Red Letter Rants

I have wanted to start a secret blog of red letter rants. Just a place where I can go and rant about things and use the occasional "f" word if I want. There are some blogs that I read (of supposed Christian folks) that are so full of narcissistic s*#t that I can't help but scream out loud - or to a friend who happens to cross my path (Sorry CW). So, I thought it might help to have another blog to rant...but alas, I will hold in my rantings until I just can't take it anymore. I also can't stand bloggers that do not use spell check. It's so easy - PUSH the button!

One of my favorite blogs is "This Pile" and she had some great suggestions recently about purging what you no longer use. I started the purge process - realizing that I have 588 square feet of living space and a storage unit...it's a slow process. Plus, for whatever reason, I assign value to the stupidest things...as if my relationship with the person that gave me the stupid thing will suffer if I throw away their gift.

I think that's called VooDoo.

Pictures of China & Korea

Here are some of my pictures of my trip to China/Korea. Just an FYI...I am not Chinese, Korean or skinny if you needed help to identify me!

She was playing badmitton and I almost took her home with me!



This is a high school in Ha'ian, Jiangsu province. The kids are lining the halls to look at the Americans - some have never even been to Shanghai (about four hours away) let alone seen a blond/blue-eyed/fat American!:-)

This statement says it all about education in China.


School kids in China - all 5500 kids live in dorms at the school and are in class from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They are taking over the world on work ethic alone!

This is Linda (our Chinese translator) and myself on the riverboat cruise. She was so cute and tried her best to make a meaningful experience for the Americans!

He is Risen

Thank you for the cross.
Thank you for the nails.
Thank you for the blood.
Thank you for the spear.
Thank you for the thorns.
Thank you for the whip.
Thank you for your last breath on Friday...

And the first breath on that Sunday.

It's Friday...but Sunday's comin'!

It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's a coming.

It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. And at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's Friday, and they don't know it, but Sunday's a coming.

And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.

Get ready...Sunday's coming!

The Last Supper

One of the beauties of jet lag is getting to wake up at 4:09 am, watching tivo'd episodes of CSI from January and blogging. Normally I would go back to sleep but I have been thinking about Thursday - the night of the Last Supper.

In all four Gospels it is recorded that Jesus broke bread and said

"take it; this is my body....this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many..."

I wonder when exactly did Jesus make the decision that his love of his Father and of all humanity was more important to him than what awaited him the next 24 hours? Was it while he broke the bread and gave it to his most trusted disciples as they argued about who would be the greatest? Was it in Gethsemane? Was this the ultimate struggle during the night of prayer while the disciples fell asleep?

At what point in our lives do we decide that we love Jesus more than our ________ (fill in the blank...children, spouse, parents, job, money, drugs, sex, shopping,) and start to demonstrate (act out!) that love? Meaning...when will we decide that what he says, in the Gospels, is the most important thing in our lives and we will now do everything possible to manifest his Gospel. The decision for me is ongoing-a journey of sorts with many stops and re-starts along the way.

Maybe you have not decided that yet...and maybe that is fine. However, tonight as you remember the gift of the last supper and perhaps even partake of the eucharist, maybe this will be the night of decision for you as well.

So tired

It's amazing how you can sit on an airplane for 10 hours and feel this exhausted when you return. I want to sleep right now and it's only 4:58 pm. I am also not feeling well which adds to the tiredness.

Hopefully, going back to work will help! Getting into a routine should be good. I'm excited to head up to Mighty Mosaic on Friday to work. I am very excited!

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

I'm finally coming home. It is time. I realize that for all her faults, there really is no place like the good old USA. I have had such a rich experience and will try to share it, but writing about it really does not do it justice. Experience is the best way to learn about the Asian culture. I have an incredible soft spot for the Chinese. I would even consider being a missionary there if that is what I should do. They are an incredible group of people and are a great model for collective living.

I'm in Seoul today. Talk about a contrast. This is big city done right. Shanghai is huge (18 million) but Seoul is cool. It is clean, well laid out, people are well dressed, traffic seems normal for a city of 10 million and there's a Starbucks on almost every corner. The Koreans really like coffee - so The Coffee Bean, Starbucks, and several smaller European chains are here as well. It's nice to be thousands of miles from home, yet be able to order a coffee frappacino and it tastes just like home!

I met a lot of interesting people, especially the children...they love America and think that it's a dream come true to study in our schools. They also think they will all go to Harvard if they study in America. Oh well, one can dream.

Looking forward to seeing Mosaic in action! See everyone soon!!

There's no place like home

It is nice to be home. I'm exhausted...but glad to be home. If you have a chance to go to Hawaii jump on it and go to Kaua'i. It is awesome...I've been to Oahu before, but the three times I've been to Kaua'i have been awesome and then to have Hill & Phil suprise me there was equally as fun. We had a great time swimming, relaxing, doing our brackets and just being together. H&H and B&E were the only things that would have made it ideal. Someday.

Had dinner with my family today - Phil leaves for Kuwait tomorrow but Hillary is staying home, which is great. I also bought her an EPT today as she has not been "feeling well". It's just in case...but fingers crossed. I bought Holly one when she was trying to find out about Ellie - so I figured, maybe if I can't have kids, I can supply the tests? Who knows.

Honestly, today when I saw Mosaic, I almost called and cancelled my trip. I hate when things happen without me and I feel like I've missed this huge event. I know we all make choices and I'm excited to travel but really feel like I am missing this great thing that God has created. It looks amazing down there...I mean...I was speechless when I saw it this morning. I can't describe it. I am amazed and honored to be a part of this and so excited for what the future holds!

Nothing Better

As I sit here on the lana'i or veranda or patio and look out to the ocean I am reminded that there is nothing better than being on vacation. The weather is about 78 degrees with filtered sunshine. The ocean is green in places and blue further out. There are whales spouting on the horizon and surfers (about 13) trying to catch a wave. I can smell the sweet scent of...burning bacon. Alas, there is always an awareness of reality when you vacation with your parents..my dad just burned the bacon trying to make himself a BLT. Snapped back to reality!

I also am trying to write a 15 page research paper (with a table of contents, abstract and 8-10 references) by Saturday. I have about 8 pages done, but it's hard when I want to go play. I am proud of myself that I've finished, with relative success, the first quarter of my PhD. program. It is now something I think I can resolve to do and finish.

I do wish I could bring friends and family with me..but I do have a HUGE surprise to bring home with me...that none of you will guess! I'm so excited!

China here I come

For the 2nd time in six months I'm off to China! This time I'm going to Bejing, Shanghai and Seoul South Korea. We're going (all expenses paid) at the request of a school recruiting firm there that gets Korean and Chinese students into American schools. Oddly, a lot of them want a Christian education as it's something they can't get there (yet..).

I come home from Kauai on March 17th and leave for Bejing on March 22nd - and I'll be back by April 1st. I will miss the Mosaic grand opening - which grieves me - but will be ready to jump in for my volunteer shifts when I get home!

Speaking of Mosaic...we have decided (with the help of the City of Seattle) to work on a donation only basis. There are some great models for this (successful) not only in Seattle, but in other parts of the country as well. It is at this point that we really trust that the Lord has brought us this far and will not ever let us down. Funny how images of the Children of Israel come to mind - standing at the foot of the Red Sea.

In the words of C.S. Lewis in the final Chronicles of Narnia book "Further in and further up!"

Do we believe this?? Do we?

"Now to Him who is ABLE to DO immeasurably MORE than we can ask or even imagine, according to the power that is at work within us; to him be glory and honor in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever AMEN!!"

Ephesians 3:20-21

Women of Faith

I was asked to go to Women of Faith this year by a friend at work. Max Lucado is speaking and I would not mind seeing him, however, this type of thing simply does not do it for me. It's not that it's bad or anything, but to me, it's pretty simplistic but certainly serves a purpose for some women for sure. I just get a little board of the "you can do it" speak and "look how I did it" postulating that occurs. I wish it had a little more action connected with it - like how we actually go about putting the red letters into action. Plus, I think the McLaren conference is my quota for the year.

Other than that, Mosaic opens in a month! I can't believe it and am very excited. I am trying to find someplace that can take the logo and make me a roll of stickers for the first round of cups...this has proven more difficult than I anticipated because the place I thought would do it does not so I'm back to square one. I think we are going to do some decopoge in the bathrooms - that is something I can actually do! Stay tuned for more Mosaic updates...

Western Bacon Cheeseburger

Anyone who lived in or grew up in California will no doubt remember the famous Carl's Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger. I know it's hard to tell, but I have consumed many in my lifetime and am proud of it. It's just the right combo of meat, cheese, bacon, bbq sauce and topped off with an onion ring. Perfect!

I just found out that there is a Carl's Junior in Kent (OPENING SOON!). This is great news as now Brent & Ellie can enjoy the WBC as much as my sisters and I did! This might be enough to get Phil & Hillary to come home for good!!

P.S. I bought a new car, but none of my friends are online now so I can't tell them about it...oh well.

Not a lot to say

I don't have much to say...but figured something is better than nothing. I made a commitment to blog dangit and I will power through.

I have two papers due this weekend. Fun times. I am staying with Brent & Ellie tomorrow night - Hokey's grandma passed and they are going down tomorrow for the funeral.

I worked at Mosaic on Saturday - my legs are still sore from pulling weeds. We only found one hypodermic needle too, which for an urban church's secluded side of the building, is pretty good.

I also heard that Paul Cunningham was spotted at Hooters. You can check out the Naz. Nooz link on the side...true story...there are pictures to prove it.

See...not much else going on.

Thomas Hardy unobscured

I love Thomas Hardy. This love affair began my senior year of High School. We had just moved to Orange County, CA to start a new journey and I got to go to a new school as a senior. I had no friends, didn't go to the prom, and, due to a silly California State law, had to take Driver's Ed - even though I had my license for the last two years!

Anyhow, I started this last year of high school by taking English Lit with Mrs. Leslie. Now, Mrs. Leslie was a small woman who wore really great Sesto Meucci shoes and I'm sure her suits were not St. John's - but they were pretty close. She sometimes woke up late and her hair was messy but she always had her bright pink lipstick on. She used to get so tickled by talking about Thomas Hardy and all the sexual entendre present in his work...through her love of him, I fell in love with his writings as well. I made my mom walk all over London searching for his books (unpublished in the US). We even went to his grave at Westminster Abbey.

There is a new biography out of his life called Thomas Hardy, Life Unobscured. I would love to buy the book, but have had so little time to read for fun! Hardy wrote Jude the Obscure, Tess of the D'Urbervilles and other emotionally charged books. If you want a good place to start with T.H., start with his short story The Withered Arm. I think you'll be hooked!

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Last night we had a great evening of prayer at church. The sanctuary turned into...well...a Sancturary. It was dimly lit with candles and music playing. There were a few of us there to simply pray.

As I was up pouring my heart out and crying like a baby for my family a thought crossed my mind. I was praying at the alter and right underneath the sanctuary, underneath the knees I'm praying on, is the skeleton of Mosaic...a community coffee house.

This coffee house that was only a dream of some people who wanted to engage their community with something different. A coffee house that we didn't know how to pay for...until God, of amazing faithfulness, created opportunities. Why wouldn't the same God that created a community coffee house also create opportunities for my family? I left the Sanctuary with the peace that passes all understanding. I do not know what it will mean, but I am at peace.

Just what I needed

I took Ellie to Jack in the Box after gym yesterday. The lady that usually takes our order there asked where my "son" was (meaning Brent). I chuckled and said "no, he's my nephew and this is my niece."

She said, "Oh! You two look so much alike" meaning Ellie and me.

I turned to Ellie and said "ha ha...she said you look like me" and Ellie said "I don't mind, cause you're beautiful!"

All it takes is the love and admiration of a 10 year old to let you know that maybe the world is not such a sucky place after all.

Overwhelmed

I tend to take on more than I can handle...this is one of those times in my life. I feel out of balance, overwhelmed, like I can't get everything done to the detriment of friends, family and those I would like to spend time with. I would much rather have dinner with you, or hang out, then do my homework. Thus lies the problem...

I need to find the rythym - get some handle on the things I need to do instead of playing solitaire all evening. I just do not want relationships to suffer because I can't get my act together! Maybe it's just this week that seems out of control.

I also took on a new part-time job to pay the bills. This is going to be great, but yet one more thing to "fit" into the daily grind. I don't mean to complain - I did this to myself. Just asking for grace and maybe an extra hour (or two) in the day.

Dirty Feet

I was reminded yesterday by a tried and true friend that Jesus washed Judas' feet. It was a simple statement and one that I could joke off by saying "yeah, well I'm not Jesus!" (No eye rolling). But, I've been thinking about that statement since he said it and letting it marinate in my mind.

I'm sure that Jesus looked at Judas not as potential betrayer, sinner, worthless follower, but as friend, love, companion and disciple. Jesus saw through what Judas would do and had done into his heart. Later that same night, Jesus even gives his permission to Judas to "go" and do what he needed to do. Jesus knew what was going to be done and that Judas would be the domino that started the road to Calvary.

I must admit, there are some people in my life whose feet I do not want to wash. But, I am in prayer that my attitude would be made whole, my heart made clean and that I would desire to "wash the feet" of anyone in need.

An Emerging Story

I was involved recently in a discussion of the emerging church and the roll it may serve in our Nazarene/Wesleyan theology. The discussion was sparked by folks who are fearful of it and do not understand it – anytime we do not understand something we are prone to fear it. Unfortunately, this may cause damage and I wanted to share the Nazarene/Wesleyan perspective on emergence and its embrace within our own denomination.

There are parallels of Wesleyan theology and the emerging church in discipleship, missional focus, incarnational approach, alternative communities, preaching and teaching, worship and a generous orthodoxy. If you do not understand what these mean…ask! Please do not assume.

Not only is there room in the Church of the Nazarene and in Wesleyan theology for the emerging church, but it is needed. “Perhaps one of the greatest things the emerging church has to offer us Wesleyans is a call back to being Wesleyan,” Hal Knight. Again, if you do not understand what it means to be a Wesleyan – ask!

The Nazarene Church leadership has embraced the emergent church movement, even at the highest levels. Jesse Middendorf, General Superintendent, and Jon Middendorf, Associate Pastor at Oklahoma City First Nazarene had a “Generational Dialogue” recently at a conference about the movement. Some of their comments are below.

Jesse and Jon talked about the tension between the Church of the Nazarene and the emerging church as they see it and about the natural partnerships between the emerging church and the Church of the Nazarene that center around justice, small groups and friendships and theology. Both acknowledged the tension, but agreed that it is a healthy tension because the points of pressure revolve around re-discovering our Wesleyan roots and re-claiming what we say that we believe.

Jesse said, “One of the things I have struggled with in my ministry, one of the traditions of denominations is to say, you believe so we engage you. I want to say we engage you so you can believe.” Jon concurred that we must make friendship the end goal, not a means to an end.

The question then naturally arose, “Do you think there is room (in the Church of the Nazarene) to embrace the emerging church?” Jesse responded, “Not only room, but it would be a tragedy for us to pull out of it. I don’t think we can ever afford to not be a part of this dialogue. It is helping us.” Jon agreed and pointed out that we need to work on our language so that people see those who are emerging as “hopeless romantics”, who desire to be a part of God’s story and the Nazarene story.

The tension is real and will always be there, but they see it as a healthy tension. Jon went on to describe the relationship this way, “Maybe lions and lambs don’t lay down together until there is a lot of tension. When they first see each other until they lay down together there is a lot of angst, there must be a priority to lay down together that goes beyond what might even be instinct to go away from each other. In order to bring that picture to fruition, we’re going to have to choose to stay together in the midst of unbelievable tension. That’s what we started as a denomination that was a ‘big tent denomination’. That despite the tension we could remain together.”

Our entrance into the conversation may well be a belated, but it is definitely a beautiful and necessary voice. It is true that this is not a fundamental voice. If that is what you are looking for, perhaps look elsewhere. I am excited for what is to come and how I can personally be involved in embracing the message of emergence within my church. It is time and I believe we are the people.

Either we will emerge or we will die. I opt for the former.

For more information on the Emergent Church – check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergent_Church

The Joys of Car Ownership

Today at about 7:15 am I dropped my Beetle off for an oil change and new wiper blades. It was about $50.00 total - GREAT, I thought!

At about 1:05 p.m. they call me and tell me that some canister thingee in the back that recycles gas fumes or something or other has a large hole in it - which is what is causing my check engine light to illuminate (which it has for awhile now, but as long as it's not flashing there was nothing to worry about). I said that was great - and he said "yeah it will be $510.00". WHAT - how did we get from 50 bucks to now 50 bucks PLUS 510.00! I don't have that kind of money on me - and of course, on the phone, he says that I must have this fixed or else this will happen and that will happen and I'll spontaneously combust while driving!

Sometimes, life just seems to be going along well - things are happy, life is good and then POW you get nailed with an unexpected _____________ ! (Insert your own crappy noun). I do not handle unexpected things well - I tend to get really mad and want to kick some a*#. Maybe this time, however, I can pray about it - ask the Lord for some money to fall from the sky - or grow on a tree - or my W-2's from UW could come and I could file my taxes!

It's been kind of a hard week. I feel completely overwhelmed by the amount of work in this PhD program and am praying that I did not bite off more than I can chew. I try to take it one day at a time, one assignment, paper, discussion question, reading at a time but it's hard.

However, today at work I found a rather large error that I made - it wasn't an error per se, it was a posting of some account information but it made my co-workers reports all off because of the dates I used. I felt really bad and, if you know me you know I thought I was going to get fired (not really..but for better or worse, I go there). Anyway, I was talking to Blair, our superintendent, and he was so encouraging. He told me he knows that I was the best choice for this job and that he thinks I have a long career there and that he looks forward to many great years with me working there. He appreciates my contribution and knows that God sent me to them. It was really nice to hear. My direct boss is retiring soon (where have I heard that before?) and he was talking about all the possibilities available. He said "we will soon make this job exactly what you want it to be."

That was a great opening for me to ask for 4-10 hour days, but I didn't, not yet. My hope is to work closely with the development of the coffee house para-ministries and I feel to do this, I'll need one full day there at least. It is still early and I have lots of time to figure that out.

I Won!

I won a blog contest...I won a 2 CD set of music that is being mailed to me as we speak!

Here is the blog I won from - www.thispile.com

I wonder if I should give a speech?

This is what blogging should be about - uplifting and giving.

Thanks Jen and thanks CW for leading me her way! Worth the read!

Dangerous Unselfishness

If you have never heard Dr. King's "Mountaintop" speech, I encourage you today to listen...it's not long. He gave this speech in Memphis the night before he was killed. Here are some excerpts:

"because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around. That's a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a way that men, in some strange way, are responding.

And also in the human rights revolution, if something isn't done, and done in a hurry, to bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long years of poverty, their long years of hurt and neglect, the whole world is doomed. Now, I'm just happy that God has allowed me to live in this period to see what is unfolding. And I'm happy that He's allowed me to be in Memphis.

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!
And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"

The speech in it's entirety may be found here: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

Let's reflect (and work!) today and everyday how we can continue Dr. King's work to bring God's children everywhere out of poverty and oppression.

Thanks for a great season!

Despite the final score, I was very impressed with how the Seahawks played today. Their defense was amazing and I'm glad that Lofa Tatupu & Julian Peterson are going to the Pro-Bowl. I think that Jordan Babineaux deserved to go as well, but perhaps next year. Now, they can take the off-season to get healthy and all of you won't have to hear me talk about them until at least July/August.

I have decided to be on the "list" for season tickets. My friends Kathryn and David have also decided to commit to the list. We put our money down and now we wait...and wait...and wait. I am hoping that something comes up as it sure would be fun to have tickets. I'm still waiting to hear on how the whole process works and where we are on the list. We had to put some money down, but it all goes toward ticket purchase.

Just imagine, next year, seeing all the home games in person! I'm so excited for that!

My nephew is hilarious

Watch this...it's so funny!


http://youtube.com/watch?v=7uiuUXtW4lE

Official...I guess

I got my diploma in the mail today. It's nice - I think I'll frame it. I need to find my other diploma and frame that as well. I suppose I find a lot of self-esteem in having these pieces of paper - since I don't have a lot to begin with, it's nice to have some affirmation that perhaps I can stick with something to completion.

I have sat on the couch more this past two days than I can remember. Having two extra days off may seem like a dream, but after awhile, it gets pretty mundane - plus Monday is a holiday! There's only so many epidodes of Law & Order and Judge Judy I can handle before I go stir crazy. There are also only so many blogs I can read before I say to myself "how did I get here?" I do enjoy reading them.

I'm going to a wedding tomorrow. It's someone from work and I'm going with a friend from work. I hope the weather is o.k. I would usually be excited, but for some reason, I don't really want to go. Perhaps I'm afraid the dent I've worked hard to create in my couch these past two days may actually fill up.

Winter Wonderland

BLIZZARD 2007!

There is about 4 inches of snow at my house and it's still snowing at 8:28 p.m. Another day off tomorrow! (I hope).

I am not a fan of reality television. I know I'm missing a huge piece of Americana but there are a lot of things I'd rather watch than bug eating, wife swapping or racing thru Africa. However, I made an exception tonight and watched Armed & Famous. Big mistake. It's probably the dumbest show I've ever seen. However, I will have to say I'm proud of Jack Osbourne. He is on the show and talked a little bit about his struggle and how he has come around. He talked about what an idiot he was and how he is excited for this opportunity. I don't know why, but it was impressive.

LaToya has cried at least four times. Pathetic!

Oh well, just thought I would confess that I watched this show. Now I'm going to watch some quality t.v. like Charlie's Angels from 1979!

Enough Said!

God Moments

I had a God moment yesterday and it was reaffirmed today again.

I was with some friends last night at dinner and we were talking about how we can change the world (or our section of the world). My friend says "I wish we could buy a cheap motel."

For years, I've been driving by a closed motel called The Chinook on MLK way toward the freeway. In it's hayday I'm sure it was a nice enough little place, but now it's run down and gross. It has potential, however.

Each time I drive by I pray about that place and wonder how I could get it and turn it into a really cool Delancy St or transitional housing for single moms, etc. I pray specifically for that place each time I drive by. So last night when my friend mentioned this, I immediately had to tell him the Chinook story.

Then, today in another blog that I read, he was talking about how there is all kinds of abandoned, run-down shelter, (The Chinook) that could easily be used to help people. It was another moment that got me thinking about the funny motel.

I'm just a single gal who works for a living and wants to serve Jesus daily - how can I get a run-down motel and turn it into something?? So, I ask, Lord...what do you want me to do with these moments?

They're gone

Although I do not like to think about it, my sister and bro-in-law left today. It is an empty feeling yet again, although one I should be used to by now. I'm tired of them being gone. I'm tired of not seeing them for 9 months at a time. I really love how much my bro-in-law loves football - and how we can have an entire conversation about it and when I get some stat or player wrong, he NEVER makes me feel dumb, cheap, stupid or ugly. I appreciate that about him. Plus, he LOVES college football too (Hokey).

Damn Kuwait for being so far away. (sorry mom). The picture above is Camp Arifjan - where they both work.

By the way, I'm reading a really good memoir by Mary Ann Tirone Smith called Girls of Tender Age. I highly recommend getting it from the library.

Happy Reading Year

I've decided that instead of making New Year's resolutions, I will read books that have to do with what I may resolve at some point - since I can then combine my love of reading with making resolutions.
Here are the books I would like to read this year (aside from school books which are required reading-boo hoo).
Maybe a bloggers book club is in order??

1. You on a Diet - the Owner's Manuel for Waist Management. Michael Roizen & Mehmet Oz.
2. The Omnivore's Dilemma - A Natural History of Four Meals. Michael Pollan
3. The 8:55 to Baghdad: From London to Iraq on the Trail of Agatha Christie and the Orient Express. Andrew Eames
4. Mao: The Unknown Story. Jung Chang
5. Eragon. Christopher Paolini
6. On the Beach. Nevil Shute
7. Thunderstruck. Erik Larson
8. Thirteen Moons. Charles Frazier
9. The Openness of God: A Biblical Challenge to the Traditional Understanding of God. Clark Pinnock

That should keep me busy for a year. If anyone has anything else to add please do-there is a new one about Darwin that also looks fascinating, The Reluctant Mr. Darwin.

Have a great start to 2007, and happy reading!

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?