A Lotta Life

Who's that girl...?

2008-03-25T10:46:00.001-04:00

I need to remember that this is true:

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."

(James 1:19-25, NLT)

A blast from the past...

2008-03-03T14:14:00.003-05:00

Yesterday in Daniel's sermon he quoted something along these same lines, and it reminded me of this post from long ago. So here's to remembering what we hear/learn:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Food for thought...

In a casual, yet poignant, conversation with a prominent worship leader a few weeks ago over scrumptious gellato and decaf tea, he mentioned to our little group of three a very insightful comment he'd taken from some pastor somewhere: (something to the effect of) We all need to repent. The difference between unbelievers and believers is that unbelievers repent of their wrong deeds and believers repent of their good deeds. As I've reflected over that the past several weeks and examined my own heart, how TRUE that resonates with me!

My heart is so treacherous that, while I would never SAY that I believe my good deeds, good reputation, acts of self-control (few and far between as they may be), biblical knowledge or anything else contribute in any way towards my standing with God or my righteousness in him, I find that this thought lies behind a lot of the choices that I make, attitudes that I take, or responses I have to people or situations.

How often I feel like I deserve good things---financial security, creature comforts, the respect and esteem of others, even the favor of God. Because, after all, I'm not THAT bad...

Then this morning I was listening to one of Derek Webb's albums (courtesy of my pal Bobby) and heard these lyrics:

I repent of my pursuit of America's dream
I repent of living like I deserve anything
My house, my fence, my kids, and my wife
In our suburb where we're safe and white
I am wrong, and of these things I repent

I repent of parading my liberty
I repent of paying for what I get for free
The way I believe that I am living right
By trading sins for others that are easier to hide
I am wrong, and of these things I repent

I repent
Judging by a law that even I can't keep
Wearing righteousness like a disguise to see through
The planks in my own eyes

I repent of trading truth for false unity
I repent of confusing peace and idolatry
Of caring more of what they think than what I know of what they need
And domesticating You until You look just like me
I am wrong, and of these things I repent

That totally hit home with me. May we repent of our good deeds, stop trying to buy what we can get for free, and cease trading sins for others that are easier to hide...

One of these days...

2008-02-19T17:10:00.002-05:00

This week has been long... What?! It's only Tuesday. Yep.

Actually, the Lord allowed me to realize how good He is to me today! As I was driving to work this morning, DREADING the day that lie ahead, I began meditating on the truth that Christ is my "strength". So my prayer was that the Lord would empower me to do well what I didn't feel like I could do on my own: make it through this day, finish all the work I'd procrastinated on until the very last minute, not become an ogre in the process...

And (surprise, surprise), He TOTALLY did! Some would say (including me, usually), "Whew! I did it!" but I know it was all because of Him and his faithfulness to be who He says He is: my strength, my Sustainer.

Wow.

I've been studying up for a women's class on purity that I'm team-teaching tomorrow night at Sojourn. There have been SO many great quotes and thoughts I've come across, but I don't have one handy to post at the moment. In the meantime, go visit Boundless and read up on all the goodies they've put up lately!

Still kickin'...

2008-02-13T16:21:00.003-05:00

Guess WHAT?! I'm still here.

And you should read this!

Oh! And, if you haven't already, check out Ingrid Michaelson. She graced The 930 with her presence on Monday night, during The Blizzard of '08, and it was amazing. Not only is she a funny girl, but she's got quite the set of pipes on her!

You're a great guy, but...

2007-06-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gents,
A little something for your edification: here.

Good stuff.

A couple of things...

2007-05-23T10:50:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending Forest Fest, a small bluegrass festival held in Jefferson Memorial Forest. SUCH a relaxing atmosphere. And it was in Fairdale, a tiny little town outside of Louisville, and home of "Bushwackers"...Family Hair Care (!).

It was my first exposure to the pleasing vocal stylings and masterful pickin's of Bluegrass 101. I really liked them! See if you can find the online and check them out.

In other news, here's a funny little tidbit for you...

My colleague, Colleen, was on the phone with her friend Nicole this morning and they were having a conversation about names their current children deem appropriate and, therefore, suggest for their upcoming children. Before her latest child was born, Nicole was asking her daughter, 4, and her son, 7, what they should name the new baby. Sadie suggested that, were the baby a girl, she should be named Headband. If the baby was a boy, he should be named Trundlebed.

Jonah simply declared, "Yes, the baby will be named Sparkles...Sparkles Bon Soir (pronounced, "bon swah"---it's French)."

And last, but certainly not least, Daniel's sermon on Sunday, titled "Jesus and Singleness", was amazing. You can download and listen once the mp3 is uploaded to the Sojourn website. It may take a few days or even longer, but keep checking back. It's worth it. And not just for singles either, so even if you've already tied the proverbial knot, give it a little listen. It's worth it.

A month's gone by...

2007-05-08T12:22:00.000-04:00

Wow. It's been so LONG! KT sent me a few interview questions (click on her link to the left to check out her witty, thought-provoking, enjoyable blog) and I decide to quit slacking and start answering. So here goes:

1. You must choose a country to live the rest of your days, which one and why? (Oh and it can't be a country that you have in the past or currently are living in, nor can it be one you have visited.)
Given those disclaimers (which--not to be cocky--make it a little hard for me), I'd say...Costa Rica. I've heard it's gorgeous, seen great pictures and am already quite accostumed to the laid-back lifestyle (meaning, I'm late everywhere I go and I get to things when I get to them). Not to mention the beaches...

2. Describe in detail the perfect lazy Saturday.
I wake up late, but not too late. Get up and make a delicious brunch, take it out to deck and eat by the pool. (I don't really have a pool, but we're talking ideals here, right?) Lounge in my swimsuit while reading a great book until it gets too warm, then jump in the pool to cool off. I repeat this sequence until bored. Then I call someone to come over and hang by the pool with me. Then we make plans for the evening---somewhere fun (with outdoor seating if its cool enough) to eat and then maybe dancing, live music or a movie (the drive-in?!). Then we go back to my place and end the evening with night swimming and laughing around the pool.

3. You are stuck in some sort of wild time loop and must relive one childhood memory at least once a year, what memory is it?
These questions are SO hard! (Not to mention I have a terrible memory...) Um... Maybe the summer of our family beach vacation tour along the coasts of (the states of) São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro... Are we detecting a theme here? :)

4. If forced to change one thing about yourself what would it be and why? (it can be anything: physical, mental, emotional,etc.)
If only I could irradicate selfishnessandjealousy (see, that's just one word) from my life...

5. What is one unrealistic and yet attainable thing that you hope to do/accomplish before you die?
Record an album? Raise a child? Travel to all the places on my To See list? Any of those would be nice...

I'm scared...

2007-04-10T09:52:00.000-04:00

I read this article in Relevant's emag today. Interestingly enough, I'm also reading When People Are Big and God is Small by E. Welch. Man, I need this stuff.

Fear: The Beginning of Wisdom

John Mark McMillan

I recently read a statistic that listed fear of public speaking as the number one fear among Americans. This means that there are more people who lay awake at night shivering because people will see them and hear them than people who worry about going bankrupt, getting in trouble with the law, or losing their jobs. If this doesn’t speak volumes about the human condition, than I don’t know what does. Statistically speaking, Americans are more afraid of what people think of us than we are of death.

The fear of death is less common because I think that most of us don’t really believe we’ll die. This is why the death of a family member or a friend shakes us to the core. At that point we are forced to deal with reality, or at least acknowledge reality. All of a sudden our illusions are shattered, and we can no longer pretend that people don’t see us just because we have closed our eyes.

Just about every one has been to the beach. And if you've been to the beach then it's likely that you know someone who is afraid to get in the water. I wouldn’t say that I’ve ever been afraid of the water, but I have to admit that sometimes I think about what is swimming about my knees amidst the murky Carolina Atlantic---especially since I’ve hooked average size sharks while fishing in three feet of water. I might add that I’ve done this on more than one occasion. I might also add that I’m not much of a fisherman. All that to say, there are probably more sharks out there with us then we really care to think about.

Oddly enough, I’ve never met someone who seemed afraid to drive to the beach, even though traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the U.S. and are responsible for about 38 million deaths a year worldwide. Compare that to the number of people who died from shark attacks last year: four. That’s right; only four people in the whole world died last year from shark attacks. Statistically speaking, you are more likely to die on your way to the beach than to be attacked by a shark.

The funny thing is that even if you were afraid of sharks before you read this, you will most likely still be afraid of sharks even after reading these statistics. I find this to be strange, but I think I can understand it a little. I think the reasoning behind this is that most people have issues with control. When you're in a car you can still maintain the illusion of being in control of things, though you’re probably at greater risk in rush hour traffic than you would be if you were dog paddling in a shark tank. And after all, the car is more familiar. You see cars every day.

My theory is this: Everyone is afraid of something. And what we are afraid of ends up becoming our master. In order to live the fullest kind of life, there has to be a fear far greater than our fear of self preservation. Maybe this is why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Can I tell you sumssing...?

2007-03-30T11:25:00.000-04:00

So, um, yeah...I've been MIA for a while, I know. It feels like forever! Most of the time I'm on the internet these days I'm checking out this irreverent but hilarious site or using my new fave site. But don't feel too slighted, dear readers (all three of you!), I've thought of you often...

Some tidbits:

I'm gearing up for Easter "break". Now, in the working world, we don't really get Easter break, but our office will be closed on Good Friday, so I'm making the best of it! I'll go down (or over, or wherever it is in relation to here) to Nashville and hitch a ride to SC with mis papás. We'll swing by and pick up my youngest brother and go on down to see mis abuelos. Then we'll scurry back to Nashville on Saturday night so we can celebrate el cumpleaños de mi sobrino, who is the most adorable to-be-two-year-old in the mundo.

If you're going to be in/around Louisville on Good Friday, you should TOTALLY go check out some of my peeps at the Jazz Factory. They're doing a late-night show, but it'll be WAY worth it. Jamie Barnes and Rebecca Dennison. Go.

And you might want to check out The Violet Burning, if you haven't. They may just be coming to a city near you! Go out and see them.

That's it for now mes amis. Até logo!

And you're welcome for the Spanish/French/Portugese lesson. It's the least I can do...

It's about time...

2007-03-21T13:20:00.000-04:00

Very interesting: Spain bans skinny mannequins

Isn't it a little overdue that SOMEBODY started taking steps like this? Hopefully we won't be too proud, as a country and culture, to learn a little something here. Maybe even follow these "pioneers"...

Cultivate Beauty Film Festival

2007-03-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

The Cultivate Beauty Art & Film Festival is happening April 28, 2007. It's just around the corner so prepare your entries!

For more information, check out the website.

6th Annual CULTIVATE BEAUTY Film Festival Call for Entries

(Louisville, KY) What does it mean to "cultivate beauty"? What if for the month of April citizens throughout Louisville turned off their televisions, egos, and self-centeredness to do something inspirational? The Sojourn CULTIVATE BEAUTY Film Festival is presented by Sojourn Community Church, a Christian church that is heavily involved with local music, art, and film (The 930 Art Center). The film festival will also be held in conjunction with an art exhibit and other fun events, so more information is to come once the date draws closer.

The 6th annual film festival is currently accepting entries through April 14th. Because of our beliefs and values, our idea of what it means to Cultivate Beauty may differ from yours, however we welcome and encourage diversity!

What: A Louisville based film festival with the intention of cultivating beauty, developing a stronger film community and continuing to build upon our strong artistic culture in the city.

Who: Any filmmaker wishing to have their film recognized for all it's greatness & desiring to have their film viewed publicly.

When: April 28th, 2007

Where: The 930. 930 Mary Street, Louisville, KY 40204

Why: For the Love of film, to be creative and productive, to have your film judged by a panel and viewed by the public and, of course, to "Cultivate Beauty".

Deadline: April 14th, 2007

Send to: The Sojourn CULTIVATE BEAUTY Film Festival, c/o William Wallace, 930 Mary Street, Louisville, KY 40204

Questions?: Please visit www.the930.org/cultivatebeauty for complete entry information

Here's the truth...

2007-03-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

O God, your constant love reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness extends to the skies.
Your righteousness towers like the mountains,
your justice is deeper than the sea.
All find protection under the shadow of your wings.
We feast on the abundance you provide.
You are the source of all life,
and in your light, we see light.

—based on Psalm 36:5-9

I am not ashamed...

2007-03-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

...to be stealing yet another one of these surveys off someone else's blog, just so I can have SOMEthing to post here so you don't all forget about my little corner of cyberworld. SO, here you go:

1. What time is it? 10:20am
2. Name: Lorie (aka. BG, Sis, Ahn WaWa, little k, Bizarro Girl, etc.)
3. What are you most afraid of? Becoming dispensable
4. What do you drive? A car, mostly, but occasionally a hard bargain
5. Have you ever seen a ghost? Yes. I was just talking about it the other night.
6. Where were you born? Dothan, AL
7. Ever been to Alaska ? Not yet
8. Ever been toilet papering rolling in decorating trees? Yes
9. Croutons or Bacon bits? Bacon bits, the real ones
10. Favorite day of the week: Friday---you've got the whole weekend to look forward to
11. Favorite restaurant: Depends on what I'm hungry for
12. Favorite Flower: Iris
13. Favorite sport to watch: Tennis
14. Favorite Drink: Water, and sometimes Diet Coke or Diet Cherry Coke
15. Favorite Ice cream: Graeter's Toffee Chip---oh.my.gosh.
16. Disney or Warner Brothers: Both, please
17. Favorite fast food restaurant(s): Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Penn Station
18. What color is your bedroom carpet? It's a berber, kind of bluish and tan
19. Have you ever failed your driver's test? (sigh) Yes
20. From whom did you get your last e-mail from? A client
21. Last person you spoke to on the phone? The same client who sent me the email
22. Favorite TV show(s): Wildfire, Heroes, LOST, Prisonbreak, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, What Not to Wear
23. Ford or Chevy? Both, please
24. What are you listening to right now? The sounds of silence...
25. What are your favorite colors? Red, orange, blue, green
26. How many tattoos do you have? None now. Henna doesn't last that long...
27. Do you have any pets? Yep, Phoebe the Crazy Cat
28. Favorite snack/comfort foods? Doritos and Swiss Cake Rolls

An "Aha!" moment...

2007-02-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

This really struck me in an interview I was reading today. I've been thinking off and on over the past few weeks about have a "gentle and quiet spirit" and about how "gentleness" is to be a characteristic (ie. fruit) of anyone growing to be more like Christ through his Spirit.

Gentleness implies tempered strength. Babies aren't gentle---babies are weak. But when an adult who has the strength to crush the baby instead cradles them in their arms, that's gentleness.

The person being interviewed goes on to say, "That's what God has called us to be as women. Strength under God's control."

I'm a strong woman. And most people know that about me. In fact, I have made far too many people far too painfully aware of my strength. Strength is a tool, and it is something to be cultivated, appreciated, valued and admired. But much, much too often I am prone to (wo)man handle rather than cradle.

By God's grace, may this fruit of gentleness be as, or more, prominent in my life than my strength.

The time has come...

2007-02-22T12:16:00.000-05:00

Even though our church is theologically reformed and Baptist by denomination, we do highlight the Lenten season. We had an Ash Wednesday service early yesterday morning in which we focused on confession and repentence.

Our pastor said that usually people give up something relatively trite for Lent---chocolate, or sugar, or caffeine---and complain about doing without them for the full forty days of observance. And, for some people, perhaps those things are valid and meaningful sacrifices. I know I, personally, have used Lent in the past to make lifestyle changes that I should have made regardless. And, again, not that that's a BAD thing... But Daniel encouraged us to think hard and seriously about what we can sacrifice that is keeping us from seeking God. I was struck by that and something immediately came to mind.

Therefore, for the next forty days, I am abstaining from my TV shows*. Those of you that know me well will understand how much of a sacrifice that is---two whole week nights and multiple hours of escapism and vicarious living. But that loss is nothing compared to finding and knowing more of the lover of my soul, and generally being more productive and able to invest in the lives of other people.

In no way, shape, form, or stretch of the imagination does this Lenten fast make me more or less spiritual than anyone else. And I'm sure that I will need to remind myself of that when I start to feel smug (because that's just how I am). But I do want the accountability of having people know of my commitment. I look forward to sharing with you what God teaches me and does in my life during this season!

Are you giving up anything for Lent?

_____________
*I am, however, continuing to watch LOST because it is a weekly social event hosted at my house. It's kind of a community-building event.

A few tidbits...

2007-02-15T13:37:00.000-05:00

Your Brain is Blue

Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow.
You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles.
Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.

What Color Is Your Brain?

You Are Not Scary

Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet?

How Scary Are You?

Whew!

You Failed Your Driver's Test

You only got 6/10 correct.
If you have a driver's license, it needs to be revoked!

Are You a Good Driver?

Uh-oh.

What's love got to do with it...?

2007-02-14T11:53:00.000-05:00

(If you're in need of some last-minute ideas, check out this post.)

The Way of Love

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love,
I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries
and making everything plain as day,
and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps,
but I don't love,
I'm nothing.

If I give everything I own to the poor
and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr,
but I don't love,
I've gotten nowhere.
So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do,
I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.

(1 Corinthians 13, The Message)

You gotta eat...

2007-02-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

So apparently some "Organizers" at a luxury hotel in Bangkok, Thailand have decided to throw a little dinner party for epicureans everywhere. "The meal of a lifetime" with 10 courses. The price (per person)? $25,000.

Here's the menu:

First course:
- Creme brulee of foie gras with Tonga beans
- 1990 Louis Roederer Cristal

Second course:
- Tartare of Kobe beef with Imperial Beluga caviar and Belon oysters
- 1995 Krug Clos du Mesnil

Third course:
- Mousseline of “pattes rouges” crayfish with morel mushroom infusion
- 2000 Corton-Charlemagne, Domaine Jean François Coche-Dury

Fourth course:
- “Tarte fine” with scallops and black truffles
- 1996 Le Montrachet, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

Fifth course:
- Brittany Lobster “Osso Bucco”
- 1985 Romanee-Conti, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

Sixth course:
- Ravioli with guinea fowl and burrata cheese with a veal and truffle sauce
- 1961 Chateau Palmer

Seventh course:
- Saddle of lamb “Leonel”
- 1959 Chateau Mouton Rothschild

Eighth course:
- Sorbet “Dom Perignon”
- Supreme of pigeon en croute with cepes mushroom sauce and cipollotti
- 1961 Chateau Haut-Brion

Ninth course:
- Veal cheeks with Perigord truffles
- 1955 Chateau Latour

Tenth course:
- Imperial gingerbread pyramid with caramel and salted butter ice-cream
- 1967 Chateau d’Yquem

Which means that, for the price of a brand new (nice) car or perhaps the better part of a college education, these people get to eat a bunch of different mushrooms, raw beef and some odd sheep parts...and get drunk on "the good stuff." The dessert actually sounds quite scrumptious. But not $25,000 worth of scrumptious.

Good grief.

I'm with Rugrat, er, I mean, Rungrat:

“That is a waste of money,” said Rungrat Ketpinyo, 44, who sells Phad Thai noodles for 75 cents a plate from a street cart outside the hotel. “I don’t care how luxurious this meal is. It’s ridiculous.”

Time to get in shape...

2007-02-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

Summer is right around the corner. Well, behind Spring, but still... It's coming. And if you're like me, you haven't just become a little more pasty over the winter months, you've become a little more Pillsbury Dough Boy as well.

SO...if you're interested in a great tool for helping you accomplish your goals, let me know and I'll send you a link. I'm HOOKED!

What are the things you've told yourself you'd do/wear/try if you were in better shape?

So you think you know everything...?

2007-02-02T10:50:00.000-05:00

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.

Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.

The words racecar, kayak and level are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).

There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.

A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

A snail can sleep for three years.

Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

There are more chickens than people in the world.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

NOW you know everything

You're welcome. :)

It's all about LOVE...

2007-02-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

(An article I wrote for Sojourn's Jan-Feb Travelogue. For locals, there are some date ideas.)

V-Day: It’s all about Love…Or it can be
By Lorie King

Whether you are looking forward to it in eager, starry-eyed anticipation or dreading it with a passion, February 14 is fast-approaching. And we all know what that means…it’s time to think about love.

Growing up, my brothers and I always looked forward to Valentine’s Day. Mom wasn’t the only one who got flowers and candy---dad would also choose something for each of us: flowers for the ladies, stuffed animals for the boys, and a round of candy for all! It was a way of celebrating the love that we shared for one another. I’ve since learned that not everyone has such fond memories and associations (thank you, Lonely Hearts Club members).

In the same way that we can’t escape the creepy Halloween masks in October or the fake snow and mistletoe around Christmas, we can’t escape the proliferation of pink and red hearts and the pervasive aroma of crème-filled chocolates that is soon to surround us. But we can set out in our minds and hearts to redeem it.

Let’s celebrate love. Our God is love. And he asks---and enables---us to love others. If you have a lover, fabulous. Enjoy each other. If you don’t, fabulous. Show someone else how much you love them.

Out of ideas?
Try some of these:
• Dress up as pirates and go parrot shopping at local pet stores.
• Go to Pizza King in New Albany for a fun-filled dinner (they bring your drink to you on a train). Buy each other bouncy balls.
• Go for a drive. You can only make right-hand turns. When you finally get stuck, turn around and then you can only make left-hand turns. Repeat until you find something interesting. Take pictures along the way.
• Go to a major chain bookstore, and leave notes to future readers in copies of your favorite books.
• Walk around the city and perform short silent plays in front of security cameras.
• Write a piece of fiction together at a coffee shop or café. Ask strangers when you get stuck.
• Do the lamest tourist thing in your area that you have both secretly wanted to do forever. Have an unabashed good time!
• Play hide and seek in the park. Find as many good climbing trees as you can, climb them and collect photographic evidence.
• Go for a drive with the passenger blindfolded, choosing directions at random and see where you end up.
• Rent a movie you've never seen before. Set on mute and improvise dialogue.

Single, or just wanting to spread the love?
Try these:
• Surprise your parents/grandparents/brother/sister/best friend with a call. Tell them that you love them (or at least that you're thinking about them).
• Choose someone and be their secret Valentine (not stalker).
• Invite another single friend over for dinner and go all-out as host.
• Call the local hospital or nursing home and arrange to take Valentine’s Day cards to patients.
• Treat it like Thanksgiving---make a list of all the things you personally have to celebrate about being single this year, or how you’ve experienced love in your life this year.
• Babysit for some married friends or a single parent with a hot date.
• If you are a single parent, ask your child what would make this Valentine's Day special. Listen to the answer without trying to change it. Then do it.

In the mood for a little culture?
Here are some local happenings:

Valentine’s Day Romantic Retreat
A romantic candlelit hike through Jefferson Memorial Forest that ends with a beautiful view of the lights of Louisville. The hike’s destination is the Forest’s beautiful Manor House where you’ll be greeted by a roaring fire to warm you up, hot beverages and desserts provided by local bakeries. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Wednesday, February 14, from 7:30 pm to 10 pm
($20.00 per couple - reservations must be made by Friday, February 9; for more info, call (502) 368-5404)

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure
A chilling mystery involving a kidnapped damsel, scandalous letters and London's seamy underworld finds Master Sleuth Sherlock Holmes pitted against his two most perilous foes: certain death and impassioned love.
Actors Theatre of Louisville, from January 30 to February 24
(http://www.actorstheatre.org)

Uncharted Realms- Louisville Ballet
From the melding of classical music and dance with that of West Africa to a pair of world premieres, this triple bill promises to be quite an adventure in dance.
Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall
Friday, 2/16 at 8pm; Saturday, 2/17 at 2pm and 8pm
(www.kentuckycenter.org)

Building Books: The Art of David Macaulay
Author and artist David Macaulay has demystified the workings and origins of everything from simple gadgets to elaborate architectural structures. This exciting exhibition that takes an in-depth look at Macaulay's artistic process and extensive body of work, including The Way Things Work, Castle, Cathedral, City, Mill, Ship, and Mosque.
Speed Art Museum, from February 6 to May 13.

Itching to spend your hard-earned dollar to show a little love?
The most treasured gifts and ways to show love come in all shapes, sizes and price tags. From the horse’s mouth:

Dream gift:
A beautiful, thoughtful surprise
A cabin getaway weekend
A puppy
A trip to Paris
Flowers and a really big hug
A bonsai tree
A girlfriend
A Mediterranean Cruise
An actual date

Best thing you’ve done for someone

My guy friends and I anonymously dropped off flowers, chocolate and cards for our single female friends.

The best gift I’ve given was probably a video game he wanted, because I knew it would mean I would see much less of him for awhile but that he would love it.

Every year, I choose a Valentine to write mushy letters to and give a stuffed gorilla.

We have spent the past 30 years celebrating Valentine's Day together! Valentine's Day isn't really a "more special day" for us because we try to live EACH day as if it were Valentine's Day. We pray that with the close of each day, we have celebrated our love for each other and have shown love in a special way to our "gift from God" daily.

One year I made fortune cookies for a single friend and stuffed them with verses of encouragement and hilarious “proverbs” to make them smile and feel loved.

Best thing someone’s done for you

My husband told me he loved me for the first time around Valentine's Day last year. He made me a mix CD chronicling our relationship from beginning to its then present state, and entitled it the name of the very song that would later be in our wedding.

A few years ago, my husband was out of the country on Valentine’s Day but had arranged to have my roommate at the time have a beautiful bouquet of flowers on my bed with about 100 of those kiddie Valentine cards spread out all over--he had written a different message of reasons he loved me on each one.

My mom put together a "he-man woman-haters" dinner (see the movie Little Rascals) for my single guy friends and I.

My now-husband wrote down a diary history of how we met and fell in love. He then typed it up with poems and songs that were special to us and made it into a book and made me a CD with special songs.

My high school sweetheart had a star named after me in the Official Star registry.

I don't think I could ever top 'I love you' for the first time. Definitely not with flowers or chocolate or stuffed animals.

It's all about him...

2007-01-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 1:3-14
(Emphasis is, of course, mine.)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—-to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. In all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—-to the praise of his glory.

A little help from my friends...

2007-01-25T09:28:00.000-05:00

Some of my friends (real and virtual) are such great writers! Check out these very thought-provoking and/or encouraging posts:

Click over there on "Laura's blog", or here to read some great thoughts on pride and insecurity. BOY, can I relate!

Click over there on "K8y's blog", or here to read some great thoughts on the verse about God working all things to our good.

Kudos, peeps. Reading stuff like this is one of the joys of toodling around Bloggerville...

All things new...

2007-01-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

Tell me your thoughts on this lyric. What does it mean to you?

This world would sell me lies, and tell me who I am
A sinner, not a saint; my failures would agree
But your love whispers hope
Of what is and what will be

Let me live what is real
True life, your life
My life in you
All things new
All things new

The truth of who I am lies only in your eyes
Where my broken soul is whole, my blackened heart made pure
And all that I can be
Is already who I am

Let me live what is real
True life, your life
My life in you
All things new
All things new

He who knew no sin became sin for us
That we might be the righteousness of God
And now we are the righteousness of God

Let me live what is real
True life, your life
My life in you
All things new
All things new

(c)Lorie King 2005

Here is a link to the actual song. It's the second one (um, thus the title).

A blast from the past...

2007-01-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

This is an oldie (post), but a goodie. And even though we haven't had our normal white winter around here, I'll soon be looking forward to the hazy days of summer again...

[Monday, June 27, 2005]
Don't let go...

So I spent the weekend with the Nashvillians in my family---Dan, Emily and their small fry, Ethan. Saturday was the high point of my summer activities thus far. What gets me through the long Kentucky fall, winter and spring is the thought that summer is on its way again---hot, bright sunshine, a cool pool, visits to the beach and color instead of palor. So on Saturday, we dropped of the Little Guy at my sister-in-law's parents' and headed out to the lake.

We spent most of the afternoon on the water since we'd been been sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks. The water was the perfect temperature and, after the boys kneeboarded for a while (yikes! that looks scary), we jumped in and floated around. Delicious!

Now my brother is a hot dog. He LOVES to show off. And he's good at everything, which can be somewhat intimidating. We'd brought along the tube as well as the kneeboard and, once we'd had our fill of floating along like driftwood, we hooked that round puppy up and I (only kind of reluctantly---I didn't want to look like TOO much of a wuss) hopped on. [Okay, I didn't really "hop" on---more like: swam out to the tube, attempted to pull myself up onto the tube while wearing The Straightjacket of flotation devices, gave up, took off the "life"jacket, threw it into the tube, clambered up onto the tube, put the jacket back on and prepared myself for the ride. Argh.]

I know that I've been tubing before, but I can't even remember when it was and it was definitely more than five years ago. So I was a little scared. Especially when I'd heard the words "fling you off" tossed around as I jumped off the boat into the water. So my supreme goal was to stay on this thing. My brother's supreme goal was to get me off that thing. My sister-in-law had helpfully suggested that I keep my elbows tucked in. Which was great advice and which I followed to a tee. And I stayed on. The whole time! Dan finally gave up on his evil scheme and declared that I'd "done good". I think he was impressed with my skill at staying on, which in actuality amounted to nothing more than a fear-induced death grip on the red handles of the tube. But, hey! What they don't know won't hurt 'em, right?

So then I asked what the difference between riding on my stomach and riding while sitting in the tube was (since that seemed to make more sense to me), to which my brother gleefully replied, "Let's see!" and then lept back into the driver's seat of the boat. Needless to say, there's a difference. Although I quickly learned to use my legs to hold my rear end up out of the bottom of the tube, this was way more like an amusement park ride---and not necessarily in a good way. But, again, I was successful in staying seated the whole time. Way fun. I even went back for more later, which proved not so successful. But we won't go there. Suffice it to say that my bathing suit bottoms came home with me and did NOT end up on the bottom of the lake and my arms, though sore, are still attached to my body.

I love summer fun.

And now you know...

2007-01-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

From one of my friends, regarding her six-year old son:

So, he learned the word "sex lot" at school yesterday. We don't know what it means but, according to him, it's where sexy people go somewhere in Disney World.

Tied to for 24 hours...?

2007-01-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

1) What side of the heart do you draw first? Right

2) Can you dive without plugging your nose? But of course.

3) What color is your razor? Turquoise blue

4) What is your blood-type? B-

5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours? Someone that smells really good and is very funny. Oh, and has snacks.

6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you? That I'm wise.

7) How do you feel about carrots? I like them. They're so bright and cheery. And crunchy. Great with hummus.

8) How many chairs at the dining room table? At least 6.

9) Which is the best Spice Girl? Scary Spice - best hair.

10) Do you know what time it is? Rarely.

11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince? Definitely not every one.

12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator? Sit down.

13) What's your favorite kind of gum? Extra Spearmint

14) All's fair in love and war? Unfortunately, no.

15) Do you have a crush on anyone? Maybe.

16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning? Maybe...(shhhhh).

17) Do you like to sleep? Oh.my.gosh. I mean, yes.

18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings? Nope.

19) Do you know the words to the song Total Eclipse of the Heart? Most of them.

20) Do you want a bright yellow '06 mustang? Um, not particularly.

21) What's something you've always wanted to do? Record an album.

22) Do you have hairy legs? Maybe...

23) What does "Semper Fidelis" stand for? I'm gonna go with "Always faithful." Final answer.

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake? Ocean. I very much dislike that squishy mud stuff at the bottom of the lake. Ugh...

25) Do you wear a lot of black? Yep.

26) Describe your hair? Naturally curly with a mind of its own.

27) Do you have Entomophobia? Heavens, I HOPE not! (no clue...)

28) Are you an adult? By all legal standards.

30) Do you have a tan? Not at the moment.

31) Are you a television addict? (sheepishly) Maybe...

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother? Everyone does.

33) Are you a sugar freak? I think "freak" would be a slight exaggeration...

34) Do you like orange juice? When I have bacon.

35) What sign are you? Yield? (okay, okay...Virgo)

36) Where do you wish you were right now? On a sunny beach.

37) Who did you copy this from? J to the E to the N

38) How do you know them? We cohabitated at one point.

39) Have you kissed anyone in the past week? Unfortunately, no.

40) What are your plans for the weekend? As much relaxation and fun as I can possible squeeze in.

Quote for the day...

2007-01-09T09:54:00.001-05:00

I just read this in Relevant's weekly email feature article (an interview with Debbie Dortzbach). It made me stop and think:

The degree to which we make a difference depends on how we transform passion into godly behavior and action.

See what's on my sleeve...

2007-01-05T13:55:00.001-05:00

Take this quiz and marvel at how they come up with this stuff based on the questions they ask...

Your Love Life Secrets Are

Looking back on your life, you will have a few true loves.

You're a little scarred from your past relationships, but who isn't?

You expect a lot from your lover - you want the full package. You tend to be very picky.

In fights, you speak your mind and don't hold back. You know you're right, and you can get quite angry about it.

Getting over a break-up doesn't take long. Easy come, easy go.

Your Love Life Secrets, Revealed

Be careful little eyes...

2007-01-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Jenny gave me a book for Christmas that has a verse from the Bible and a short, related thought to begin each day. The verse this morning was from Psalm 1, and the author used the Amplified Bible, which gives the multiple translations/interpretations for the words in the original languages.

Psalm 1
BOOK ONE

1 BLESSED [HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable] is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law [the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God] he habitually meditates [ponders and studies] by day and by night.

3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

4Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish [end in ruin and come to nought].

She used just verse one, but it really struck me. Mostly because I spend not an insignificant amount of my work day perusing daily celeb gossip sites. Shocking, I know. But, sadly, true. And I pretty regularly glance through MSN articles on relationships, health and wellness, finances, etc. While there is nothing inherently wrong in doing any of that, it made me stop and think about what kind of influence that can (and does) have over me...

For some reason, the part about not walking and living in the counsel of the ungodly, "following their advice, their plans and purposes," really stood out to me. Because even though I would NEVER (God forbid) start to follow the "example" of "role models" such as Brit-Brit or Paris H. or Angelina Jolie, I sure do spend a lot of my time following what goes on in their lives---their indecent exposures, their romantic trysts, their fashion choices (poor or fortunate), their career hits and misses...(ie. their "plans and purposes"). And what benefit does that bring me? Absolutely none.

Don't even get me started about the part on sitting and resting "where the scornful [and the mockers] gather"... After all, I am something of a TV junkie, too...

I'MMMMM back...

2007-01-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

Oh, and happy new year. :) I hope it's a good one, full of good cheer. Better yet, full of growth. We had a little impromptu get-together at my place on Sunday night and, as the ball was dropping, I told the little circle of people gathered about how a dear family that I once worked with would go around every New Year and have each family member (including their preschoolers) name a fruit of the Spirit or character trait that they wanted to focus on for that year. And I suggested we do the same. So after the ball came to rest and we toasted, we shared whether we wanted to focus on love, joy, peace, patience, kindess, goodness, gentleness or self-control for the upcoming year of 2007. ("Faithfulness" was the one we couldn't remember.)

Mine was self-control. My runner-up, when I was asked, was gentleness, but if we'd remembered good ol' faithfulness, that would probably have been it. So here's to a year of growth and change for the better---the humility to recognize that I cannot change on my own, and the diligence and obedience (yes, the faithfulness) to do my part in the process.

We also talked about how good God is and has been to us this past year. Think about it. What do you feel God taught/was teaching you in 2006?

The most wonderful time of the year...

2006-12-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

So yesterday evening I'm waiting for my friend Christy to meet me outside of the store where I'd planned to finalize all my Christmas shopping. Because I sit on my cutie patootie all the live-long day, I decided to walk from one end of the building to another. There was a jolly little guy manning the Salvation Army bucket at the store's exit. And although his robust "Ho, ho, ho"s seemed slightly odd, they were also kind of cute.

When one couple exited, he wished them a merry "Happy Holidays!" As they walked off, the woman's remark was, "It's Christmas. It's not happy for the parents."

That struck me as so tragic and sad. And I thought of how many households are populated by stressed-out, unhappy parents this time of year. What are those parents teaching their kids about the meaning of Christmas? What kind of associations will they have? How many parents and adults have lost the joy of Christmas in the frantic scramble to "please" their kids, or their holiday guests, or their extended families?

We are totally missing the point.

I thought about how I'm complaining and frustrated about buying gifts this year, feeling the need to "perform"---to get everyone something and to get them a "just-so" something. I mean isn't that what Christmas is about? Giving the perfect gift so you can bring joy to someone else? Maybe not, but that's what tends to drive me. And it's exhausting. And not very happy.

And it's totally missing the point.

May our hearts be stilled and recentered---even now. May we be awestruck and joyful at the thought of the Greatest Gift of God-come-down and the multitude of undeserved blessings we enjoy by God's grace, so that we're experiencing the real meaning of Christmas. And modeling it too.

Lil' ol' me...

2006-12-18T11:44:00.000-05:00

Here's my WeeMee:

And here's a little something both my WeeMee and my RealMee share. Love it or hate it, I am nothing if not a "challenger":

Your Dominant Thinking Style: Exploring

You thrive on the unknown and unpredictable. Novelty is your middle name.
You are a challenger. You tend to challenge common assumptions and beliefs.

An expert inventor and problem solver, you approach everything from new angles.
You show people how to question their models of the world.

What's Your Thinking Style?

It's that time again...

2006-12-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

You know, I realized yesterday that Christmas is upon us...and I have not done a lot of Christmasy things this year. Sure, I (finally) decorated my cozy cottage and have tried to remember to plug in the Christmas tree every evening whether I'm going to be home or not so that the brilliant lights can be enjoyed by all---inside or out. And we've been singing (alt-rock arrangements) of Christmas carols at church for the past couple of weeks. And I've been playing some Christmas music in the car, doing a little (not enough) shopping...

But my heart has not been experiencing Christmas amidst the hustle and bustle of the year's ending. I'm encouraged and reminded during our great Sunday sermons but, during the week, I'm not experiencing Advent---remembering and celebrating the monumental event that this season should be all about. God made man. Peace made actually possible---between God and man, and among men. The erradication of sin and death set in motion. A Savior come to heal, restore, rescue, redeem and transform. A Savior come to save me from myself.

In all honesty, I was going to post a little paragraph about Christmas and then move on to post a quiz. But this is way more important for me to do, for myself if for no one else! So meditate with me on these things (from John 1, Isaiah 9 and Philippians 2):

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

...Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God---children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

May the peace of Christmas be made real in your heart this very day.

All you need to know...

2006-12-12T16:19:00.000-05:00

Some people started this little game... And now it's my turn:

Six Weird Things About Me

1. I have a kind of phobia of deep-sea things---like, looking in a book of pictures of the depths of the ocean. Now, mind you, I love to swim and I love the beach. But I do NOT really like looking at pictures of underwater wonders. I can do it. Because I'm not a TOTAL wuss. But I don't like it. And I don't like any water creatures touching me when I'm in the water. Just ask my friend Dave about our snorkeling experience at Discovery Cove. He's lucky he still has both arms...

2. When I am relaxing, or going to sleep at night, I rub my feet together in a rhythmic fashion. It could be considered kind of cute. Right?

3. I think cabbage is delicious. In many forms, including boiled.

4. My other strange phobia has to do with museums. I like them, but I do NOT like being surround by life-like exhibits (like wax figures, or taxidermied creatures) on all sides (like in a big open room with exhibits all around you, or a hallway-type setup where you have things behind glass on both sides of you). It very much gives me the willies. So I have to hold on to someone.

5. According to my colleague (when asked what is something weird about me), I talk to myself. Out loud. When I asked, "Really?" she rolled her eyes and said, "I have to ask you so much if you're talking to me or not!" Um, since there ARE only two of us in the office...

6. Very few things gross me out or embarrass me. At least I think so.

Those of you who know me---whether for real or virtually---can add your two bits (since I know you will anyway, Gilles). I couldn't think of anything else. Because I'm so NORMAL...

Where have all the cowboys gone...?

2006-12-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

Remember that song? It was weird.

Now I know it's the holiday season and there is shopping to be done, parties to attend, semester finals to be completed...but does that really mean we have no time for each other any more? It makes me sad not to have any comments on the ol' bloggeroo...

On another note:
Last night at our community group we were talking about Matthew 13 (the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl) and how we can know intellectually that there is nothing more valuable than the kingdom of God on earth (living so that God's will is done joyfully and without hesitation) and still completely take our relationship with Christ (who enables us to be citizens of that kingdom) for granted. One of the girls was comparing developing intimacy with Christ to her relationship with her husband, saying how they don't have much of a relationship when they're not spending time with each other and being intentional about doing that in their day-to-day life.

For the first time, I was struck by what a blessing it is that our God is not tangible. Usually we complain that it's so hard to have a relationship with someone you can't touch, see, feel, talk with face-to-face. But I was awestruck by the beauty of the reality that---because he is intangible, because of the nature of our relationship---Christ is ALWAYS with us, wherever we are. There's no need to plan dates, or carve out time during the day, or go to a particular place to find and be with him. He is with us always. We have constant and unlimited access to him in order to develop a relationship. Greater intimacy with God isn't about having a quiet time and spending an hour alone with him every day (although that's an important instrument and discipline of grace), it's about cultivating the mentality that you are one, communing with him throughout the day, sharing your moment-by-moment life with him. Isn't that what we want---what we long for and crave---in our human relationships? That kind of constant intimacy and companionship is ONLY possible in Christ because we are NEVER separated from him!

Wow.

So you wanna date...

2006-11-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

I've recommended it before, but had gotten a little behind in my reading, and just returned to Boundless.org today to peruse. People, check out this site. I think they have so many good and fresh things to say about how to honor God in our romantic lives. Sure, a lot of us feel that the topic of dating has been beat to death (by bashing singles over the head) in the church, but that's what I'm saying---these writers do NOT take that approach! And it's what I appreciate so much. This is more real-life stuff, talked about in a sensible and honest way from a biblical perspective.

Apparently they're starting a new series of articles on biblical dating, which will feed off of reader responses/questions. Here's an excerpt from the first article:

Basically, we can make three general statements about modern dating vs. biblical dating in terms of their respective philosophies:

1. Modern dating seems to be about "finding" the right person for me (as my friend Michael Lawrence has written on this site); biblical dating is more about "being" the right person to serve my future spouse's needs and be a God-glorifying husband or wife.

2. In modern dating, intimacy precedes commitment. In biblical dating, commitment precedes intimacy [emotional or physical].

3. The modern dating approach tells us that the way to figure out whether I want to marry someone is to act like we are married. If we like it, we make it official. If we don't, then we go through something emotionally — and probably physically — like a divorce. In biblical dating, Scripture guides us as to how to find a mate and marry, and the Bible teaches, among other things, that we should act in such a way so as not to imply a marriage-level commitment until that commitment exists before the Lord.

That, my friends, is good stuff. Can't you relate, and see it at work around us?!

SIDENOTE: Um, I have a FREE TICKET TO SEE RAY LAMONTAGNE IN CONCERT TONIGHT. Mike Cosper is, officially, awesome.

Come all who are weary...

2006-11-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

So, I'm in the throes of a cuh-razy busy week. But I just keep looking at this page hoping to see something new...and then realize that it would, um, be up to ME to make that happen...

Here's an exerpt from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis that a friend sent me today and which spoke directly to my heart because of my own aversion to humility and discipline. We were actually talking about this same thing at our weekly community group last night. The beauty and awkwardness of the gospel is that it is in my weakness that I'm made strong and Christ is glorified.

Yuck.

And, thank God.

It is not our strength but Christ’s grace which can and does accomplish such great things in us. Christ’s grace enables us to embrace warmly those things from which we naturally recoil. It is not our nature to bear the cross, to love the cross, to discipline ourselves, to avoid seeking praise, to suffer insults willingly, to think humbly of ourselves, to appear humble to others, to endure adversity and loss, and not to seek prosperity as our first goal. If you take a look at yourself, you will see that you can do none of this alone, but if you confide in the Lord, he will give you heavenly strength and all that you have chosen to do will become easier. You will not even fear your enemy, the devil, if you are armed with faith and sealed with the cross of Christ.

If you can believe it...

2006-11-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

It snowed here last night. SNOWED. Good grief. I wonder if we're in for a doozy of a winter...

A few years ago we had a BIG snow the week of Christmas. My roommates and I were worried we'd be snowed in and unable to travel by plane, train or automobile to be with family for Christmas. It all worked out, but it made for a couple of days of fun---a few friends ended up having to crash at our place one night because of the weather and the next morning one of them hiked through the winter wonderland back to his house, brought his four-wheeler over, and towed us around the seminary campus next door on a little wooden sled. Until the wooden sled started breaking apart and sending splinters into our nether-regions...but, still, good times. :)

If I've said it once...

2006-11-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

...on another person's blog, chances are you might not have read it. Since I don't have anything earth-shattering or awe-inspiring to share with my cherished readership (um, that would be you) at the moment, I thought I'd let you in on the stories---personal anecdotes, if you will---that I've posted as comments on other people's blogs in the past.

On K8y's blog, in response to this post:

Speaking of chia pets...

I got my hair trimmed last week. On a dreary, rainy day. Now, mind you, I have naturally curly hair, and lots of it. So, after she'd finished trimming, my stylist asked if I wanted her to leave it curly or dry it straight.

We both glanced towards the big picture windows and the bleak landscape outside and I said (knowing that if she tried to "fix it" curly, it would be HUGE or abnormal looking), "Maybe we could do something in between?" To which she gleefully replied, "Yeah! Let's see if we can get a wavy look out of it..."

Then she grabbed a brush and a hairdryer and went to town. Within minutes I looked like a walking (well, I was sitting, but you know what I mean) chia pet. Ridiculous. So she straightened it, but in a hurry, since she had a client after me.

I was meeting a friend at the mall right after my hair appointment. Leaving the hair place, I had to stand in the rain before I could cross the street and get to my car. So, by the time I got to the mall my quasi-straightened hair looked liked I had a cocker spaniel toupee laid over it. Nice. Better than a chia pet, though, I GUESS...

On Eddo's blog, in response to this post:

I have a cat. She's pretty cool-looking, with these HUGE very green eyes (she's grey). But she's somewhat annoying because she's a love-hog and "talks" ALL the time...

Anyway, my youngest brother was up visiting me not long after I'd gotten her and we were in the living room. He was petting her and talking to me. All of a sudden, he goes, "This is the cat of my dreams!"

Thinking it weird that he could see the summation of all good pet qualities in my crazy cat, I skeptically replied, "Really?!"

(totally seriously) "Yeah, when I was in Brazil, I dreamt that I was fighting a demonic cat!"

Great.

I'm a winner not a whiner...

2006-11-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

Chirky (aka. Jes), whose oh-so-entertaining blog I discovered as a link on K8y's, held a cooking tip contest. And I, among many others, posted some helpful (or random) little tidbits for the benefit of fellow food lovers and preparers all throughout the blogosphere. Cooking, and especially cooking for others, brings me joy. I come from a family of women who show love and hospitality through food (which is both a blessing and a curse), and it is a legacy that I proudly carry on. So I shared two of my most beloved and helpful kitchen secrets, barely making the deadline.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I received an email informing me that I had been hand-chosen by the very selective committee (okay, Chirky herself) as a WINNER in the contest, in the category of Most Useful tip! And, better yet, she requested my address in order to send me my PRIZE from the Storage Closet o' Goodness! I can hardly wait! Whatever shall it be?

Another one of my faves...

2006-11-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

This is old school. A little-known cut off of SCC's Heaven in The Real World album. I've always loved---and identified with---this song. "Just as I am, not as I do"---thank God for grace. And the miracle of mercy.

Miracle of Mercy

If the truth was known and a light was shown
On every hidden part of my soul
Most would turn away, shake their heads and say,
"[She] still has such a long way to go."
If the truth was known, you'd see
That the only good in me is Jesus

If the walls could speak of the times I've been weak
When everybody thought I was strong
Could I show my face, if it weren't for the grace
Of the one who's known the truth all along?
If the walls could speak, they'd say
That my only hope is the grace Of Jesus
Oh, it's Jesus

But, oh, the goodness and the grace in him
He takes it all and makes it mine
Causes his light in me to shine
And he loves me with a love that never ends
Just as I am, not as I do

Could this be real? Oh, could this be true?

This could only be a miracle.
This could only be the miracle of mercy.

written by Steven Curtis Chapman c1994 Sparrow Song (a div. of The Sparrow Corp.)/Peach Hill Songs (BMI)

Behind the Song:
(Micah 7:18; 1 Tim. 1:14-16; Titus 3:5-7)

Don't be jealous...

2006-11-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

It's all a farce. :) (But do you guys remember those little books in elementary school that had these little people in them? They were so cute!)

People Envy Your Confidence

You have the attitude and self esteem to take on anything. Failure is beyond not an option for you - it doesn't even cross your mind.
People envy your ability to take on any challenge ... and they're secretly afraid you think you're better than them. You don't. You're just sure of yourself.

What Do People Envy About You?

Where's Evangeline...?

2006-11-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

I found a link to this site that will figure out what celebrities you "look like" on Rose's blog. Apparently my cheekbones are the most prominent thing about me... And, yes, that middle picture is me---a little thinner and with slightly over-penciled eyebrows, but me...

On a day like today...

2006-10-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

I have NEVER even seen a town that celebrates and decorates for Halloween as much as Louisville. It's crazy! Wish I had pictures to show you just what I'm talking about---but, for the sake of a mental picture, let's just say it's like Griswold's Halloween in many, many yards about town.

What I DO have a picture of, however, is the Cutest Little Nephew In The World. And he's all mine. :)

The hard truth...

2006-10-26T09:45:00.000-04:00

You cannot grow in grace to any high degree while you are conformed to the world. The life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but it is the highway of safety; and though the separated life may cost you many pangs, and make every day a battle, yet it is a happy life after all.

- Charles Spurgeon (I think)

If you're looking for love...

2006-10-20T14:56:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled upon this webzine yesterday and it has some GREAT articles! Check it out at Boundless.org. There are articles about all kinds of stuff, but here's an editorial (or book review, or something) on a très interesting-sounding book on singles who want to get married: Read here.

Follow some of the "related links" at the end of the articles, too. Good stuff.

Here's an excerpt from another article on singles looking for mates:

Are you a single Christian man who desires to be married? Let me help. I have an idea for a personal ad:

"Single Christian male (SCM) seeks single Christian female (SCF) to love as Christ loved the church, to give himself up for her to make her holy, to love as he loves himself (Eph. 5). SCF must be absolute physical knockout (no one scoring below 9.0, please), must love to talk politics and sports, and must possess a laundry list of pre-decided personal characteristics so completely that SCM is convinced no better option could possibly be available within the next decade."

Oh, you're a single Christian woman? No problem:

"SCF seeks SCM to submit to in everything as to the Lord, to respect, to serve, to follow and to be led by in discipleship and ministry, to trust as spiritual leader of the home, and to serve Christ with for the next several decades or until Jesus comes back. SCM must possess total confidence (but can't be cocky and must trust SCF's opinion in all things); must be devastatingly handsome but have no idea that he is; must be exquisite interpersonal communicator who enjoys nothing more than long, conversations about the relationship; must understand SCF completely; and must otherwise fit description of how SCF thought 'The One' would be since SCF started thinking about it at age 11."

Nice. Unfortunately, all too true to form...if we're honest.

When it don't come easy...

2006-10-19T15:18:00.000-04:00

I love me some Patty Griffin. In fact, I would LOVE to go see Patty Griffin at the Americana Folk Festival this weekend...but, alas...

So, here's a little something for you. I love this song. And today it seemed to say something for me better than I could say it myself, so I decided to share. You're welcome.

Red lights are flashing on the highway
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home tonight
Everywhere the waters getting rough
Your best intentions may not be enough
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home tonight

But if you break down
I'll drive out and find you
If you forget my love
I'll try to remind you
And stay by you when it don't come easy

I don't know nothing except change will come
Year after year what we do is undone
Time keeps moving from a crawl to a run
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home

You're out there walking down a highway
And all of the signs got blown away
Sometimes you wonder if you're walking in the wrong direction

But if you break down
I'll drive out and find you
If you forget my love
I'll try to remind you
And stay by you when it don't come easy

So many things that I had before
That don't matter to me now
Tonight I cry for the love that I've lost
And the love I've never found
When the last bird falls
And the last siren sounds
Someone will say what's been said before
Some love we were looking for

But if you break down
I'll drive out and find you
If you forget my love
I'll try to remind you
And stay by you when it don't come easy

A little soul-searching...

2006-10-18T16:08:00.000-04:00

What is your reaction to these questions? What are some of your answers? Honestly, these kinds of questions freak me out a little...

• What’s my purpose in life?
• What dreams do I have for my life?
• What am I doing now to reach my goal?
• What really excites me?
• Where do I spend my time?
• Where do I spend my money? What do I like to give to?
• Am I really living life on purpose, or merely letting life happen to me?

Is he/she "The One"...?

2006-10-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

Here's Emily's latest post on the idea of "The One" Perfect Mate. I've posted a comment with some thoughts on her blog, but tell me what you think.

Just for you...

2006-10-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

I got this today from my dear friend Lawrence. It's attributed to Saint Theresa, and is a great prayer. It is my prayer for you, my brothers and sisters, today. I need it to.

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let his presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

Be free.

And your point is...

2006-10-11T09:24:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a class called "How People Change" through Sojourn's School of Gospel Transformation. As I was doing my reading last night, I came across this:

...What are you living for? What is your goal in life? Every time you raise your voice at your child or give your spouse the silent treatment, you hope to accomplish something. What is that hope? What is that goal? If you work sixty-five hours a week, you have a purpose in mind. Certain hopes and promises are directing your life. What are they?

If I'm honest, my goal is usually to satisfy myself or be recognized. I work a full-time job because I want money to buy the things I want, be able to travel, maintain a certain standard of living. I live to get the things I want---an easy life, more free time, social interaction, convenience and fame. Even when it comes to posting blogs, I think about what will make me seem the wittiest, the most spiritual, the coolest. My goal is to glorify myself. My hope is most often that someone will like me, want me, please me.

How about you? What are you living for?

A natural woman...

2006-10-09T10:24:00.000-04:00

It's definitely the "naturally trippy" option...

You Are Surrealism

Dreamy and idealistic, you've created a world that is all your own.
It's very likely that you've either dabbled in drugs or are naturally trippy.
You are always trying to push beyond the boundaries of your culture and society.
You believe that art, love, and freedom can change the world.

What Art Movement Are You?

In case you're wondering...

2006-10-05T14:58:00.000-04:00

...the Limited Edition Reese's Cup with Marshmallow is not very tasty. Too sickly sweet. Maybe I should have had one of these instead...

You Are a Jam Cookie

On the outside, you project a straight-laced, innocent vibe.
But on the inside, you're complex, exotic, and full of flavor.

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

In other words...

2006-10-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

Since I'm somewhat lax on inspiring blogs myself these days, I figure I'll just steal someone else's words. Check out this fabulous post on contentment. And tell me what you think.

The relationship is the reward...hmmm...food for thought. And sanctification.

Until he returns...

2006-09-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For every time that you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he returns.

Every Sunday at Sojourn we celebrate the symbolic act of communion introduced by those words. This past Sunday, the whole service was a celebration---a baptism followed by the dedication of 24 babies followed by a reflection on Galations 2:20 and communion. And, for some reason, I was absolutely struck by the beauty and hope of the last words of the 1 Corinthians passage I hear every week: "...you are announcing the Lord's death until he returns."

The moment after the sermon when we, the church of Christ, file up to receive the bread and wine has long been my favorite part of our weekly gathering. There is something beautiful about the diversity represented in the two long lines---young and old, tattooed and clean cut, marrieds and singles, recovering addicts and seminary students. There is something even more beautiful about receiving the elements from fellow co-heirs with Christ and hearing those awe-inspiring and humbling words, "This is the body of Christ broken for you. This is the blood of Christ shed for you."

There are weeks when I practically want to run up to the front when the time comes, because I am fully aware of my total dependence on Christ for any semblance of righteousness. My good intentions, my feeble attempts, my valiant efforts---for a moment I see that they are truly filthy rags. There are weeks when I like to take my time and watch in joy as my brothers and sisters partake, reveling in the knowledge that I am a part of something much bigger than myself and warm with the knowledge that we are all connected in Christ.

But this week I was struck by the hope in the rememberance of Christ's death for us in a new and fresh way. For now---until he returns---we announce Christ's death because we are broken and needy and sick and it is our source of healing, our lifeline. It is our righteousness and the shadow under which we sit when we've come to the end of ourselves. We announce Christ's death because those who have not believed and repented of their sin need to know what has been done on their behalf and invited to enter in.

But WHEN he returns...oh, JOY! The work made possible by his death and resurrection will be completed in us! We won't announce his death as a means of reminding ourselves of what is true because we will fully know and experience its benefits---we will celebrate it eternally in our newfound wholeness.

And the HOPE in those words..."until he returns"! For now we labor and wrestle against our flesh and the powers of this earth. We cling to the cross for dear life because we feel our own wretchedness. But he is coming. He is coming. And when he comes, we will know freedom.

You can do it...

2006-09-21T10:22:00.000-04:00

Katie posted this on her blog (go check it out---she's a great writer and I love her blog on truth) and I thought it was fun. So I'm posting it here with my answers and YOU can post it somewhere with YOUR answers.

Complete the Thought:

Never again in my life: will I attempt to change the color of my hair.

When I was five: I had a new baby brother and I was already missing front teeth.

High School was: all about having pizza picnics in the cemetery and late-night swims in my grandparents' pool.

I will never forget: my own name (hopefully, but at the rate I'm going, I can't bank on it).

I once met: the Brazilian national basketball team.

There’s this girl I know who: can go to bed without brushing her teeth.

By noon I’m usually: ravenously hungry and ready to clock out of the office for the day.

Last night I: met my homie H-to-the-Bump for dinner at a Mexican place, hung with some peeps at Cumberland and went for a walk-n-talk with my friend B.

Next time I go to church: my friend Dave will be with me.

What worries me most: is my own inconsistency.

When I turn my head right, I see: a bottle of lotion on top of a short bookshelf behind the little countertop that people stand at when they come into our office; oh, and a tape dispenser.

When I turn my head left, I see: the calendar on my bulletin board and my project-in-progress files.

You know I’m lying when: I act all nonchalant.

If I was a character written by Shakespeare, I’d be: Juliette.

By this time, next year: I will have a finished (or at least partially completed) cd project. (Here's hopin'...)

A better name for me would be: little k.

I have a hard time understanding: why people don't always understand me.

If I ever go back to school I’ll: let you know.

You know I like you if: I want to spend time with you, just doing whatever.

Darwin, Mozart, Slim Pickens & Geraldine Ferarro are: foreign cars? Or musicians...

Take my advice, NEVER: say never.

My ideal breakfast is: something yummy.

A song I love, but do not have is: Missing You by John Waite.

If you visit my hometown, I suggest: telling me you're coming.

Why won’t anyone: establish free healthcare in this country?

If you spend the night at my house, DO: know that I have a crazy cat.

I’d stop my wedding for: only the most extreme of circumstances (c'mon---I've waited a LONG time...).

The world could do without: pornography.

I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: die.

My favorite blonde is: Reese Witherspoon.

Paperclips are more useful than: staples---you can use them to push those little recessed buttons on computer stuff, hang Christmas ornaments, get dirt out from under your fingernails, hold chip bags closed...

San Diego means: Saint James, por supuesto.

And by the way: this was harder than I thought it would be. Why do we all want to be so clever all the time?

What men really think...

2006-09-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

I got this from Christine's blog, but it's a great article, so I wanted all you peeps-o-mine to be sure and see it. Read on, boys and girls. Especially all you Independent Women and Boys Who Love Them or Are Scared of Them. :)

What Men Really Think About Successful, Independent Women

And so it is...

2006-09-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

That's the first line of an excellent Damien Rice song...FYI...

But, more to the point, here's what I'm up to these days:

Working on songs for a potential Sojourn cd project
So far we've got three demos laid down and I'm pretty pleased with what we're producing. J. and Bobby have been great about working with me and keeping me on task. (Plus, we're using their songs!) If left to my own devices, we'd still be talking about this project three years from now...but they are get-r-done kind of guys and that's exactly the kind of friends/collaborators I need. Next we're going to start working over some of my very own songs...we'll see what we can do with those.

Planning out my concert schedule for the fall
Okay, not MY concert schedule, but rather the schedule of concerts that yours truly will attend, since there are SO many great ones coming up! I'd love to go to the Americana Folk Festival in TN in October, but Bobby has reminded me that's the same day as our songwriters workshop...I'm thinking we should all take a $40 field trip... If you're nearby/interested, check out the website. I think that's the only place you can get tickets. And the lineup has some GREAT people, including Patty Griffin (the headliner), Mindy Smith and Sandra McCracken.

Among the shows I'm planning on seeing are: Calexico/Oakley Hall, Amos Lee, Chris Thile, and perhaps Wilco and Dave Barnes. Yippee!

More about me...

2006-09-15T09:48:00.000-04:00

Well, kind of. Not sure about this first one:

Your Personality Cluster is Extraverted Sensing

You are:

A true admirer of beauty and art
Someone who seeks out variety and adventure
Not interested in status or material wealth
Able to act wisely without stopping to think

What's Your Personality Cluster?

Or this one...

Your Lucky Underwear is Blue

You are caring and extroverted. You've made relationships your number one focus, and your lucky blue underwear can bring some balance to them.
You thrive in one-on-one situations. You are a good listener and a natural born therapist.

Sometimes you let the concerns of others become too important in your life, leading to stress and worry.
If you want more balance, put on your blue underpants. They'll help you take care of yourself first.

What Color Is Your Lucky Underwear?

Now THIS is true...(and I love Beagles!)

You Are a Beagle Puppy

Cheerful, energetic, and happy go lucky.
And you're sense of smell is absolutely amazing!

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

Yep, it's true...

2006-09-14T10:43:00.000-04:00

Today is my berfday. Yo! The big 3-2.

Apparently my ol' pal and sidekick has written something in my honor (I type with fear and trembling, because I have yet to actually read it...).

The good, the bad and the better...

2006-09-12T15:45:00.000-04:00

Friday night I went out with some friends to hear a local cellist, Ben Sollee, break it down funky-style at Jennica's Cafe and Wine Bar. The ambience and locale were totally romantic and the music was, to use a friend's favorite word, "amazing." Good times.

Upon leaving, a few of us were hanging on the street corner waiting for some of our party to finish chatting with friends. A man walked up to us and greeted us with these words: "I'm homeless. And I ain't gonna lie. I'm an alcoholic. But I'm hungry. If you give me money, I'm gonna go get somethin' to eat. But I'm an alcoholic." He proceeded to give us a few more details about where he sleeps, etc. and, as one of the guys handed him a few bucks, asked us to pray for him as he prepared to take his leave. We offered to pray for him right there. He looked somewhat hesitant and admitted that he'd been drinking. We told him that didn't matter, gathered around him, and prayed.

We spent the next 20 minutes or so with Julius. He told us that he's orginally from NC. That he and his wife, who's in Indianapolis, are getting a divorce but that she'd asked him to come back home and he couldn't go back because he wasn't ready. He told us, with tears in his eyes, what a wonderful woman his wife is (like Rebekah in the Bible, he said), how she helps run a food pantry and can buy $300 worth of groceries for $60-70 for the pantry by using coupons. He told us about his grandmother and how she never left his grandfather inspite of his alcoholism and mistreatment of her and how, after years of his grandmother's faithful prayers, in the last 12 years of his life his grandfather became a man of God. He said she is now telling him that he needs to get his life together and praying for him. He told us about his little girl and how he wants to be with his family but he just can't give up his drinking. He said he's a Jonah.

And he told us that he didn't know what it was about us, but he just didn't want to leave. He said he keeps meeting people who are talking about Jesus. We suggested that perhaps Jesus was trying to tell him something. And, in a statement of honesty that has stuck with me, he said, "I don't want to leave. I'm scared to leave, because I know I'm just going to go do what I don't want to do." Then, after a few more minutes, he gave us a group hug and reluctantly walked off. Hopefully to get something to eat. I wish we could have done more.

I'm not a compassionate person---well, only in my rare good moments. But my heart went out to Julius. Given, I can be a sucker, but he seemed like a good-hearted man. In love with his sin and running from what he knew to be good and true. How often have I been there? I, too, find myself walking in Jonah's shoes far too often.

Meeting Julius made me grateful. Grateful for the community that God adopts us into---a family of brothers and sisters who love with bold love. Who are there when we know that, if left to our own devices, we'll just go off and do something bad again. We need each other. I need others. Julius needs others. And, right now, he doesn't feel like he has anyone. I can't imagine what that must feel like. Even when I don't WANT community, I have it.

Pray for Julius. Pray that his life will be preserved and that he will find true freedom. Pray for Rebecca, and for their little girl. Pray that this family will be restored. Pray for me. That I will love this city well.

35 years ago today...

2006-09-08T09:20:00.000-04:00

Wee little Robert E. Lee Whetherford Gilles XI came into this world with a great shout and drew his first breath. So, today, we celebrate.

Bobby "B-Dawg" Gilles is the best sidekick a superhero could ask for, the best encourager a downtrodden soul could wish for, the best let's-go-get-something-yummy-to-eat companion a food lover could desire, the best get-r-done accountability partner a lazy person could hope for, the best email buddy a bored office worker might have. He is, in short, the best of friends.

And, although it's not a witty ditty outlining all of his virtues (even the ones best kept hidden), or an ode to shame Shakespeare, I offer this little tribute:

A Series of Quotes by Insane-O Man, Bob Dylan
for Kudzu Kid on his Special Day

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.”

“Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them.”

“I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours.”

“People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.”

“Chaos is a friend of mine.”

“I am against nature. I don't dig nature at all. I think nature is very unnatural. I think the truly natural things are dreams, which nature can't touch with decay.”

“Well, the future for me is already a thing of the past.”

“Just because you like my stuff doesn't mean I owe you anything.”

“A poem is a naked person... Some people say that I am a poet.”

“What good are fans? You can't eat applause for breakfast. You can't sleep with it.”

“If I wasn't Bob Dylan, I'd probably think that Bob Dylan has a lot of answers myself.”

Happy Birthday, little buddy. :) I hope it's a GREAT one!

A word for today...

2006-09-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

from Proverbs 7:

My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
and call understanding your kinsman;
they will keep you from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

A beautiful mind...

2006-09-06T12:46:00.000-04:00

Look at these ads/promo pieces! The first one is actually from an ad campaign in Brazil...

Back to the grind...

2006-09-05T12:14:00.000-04:00

Another holiday come and gone. How did you spend it?

My parents and I moseyed down to Shocco Springs, AL for a Brazil missionary reunion. Although I didn't know most of the (retired) folks there, it was a good time with my extended "family". The custom for missionary kids (at least/especially in Brazil) is to refer to other missionaries as "Aunt" and "Uncle". So I, for one, have about a gazillion aunts and uncles spread throughout the world! It was neat to hear 78-year old MKs (missionary kids) speaking flawless Portuguese, telling Brazilian jokes, singing songs that I learned and taught in Sunday School when I was there, remembering favorite and familiar foods and places... Good times.

One of my main motivations for going was the opportunity to see my MK friend Julia, her Brazilian husband and their 3-yr. old little boy, Gabriel, who happen to be visiting their family in the States for a month or two. We met up at the meet-n-greet on Friday and you wouldn't have known we hadn't seen each other since her wedding in Brazil in '98 (I think)! And Gabriel didn't take long to warm up to his "Tia Lorie". In fact, we were inseparable for the rest of the weekend! That cutie and his devotion to me was definitely a highlight.

As was seeing the glowing faces and sweet spirits of my "aunts" and "uncles" who represent years of devoted service to the mission field---they were such an inspiration to me, in the stories and laughter they shared, their obvious love for the country and people of Brazil and each other, the "special music" they belted from their hearts, the gratitude and faith they display in the midst of loss and growing older...

Like I said, good times.

Is this true...?

2006-08-30T10:10:00.000-04:00

These things freak me out.

What Your Face Says

At first glance, people see you as strong willed and stubborn.

Overall, your true self is passionate and physical.

With friends, you seem logical, detached, and a bit manipulative.

In love, you seem gentle and sensitive.

In stressful situations, you seem sad and helpless.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

In the words of...

2006-08-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost For His Highest, here is the thought for the day:

THE UNSURPASSED INTIMACY OF TESTED FAITH
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, "It's all a lie"?...

...Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, "I believe 'God shall supply all [my] need,'" the testing of my faith begins (Philippians 4:19). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?

Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it. Jesus said, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me" (Matthew 11:6). The ultimate thing is confidence in Jesus. "We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end..." (Hebrews 3:14). Believe steadfastly on Him and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith up to the point of our physical death, which is the last great test. Faith is absolute trust in God---trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6).

In the summertime...

2006-08-28T16:49:00.000-04:00

If you live in Louisville, this is where you should be on Wednesday night. Good times. I'm hoping to make it in time for the Medicine Show.

One of my favorites...

2006-08-25T14:39:00.000-04:00

This is, I think, my favorite cut off of the most recent Nickel Creek album, Why Should the Fire Die?. It's tragic and beautiful and the melody is kind of haunting. And it resonates with me.

Tryin' on a brand new dress
But you haven't worn the old one yet
You've come too far
To turn around now

You've given up the good fight
You're as strong as anyone
You're back where you started from
I see you're back where you started from

Starin' down the stars
Jealous of the moon
You wish you could fly
Just being where you are
There's nothin' you can do
If you're too scared to try

Drag your pretty head around
Swearin' you're gonna drown
With a beautiful sigh
And a river of lies

Starin' down the stars
Jealous of the moon
You wish you could fly
Just stayin' where you are
There's nothin' you can do
If you're too scared to try

Why don't you call me, I could save you
Together we'll find a God we can pray to
That'll take you by the hand

I hate to see a friend of mine
Laughing out loud
When she's crying inside
But you've got your pride

Starin' down the stars
Jealous of the moon
You wish you could fly
But you're stayin' where you are
There's nothin' you can do
If you're too scared to try

It's official...

2006-08-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

...I AM a child of the 80s...sheesh. For your amusement (and nostalgia), I've highlighted the ones that didn't apply to me (since that was the smaller number...):

You Know You Grew Up In The 80's if:
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton.
4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom.
8. Two words: Hammer Pants.
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock".
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales" (Woo ooh!) (but I did watch it)
12. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen...and still know the turtles names.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House).
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten (She's Truly Outrageous).
21. You remember reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and all The Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF". (R.I.P. Mr. Miagi)
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing (some of us...head-to-toe).
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up".
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
42. You remember Popples. (only vaguely)
43. Don't worry, be happy.
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do..getting yelled at by younger hip members of the family). Um, MOM!
46. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
47. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
48. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"
49. You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & My Little Pony Tales.
50. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
51. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".
53. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class. I never watched this until college, when I caught the reruns.
54. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
55. You just sang those words to yourself.
56. You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
57. Homemade Levi shorts (the shorter the better).
58. You remember when mullets were cool! For the record, I never thought they were cool.
59. You had a mullet! ...but, yes, I had one...
60. You still sing "We are the World".
61. You tight rolled your jeans.
62. You owned a banana clip.
63. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
64. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?" I really DO!
65. You had big hair and you knew how to use it. And this one STILL applies.

What's in a song...?

2006-08-23T12:15:00.000-04:00

So I've been wondering for months where this Watermark cd that I'd recently gotten had disappeared to and...lo, and behold...yesterday on the way home from work I notice that it's right there in the stack under my cd player in the car. I'm telling you---it was NOT there before, but there it was! So I popped that bad boy in and was once again amazed and refreshed by the fabulous lyrics on the album. Whether or not you like the style or polished production of the music, there are so many brilliant and worthy themes on this piece that I LOVE it. Here's a little taste:

My Covering
Artist: Watermark
Album: The Purest Place

I died in Your death my Lord
Glory, glory to Your name
Buried in the grave with You
Glory, glory to Your name
And I arose with You my Lord,
Glory, glory to Your name!

Your blood is my covering
My sheltering, where life comes from
Your blood is my innocence
My righteousness, where I begin

Once so far, I am brought near
Glory, glory to Your name
Raised and seated up with You
Glory, glory to Your name
And reconciled to God in You
Glory, glory to Your name!

Your blood is my covering
My sheltering, where life comes from
Your blood is my innocence
My righteousness, where I begin

Death has no victory
Sin has no hold on me
I'm covered in my Christ who is my life....
And I arose with You my Lord
Glory, glory to Your name
Glory, glory to Your name

And Your blood is my covering...
Oh Lord, its where I begin
Your life, Your love, Your blood falls over me
And Your blood is my covering....
Your love it falls over me
And your blood is my covering...

Just so you know...

2006-08-16T12:13:00.000-04:00

I will be posting some new stuff soon. :) A friend from church has let me borrow his audiobook copy of The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, read by Alistair Begg (you gotta love that accent). It's good stuff and I want to share some of the exerpts with you...

So get ready.

But, in the meantime, check out this band: The Ditty Bops. Some friends and I saw them open for Nickel Creek this past winter and they are SO fun. We actually met them when we hung around like stalkers in the parking lot waiting for NC to come out to their bus. Turns out Chris, Sean and Sara had made off like bandits to whoop it up with friends of theirs elsewhere in Indy, but the humble Ditty Boppers and band braved the arctic air to mingle with the little folk. Bobby, Emily and I were chatting with the two men in the band, who decided to sing us a little ditty they'd been working up while on the road. Some sort of barbershop quartet-type number.

When they finished, I said, "Well, you have lots of time to work on it."

Of COURSE I was referring to the fact that they had a long road trip ahead of them with nothing to do but sing and iron out a song they CLEARLY said they were still WORKING on, but... Well, you can imagine the looks they, not to mention my horrified friends, gave me.

It's a gift, people.

Since I can't rule the world...

2006-08-08T14:08:00.000-04:00

You Should Rule Jupiter

Huge and hot, Jupiter is a quickly turning planet with short days and intense gravity.

You are perfect to rule Jupiter, because you are both dominant and kind.
You have great strength and confidence, but you never abuse your power.

You are always right. Even if you make mistakes, you compensate for them... before anyone knows it.
Headstrong and ambitious, you always have a goal in mind. You are optimistic and believe thing things will always work out.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Here I go again...

2006-08-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

After a brief sojourn to Brazil and back, I am once again at home and with my nose to the grind (yeah, right). The trip was good and refreshing. And, save the minor setback on the way down of having missed our connecting flight in Brazil due to a one-hour delayed flight in Houston and thinking my parents were perhaps reduced to grease stains on a São Paulo city street, all went well.

For me it was good to be reminded that God is at work, both through and in spite of us. It was a blessing to meet and make new friends and a joy to reconnect with old ones. And it was delectable to get my fill of churrasco and Brazilian home-cookin'. :9

What have you all been up to?

Here you go...

2006-07-18T08:57:00.000-04:00

FINALLY! HERE is the promised excerpt from the Nancy Leigh DeMoss (& Tim Grissom) study, Seeking Him, that we've been doing on Fridays nights. This is how they illustrate the difference between mercy and grace:

If a young man is killed through some random act of violence, and his father tracks down the guilty person and kills him, we would call that vengeance. If, however, the father calls the police and the murderer is arrested, tried, convicted, and executed, we'd call that justice. If, at the trial, the father pleads for the guilty man's life to be spared and the judge and jury consent, we'd call that mercy.

Now imagine this: in addition to pleading for the guilty one to be spared, the father actually appeals to the judge to release the offender into his custody and care. Miraculously gaining approval, the father takes the young man into his heart and home, adopts him, and raises him as his own son...that would be grace!

And I think that is a very beautiful picture of God's way with us---his mercy spares us the punishment for our sin. His grace goes beyond that to not only make us acquitted, but accepted and loved and cherished inspite of our rebellion and trespasses. Amazing, grace. Isn't it?

Something to chew on...

2006-07-12T16:34:00.000-04:00

"I was not born to be free. I was born to adore and to obey."

- C.S. Lewis

This is the true design for man. And we ARE always obeying and adoring SOMEthing...be it ourselves, our idols or God.

When you're in a pickle...

2006-07-11T10:43:00.000-04:00

I was going to title this one "For the ladies...", but let's not discriminate. This is an equal opportunity blog, if nothing else.

Now, by way of a disclaimer, I am not a fan of violence and/or bodily injury in general (younger siblings don't count). But there is some wisdom to being prepared to defend oneself in a dangerous situation, should the need arise. As your friend, I am hereby offering a little self-defense training on how you, too, can properly administer a head-butt to an offending party---again, only should the need arise.

Just be sure to use the following tips (courtesy of the concerned protectors at the Hubbard Township Police Department in the lovely state of Ohio) to make it safe and effective:

(NOTE: These tips come from an actual police department.)

1. Tilt your head slightly downward, clench your teeth, and stiffen your neck muscles.
2. Frown. Frowning will help focus your energy, and your attention at your forehead.
3. All you do now is sneeze! AT-CHE-W-W-W-U! Use, more or less the same motions with the headbutt as you do with a big sneeze.
4. Heads are quick and easy to move around, so you must be careful when guiding in on your target. Be careful not to hit any hard parts (his forehead or the top of his head).

You're welcome.

The beginning of the end...

2006-06-30T10:46:00.000-04:00

Tonight commence the moving-in festivities at my new place (meaning I'm going to take a carload over at some point this evening). My family is pulling into town sometime late tonight with a trailer full of outdoor furniture and we'll be moving Millie's and my furniture over the next day or two.

I have to give a shout out to my MVPs in the pre-move-in prep work: the Artist Formerly Known as My Roommate, Christa, and the newest member of the "Now I'm A Housepainter" Hall of Fame, Chris C. They've been MUCH help in getting my living room, dining room, stairwell, bathroom and main hallway painted and ready (that sounds like a lot, but the place is tiny, trust me). The supporting players were also invaluable: Kristin V., Milli, Bobby G., Brooks R., Will K. and Joel A. I'm so grateful for all of the work that you put in. We'll celebrate together once there's a seat to sit in and a dish from which to dine. I promise.

And I promise to post some pictures soon so those of you near and far can see my little piece of planet Earth. If I can ever remember to get batteries for my stinkin' camera...!

In other news...here are some questions for my readers (all three of you...) that pertain to the awesome Bible study on personal revival that I'm going through at the moment. I'm interested to hear your thoughts:

How would you define "grace"?
What's the difference between "grace" and "mercy"?
How does grace function in your life?

Theeeeey're back...

2006-06-21T11:14:00.000-04:00

You Communicate With Your Body

This isn't as bad as it sounds, it just means that you're a "touchy-feely" person.
You need a lot of affection in your life. And for you, this means both giving and receiving little touches.
Warm hearted, you bond with people easily. In fact, you often feel a little sad when you're not in the company of others.
A little moody, you tend to be controlled by your emotions. But a bit hug always comforts you!

How Do You Communicate?

The Movie Of Your Life Is An Indie Flick

You do things your own way - and it's made for colorful times.
Your life hasn't turned out how anyone expected, thank goodness!

Your best movie matches: Clerks, Garden State, Napoleon Dynamite

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

Not a small thing...

2006-06-20T16:37:00.000-04:00

Just so all my peeps are kept up-to-date:

I close on the house this Thursday! Can I just say that I'm freaking out a little tiny bit? Mostly because I've packed a grand total of, oh, four boxes to date...

And the fact that I'll be fully financially responsible for any and every mishap that may occur from here on out. But, that's what we pay the insurance company the big bucks for, right?!

God has blessed me with a friend crazy enough to live with me, er...I mean, housemate, and I look forward to getting to know her better and living life together. I'm firmly convinced that God uses roommates in the life of a single person to mold and shape them in the sanctification process. It's not always pretty, but it's always for a purpose. Last fall sometime, in our weekly home group, the other ladies and I were meeting in my living room while the guys convened in the dining room. We were sharing concerns and prayer requests and it came as something of a surprising revelation to hear that the VERY things they struggle with in their homelife with their husbands (empty toilet paper rolls, control issues, different habits/priorities/ways of doing things, lack of respect, pride) are the EXACT things I complain about with regard to my roommates! Learning to live with, respect, love and serve my roommates and how to deal with my pride and control issues now only better prepares me for all of life---including marriage. So, anyway, I'm thankful that Milli is stepping up to bat in that area. Wish her luck. Better yet, pray for the woman. :)

Growing up in Brazil, families in the church had the practice of holding a "thanksgiving service" in their home whenever there was an event of any consequence---buying a new home, someone graduating from school, recovery from illness...anytime they received what they considered a significant gift from God. It was a time to celebrate God's goodness.

I've been thinking about that custom a lot lately and wishing I didn't think people would consider me weird for suggesting doing something of the sort to christen my new abode. It is undeniable that this little piece of the planet was gifted to me by my Father. And I want it to be celebrated as such. I want my friends to pray with me that this home will always be a haven and safe place where people will know God's goodness and grace, enjoy warm hospitality, eat good food and have countless fun times.

Like a weaned child...

2006-06-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

Our pastor's sermon this past Sunday was on Matthew 6:25-34. The passage on worry. So we're having an online discussion about the sermons on our church's website and this was my $0.02:

Interestingly enough, I'm also listening to recorded podcasts of a study on Psalm 131 this week:

Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

She has focused on verses one and two so far and I have been so convicted! So often, I am quick to judge God, questioning his ways or wondering if he really knows what he's doing in my life or in the world. Which flies in the face of a declaration that I trust in Him, and exhalts me to the place of knowing what's right, fair, timely, etc....

But the MOST convicting part has been her exposition of verse two---about quieting my heart and behaving like a weaned child. Which directly relates to that passage in Matthew that we heard on Sunday about anxiety. Our (my) anxious hearts are rarely quiet. There's always something to stress about: my financial needs, my circumstances, the circumstances of others, mismanaged situations of which I am aware, war, world hunger, unjustice, upcoming events, my abilities or lack thereof, the safety of people I care about, whether or not my kids will turn out okay, etc..

But because of God's faithfulness (has he ever proven otherwise?) and goodness, because of who He says He is, I quiet my heart with his truth. And my behavior should be that of a weaned child---not crying and fussing to show that I'm hungry or in pain or am wallowing in my own filth yet again, but rather resting confidently (and---dare I say it?---naively) in the fact that there is someone taking care of me.

I totally share the difficulty of making this knowledge sink into my heart and be manifest in my daily reality. It does resonate with my soul, though. And changing my worry habits will take discipline---the discipline of remembering God's faithfulness, of meditating on the truth of who he is, of nipping certain thought patterns in the bud...

For the sweet tooth...

2006-06-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

Yum.

You Are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

A classic and an original, no wonder everyone snakes your style!

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

You Are Mud Pie

You're the perfect combo of flavor and depth
Those who like you give into their impulses

What Kind of Pie Are You?

¡Olé!

You Are Mexican Food

Spicy yet dependable.
You pull punches, but people still love you.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Don't know what THIS is about, but I'll go with it...

Butterfinger

They call you sticky fingers for a reason!

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Now this is just gross...but true?

You Are Duck

Exotic and unusual, you are a bit of a rare bird - literally.
You're known for being soft and succulent, though at times you can be a bit greasy.

What Kind of Meat Are You?

You guessed it...

2006-06-08T15:19:00.000-04:00

ANOTHER QUIZ!

You Are a Bright Star Soul

Like a shining star, you have no trouble being the center of attention
In fact, you often feel a bit hurt when all eyes aren't on you
You need to be number one in everything, no matter how trivial
And it's this ego that both hurts your confidence and helps you acheive

You're dramatic and a powerhouse of pure energy
You posess a divine quality or uniqueness that's hard to define
A natural performer, it's likely you'll become famous in some circles.
Just learn not to take everyone's reaction to you so personally!

Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul and Prophet Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

I couldn't resist...

2006-06-02T00:15:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...these are getting old (not really)... It just TOTALLY fascinates me how they can so accurately peg us in a mere FIVE questions! Amazing...

I mean, I'm a firstborn in reality, but I definitely think this is descriptive of me. Except for maybe my leaving an impression through works of art...

You Are Likely a Second Born

At your darkest moments, you feel inadequate.
At work and school. you do best when you're evaluating.
When you love someone, you offer them constructive criticism.

In friendship, you tend to give a lot of feedback - positive and negative.
Your ideal careers are: accounting, banking, art, carpentry, decorating, teaching, and writing novels.
You will leave your mark on the world with art and creative projects.

The Birth Order Predictor

There's always another...

2006-05-31T09:41:00.000-04:00

QUIZ!!!!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have high extroversion.
You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends.
You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation.
Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!"

Conscientiousness:

You have low conscientiousness.
Impulsive and off the wall, you don't take life too seriously.
Unfortunately, you sometimes end up regretting your snap decisions.
Overall, you tend to lack focus, and it's difficult for you to get important things done.

Agreeableness:

You have low agreeableness.
Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all.
In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted.
And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently.

Neuroticism:

You have low neuroticism.
You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.
Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.
Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Breaking up is hard to do...

2006-05-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

Some friends and I have just started going through a 13-week Bible study on personal revival together. The scripture to memorize for this first week is Hosea 10:12:

Break up your fallow ground, for now is the time to seek the Lord, till he comes and rains righteousness upon you.

That phrase, "Break up your fallow ground", has stuck with me for the last couple of days...

We have this romanticized notion of what the experience of sanctification is supposed to look and feel like. We pray---"God, make me more like you", "Change my wicked ways", "Deliver me from this temptation", "Take away these evil thoughts"---and then believe (or maybe it is a hope of self-preservation?) that an easy metamorphisis or a subtle shift will take place in our hearts and minds---overnight or over time---at the supernatural hand of the Holy Spirit and we will be changed.

The metaphors used in Scripture for the process of sanctification, however, are brutal: refinement by fire (like metal), pruning (like a tree), death to self (crucifixion), breaking up of fallow ground---all processes that involve intense heat or piercingly sharp objects---in short, pain.

But when pain comes, we are thrown into a tizzy, our trust takes a hard blow and/or, deep down, part of us wonders if somehow God has forgotten us, or worse, his responsibilities. Ironic, isn't it?

Word on the street...

2006-05-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

You Should Be a Song Writer

You have the ability to evoke emotion, tell a story, and hook someone...
In a very small amount of words, perhaps with some deft rhyming.
Even if you can't write music, you can sure write compelling lyrics.
Lyrics so good, people will have them stuck in their heads!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

What have I done...?

2006-05-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

Oh. My. Gosh.

I bought a house! And here it is:

Does this mean I'm a real Grown-up now? :)

A wild hair...

2006-05-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

So today as I was driving to work I heard this song on our public radio station (WFPK) and the chorus was:

Hair styles and attitudes
Are they related?
Hair styles and attitudes
How do they connect?

Which I thought was quite oddball...UNTIL I started thinking about it...!

Take me, for example. I have naturally curly hair, which can be somewhat unruly. And I usually let it go au natural---no heavy products or appliances involved in the "fixing" thereof. But, occasionally, I take the necessary pains to smooth it out into a straight look. I keep it long or medium length so that I have some flexibility to "do" stuff with it. No fussy, high-maintenance cuts for me, but it's gotta be long enough to put in a pony tail when I don't want to worry about it.

My general persona, or attitude (maybe?), is kind of the same! I'm usually pretty laid-back and most often casual, something of a cautious rebel (and, no, that's NOT an oxymoron). But, when the occasion requires, it's possible for me to exhibit a certain degree of smooth style and grace. Flexibility and spontaneity are definitely key aspects of my general outlook on life, and I am often able to cast worries aside when I don't want to think about them.

Then I started thinking about some of my friends and how/whether their hair style reflects their personality/attitude... I can DEFINITELY see the connection... :)

Think about it! Then tell me your thoughts.

If you've had too much noise...

2006-05-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

Psalm 131 is show-and-tell for how to become peaceful inside... This quiet psalm can make you highly sensitive to 'noise.' It is an instrument with which to detect gusts, tremors, or thrashing in the soul... The noise tips us off to what's going on.

The static of anxiety, irritation, despondency, or ambition makes sense from within the logic of a proud heart. If you are not proud, then quietness and composure make sense... Even self-belittling tendencies--low self-esteem, self-pity, self-hatred, timidity, fears of failure and rejection--fundamentally express pride failing, pride intimidated, and pride despairing. Such pride, even when much battered, still finds someone else to look down on...

Most of the noise in our souls is generated by our attempts to control the uncontrollable. We grasp after the wind. We rage, fear, and finally despair...

Be still, my soul. All that is hard now will be forgotten amid love's purest joys. This slight, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cor. 4:17). Psalm 131 lives with eyes open.

- David Powlison, from Seeing With New Eyes

God has not promised to rescue us according to our time schedule. If it appears that your prayers are unanswered, do not dishonor the Lord with unbelief. Waiting in faith is a high form of worship. In some respects, it excels the adoration of the shining ones above.

God delivers His servants in ways that exercise their faith. He would not have them lacking in faith, for faith is the wealth of the heavenly life. He desires that the trial of faith continues until faith grows strong and comes to full assurance. The sycamore fig never ripens into sweetness unless it is bruised; the same is true of faith. Tested believer, God will bring you through, but do not expect Him to bring you through in the way that human reason suggests, for that would not develop your faith.

- Charles Spurgeon, from Beside Still Waters

Quizzes, quizzes and more quizzes...

2006-05-09T14:59:00.000-04:00

Your Hidden Talent

Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people.
You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together.
Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly.
People crave your praise and complements.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

Your Five Variable Love Profile

Propensity for Monogamy:

Your propensity for monogamy is low.
You see love as a gift that you should give to many.
It's hard for you to imagine being with one person at at time...
Let alone one person for the rest of your life!

Experience Level:

Your experience level is high.
You've loved, lost, and loved again.
You have had a wide range of love experiences.
And when the real thing comes along, you know it!

Dominance:

Your dominance is medium.
You tend to be the one with more power.
You aren't a total control freak in relationships..
But of course you don't mind getting you way!

Cynicism:

Your cynicism is low.
You are an eternal optimist when it comes to love and romance.
No matter how many times you've been hurt - you're never bitter.
You believe in one true love, your perfect soulmate.
And if you haven't found true love yet, you know you will soon.

Independence:

Your independence is low.
This doesn't mean you're dependent in relationships..
It does mean that you don't have any problem sharing your life.
In your opinion, the best part of being in love is being together.

The Five Variable Love Test

My time of day...

2006-05-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

You Are Noon

You are upbeat, ambitious, and never at loss for energy.
You have a lot that drives you in life. The desire to be the best, and a secret hope of fame and power.
And while you definitely have a Type A personality, you are still fun to be around.
You have a ton of charisma and a genuine interest in others. You are adored by many.

What Time Of Day Are You?

This inspires me...

2006-04-28T14:38:00.000-04:00

Here's an exerpt from one of G.K. Chesterton's works. The first time I read this, many years ago, the italicized section (my emphasis, of course) jumped out at me as such a beautiful idea. It was the first thing that ever truly inspired me to want to write a song---the idea of a God who delights in "monotony" and simple things with the purest, inexhaustible delight of an eternally young heart.

From Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton:

All the towering materialism which dominates the modern mind rests ultimately upon one assumption; a false assumption. It is supposed that if a thing goes on repeating itself it is probably dead; a piece of clockwork. People feel that if the universe was personal it would vary; if the sun were alive it would dance. This is a fallacy even in relation to known fact. For the variation in human affairs is generally brought into them, not by life, but by death; by the dying down or breaking off of their strength or desire. A man varies his movements because of some slight element of failure or fatigue. He gets into an omnibus because he is tired of walking; or he walks because he is tired of sitting still. But if his life and joy were so gigantic that he never tired of going to Islington, he might go to Islington as regularly as the Thames goes to Sheerness. The very speed and ecstasy of his life would have the stillness of death. The sun rises every morning. I do not rise every morning; but the variation is due not to my activity, but to my inaction.

Now, to put the matter in a popular phrase, it might be true that the sun rises regularly because he never gets tired of rising. His routine might be due, not to lifelessness, but to a rush of life. The thing I mean can be seen, for instance, in children, when they find some game or joke that they specially enjoy. A child kicks his legs rhythmically through excess, not absence, of life. Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony.

But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.

The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical ENCORE. Heaven may ENCORE the bird who laid an egg. If the human being conceives and brings forth a human child instead of bringing forth a fish, or a bat, or a griffin, the reason may not be that we are fixed in an animal fate without life or purpose. It may be that our little tragedy has touched the gods, that they admire it from their starry galleries, and that at the end of every human drama man is called again and again before the curtain. Repetition may go on for millions of years, by mere choice, and at any instant it may stop. Man may stand on the earth generation after generation, and yet each birth be his positively last appearance.

This was my first conviction; made by the shock of my childish emotions meeting the modern creed in mid-career. I had always vaguely felt facts to be miracles in the sense that they are wonderful: now I began to think them miracles in the stricter sense that they were WILFUL. I mean that they were, or might be, repeated exercises of some will. In short, I had always believed that the world involved magic: now I thought that perhaps it involved a magician. And this pointed a profound emotion always present and sub-conscious; that this world of ours has some purpose; and if there is a purpose, there is a person. I had always felt life first as a story: and if there is a story there is a story-teller.

Warped Theology...

2006-04-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

Check out this interesting excerpt Christine cited on her blog:

Warped Theology of Singleness

This author makes some pretty poignant points about the phrasing choices we use to express our current condition. It took me a long time to understand that marriage is not a reward for the worthy. Just looking around at couples I know illustrates that there is no prerequisite maturity level before God allows people to pair off and tie the knot. Yet we still want to spiritualize things we don't understand (ie. why WE, personally, have not been chosen yet) and attribute characteristics to God or laws to a system that are not true. What do you think?

Here are thousands of words...

2006-04-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

...if one picture IS in fact worth a thousand all by its little lonesome. This would be the family. But small fry Ethan takes prominence in this little display because he is, in fact, the cutest among us.

The Cutest and his runner-up

Look at that face!

Small Fry

Surveying the land

Hard at work

The whole clan

You say "tomahto"...

2006-04-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

So, as I was driving back from my 3.25 days of family time and relaxation in Knoxville, I was zooming along feeling the wind in my hair and doing a lot of thinking and praying, as one is apt to do on solo road trips. One of my prayers has long been that I would be used by God. That God would use me. For some reason, this time as I prayed that phrase, I was struck by the nuance hidden in my heart.

I want God to use me. Partly because, in my own mind, that's kind of a pinnacle of Christianity---to be recognized as being someone used by God. You know, like the Billy Grahams, the Lottie Moons, the Beth Moores, the Rich Mullinses of the Inner Circle. Used by God to influence people for the glory of God. But also receiving recognition by their peers. THAT'S the part that intrigues my traitor heart, which desires its own glory and praise.

So as I'm toodling along, praying my pious prayer to be used by God, the irony of my own motivation strikes me. And I realize that my better prayer is that I may be useful to God. My mind then goes from imagining myself dropping jewels of wisdom into the waiting ears and hearts of my fellow believers or standing in front of multitudes, influencing and persuading them, to hoping that the way I live my life, respond to Truth, and love others can somehow, in some way, be of some use in accomplishing the purposes of my Lord.

Father, I pray that you would use me.

Father, I pray that I may be useful to you.

Semantics? Maybe. But for me, a lesson.

What's in a nickname...?

2006-04-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

Watch out, people. Over the last couple of days I've been getting inklings of inspiration for several blog posts... No promises, but I might become prolific one of these days. :)

After being with my family for four days (okay, 3.25, to be exact) over Easter weekend, the sounds of the strange nicknames that can be heard echoing in the halls of the King estate are still ringing in my ears. Here is a sampling (I will refrain from indicating who gets called what by whom):

Doodlebug
Squirt
Punkydoodle
Bonky Bird
Squirt Blossom
Woo
Antinha ("Little Anteater" in Portuguese)
Dandelion
Butch (for the record, this does not refer to me)

What are some of the nicknames you've been given or seen fit to bless others with over the years?

It's about that time...

2006-04-07T13:41:00.000-04:00

So, if you remember, last March I told you how at Sojourn we always celebrate Kill Your TV/Cultivate Beauty month in April. This year I'm too into LOST and Prisonbreak to put my TV completely to rest, but what are some ways we can cultivate beauty this month? Give me some of your ideas...

And here are some of mine:
- take pictures of outdoor beauty (The heavens declare the glory of God...)
- make Mother's Day gifts (using some of said photography, perhaps?)
- clean up my basement (argh)
- work on songwriting (I need to get my butt in gear...)
- find a local beautification project to get involved in (anyone know of any?)
- smile more to people I don't know

Here are some nature shots I took a year ago:

Food for thought...

2006-03-29T14:03:00.000-05:00

In a casual, yet poignant, conversation with a prominent worship leader a few weeks ago over scrumptious gellato and decaf tea, he mentioned to our little group of three a very insightful comment he'd taken from some pastor somewhere: (something to the effect of) We all need to repent. The difference between unbelievers and believers is that unbelievers repent of their wrong deeds and believers repent of their good deeds. As I've reflected over that the past several weeks and examined my own heart, how TRUE that resonates with me!

My heart is so treacherous that, while I would never SAY that I believe my good deeds, good reputation, acts of self-control (few and far between as they may be), biblical knowledge or anything else contribute in any way towards my standing with God or my righteousness in him, I find that this thought lies behind a lot of the choices that I make, attitudes that I take, or responses I have to people or situations.

How often I feel like I deserve good things---financial security, creature comforts, the respect and esteem of others, even the favor of God. Because, after all, I'm not THAT bad...

Then this morning I was listening to one of Derek Webb's albums (courtesy of my pal Bobby) and heard these lyrics:

I repent of my pursuit of America's dream
I repent of living like I deserve anything
My house, my fence, my kids, and my wife
In our suburb where we're safe and white
I am wrong, and of these things I repent

I repent of parading my liberty
I repent of paying for what I get for free
The way I believe that I am living right
By trading sins for others that are easier to hide
I am wrong, and of these things I repent

I repent
Judging by a law that even I can't keep
Wearing righteousness like a disguise to see through
The planks in my own eyes

I repent of trading truth for false unity
I repent of confusing peace and idolatry
Of caring more of what they think than what I know of what they need
And domesticating You until You look just like me
I am wrong, and of these things I repent

That totally hit home with me. May we repent of our good deeds, stop trying to buy what we can get for free, and cease trading sins for others that are easier to hide...