Wednesday, February 16, 2011
sick
Unfortunately I'm sick. This is unfortunate because my sick days have already been allocated for various conferences. It's as the Chief says-- "it's a terrible thing to use a sick day for being sick." But, I think I might break down and use one of my sick days for sickness. C'est la vie.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Winter Conference 2011
I almost didn't go because of the hassle and guilt of missing work, but I sucked it up. I'm so glad I went. It was refreshing and lovely time. Most of the talks were good, and the Holy Spirit was at work making sure I heard the words that were for me. Some ideas that really impacted me: the importance of the liturgical calendar shaping my identity as a believer vs. the secular defining me as a consumer. I now want to read Living the Christian Year by Bobby Gross. The talk was by a Regent grad. His argument was extremely compelling.
The lady on following God's will had some good one liners: "You can't out dream God" and "the cost of obedience is high, but the cost of disobedience is always higher." Sadly, I know exactly of what she speaks.
Then, I was reminded to be "expectant" not in a prosperity gospel kind of way, but in a God is good and powerful AND personal. Expect God to be at work in your life and future. Expect him to use you. Expect him to meet you.
I heard Jeremiah 6:16 preached. I love that verse: "This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'" In this sermon, I was reminded to pray-- not read about praying or talk about praying or think about praying... but praying. Clearly, he knew his audience.
Len Sweet was there. His ideas on how to share the gospel were thought-provoking and helpful: story and relationship. And, there was a talk on the theology of technology. What struck me in his ideas: the conflation of time and space in facebook and blogs etc. Technology does mold our perception.
Most importantly, I went to "Soaking Prayer" and a "ministry of power" service. I did feel the Holy Spirit. It gave me insight into Pentecostals. I've never been at a church that's done that kind of thing before. It was awesome.
I met some really nifty people and saw some people that I went to school with a long time ago.
And, I stayed with my uncle and cousin. I had a really good visit with my uncle.
The lady on following God's will had some good one liners: "You can't out dream God" and "the cost of obedience is high, but the cost of disobedience is always higher." Sadly, I know exactly of what she speaks.
Then, I was reminded to be "expectant" not in a prosperity gospel kind of way, but in a God is good and powerful AND personal. Expect God to be at work in your life and future. Expect him to use you. Expect him to meet you.
I heard Jeremiah 6:16 preached. I love that verse: "This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'" In this sermon, I was reminded to pray-- not read about praying or talk about praying or think about praying... but praying. Clearly, he knew his audience.
Len Sweet was there. His ideas on how to share the gospel were thought-provoking and helpful: story and relationship. And, there was a talk on the theology of technology. What struck me in his ideas: the conflation of time and space in facebook and blogs etc. Technology does mold our perception.
Most importantly, I went to "Soaking Prayer" and a "ministry of power" service. I did feel the Holy Spirit. It gave me insight into Pentecostals. I've never been at a church that's done that kind of thing before. It was awesome.
I met some really nifty people and saw some people that I went to school with a long time ago.
And, I stayed with my uncle and cousin. I had a really good visit with my uncle.
Monday, February 7, 2011
a confession and observation
So... the running club. Yea. I'm opting out. I find it really stressful in an unhelpful, guilt-inducing way. I'm looking for a part-time job now and a full-time come August while working. I want to stay in shape, but I'm too competitive to enjoy working out with people that are better shape. I used to run 6 minute miles and sub 21 5ks. But I'm not there right now. M helped a great deal with comparing a running club to a therapist: you've got to shop around until you find the right fit. There's bound to be a running club that's more in line with my present running goals and aspirations.
I wrapped up Genesis finally in the Message (or the Massage). What struck me this go round was in the Joseph strain at the end of Chapter 46: "Joseph then spoke to his brothers and his father's family.... When Pharaoh calls you in and asks what kind of work you do, tell him, 'Your servants have always kept livestock for as long as we can remember-- we and our parents also.' That way he'll let you stay apart in the area of Goshen-- for Egyptians look down on anyone who is a shepherd."
Jacob's family is set apart alright. This story seems counter-intuitive to me. I rarely try to undersell my family, friends or myself. I hate to be underestimated. For instance, in the above running club, I always got an incredible urge to casually drop into the conversation that I was a varsity athlete at UNC-- I hate being judged by my old, chubby self. God doesn't have my hangups. God's wisdom is foolishness in the world's eye. Our God raises a king after his own heart from a shepherd boy. God explains himself in a metaphor as the Great Shepherd. In some ways this passage foreshadows the Pharaoh's disdain for Moses, Aaron and Yahweh. People always crash on Moses for not wanting to speak to Pharaoh with a stutter, but I understand his hesitation. Presentation is sometimes more important than substance but not for God.
This passage also made me think of all the handicapped people at my church. These children and men are safe and loved in church. I interact with them; they're a part of the body. I love sharing the peace of Christ with F; he says it with utter gusto. Our God's economy is mysterious, beautiful and full of grace. I don't feel identified with my occupation and efficiency when I'm worshipping-- all my "accomplishments" seem rinky-dink compared to our great God. I have to confess my skewed priorities and identity.
In church, we pray this as a part of the Eucharist-- it's from the Kenyan liturgy: "O God of our ancestors, God of our people, before whose face the human generations pass away: We thank you that in you we are kept safe forever, and that the broken fragments of our history are gathered up in the redeeming act of your dear Son, remembered in this holy sacrament of bread and wine. Help us to walk daily in the Communion of Saints, declaring our faith in the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body. Now send us out in the power of your Holy Spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. Amen."
I am kept safe forever. The broken fragments of my history are gathered up in the redeeming act of Jesus and remembered weekly during Eucharist. God's not scared or intimidated or disgusted in my weakness because He has redeemed it.
I'll finish and edit later.
I wrapped up Genesis finally in the Message (or the Massage). What struck me this go round was in the Joseph strain at the end of Chapter 46: "Joseph then spoke to his brothers and his father's family.... When Pharaoh calls you in and asks what kind of work you do, tell him, 'Your servants have always kept livestock for as long as we can remember-- we and our parents also.' That way he'll let you stay apart in the area of Goshen-- for Egyptians look down on anyone who is a shepherd."
Jacob's family is set apart alright. This story seems counter-intuitive to me. I rarely try to undersell my family, friends or myself. I hate to be underestimated. For instance, in the above running club, I always got an incredible urge to casually drop into the conversation that I was a varsity athlete at UNC-- I hate being judged by my old, chubby self. God doesn't have my hangups. God's wisdom is foolishness in the world's eye. Our God raises a king after his own heart from a shepherd boy. God explains himself in a metaphor as the Great Shepherd. In some ways this passage foreshadows the Pharaoh's disdain for Moses, Aaron and Yahweh. People always crash on Moses for not wanting to speak to Pharaoh with a stutter, but I understand his hesitation. Presentation is sometimes more important than substance but not for God.
This passage also made me think of all the handicapped people at my church. These children and men are safe and loved in church. I interact with them; they're a part of the body. I love sharing the peace of Christ with F; he says it with utter gusto. Our God's economy is mysterious, beautiful and full of grace. I don't feel identified with my occupation and efficiency when I'm worshipping-- all my "accomplishments" seem rinky-dink compared to our great God. I have to confess my skewed priorities and identity.
In church, we pray this as a part of the Eucharist-- it's from the Kenyan liturgy: "O God of our ancestors, God of our people, before whose face the human generations pass away: We thank you that in you we are kept safe forever, and that the broken fragments of our history are gathered up in the redeeming act of your dear Son, remembered in this holy sacrament of bread and wine. Help us to walk daily in the Communion of Saints, declaring our faith in the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body. Now send us out in the power of your Holy Spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. Amen."
I am kept safe forever. The broken fragments of my history are gathered up in the redeeming act of Jesus and remembered weekly during Eucharist. God's not scared or intimidated or disgusted in my weakness because He has redeemed it.
I'll finish and edit later.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Review of Scarlet Pimpernel
The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of my sister's absolute favorite books. This statement is kind of a big deal because my sister is a voracious reader. So I've always been a little sheepish about not having read it, esp. since I have started it several times. It has one of the slowest openings of all time. You have to get through about two-thirds of it before it gets exciting. It does (eventually) get exciting.
I can see why my sister likes the book: Percy Blakeney is dashing hero. What woman wouldn't fall in love with him? Marguerite is an annoying character; then again, she is French. However, I was most impressed with Chauvelin, the despicable antagonist. He was truly despicable. He was evil to the point he'd lost his humanity.
I found all the author's asides annoying and unnecessary. I realize I grew up in a time that succinctness reigns supreme. The baroness is wordy and belabors her points too much and too often.
I fell head-over-heels for the Scarlet Pimpernel and his dashing escapes. I also really liked how proud Lord and Lady Blakeney are; their pride is too their detriment. There's a poignant scene in which they refuse to be vulnerable. The dramatic irony for the reader is intense!
My favorite line from my first reading of the book: "A woman's heart is such a complex problem-- the owner thereof is often most incompetent to find the solution to this puzzle" (Chapter XVII Farewell).
I can see why my sister likes the book: Percy Blakeney is dashing hero. What woman wouldn't fall in love with him? Marguerite is an annoying character; then again, she is French. However, I was most impressed with Chauvelin, the despicable antagonist. He was truly despicable. He was evil to the point he'd lost his humanity.
I found all the author's asides annoying and unnecessary. I realize I grew up in a time that succinctness reigns supreme. The baroness is wordy and belabors her points too much and too often.
I fell head-over-heels for the Scarlet Pimpernel and his dashing escapes. I also really liked how proud Lord and Lady Blakeney are; their pride is too their detriment. There's a poignant scene in which they refuse to be vulnerable. The dramatic irony for the reader is intense!
My favorite line from my first reading of the book: "A woman's heart is such a complex problem-- the owner thereof is often most incompetent to find the solution to this puzzle" (Chapter XVII Farewell).
relief
I took the SAT over three weeks ago in order to apply for a tutoring job. The woman at the center told me that she'd phone me within one week. So, I emailed her a day after the week had passed. Then I dropped by to make my interest known. I'd all but lost hope for getting the job. Then, lo and behold, I get a voicemail... from said lady. Thank you, Jesus! I've been asking for him to throw me a bone, and he has. I'm not guaranteed the job, but it's encouraging. Now I need to figure out what I'm willing to work for-- it's quite a drive from my school. The pay range is 17-33 per hour. My sister says that they'll probably offer me 20 and I may be able to get 22. One one hand, it's annoying that I wouldn't even make it half way up the scale. On the other, it's more than I make in my teaching job if the extra hours are factored in. Plus, it's within my profession. There are a lot of intangibles. It does pay more than most part-time jobs.
I braced myself for disappointment before I listened to the voice mail. That lady is who I most wanted a call from, and best case scenario rarely happens. This turn of events was much needed and is definitely appreciated. The lucrative dog-sitting gig and this seemingly falling through did put me in a Psalm 131 kind of a mood. My sister has been praying for this job even when I'd given up. We were talking about how we're coming to realize that prayer is more powerful than our "credentials". Our sense of accomplishment and entitlement is misplaced.
It's a good reminder about my job search. I'm focused on getting out cover letters, initiating interviews, etc. I need to be doing all this, but always under and with prayer. It's a good reminder for every aspect of my life.
I braced myself for disappointment before I listened to the voice mail. That lady is who I most wanted a call from, and best case scenario rarely happens. This turn of events was much needed and is definitely appreciated. The lucrative dog-sitting gig and this seemingly falling through did put me in a Psalm 131 kind of a mood. My sister has been praying for this job even when I'd given up. We were talking about how we're coming to realize that prayer is more powerful than our "credentials". Our sense of accomplishment and entitlement is misplaced.
It's a good reminder about my job search. I'm focused on getting out cover letters, initiating interviews, etc. I need to be doing all this, but always under and with prayer. It's a good reminder for every aspect of my life.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February's Challenge: vegan, no caffeine, no sugar
Let the games begin! I'm doing the Daniel Fast this month because I can't sleep and am feeling fat. I'm also going to be traveling every weekend this month-- that will be the biggest challenge with being vegan.
Sunday afternoon, I went to EarthFare to stock up on my vegan fare. I raided their bulk food bins: red lentils, green lentils, french couscous, steel cut oats, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans. They had such fabulous produce: kale, purple sweet potatoes, beets, red navel oranges, grape fruit, bananas.
Last night I met the Chief for my last cheeseburger (for a while) at Belmont Abbey's grill-- we both like it. A good time was had by all. This morning the health fest set sail. Oatmeal, oranges, pb&j. I was falling asleep coming home, which is not so good in rush hour traffic. But I caught my second wind when I got home and started cooking. I roasted beets, cooked some red lentil dahl sans onions because I was out of them, and roasted my purple sweet potatoes and mashed them with some coconut milk. As you can tell, I'm not in awe with my intrepid culinary prowess. I was even practical and cooked up a vat of oatmeal so that I can have some in refrigerator in the morning. I've learned so much of being successful with this is planning. This is going to be a fun challenge! I explained to my students that February is my least favorite month, and some of them were on board. However, this is definitely going to change the blah landscape that owns February, the cruelest month. TS Eliot was wrong.
Sunday afternoon, I went to EarthFare to stock up on my vegan fare. I raided their bulk food bins: red lentils, green lentils, french couscous, steel cut oats, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans. They had such fabulous produce: kale, purple sweet potatoes, beets, red navel oranges, grape fruit, bananas.
Last night I met the Chief for my last cheeseburger (for a while) at Belmont Abbey's grill-- we both like it. A good time was had by all. This morning the health fest set sail. Oatmeal, oranges, pb&j. I was falling asleep coming home, which is not so good in rush hour traffic. But I caught my second wind when I got home and started cooking. I roasted beets, cooked some red lentil dahl sans onions because I was out of them, and roasted my purple sweet potatoes and mashed them with some coconut milk. As you can tell, I'm not in awe with my intrepid culinary prowess. I was even practical and cooked up a vat of oatmeal so that I can have some in refrigerator in the morning. I've learned so much of being successful with this is planning. This is going to be a fun challenge! I explained to my students that February is my least favorite month, and some of them were on board. However, this is definitely going to change the blah landscape that owns February, the cruelest month. TS Eliot was wrong.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)