New Things: One day full of absolutely nothing, made cake balls, helped my dear friend Shonica move (again), one week out from Christmas without Christmas gifts to give... awesome!
On my day full of absolutely nothing, I did watch Die Hard 1,2, and 4. By now you must understand my love for these movies. They are a great combination of humor, action,wit, and sometimes romance. I'm pretty sure there is no way Bruce Willis could actually live through everything he has experienced but this is why we are so impressed with him. I love having to think through a movie. I feel less lazy watching the movie when I have to pay attention to the plot. The Bourne series is next on my list to watch. Man, I have lofty goals in life.
I'm not sure why I like these movies so much. I guess I like the thrill and the brave hero. Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with me that a good ol chick flick doesn't keep my attention as much. I mean, I like some chick flicks but I get so excited about a car taking out a helicopter or a wildly ridiculous amount of explosives that never kill the target. The other night my roommate and I watched a chick flick where four men were in a fight and not even a bloody nose, weak! I think I like these movies because I look at life with thrill and wit and just know that something in my life is going to blow up. It depicts life as a hazard rather than unicorns that poop rainbows. My concern is since when did women start buying into the fact that life stinks until a man sweeps them off their feet.
Here is the truth... welcome life's comedy, pursue wit, find a hero to rescue you from disaster, and don't settle for a cliche. The best movies relate to all of these areas. Find a theme song and roll wit it as the credits run with you driving in a convertible on the highway to satisfaction.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Living Life in a Sleep
New things: First time I didn't have someting new for my blog!! I'm knee deep in finals, please forgive me. After thursday I will be much more exciting!!
Growing up, my dad used to tell me that every night he would put me to bed and most evenings at a certain time he would watch me clumsily make my way down the hallway ready to take on the world in half a dream. My dad would corral me by the stairs and direct me back to my bed where he would tuck me in safely. Usually my first attempt of freedom was too exhausting to get back out of bed.
In college, my roommate hated my sleep habits. I would somehow make my way down the stairs and who knew where I ended up. I would go in her room sometimes and turn on the lights and jet out without an ounce of remorse. I called people in my sleep, which may be more dangerous than falling down the stairs. Mostly I ended up on the couch downstairs with the tv on.
Since I've been in seminary, I do not have many stories of my sleeping in action. A few times I changed sleeping locations but nothing out of the ordinary. That is until my poor roommate Kimberly got to see me in action. It is a habit now for me to start on the floor in front of the tv (if I ever wake up in my bed I'll know it's because I slept walked there). Kimberly usually watches whatever movie I have in while she studies, then goes to bed. The other morning Kim asked me if remembered talking to her the previous night. Noting the clueless look on my face Kim proceeds to tell me that I quickly shot up off the floor, made my way to the restroom, did some business, got some water to drink, and went to lay back down. Kim had asked if I would like to turn the movie back on that it was fine. I then responded that I would try to go to sleep without the tv on but I would let her know if I had any trouble. I laid my head down, and that's all she wrote.
NOT A CLUE!! haha It's good to know that I can do life in my sleep... literally!!
Growing up, my dad used to tell me that every night he would put me to bed and most evenings at a certain time he would watch me clumsily make my way down the hallway ready to take on the world in half a dream. My dad would corral me by the stairs and direct me back to my bed where he would tuck me in safely. Usually my first attempt of freedom was too exhausting to get back out of bed.
In college, my roommate hated my sleep habits. I would somehow make my way down the stairs and who knew where I ended up. I would go in her room sometimes and turn on the lights and jet out without an ounce of remorse. I called people in my sleep, which may be more dangerous than falling down the stairs. Mostly I ended up on the couch downstairs with the tv on.
Since I've been in seminary, I do not have many stories of my sleeping in action. A few times I changed sleeping locations but nothing out of the ordinary. That is until my poor roommate Kimberly got to see me in action. It is a habit now for me to start on the floor in front of the tv (if I ever wake up in my bed I'll know it's because I slept walked there). Kimberly usually watches whatever movie I have in while she studies, then goes to bed. The other morning Kim asked me if remembered talking to her the previous night. Noting the clueless look on my face Kim proceeds to tell me that I quickly shot up off the floor, made my way to the restroom, did some business, got some water to drink, and went to lay back down. Kim had asked if I would like to turn the movie back on that it was fine. I then responded that I would try to go to sleep without the tv on but I would let her know if I had any trouble. I laid my head down, and that's all she wrote.
NOT A CLUE!! haha It's good to know that I can do life in my sleep... literally!!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Non Favorites
New Things: SEBTS Christmas Concert, Went to my last class in a Fall semester EVER!!!!
I don't like to complain a lot, so I keep things to myself. It usually starts building up inside of me until finally I'm on the phone with my mom where I just unleash built up non favorites all over her. It is amazing she ever answers the phone. So I've decided maybe the most healthy way to unleash this is to tell you. There is no particular order.
1. a driver to the left of me at a stop sign creeps up so I can't see cars coming from the left. Just freakin hold your horses so I can take a right turn.
2. getting phone calls from telemarketers who insult me by trying to convince me that I signed up for online college classes and then are defensive when I tell them I didn't and want off their list.
3. people that yell at me because they were inconvenienced by something out of my control.
4. people that make excuses for their mistakes. just apologize and don't do it again.
5. Anything below 50 degrees without snow should not be allowed.
6. Being told what to do (this is a pride issue, I understand)
7. Country music
8. dark chocolate
9. cussing
10. sweet tea or dr. pepper
11. the unknown
12. predictability
13. driving long distances by myself
14. jealousy
15. crying
16. being wrong
17. disappointing others
18. the color brown
19. bullies
20. complaining
I don't like to complain a lot, so I keep things to myself. It usually starts building up inside of me until finally I'm on the phone with my mom where I just unleash built up non favorites all over her. It is amazing she ever answers the phone. So I've decided maybe the most healthy way to unleash this is to tell you. There is no particular order.
1. a driver to the left of me at a stop sign creeps up so I can't see cars coming from the left. Just freakin hold your horses so I can take a right turn.
2. getting phone calls from telemarketers who insult me by trying to convince me that I signed up for online college classes and then are defensive when I tell them I didn't and want off their list.
3. people that yell at me because they were inconvenienced by something out of my control.
4. people that make excuses for their mistakes. just apologize and don't do it again.
5. Anything below 50 degrees without snow should not be allowed.
6. Being told what to do (this is a pride issue, I understand)
7. Country music
8. dark chocolate
9. cussing
10. sweet tea or dr. pepper
11. the unknown
12. predictability
13. driving long distances by myself
14. jealousy
15. crying
16. being wrong
17. disappointing others
18. the color brown
19. bullies
20. complaining
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
My Kryptonite
New Things: Started a painting completely from my own creativity, got my first Christmas present of 2011, watched Inside Man
I already know this blog will sound arrogant but in reality I'm letting you know my biggest weakness. Please don't use it against me! Ready?... is the anticipation setting in?...boys!!!
Arrogant Section:
I really do think I would be a great catch. I like action films,sports, I like to laugh and hate to cry, I'm not the jealous type or clingy, I like a challenge, I'm intelligent, not completely unfortunate looking, I'm a decision maker, leader, follower, I get along with most people, outgoing, like to bake and paint, I run, I eat healthy and hearty, I'm not afraid of confrontation but don't let small things bother me, I'm a good driver and good with directions, I'm not fragile but like the man to be a man, I'm well read, I like college football, love my family, and most of all love God.
I have room for many improvements but the one thing that shuts me down is fear of rejection.
Here's what happens:
I meet someone that is attractive, probably tells a joke, holds a decent conversation, and smiles just because he is a nice guy. Upon observation I find the guy is nice. He befriends those that don't have many friends. He is generous to others. He is active in the Church and I know he loves God. He is humble. Never self-serving. He loves getting to know people. He is adventurous. He's not clingy or a creeper. He's not a flirt. He's a man's man. He loves his family. He is intelligent, encouraging, and edifies others.
So what do I do? I ignore him of course. I put up a wall so others won't figure me out, that I might be interested. I shut down and concentrate so much on not screwing up that I forget to be myself. I fear I'm not pretty enough or funny enough to hold his attention. I pretend I don't need a man in my life including him. Then another awesome girl swoops in, bats her eyes, compliments his manlihood and they live happily ever after. Ironically, in the end, the version of me that reasons myself into fear of rejection is rejected.
It makes sense in my head. I don't know how to flirt with the guy I actually like becasue he might figure out I like him, or he may not like me, or others might think I like him, or see him reject me. Or he might lead me on. Or he might actually work out. But none of this is certain or truth. It can't be guaranteed. And I just don't think my heart can take anymore. It is better to ignore it so I don't experience rejection. I say I'd rather go to Africa because being single there makes sense. I can move to NY because people don't get married there. If I stay here and can't reel in the guy I respect most then I'll stay here single where people start asking questions about why I'm still single or when am I going to settle down? As if it were my decision.
I already know this blog will sound arrogant but in reality I'm letting you know my biggest weakness. Please don't use it against me! Ready?... is the anticipation setting in?...boys!!!
Arrogant Section:
I really do think I would be a great catch. I like action films,sports, I like to laugh and hate to cry, I'm not the jealous type or clingy, I like a challenge, I'm intelligent, not completely unfortunate looking, I'm a decision maker, leader, follower, I get along with most people, outgoing, like to bake and paint, I run, I eat healthy and hearty, I'm not afraid of confrontation but don't let small things bother me, I'm a good driver and good with directions, I'm not fragile but like the man to be a man, I'm well read, I like college football, love my family, and most of all love God.
I have room for many improvements but the one thing that shuts me down is fear of rejection.
Here's what happens:
I meet someone that is attractive, probably tells a joke, holds a decent conversation, and smiles just because he is a nice guy. Upon observation I find the guy is nice. He befriends those that don't have many friends. He is generous to others. He is active in the Church and I know he loves God. He is humble. Never self-serving. He loves getting to know people. He is adventurous. He's not clingy or a creeper. He's not a flirt. He's a man's man. He loves his family. He is intelligent, encouraging, and edifies others.
So what do I do? I ignore him of course. I put up a wall so others won't figure me out, that I might be interested. I shut down and concentrate so much on not screwing up that I forget to be myself. I fear I'm not pretty enough or funny enough to hold his attention. I pretend I don't need a man in my life including him. Then another awesome girl swoops in, bats her eyes, compliments his manlihood and they live happily ever after. Ironically, in the end, the version of me that reasons myself into fear of rejection is rejected.
It makes sense in my head. I don't know how to flirt with the guy I actually like becasue he might figure out I like him, or he may not like me, or others might think I like him, or see him reject me. Or he might lead me on. Or he might actually work out. But none of this is certain or truth. It can't be guaranteed. And I just don't think my heart can take anymore. It is better to ignore it so I don't experience rejection. I say I'd rather go to Africa because being single there makes sense. I can move to NY because people don't get married there. If I stay here and can't reel in the guy I respect most then I'll stay here single where people start asking questions about why I'm still single or when am I going to settle down? As if it were my decision.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
White Noise
New Things: Raleigh's lighting of the Christmas tree, Mo Joe's, Super 8
Analogy:
White Noise is noise containing many frequencies with equal intensities. It is used to cover up other noises often for rest or soothing effects.
This is what my life sounds like! I'm a student, employee, church member/ servant, volunteer, counselor, mentor, daughter, friend, single, adventurous 27 years old ready to graduate, get a job and stop being single. All of these things scream at me everyday. Noise tells me what to do, how to do it, when to do it, how well I should do it, who I should do it with, and who I should do if for. There are many opinons and they don't always match mine. As overwhelming as this sounds, all of them together lulls me away into rest. But not the real kind of rest, the kind that avoids listening for the frequency that the white noise covers up.
Why do we want white noise to cover up other noises? Are we afraid of its dangers, warnings, or truth? The world often covers up the one thing we should be listening to, God. He does not compete with the other noises but he is constant when we are ready to shut out the others. My status, age, job, and finances are not going to give me answers.
God, break through noise. Let me hear your Word and believe it is true for my life!
Analogy:
White Noise is noise containing many frequencies with equal intensities. It is used to cover up other noises often for rest or soothing effects.
This is what my life sounds like! I'm a student, employee, church member/ servant, volunteer, counselor, mentor, daughter, friend, single, adventurous 27 years old ready to graduate, get a job and stop being single. All of these things scream at me everyday. Noise tells me what to do, how to do it, when to do it, how well I should do it, who I should do it with, and who I should do if for. There are many opinons and they don't always match mine. As overwhelming as this sounds, all of them together lulls me away into rest. But not the real kind of rest, the kind that avoids listening for the frequency that the white noise covers up.
Why do we want white noise to cover up other noises? Are we afraid of its dangers, warnings, or truth? The world often covers up the one thing we should be listening to, God. He does not compete with the other noises but he is constant when we are ready to shut out the others. My status, age, job, and finances are not going to give me answers.
God, break through noise. Let me hear your Word and believe it is true for my life!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Black Friday Oxymoron
New Things: Saying goodbye to my grandmother, Gatlinburg Thanksgiving, Dixie Stampede, Auburn losing Iron Bowl, Senioritis (not new just exasperated)
I've decided to take a break from my already procrastinated papers to speak out on a huge annoyance of mine... Black Friday!!! Those greedy Americans trying to pocket the best deals before Christmas and those greedy businesses selling their lives for a few bucks. Talk about a waste of time and money.
I just enjoyed a wonderful weekend in the Smokey Mountains where rest, food and football brought the family closer together. There was no rushing out as early as possible the next morning, elbowing complete strangers as I dart for some shiny object that is worthless to me in about 5 minutes. We did things that right way, where we overstuffed our bellies, went to different rooms to take naps and woke up cranky ready for pumpkin pie.
Okay okay so really I have never liked Black Friday! It seems odd to me that we talk about the things we are thankful for right before we go out and buy a bunch of things because we were not satisfied with what we already had. It sounds like we are not as thankful as we let on. However, after reading an article about the death of a man at Target on black Friday, I've decided I'm boycotting anything black or Friday! The article says that the other shoppers stepped over the man as they went on their business. Now granted they may not have known he was dying; however, It's been awhile since I've shopped on black Friday but I feel like it still might be odd you have to step over a man to get to the shelves. My greatest condolences go to this man's family. I've recently lost an uncle and grandmother this semester and have been blessed to have the time to reflect on their lives before they passed away. I have also been blessed to be granted the opportunity to go to Kenya and see the things that truly do matter. This has been a time of Thanksgiving for me that I have taken for granted in the past.
Be thankful and satisfied with what you have. Be giving and good stewards with what God's given you. Desire nothing but the goodness of God. Punch Black Friday in the Face!!
I've decided to take a break from my already procrastinated papers to speak out on a huge annoyance of mine... Black Friday!!! Those greedy Americans trying to pocket the best deals before Christmas and those greedy businesses selling their lives for a few bucks. Talk about a waste of time and money.
I just enjoyed a wonderful weekend in the Smokey Mountains where rest, food and football brought the family closer together. There was no rushing out as early as possible the next morning, elbowing complete strangers as I dart for some shiny object that is worthless to me in about 5 minutes. We did things that right way, where we overstuffed our bellies, went to different rooms to take naps and woke up cranky ready for pumpkin pie.
Okay okay so really I have never liked Black Friday! It seems odd to me that we talk about the things we are thankful for right before we go out and buy a bunch of things because we were not satisfied with what we already had. It sounds like we are not as thankful as we let on. However, after reading an article about the death of a man at Target on black Friday, I've decided I'm boycotting anything black or Friday! The article says that the other shoppers stepped over the man as they went on their business. Now granted they may not have known he was dying; however, It's been awhile since I've shopped on black Friday but I feel like it still might be odd you have to step over a man to get to the shelves. My greatest condolences go to this man's family. I've recently lost an uncle and grandmother this semester and have been blessed to have the time to reflect on their lives before they passed away. I have also been blessed to be granted the opportunity to go to Kenya and see the things that truly do matter. This has been a time of Thanksgiving for me that I have taken for granted in the past.
Be thankful and satisfied with what you have. Be giving and good stewards with what God's given you. Desire nothing but the goodness of God. Punch Black Friday in the Face!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Kenya (Part 2)
The next morning I wake up in a bed with a net to protect me from the mosquitoes and geckos. I'm told not to brush my teeth with water to not get sick, careful in the shower, and get ready for breakfast. Breakfast was the only relatively normal thing I experienced. Then it was time to go meet the Masaai people we had come to teach. I climbed back into my van as we traveled about an hour into the valley. On the way we slowed down as cattle and sheep crossed the road; we watched as giraffes, zebra, monkeys and ostrich posed on the side of the road. It didn't seem to phase the natives. Zoos don't exist in Africa. We arrived at Liberty church where pastor Peter and some others welcomed us. Everyday we spent hours of teaching the Bible to the men, women and children. We gathered to worship in song and dance. The people gave with a heart of thanksgiving. It was humbling to receive jewelry as a gift that is usually used to sustain their livlihood and food that is rare for them to receive. They were a people that understood respect and hospitality. They worshipped God with all of their body. But they were sinners that were in need of the Savior as am I.
Their greatest physical need was water. Women would often walk 12 miles one way to get a bucket of water for the day. However, there had been a drought for about a year, so finding water was critical. The chief gathered the people as they discussed the next step and prayed for the water. Our team prayed as we heard stories of illnesses and deaths from the lack of water. BayLeaf was in the process of digging a well, but even that was being put off. Then on Friday we went to evangelize to some of the bomas in the area. Men and women came out of their homes to listen to the Mzungu. They had never met white people that wanted to share Christ. At the end of teaching we had 6 new sisters and 1 new brother in Christ. Then our fearless leader Walter told the team to gather around a baby to pray over her illness. As he began praying, there was an internal struggle I experienced about what to pray. Of course I wanted the baby to be healthy but I prayed for rain. Well, the prayer ended, we went to our van, and ate bread. Suddenly, our translator Emily tells me to look in the distance. I see a grey haze. She says "It's rain!" Our driver pleads with us to enter the van as he dashes off before the rain leaves us stranded in the middle of the valley. It begins pouring down to the point puddles are immediately rising. We make it back to our hotel. I asked Walter what was wrong with the baby? He said, "She needed water". Oh my God, I praise you for your mercy and love. God moved in the face of new believers to confirm their new faith in Him. He provided the rain that we prayed for to affirm our belief outside of coincidence and science. God provided the living water of salvation before he blessed his people with the water of the earth. God is good without the rain!
There are plenty of stories for me to share on this trip. God showed me things that America's entertainment, wealth, and intellectualism clouds. I want what the Maasai have, a clear sense of God's power and goodness. Now that I'm back in the states, I can imagine myself back there. That scares me. I'm not scared of new things or places or losing possessions or not seeing my family, I'm scared of responsibility, accountability, and perseverance. I pray that I have a thirst for God like none other so that wherever I go, it is God I experience and not a thrill. God, I pray you fill me so you may use me.
Their greatest physical need was water. Women would often walk 12 miles one way to get a bucket of water for the day. However, there had been a drought for about a year, so finding water was critical. The chief gathered the people as they discussed the next step and prayed for the water. Our team prayed as we heard stories of illnesses and deaths from the lack of water. BayLeaf was in the process of digging a well, but even that was being put off. Then on Friday we went to evangelize to some of the bomas in the area. Men and women came out of their homes to listen to the Mzungu. They had never met white people that wanted to share Christ. At the end of teaching we had 6 new sisters and 1 new brother in Christ. Then our fearless leader Walter told the team to gather around a baby to pray over her illness. As he began praying, there was an internal struggle I experienced about what to pray. Of course I wanted the baby to be healthy but I prayed for rain. Well, the prayer ended, we went to our van, and ate bread. Suddenly, our translator Emily tells me to look in the distance. I see a grey haze. She says "It's rain!" Our driver pleads with us to enter the van as he dashes off before the rain leaves us stranded in the middle of the valley. It begins pouring down to the point puddles are immediately rising. We make it back to our hotel. I asked Walter what was wrong with the baby? He said, "She needed water". Oh my God, I praise you for your mercy and love. God moved in the face of new believers to confirm their new faith in Him. He provided the rain that we prayed for to affirm our belief outside of coincidence and science. God provided the living water of salvation before he blessed his people with the water of the earth. God is good without the rain!
There are plenty of stories for me to share on this trip. God showed me things that America's entertainment, wealth, and intellectualism clouds. I want what the Maasai have, a clear sense of God's power and goodness. Now that I'm back in the states, I can imagine myself back there. That scares me. I'm not scared of new things or places or losing possessions or not seeing my family, I'm scared of responsibility, accountability, and perseverance. I pray that I have a thirst for God like none other so that wherever I go, it is God I experience and not a thrill. God, I pray you fill me so you may use me.
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