in part due to a practically doubled work load paired with a bunch of travel. Matt was in El Salvador for 10 days so I decided to schedule a bunch of fun things I could look forward to in his absence... which was smart, and made the ache of being apart and disconnected from him for so long less debilitating, but I ended up being super busy even while he was away! It was so fun to get together with friends, catch up on long phone calls, and have both Mari Catherine and Ashleigh sleepover!

Once Matt got back late on St.Patrick's day, we dashed off the next morning to make our way down to Charleston, SC. While there we were able to attend a small Thursday service at St. Michael's Episcopal Church and catch up with Father Al Zadig a bit. It was lovely. The church is GORGEOUS and seeing him was a delightful surprise. I just strolled around the city while Matt took a "psychological exam" which he says was essentially just a bubble test of 1,000 questions. From what he remembered, it seems a lot of them were asking about paranoia, suicidal tendencies, and alcoholism. Surely he passed with flying colors!!

The weather was stunning and gorgeous, which was a nice change and huge shock after weeks of nasty cold and grey skies in DC! It was really wonderful to just relax. I wish I could do that again... :)

Then we headed up to Georgia for the Ruthy Reunion and Sam & Caitlin's Wedding weekend! It was really fun despite my having caught a cold and Matt's having come home sick from El Salvador.

We first got to Atlanta and stayed with Kevin and Mollie which was sooo much fun. I loved playing with the big boy Cash!! And then we drove from there to Athens for the wedding, and then from Athens to Charleston again. I think we drove for almost 2 days?!?! It was exhausting but a great trip. Now I just have a bunch of work and we leave for a short trip to NYC tomorrow for the Mockingbird Conference. WOWZA.

Here's to finding time for rest? :)

More Puppy Love! (Presidentially Speaking)

2009-02-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

The First Family has chosen a puppy!

Well, a breed anyway. No puppy until post-spring break according to this article, which cracks me up. The challenges of picking a breed and a name for your dog. I just wish they'd opted to adopt. But I do feel badly for them getting such excess of unsolicited advice about their lives, not to mention their dog. Walking past a news store the other day I was shocked that it was almost a wall of Michelle!Every magazine cover had Barack & Michelle on it - dancing together, waving together... or just Michelle alone (Vogue)... not gunna lie I wanna buy it and I don't even read magazines, usually...

But anywho, since I love puppies and you should too, here's the article and a cute puppy of the breed they're seeking to get below. Watch - I bet they'll start getting offers from breeders all around the world, people wanting to have a Presidental Pooch in their breeding resume!

What a Headache Looks Like

2009-02-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

I have a headache (thanks, Cold).

So I thought "hmm since I can hardly concentrate or think straight, why don't I google search images of 'drawing of a headache' and see what I find?" Well, friends, this is what a headache looks like... In case you didn't already know.

My New Favorite Tea

2009-02-25T10:46:00.001-08:00

Considering the fact that due to my cold (which followed Matt's even more intense experience of the same sickness), I haven't blogged in quite some time. Apologies. However, I do have a discovery from this prolonged time in bed, on the couch, or otherwise "recovering" (i.e. being sick):
A new tea! I never used to like tea much. But having consumed on average a cup of tea every waking hour, I have honed my tastes. I tried two other kinds of Twining herbal teas, but Matt just got this kind and blew me away. It's called Herbal Unwind, of the "African Honeybush, Mandarin and Orange" variety. And it kicks butt. Put a smidge of raw honey in it, and you've got quite a delicious, sweet, warm treat. I highly recommend it - sick or no, tea drinker or no! :)

What I learned from a Chocolate Bar

2009-02-11T08:01:00.001-08:00

Matt was super excited to by the Vosges: Haut-Chocolat "Mo's Bacon Bar" the other day. Admittedly, it is actually quite good. It has applewood smoked bacon, alderwood smoked salt, and deep milk chocolate.

What I learned from it, though, was a reminder to be present in every moment. It made me think about the sorts of people who seem to be filled with joy every day - and that this must be part of their approach. A deeper awareness and sensitivity to the beautiful complexity of life.

The directions read:

"Breathe... engage your 5 senses, close your eyes and inhale deeply. Be in the present moment, notice the color of the chocolate, the glossy shine. Rub your thumb over the chocolate bar to release the aromas of smoked applewood bacon flirting with deep milk chocolate. Snap off just a tiny piece and place it in your mouth, let the lust of salt and sweet coat your tongue."

After reading that, it felt like I had broken a rule by just taking a bit off the bar, chewing it and "tasting" it. I put it down, and looked at my espresso beans. I was about to make espresso, so I really LOOKED at the beautiful rich reddish brown medium roast beans... and as I ground them up, I watched. I opened up the grinder and smelled the crushed beans, savoring the scent and beautiful texture.

Maybe this is one of the failings of our society - we are always in a hurry - or at least, I am! I want to make a point to remember to "stop and smell the roses" more often, to look for the beauty and contemplate my five senses more often.

Here's to learning lessons from chocolate! :)

Stuff's Story.

2009-02-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Another great thing that Wes shared with me:
The Story of Stuff.

It is a very well done (subjective) description of the process of consumption in the world and also in America. How did the computer that you're viewing this get to be on your desk, anyway? Well, watch this and learn a bit more about the processes. If anyone would know, it's Annie, who "is an expert in international sustainability and environmental health issues, with more than 20 years of experience investigating factories and dumps around the world."

I really encourage you to watch it and hope that my husband and I can continue to improve in this area and grow more mindful of the way we live our lives, make decisions, and steward our earth. Watching recalled in me the movie Call + Response - another thing I certainly recommend viewing, with the hopes that each of us can participate in bringing about positive change in our world.

Love: Bachelor Style

2009-02-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

I found myself caught up in the Bachelor last night, while my husband was at work and I was tired from the busy-ness of the day. I rather regret getting a tv now, but once I was sucked in, I was sucked in... and I found it really interesting to reflect on the ideas and portrayals of love in this show. I think media has a large influence on perceptions that single or love-seeking americans have about love and intimacy. It's particularly interesting to me as a newly-wed Christian woman who works in Episcopal youth ministry. My students think they're hiding crushes from me, but they're as obvious as the sun (and very cute and harmless most of the time)... and all increasingly curious about love as they get older. But I think they almost see the topic as taboo in the sense that it is potentially "dangerous" and certainly can be personal. They're afraid to be hurt, to be wrong, to be out of line - so they are intimidated to hear more about the subject while being curious enough to seek it out on their own. I would imagine many people watch the Bachelor wanting to be in love, and seeing this as an example of what it takes to be loved in a very competitive dog-eat-dog world.

I found it interesting to see how the women relate with one another, to learn about families and ways of presenting one self, as well as how this gentleman deals with the huge stress of having to "choose a fiancee" (I won't say wife, becauyse, well, who's to say they'll carry it through?!) on public television from a large number of beautiful women.

Well, that's the first thing. Throughout the show, beauty is discussed. It seems that the women were first and foremost enchanted by Jason due to his "dashing good looks" as they say... and he always describes the women who remain by their beauty first. THEN other qualities.

But what most intrigued me was his response to a mother who was sort of interrogating him to make sure she approved of his interest in her daughter, and the potential for them to get married. Here is an excerpt of his bio so that you can get a better idea of him, as described by ABC, first.

Jason Mesnick

The Bachelor (Season 13)

"An account executive in estate and legacy planning, Jason is looking for a woman who has a real curiosity about the world, who loves life and can find passion in life's smallest moments. Open and honest, the good-looking and appealing Bachelor loves a variety of sports, including swimming, golf, basketball and football. In fact he used to be a golf professional at a local club. He has traveled all over Europe and continues to pursue his desire to see the world. In his spare time, he takes guitar and swing dance lessons. Perhaps not surprisingly, Jason is a "big brother" for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. A philanthropist himself, he hopes to someday form and run his own children's charity. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jason moved to Washington at the age of eight. He has a BA in psychology
at the University of Washington."

I can't seem to find the quotations I was hoping to find, so instead I'll just summarize. Jillian, admittedly my favorite of the bunch, invites Jason the Bachelor to her parents home in Kelowna, British Columbia. It was a sweet date, I thought... but the discussion he has with her mother is interesting to me. He asks for her advice on how she and her husband have lasted so long, through so much (15 years of suffering from depression). I think her answer (or at least what was aired of it) is pretty weak. She says that her husband stood by her and supported her... most of the time... (they were separated for some time) and that that made all the difference.

She asks him in return what he wants in a marriage, he says (and I'm paraphrasing here) that he wants to wake up next to someone because he WANTS to wake up next to them, to not feel like there's no choice in it. He wants to marry someone who is beautiful and who he loves, and to love them throughout their marriage.

He says this as a divorcee with a 3 year old son (who is adorable, by the way)... Really? Really? That's IT?

As a married woman, though I have been married less a year, I believe love in a marriage is quite different than TV love or romance novels. It's not because a person is beautiful - because no one is ever beautiful all the time in the commercialism sense - but the beauty of a loving marriage is that you love through situations. You love this person with a commitment that is bigger than the moment. You don't wake up wondering if you still love them, driven by reactive emotion, but rather by a promise and trust in the intimacy you share. You wake up loving them because you have decided to love them and because you focus your energy on the positive things about the person - the things you love about them, their idiosyncrasies, the things that make them distinctly themself. It is the marriages that love despite and through, that I think are the most beautiful because it's the hard, dedicated love rather than a purely logical and based-on-performance kind of love.

I think a large part of the huge divorce rate of our day [and no offense to anyone divorced!] is that people are seeking to get something from their marriage, to be loved and served and get what they want from the other person. I believe this is extremely dangerous and a ticking time bomb. Yet, if we flip that scenario and turn it into a love that seeks to give, to provide, to serve and bless... to cherish and uplift, then well... What a love indeed! My hope is that our world only grows in love - a more selfless, determined kind of love - instead of loving because of superficial and immediate gain. In fact, if you look at the history of the Bachelor/Bachelorette show, you'll see that only one couple remains together. I wonder why!

... Ohhh love. :) May we give it more freely.Here is a link to a "re-cap" of the Hometown Dates episode of the Bachelor, which aired on February 9, 2009. In searching for photos for this post, I also noticed an article that states that Jason has reportedly proposed and is happily engaged to whomever it is he chose (as the following episodes will share)... I hope it's Jillian! hahaha See? I'm caught up in it. But regardless, God bless them in their marriage and may it be a lasting one.

"What is love? Baby, don't hurt me!"

2009-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

(This is an excerpt from an email I received today from Dare2Share, a Christian ministry that serves youth ministers and youth of America and seeks to revitalize Christian faith.)

Can you raed tihs? Olny srmat poelpe can. I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig, huh? Yaeh, and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!*

What an incredible mind God gave us humans - eh? Scientists estimate that the human brain calculates roughly 100 trillion calculations per second! So no wonder we can burn through a paragraph without even needing all the letters. We actually have the mental capacity to 'fix' the letters in each world so it ends up sounding right in our minds.

Ah - but then there are the times when we often turn off our brains because a word or concept comes along that we just can't get our minds around.

And that word or concept would be...

Trigonometry? Nope.

Physics? Nah.

Rocket Science? Piece of cake actually - compared to this subject:

Love...

Wouldn't you agree? Like the paragraph above, it oftentimes is a jumbled mess...but one that even our awesome brains can't figure out.

Think about it. I love Monster Drinks, I love Rock-n-Roll, I love sunny days, and I love my wife. If you google 'definition: love,' you'll get around 50,900,000 returns.

Huh?

Exactly. That's why the extremely smart folks called the Ancient Greeks had four different words for love - so they could tell the difference and not end up in an emotional ditch because of all the confusion. They made sure that when you said you 'love' someone, there were clear lines between sexual attraction, friendship, or even a non-emotional commitment to seek someone's highest good.

Have you ever been in the emotional ditch? Yeah, me too. Probably because you said you loved someone - meaning you had strong feelings for them as a person and you wanted the best for them. Then they said they loved you - meaning as long as you made them happy, were good looking, or put out physically for them.

Am I wrong?

As Valentine's day 2009 puts love up on the big screen of society, let me offer the true definition of love from the Author of love:

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you (John 15:12, NLT).

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law (Romans 13:10, NLT).

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13, NLT).

The picture of love that the Bible paints is radically different than what we see in movies or hear on our iPods. The world tells us that love = sex. As if this amazing, awesome, life-giving combination of attraction, connection, and commitment can be reduced to 'hooking up.'

No, the Bible tells us that love is demonstrated by what Jesus did for us - which was sacrificing himself for our good. True love doesn't hurt others just to satisfy a desire or look good in public.

So is sexual love bad? Of course not. God invented it - remember? But He is very clear about when it's OK, and when it will murder a part of your very soul:

'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together (Matthew 19:5-6, NLT).

God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3, NLT).

Sexual activity and sexual union were created by God to enhance a committed marriage, not to be toyed around with in casual acquaintances and under the excuse of being 'in love.'

It obviously doesn't take a genius to see that incredible good AND incredible harm can be done when the words 'I love you' enter the picture. So my loving advice to you would be -

Change the culture around you. Help people see the difference between an honorably motivated commitment of love and a hormonally driven expression of 'love' that just wants to selfishly satisfy a desire designed for fulfillment in marriage.

And most importantly, remember the greatest act of love ever demonstrated on planet earth:

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, NLT).

*source unknown

American Consumerism: A Beautiful Shame

2009-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

All of these photos are taken by Chris Jordan.
Wes, Matt's cousin who lives in Seattle - where the artist resides,
shared the artist's webpage with me - they are beautiful & striking,
but also carry a very strong, poignant & meaningful message.

Boxcars

Recycling Yard #2 - Reminds me of Wall-E!!

Gas cylinders in Seattle 2003

Cellphones in Atlanta - 2005

Crushed Cars in a junk yard

Happy Birthday, Eve!!

2009-02-05T14:39:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to the wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, passionate, sweet, caring, gifted, hilarious and most amazing friend, EVE!(Picture above is one of my favorites from my wedding:
Mollie on the Left, Eve in the middle, me on the right)

Isn't she adorable?
She's newly 24 - today!!

I can haz snowball... and O's got aim

2009-02-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

This is for (and from) Charles! :) Thanks, bud. Made me laugh...

How to Be Happy Though Married

2009-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Perhaps I'd still be single if I'd known then what I know now... Or not.

So I stumbled upon this antiquated image while searching for something at work, and found it so uproariously hilarious and absurd that I simply had to do my share in publicizing it. It was on "The Pitch", under "Studies in Crap." How fitting. Here are some highlights and lessons we all clearly needed to read:

Page 77: “Under such circumstances, she is often twenty-two or twenty-three by the time she is ready for children, and surprisingly enough, that is past the ideal childbearing age.”

---> Clearly, having been the first one in my high school class to get married at the age
of 24, I'm past my prime. I am no longer "ideal." Perhaps they suggest under 18.
That'll go over real well...

“Subjection is not slavery.”

---> Oh, thanks for clearing THAT up... Can we get over Ephesians 5:22-24 already?!

“The third key that guarantees a happy marriage is love.”

---> THIRD? Ha. The author must've been single. Seriously?! THIRD?

"That's Right!"

2009-02-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

"People know so much,
understand so little and you know that..."
-Robert Wuagneux

One of my best friend's dads recorded the song that is played in this video for Okemo ski resort in Vermont, and she posted it on facebook - I thought the lyrics brought up big points for social dynamics and considering the Gospel. I hope you'll check it out and enjoy. Even if it makes you wish you were skiing, it's certainly a catchy and appealing song!

Click here to listen to the song and watch the video.

"I do not understand what I do.
For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
- Romans 7:15

Songs on My Mind

2009-02-04T13:00:00.001-08:00

Georgia's on my mind, too...
but that's not a song I want to bring particular attention to right now :)
Here is a "top five" list of some of the songs
that I absolutely love these days, and/or recently enjoyed:

If I Ever

by Alli Rogers
(my husband and my "first dance" song! If you want to play something romantic
for Valentine's day, this might be a particularly wonderful find... )

Boy With a Coin
by Iron & Wine
(when I didn't get the reference Briana made to this song, Ashleigh helpd me out. COOL video!)

On the Radio
by Regina Spektor
(I heard this played in public last week for the first time and almost fainted with excitement)

True Affection
by the Blow
(I can't help but bob to the beat when I hear this song... Beware. It's catchy and fantastic!
AND the other songs by this band? Ummm not so g-rated, friends.
Also, I doubt this video is by them but it's ahhhh unique? and random, so it'll pass.)

Ice Cream
by New Young Pony Club
(Another not so play-for-your-mom kinda song here, but a jazzy energizing song...)

A Bit O' Wisdom Fer Ye

2009-02-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

I had to write this down (and make it public) because I thought this was so insightful. Amidst a discussion on the part of the staff about people hiding behind facades, Alex said something that I found really striking, alluding to the fact that a facade is merely the effort to present something which is foreseen as better than reality, and often leads down a very negative path. God created us as we are, to be ourselves - and being ourselves will turn out much more positively, when focused on God, than trying to be the person we think we ought to be and lying to others with the hopes of deceiving them.

"We can put our best foot forward...
but the rest of us may be decaying."
- Rev. Alex Large

Life in Legos?!

2009-02-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Click here. You know you want to.
Hilarious Legos that relate to real life. Some New York references that I unfortunately am not hip enough to comprehend, however I fully enjoyed it.
You will too. Guaranteed or your money back.

A Sample:

Grace in Parenting... ?

2009-02-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

So proud.

2009-01-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

I may not have a puppy, or kids, or lots of impressive achievements, but I am proud.

I am so proud of my wonderful, handsome, amazing husband who I fall more in love with every day, and who astonishes me with his character and all that he is. I love you, Matt! Congrats! :)

Not for any particular thing, I just love, admire, respect, and value you so much. Had to say it.

Puppies I have... in my dreams.

2009-01-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

Preferably from the pound, precious ones to adopt (sigh)... but I'm not picky. Any pup would be amazing! :) Look at how cute. The only puppies pictured that I've MET are lil' baby Cash (named after Johnny Cash by my best friend Mollie) who is pictured 2x below: with me and with grass! I miss him. He lives with Mollie in Georgia :) If only it were easier to visit!

I fall fast and easily for boxers, puggles, hound mixes, rottweilers... If only our apt building allowed dogs - and we didn't live in a studio (aka shoebox). Dreaming on, anyway...

A Little Haiku Up in Hurr

2009-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Phone
(Missing Friends Far Away)
Ring ring, it calls me.
I can rarely pick it up
I miss you, dear friends.

SNOW

It falls so gently -
even softer than a leaf
and rests on the ground.

Love
You are my darling,
intrinsically connected,
I thank God for you.

College Degree
I got you so fast...
I loved the experience.
'Twas over too soon.

I love my crepe pan.

2009-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Interested in making easy crepes? They're great because they can be breakfast, lunch, dinner OR dessert. I used this recipe and made a really easy lunch with mushrooms, onions, rosemary, a pinch of soysauce, and goat cheese. Easy and delicious. Bon appetit!
(Recipe below, taken from "Basic Crepes")

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

My Favorite Show: THE OFFICE

2009-01-26T09:53:00.001-08:00

So, Matt and I have been watching (consecutively) seasons 1 through 4 of the Office... We're almost done! And my favorite part, quite possibly, of all, are the following two clips I'll share with you. However, unless you too enjoy the Office, you might not find it as drop-dead hilarious as I do.

(Sorry that the first clip isn't exactly the highest resolution... ;) These clips are about a minute long.

Enjoy!! :)

Jim Halpert impersonates Dwight Schreute

Dwight tries to return the favor...

Celibacy, Dragons, and Poems

2009-01-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

"It's always good to meet people who understand that
religion is about saving peoples lives." (p.208)

Kathleen Norris is the author of a really wonderful, thoughtful, intriguing book called "The Cloister Walk." My dear friend Ashleigh gave it to me while I was engaged and I fell in love with it quickly. Since then, I've given an autographed copy to Jaime and Stefan got a copy for Lindsay! Not to mention other friends of Ashleigh's snagging the last copies at used book stores... It's a great book -- not because it falls in line with every other good narrative, non-fiction, or christian-themed book, but because it is a delicate blend of many elements of life, faith, and christian experience.

I am reading it again and loving it. It's written in small sections of thoughts and reflections, stories, experiences, and often with a thread of her experience in living temporarily with Benedictine Monks. All of it is compiled in a uniquely cohesive piece -- talking about everything, practically: from sex, to the book of revelations, to love and faith, liturgy and relationships. I highly recommend it (duh) because I think the sincerity, wisdom, and candor with which she writes is both refreshing, inspiring, and faithful. She's not your cookie-cutter Christian.

Here is a great excerpt from the chapter by the same title as the book, which describes Kathleen's participation in a service at St. John's monastery, when she had newly returned to church life after about 20 years of having "forgotten" about the church:

"Any outsider writing about monastic life runs the risk of romanticizing it. I've simply described what I experienced one Sunday morning at St. John's. I'm assuming, hoping even, that some of the monks were wondering what was for dinner, or thinking dark thoughts about a confrere who had annoyed them at breakfast, or regretting a sharp remark they'd made over the pool table the night before. Good ceremony makes room for all the dimensions of human experience in the hope that, together, we will discover something that transforms us. This is why I suspect that individuals can't create true ceremony for themselves alone. Ceremony requires that we work with others in the humbling give-and-take of communal existence." (p. 266)

The Inauguration

2009-01-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

Living in Dupont, and being excited about our new President, it was almost like we had no choice. We had to go to the inauguration - how could we not? With streets blocked off and traffic only coming into the city - not out of it - we knew we were in for something exciting. Matt woke up that morning at about 4 or 5 am. I think he was just too excited about it all, probably--that or for once I won the debate and he went to bed before midnight. Either way, we both ended up awake before 6 am! So we leisurely made lattes and looked out our windows to watch the people making their way downtown. We began seeing noticable traffic around 7 and so we started to get ready ourselves.

I was really nervous about being cold, but
apparently not nervous enough.
It got a lot colder the longer we stood in our same spot. I'm not really sure how long it took for us to walk to the Mall, but it didn't seem like very long because it was so fascinating and abnormal! We walked through near where I used to work in Farragut Square, and we saw an army tank amidst the masses of people and a noticable, rather eerie lack of cars. It was fun to walk in the street, but that tank made me feel like we were being evacuated or something!

I kept asking Matt to take more photos. The crowds were insane! So many people, everywhere. Everyone headed in the same direction. It was pretty neat to be a part of it, and so we arrived at our destination more easily and quickly than anticipated. We were in "our spot" by about 9 or 9:30 am. Matt got the perfect place. It was right behind a small chain with a large, heavy metal sign in front and a big cardboard trash can. We set them up just so, so that even if we had people cram in behind us, we would have some space in front of us. People were shoving by us and trying to get really good spots for about 2 hours after we had chosen our location. Our toes got so cold that we bobbed up and down to keep our feet warm. Correction: to try in vain to warm our feet up!

By about 10:30 I legitmately asked Matt "Okay. I'm done. Can we go now?" because I was so cold and hate crowds so much. Fortunately for me, he wasn't swayed by my weak argument. We stayed. Until the end of Obama's speech. It was great and really exciting to hear everyone around us uniting, happily cheering for him, and being proud to be American. We even made use of the 5,000+ porta-pottys, and there no issues - the lines weren't crazy and we saw no fights. Everyone was happy!

On the way out, we basically were cattle - everyone was shoulder to shoulder and just being shoved into open or advancing areas. Matt used his height to direct me, pulling on whichever shoulder to direct my next steps. It worked really well for us.... but by the end, when we saw legitimate space, I RAN.

We walked from the Mall to the Tombs in Georgetown and met up with Eve and Curtis. It was awesome. We got artichoke/crab dip, fish n' chips, chili, and Sam Adams' Winter Lager. All terrific and even more wonderful because we hadn't eaten since snacking at 7 am! It felt incredible to eat with some of my best friends, and watch the parade from the warmth of the Tombs. It was an exhausting, but exciting, uplifting, energizing, and wonderfully memorable event. Definitely worth the cold toes.

The Power of a Good Meal

2009-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Saturday night, Matt (my husband) and I again noticed the sweet gift card to a variety of restaurants we'd gotten during our engagement. Having been married for a few months now, we still hadn't taken advantage of it yet. So we decided what the heck, why not, let's go and go NOW. So we hopped on the metro and headed to Maggiano's. It was incredibly crowded, but it didn't take as long to be seated as they made it sound like it would. We'd sort of had a long weekend - not for productivity's sake, but just needing to relax with a lot going on. It was nice to get the table sooner than expected!

We were seated at a semi-circle booth, and literally everyone else in our division of the restaurant (outside of one or two couples) were under the age of 18. I guess there was some sort of prom or formal or something. It was funny to see the girls giggling and guys trying to play it cool... remembering when I was in high school and attending formals... I even went on a date to Maggiano's before one! It's so neat to look back and remember being interested in different guys and wondering who I'd marry--not knowing that I had already met my charming husband when I was fifteen, one summer in France. Oh, sweet memories.

Despite the music, many voices, and dimmed lights, it was as if Matt and I were there alone. Everything else faded away. We had fried calamari, garlic bread, and gnocchi. It was all delicious - even though we did make note later that we had managed to get an all-starch meal! And a nice treat to go out and not feel badly for spending a lot of money.

We ended up talking a lot about theology and recent events in the Episcopal church as well as not so recent. This has been a common theme for us for some time now, but it was just so wonderful to have no time limit, no agenda, nobody else to worry about -- just us, together, sharing.

It really made me feel wonderful - content with my life and with the world, to just enjoy each other and step back from the busy-ness, the worries, the stresses and concerns. It's amazing what just one dinner can do for you! Even if it IS all starches... :)

OH! And congratulations to Jen & Karl who are celebrating one year of being married, and to Eve & Curtis who celebrated their dating anniversary of 5 years!

Dissention

2009-01-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Main Entry:: dis·sen·sion
Variant(s):: also dis·sen·tion \di-ˈsen(t)-shən\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French discension, from Latin dissension-, dissensio, from dissentire
Date:: 14th century

: disagreement ; especially : partisan and contentious quarreling

synonyms see discord
____________________________________________________________________
What drives us to dissent from one another? Is it really the issue at hand, or is it the need to be "right", to be "heard", to feel powerful and in control? I don't believe arguments really bring about positive change, but rather loving and sincere discussions where the goal is not to be better than the other but to come to a better understanding and meet the needs of both parties whenever possible.

As it says in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Of course, we cannot always agree and I do not mean to suggest this. I believe the concern is not so much issues or agreement as much as a humility and brotherhood over factions.

"If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand," says Mark 3:25. I believe it also says in the bible that "the devil comes to divide"--which surely is a warning to be headed. In seeking division, are we not serving ourselves over God? Perhaps working through things is a much better approach.

If only!

BLT

2009-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

What is a BLT? It's the acronym we use at my church to stand for a "Blessed Little Thought." I've rather forgotten this blog, but feel the need to return to my journaling practice and this seems a practical way to reflect. I've certainly learned an enormous amount as I reflect on this past year: about myself, the Lord's "work", God's love and His people.

It is a rare opportunity to focus on Grace and Love as exemplified, given, and blessed by God. And yet, this is ultimately, in a way, my job as a youth minister. I struggle to love and live with grace for others as well as myself. It can be easy to appear one way, sometimes, when we're in the spotlight. But if we are Christians, aren't we always in the light some way or other? It's a relief to know that I need not be "the letter of the Law" and neither do you.

In fact, that is what Jesus came for. He came to bring us truth and grace, not judgement or disappointment or to show us up. He came to love us, to be in an intimate relationship with us, and to give us eternal and abundant life. What a relief.

No matter what our days are like, no matter if we are a janitor or the President of the United States - we are loved by Christ Jesus and given freedom, grace, and truth through Him. Praise God! May you be encouraged by this reality today, and always. Be reminded that God loves you: without condition.