The beautiful letdown

The day after...it's all over until next year. I don't even want to look at my tree anymore. All I can think of is the pain of taking it down! 364 days left.

We went to my Granny Welch's house last night. She is 99 years old. I have gone to her house on Christmas as many years as I can remember. Even when we were poor and lived in So. California, we all loaded up the car and came North. It would not have been Christmas without being at Granny's house.

The more time I live on earth and the more time I spend with my mom's family, the more grateful I am that the Lord gave me my mother as my mother. What a gift she is to me! She probably has no idea how much I love her and her life and wish I could emulate. I may seem independent, but it's only because I know she lives so close!

She cries with us when we are sad and gets mad at who we are mad at and her unwavering love of Jesus is what makes me want to seek his love more and more each day.

I am also grateful that her sister (my aunt) was not my mother. God in his wisdom knew this would never work! This was no more evident then when we dropped by there last night. Let's just say I have issues with my loving aunt, that I know I need to let go. She is a godly woman and loves Jesus.

We were all sitting around and someone picked up a book that was on the table and it was a biography of Shaun Alexander. She raved about how wonderful the book was and that one of her grandson's was reading it. Brent, who is always happy to be part of a conversation, said "I'm reading Tiger Woods' biography and it's really good." To this my aunt replies "oh, not as good as this one!"

I was just reminded once again that I LOVE my mother so much and thankful that she was there last night or my Genghis Khan aunt may have been missing a few teeth last night.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Charlie Brown: "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!?"

Linus: "Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about...lights please"

"and there were in the same country, shepherds, abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night, when lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the Glory of the Lord shown round about them and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to ALL people. For UNTO YOU is born this day in the City of David, a SAVIOR, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying 'Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.'"

That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.

2 days to go

I really like December 23 - especially today. I have nothing to do (except wrap like 50 presents) and am watching all my TIVO shows since September.

It's a great day to do nothing. I do not have to run to the mall or even to the grocery store. I think it's all done and under control. Weird! I may venture out just to be in the hustle & bustle...or maybe not.

We saw "Night at the Museum" yesterday with Phil & Hill and my mom. It was really funny. Enjoy today - the ride starts tomorrow.

Let there be Light!

After four days without power, today, I finally have some heat, lights, and television! I am glad I did not live in the 1800's. This was a hard few days as I consider myself pretty independent and it was hard to not "make it" on my own.

I am so grateful to Mark, Christa, Will, Lora & Zoe for putting up with me the last three nights and four days. It is such a relief to know I can go there and not worry about feeling bad or imposing. It can be hard to live in community but not when you have such a great community to live in. I am SO thankful and am reminded daily that God does answer prayers when he sent you back into my life! I love you all so much and Santa will be good to you this year, I promise!

As corny as this analogy may sound, when I turned my lights on to see if they really did work and the darkness suddenly lit up, I was reminded of how the "light" of our world came to brighten our darkness. Jesus brings light to the darkness of any situation, any life choices, any marriage, friendship, relationship, work situation and any hopeless place we may find ourselves. He is light.

In small ways, I was reminded of that over this past four days and am grateful to the Everlasting Father for sending his Son.

Woe is Me....a Holiday tragedy in 3 parts

Tonight was supposed to be fun. It was supposed to be me and my very cute nephew spending the evening at the Seahawks game. This is where our holiday tragedy begins...

Part I
I pick up Brent at 4:00 pm. I thought that we would get to Quest about 5:30 with traffic. We begin our journey. We get to the off ramp on Michigan. It begins to squal...rain so hard all I can do it watch the car in front of me. So, needless to say, I miss my turn off to 1st Avenue and somehow end up on Marginal Way - going toward West Seattle. We turn right and there is a flood across the roadway and a Volvo stuck in the water. Cars are trying to back up and go the other way while SUV's are charging through like rhinos on the Serengeti. We go up the hill toward Bill and KayLynn's house and I try to get on Delridge so I can get back on the West Seattle Bridge and get to the game!! That was a mistake. We could not get from Delridge onto the bridge due to a dip in the road that was full of water.

It is probably about 5:30 at this point. We turn and go up and get to another route to the bridge. Again, there is a huge puddle and I tell Brent "hold my hand...we're going in". We made it and I thought we would be to the game by 6:00 easily. Well, we got off on 99 - North. BIG mistake. It was crawling. It took us about an hour to go two miles to Seneca. Then we get off and all the stop lights in downtown Seattle were out of order. I finally pulled into the Quest field parking lot at 6:45 only to be told that it was "permit parking" only!! The Safeco garage was full and the lot across from Safeco was charging $50.00!!

I apologized to Brent, looked one final time at the $150 in tickets I just ate and said "let's get outta here!" He agreed and we went to Hill & Phil's.

Part II
The Seahawks suck - enough said.

Part III
I get home (finally) after driving for about 4 hours and asking my brother in law to pick up Brent at my house, and he said no. So, happy to finally be home, I get out of my car and a dog had crapped right outside my car door and I stepped smack dab into it. Of course I didn't notice until I got inside my house and tracked it all over my carpet.

It's not all about me - but today I do belive in bad karma, Satan, or whatever "force" there may be against me. Sorry Katie, Lisa and Kyra...I don't think you'll want to come over tomorrow.

The bright side?? I apologized to my nephew for being a bad aunt...he said emphatically "WHATEVER!"

I'm done

I am done...done...done!! I just submitted my final paper to complete my M.A. At the last sentence of the paper, I shed a little tear. I do not "toot" my own horn very well, but I am proud of myself at this moment.

I should get my diploma in about 10 weeks - but let the celebrating begin!

Only three more days

Hillary and Phil come home in three days.
I'm very excited, but as the older and much wiser
sister I've had to come to grips with some realities that I would rather not...here they are:

1. I have expectations that may not be realistic-they are adults and may not want to spend every waking moment with me
2. I have to share them with my other sib and family members. Being the oldest, I've usually been able to weasel my way into Holly and Hillary's lives by mere use of age...this may not be so easy now.
3. Phil likes to eat at strange times. When I call to see "what's going on for dinner" I may be met with "we've already eaten and yes it's 2:00 p.m. (or a.m.!)." I just can't compete with Kuwait time
4. They may not want to come to church...this is the hardest one of all because why would you not? There's plenty to roll your eyes and laugh at...so to me it's worth it!
5. They like my parents best - enough said.
6. No, Hillary will not buy you that Coach purse...

I'm so excited for them to be here and whether or not I deal with my realities...it will be so fun to have them here!! Even if it is for a short time.

Degree Audit

I just submitted my Degree Application & Audit request for my Masters. I can't believe I'm one 12-page paper and 10 days away from an MA in Organizational Leadership...anyone have an organization I can lead?
Plus, they charged me $100.00!! I think I'll find my BA and this one and frame them...and post them here at work so there is no question who is the smartest! HA!

That's all for now...still praying for Lrae and his holidays...wish they were up here with me.

Today was a snow day for us and I was watching daytime T.V. If you know me, you know my least favorite show is "The View" - I have not watched a lot of them, but the ones I have watched I didn't like. Anyway, today I started watching it and it was featuring foster kids and how to adopt.

Needless to say..I cried all the way through and wondered what it would be like for me to adopt a child. I don't know what to feel or how to feel, but I really feel like the Holy Spirit leading me in this direction somehow..I don't have all the answers, I don't know what it means, I am poor...and live in a tiny house...but I do know when the Lord brings ideas and thoughts into my heart, I need to listen.

Mom, don't flip out...really...I'm praying about this and have asked my friends and my powerful prayer warrior sisters to pray and would ask everyone who reads this to pray with me. This little boy is available...his name is Lrae and he lives in a foster home in Oregon..there are so many! Check out www.adoptuskids.org to see more.

Pray with me...I can think of a milliiiiiiiiiiion reasons NOT to do this...but the Lord is speaking loudly and I can't ignore it anymore!

Holy Creche!

I saw lightening and it just thundered outside my house. I don't think I've heard of thunder and lightening with snow. This weather is crazy! I honestly can't believe some schools have closed for tomorrow already and I keep watching the news to see if my school happens to be one of them. I hope :-)

Driving home today, I noticed a creche on someone's front porch. Now that is not too interesting except for the fact that Frosty the Snowman was present with the shephards and wisemen. I'm not sure it was snowing the night that Christ was born, but if it was, the shephards may have been a little bored with all the wonder and worship, I guess they could have built one.

I thought I would share that with you as I chuckled all the way home. Kind of like the Santa kneeling at the manager. Give me a break.

Here's wishing we all get a snow day tomorrow and the poor Seahawks pull it out tonight!!

Procrastination II - the sequal

Once again, I'm supposed to be writing a paper and am looking for any way to not do it. It is so close to being done too - I'm not sure what internal force drives me to buy shoes online, watch football, blog, watch old CSI's I've Tivo'd - anything to not write this dang paper. Get with it...so close. Now I'm looking at a cookbook...maybe I want to make something...

My Christmas elves were hard at work this morning while I was asleep and someone in my family will be happy at their endeavors. Thank you, thank you elves! I owe you a CFS dinner!

Sorry man...

For those of you who may be on vacation or who don't have televisions...Apparently Michael Richards, Kramer from Seinfeld days, was appearing at a comedy club in Los Angeles over the weekend. He was heckled supposedly by some black folks in the audience. Well, he went off on these people using racial epitaphs and lynching references.

Then, he has the audacity to go on David Letterman and offer something resembling an apology. What is he sorry for? Using the "N" word? Or is he more sorry that his one-hit wonder career is over? And how easy is it to "apologize" in a quiet L.A. studio in front of a camera? He did not apologize personally to these people. He is an idiot...this was not simply rage gone terribly wrong. He used LYNCHING references...this man is a racist. He (with the help of Jerry Seinfeld) tried to explain away his actions by saying he was under stress, trying to react in the spur of the moment but LYNCHING references? Saying that 50 years ago "we" would have "strung you up" is not under stress. It is inexcusable.

Luckily he was not asked back to that club. But I'm tired of how celebrities are let off the hook simply because they apologize - it's almost license to act any way you want as long as you apologize afterwards.

He, along with Mel Gibson, will not get any of my support, sympathy or money and it's a sad commentary that when enraged by a person of color, instead of walking off the stage, laughing it off, he chose to stoop so low.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Today was our Harvest Sunday. I was surprisingly into it - as it's not my thing (yet), but I prayed the the Spirit would open my heart and mind to feeding those that may not get enough to eat. There were a lot of people! There were men, women and even children, which I do not do well with poor kids at all.

There were two twin A.A. boys Tevin and Kevin and they went through my line. I really liked them and pray that they are in a good situation. It's hard at these events to establish a relationship so I tried to do that with the Vietnamese serving partners. Over all, it was a great Sunday - so full of energy and made me thankful that the Lord has blessed me.

This is a week to be thankful and I'm very thankful for a niece and nephew that were willing to help serve food, even if it was uncomfortable, my friends that know me and how hard this day was - I'm grateful for "fellow traveler's" and eye rollers!
I'm so happy to walk this road together!

Gift

Yesterday we got to leave work early because our power was out. Low and behold today our power is still out! I got up and headed off to work and they called and said "you have the day off".

What a gift! An entire day to do nothing! I have paper's to write, a house that could use a deep clean, holiday gifts to buy - but you know what...I'm not doing any of it! I'm going to watch bad daytime t.v. and lay on the couch until time to drive up North. I think you need to enjoy these small gifts of days off!

It's our last Living Room tonight (for the season) - bring your own fast food!

Hillary & Phil come home in 20 days!!

Hustle & Bustle

I know it's a bit early, but I've decided that I do not like the hustle & bustle of the holidays. It's very hard when you're on your own - and have to buy all Christmas presents by yourself...meaning, I have no one to drive me, park, open my door, carry my packages, pay for my packages, and drive me home...but I'm not complaining about my independence at all! I just need a butler!

I was at Bellevue Square on Saturday and it was crowded. It was also very fun. It's a fun mall and has most everything I need. I have resolved, however, that if I can't order it online, you're not getting it!

I am proud to say that I'm almost done - I have my middle sister (who has not commented on my blog in awhile so I'm not sure she's getting anything), my mom and two adorable PK's that I know...they are easy though - they love everything!

Remember, we are entering the most wonderful time of the year! It starts this Sunday with our Harvest Service and meal - I don't do well with that so could use some prayer for my spirit to be helped along...as I want to reach out but I have issues! I am proud of our church for doing this and hope it becomes a ministry that serves a long-term need.

Here we go!

Happy Birthday Juicy!

I was going to blog about the doctrine of "Entire Santification" today, but it's D.J. Juicy's birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

BTW - Juicy got his name when we were at Mark's birthday and Lora went around the room naming everyone sitting there - when she got to David Mier she said "and you're Juicy!"

So, thanks to Lora, the name stuck!!

Happy birthday my friend! Glad to know ya!

Get out the vote

I exercised my freedom as a US citizen today and went to the library. I was checked in by someone who did not speak English very well, but she was younger than most of the poll judges so it's nice to see some diversity.

Sojourners had a really well written voting guide called Voting God's Politics. It had some key points to remember when casting a vote for candidate or issue.

1. Compassion and economic justice
Isaiah 65:21-23

2. Peace and restraint of violence
Matthew 5:9

3. Consistent Ethic of Life
Genesis 2:7

4. Racial Justice
Galatians 3:28

5. Human Rights, dignity and gender justice
Genesis 1:27

6. Strengthen Families and renew culture
Romans 12:2

7. Good stewardship of God's creation
Psalm 24:1

We will not establish the Kingdom of God today. It is not on the ballot. You can vote to strengthen the common good.

Read more at www.sojo.net

I hate it when old people fall

I was at Brent's soccer game today. It was pouring rain and I was running with Ellie to the car and I thought that I could take a chain barrier like a hurdler but my foot got caught on the chain and I went tumbling. I tried to catch myself but fell flat on my face and then, in dramatic fashion, went on my back with all fours in the air. Mind you it's pouring rain.

It took two very kind men to help me up and one grabbed my car key and umbrella that went flying. It was very nice of them. They kept asking if I was o.k. and I just said I'm wet and embarrassed. After Ellie's initial shocked look, she could not stop laughing. It didn't hurt really until now, when I looked at my knee and my head is aching.

It's funny to fall as an adult. I'm sure I looked graceful but it really does hurt and then you are not quite sure how to get up. I was hoping that nobody saw, but it was a parking lot full of players/parents and spectators.

Fun times.

Leavin' Early

I love working for a school district! We get to leave early today as there is no school and our superintendent said to take advantage of the time when you can...so we'll all be out of here by 2:00! It's fun.

Thanksgiving is only two weeks away and I'm excited to celebrate and watch football all day long. We're going to my parents house as my Grandma A. is coming up on the train from Salem. She wants to see my house as well which scares me and makes me want to get new carpet.

Jesus Camp

Being that it's Halloween, I couldn't think of anything scarier than this movie/movement. Somehow this smacks of Children of the Corn (which I watched on Sunday..so maybe that is why I'm so scared!)

I don't know what about it creeps me out, but I need to clarify that I do believe children can be and should be on fire for Jesus Christ but face paint (camo paint as they are an "army" for the Lord) and speaking in tongues? I'm not sure how I feel about this, but something about it makes my stomach turn.

Read the trailor below and decide for yourself. Spooky!

http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/

All Hallow's Eve

I love Halloween and don't care who knows it.

I remember when I was about 4 or 5 and we lived in Beaverton. It was Halloween but my folks didn't have enough money for a costume for me. My mom had a friend, I think her name was Fran or Ruth or something and she was a big lady (to me) and very gregarious. She was fun and she had older kids that I used to play with.

Well Fran had a devil costume that she let my mom borrow. So, bless her heart, my mom let me wear this cool little red devil costume. She even got me a pitchfork. It was fun. It had a little, red cape too - at least I think it did. I went all over the neighborhood that year. I went to my man's house (this elderly couple that I used to hang out at their house), Dawn Patrols (my friend who's step dad had Playboys all over the house) and my friend Tanya's house. I'm sure I got a lot of candy but I don't really remember, all I remember was the costume. It was fun.

I'm sure my mom got some grief from people who didn't think the devil was an appropriate costume for me to wear, but she never told me about it. I loved the pitchfork.

I've been all sorts of interesting things for Halloween. My favorite costume that Holly had was Woody Woodpecker. This is still when costumes came in a little square box and were all plastic. The mask made you sweat as it covered all breathing outlets. I was a hobo and wore my dad's clothes (not sure what that means about his clothes) and a witch one year.

Any other memorable Halloween costumes?

December 7

This is the day when Hillary and Phil come home for the holidays! I know it was a bit random...but oh well.

I talked to Hillary yesterday and she wants to stay home! I know...it's very exciting. She is going to try to get into BCC Nursing program and so we need to be praying that this will happen for her. I told her that I need her to be home because I need someone to go to the movies with me on a random Friday night.

So, that's the big surprise! We have planned a few fun things and hope to plan more - they are excited to come home and meet all the new people from church too.

Only 43 days left now.

I registered for my first class in my PhD program today. I'm scared spitless as it starts January 8th. YIKES!

I also ordered a new fake Christmas tree with lights already on it. It was cheap and I don't like to mess with buying a tree every year. My friend Geri gave me her old one, but my cat climbed in it last year and about 13 branches fell off. That's what I've done with my life so far today...pretty exciting!

I also got John Grisham's new book and it's really really good! Too bad I have to work otherwise I'd not be able to put it down!

44 days

Only 44 days until December 7th.

If you know what is happening on December 7th - make sure you comment - if you don't know...guess...I'll tell you tomorrow.

But, be sure you pray for this day - it could be the start of something great!

Cats are dumb

My cat is dumb. I got her a cat nip fish from a craft show I went to the other day. She loved it...she pounced on it and would try to bat it around with her paws. Then, she took it and hid it somewhere and now I can't find it for the life of me. I'm sure she has a secret stash somewhere in my home and someday (when I clean or move) I'll find all these little treasures she's stored up for herself. I keep telling her not to store up for herself treasures on earth - but she's a prosperity cat - nothing I say will ever seem to change her mind.

Don't get me wrong. I think dogs are equally dumb...but happen to have witnessed first hand idiocy from my cat!

We're having potluck here at work. My friend Katie would call it "hot dish" because she is from Minnesota...whom the Seahawks happen to play this weekend!

Brent has a soccer game and Ellie has a gym meet tomorrow. I also have a paper due! Fun times all around!

Happy Friday!

Jesus & the poor

This was started on a different date and just posted (read October 16th) - so read the new post below Lori's poem...sorry, still trying to figure out how the blog works :S

Ode to Heidi - from my friend Lori

I was tired of all the theological blogging going on and asked my friend Lori to write a poem - she did and I'd like to share it with you...she's pretty clever...and funny and I told her she needs to write a book of poetry.

Ode to Heidi

I know a girl
Heidi is her name
I hope she doesn’t think
This poem is lame

I met her back
In the month of May
When I moved to Seattle
I came here to stay

Our first conversation
Was during a hike
Good thing it wasn’t
While riding a bike!

The first thing I noticed
Was the cool way she dressed
Now she gives me tips
So I can dress for success

She used to be rich
Back when she worked at the U.
But she quit that job
Because it made her feel blue

Now she works at a Christian school
And it can be a bore
But it’s close to home
Instead of 20 miles it’s four!

At home she has tevo
This makes me so jealous
She can tape live tv
Which makes leaving no fuss

She likes to watch jeopardy
Which we have common
I love trivia shows
This is my kind of fun!

She has 2 sisters
All their names start with H
Holly is in Renton
Hillary lives in Kuwait!

We hang out on Thursdays
With a group from our church
Heidi sits in her chair
Like a queen on her perch

With Lori on her left
And Kathryn on her right
If we don’t serve her
There could be a fight!

But we like to do it
It’s all in good fun
The real reason though
Is for the slap on the bum!

I need to end this poem
It’s time for my break
I hope Heidi likes it
Even better than cake!

The End

Jesus & the Poor

I could not leave well enough alone. These are just some thoughts on Jesus and the poor which are mostly my dad's thoughts with my embellishments.
These are my own thoughts on all the fruitful blogging that has taken place over the last few days. I know that we have not specifically addressed the poor, except to put it in context of "poverty theology" which I guess is a fancy meaning for "we don't have to subscribe to it." But I feel differently and am beginning to focus on the ways in which the Holy Spirit is revealing actual ways to help in a physical way. These are fun days.

Jesus and the Poor
a. Jesus references the poor 58 times in the NT why? And why, in the one prayer he taught us to pray, did he teach us to pray daily for our bread? Daily does not sound like we should have a stock pile of bread for ourselves when others go hungry.

b. Required commandments are only two: Love the Lord your God and Love one another (your neighbor). We excuse our requirement to love them with material goods and think that loving them means only spiritual love. Or we claim not to know who our neighbor is - so we are unobligated to love them.

We, I believe, are to love them with food, shelter, clothing and compassion.

c. Health & Wealth gospel is an American Gospel twisted to appeal to our fundamental need for bigger and better. Only our country is concerned with having more than you or more than my neighbor. The command is NOT that we have more than our neighbor; its that we LOVE them. Period. We are the only country in the world that has written in our constitution that we actually have a right to happiness. I don't think that God is too concerned with our rights when we sit back and allow atrocities in our own church related to the poor and suffering. How many people in the church pews do you know could use help?

d. Jesus probably was not poor what faith healer do you know that is poor? However, he commanded that we (the church) take care of the poor. We do not do this, instead we seek blessing on our lives, maybe not at the expense of others, but others are suffering. The church has no formal mechanism to help the poor. The early church (see Acts 2:45 & 4:34, 35) knew that Jesus was serious in his command as they had a daily distribution of food the arugment may be that food storage was different then and yes, I agree, however, the command to care for the poor is not different, yet when you need an excuse any one will do.

e. John Wesley (of whom our Nazarene doctrine was founded on) stated that if we have luxuries while our neighbor is suffering we are not saved and will go to hell. Now, this is not the prosperity gospel that sells well in America. We do not want to hear that if we have and others have not, we'll go to hell but I don't think Jesus was kidding when he commanded that we love our neighbor, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, clothe the naked. This is not something I want to risk regardless of if Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Job were all wealthy. I also don't think Jesus was joking when he said if you do not do this, you do not know me.

f. We require the poor to help themselves, before we will help them. This is not the model Jesus taught. Jesus I will not take the risk of having steak when my neighbor eats tuna for dinner night after night.

Keep in mind, these are my thoughts - through the lense of my own experience and my upbringing. I was brought up to ALWAYS consider those less fortunate than ourselves. As a pastor's kid, I remember times when we had Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner with people in the church and I had no idea why - I thought everyone had food and family to share with. It was not until I was older did I realize that my folks were feeding these people. I know my sisters remember this and probably felt the same thing. So, we grew up with parents who always gave more of themselves than they probably had - so we had good models!
Today, my dad has potluck at his church every Sunday because probably half the folks that worship there would go home hungry if it were not for Sunday potluck - another eye-opener for me - in my own church!

So read in love - it's posted in love of Jesus and seeking to do his commands and with a commitment to action...the action of a poverty theology.

Next post - Who are the poor?

Friday's are fun

Friday's are so fun. I love it when there's like an hour left of work and you're looking at an entire weekend of football, friends and of course worship.

That's how I feel now and needed to blog about it. It's been a tough blog week for me personally. I may take a break from reading blogs the next few weeks so I don't get even more frustrated. I love Jesus so much and love my friends and family and am so glad we are together in community and can struggle through these things together.

Happy Friday - thank the Lord for today and have fun tonight whatever you do; wherever you are!

An Innocent Man

John Grisham has written his first non-fiction book called An Innocent Man. It tells the story of a guy in a small town who is accused of murder - and perhaps is innocent. Grisham believes he is innocent and in fact was released from prison and returned to his home town of Ada, OK and then ends up drinking himself to death and dies of psoriasis of the liver.

I want to go and get this book at Costco (now that I'm a member). I like John Grisham and he's a great writer. This book has me thinking about justice and innocence. Those who know me, know that I've had a brush with the law and it really could have gone either way. Only because of God's grace (oh...and my innocence) did it not go down a very bad road. I tend to want to fight for the innocent - those that are victims of their circumstances - people that are in the wrong place at the wrong time or make bad choices.

I also really like the Innocence Projects that have cropped up in different cities around the country. The UW had one that used to post things on the internet and it was fascinating to read the stories. Sad...yet captivating.

That's all I think for now. I want that book so will need to go to Costco.

What are you doing for the Kingdom?

This is a tough question. It is especially tough if you're doing nothing for the Kingdom.

I am not saying that I am doing particulary anything spectacular, but I am asking myself this question and I am volunteering, trying to give my resources and money and above all, I am praying for and supporting those in leadership at my church. I know how hard their job is and how much crap they must take from those in the pews.

I actually get a little tired of people getting themselves in a lather over stuff that is meaningless in the big Kingdom picture. People who seem to carry with them crap from their lives that they refuse to let go - stuff that then seeps ugliness into what Kingdom people are trying hard to do. People that get mad at a children's program for reasons that are ridiculous, people who complain about decor in the sanctuary, people who are negative and sour. Keep in mind, this question posed is for them. They don't volunteer, they don't lead, they don't give...who knows...they may not even pray but the one thing they do really well is complain and vocalize their complaints!

I wonder if there will be a suggestion box in heaven. I also wonder what these people are doing for the Kingdom?

What's on your I-pod?

I went to the dentist on Tuesday to get 3 cavities filled. It sucked, except that I brought my I-pod with me to listen to in lieu of the drilling. The assistant asked me what was on my I-pod and I told her that was a very personal question. She agreed and said she probably wouldn't want people to know what was on hers.

But, of course, I pondered this for a bit and thought...what the heck...so the call is out - what is the strangest thing on your I-pod, personal MP3 player, in your CD collection or on whatever personal listening device you have?? This could be fun!

I have everything from Casting Crowns to Tupac and I love it. Time for true confessions! Mom, what are you listening to? CW? Scot F? Lori? Kathryn & DJ Juicy? Time to dish - plus it's fun for a Friday!!




P.S. To Amy my blog friend...i retracted my comments cause they were kind of mean - sorry to mess up your blog :-) but Matthew 6:18 really made me wonder at some of your other commenters...

Come Home

I have been thinking lately of how much I miss Hillary (and Phil too). It's kind of like she's dead - I can't think about her too much or else I will really get sad. For those that do not know my sister - she lives with her firefighter husband in Kuwait City - on the Persian Gulf - in a high rise. They make a lot of money and buy fancy things. We always get really good Christmas presents too...I'm thinking Seahawks this year - but who knows. They have been married almost three (could be four now) years and have spent most of that time away from us in various exotic locales.

She is funnier than me and we can laugh for hours over Gordy B and our made up words. She is 10 years younger than I am too and was such a cute little baby. I remember when Mom told me she was going to be born, of course I bawled because I was so excited. I think I tried to be her mom (she'll agree with that - so will Holly for that matter!) but she was so fun to have around.

I think that they would love what we are doing at church - with Mosaic, Living Room, etc and I just wish they were a part of my life. I need them. I often think of the other young couples in our church that they would love as well. What gives?

I hope they read this and get really homesick and move back. Plus, my other sister wants to move to their neighborhood so I'll be the only one living in the "hood" - oh well.

Hillary, if you ever read this...
come home...come home...ye who are weary come home. Softly and tenderly...Heidi is calling - calling oh sinner - Come home.

I love you.

Dad...you owe me $3.00

I work out in a somewhat rural area - on an old missle field that was used as Army storage in the 40's.

There are several families of deer that live out here as well and right outside my window right now is a mom, dad (with horns!) and a little fawn. They are so cute and seem in good shape. There must be some sweet grass right outside my window that they like.

I heard they hired someone for my position at the UW. I hope they like him!

Dear Diary

Today I went with my mom to our friend Amy's really cool new shop in Edmonds. She "salvages" old junk and creates really cool stuff with it. Click on the "DEAR DIARY" title to go to their home page. They also have classes that would be fun to take together on a Saturday!

While we were there, I noticed a cute little diary for sale. I thought it would be empty...but lo and behold...it was not! I have been reading from it today and thought I would share it with you:

Inside front cover:
PROPERTY OF:
Rita Wirkman
1823 NE 185th Seattle Wash
Em3-6435

KEEP OUT...this means YOU
Owner
Rita Wirkman

April 17th 1966 "Dear Diary. Today was my day (dad's) birthday. We went fishing but didn't catch anything. My mom and I made a cake for him"
May 2nd, 1966 "Dear Diary. Today we started 9 more swimming listens"
May 4th, 1966 "Dear Diary. My brother and I had to go swim, so we did"
January 16th 1967 "We renamed our new dog to muffin"
February 19, 1967 "Dear Diary. I'm not doing much of anything except cleaning my room and looking for pictures of animals for reading. I have found five so far."

I hope Rita is having a good life. I wonder where she is and if she still swims with her brother?

Week One Complete

I figured out why I work where I work today. Every morning we have devotions at 8:30. We are reading the Chuck Swindoll book about something or other and I really don't pay that much attention. However, this morning there were only three of us there and the other two are two that I really like and the development director led the devotion...we never got to the Swindoll devotion because the two of them kept telling me how much of an "answer to prayer" I was.

Keep in mind, I have NEVER been anyone's answer to prayer so this is an incredible position to be in and I am honored. I am touched that the Lord would have led me to make this seemingly crazy decision but then to be told that I was an answer to prayer...I love them and I love that!! I cried of course.

We then went on a field trip to all of the Rainier Campuses. There are five total. We got to eat lunch in the cafeteria at Kent View. The final campus we were at was the middle school and we got there in time for chapel. Now I was a bit concerned because it was middle schoolers and chapel - but I must tell you that those kids were amazing. They led worship (on the worship team) and a little 7th grader got up and sang a solo!! I was so touched by her love of Jesus and confidence in herself to do that in front of all of her peers.

I am convinced that I was directed to this place for a reason - and the Lord continues to show me this daily. I am a natural skeptic but today's solo by a little 7th grader told me that this place is doing a great work and I get to be a part. Thank you Lord!!

2nd Impressions

**Update** I just did my own criminal background check via the Washington State Patrol and it came back clean...WHEW!

Today I almost ran screaming from the building wondering what I was doing there. It's not really that bad, but they re-orged a little before I got there and now I have one support person and am still considered an administrator, not a manager...so that was interesting and fine with me at this point - I am also not going to have enough work to keep me busy. I have a plan for how to address this issue and will wait until I have learned more - tomorrow I will answer the phones to get used to answering those questions.

I also saw a deer come into the grounds today - it was a nice thing to see as my cubicle faces the outside area.

I really like the people and it's so nice to not feel like I'm messing up or that I'm being micro-managed. I love being needed and accepted and that will go a long way to helping me stay there.

Do not get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all - just telling some feelings that I am dealing with.

Thanks for making this journey with me.

First Impressions

I'm so bored I could cry. I think that with any learning curve there is going to be places where boredom lives, I just didn't expect it on the first day. This is going to be a problem for me as I need to feel useful! I will need to create opportunities where I can thrive...I also think, for me, it's hard to come from knowing a lot about a job, to knowing virtually nothing and learning from scratch.

I see a lot of process improvement areas as well...starting on that ASAP.

There is a Fall Banquet on October 26th - I already invited my parents as my dates so hopefully they can come! Anyone else who wants to come will be welcomed. I may even get a whole table!

My new email: handerson@rainiercsd.org
Please use it! I'll try to have IM up by the end of the week.

We prayed twice today so that was nice - now I need to pray for some work to do!
Overall, it was a great first day - there is another Nazarene lady from Renton Church so that was nice. I only cried once too during devotions when they all thanked God that I was there today...it was touching.

The potluck was very good as well...it's nice to be accepted and needed. I just hope I have enough to fill my days.

He giveth more grace...

Tonight we had food and talk about grace in the Living Room - this is a new concept of coming together to share a meal and some good conversation. I admit I was skeptical at first - as I usually am about everything, but this was really a great time. Friends I hadn't seen in awhile and new ones I'd like to get to know better all came together to share taco salad and really yummy Apple Crisp!

We talked about the concept of grace as we understand it in our Western Evangelical minds...it was an excellent conversation and I was intrigued by the intelligence of this group. It's an exciting time and this is an exciting group. I realized sitting there that I could exhibit grace to people even right in that room - I need to practice that. I miss Katie though - I think she and Joe would really like this group.

It feels strange to not work at UW any longer. I turned in my parking pass today and realized I wouldn't be back. I think I could get used to it.

I'm going to the fair tomorrow - I get to take Ellie out of school...how fun! She doesn't know yet - so I'm excited to surprise her!

12 hours and counting

I have 12 hours left. Part of me is really sad to not do this anymore. It's a very surreal feeling to know that on Thursday, I will not drive the 33 miles to get here. Yet the other part of me is excited never to see certain people ever again!

11 hours - 45 minutes...

Lori: I may need my UPASS back (wink)

Missed Perceptions

I was driving home from church today with Brent & Ellie in the car. We were exiting from the freeway and I was trying to make the light which had turned yellow. A guy had unexpectedly turned in front of me and so it appeared (to the guy who could not see that I was trying to make the light) that I was trying to tailgate him, or that I was really ticked that he cut in front of me (when in fact I was only trying to make the yellow light) and so with that assumption in his mind, he started breaking right in front of me and flipping me off - over and over, and then through the sunroof thinking, perhaps, that I didn't see the 12 other flips he gave me.

Now, I was a bit p.o.'ed because the kids were in the car and I had done nothing wrong. So, Brent and I just started laughing so hard we couldn't stop. We presumed (possibly incorrectly as well) that his dad must have criticized his football playing when he was a kid and now it made him insecure. Then Brent said "you didn't even do anything wrong."

This got me thinking about all the times I've assumed bad things about people in my life - things that are totally untrue - people talking about me, people don't want to be friends with me anymore, people are only nice to me if I do stuff for them...all of this negative self-talk crap. I realize that for most of you, this kind of stuff ends at high school, but there are some of us that still carry around lame insecurities.

It is crap...it's the devil's most pervasive tool used to ensure that followers of Christ feel really bad about ourselves. I do not want any part of it anymore.

I know people like me - my family and friends love me no matter what and that makes it easy for me to get flipped off, and laugh with my favorite red-headed boy all the way home to watch the Seahawks. Life is really o.k. if we remember that perception is only what we make of it.

Read this blog!!

One of my favorite theologians has posted an amazing blog that is well worth the read. It's called the top 10 reasons why God does not want you wealthy. I really like what he has to say and he references this week's Time Magazine where there is a picture of a Rolls Royce and in place of the normal RR hood ornie - there is a cross.

Please read this if you get a chance...he's long winded as he's a prof at Asbury but so smart and well worth the read. I think reason #10 is the best by far!

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/

Kauai 2007

You know when your day seems to be going along and nothing much happening? Then you get an email from your mom saying that you get to go to Kauai in March...sort of turns things around a bit!!

Thanks mom for making my day. I need a Puka dog!

Short timers

I have short timer syndrome. I am not sure it's actually a medical condition, but it is making these last three days harder! I have zero motivation and want to do nothing but play on the internet all day - not that that is different than any other day!

I realized though this morning that I don't want to go out like that. I have not called in sick once since quitting, even though I will lose 232 sick hours and I have only used one personal holiday as I will not get paid for that if I do not use it. For some strange reason, I guess I feel like I should be here and give it my best even if I am not motivated.

I have also begun to question whether or not this decision was the correct one or not. I think that is typical with any life change - and specifically with a career change - there is always a healthy dose of 2nd guessing. That is where I am at.

In China, they call happy hour, "exciting hour" which seems appropriate. Some friends took me to exciting hour last night and there's another one tomorrow night. It is nice to know that you will be missed.

8:46 am...9:03 am...

Most of us probably have one moment in our lives when we remember exactly where we were or what we were doing when a national tragedy occurred - for my parents generation it was the day JFK was killed. For my grandparents, it was the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. I remember asking them about that and hearing them tell with such detail exactly what they were doing and how they heard. My folks were in college, and they cancelled class that day. I remember asking my dad his reaction and he said "people don't just kill presidents."

I did not have anything like that in my generation maybe with the Challenger explosion as an exception, until five years ago today. I will always remember where I was, what I was doing and what I thought. Of course, disbelief was first, then sorrow and profound loss at how something like this could have happened - and so far away from where I was going on about my daily life. I hurt for the people of NY - and it wasn't until later that the images and pictures of all four crashes became evident. I hated this "unseen" enemy and was proud to be an American. I remember the street corners in my town becoming instant vigil sites - flags waving, people holding candles and praying - it was something I do not want to forget. I wish, sadly, that we could have those bonding moments without tragedy - but I fear we will not. We are consumed with our daily lives, not in a bad way, just in a way that shields us from thinking about something so sad for too long.

The picture is graphic, I know, but I do not want to forget - I want to forgive and move on and hope to make the world a little better where I live.

One more quarter

As of today, I am one quarter and one class away from an MA in Organizational Leadership. It's exciting to be this close, however, I have not turned in two papers yet for one of this quarter's classes - so I should be feeling relief right now and reading books for pleasure (I got some really good ones for my birthday) but instead of that, I'm pressured to write these two papers. So, procrastination being my ally, I decided to blog.

I am also watching Washington play OU - it's tied at the moment and the Huskies actually look really good.

I only have 7 days of work left. They are letting me take my personal holiday a week from Monday - so that is nice. Let the countdown begin.

Back to the papers :(

I love football

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love football. I can't really explain it - I do like the men in tight pants, and I suppose I wish I was that athletic - nah it's the pants.

I think part of it too is the memory of watching football on Sunday's with my dad. He would patiently explain plays and tell me what to look for.

His favorite team (and of course my favorite team) was the Oakland Raiders "his boys"- he grew up in Oakland and played QB for Oakland High School. We used to sit on the couch after church and watch Jim Plunkett, Lyle Alzado, Marcus Allen, and Tom Flores run the sidelines. It was great fun. He usually fell asleep and I'm sure I got bored and turned the channel...but the memories linger.

The best games were those when the Raiders played my mom's team, the Seahawks. I hated the Seahawks - only because they were playing "the boys". It was a bitter rivalary.

I still love to watch football with my dad. Thanks for instilling the love of the game!

Rich Friends

If you ever get a chance, even for a moment, try to be friends with someone who is super rich. This is someone that never has to worry about money, only worry about where to put it all.

One of my old friends is super rich and just quit his high level job at a major software company in Redmond to go to another company that sells books on line in Seattle. I couldn't believe that this actually made the news this morning but I guess it's a big deal.

He is actually one of the funniest people I know. He was also very generous. I've never eaten better than when I was friends with the Valentines. I miss them being together and us going to Disneyworld or Salt Lake City or even to Daniel's Broiler.

I hope he does well - he's obviously not a golfer.

What are you doing for the rest of your life

There's a really cool jewelry commercial that uses this old song "What are you doing for the rest of your life" so I found it on I-tunes and it's really good. I like it as a love song and wish that I had occasion to sing it or that someone would sing it to me. But that is another post for another day. Sigh.

I quit my job tomorrow. I've thought a lot about this day - replayed it in my mind - what I will say, what they will say. So, I prayed about it last night at 2:30 in the morning when I was awake. I am in control of the situation but they have been known to make things hard on those that are leaving - but it's all over in a few weeks.

Change is always hard no matter what form it takes - but usually leads to growth and other good things so I go confidently into tomorrow and will post after the news has been delivered!

Jet lag stinks

I do not know what to do. I was up from 12:30 am to 4:15 am this morning. I watched three episodes of $40/day and an episode of Law & Order/CI. Thank goodness for Tivo!

I could use any help anyone could offer as this is ridiculous! I looked for Melotonin (thanks Kathryn!) but could not find it at Target.

I think stress is also playing a role as I have to quit a really good job on Tuesday - for the mission field :-)

I'm so tired!

Rainier Christian School

It's over!

I got a job offer to work at Rainier Christian School (click on the link above to go to their website) as their student account manager and I took it! I'm nervous and excited. It's a definite pay cut, but I believe that this is what I'm supposed to do and that the Lord will provide - as he always has done.

I start on September 25th. It's about 7 minutes from home and 4 miles. There is a coffee stand between home and work too! What could be better?

Thanks to everyone for their prayers of support during this time. I will miss my friends from the UW and will still stay in touch. I have to go to the fair with Katie in Sauke Center next year!

I have to sleep now - I'm so tired! I also have three papers due in the next few days. So glad to be back...can I go back to Shanghai?

Last day in Shanghai

I am sad this will be my last post from this wonderfully vibrant (and hot) city. I will remember this experience, the students, the people, the food, the shopping and of course the heat for years to come!

Today we had Shanghai street dumplings for lunch. They were as authentic as one could get. They fry them over a huge fire in a huge cast iron wok and they are one of the world's best tasting foods! I also had some chicken wings fried over open fire as well. It was about .80 cents for four dumplings.

I will miss this special city and am glad to come home to those I love. I have a final interview on Friday for the RCS job and am praying for a good outcome!

See you all soon! I have prizes for all so you might want to invite me to dinner :-)

If you are squeemish...look away

Sunday night we went for Hot Pot. It's basically like Fondu - there's a big pot in the middle of the table and one side is mild (like Egg Drop soup) and the other is screaming hot...spicy hot. They bring all kinds of meats/veggies that you can drop in to cook then eat.

Here is what passed my lips...
Goose intestine - very chewy - I swallowed it
Seaweed - very stringy and salty
Fish Balls - pretty good I might say
(If you're sick already turn back now)
Pig brain - it was very good the longer I left it in the broth- I ate it from the hot and spicy side to minimize the taste...but it was very squishy.
Sheep female part (v-j) - yes, I put this in my mouth and spit it out after chewing for awhile. I must say the Chinese are a strange people and want to use EVERY part of the poor animal!

Sorry to gross you out but it was part of the whole Shanghai experience!

Happy birthday mom - sorry I missed it but it might be worth it when I get home!

Holy Tripe

Yes, I tried tripe and jellyfish. I also had eel today for lunch. It's very fishy and I would not recommend it. It tastes like anchovies.

Yesterday (Saturday) I went by myself to the Dongzhu Antique market. I got some really cool things - totally worthless I'm sure but they are cool and mom will like them. We also went to the black market - fun and scary! Back rooms that we had to sneak in and out of - very black market like. I got an LV for about $20.00...it looks real Hillary...so watch out!

Today we went to an ancient River Town - it's kind of like a Chinese Venice only poorer and way more tourist trap. It was fun but about 45/c or 100 degrees in the shade. I do not think I have ever sweat that much.

Tomorrow (Monday) we go to General Electric for a tour and then on Tuesday, US Bank in Shanghai. I leave on Thursday and do not want to think about it.

Tell Lora that Xi Gua (She-Gwa) means Watermelon in Chinese...and that I did see both Saguaw and Sheegwa and they looked mangi and not nearly as "neat" as on television.

Bye for now! I'll try to write more later...going to Starbucks now as I like to give the locals something to stare at!

So far so good!

So far so good! Have had wonderful experiences!

Last night - Shanghai acrobats - a lot like Cirque du Soliel. They were really impressive. Today went to a museum and Nanjing Road - famous shopping and a lot of neon!

Tonight - dinner with the group and I'll try turtle soup and dumplings. I did go to McDonald's for french fries and Starbucks for Frappucino - they tasted just like home!

Having a wonderful time - tomorrow will go to Antique Market and try to find some Mao revolutionary artifacts.

Having fun - love you all and miss you! Thanks for the prayers...my luggage was lost for two days so that was not fun...but all is well now!

上海附近到

I leave for the airport in about 3 hours. I am nervous - flying a long way to a foreign country all by myself. I gave myself the "buck up" speech last night and I will be just fine.

The "buck up" speech is a time tested instrument of self confidence and assurance bestowed on the Anderson children at times of need. You can ask my dad about it as he started it and I'm sure he would be happy to give you one.

I will buck up and have the time of my life. I fear, however, that this trip will instill a sense of wanderlust that will have no cure!

我將有了不起的時光!

Peach Pie

My mom made me a peach pie tonight. I requested one before I fly away. It was soooo good...she used white peaches.

Thanks mom.

See you soon!

What to do??? Help!

So today I emailed the woman from Rainier Christian Schools and told her what salary I could live with - I knew they could not meet it, so felt pretty safe.

However, she emailed me back and said that I was her top candidate and that if I emailed her when I got back from China, she wants to discuss this with me and thinks she could meet my request.

YIKES! I promissed not to complain on the blog anymore about my job - so I won't tell you how bad today was - or that none of my managers said "have a good trip" and in fact one said "see you Monday" and I said "ok"!

Maybe it is time to go - maybe it is time to give my talents to a school that may really need it - not that I'm so awesome, but they might think I am and I could use that.

I am open to thoughts, threats, and any ideas you all may have...thanks.

Go Royal

Last night I had dinner with CW & Scot F. It was fun. Lora cried because she wanted to go to China. It was funny!

I was driving into my complex and noticed a lot of furniture near the dumpster. It was clear that someone had moved out and left all their junk by the dumpster for pick up. I noticed what I thought looked like a cash register, which I thought was odd.

I parked my car and went to investigate. I walked over, under cover of darkness, and saw the most beautiful Royal 9150 Cash Management system, complete with keys, cords, and a user manual! I took it and it's now in my house awaiting usage. I've always wanted my own cash register and now I have one! It is sitting on my hearth and I can't wait to try it out. I may donate it to Mosaic...or to my Sunday School kids as they would think it was fun too.

I realize that I am strange for getting excited over a cash register - but it's fun! I may set up my own store - who knows!

Update for those keeping score or who care

I did not get the job at Washington Education Foundation. The guy called me yesterday on my way to another interview and personally told me. I was a bit sad, but perhaps that was not the right place for me.

The other job (Rainier Christian School) sounds really fun, but the pay range was 25-30K. So, can't take that one even though she said I could have it if I wanted it. Not quite the mission work I had in mind...so pressing on.

NPR had a segment today regarding online dating. They say "everyone's doing it" so I'm wondering if I should..scary!

Lord, Lord!

Some of the hardest and most poignant words that Jesus gives are the following:

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' but do not do what I say?"

He goes on to correlate those who hear what he says and obey and those that hear what he says, but choose not to obey. We all know the story, one is like a house on the rock (the wise man built his house upon the rock) and the other is like the man who builds on sand (the foolish man built his house upon the sand). We all know that the rain came down and the floods came up, etc. The one who had built his house on the rock stood firm while the foolish man's house/work/life/education/foundation was washed away. (Sorry, I know that song is now stuck in your head)

I find it interesting that Jesus is so incredibly clear as to what will happen if we do not do what he says. Do we believe Jesus?

I was reading another person's blog today that I linked to through my friend Lori's blog and the blogger used this verse above to tell her readers that they must develop good habits of a Chlife. She states that the habits are 1. prayer; 2. study 3. giving to your church and 4. fellowship. She has great scripture (albeit none of it words of Jesus) that backs up all of these healthy habits of a Christian life. I am not criticizing these habits. They are excellent to develop yourself and we should practice them.

Jesus never once says "study your Bible" he says "feed the poor".

Jesus never once says "give money to my church" he says "clothe the naked"

Jesus never once says "hang out together in Christian fellowship" he says "visit the imprisoned"

Granted we are to be in community, give to good causes and study what Jesus was about and how we should live-I am not taking anything away from that. I'm only pointing out that the words of Jesus are hard - we can NOT call him Lord unless we do what HE says. Scary stuff!

Are you ready for some football?

It is that time of year that most football fans have waited six months for. The start of pre-season football. The beauty of pre-season is that there are usually four games (per team) and they do not count for anything! Also, it is the prelude to great things - it means the real season is only a few short weeks away.

I am now watching the Redskins vs. Bengals in Cincinnati. I have been to Cincinnati and it's a great city and I like the Bengals this year.

I'm not saying my whole life schedule changes when football season starts, but it will as there is a game every Sunday and Monday night from tonight until December!

I have an interview on Tuesday with Rainier Christian Schools in Renton. It's literally two miles from my house - it took me about seven minutes to drive there today. They want a Student Accounts Specialist. I fear the pay will be low, but I'm going to interview as I would like to have something lined up when I get back from Shanghai. I leave a week from tomorrow!

I had a great birthday celebration with good friends and my family. Thank you to everyone that shared it with me...it's easier to turn 37 with you all by my side. I love you - and let's watch some FOOTBALL!

The best birthday ever

It was about 7:15 am on August 10, 1993. I was enjoying sleeping in and not having to work at 7-11. Yes, it builds character to work at a 7-11.

My mom rapped on my door and I was rousing and upset that she was disturbing my morning sleep away from lotto sales and 24 oz. tar like coffee that the Rooster had made the night before.
She came in and said the best words I would ever hear..."are you ready to see your birthday present?" I jumped out of bed so fast! Why you may wonder...my little sister was 9 months pregnant and was in labor in the hospital!

I ran to the bathroom and got ready as fast as I can remember! We took off to the hospital and found Holly and Hokey walking around attached to an IV. It really was happening!

We watched the Flinstones and tried to make Holly laugh. We ate bad cafeteria food and made her throw up. About 2:30, it was time...we all got ready and then in a matter of about 20 minutes, the best birthday present of all time was born. David Brent Hoekman. He was so cute. Holly's first words were "he looks like a turtle" as we all cried and marveled at his beautiful face and red hair.

He had perfect features and from that moment, I knew that my birthday would never be the same and I'm so grateful.

That birthday, my dad locked his keys in his car trying to get to the hospital and I had red velvet cake in the hospital that Kathy McCrory made for me.

It truly will be the best birthday ever and one that I hope I will always remember. Brent, I love you and am proud to share a birthday with you - and I will always, always be your best pal!

Dear Church

This is a little Friday humor - which I need!



On a more serious note, I ran across the above referenced website today at a fellow blog site. (Mom, you just click on the title "Dear Church" and it will take you there :))

She wrote a book for twentysomethings - however, I think it spans to all of us who are discontent with what the empirical church offers us. I am lucky to not be a part of said empire church.

This book should lead to some good discussions as well as her website. Check it out and tell me what you think!

Real Madrid

OK, I'm a soccer geek. I never thought it would happen, but it crept up on me during the World Cup and I've been unable to shake it ever since. It also helps to be related to the cutest 13 year old goalie in the whole world! He has broadened my love for soccer immensely!

My little sister got me Real Madrid tickets for my birthday! So, I'm trying to get my other sister to go with me! If she can't go...I'll need other takers.

The Blue Angels are also here this weekend. They give me goose bumps.

Should be a good weekend!

Paul strikes again

One of my favorite NT authors (CW is rolling her eyes!) has written in Philippians 2 that

"your attitude should be that of Christ Jesus"

I was reading this passage yesterday and realized that I have attitude issues. It's not even close to that of Christ Jesus.

I've been struggling with this since being told at work that I have a bad attitude and my defense to that is trying to put an action on a bad attitude. "Tell me...what does my bad attitude look like" or "give me an example please?"

But...that's a cop out...I know it's there and I know when I bring it out. I do it to some of my very best friends, to my family and even Brent & Ellie. I do not like this part of my personality and ask to be held accountable by who ever would be willing.

We get to choose how we respond to any given situations and I know we've all heard that before, but it really is true. When every other freedom has been taken away, our choice of how to respond still remains. I hope to remember that and broadly apologize to those who I have offended.

Mosaic...a community coffee house

Mosaic..a community coffee house was unveiled last night! It was fun and I think it was well received. The real work now starts!

Had the big meeting - it went well. I have a new boss - which is good. I've worked with her for some time and she is someone who will leave me alone! I will now be responsible for all collections. Andrew has another job and will no longer deal with students. So, that's a good thing. They will hire a junior advisor who will be on my team to do the busy work of my job.

That's what I know now. I'm still interviewing and looking for jobs, but this change seems to be a message that they want to keep me - even though my "attitude" is sometimes bad. They are being generous in their minds.

The best part is...I still get to go to China and I'm not fired...those are really good things! I appreciate the love, prayers and support and think that I could stick this out until something better comes along.

I was told today not to just "leave because you're mad" however sound advice that was. I think that is good advice for us all to remember...don't leave because you're mad!

Coffee House

I decided not to post about my job anymore. It's really not uplifting to anyone and I have a big meeting on Monday that I just found out about with the big boss...so I may not have a job after Monday. Crap!

I'm excited about the coffee house that my church is starting this fall. I've been a part of the visioning, planning and dreaming team for a few months now and we're rolling out the name tomorrow night in a big all-church party. I'm very excited and privledged to be a part of something like this. It is closer to becomming a reality and I can't wait to be involved.

I can't tell the name until tomorrow...so you'll have to tune in.

The Anderson family has expanded by one member. Last week my cousin Taylor and his wife Amy had a little baby - Morgan May Anderson. I saw some pictures of her and she is so delicate and sweet. Congrats Taylor & Amy!

Uncle Scott leaves for Pasadena tomorrow - don't pick up any hitchikers!

That's all for now - have a paper to write and knees to get on!

Information School

Had an interview today at the i-School. It was for an academic advisor position for their Master's of Science in Information Management. Apparently there is a lot of information that needs to be managed!

I think I can interview really well - so I feel like it went great. The job pays less than what I make now, but if Dan can come through on the re-fi and I can pay everything off, it will be easy to take a pay cut.

I liked the people I met - they seemed so....what's the word....NORMAL! A far cry from the regime I work under now.

Stay tuned....

Jobs Jobs Jobs

I have two interviews this week! I'm excited. I also got accepted into the PhD program in Social & Community Services at Capella University. They won some award for having a really good online program...so Mark may make fun of me, but oh well!

It's about 110 degrees in the shade and in my house as well. I'm in the process of re-financing. I'm so grateful for a sister and brother-in-law who have been through this and can guide me on what to do! Thanks H&H :)

That's all for now-I'll update the blog on the jobs after Wednesday.

Here is the hotel I will be staying at in Shanghai: http://www.c-b-w.com/hotel/zhongya/index.html

Get Over It

I'm listening to a CD from a friend of mine here at work that his church put out. It's called Get Over It...and it's black gospel and it's good. I like the title best.

It turns out that I don't actually have a job interview. The person who called me was from that department and was calling at the request of my friend to tell me about the job because she does the same job. I got a little excited for no reason...but I will call her and hopefully make another contact.

I am frustrated by this job process but need to "get over it!"

That's all for now.

www.kiva.org

I've just discovered what I want to do with the rest of my life...

Take a look at this website



I believe this could be done within the US and within our churches.

I've sponsored two folks today - with minimum donations and am excited to see the outcome.

Pray for resources and direction.

Let's get out of the boat-NOW

There is a really good story in Matthew's gospel (Matthew 14:9)about Jesus walking on water. Jesus told the disciples to go out in the boat...straight into a storm that is brewing, to go to the other side of the lake.

The boat is tossing and turning in the waves. Let's pause and understand the eloquence here: Jesus told them to get into the boat, out into the storm and wait for him...I love this! The disciples are afraid and Jesus walks out to the disciples and they think it is a ghost. Jesus tells them "take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Peter calls out to Jesus and says "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."

Jesus says one word: "Come"

I love that Peter is the only one that gets out of the boat. Jesus bids him "come" and he gets out - and does what no other human being in history does - walks on water.

Why am I so afraid to do something courageous?

• quit my job even though "society" says it's crazy
• start a microlending firm
• love people
• feed poor people
• live in community
• change the world

Jesus is outside the boats we live in - asking us to "come" and I want to be like Peter and jump in! I want to trust Jesus enough to do crazy things like walking on water or quitting my job, on faith that there is more to Jesus than what I know now.

What the h*%l

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in ME, the works that I do, he will do also; AND greater works than these he WILL do; because I go to the Father" (NASB)

John 14:12

So, I have a friend dying of cancer. I want her to be healed. Jesus says anyone who believes can do the works he does (and greater) - which includes healing.

So, my issue is, when I pray for healing of my friend she is not healed.

I believe in Jesus and I know that what he says is true.

My friend still has cancer. She has a husband and a son with Downs Syndrome. I want her to be healed. My faith says God can do this, he wants to, he is willing to and he is able to. The Bible says I should be able to do this and I can't. I don't want platitudes here... Particularly regarding my faith and the strength of my prayers. I don't need that.

I want Jesus to intervene miraculously and heal my friend. Period. End of story.

New Friends

Got a call last night after work while I was on my way home. It wasn't a particularly good/bad day at work but it's so volatile here that you just never know. My new friends invited me to share a home-cooked meal with them.

I was touched and honored to get to know them in this way. We had a great time and I'm looking forward to many more to come.

Thanks be to the Lord for his provision of friends and family to me during this time in my life. I'm grateful and want to pass it on!

I'm not diverse

I do not like my job. It's not ever been more evident than today. We had a meeting about some employee survey results that "management" felt some responses we gave in the survey were alarming. Well, they really were. People are not really happy and of course there's a cause and they are going to tackle it, solve it, measure it and report it. Whatever.

A part of the survey discussed diversity within my organization, however, the results that management shared with us today did not include any discussion about the diversity questions or the results. I kind of wondered about that and at my table during "small group discussion" (which of course is supposed to engage us all in stilted dialogue) one of my friends pointed this out. My friend is African-American and wheel-chair bound from an allergic reaction to a polio vaccination. He's really great and I enjoy his encouragement and he knows how to mix a CD like nobody else.

My friend brought this to the management's attention and stated that the results we were given left out the portion about diversity. The response from management was a joke. He (the main man) stood up and said that it didn't directly pertain to our part of the organization so he left it out.

My friend said very eloquently: "I'm diverse and part of this organization and I'd like to see them." This was met with the white, male, overpaid top level manager saying "I'm diverse too and part of this organization."

Whatever. First of all when my friend enters a room, there's no questioning his diversity - he way overqualifies. Secondly, this manager is white, male and priveledged. He is gay, but walking into a room NOBODY knows that.

This is why I'm quitting my job. Do I really need any other reason?

Proud to be an American?

Today I watched the Shuttle Discovery take off. NASA has a cool feature on their website called NASA TV. It allows anyone to watch, real time, the launch of the space shuttle. It starts with the astronauts loading and allows you to hear everything they talk about. You can watch them get strapped in and then watch the entire process from countdown to liftoff. It also allows you to hear the captain talking to mission control. It's very impressive. You can watch the guys in Mission Control hugging and patting backs after the successful lift off. Each man has a small American flag near his station seemingly always remembering who they are working for.

The pictures are amazing. After 3 minutes, they are 36 miles above the earth; after 7 minutes, you can see the curve of the earth from the shuttle; after only 8 minutes, you see the huge rocket boosters fall off and toward the ocean floor below. Only eleven minutes after lift off, Discovery is in orbit and flying about 5 miles/per second. They are now into launch about 30 minutes and are over Eastern Africa. Amazing!

I must admit, I had goosebumps when it took off - and even got a little teary eyed. It's amazing to be apart of a Superpower Nation that spends billions of dollars to get man into space. I'm also amazed that men (and women) can think at levels I only aspire to. They think thoughts that get people to space-they build the platforms, the rockets, the foamy protection. They can guide a huge shuttle like playing a video game. It does make me proud until I think about what we could do to end poverty in America...if we wanted to.

The same minds that build shuttles, rockets and space stations could think of ways to end hunger and the ugliness of poverty. I want America to be in space and to do amazing things but I also have a deep desire for our country to be about the business of our citizens - to ensure that little children have food and a place to sleep at night. I guess we choose not to do this - because I know that if we can send a man to space and bring him home safely, certainly, we can end poverty and feed everyone in America - or the world.

I was talking to a friend last night about his job at a Seattle youth shelter. The kids he sees really need help, not space stations or rockets but the same level of thought that goes into making rockets could end their struggle.

Forget about God, Jesus, the church (ha!) and even some well-meaning Christians helping - that's not the help I'm speaking of. They need real help, tangible help..daily bread, shelter, jobs - stuff we take for granted sometimes. I wonder what to think when we launch a shuttle into space and are amazed at it and my friend talks to 14 year old prostitutes (living on the streets of America) everyday who are looking for some food and a place to lay their head and who are more than willing to use sex as their currency.

I am proud to live here-I am happy it's the 4th of July - I want to do better and want to engage in the thought process that will make a difference in people's lives. I don't know how to connect the two thoughts of youth shelter and NASA but it's what I'm thinking about and wondering how to make life in America better for the hurting, the marginalized and the poor among us.

Happy Fireworks!

Kubota Gardens

Spent some wonderful time today at Seattle's Kubota Gardens - in the middle of Beacon Hill - a beautiful landscape of Japanese Gardens. There were gorgeous Japanese Maples, rhodies, hydrangea and all sorts of different garden areas. The bridge pictured above opened up to a little cove where birds of all kinds were flying in and out. It was serene, peaceful and very beautiful. I am glad I got to experience this garden and highly recommend it to anyone!

I went with some great friends of mine that I truly appreciate. Sometimes, I feel sorry for myself that I have to do stuff alone, as I have no life partner to "walk this road" with me. I usually get over it pretty quick and it helps to have awesome friends like these.

I said a prayer of thanks for my friends who are willing to walk this road with me - I am grateful for them all.

Meerkat Manor

You must watch this show. It's a great testament to how a community is supposed to live instinctively. I highly recommend it to anyone as it truly is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time.

Long live the Whisker Family!

See Animal Planet for listings.

One Choice

I was working today when all of a sudden three Seattle Police cars pull up and three officers jump out. They were chasing four teenage kids who had just tagged the side of the Wells Fargo across from my office.

I watched as they caught the kids and pulled them to the ground. These kids are about 13-16 maybe and two of the four looked really scared. I thought about the phone call their parents were about to get. It's a sunny day and their folks are probably working - or maybe not.

I was thinking about my nephew, who I love like my own son, and if I got the call from my sister about something like this. I would be disappointed that one bad choice created a consequence that would now create more issues.

One small choice - one huge consequence. I wonder if it was worth it? The tag is really artistic.

Summer Reading List

The red letter girl does read more than just the Bible....surprise!

I have compiled a Summer reading list that you may enjoy!

Wild Swans - Jung Chang (I'm reading this as required for my trip to Shanghai)
Our Town - Cynthia Carr
Take A Walk; 100 walks through natural places in the Puget Sound region - Sue Miller Hacking
Gall - Pete Gall
My Little Friend - Donna Tartt
Maybe a Miracle - Brian Strause
The Last Song of Dusk - Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
The Liar's Club - Mary Karr
The Good Pig - the Extradorinary Life of Christopher Hogwood - Sy Montgomery
Fodor's Beijing & Shanghai
Irresistable Revolution - Shane Claiborne

That should keep you all busy for awhile!

It's Decision Time Again

It's decision time. I'm almost 37 - almost have a Master's degree and I need a new job. The decision will be made shortly and I ask that anyone within the sound of my blog, spend at least 30 seconds on your knees for me.

I am making a decision that could (and hopefully will) change my life. I have decided to follow Jesus and I can't do that in my current position. I'm just trying to make it to China, but feel reassured by the HS that maybe, if I work for him, I could go to China another time.

Crisis is interesting...I invite you to join in with me and thank you for caring enough to do so.

The Power of Canceled Sin

Charles Wesley wrote a few hundred really great hymns. We don't sing them much anymore, but one was swirling around the empty recesses of my mind yesterday.

"He breaks the power of canceled sin

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean;

His blood availed for me!"

O for a Thousand Tongues

Canceled sin is one of the evil one's most powerful weapons against a follower of Christ. The constant reminder of what we've done, who we've done it to (or with), and how bad it really was is a tool the EO uses against us whenever he can.

Remember, the sin has been canceled by our asking Jesus for forgiveness...yet it continually presents itself when ever our idle minds happen across the memory. It's been forgiven, forgotten and impossible to see yet still gives us pause and obviously was such an issue in Methodism at Wesley's time that he wrote about it.

Jesus does break the power that canceled sin can have over our lives - if we let him. Maybe we should sing this little tune more often.

Moments

I was listening to a book on tape today and the author was talking about how each day is made up of single moments. These moments are opportunities for all of us. Single moments that make up our days. Moments that we have control over and some we do not. The one thing we can always control is our attitude in those moments. I can decide how I will react in the moments that make up my day. It's a simple thought, but one that has incredible potential.

Think about all the moments that make up your day. In line at the grocery store, getting coffee, talking to a co-worker or being with your friends and family are all moments that make up a day, week, month, year and a lifetime. They are all opportunities.

I want to remember that each day is made up of moments and that I can be aware of these moments to make sure that I am being the best sister, daughter, aunt, co-worker, friend and Christian I can be.

Pasadena

Just talked to my Uncle Scott from Dallas. He and my aunt Julie are moving to Pasadena next month. It's an exciting yet nerve wracking time for them. They are so cool and I'm excited to (hopefully) get invited to visit in California.

As I was talking with him and rejoicing in this decision I was also thinking about how hard change is. It's one of those things that is inevitable (like death and taxes) but you're never quite ready for it once it starts. As I get ready to complete my MA in December, I'm reminded of how prevalent change is, even in my studies of organizations and the way they function. How an organization handles change can make or break them-and I think it's the same for us. How we choose to address change and either embrace it, deny it, ignore it or hope that it goes away, says a lot about us. It can be something as small as starting a conversation with a neighbor or something as big as moving from Dallas to Pasadena...each takes courage and a lot of faith.

I'm proud of them and their ministry and know that God will use them in a huge way in this new adventure! I just want to go to Disneyland.

Are you content?

I go into churches and everyone seems to feel so good about themselves.
Everyone calls themselves a Christian nowadays. How dare we call ourselves
Christians? It's only for Jesus to decide whether we are Christian or not. I
don't think he's made a decision in my case and I'm afraid that when he does I
am going to be sent straight to hell. I don't feel I can call myself a
Christian. I can't be satisfied with myself. We all seem to be pretty contented
with ourselves in church and that makes me sick. I think all this contentment
makes Jesus nervous.
Robert Coles - Wittenburg Door

A friend of mine talks about being in the tension of wanting to do what Jesus says to do and yet purposely, still not doing it The desire is strong to act in love, but the flesh is weak...it's a tough spot to be in and the only way to get out of this tension is to do what Jesus says to do...whether that's loving someone you don't want to, staying in a job you don't like, giving money you don't want to give or helping out a neighbor or friend when it's not convenient. Thankfully we get to be in the tension - for how long? How long can we be in the tension before we're required to act? For now, I am living in the tension. Purposely knowing what to do, wanting to do it and not doing it...sounds an awful lot like sin.

Getting to know you

I got this from another blogger - it's interesting. If you comment - maybe answer some of these questions. It's fun

1. List three words that describe your faith:
organic, evolving and compelling

2. Describe one belief about which you are very certain and one belief with which you struggle.
One certain belief: Jesus loves me
One belief I struggle with: Jesus loves me?

3. What is your mission in life?
Love Jesus, love my neighbor: purposefully. Maybe feed a few poor people

4. Describe one thing that interferes with you authentically living out your faith.
Me, myself and I - my self-addiction

5. What is your favorite OT story? Why?
When the kids are eaten by a bear for making fun of the prophet Elisha. Why? I don't know...It's sadistic yet funny. I also think they should make a Veggie Tale out of this story.

6. What is your favorite NT story? Why?
It's not a story...It's an action: Matthew 26:46 - Jesus in Gethsemane- hearing the soldiers coming for him he tells his disciples to "rise...Let us go." It's amazing that he goes willingly to be crucified and I love him for that!

7. Describe a meaningful action you took because of your faith.
This is a story that is yet to be written. I usually only take meaningful actions because of self-addiction - not faith.

8. Does your faith differ from that of your parents? If so, how?
No, my parents get it - It just took me awhile to catch up.

9. Who or what was most important in the development of your faith?
Something that is important in my faith journey is the joy of talking out my issues or faith struggles with fellow followers of Christ. My sister is always up for a good theological debate, so are MW & CW and of course my parents. Discussing stuff that is sometimes too scary to bring up in public or that may be theologically weird (i.e. doing what the red letters say do, or what if there's no hell?) probably wouldn't go over too well in Sunday School - so having a group of "safe" people is crucial to my faith journey!

10. Pass this on - it's fun and we get to know one another!

Moving to Woodinville?

Today the City of Woodinville has issued an order that Tent City 4 must leave PRIVATE property owned by the Northshore United Church of Christ. They must leave because they don't have a proper permit. The City of Woodinville has said even if Tent City applied timely for the permit they would be denied.

Good work Woodinville. You all should be proud of yourselves.

Here today - gone tomorrow

I came home tonight from Underground to find a note on my door from the Homeowner's Association. Keep in mind, I pay monthly dues to be part of this association. They are informing me that the tree that is right outside my bedroom window will be cut down tomorrow. This makes me very sad. This tree shelters my bedroom window from unwanted noise, sun, rain and wind. It is a beautiful and tall cedar tree and I will miss it.

It got me thinking about John 15:5 where Jesus is the vine (or trunk) and we are called to be branches.

I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation initimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. John 15:5 - The Message

I don't always act strong or protective as the branches on the tree outside my bedroom do. In fact, sometimes I'd rather be cut down than have to protect or shelter someone.

I will miss my tree but continue to focus on how I can be a better branch, even when I want to be cut off.

Love Sucks

Loving people is so hard sometimes. I'm trying because the red letters tell me to and so does my Pastor. It always seems harder on Sundays.

Lord, help me to love others and see them as you do. It's hard and yucky and I don't want to do it, but I will try.

Procrastination Sucks

I finally finished my Spring Quarter. I took a final today that I barely studied for and only knew one question for sure. That's always encouraging. I turned in two papers as well. At least it's over.

I firmly believe that procrastinating is the devil's tool. More so than idle hands or the love of money.

At least now I can read what I want to read for the next three weeks...and not Katzenbach, Rees or another book about organizational management.

I'm reading "Our Town" by Cynthia Carr. It's a pretty good read so far. That's it for now...the kids are coming to spend the night.

Daytime TV

I'm supposed to be writing two papers and studying for a final but am intrigued by the myriad of offerings on Cable during the day. Currently I'm watching a 1980 episode of "The Incredible Hulk"

I'm struck by the simplicity of the acting (maybe it's just bad) and the storylines. In this episode, David Banner (the Hulk) helps a friend, who turns out to be a con-man, out by giving him some lottery proceeds. All goes well until the man picking up the funds, his friend, takes off with all the cash. The hulk wanted to use his part of the money to perform some experiments on why he continuously becomes Lou Ferrigno at very inopportune times. The funny part is that he changes his last name in each episode. This one his name was David Brent. That is my nephew's name.

Maybe I'll switch to World Cup - Germany vs. Costa Rica.