I know, I know. I'm terribly tardy on my blog entries. But my excuse is....drumroll please....I have lots of pictures to share and my USB hookup is currently being held hostage in a sickroom. So there.
quick update?
--trip was incredible. loved it. learned a lot.
--happy t-giving! mine was so restful that i managed to squeeze in six movies over the long weekend. i love you, mr. darcy.
--my nieces have been in town ALL WEEK. It might be a bit of heaven!
I'm sitting here writing this entry as I listen to Sonrise practice. Do you not know who Sonrise is? My goodness, where have you been? They're only the BEST bluegrass band in Orlando, maybe even in all of Central Florida! Wake up.
Really, it's my dad's band. And there's absolutely nothing like pick'n and sing'n with them. We're going on 5 hours of this now. I've sung a few with them and even picked up the guitar on a few. But mostly I've been listening and soaking up every minute.
Hey, hey....I just scored a gig with them! woo hoo! You'll have to come hear me sing "All American Bluegrass Girl" in January with them.
This is a GREAT ending to a shaky day and a real tough week. I've felt the faith-refining process a lot recently. Thank you, Jesus, for walking with me through it all. And thanks for moments like these when my soul truly rests.
back to the bluegrass......
Thursday, November 30
Friday, November 17
Fun people!
So...if you don't yet know....I am a people person. That has really been the best part of this trip: my fun friends!! Here are a few snapshots..
This was at The Oasis - a really cool place on multiple deck levels overlooking Lake Travis in Austin. Lauri and I took Jennings to dinner and enjoyed the sunset. Jennings used to work with us in the PI office but is now in his final months of prep to move to Central Asia. The best word to describe Jennings during our time in ATX is 'grace.' We might have gotten a little cocky about our sense of direction and map reading skills... 
Jon & Sally & Baby Jude, who's a real cutie. They're on their way overseas with Christar.
This was at The Oasis - a really cool place on multiple deck levels overlooking Lake Travis in Austin. Lauri and I took Jennings to dinner and enjoyed the sunset. Jennings used to work with us in the PI office but is now in his final months of prep to move to Central Asia. The best word to describe Jennings during our time in ATX is 'grace.' We might have gotten a little cocky about our sense of direction and map reading skills... 
Jon & Sally & Baby Jude, who's a real cutie. They're on their way overseas with Christar.
Joe show'n off his grill. Oddly enough, a little rap music always calms me down when things get hairy. So due to my crazy work schedule this summer, I eventually learned all the words to Nelly's Grillz, and, in the process, got a few other work cronies hooked on it too (including Joe). I fortunately brought the CD with me to TX, so we've all been enjoying it while cruisin' College Station.
Lauri chatting with Lindsey about her Edge trip last summer and further long-term options with us. Love this girl! She helped us recruit at the GO! Missions Conference here at Texas A&M last Tuesday night. GO! is put on by Breakaway Ministries, a college ministry that attracts over 4,000 students to its weekly Bible Study. Yeah, I said 4,000. Huge. Did you know that A&M sends out the most missionaries of any school in the US? It's because of ministries like Breakaway (visited on Tues. night), RUF (visited on Wed. night), Navigators (visited on Thurs. night), and many more. This place is a hot bed for students who love God and love the nations. (i find it ridiculously exciting, can you tell?) BACK to Lindsey...she learned about us at the GO! Conference last year and then served with us in East Asia for 8 weeks last summer. We're glad to send her back!
So, I didn't get to mention stories of seeing Kenny, Katie, John, Stephanie, Sarah, Rodney, Katy, Robbie, Ryan, Jim, Bill, Matt, Emily, Jamie, Jennifer, Monica, and Lauren -- my dear family in the Faith.
Pray for God to use these friends for the sake of His Gospel among the least-reached!
Friday, November 10
The Great State Of....
Yes, that's right. I'm on a recruiting trip in Texas for the next 10 days or so. I flew in yesterday and have visited Dallas Theological Seminary and Texas Christian University, plus had several appointments. There are lots of great churches here that, honestly, I think are ripe for the missionary harvest! I met with a gal last night in prep for speaking at her church next weekend. That church already sent some of their members through us to Southeast Asia, but there are tons more who are interested, especially in the college ministry. Then a co-worker and I met with a young church plant in Grapevine this morning who is just beginning to clarify their missions program. There are at least 4 couples and some singles in that church who are ready to go overseas! It's incredible! This area seems to have lots of missions interest and it's so exciting to get in on that action. I love it. I'm in a Dallas Panera right now awaiting an appointment with a gal who should be here any minute.
Lauri and I had some yummy Tex-Mex with the "Mission Coaches" of Rightnow.org today. These gals rock. Their role is simply to connect people to organizations in the world of missions, so they spend most of the day on the phone listening to peoples stories and helping to connect their vision to an matching organization, that ultimately they might be actively engaged with the Gospel around the world. How cool is that? (Check them out at www.rightnow.org.) They're super fun gals! (Lauri, Felicity, Melanie, Michelle, Me)
Wednesday, November 8
Nori-chan
Somewhere around 3-4 years ago, while I was still a young whippersnapper student at UCF, I drove out to a Windermere Perkins to have breakfast with my friend Noriko. Since I was just beginning to study Japanese culture, my friendship with Noriko was an invaluable relationship as we shared our lives, worldviews, backgrounds, hopes, and dreams together. But even more so, she was also my sister in our great Faith. She had much to teach me about evangelism and discipleship in the context of Japanese culture. I eagerly sought to develop this friendship and soak up any time I could spend with her.
As we chatted over eggs and bacon that morning, Noriko was dreaming out loud about her future. She was finishing up at Valencia Community College at that time, where she first studied English and then received her AA degree. After a short break, she was enrolling in Rollins College to study English Literature (can you imagine Shakespeare in a second language?).
"I'm think I would really like to study at RTS," she said. "But I don't know how I could ever afford that." We discussed this some more, and I concluded, "Noriko, if God really wants you to go, He'll provide." That's a simple answer; but I was firmly convinced.
"You know, I'm thinking of going to RTS, too!" I added. "Wouldn't it be so fun to be in class together? You and me - in seminary!"
Here we are! Systematics 1, Fall 06.
Ho
w Great is our God!
Last Sunday, we celebrated the completion of our 101 question mid-term at Hanamizuki. Yes, that's us enjoying green tea ice cream. Mmm...yum!
As we chatted over eggs and bacon that morning, Noriko was dreaming out loud about her future. She was finishing up at Valencia Community College at that time, where she first studied English and then received her AA degree. After a short break, she was enrolling in Rollins College to study English Literature (can you imagine Shakespeare in a second language?).
"I'm think I would really like to study at RTS," she said. "But I don't know how I could ever afford that." We discussed this some more, and I concluded, "Noriko, if God really wants you to go, He'll provide." That's a simple answer; but I was firmly convinced.
"You know, I'm thinking of going to RTS, too!" I added. "Wouldn't it be so fun to be in class together? You and me - in seminary!"
Here we are! Systematics 1, Fall 06.Ho
w Great is our God!Last Sunday, we celebrated the completion of our 101 question mid-term at Hanamizuki. Yes, that's us enjoying green tea ice cream. Mmm...yum!
Monday, November 6
Systematic Theology w/ John Frame
First of all, Dr. Frame is brilliant. And he really loves Jesus.
Second of all, I have to blog this entry. Bear with me. Blogging these thoughts will help me process what I've studied.
The Doctrine of Preservation: ever considered it?
--Metaphysical preservation. God preserves the world in "being." Col. 1:7 "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." The world requires God's permission to remain in existence each moment.
--Covenant preservation. God saves the lives of believers and the church as part of his covenant blessing. Duet. 6:1-2, Joshua 24:17, Psalm 66:9, Matt. 6:18.
--Eternal perservation. John 10:27-30, otherwise known as the doctrine of perserverance. God keeps His own in His hand.
My favorite part of this study, to be sure, was the material on Redemptive-Historical preservation, God's temporary perservation of the world from final judgment, so as to bring his people to salvation.
What amazing grace! Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil - why? Because they would surely die. And yet, God preserved them. Despite the evil in Cain's heart, a mark was put on his forehead so that no one would kill him. God preserved the human race until the flood, the flood marked an image of de-creation, and, though sin continued, God also continued to preserve His people.
Upon their exit from the ark, Noah built an alter to the Lord and sacrificed. "The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.'" Gen. 8:21-22. This is a promise of preservation.
Matthew 24:37 says that "as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." see 2 Peter 3:5-7. Final judgment will be as in the days of Noah, another de-creation.
MEANWHILE....here's the good news....God preserves the world for the sake of the elect. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God is patient with sinners! Acts 14:17, 17:25-28. He longs for all men to know Him, and he is patient for his timing.
Folks, the missionary mandate is holding the earth together. In a very real sense, God is preserving this earth and preserving people for the sake of His name going forth among them. I mean, really. Think about that for just a second. We are given the awesome commission of being a part of this amazing grace! As we share truth and see men come to repentance, we are gaining one step closer to Heaven. How does little, weak, faithless me get to join the King's army for such a worthy cause? I've been given great purpose!
One more thing. I've never heard this before this class, but --wow, what a thought. The passing of seasons remind us of the needs of the lost. As in Genesis 8 mentioned above, God promises that through the seasons He will preserve His people and never flood the earth again. But the seasons will not pass forever! One day, the earth will end and final judgment will come. No more seasons. No more opportunity for repentance. That compels me! Time is short!
Meditation on this doctrine of preservation completely overwhelms me with floods of grace. We -I- firmly do not deserve His favor. And to think he takes PLEASURE in pouring out His grace upon us! He takes pleasure in preserving His church and the world to demonstrate His faithfulness to us.
Oh, Lord, help me walk in the truth that I know!
Second of all, I have to blog this entry. Bear with me. Blogging these thoughts will help me process what I've studied.
The Doctrine of Preservation: ever considered it?
--Metaphysical preservation. God preserves the world in "being." Col. 1:7 "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." The world requires God's permission to remain in existence each moment.
--Covenant preservation. God saves the lives of believers and the church as part of his covenant blessing. Duet. 6:1-2, Joshua 24:17, Psalm 66:9, Matt. 6:18.
--Eternal perservation. John 10:27-30, otherwise known as the doctrine of perserverance. God keeps His own in His hand.
My favorite part of this study, to be sure, was the material on Redemptive-Historical preservation, God's temporary perservation of the world from final judgment, so as to bring his people to salvation.
What amazing grace! Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil - why? Because they would surely die. And yet, God preserved them. Despite the evil in Cain's heart, a mark was put on his forehead so that no one would kill him. God preserved the human race until the flood, the flood marked an image of de-creation, and, though sin continued, God also continued to preserve His people.
Upon their exit from the ark, Noah built an alter to the Lord and sacrificed. "The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.'" Gen. 8:21-22. This is a promise of preservation.
Matthew 24:37 says that "as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." see 2 Peter 3:5-7. Final judgment will be as in the days of Noah, another de-creation.
MEANWHILE....here's the good news....God preserves the world for the sake of the elect. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God is patient with sinners! Acts 14:17, 17:25-28. He longs for all men to know Him, and he is patient for his timing.
Folks, the missionary mandate is holding the earth together. In a very real sense, God is preserving this earth and preserving people for the sake of His name going forth among them. I mean, really. Think about that for just a second. We are given the awesome commission of being a part of this amazing grace! As we share truth and see men come to repentance, we are gaining one step closer to Heaven. How does little, weak, faithless me get to join the King's army for such a worthy cause? I've been given great purpose!
One more thing. I've never heard this before this class, but --wow, what a thought. The passing of seasons remind us of the needs of the lost. As in Genesis 8 mentioned above, God promises that through the seasons He will preserve His people and never flood the earth again. But the seasons will not pass forever! One day, the earth will end and final judgment will come. No more seasons. No more opportunity for repentance. That compels me! Time is short!
Meditation on this doctrine of preservation completely overwhelms me with floods of grace. We -I- firmly do not deserve His favor. And to think he takes PLEASURE in pouring out His grace upon us! He takes pleasure in preserving His church and the world to demonstrate His faithfulness to us.
Oh, Lord, help me walk in the truth that I know!
Just in case you were wondering...
It takes exactly 19 minutes from my office to the nearest Steak 'n Ale restaurant. The reason I know this, you ask? Because I lost a bet today. I bought my lunch AND another's because I lost the bet that we could get there in 17 minutes. I'd like you to know, I put up quite a fight. I drove like a champ and my passengers put their lives on the line for my sake.
However, the truth is...
It takes more than 17 minutes to get there.
However, the truth is...
It takes more than 17 minutes to get there.
Thursday, November 2
Mr. and Mrs. Todd & Kim Pate
My dear roommate Kim got married to the man of her dreams last Saturday! It was such a neat wedding to be a part of. The Beracah girls prayed fervently with Kim for months - praying for Kim's heart as she worked with Todd in ministry, praying for Todd to be directed by the Lord in their relationship, and even praying for Todd to fall in love with Kim! (I think we all agree that Kim has the gift of faith in prayer...)
And here they are!
So long, roomie. We'll miss you at the Beracah house!
Wednesday, November 1
Wednesday, October 25
Blonde, Redhead, or Brunette?
I'm currently working on that. Who really does have more fun? more adventure? more class?
Yesterday, I was a blonde.
Today, I'm a redhead.
Who knows...maybe sometime next week, I'll be a brunette.
And don't tell me that I look better as a blonde. That's a bunch of malarky. God made me a brunette, and while I do not find any problem at all in having fun changing my hair color, I value the way he made me.
This last week's shenanigans with Natalie Patton and a few boxes of hair color reminded me of the last time I tried to do my own hair. A few of my readers may remember this.
Picture me.
Color my hair with a florescent yellow highlighter.
Now put me in Japan.
Uh-huh. I stuck out like a sore thumb.
Oh wait, this was after I tried to "brush on" highlights myself, resulting in a yellow patch on the top of my head, tried to color it up with color, to no avail, then actually stripped my poor, dying hair of all pigment whatsoever.
On our third day in Japan, I met my fellow-teammates for lunch at Chiba University - our first day on campus. My teammates told their new Japanese friends that another American girl was coming for lunch, but she would be late (I know what you're thinking, but I was teaching an English class). When I walked up, one girl turned to meet me, jumped back, covered her mouth with her hand, and snickered. Yes, snickered. She was apparently taken aback by a strange glow coming from my head, otherwise known as MY HAIR. Reiko doesn't remember that story, but I sure do. It wasn't like I was self-conscious or anything...
A month later, friend Matt Walker came from the US to visit his sister and brought a gift from my mom: a box of brunette hair color and a highlighting kit. The Japanese learned there really was a God who cared about his children.
After that fateful operation, I decided I would trust the well-trained "beauty technicians" at my local salon to care for my mop. So for the last 5 years, I have forked over exhorbitant amounts of money every 3 months to get my hair done.
Until now.
Cut, color, blow dry, and style from Studio Gerault: $ 120
Box of color from Wal-mart: $ 7
Haircut from random salon: $ 15
Another box of color from Walgreens: $ 9.50
Your boss asking if you're going through a mid-20's crisis: priceless.
Yesterday, I was a blonde.
Today, I'm a redhead.
Who knows...maybe sometime next week, I'll be a brunette.
And don't tell me that I look better as a blonde. That's a bunch of malarky. God made me a brunette, and while I do not find any problem at all in having fun changing my hair color, I value the way he made me.
This last week's shenanigans with Natalie Patton and a few boxes of hair color reminded me of the last time I tried to do my own hair. A few of my readers may remember this.
Picture me.
Color my hair with a florescent yellow highlighter.
Now put me in Japan.
Uh-huh. I stuck out like a sore thumb.
Oh wait, this was after I tried to "brush on" highlights myself, resulting in a yellow patch on the top of my head, tried to color it up with color, to no avail, then actually stripped my poor, dying hair of all pigment whatsoever.
On our third day in Japan, I met my fellow-teammates for lunch at Chiba University - our first day on campus. My teammates told their new Japanese friends that another American girl was coming for lunch, but she would be late (I know what you're thinking, but I was teaching an English class). When I walked up, one girl turned to meet me, jumped back, covered her mouth with her hand, and snickered. Yes, snickered. She was apparently taken aback by a strange glow coming from my head, otherwise known as MY HAIR. Reiko doesn't remember that story, but I sure do. It wasn't like I was self-conscious or anything...
A month later, friend Matt Walker came from the US to visit his sister and brought a gift from my mom: a box of brunette hair color and a highlighting kit. The Japanese learned there really was a God who cared about his children.
After that fateful operation, I decided I would trust the well-trained "beauty technicians" at my local salon to care for my mop. So for the last 5 years, I have forked over exhorbitant amounts of money every 3 months to get my hair done.
Until now.
Cut, color, blow dry, and style from Studio Gerault: $ 120
Box of color from Wal-mart: $ 7
Haircut from random salon: $ 15
Another box of color from Walgreens: $ 9.50
Your boss asking if you're going through a mid-20's crisis: priceless.
Monday, October 23
Back to Square One
"I want to simplify your lives.
When others are telling you to read more, I want to tell you to read less;
when others are telling you to do more, I want to tell you to do less.
The world does not need more of you; it needs more of God.
Your friends do not need more of you; they need more of God.
And you don't need more of you; you need more of God.
For we do not progress in the Christian life by becoming more competent, more knowledgeable, more virtuous, or more energetic. We do not advance in the Christian life by acquiring expertise.
Each day, and many times each day, we need more of God.
Back to Square One."
--Eugene Peterson
When others are telling you to read more, I want to tell you to read less;
when others are telling you to do more, I want to tell you to do less.
The world does not need more of you; it needs more of God.
Your friends do not need more of you; they need more of God.
And you don't need more of you; you need more of God.
For we do not progress in the Christian life by becoming more competent, more knowledgeable, more virtuous, or more energetic. We do not advance in the Christian life by acquiring expertise.
Each day, and many times each day, we need more of God.
Back to Square One."
--Eugene Peterson
Monday, October 16
Crisp. Cool. Clear.
...the weather this past weekend in O-town. It was unbelievably nice.
Yeah for fall!
(lets not mention that the heat index rose again today, ok?)
Happy Monday, folks. I'm thinking about ya.
Yeah for fall!
(lets not mention that the heat index rose again today, ok?)
Happy Monday, folks. I'm thinking about ya.
Friday, October 13
Thursday night TV night
First of all: too many Thursday night parties, people. We need to consolidate. There are too many choices. At one house, someone is offering tacos and margaritas, at another, we get to meet someone's "special friend." Then there's the special lull of my own couch, in my jammies, with some hot tea. Hmmm....well, Angela won last night. She begged me to stay home and I did. Plus, I don't know many others who enjoy The Office like we do.
THE OFFICE...my word, how can you not be in love with Jim. "As your direct superviser today, I'm making the decision that we cannot move forward in this project until you get your potato chips." If the writers are trying to develop his character into a heartthrob, they have succeeded in my house.
GREY'S...geez louise. This week's word is back to *scandalous*. A few thoughts: Remind me never to get on morphine. McSteamy needs to take his sorry butt back to NY. In a twisted move, McDreamy has now really captured Meredith's heart by walking away. (at which point, I initially unleashed a proud "woo hoo" because he finally came to his senses) And, McVet will be sorely missed. One more thing: what would you do with 8.7 million dollars? My vote is open a "denny wing" at the Seattle Grace. Any more ideas?
Karaoke at my house tonight in honor of Angela and Ashley's B-days. Feel free to stop by.
THE OFFICE...my word, how can you not be in love with Jim. "As your direct superviser today, I'm making the decision that we cannot move forward in this project until you get your potato chips." If the writers are trying to develop his character into a heartthrob, they have succeeded in my house.
GREY'S...geez louise. This week's word is back to *scandalous*. A few thoughts: Remind me never to get on morphine. McSteamy needs to take his sorry butt back to NY. In a twisted move, McDreamy has now really captured Meredith's heart by walking away. (at which point, I initially unleashed a proud "woo hoo" because he finally came to his senses) And, McVet will be sorely missed. One more thing: what would you do with 8.7 million dollars? My vote is open a "denny wing" at the Seattle Grace. Any more ideas?
Karaoke at my house tonight in honor of Angela and Ashley's B-days. Feel free to stop by.
Thursday, October 12
check it out!
PIONEERS new communication package was unveiled today! Man, I am so proud of my co-workers. They prayed and worked and reviewed and worked some more on this web, print, and video package -- and it is well done. Excellent, my friends. This is excellent work.
*new website: www.pioneers.org
*new brochure that I would be HAPPY to send you.
*and an incredible video that I would also like to show you; you can't get it online. Just say the word.
I'm very thankful to be part of this organization!
*new website: www.pioneers.org
*new brochure that I would be HAPPY to send you.
*and an incredible video that I would also like to show you; you can't get it online. Just say the word.
I'm very thankful to be part of this organization!
Sunday, October 8
wow. i just grew up fast.
Check it out: I just got a letter from the AARP.
It reads:
"Our records show that you haven't yet registered for the benefits of AARP membership, even though you are fully eligible."
Um, excuse me. Did someone NOT get the memo that I was born in 1982? What "records" are they referring to, and who would like to take credit for this masterful record-keeping?
"As a member, you'll have the resources and information you need to get the most out of life over 50."
Well, hot diggity dog. I'm sending in this registration and getting started on those benefits early. I'm going for it!
It reads:
"Our records show that you haven't yet registered for the benefits of AARP membership, even though you are fully eligible."
Um, excuse me. Did someone NOT get the memo that I was born in 1982? What "records" are they referring to, and who would like to take credit for this masterful record-keeping?
"As a member, you'll have the resources and information you need to get the most out of life over 50."
Well, hot diggity dog. I'm sending in this registration and getting started on those benefits early. I'm going for it!
Thursday, October 5
sniffle, sniffle
I've forgotten how comfortable my couch really is. I haven't lounged around on the couch for weeks...until now. It's me and a sinus infection. Not really a whole lot of fun.
Other than that, it's been a pretty good week. On Monday night, we had our second girls group. 9 of us are reading "Lost Women of the Bible" by Carolyn James -- discussing it, and our lives. We meet every other week and I'm absolutely lovin' these sisters.
Tuesday night, I had some gals from work over for dinner. This is an orientation week at PI, so a few co-workers and I hosted some candidates who are applying to serve overseas. Hearing their stories and getting to know them really rejuvinates me to press on at work.
Lets see... Wednesday was a miserable day at home on the couch. My mom brought me chicken soup. :) And I managed to make it to the church at 7 for our first English Cafe. We had one person come! woo hoo! I really wasn't sure if we'd get anyone, but I was SO excited when I found out that she heard about our English classes because of a particular flyer I put up last Saturday. I seriously prayed over those flyers as I posted them around town. Anyway, we're hoping for more students next week.
I came home early from work again today and a friend came over to make dinner. She convinced me that I really need to call the doctor tomorrow. I hope I can get an appointment and start some antibiotics. I'm dying here.
Thursdays are my TV night. The Office was pretty good tonight...albeit a tad weird. What was with the "hug it out, *****"? That's not quite what I expected...
And Greys! I love Greys Anatomy. Last week was quite scandalous; this week was really sweet. Alex has finally won my heart. He's usually really annoying, self-centered, and cocky as all get-out. But in tonight's episode, you caught a glimpse of his tender side. His conversation with Izzy outside the hospital was full of great lines. Good job, emmy-award- winning writers. And so our little interns keep moving along...
How was your week?
Other than that, it's been a pretty good week. On Monday night, we had our second girls group. 9 of us are reading "Lost Women of the Bible" by Carolyn James -- discussing it, and our lives. We meet every other week and I'm absolutely lovin' these sisters.
Tuesday night, I had some gals from work over for dinner. This is an orientation week at PI, so a few co-workers and I hosted some candidates who are applying to serve overseas. Hearing their stories and getting to know them really rejuvinates me to press on at work.
Lets see... Wednesday was a miserable day at home on the couch. My mom brought me chicken soup. :) And I managed to make it to the church at 7 for our first English Cafe. We had one person come! woo hoo! I really wasn't sure if we'd get anyone, but I was SO excited when I found out that she heard about our English classes because of a particular flyer I put up last Saturday. I seriously prayed over those flyers as I posted them around town. Anyway, we're hoping for more students next week.
I came home early from work again today and a friend came over to make dinner. She convinced me that I really need to call the doctor tomorrow. I hope I can get an appointment and start some antibiotics. I'm dying here.
Thursdays are my TV night. The Office was pretty good tonight...albeit a tad weird. What was with the "hug it out, *****"? That's not quite what I expected...
And Greys! I love Greys Anatomy. Last week was quite scandalous; this week was really sweet. Alex has finally won my heart. He's usually really annoying, self-centered, and cocky as all get-out. But in tonight's episode, you caught a glimpse of his tender side. His conversation with Izzy outside the hospital was full of great lines. Good job, emmy-award- winning writers. And so our little interns keep moving along...
How was your week?
Friday, September 29
Tuesday, September 26
Strange conversations
I seem to recall visiting a website a couple years ago that posted "strange conversations" heard in NYC. It was stink'n hilarious. Anybody know where to find that? Well, here's my own version. This is 100% true.
Two guys walking out of the bathroom at church:
"It is virtually impossible to make a soft poached egg."
At my office:
"I'm on a candidate committee next week."
"Me too."
"Then on Wednesday I'm going to Hawaii."
"Yeah, I'm going to Turkey."
"Okay, we'll meet at the end of October."
This conversation was silent, but let me tell you the story. One guy -in my graduate level class today- writes a note to a guy sitting two seats down from him, seat in the middle empty. The receiver of the note was dozing. The author of the note is watching the other guy, as if staring at him will wake him up. 60 seconds go by. Still sleeping. The author of the note wraps his arm around the empty seat and taps on the edge of the seat with his pen. Mission complete: receiver of note wakes up and sees the note. The conversation continues.
What the heck.
Two guys walking out of the bathroom at church:
"It is virtually impossible to make a soft poached egg."
At my office:
"I'm on a candidate committee next week."
"Me too."
"Then on Wednesday I'm going to Hawaii."
"Yeah, I'm going to Turkey."
"Okay, we'll meet at the end of October."
This conversation was silent, but let me tell you the story. One guy -in my graduate level class today- writes a note to a guy sitting two seats down from him, seat in the middle empty. The receiver of the note was dozing. The author of the note is watching the other guy, as if staring at him will wake him up. 60 seconds go by. Still sleeping. The author of the note wraps his arm around the empty seat and taps on the edge of the seat with his pen. Mission complete: receiver of note wakes up and sees the note. The conversation continues.
What the heck.
Friday, September 22
pictures from Emily's 3rd birthday party
gotta love these cuties! They're SO much fun. Ella is 4, Emi is now 3. No pictures of their parents...whoops...but you can see my parents, Nana and Gramps, up there- as well as Uncle Rich and Aunt Becky.
Tuesday, September 19
A great new hymn
Last Sunday, St. Paul's resumed our monthly Evensong service, after taking a summer break. I just love this quiet, contemplative service that offers beautiful music, a homily, and Communion.
Our "chief musician" introduced a new hymn this week that hails from Britain, and I'm a big fan.
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
I'm sorry you can't hear the soothing melody that these words dance to. In keeping with the Britain theme, I must say that it's really quite lovely.
Friends around the world, I prayed for you as I sang this song with tears in my eyes! How awesome to think of the sun never setting on the Church around the world; truly praises are being lifted up hour by hour to our Great King!
Our "chief musician" introduced a new hymn this week that hails from Britain, and I'm a big fan.
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
I'm sorry you can't hear the soothing melody that these words dance to. In keeping with the Britain theme, I must say that it's really quite lovely.
Friends around the world, I prayed for you as I sang this song with tears in my eyes! How awesome to think of the sun never setting on the Church around the world; truly praises are being lifted up hour by hour to our Great King!
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