Merry Christmas!
It is so nice to have a real job with vacation and holiday time. I am so glad to be able to spend time with friends and family. One of perks of working in an academic library vs a public library.
This holiday has been fairly low key, but full of laughter. And, I suspect there is more laughter and stories to come with New Years.
My main plan is to sleep, eat, and catch up with people. Preparing for the holidays is always crazy, and this year has been no exception. Probably moreso. I did get out most of my Christmas cards, but really failed when it came to Christmas cookies. I need a better plan for those. I hope to pick up some Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and maybe decorations for next year, as they should be on sale now. I need to supplement my card supply. Also, I could not find any Christmas paper for my newsletter this year, so I had to settle for clouds. It seems that the Christmas newsletter has been deemed obsolete and/or pompous. At least, that's what the guy on the radio said. I do like the holidays, but I also appreciate the slowness of January, when things get back to normal.
Happy New Year.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A Sense of Place
It is so nice to be in a place that is more or less permanent. I know that I am where I need to be for now, and it is a good feeling. It makes it so much easier to be in community with people. I have been thinking about how different this year is so far compared the the last year I was here, 3 years ago. I feel like I am making better connections with people in church, and I am starting to feel more established. I think it's also easier for people to invest in other people's lives when they know that they will be around for awhile, as opposed to moving away in a year or 2. Being in transition is no reason not to make friendships and invest in a community, but it's harder. I do, however, feel a decided lack of gumption this year, which I'm not quite sure why. I felt more motivated to try to be an "adult" and take care of myself, but I lack motivation in some areas.
In other news, I sang in church today for special music. I was helping my friend rehearse for special music last night, and she roped me into singing with her. We decided this at 10 PM last night, but it turned out rather well, I think. We sang How Great Is the Love, alternating verses (she sang the 1st and I sang the 2nd) and singing the chorus together. I harmonized with her (most, not all of the lines), and it meshed well, according to honest, outside sources. I had a good time, but I was nervous, as I have never sung in public like that before. Which is not to say that I have not sung in public, but singing while walking down the street or for my grandpa in the nursing home or in the lobby of my dorm does not necessarily count.
Thursday is Thanksgiving, and then the holidays are upon us! I have a lot that I want to accomplish this holiday season, and I really need to get started on some things. I think that procrastination is one of my besetting sins. It's been with me for a long time, and I really need to work on abolishing it.
My apartment smells like awful incense or stale cigarette smoke that someone attempted to mask. Bleagh.
In other news, I sang in church today for special music. I was helping my friend rehearse for special music last night, and she roped me into singing with her. We decided this at 10 PM last night, but it turned out rather well, I think. We sang How Great Is the Love, alternating verses (she sang the 1st and I sang the 2nd) and singing the chorus together. I harmonized with her (most, not all of the lines), and it meshed well, according to honest, outside sources. I had a good time, but I was nervous, as I have never sung in public like that before. Which is not to say that I have not sung in public, but singing while walking down the street or for my grandpa in the nursing home or in the lobby of my dorm does not necessarily count.
Thursday is Thanksgiving, and then the holidays are upon us! I have a lot that I want to accomplish this holiday season, and I really need to get started on some things. I think that procrastination is one of my besetting sins. It's been with me for a long time, and I really need to work on abolishing it.
My apartment smells like awful incense or stale cigarette smoke that someone attempted to mask. Bleagh.
Monday, November 7, 2011
I want to move to Charleston, South Carolina. It is the perfect city. It is beautiful, fairly temperate, with a great historical district, and it doesn't feel like a city. I spent the last 3 days in Charleston at a library conference. The conference was excellent, and I enjoyed my time there. While in Charleston, I made a pact not to eat at any restaurant that I could find somewhere else, and I followed that well. :-) Charleston has excellent food. Eating well there reinforced the idea that I have not been eating well, and I need to take better care of myself in regards to nutrition. Which means I need to cook more. Which will also help the budget.
On e of my 3 flights, I sat next to librarians who attended the same conference. Flying makes me nervous, but it was ok. The first plane was smaller and seemed a bit rickety, but we made it. Flying out of Charleston, I sat next to a gentleman from South Africa. He was also at the same conference, and it was interesting to talk with him. The last flight was on a huge plane, the type you see in movies, and it had the individual screens with movies and TV in the seats, which was really cool. It helped calm my nerves and helped the flight go faster. I watched an episode of CHiPs (old 70s cop show) and most of an episode of Friends. :-)
The conference was very good, but busy, and I'm rather wiped out. And also a bit overwhelmed with everything I need to do now, personally and professionally.
This week will probably be rather busy and go by quickly. Time just speeds along anyway. It's unreal how fast everything has gone. I feel like I moved up here yesterday. Though I do feel much more established with my job, though still learning and figuring things out. I'm pretty sure I was one of, if not the newest librarian at the conference.
Good night.
On e of my 3 flights, I sat next to librarians who attended the same conference. Flying makes me nervous, but it was ok. The first plane was smaller and seemed a bit rickety, but we made it. Flying out of Charleston, I sat next to a gentleman from South Africa. He was also at the same conference, and it was interesting to talk with him. The last flight was on a huge plane, the type you see in movies, and it had the individual screens with movies and TV in the seats, which was really cool. It helped calm my nerves and helped the flight go faster. I watched an episode of CHiPs (old 70s cop show) and most of an episode of Friends. :-)
The conference was very good, but busy, and I'm rather wiped out. And also a bit overwhelmed with everything I need to do now, personally and professionally.
This week will probably be rather busy and go by quickly. Time just speeds along anyway. It's unreal how fast everything has gone. I feel like I moved up here yesterday. Though I do feel much more established with my job, though still learning and figuring things out. I'm pretty sure I was one of, if not the newest librarian at the conference.
Good night.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Don't Stop Believin'
Whew. It's been over a month since I last posted, and there is a lot to say, but not much time. I am going to a friend's house to hang out tonight. I need to freshen up, as I went on a run earlier. I have been going on runs with my friend's mini fox terrier. She is full of energy and fun to run with, and it gives me more incentive to actually get out and run. If I tell my friend I'm coming over to run with the dog, then I have committed myself.
I have discovered the delectableness that is Greek yogurt. Both Chobani and Oikos are very good. I don't really like yogurt, but Greek yogurt is different. It's thicker and not as sweet as regular yogurt. And, I like the fruit on the bottom.
I went to my friends' wedding in b-town last week. It was a good weekend, and I had a great time. It was so good to see friends in b-town again and celebrate my friends' wedding. I was able to get in a lot of visiting, including a visit to the public library and with my old neighbor. And, I danced and talked the night away (literally). Good times.
I should post more, but maybe later. I need to get back in the blogging mode, but we'll see.
TTFN
I have discovered the delectableness that is Greek yogurt. Both Chobani and Oikos are very good. I don't really like yogurt, but Greek yogurt is different. It's thicker and not as sweet as regular yogurt. And, I like the fruit on the bottom.
I went to my friends' wedding in b-town last week. It was a good weekend, and I had a great time. It was so good to see friends in b-town again and celebrate my friends' wedding. I was able to get in a lot of visiting, including a visit to the public library and with my old neighbor. And, I danced and talked the night away (literally). Good times.
I should post more, but maybe later. I need to get back in the blogging mode, but we'll see.
TTFN
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Theater is addicting
Signs of a callous heart:
Lost 1st love for Jesus
Fail to love and tremble at God's Word
Content with where you are spritually
Discontented with your lot in life or where you are in life
Look to your own efforts to earn God's favor
Are bored with the things of God
Complaining
Do not accept God's rebuke
Too lazy, apathetic, or bored to hyper listen (listen attentively and actively)
No intention of obeying what God clearly tells you in His Word
Obedience is a bother rather than a joy
Needless to say, the sermon was convicting today. Very convicting.
The play is over, and it went very well. It was good, but I am glad that it's over. I really want to try out for Scrooge the musical, but I don't think it would be right or fair, given my schedule. Some of us from the cast went out after the show, and I had a blast. These ladies are a hoot. We are planning on getting together later, and I'm looking forward to it.
This is the first day of fair week. I hope I can go at least one day. I really enjoy fair food, and I like walking around and seeing the sights. Especially the animal barns. Jersey cows!
I also bought Big Bang Theory season 4, and it is hilarious. I wasn't big fan of season 3, but season 4 proved it's worth. The characters are growing and changing, and there are new characters, but I don't think it's a bad thing. They are still funny, and I think it is good to let the characters grow. Normal people grow and learn from each other and pick up different habits while still staying true to themselves. Also, I think Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon won an award (Emmy?) and he completely deserved it!
Love and blessings.
Lost 1st love for Jesus
Fail to love and tremble at God's Word
Content with where you are spritually
Discontented with your lot in life or where you are in life
Look to your own efforts to earn God's favor
Are bored with the things of God
Complaining
Do not accept God's rebuke
Too lazy, apathetic, or bored to hyper listen (listen attentively and actively)
No intention of obeying what God clearly tells you in His Word
Obedience is a bother rather than a joy
Needless to say, the sermon was convicting today. Very convicting.
The play is over, and it went very well. It was good, but I am glad that it's over. I really want to try out for Scrooge the musical, but I don't think it would be right or fair, given my schedule. Some of us from the cast went out after the show, and I had a blast. These ladies are a hoot. We are planning on getting together later, and I'm looking forward to it.
This is the first day of fair week. I hope I can go at least one day. I really enjoy fair food, and I like walking around and seeing the sights. Especially the animal barns. Jersey cows!
I also bought Big Bang Theory season 4, and it is hilarious. I wasn't big fan of season 3, but season 4 proved it's worth. The characters are growing and changing, and there are new characters, but I don't think it's a bad thing. They are still funny, and I think it is good to let the characters grow. Normal people grow and learn from each other and pick up different habits while still staying true to themselves. Also, I think Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon won an award (Emmy?) and he completely deserved it!
Love and blessings.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Zeal
Today's sermon was on zeal, and it was different from all the other sermons on that subject I have heard in the past, and it was refreshing. The pastor emphasized that our righteousness must be placed in Christ. That we cannot earn our salvation, that what we do must come from resting in Christ, being in Christ, and that we should want to do things because we love Him, not because we want to be a good person, or even because we want to be a good Christian. Our zeal must be rooted in knowledge and in the truth. It was refreshing to hear that, because zeal can so often be misplaced and dogmatic. But true zeal is really just an intense love for Christ and resting in Him. And, I will say that this is the first time I ever heard the Darwin Awards used as a sermon illustration. Rather gruesome, actually.
I am blogging more infrequently, due in part to the fact that of those of us who started blogs after college, only 2 of us are left blogging. I have begun posting more on facebook, but I am careful when I do that, as I have so many different "friends" that I only post things that I don't care that the whole world knows about.
I was going to go to Cedar Point yesterday, but I came down with a cold, and did not feel up to it. So, my friend and I went to the paint your own pottery place in town. I painted a coffee mug and saucer. It is light blue and chocolate brown with vine and flower accents. I am not very artistic, but it was a lot of fun, and it was good to get out and do something yesterday.
I found a show on Netflix that is a British comedy from the early 1990s called Waiting for God, and it is about 2 friends in a retirement home. It is very comical, and though I almost want to be like Diana when I am old, (she has a withering wit and a caustic tongue and is hilarious), I will more likely be like Harvey, who is a dear, sweet, daft old chap who is Diana's partner in crime. They are a hoot!
The students are back and classes have started. Work is rather busy right now, and I had my first reference desk shift. I wasn't able to answer all the questions, but I did get a high five from a student that I helped, and it made my night. :-)
We have the weekend off from play rehearsals, but after Labor Day we will be rehearsing every night, and probably long rehearsals, as we will have less than 2 weeks before the show. At least all my lines are good. :-)
Blessings
I am blogging more infrequently, due in part to the fact that of those of us who started blogs after college, only 2 of us are left blogging. I have begun posting more on facebook, but I am careful when I do that, as I have so many different "friends" that I only post things that I don't care that the whole world knows about.
I was going to go to Cedar Point yesterday, but I came down with a cold, and did not feel up to it. So, my friend and I went to the paint your own pottery place in town. I painted a coffee mug and saucer. It is light blue and chocolate brown with vine and flower accents. I am not very artistic, but it was a lot of fun, and it was good to get out and do something yesterday.
I found a show on Netflix that is a British comedy from the early 1990s called Waiting for God, and it is about 2 friends in a retirement home. It is very comical, and though I almost want to be like Diana when I am old, (she has a withering wit and a caustic tongue and is hilarious), I will more likely be like Harvey, who is a dear, sweet, daft old chap who is Diana's partner in crime. They are a hoot!
The students are back and classes have started. Work is rather busy right now, and I had my first reference desk shift. I wasn't able to answer all the questions, but I did get a high five from a student that I helped, and it made my night. :-)
We have the weekend off from play rehearsals, but after Labor Day we will be rehearsing every night, and probably long rehearsals, as we will have less than 2 weeks before the show. At least all my lines are good. :-)
Blessings
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Warrior Dash
I got back from a good weekend in B-town. Had a blast at the Warrior Dash. So much fun, especially running it with friends. I believe that I am going to do a Tough Mudder, most likely in March with the same friends. I will, however, have to train for this one. I was rather unprepared for this one, but not too bad. It was basically a trail run with obstacles. Not that I've done a trail run before, but they are fun, and I'd like to. All I need to do now is find a running buddy. I am a bit limited in my running, as I am cautious and try to stay in relatively safe places with a good amount of people around. Thus, no country runs or runs after dark. :-( Anyway, it was good to see friends in B-town again, and I am excited to try the sweet corn from a friend's farm.
Things are busy with play practice and starting to gear up for the beginning of the semester. I have a lot of irons in the fire, but I like being busy. It is preferable to being bored.
I feel like I should have more to post, but I am getting tired.
TTFN
Things are busy with play practice and starting to gear up for the beginning of the semester. I have a lot of irons in the fire, but I like being busy. It is preferable to being bored.
I feel like I should have more to post, but I am getting tired.
TTFN
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Spiritual Marathoners
The 2 pastors are in Guatemala on a missions trip, so the pastor's son preached today. He is most definitely part of the family. He was a bit (read a lot) crazy and a lot like his dad. :-) Which isn't a bad thing, as the sermons at my church are wonderful. He preached on the last 8 verses of Romans 8, which are wonderful verses, btw. And he used a good running analogy. It's not really a new one, but it struck me today, especially as I am trying to get back in shape for a race in 2 weeks and have recently run a 1/2 marathon. But, the spiritual life is like training for a marathon. It is hard, and not really fun, but it is necessary and definitely worth it, because if you don't train, then you will not be prepared for the race. I like thinking of myself as a spiritual marathoner. Also, Sunday school was very good and convicting, not in a "strike you down" sense, but a subtle conviction. We talked about inadequacy, and I realized that there are things that I need to give to God and allow Him to work. I generally just deal with things on my own, and that is not good.
I hung out with a friend yesterday and we went shopping. I blew through my furnishing and clothing budget, but I got some good things, including a nice "pub" table with 2 stools. The table has a white tile top, and it is counter height, which is something I really need, as I have virtually no counter space. If I'm going to cook, I need more counter space, and the table is perfect. The furniture store guy I bought it from was really weird and somewhat inappropriate/creepy, but he seemed harmless.
I also finally got a bigger harness for my cat. If she'll let me get it on right, I might try to take her out this evening. If she knew that the harness meant going out, I think she'd cooperate a bit more. She's been a bit ornery lately, and I think she might be a little bored.
I got a part in 12 Angry Jurors. I am juror #6. It is the hardest part in the play, as the character has very few lines and little to no personality. I think I am going to crochet granny squares to keep me in the play and involved. It will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it.
My weeks are getting busier, what with play rehearsals and the approach of school. I will really need to get my act together and prepare for everything that's going on with work during August. It will be a busy month. I did finish all of the July to dos, which I'm very glad about. Now, onto August!
I hung out with a friend yesterday and we went shopping. I blew through my furnishing and clothing budget, but I got some good things, including a nice "pub" table with 2 stools. The table has a white tile top, and it is counter height, which is something I really need, as I have virtually no counter space. If I'm going to cook, I need more counter space, and the table is perfect. The furniture store guy I bought it from was really weird and somewhat inappropriate/creepy, but he seemed harmless.
I also finally got a bigger harness for my cat. If she'll let me get it on right, I might try to take her out this evening. If she knew that the harness meant going out, I think she'd cooperate a bit more. She's been a bit ornery lately, and I think she might be a little bored.
I got a part in 12 Angry Jurors. I am juror #6. It is the hardest part in the play, as the character has very few lines and little to no personality. I think I am going to crochet granny squares to keep me in the play and involved. It will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it.
My weeks are getting busier, what with play rehearsals and the approach of school. I will really need to get my act together and prepare for everything that's going on with work during August. It will be a busy month. I did finish all of the July to dos, which I'm very glad about. Now, onto August!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Of Coppers and Tractors
I am watching Law and Order UK. I like Law and Order, at least the earlier episodes. I watched a lot of it with my family in high school. It's more procedural, as it focuses on the process of prosecution, so it's not as intense as some of the other shows out there. The UK version is very similar to the US version, but it is culturally different. It's hard for me to accept their use of CCTV, which, from what I gather, is a network of cameras everywhere. Makes it good for catching criminals and tracking people, but it's so Big Brother. I'm not ok with it. It's also weird to get used to the opening lines which substitute "district attorneys" with "crown prosecutors." And I'm not quite sure why they wear those ugly wigs, though I kind of like the robes. Gives it a different feel.
I am auditioning for 12 Angry Jurors tomorrow. My monologue is basically there. I need to practice a bit tonight. I just hope I don't stumble over any lines, as I think I have the emotion down. I hope I get a part, but if I don't, then I will find something else to fill my time.
It is very warm around here. I'm grateful for my air conditioner, but it's basically only good for the bedroom. And, sitting with a warm laptop isn't helping things.
I am adjusting to my job, but I still have a lot to learn. I ask lots of questions. I answered my first reference question over chat today. I'd never used chat reference before, and it was kind of nerve wracking, but I was able to find the answer.
I went to the Henry Ford Museum with a friend. It was a lot of fun. My favorite part was the farm implements. :-) There is this ridiculously awesome tractor that is basically a train engine tractor. Steam powered and HUGE! Was definitely my favorite piece. There was some cool furniture too, which I enjoyed looking at. I haven't been to a museum in a long time, and it was fun.
I should get to bed a bit early, as I was exhausted today.
TTFN
I am auditioning for 12 Angry Jurors tomorrow. My monologue is basically there. I need to practice a bit tonight. I just hope I don't stumble over any lines, as I think I have the emotion down. I hope I get a part, but if I don't, then I will find something else to fill my time.
It is very warm around here. I'm grateful for my air conditioner, but it's basically only good for the bedroom. And, sitting with a warm laptop isn't helping things.
I am adjusting to my job, but I still have a lot to learn. I ask lots of questions. I answered my first reference question over chat today. I'd never used chat reference before, and it was kind of nerve wracking, but I was able to find the answer.
I went to the Henry Ford Museum with a friend. It was a lot of fun. My favorite part was the farm implements. :-) There is this ridiculously awesome tractor that is basically a train engine tractor. Steam powered and HUGE! Was definitely my favorite piece. There was some cool furniture too, which I enjoyed looking at. I haven't been to a museum in a long time, and it was fun.
I should get to bed a bit early, as I was exhausted today.
TTFN
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Updates
Thank goodness for Netflix. I signed up a couple days ago, and then got sick. Blargh. I don't have cable, so it helps pass the time. I have been watching movies and Dr. Who. I just finished season 1, and I am looking forward to season 2, especially as I've been told that David Tennant is awesome as the Doctor. We'll see. I became rather partial to the first Doctor (Christopher Eccleston).
There is a church wide potluck tonight and then watching fireworks. I might try to make it out, but I'm not sure I'll last for the fireworks. I don't like feeling like a blob and having low energy. I want to go out walking and running, but my body says no, though I was able to make the short walk to and from church.
I am now officially a librarian, as the former librarian retired on Thursday. It's a bit stressful, and I am going to need to go in on Tuesday and do some work. We get Monday and Tuesday off for the holiday, which is great, but it also means that we have to work on Labor Day. Any way, since I am still learning the ropes, it takes me a lot longer to do things, and I need to catch up and prepare for some things for Wednesday.
TTFN
There is a church wide potluck tonight and then watching fireworks. I might try to make it out, but I'm not sure I'll last for the fireworks. I don't like feeling like a blob and having low energy. I want to go out walking and running, but my body says no, though I was able to make the short walk to and from church.
I am now officially a librarian, as the former librarian retired on Thursday. It's a bit stressful, and I am going to need to go in on Tuesday and do some work. We get Monday and Tuesday off for the holiday, which is great, but it also means that we have to work on Labor Day. Any way, since I am still learning the ropes, it takes me a lot longer to do things, and I need to catch up and prepare for some things for Wednesday.
TTFN
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Freedom
How does one struggle against one's sinful nature but also experience Christian freedom?
I will never be good enough. No matter how hard I try, I will never be good enough for God. I "knew" this growing up, but I realized that I didn't really understand or believe it. In the past year or 2, I have finally come to an understanding of what this means. And it is freeing. To throw yourself a the mercy of Christ and ask Him to cover everything is a relief. A release from fear. But, we are called to hate our sin and to struggle against our sinful natures. How do we do this without an accompanying guilt and fear? Are these not the motivating factors to strive against our nature? If not these, then what should be our motivation? Love for God should be our motivation, but this is sometimes forgotten or cast aside. It is easier, once the fear and shame and guilt is gone, to do whatever one desires, to use freedom in Christ as an excuse to do what I want.
It is not hard to understand legalism. It's man's way of figuring out faith. We are finite with minimal understanding and finite minds. Legalism helps us make sense, put God and faith in a big religious box. A list of dos and don'ts. But it's not that easy. God doesn't play by our rules. He cannot be contained, and for us to put limits on Him is demeaning and implies that we know better than Him. That we know exactly how this world is supposed to work and how everything is going to be revealed. But we don't. And while there are some things that are clearly noted and spelled out for us in God's word, we must be careful about the other things. Allow for grace. Allow for faith.
I am reading "On Christian Liberty" by Martin Luther. I bought it for one of my classes in college, but we never read it. I kept it though, and it is, so far, a good read. He makes a really interesting point using the metaphor of Christ as the bridegroom and us as the bride of Christ. Luther says,
"Christ is full of grace, life, and salvation. The soul is full of sins, death, and damnation. Now let faith come between them and sins, death, and damnation will be Christ's, while grace, life, and salvation will be the soul's; for if Christ is a bridegroom, he must take upon himself the things which are his bride's and bestow upon her the things that are his." (pg 19)
Luther also says 2 pages later, "Here this rich and divine bridegroom Christ marries this poor, wicked harlot, redeems her from all her evil, and adorns her with all his goodness. Her sins cannot now destroy her, since they are laid upon Christ and swallowed up by him. And she has that righteousness in Christ, her husband, of which she may boast as of her own and which she can confidently display alongside her sins in the face of death and hell and say, 'If I have sinned, yet my Christ, in whom I believe, has not sinned, and all his is mine and all mine is his.'" (pg 21)
I know that the Church is the bride of Christ, but I had never thought of it in the way that Luther phrases it. But if we are the bride of Christ, then we are one with Him, and our sin and shame is put upon and taken away by Him, and His goodness and righteousness is given to us. It is a wonderful, unfair exchange that I do not really understand, but I am grateful.
I will never be good enough. No matter how hard I try, I will never be good enough for God. I "knew" this growing up, but I realized that I didn't really understand or believe it. In the past year or 2, I have finally come to an understanding of what this means. And it is freeing. To throw yourself a the mercy of Christ and ask Him to cover everything is a relief. A release from fear. But, we are called to hate our sin and to struggle against our sinful natures. How do we do this without an accompanying guilt and fear? Are these not the motivating factors to strive against our nature? If not these, then what should be our motivation? Love for God should be our motivation, but this is sometimes forgotten or cast aside. It is easier, once the fear and shame and guilt is gone, to do whatever one desires, to use freedom in Christ as an excuse to do what I want.
It is not hard to understand legalism. It's man's way of figuring out faith. We are finite with minimal understanding and finite minds. Legalism helps us make sense, put God and faith in a big religious box. A list of dos and don'ts. But it's not that easy. God doesn't play by our rules. He cannot be contained, and for us to put limits on Him is demeaning and implies that we know better than Him. That we know exactly how this world is supposed to work and how everything is going to be revealed. But we don't. And while there are some things that are clearly noted and spelled out for us in God's word, we must be careful about the other things. Allow for grace. Allow for faith.
I am reading "On Christian Liberty" by Martin Luther. I bought it for one of my classes in college, but we never read it. I kept it though, and it is, so far, a good read. He makes a really interesting point using the metaphor of Christ as the bridegroom and us as the bride of Christ. Luther says,
"Christ is full of grace, life, and salvation. The soul is full of sins, death, and damnation. Now let faith come between them and sins, death, and damnation will be Christ's, while grace, life, and salvation will be the soul's; for if Christ is a bridegroom, he must take upon himself the things which are his bride's and bestow upon her the things that are his." (pg 19)
Luther also says 2 pages later, "Here this rich and divine bridegroom Christ marries this poor, wicked harlot, redeems her from all her evil, and adorns her with all his goodness. Her sins cannot now destroy her, since they are laid upon Christ and swallowed up by him. And she has that righteousness in Christ, her husband, of which she may boast as of her own and which she can confidently display alongside her sins in the face of death and hell and say, 'If I have sinned, yet my Christ, in whom I believe, has not sinned, and all his is mine and all mine is his.'" (pg 21)
I know that the Church is the bride of Christ, but I had never thought of it in the way that Luther phrases it. But if we are the bride of Christ, then we are one with Him, and our sin and shame is put upon and taken away by Him, and His goodness and righteousness is given to us. It is a wonderful, unfair exchange that I do not really understand, but I am grateful.
Monday, June 20, 2011
I Grow Old, I Grow Old, I Shall Wear the Bottoms of My Trousers Rolled
I don't know if I'll ever get used to a "real person" schedule. I am so tired in the evenings that I take naps around 7 or later, which is a bad idea. Because then I stay up later and perpetuate the cycle. Also, kitty making noise in the mornings doesn't help either, though my sleep schedule is by no means her fault.
Wren's conjunctivitis has cleared up, which is good. Things are settling down and speeding up. Not a whole lot to report. I'm starting to have things to do, which is nice. :-)
I spent a wonderful birthday with a very close friend in the area. We went shopping, ate good food, and had good conversation, and that's all I wanted. The best part was just spending time with her. And, I will say that it is so much more fun to go shopping with someone else. When I shop by myself, I often shop like a guy: go, find what I need, leave. Having someone else to give input and laugh at the hideous styles you find in the store is so much more fun. We found some pretty awesome/ridiculous shoes. I wore a pair of 5 inch army surplus heels. The tops of the shoes were army surplus canvas and they laced up, like peek-toe boots or something. Army surplus meets fashion. They were the most impractical awesome shoes. I probably would have bought them if they weren't so tall and the fabric didn't rub wrong. :-)
It's crazy how much of our lives is online. This never really bothered me that much before, and I don't know why I am just now thinking of this, but there is so much online. I'm not going to get all conspiracy theory-y, but if someone wanted to know about someone, and they find the right info sources, they can find out a lot.
I also wonder if part of the online thing is we all have an inherent desire to feel/be important. To be noticed or noted, and the online forum is perfect for that. Have a blog. Post status updates for all your friends on facebook/Twitter (which, btw, I have no plans of caving and tweeting). But, it's also a good way to keep up with people, especially people you are friends with, but not necessarily close with. Though we may like to think otherwise, we are only able to have a finite number of close friends, and there is a definite hierarchy and levels of contact between ones friends and acquaintances. This is nothing that hasn't been said before, but just some stuff I've been thinking about.
TTFN
Wren's conjunctivitis has cleared up, which is good. Things are settling down and speeding up. Not a whole lot to report. I'm starting to have things to do, which is nice. :-)
I spent a wonderful birthday with a very close friend in the area. We went shopping, ate good food, and had good conversation, and that's all I wanted. The best part was just spending time with her. And, I will say that it is so much more fun to go shopping with someone else. When I shop by myself, I often shop like a guy: go, find what I need, leave. Having someone else to give input and laugh at the hideous styles you find in the store is so much more fun. We found some pretty awesome/ridiculous shoes. I wore a pair of 5 inch army surplus heels. The tops of the shoes were army surplus canvas and they laced up, like peek-toe boots or something. Army surplus meets fashion. They were the most impractical awesome shoes. I probably would have bought them if they weren't so tall and the fabric didn't rub wrong. :-)
It's crazy how much of our lives is online. This never really bothered me that much before, and I don't know why I am just now thinking of this, but there is so much online. I'm not going to get all conspiracy theory-y, but if someone wanted to know about someone, and they find the right info sources, they can find out a lot.
I also wonder if part of the online thing is we all have an inherent desire to feel/be important. To be noticed or noted, and the online forum is perfect for that. Have a blog. Post status updates for all your friends on facebook/Twitter (which, btw, I have no plans of caving and tweeting). But, it's also a good way to keep up with people, especially people you are friends with, but not necessarily close with. Though we may like to think otherwise, we are only able to have a finite number of close friends, and there is a definite hierarchy and levels of contact between ones friends and acquaintances. This is nothing that hasn't been said before, but just some stuff I've been thinking about.
TTFN
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Happenings and Non-Events
Kitty has conjunctivitis, so I have the enviable task of trying to put gel in her eye 2 times a day. She is actually being very good about it. Surprisingly, she sticks around to let me try again after each failed attempt, and she doesn't scratch me, though I'm not sure if that is because the vet clipped her nails or because she's keeping them in.
I went to see The King and I at the community theater. It was a good production. Some parts were cast better than others. The guy playing the king was wonderful. At times he reminded me of Yul Brenner, who played the part in the movie. Anna, the main character, was ok. She was best during the songs. It was a rather elaborate production, and they did a good job with it. It was a good way to spend the afternoon.
I've been watching a lot of movies recently, as I got my TV hooked up, but don't have cable. The library has a good selection, and I (finally) watched The Princess and the Frog. Friday night was 80s movie night with Ghostbusters and Crocodile Dundee. I did not remember the Stay Puff marshmallow man part of Ghostbusters. It is hilarious! I also watched a French Canadian movie called Seducing Dr. Lewis. The movie isn't what it sounds like. It's about a small town trying to get a factory built in their area so there will be jobs and they can get off welfare. But, to do that, they have to have a Dr. in town. It's a very good movie, and I really like the characters. Everyone looks "normal." No one is movie star good looking, and the characters are funny and real and they mean well and try hard. Yvon was my favorite, as he is this funny old codger.
My battery is almost out of juice.
Good night.
I went to see The King and I at the community theater. It was a good production. Some parts were cast better than others. The guy playing the king was wonderful. At times he reminded me of Yul Brenner, who played the part in the movie. Anna, the main character, was ok. She was best during the songs. It was a rather elaborate production, and they did a good job with it. It was a good way to spend the afternoon.
I've been watching a lot of movies recently, as I got my TV hooked up, but don't have cable. The library has a good selection, and I (finally) watched The Princess and the Frog. Friday night was 80s movie night with Ghostbusters and Crocodile Dundee. I did not remember the Stay Puff marshmallow man part of Ghostbusters. It is hilarious! I also watched a French Canadian movie called Seducing Dr. Lewis. The movie isn't what it sounds like. It's about a small town trying to get a factory built in their area so there will be jobs and they can get off welfare. But, to do that, they have to have a Dr. in town. It's a very good movie, and I really like the characters. Everyone looks "normal." No one is movie star good looking, and the characters are funny and real and they mean well and try hard. Yvon was my favorite, as he is this funny old codger.
My battery is almost out of juice.
Good night.
Monday, June 6, 2011
If Only I Had an Enemy Bigger Than My Apathy I Would Have Won
(title quote from a song by Mumford and Sons)
I am now realizing the need to be proactive. I'm readjusting to a small town and a smaller church, and though I like the small town feel and atmosphere, it is a bit harder to find things to do in regards to volunteering and other activities, especially ways in which to meet other people, preferably people around my age and walk of life. Community theater will be a welcome activity, but it doesn't start until July, and that's if I make it past the audition.
In church yesterday, I realized that it is so easy to make everything about me. But it is not about me. I can wallow in loneliness and self pity, or I can do something about it. Focus on other people. I don't think it's a good idea to join things or do things for the sake of doing, but I really need something to take me out of myself, as it were. Help provide a different perspective. So, we'll see where God leads and what the summer holds.
I am now realizing the need to be proactive. I'm readjusting to a small town and a smaller church, and though I like the small town feel and atmosphere, it is a bit harder to find things to do in regards to volunteering and other activities, especially ways in which to meet other people, preferably people around my age and walk of life. Community theater will be a welcome activity, but it doesn't start until July, and that's if I make it past the audition.
In church yesterday, I realized that it is so easy to make everything about me. But it is not about me. I can wallow in loneliness and self pity, or I can do something about it. Focus on other people. I don't think it's a good idea to join things or do things for the sake of doing, but I really need something to take me out of myself, as it were. Help provide a different perspective. So, we'll see where God leads and what the summer holds.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Life So Far
My kitty has her days and nights mixed up. I am trying to keep her up right now, as I do not want a repeat of last night. I did not get much sleep, as she is loud and decided that I needed to be up at 5 AM. I do not need to be up at 5 AM, and I do not appreciate meowing and crashing about at that time of morning. I understand, though, as she is home alone all day and doesn't have much to do except sleep. I'm going to try to leash train her, so we can go on walks. That way she can get out of the apartment and have a change of scenery.
Tomorrow is my 1st full week of work. The first three days have been full and rather overwhelming. I have so much to learn. This month is going to be a month of cramming before the current serials librarian leaves. There are so many things to keep track of. All the databases and the journals and the journals included in the databases. Plus vendors and the consortium, etc. It's a lot. I think I'll pick up on it, but it's a steep learning curve, as I knew it would be.
Summer is kind of a down time, and I'm hoping for some opportunities to serve and get involved in the community. I'm feeling a bit isolated right now. I miss being around people my own age and in the same walk of life. I feel like everyone at church is in a different part of life right now, which isn't a bad thing, but it would be nice to be around other young professionals/singles. I really do like the intergenerational feel of church though. It's nice to be around people who are older and younger than I, as I can learn from them and hopefully contribute to the conversation as well.
Tomorrow is my 1st full week of work. The first three days have been full and rather overwhelming. I have so much to learn. This month is going to be a month of cramming before the current serials librarian leaves. There are so many things to keep track of. All the databases and the journals and the journals included in the databases. Plus vendors and the consortium, etc. It's a lot. I think I'll pick up on it, but it's a steep learning curve, as I knew it would be.
Summer is kind of a down time, and I'm hoping for some opportunities to serve and get involved in the community. I'm feeling a bit isolated right now. I miss being around people my own age and in the same walk of life. I feel like everyone at church is in a different part of life right now, which isn't a bad thing, but it would be nice to be around other young professionals/singles. I really do like the intergenerational feel of church though. It's nice to be around people who are older and younger than I, as I can learn from them and hopefully contribute to the conversation as well.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Meet Wren
I am currently writing this with a kitty on my lap. Trying to teach her not to walk on the computer and chew the cords is a challenge, but she's settled down right now. She is a domestic long hair cat, gray, and orange, about a year old, and very affectionate. She is starting to get the hang of being a lap kitty, but she also has a lot of energy. I now know the need for cat toys, though I can't find her ball, which is sad. I had a stress ball in the shape of a basketball that she had a lot of fun with, but I can't find it now. I'll have to find something else at the pet store. She also decided that 5 AM is a perfectly acceptable time to be up and about. I did not agree, but was unable to fall back asleep until 6:30 or so. Hopefully we do not have a repeat tomorrow. She is a talker, and it's hard to sleep through her meowing. My own personal alarm clock. She is a sweetheart though. Having never had a cat before, I know it will be an adjustment and I need to give us both time to get used to each other. She seems to be adapting rather well, and thankfully was able to find the litter box. :-)We both took naps this afternoon, and I am still a bit groggy. It's probably a bad habit, but I'm taking advantage of the situation while I can. :-)
I'm going to a Renaissance fair tomorrow with a friend. I've never been to one, and I'm excited, though I'm mostly looking forward to seeing my friend again. It's been a long time.
Blessings.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Bay Windows and Rocking Chairs
I am here in Michigan and moved into my apartment, though I am still unpacking. I changed my driver's license today, so I am officially a Michigan resident. I also registered to vote, which will be kind of weird and means that I actually have to pay attention to Michigan politics and decide who to vote for on my own. Politics and politicians kind of annoy me, but I guess it's good to be informed.
I really like my apartment, as it feels so homey and it's very cute. I love sitting in my rocking chair next to the bay window. I found out, however, that the house that I am living in has a rather poor reputation in town. It has been pretty shady/seedy in the past, but the landlady seems to really be trying to change the reputation and make it a nice, safe place to live. Though it is different than it has been in the past, whenever I tell people where I live, I get worried looks, so I have to do some explaining. :-) Everyone in the house pretty much keeps to themselves, which is all I ask for.
I have a gas stove, and the gas guy came out today. I've been told that I will end up liking gas better than electric, but right now, it makes me nervous. Baking is going to be a bit tricky, as there are no measurements on the dial for the stove. The gas guy suggested getting an oven thermometer and then marking the dial for the different temperatures. That will be a bit of a hassle, but I think that's what I'll have to do.
It's gorgeous today. We've had some rain and thunderstorms, but beautiful weather in between. Because it's north, my current location is behind b-town in regards to plants and such, so I've had lilacs in my house, and they smell wonderful! Nature's perfume.
Not much to report. Things are going well, and I just need to keep plugging away at unpacking everything. I am going to have to go to the laundromat today. :-/ Not really looking forward to that.
My books are unpacked! Except for my comic books and cookbooks, I have enough shelf space. I would like a small shelf in the kitchen for my cookbooks, and I also would like a separate bookcase for my comic books (Peanuts, BC, Dennis the Menace, etc.). But, those can wait. I am hoping to go garage saling and maybe auctioning this summer. Extra kitchen storage and counter/table space is the most immediate need right now, as I essentially have no counter space in my kitchen.
Life is life right now. Not much exciting, just trying to get unpacked and adjust to life in the dale.
Blessings!
I really like my apartment, as it feels so homey and it's very cute. I love sitting in my rocking chair next to the bay window. I found out, however, that the house that I am living in has a rather poor reputation in town. It has been pretty shady/seedy in the past, but the landlady seems to really be trying to change the reputation and make it a nice, safe place to live. Though it is different than it has been in the past, whenever I tell people where I live, I get worried looks, so I have to do some explaining. :-) Everyone in the house pretty much keeps to themselves, which is all I ask for.
I have a gas stove, and the gas guy came out today. I've been told that I will end up liking gas better than electric, but right now, it makes me nervous. Baking is going to be a bit tricky, as there are no measurements on the dial for the stove. The gas guy suggested getting an oven thermometer and then marking the dial for the different temperatures. That will be a bit of a hassle, but I think that's what I'll have to do.
It's gorgeous today. We've had some rain and thunderstorms, but beautiful weather in between. Because it's north, my current location is behind b-town in regards to plants and such, so I've had lilacs in my house, and they smell wonderful! Nature's perfume.
Not much to report. Things are going well, and I just need to keep plugging away at unpacking everything. I am going to have to go to the laundromat today. :-/ Not really looking forward to that.
My books are unpacked! Except for my comic books and cookbooks, I have enough shelf space. I would like a small shelf in the kitchen for my cookbooks, and I also would like a separate bookcase for my comic books (Peanuts, BC, Dennis the Menace, etc.). But, those can wait. I am hoping to go garage saling and maybe auctioning this summer. Extra kitchen storage and counter/table space is the most immediate need right now, as I essentially have no counter space in my kitchen.
Life is life right now. Not much exciting, just trying to get unpacked and adjust to life in the dale.
Blessings!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Dash it all Tibbs, dash it all. (101 Dalmations) I had a post going, and then I somehow deleted it, and because of the settings on the computer, it didn't save any of it. Sigh.
I'm going to go on a short run after this. It will be the first run since the 1/2. I want to keep running, but I think I'll stick to shorter distances for awhile, 2-5 miles.
The move date is getting ever closer. I have a lot to do this week, but I don't mind. I'm fitting packing around my social calendar. Hanging out with friends is bittersweet now, but I wouldn't miss it for anything. I'm going to miss my church friends and the 20 somethings group. I wish that I could still be a part of it, but I have to move on.
I watched 12 Angry Men last night. I'm not a big fan of it, as it's kind of bleeding heart and I think the kid was guilty, but it's a classic and a good movie. The characters are really good. And, they're doing it for community theater in September, which I'm considering auditioning for. I probably shouldn't plan this far ahead, but it gives me something to look forward to and prepare for. I've chosen a monologue already, and I'm going to start memorizing it. It's an angry monologue, which is hopefully appropriate for a play that has the word angry in the title. :-)
Peace and blessings.
I'm going to go on a short run after this. It will be the first run since the 1/2. I want to keep running, but I think I'll stick to shorter distances for awhile, 2-5 miles.
The move date is getting ever closer. I have a lot to do this week, but I don't mind. I'm fitting packing around my social calendar. Hanging out with friends is bittersweet now, but I wouldn't miss it for anything. I'm going to miss my church friends and the 20 somethings group. I wish that I could still be a part of it, but I have to move on.
I watched 12 Angry Men last night. I'm not a big fan of it, as it's kind of bleeding heart and I think the kid was guilty, but it's a classic and a good movie. The characters are really good. And, they're doing it for community theater in September, which I'm considering auditioning for. I probably shouldn't plan this far ahead, but it gives me something to look forward to and prepare for. I've chosen a monologue already, and I'm going to start memorizing it. It's an angry monologue, which is hopefully appropriate for a play that has the word angry in the title. :-)
Peace and blessings.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Run Johnny Run
I finished my first half marathon this past Saturday. I am sore now, but it was worth it. :-) Saturday was a wonderful day. My parents got up at a ridiculous hour of the morning and met us in Indy at 6:30 AM. We then hung out a bit, showed them where we would meet up at the end, and walked to our corrals. I started pretty far back, in corral T (it went through Z). Click here to see a map of the startline. Having never done this before, I didn't know what to expect or what to estimate my finish time as. I had originally had a goal of finishing before 2 hours and 30 minutes, but I had abandoned that in favor of just finishing. I hadn't trained as well as I would have liked, and I wasn't sure how my body would react to that much running. I actually had a really good race, and finished in 2 hours and 23 minutes, which means that if I run another 1/2 marathon, I can get "seding" or a closer starting spot, like corral E, which would be nice, as I had to dodge a lot of people during the race. Many people walk the whole way or jog slowly and walk, and with 35,000 people, it could get bottle necked and tight at times. It was a really good experience, though. I was able to run almost all the way, walking only through the water stations and only 2-3 times for short periods of time during the race. Click here if you want to see the race route. There were different bands and groups playing music all along the race route, which was a lot of fun, especially as I didn't run with my iPod. I wanted to be aware of my surroundings, especially as I had to dodge and weave through people. There were cloggers, a polka band, DJs, rock bands, Caribbean music, country, etc. There were also people sitting and standing outside cheering for us, waving clappers and ringing cowbells. I especially like high fiving the little kids. It was like a parade without the candy. :-) By mile 11 and 12, it was becoming more of a struggle, and mile 12 was especially hard, but I kept going, and it was so nice to have my friends and family cheering at the end. It really helped me give that last push at the end. I have signed up for a Warrior Dash in August, and I am planning on signing up for the Indy mini again next year. I never thought I was a runner, but maybe I am.
Also, I have just started a book called "Manning Up" by Kay S. Hymowitz, and it's about the current trend of what she calls "preadults," or people in their 20s. I just finished the intro, and it sounds like it's going to be a good book. It's about understanding what our culture is now, and how things have and are changing in regards to the workplace, relationships, and gender roles. I really like this quote. "Today, however, with women moving ahead in an advanced economy, provider husbands and fathers are now optional, and the character qualities men had needed to play their role--fortitude, stoicism, courage, fidelity--are obsolete and even a little embarrassing" (pg 16). I think this is true. Women are starting to dominate the workplace and other things, and guys are trying to figure out where they fit, and they are not necessarily living up to their potential. Hymowitz further states, "Single men have never been civilization's most responsible actors" (pg 16). Also true. Marriage and family tend to civilize guys. I am not sure what the answer is to all of this, as I do not think that women should not pursue education and better jobs (especially as I just finished my Master's degree). But, this is relatively uncharted territory, as education is becoming more important and emphasized, and it takes time. So, people are starting careers later and getting married later. Again, very different from in the past, but not necessarily wrong. I am looking forward to getting into the book and seeing what the author has to say, as I feel like it really pertains to me, as a young 20 something just starting her career.
Anywho, just wanted to share about the race and about my latest read.
Blessings
Also, I have just started a book called "Manning Up" by Kay S. Hymowitz, and it's about the current trend of what she calls "preadults," or people in their 20s. I just finished the intro, and it sounds like it's going to be a good book. It's about understanding what our culture is now, and how things have and are changing in regards to the workplace, relationships, and gender roles. I really like this quote. "Today, however, with women moving ahead in an advanced economy, provider husbands and fathers are now optional, and the character qualities men had needed to play their role--fortitude, stoicism, courage, fidelity--are obsolete and even a little embarrassing" (pg 16). I think this is true. Women are starting to dominate the workplace and other things, and guys are trying to figure out where they fit, and they are not necessarily living up to their potential. Hymowitz further states, "Single men have never been civilization's most responsible actors" (pg 16). Also true. Marriage and family tend to civilize guys. I am not sure what the answer is to all of this, as I do not think that women should not pursue education and better jobs (especially as I just finished my Master's degree). But, this is relatively uncharted territory, as education is becoming more important and emphasized, and it takes time. So, people are starting careers later and getting married later. Again, very different from in the past, but not necessarily wrong. I am looking forward to getting into the book and seeing what the author has to say, as I feel like it really pertains to me, as a young 20 something just starting her career.
Anywho, just wanted to share about the race and about my latest read.
Blessings
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Room With a View (of the post office)
I have a place to live! I talked to my new landlady today, and I got the apartment I wanted. It's a small one bedroom apartment in a big old house downtown. It's on the 2nd floor, with a big bay window in the living room, and cool tiling on the wall in the kitchen. There is almost no counter space, no dishwasher, no washer and dryer (laundromat here I come), and no air conditioning, but I love it! The landlady seems really nice and careful about who she rents to, which is encouraging. It's also within walking distance of work and near the bike/running path. Walking distance is really good, as gas is getting really expensive, and it will help me stay active, despite having a desk job. I'm a bit worried about the no air conditioning, but the current tenant says that there's a good cross breeze, which is good, and I can get fans too. One less thing to worry about! God is good!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
God Loves Broken People
That seems crazy. And I don't know why He loves us, but He does. I think that God cares not about our issues but how we are seeking Him through our issues. How we react to Him within our issues. Whatever they are. Whether it be mental illness or heartache or loneliness or addiction or pride or whatever. How in tune with Him are we? How much do we want to serve and know Him? That's all that matters. God loves broken people.
EDIT: (Reflections from an interaction in a coffee shop.)
EDIT: (Reflections from an interaction in a coffee shop.)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Transitioning
I have a few minutes to kill before I head out for the bus. I came on campus to be productive, but that did not happen. I have a meeting with a professor about a paper tomorrow, and then a lunch date with a girl friend. Then class, then home. I am almost done, and it is very difficult to focus on school type things. I'm very over it right now. I really dislike transitions, and I am caught in one right now. I am trying to find a place to live right now, and I'm hoping that this next trip yields something possible, as it will be difficult to go up a third time. I have some better leads this time, I think, though 1 is completely out of my price range. I can't wait until classes are over and my work is done. Then I can focus on moving to the dale. I'm going to miss my friends here, and it's hard to transition from the people here to thinking about connecting and reconnecting with people up there. It will take time. It's been 2 years. Things change. People change. I've changed. But it will be ok. I really feel like God is directing me back there, so it will all work out. We'll see what's ahead.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
We're dealing with two devils who both want to rule hell.
Title quote from Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (about Hitler and Stalin)
I am taking a "materials for youth" class, which is about literature and materials for children and young adults, and the most recent project we finished was on nonfiction sources for children/students. I read books and online sites about resistance during WWII, which is a topic I know something about and find interesting. This time around, however, I was struck by how much WWII was also very much a fight between the communists and the fascists. Most of the resistance organizations were politically or ideologically driven, and many of them were communist or socialist organizations. It is slightly disconcerting, especially as I know a bit about how bad the communists and Stalin were. People in the east especially were caught between two evils: Hitler or Stalin. There was no good choice. Most people, however, do not realize how big a player the Soviets and communists were in the war. We allied ourselves with them, and it can be hard to admit that one of our allies was, I believe, worse than Hitler. Also, most people don't know about the Great Purge or of Stalin's atrocities. He was responsible for millions more deaths than Hitler. With all the atrocities and genocide that has happened and is still happening, it is sad that most people only know about Hitler. Hitler is the ultimate bad guy, and the other bad guys get a pass. What about Stalin or Pol Pot or what's happening in the Sudan or Libya or Burma? Maybe it's because we can only handle so much bad stuff at once. We are not God. We can't handle it all. Frankly, I'm not sure how God stands it. He sees everything. All the good, but also all the bad.
Just some thoughts.
I have to finish a big paper this week. I'd really appreciate prayers, as I'm really struggling with getting going on it.
I am taking a "materials for youth" class, which is about literature and materials for children and young adults, and the most recent project we finished was on nonfiction sources for children/students. I read books and online sites about resistance during WWII, which is a topic I know something about and find interesting. This time around, however, I was struck by how much WWII was also very much a fight between the communists and the fascists. Most of the resistance organizations were politically or ideologically driven, and many of them were communist or socialist organizations. It is slightly disconcerting, especially as I know a bit about how bad the communists and Stalin were. People in the east especially were caught between two evils: Hitler or Stalin. There was no good choice. Most people, however, do not realize how big a player the Soviets and communists were in the war. We allied ourselves with them, and it can be hard to admit that one of our allies was, I believe, worse than Hitler. Also, most people don't know about the Great Purge or of Stalin's atrocities. He was responsible for millions more deaths than Hitler. With all the atrocities and genocide that has happened and is still happening, it is sad that most people only know about Hitler. Hitler is the ultimate bad guy, and the other bad guys get a pass. What about Stalin or Pol Pot or what's happening in the Sudan or Libya or Burma? Maybe it's because we can only handle so much bad stuff at once. We are not God. We can't handle it all. Frankly, I'm not sure how God stands it. He sees everything. All the good, but also all the bad.
Just some thoughts.
I have to finish a big paper this week. I'd really appreciate prayers, as I'm really struggling with getting going on it.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Apartment Hunting
I just got back from the dale. Dad and I went up to look for apartments, and though I found one maybe, I'm still going to keep looking. Sigh. I was really hoping to find something when I went up today. I don't really have time to go back up. Oh well, it will all work out, but I would appreciate prayers.
I have a lot to accomplish this week/month. I really need to kick into gear. Final push and then I'm done! Cannot wait!
The reality of going back to the dale is setting in. I am going to miss B-town, even though I didn't think I would. I'm going to miss my friends and the ethnic restaurants and the public library. I am looking forward to being a part of HFMC again, my new job, and finally being able to invest in the community. It's just weird that I will finally have a "real" job and be established and settled. Even though I know the community and people there, it will still be hard to adjust back. It will be good, but it will be hard. I'm going to try to have a plan to survive the winter and beat the blues. :-)
I have a lot to accomplish this week/month. I really need to kick into gear. Final push and then I'm done! Cannot wait!
The reality of going back to the dale is setting in. I am going to miss B-town, even though I didn't think I would. I'm going to miss my friends and the ethnic restaurants and the public library. I am looking forward to being a part of HFMC again, my new job, and finally being able to invest in the community. It's just weird that I will finally have a "real" job and be established and settled. Even though I know the community and people there, it will still be hard to adjust back. It will be good, but it will be hard. I'm going to try to have a plan to survive the winter and beat the blues. :-)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Life
I had a wonderful time with library school friends last night. We went out for pizza and then saw Tangled. Tangled was cute, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Pizza was the best part though. Laughter is good for the soul.
I have a lot to accomplish today. I am going on a run, and then I need to do my labels for my exhibit, as I am installing it on Monday. I'll be glad to have that done with and be able to focus on other things.
I am trying to find an apartment in the dale, which is a bit stressful. I am hoping to go up next week and look at places, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to go due to work, as the Monday night crew is sparse.
Going to run. TTFN
I have a lot to accomplish today. I am going on a run, and then I need to do my labels for my exhibit, as I am installing it on Monday. I'll be glad to have that done with and be able to focus on other things.
I am trying to find an apartment in the dale, which is a bit stressful. I am hoping to go up next week and look at places, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to go due to work, as the Monday night crew is sparse.
Going to run. TTFN
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A Weekend of Good Movies
It is the first weekend of spring break, and I have been taking it easy. I really need to buckle down during the week and figure out my exhibit, which I'm still feeling horribly lost on, but it will get done. I have watched three movies this weekend, and they have all been very good. The Picture Bride, Inn of the Sixth Happiness, and The Chorus (Le Choriste). I never seen The Picture Bride before, and it is excellent. It is a slower paced, beautiful portrait of picture brides or mail order prides in the early part of the 20th century in Hawaii. From about 1907-1924, thousands of Japanese women went to Hawaii to marry men they had only seen in pictures and corresponded briefly with through letters. The main character goes to Hawaii to marry and to escape the stigma of her past. The movie comes across very real. It has essential elements, but it allows the plot to form naturally, without forcing the characters. The young woman slowly becomes used to her environment and develops into a strong woman. I highly recommend the movie. It is slower paced, but beautiful, though there is some sensuality.
I watched the Inn of the Sixth Happiness today, which is about Gladys Aylward. It is a very good movie as well, and the scenes of the children crossing the mountains are very moving. I love the character of Ms. Aylward. She was strong and determined and loved God. I would like to know more about her, apart from the movie adaptation. I'd like to read a bio of her when I have the time.
Lastly, I watched my favorite foreign film, The Chorus. It is a French movie set in 1949 about a man who becomes a prefect at a boys reform school. He reaches the boys through music, and it is a wonderful, poignant story. The boys are endearing, and the characters are great. Though there is slight bawdy humor, it is very clean, especially for a French movie.
In an unrelated note, we went on a long hike/trek today. I think we walked about 6 miles out at a state park. It was a lovely day, but chilly, and I didn't prepare as well for it as I should have. Ah well, it was good exercise. I really need to be training in earnest, as the mini marathon is less than 2 months away.
I watched the Inn of the Sixth Happiness today, which is about Gladys Aylward. It is a very good movie as well, and the scenes of the children crossing the mountains are very moving. I love the character of Ms. Aylward. She was strong and determined and loved God. I would like to know more about her, apart from the movie adaptation. I'd like to read a bio of her when I have the time.
Lastly, I watched my favorite foreign film, The Chorus. It is a French movie set in 1949 about a man who becomes a prefect at a boys reform school. He reaches the boys through music, and it is a wonderful, poignant story. The boys are endearing, and the characters are great. Though there is slight bawdy humor, it is very clean, especially for a French movie.
In an unrelated note, we went on a long hike/trek today. I think we walked about 6 miles out at a state park. It was a lovely day, but chilly, and I didn't prepare as well for it as I should have. Ah well, it was good exercise. I really need to be training in earnest, as the mini marathon is less than 2 months away.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday
I bought paczkis today. They are my favorite part of Mardi Gras. I took a long time to decide which ones I wanted, and as I was leaving the display, two people came up, and the guy said "they're just donuts." The girl replied "they're Polish donuts." I gave them a look. Paczkis are so much better than regular donuts! Anyway, I ended up with white icing and raspberry filling. Mmmm. When I checked out, the cashier said that they looked really good, and I replied that they were the best part of Mardi Gras. The lady in front of me was older and had an accent, and she replied that it was the last day to indulge, because tomorrow was ashes. The statement was simple enough, but at that moment, I realized what Lent is all about. Being very low church, I do not generally celebrate Lent, as I think it can be more focused on what one gives up rather than the reason behind it. But, Lent is to prepare for Easter. To focus less on ourselves and more on Christ. Though I'm not going to give anything up for Lent, I am going to try to focus more on Him. So, I guess my Lenten resolution is to have more consistent quiet times of being in the Word and praying.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
One down, how many to go?
I presented at a conference today, and I think it went well. There are sessions tomorrow morning, but I'm going to skip the 2nd day in favor of church. Especially as I'm leading Sunday school in the morning.
I am rather exhausted and just want to rest, but I will be busy at least until Tuesday (and beyond, most likely). I have a friend coming down to visit and check out library school, which will be fun. I need to go to the store though, as I don't really have food in the house. I think I'm going to make poppy seedless chicken Sunday night.
Not much to report. I didn't realize how crazy busy this semester would be, but it is and I'm almost done.
I am rather exhausted and just want to rest, but I will be busy at least until Tuesday (and beyond, most likely). I have a friend coming down to visit and check out library school, which will be fun. I need to go to the store though, as I don't really have food in the house. I think I'm going to make poppy seedless chicken Sunday night.
Not much to report. I didn't realize how crazy busy this semester would be, but it is and I'm almost done.
Monday, February 28, 2011
News
I am sorry for the long hiatus. I have been very busy and preoccupied with school and the job search. This week is going to be crazy as well, as I have to finish a paper for a conference on Saturday.
On Monday I went up to the dale and interviewed for the serials position at the college library. The current serials librarian will be retiring in June, and I applied for the position. The interview went very well, though the weather was crazy. There was a really bad ice storm that took out branches and power lines and phone lines, and the library was without power for the first half of the interview. It was kind of an adventure, and I was pretty relaxed. I was unable to meet with the provost, as he was unable to make it to campus due to the ice, but I received a call from him later in the week and he offered me the position. So, I will be back in the dale starting in June! I am very excited to be going back. The Lord is so good! I am still very busy, but that is one less stressor. (I was going to say, one less thing to worry about, but Sunday school was about worry, so I'm trying not to worry.)
I need to go, as I have a lot to do in a very short span of time. But, I will update more often. I just had to wait until my news was official. :-)
On Monday I went up to the dale and interviewed for the serials position at the college library. The current serials librarian will be retiring in June, and I applied for the position. The interview went very well, though the weather was crazy. There was a really bad ice storm that took out branches and power lines and phone lines, and the library was without power for the first half of the interview. It was kind of an adventure, and I was pretty relaxed. I was unable to meet with the provost, as he was unable to make it to campus due to the ice, but I received a call from him later in the week and he offered me the position. So, I will be back in the dale starting in June! I am very excited to be going back. The Lord is so good! I am still very busy, but that is one less stressor. (I was going to say, one less thing to worry about, but Sunday school was about worry, so I'm trying not to worry.)
I need to go, as I have a lot to do in a very short span of time. But, I will update more often. I just had to wait until my news was official. :-)
Monday, February 7, 2011
Encamped Along the Hills of Light
I have finished the second run through of my data for my paper. I am in crunch mode, and it is too early in the semester for this. Hopefully the end of the semester will be more relaxed. I have 2 big things that need to be done in the next few weeks, and yesterday I was in complete panic/stress/freak out mode. It was not fun. I am feeling better, but I am still frustrated with myself, as I should be more together than I am. I can't wait until I have a real job and no homework. I know life will still be life: complicated, but hopefully in a different way. I really enjoyed having a real job and a life. It was easier. Now, I have school, work, and life, and it is hard to balance it all.
Last week, work was crazy, due to the ice storm. The library was closed Tues. and Wed., and Monday and Thursday were insane, as people were preparing for the storm and then eager to get out of the house after the storm. The storm was worst Tuesday night. I was a bit nervous. We basically had a zombie attack, but we were safe in the apartment. There were popping noises outside that sounded almost like gunshots, and the wind was blowing branches and ice around and knocking on my bedroom window. The next morning when we walked to the bus, it looked like icicle pieces were all over the ground. Zombie fingers. But we survived. (And no, I do not actually believe in zombies. Just some joking to ease the nerves.)
I am leading Sunday school for the next 5 weeks or so, and I'm kind of excited. Logistics with the prayers requests and such still need to be ironed out, but hopefully it will all get squared away.
I would appreciate prayers for the next few weeks, as they will be rather crazy, but I hope it will all go well and get done.
TTFN
Last week, work was crazy, due to the ice storm. The library was closed Tues. and Wed., and Monday and Thursday were insane, as people were preparing for the storm and then eager to get out of the house after the storm. The storm was worst Tuesday night. I was a bit nervous. We basically had a zombie attack, but we were safe in the apartment. There were popping noises outside that sounded almost like gunshots, and the wind was blowing branches and ice around and knocking on my bedroom window. The next morning when we walked to the bus, it looked like icicle pieces were all over the ground. Zombie fingers. But we survived. (And no, I do not actually believe in zombies. Just some joking to ease the nerves.)
I am leading Sunday school for the next 5 weeks or so, and I'm kind of excited. Logistics with the prayers requests and such still need to be ironed out, but hopefully it will all get squared away.
I would appreciate prayers for the next few weeks, as they will be rather crazy, but I hope it will all go well and get done.
TTFN
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
I led Sunday school today. We are basing our Sunday school lessons on the book The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel. Each chapter is about an issue that Christians deal with and ways in which we often act like there is no God, though we say that we believe in and follow Him. This week addressed shame, and I was a bit nervous about it, but the Lord was good and it went well. I enjoy leading, and we had really good conversation. I try to leave it very open and let people participate and the conversation go where it will. (Within reason, of course.) I always include scripture study, so we looked mainly at Psalm 51, which is David's repentance psalm after the Bathsheba incident. I will be leading Sunday school for at least the next 2 weeks, as the regular leader is attending a different study with his wife. I'm glad to give them the opportunity to have Sunday school together. I'm a bit self conscious leading a coed study as a woman, but no one really seems to mind. I have been a big proponent of peer leadership, and if I want it to be done, I should be willing to participate.
School is going well so far. I have a lot to do. I need to accomplish some things this afternoon. Finish a cover letter and start some other stuff. I am installing an exhibit of political and propaganda puzzles tomorrow morning, and I need to go to the Lilly and really work on my project/exhibit for my manuscripts class.
I had a wonderful evening yesterday, as I went to the university cinema and watched Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. I like Fort Apache better, though Henry Fonda's character drove me crazy. It is kind of based on the story of Custer, or at least very similar to Custer's stupidity, which is frustrating. I do not like or revere Custer. He was stupid and got all his men killed because of it. Fort Apache has a wonderful cast though, Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Ward Bond, and a grown up Shirley Temple. I have decided that some of John Wayne's best movies are when he is alongside or opposite other very excellent actors/actresses. Thus the goodness of Rooster Cogburn and all the movies in which he played opposite Maureen O'Hara.
Today has gone very well so far, and I hope to do some homework, go to the Dave Ramsey session, and then work out after that.
TTFN
School is going well so far. I have a lot to do. I need to accomplish some things this afternoon. Finish a cover letter and start some other stuff. I am installing an exhibit of political and propaganda puzzles tomorrow morning, and I need to go to the Lilly and really work on my project/exhibit for my manuscripts class.
I had a wonderful evening yesterday, as I went to the university cinema and watched Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. I like Fort Apache better, though Henry Fonda's character drove me crazy. It is kind of based on the story of Custer, or at least very similar to Custer's stupidity, which is frustrating. I do not like or revere Custer. He was stupid and got all his men killed because of it. Fort Apache has a wonderful cast though, Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Ward Bond, and a grown up Shirley Temple. I have decided that some of John Wayne's best movies are when he is alongside or opposite other very excellent actors/actresses. Thus the goodness of Rooster Cogburn and all the movies in which he played opposite Maureen O'Hara.
Today has gone very well so far, and I hope to do some homework, go to the Dave Ramsey session, and then work out after that.
TTFN
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Grit
The craziness is starting early. I knew this would be a busy semester, but I'm really going to need to work hard and have it together, and I don't feel like I do. I really need motivation. I have this problem every semester, and I feel like I say the same thing every semester. At least its my last semester. :-)
At church, people have been emphasizing the idea of choosing one word to define one's year. My word is change. I know there will be a lot of changes this year, and I hope that I am up for them. I also want to change in other ways (for the better of course): spiritually, mentally, and physically. I'm off to a good start with the physically. I'm starting to run more in preparation for the half marathon.
On Sunday I had lunch with my adopted parents, and then we watched Rooster Cogburn. Later that night, I went to the movies and saw True Grit. It was cool to see both movies in the same day. The new True Grit is really good. I love the language they used, more old fashioned, and the characters did not use any contractions, which lent a different feel to the dialog. Also, the musical theme was Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. I love hymns. The casting was really good, especially for Maddie, the young girl. It was a bit violent/graphic, but otherwise very good.
Night.
At church, people have been emphasizing the idea of choosing one word to define one's year. My word is change. I know there will be a lot of changes this year, and I hope that I am up for them. I also want to change in other ways (for the better of course): spiritually, mentally, and physically. I'm off to a good start with the physically. I'm starting to run more in preparation for the half marathon.
On Sunday I had lunch with my adopted parents, and then we watched Rooster Cogburn. Later that night, I went to the movies and saw True Grit. It was cool to see both movies in the same day. The new True Grit is really good. I love the language they used, more old fashioned, and the characters did not use any contractions, which lent a different feel to the dialog. Also, the musical theme was Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. I love hymns. The casting was really good, especially for Maddie, the young girl. It was a bit violent/graphic, but otherwise very good.
Night.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Hunger
I just finished reading The Hunger Games. Wow. I don't necessarily like reading best sellers. I like some popular authors, and reading tried and true books, but I can be contrary and I don't always like to jump on the band wagon. I am still holding out against Harry Potter and Twilight. I was, however, totally caught up in The Hunger Games. I can't wait to read the other books. Thankfully, the holds aren't too long at the library. The book is well written, and it alludes to the Roman games, with some Roman names, like Cinna, Portia, and Flavius. So, there is the classical flavor, as well as a feeling of revolution and resistance, that I loved. Also, I hate love triangles, but the romance part keeps me guessing. I can't really figure it out yet. It's fast paced and intriguing.
I made real food tonight. Poppy seedless chicken. I'd been craving it.
My schedule is out of whack. I have a lot of things I need to do, but I am almost paralyzed in doing them. Motivation is so hard. I just want to be done and on my way. Done with school. Ready to start a new job. I feel like the world is my oyster, but I'm also scared. It's hard to apply to places without any frame of reference for the library in specific and the place in general. There's a battle between the familiar and the adventure.
I made real food tonight. Poppy seedless chicken. I'd been craving it.
My schedule is out of whack. I have a lot of things I need to do, but I am almost paralyzed in doing them. Motivation is so hard. I just want to be done and on my way. Done with school. Ready to start a new job. I feel like the world is my oyster, but I'm also scared. It's hard to apply to places without any frame of reference for the library in specific and the place in general. There's a battle between the familiar and the adventure.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
I like New Years, even though January seems like a weird time to start the new year. It would make more sense to me to have the years follow the school cycles, but not every one is in school, so I guess that wouldn't be the most practical. Anyway, I like New Years because it gives a sense of a new start and looking forward to what is to come in the following year. I also like making New Year's resolutions, and I have tried to make more practical ones that I actually plan on following through with in the past few years. I had one main resolution last year, and it was a continuous process last year, but it has been accomplished and I can make new ones this year.
The first resolution is the same one that everyone makes: exercise more. But, I actually will, because I will be running a half marathon in May, and I have to train for it. There are a lot of other resolutions I want to make, but the main one, on a more abstract level, is to really pursue God and work on my spiritual life. 2011 is going bring some really big changes for me, and I want my spiritual life to be firm and grounded in Christ, as I will need that constant in my life amidst all the upheaval of a new job and new place to live.
I have the whole day to myself! Yay holidays. No work, no outside obligations, only my own plans. I love days like this. I have a lot planned, though. I need to clean the house, write thank yous, and apply for jobs. Yes, I am starting the job application process. It seems fitting to start on the first day of the year. I have a few jobs picked out that look good, and I checked out some cover letter and resume books from the library. We have a rather good Job Search collection, so I decided to take advantage of it.
Also, I am no longer a reference intern at the public library. Yesterday was my last day. I am going to miss working over there, but I am grateful that I still have a position at the library.
Blessings to you all as you start the new year. I pray that God would guide your steps and that 2011 will bring growth, strength, and goodness.
Faith, hope, love, and the greatest of these is love.
The first resolution is the same one that everyone makes: exercise more. But, I actually will, because I will be running a half marathon in May, and I have to train for it. There are a lot of other resolutions I want to make, but the main one, on a more abstract level, is to really pursue God and work on my spiritual life. 2011 is going bring some really big changes for me, and I want my spiritual life to be firm and grounded in Christ, as I will need that constant in my life amidst all the upheaval of a new job and new place to live.
I have the whole day to myself! Yay holidays. No work, no outside obligations, only my own plans. I love days like this. I have a lot planned, though. I need to clean the house, write thank yous, and apply for jobs. Yes, I am starting the job application process. It seems fitting to start on the first day of the year. I have a few jobs picked out that look good, and I checked out some cover letter and resume books from the library. We have a rather good Job Search collection, so I decided to take advantage of it.
Also, I am no longer a reference intern at the public library. Yesterday was my last day. I am going to miss working over there, but I am grateful that I still have a position at the library.
Blessings to you all as you start the new year. I pray that God would guide your steps and that 2011 will bring growth, strength, and goodness.
Faith, hope, love, and the greatest of these is love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)