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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

It's about time...

That's what I figure... It's about time I update this thing and let people know what's going on in my life. Well,
to start with, I'm no longer working at the church as a Children's Pastor. I resigned back in February because I felt like God was asking me to take a step of faith. It's been a really great couple of months seeing how God has provide for me - let me know if you want details.

Right now, I'm in France. It was a last minute (I decided to go a couple of weeks ago; really fully decided to go a couple of days ago.) I'm visiting some friends here. It's been an exciting journey. I spent the day in New York with a friend on Monday and then left for Paris out of Washington D.C. on Tuesday. After 3 plane rides and 3 train rides (gets a little hairy when you don't know a lick of the language!) I made it to Gaillac, France. This weekend we'll be heading to the South of France (Marseille) to see some roman ruins and medieval castles and the Mediterranean Sea.

When I get back, I'll have a little over a week to pack up and head to Springfield, MO where I'll be working with Convoy of Hope's internship team. I'll be helping out in the office and working with their internship director in training the team for ministry in El Salvador and Nicaragua. I'll be heading to El Salvador at the end of June and be back in Missouri for August. And then how knows what's next. I'm excited about what God is doing in my life and I know He has great plans for you if you're just willing to let Him use you where you're at!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Currently Reading
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
By Azar Nafisi
see related
Goals for this Year

So I thought since we're rounding the corner to the end of the year that I would take inventory on how my goals are going. So far, here's how I've faired.

1. Bible-in-a-year: Not too bad... I believe I'm mid way through "September" at this point, so I'm a little behind. But maybe it'll be Bible-in-a-year-and-a-half.

2. Giving blood: Close but no cigar. I signed up at the beginning of the month but have been sickly. So I'm going to have to resign up once I'm well. Probably sometime next month... if you are interested, you can look up donation spots at: www.givelife.org
It's great. You can book your appointment there and everything.

3. Traveling: I went to Chicago in March. Took a road trip to Seattle in May. And went on a cruise to Cubo San Lucas in September. Not bad, but I'm kinda bummed I didn't go on a misisons trip. That's okay... next year.

4. School: I'm a student! Yes, I am currently taking one online course. I'm taking a class on teachin Special Needs students through the Univ. of San Diego. I'm liking it... better than I thought actually. I like the reading and the coursework is pretty easy. So far so good.

5. Well, I didn't really have one here now did I?

In other news, my niece and nephews are getting huge. Little Eli sprained his ankle this past week. So sad, the little gimpy 1 1/2 y/o walking around with his little brace. He doesn't like it much but we just tell hi he can't play if he doesn't where it. He's very into basketball and is quite the dare devil (thus the sprained ankle.) Kayla's new favorite movie is The Little Mermaid. She has a pet snake named Sally. And she talks more and more every day. Joe is a sultry teen. Recently grounded, he now has his cell phone and IM privileges back. He sort of had a girlfriend for a little bit but that cooled down (I know! He's too young!) And that's the fam...

I moved into my own two-bedroom house this pasted summer (renting), but I'm debating if I want to move again. Maybe I'll post pictures of both places and take a poll. There are pros and cons to both. Thanksgiving is at my folks house this year. I think I'm going to take a break from cooking the turkey this year and focus on sides. I hope everyone has a wonderful, Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Legacy

After a year of multiple funerals of those I hold dear, I'm left with this question:
What do I want my legacy to be?
This has undoubtedly been one of the strangest, most stretching years of my life... too many things to recount, but I've been asking myself, 'what do I want to be remembered for?' I was sharing this in a staff prayer time the other day and my senior pastor responded with, "Most people don't ask themselves that question until they pass 40..." Maybe so, but I'm starting early.
This week, I went to the funeral of a man from my church... I was talking with my sister and brother-in-law about him, sharing memories, and we all came to the conclusion that not only do we personally miss him, but the world has a hole in it because he isn't in it. He was one of those people who made a significant difference in anything he touched. Known for wisdom, generosity and integrity, he had a gentle grace that commanded a room. I remember him for the countless ways he taught me scripture (he taught Sunday School for over 50 years at our church), the way he always supported Children's Ministry (he'd give $20 for a cookie at a bake sale then give the cookie to a kid) and the A's tickets he'd bless me with (he was a season ticket holder.) As I listened to the list of accomplishments he had accrued in his lifetime, I couldn't help but wonder if his void could ever be filled... I don't think it can. The resounding theme of each person that shared was this, however: the list of accomplishments, though vast, doesn’t define him; his Christ-like character and purposefully self-giving life do.
One of the most touching moments of the memorial was when president/CEO of the Oakland Zoo ended his eulogy in tears, saying "I never got to tell you this, but I love you Warren." It isn't usual for grown men in corporate America to say these things, but Warren had made a difference in his life. Some of Warren's contributions to the world include: building many of the largest churches in the Bay Area, the road to the Oakland Zoo, the parking lot of the Oakland Zoo, Oakland Zoo exhibits: elephants, Sun bears, African Safari, Bethany University contributions: dormitory renovations, three faculty facilities, library, personal investment into countless lives... the list goes beyond what I can remember. I don't think I'll ever look at these places the same way.
My list may never be as long, but if it's said of me that I truly lived a life of love and represented Christ, then I'll say it was all worthwhile.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Mommy Duty and Wasted Time

This morning, I am on "mommy duty". I'm watching my niece and nephew. My nephew is currently napping and my niece just had me dig a substantial booger out of her nose. It's funny the things we do when faced with different circumstances. I'm not sure I ever thought I'd enjoy digging my finger up another person's nose (or any nose for that matter) but there was something comical about the moment as she laughed and told me I was tickling her.
I was talking with someone the other day and we had an interesting conversation. It was kind of funny because she is a psych major and was clearly trying to analyze me... but I digress. We were talking about what types of things we do for fun and how the tendency in our culture is to want to be "productive." I struggle with this. She quoted me this, "Time wasted that you enjoyed isn't really time wasted at all." I'm trying redefine my "wasted time" and break away from my disappointment in myself when I don't think I've been productive enough. So I'm wishing you all some quality wasted time this weekend and beyond.