Moving yet again...this is getting to be a hobby. I'm grateful for all the help I've received. This is one of the least arduous moves I have completed. The only catch is that I must condense to one room, which is a project I have long been anticipating. It is a blessing to simplify.
I wish that I had something profound to share, something unusually insightful that has been washing my brain, gently scrubbing the remnants of my gnawed concerns and unnecessary self-obligations. Once upon a time on a rare chilly day in San Diego, I found myself prone on a beach with Brian King and Kevin Dyck. The drizzle of conversation had a momentary lull and Brian preempted Kevin by declaring that, as I was a habitual thinker, I should share whatever I had recently been pondering. It was probably something theological in nature and in the silence that ensued one of them inquired as to my life philosophy, expecting, I believe, a prolonged declaration replete with medieval vocabulary words. Without ever having verbalized it, I knew it was simply, "Love God, love people." Obviously it's not original, but for once I'm pleased with that because I can never improve upon truth. Amen.
That's all I have to say for today. This contemplative mood is not translating well to the written word. My apologies for my feeble attempts. I'm off to nap under my down comforter and then drive to San Clemente to have fondue with the lovely Erica. Praise God for all His blessings. Amen.
December 30, 2008
December 24, 2008
Grateful Debutante
This morning (or rather afternoon) I lingered in bed until even Emily affectionately descried me as a bum. I vaguely remember stumbling downstairs in response to Pop's shouts (no recollection of what he wanted), consuming two Cutie tangerines while conversing with Mom, and trudging back upstairs to bed. At some point Jeremy covered me with his Mexican blanket because my room was frigid. A few hours later I determinedly shoved aside my mental To Do list and concentrated instead on thankfulness. What a blessing to be able to lounge! What a blessing to be in a (relatively) warm and safe room filled entirely with things that belong to me. So many things, in fact, that I am in the process of sorting and condensing. What a blessing to have people and events at whom/which to look forward. What a blessing to know that there are people thinking and praying for me today. What a blessing to have such a profusion of love in my life. What an immeasurable blessing to have the King of Heaven as my friend.
A startling thought occurred while ruminating on my blessings: I am akin to one of the rich aristocracy of whom I read. Yes, I am poorer than ever and have no assets other than a college degree from an American consumerist point of view. However, I have long acknowledged that I am one of the richest people in the world. At the moment, I am referring solely to material possessions. Incredible that I should be one of the richest people in the world, but in terms of sheer numbers, it is true. Specifically today, it horrified me to realize how close I was to being one of the naive, spoiled society debutantes from literature who fails to help the poor around her though it would be easier and more fulfilling than spending the day in self-amusement. From a global perspective, I am upper class. In reading history, we are so condemning of the rich, but do we realize that we ARE the rich today? Though I do not have much money to give, I can certainly give of my time and talents even while I wait for the Lord to provide a job. In the meantime, I think I will return to visiting the convalescent home. That is a ministry simple and profound --
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
A startling thought occurred while ruminating on my blessings: I am akin to one of the rich aristocracy of whom I read. Yes, I am poorer than ever and have no assets other than a college degree from an American consumerist point of view. However, I have long acknowledged that I am one of the richest people in the world. At the moment, I am referring solely to material possessions. Incredible that I should be one of the richest people in the world, but in terms of sheer numbers, it is true. Specifically today, it horrified me to realize how close I was to being one of the naive, spoiled society debutantes from literature who fails to help the poor around her though it would be easier and more fulfilling than spending the day in self-amusement. From a global perspective, I am upper class. In reading history, we are so condemning of the rich, but do we realize that we ARE the rich today? Though I do not have much money to give, I can certainly give of my time and talents even while I wait for the Lord to provide a job. In the meantime, I think I will return to visiting the convalescent home. That is a ministry simple and profound --
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
December 18, 2008
Gizzard, anyone?
Today Amanda informed me that a gizzard is a secondary stomach. Most elucidating. Evidently she partook of them at lunch and was educated while still in the process of consuming. Lovely. Upon further research (i.e. Wikipedia), I discovered that all birds, some fish, a few snails, and crocodiles were all designed with gizzards. Huh. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gizzard
December 17, 2008
Inventory
Christmas presents take time! Man. Two love languages in one, sorta. Sorry, I'm terribly fatigued and therefore rather incoherent. Just taking inventory of what I have already procured and reviewing the list of what I have left. Whoosh. So much to do! I have so many items on my to-do lists. Hard to say how they would get done if I wasn't unemployed...
On a side note, Leeland's second album is definitely not as good as its first.
On a side note, Leeland's second album is definitely not as good as its first.
November 12, 2008
Everybody does it!
I just found my favorite Sesame Street song on YouTube. I love YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yYX__GwDs0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yYX__GwDs0
Magnetic Poetry
Thanks to the generousity of friends, I have an excellent collection of magnetic poetry words. Deanna gave me the initial set for my birthday, and I remembered that I acquired a white metal board from Elise upon moving out of the Stafford house. (Actually, that board has narrowly escaped being given away several times over the summer, but somehow it made it to Orange County with me.) All that to say, my cubicle now houses poetry. Kelly has been so taken with the concept that she persuaded me to buy an additional set of words, compliments of Heather's birthday gift certificate. This has greatly increased my quality of life at the office, though I have only composed one poem. Mostly we create lines. Here are some of my favs from Kelly and Karen:
Inspire through fighting whale.
I will travel with the love dog.
Repulsive peach death.
Fear this monster above you. (You can also add a comma to entirely change the meaning.)
And some of mine (often collaborative efforts):
What time, Gorgeous?
Delirious chocolate symphony.
Delicate woman plot.
Incubate these questions yet.
Soul curl poetry.
Your near honey hair fingers my well-read need.
I'm having difficulty with the last one. I like it that "well-read" has two interpretations, a sign of superior poetry. However, I was thinking of substituting it with "worn" or "long-worn."
Inspire through fighting whale.
I will travel with the love dog.
Repulsive peach death.
Fear this monster above you. (You can also add a comma to entirely change the meaning.)
And some of mine (often collaborative efforts):
What time, Gorgeous?
Delirious chocolate symphony.
Delicate woman plot.
Incubate these questions yet.
Soul curl poetry.
Your near honey hair fingers my well-read need.
I'm having difficulty with the last one. I like it that "well-read" has two interpretations, a sign of superior poetry. However, I was thinking of substituting it with "worn" or "long-worn."
November 11, 2008
November 7, 2008
"Is CA like the OC?"
Last night and this morning I am so tired of Orange County. As I was drinking warm apple juice at 12:30am, I contemplated relocating to Boston. The weather is generally what stops me. That and, of course, waiting for what God wants. But I surely never saw myself here, and this place wears on me. When I was in Europe, several people asked me if CA was like the OC. The answer was an adament no. Adament. Again, God does have a sense of humor. Thankfully, He is kind.
November 6, 2008
A true song
Man of God
by Audio Adrenaline
Sometimes I’m a liar sometimes I’m a fake
Sometimes I’m a hypocrite that everybody hates
Sometimes I’m a poet sometimes I’m a preacher
Sometimes I watch life go by sitting on the bleacher
But I’ve never been left alone
In any problem that I’ve known
Even though I’m to blame
There were times when things were dark
And I’ve been known to miss the mark
But someone fixed my aim
Sometimes I’m a man of god
Sometimes I’m alright
Sometimes I lay down close my eyes
And pray to god
Sometimes I don’t feel good
It’s hard to start the day
It’s hard to climb the obstacles
That sometimes come my way
If I make it, I’m a good man
Am I a bad man if I fail?
I know I’m never good enough
So I let grace prevail
by Audio Adrenaline
Sometimes I’m a liar sometimes I’m a fake
Sometimes I’m a hypocrite that everybody hates
Sometimes I’m a poet sometimes I’m a preacher
Sometimes I watch life go by sitting on the bleacher
But I’ve never been left alone
In any problem that I’ve known
Even though I’m to blame
There were times when things were dark
And I’ve been known to miss the mark
But someone fixed my aim
Sometimes I’m a man of god
Sometimes I’m alright
Sometimes I lay down close my eyes
And pray to god
Sometimes I don’t feel good
It’s hard to start the day
It’s hard to climb the obstacles
That sometimes come my way
If I make it, I’m a good man
Am I a bad man if I fail?
I know I’m never good enough
So I let grace prevail
November 4, 2008
Semi-Unconscious Habit
My fingernails reveal my mental state; I bite them when stressed, bored, or nervous. Try as they might, my parents were unable to cure me of this habit. (That and my inclination to stay up late were the two areas in which their stringent discipline failed to "correct" the behavior.) It's interesting that my nails are a physical manifestation of mental troughs and peaks. They've long been nubs from the infernal boredom of my internship...
November 3, 2008
Good stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6GPlTBV2qc \
This is a classic film. Good stuff.
I am learning to appreciate the gift of time increasingly. Lately I don't seem to have enough time for everyone and for everything I want to do. I pray that the Lord gives me wisdom in allocating this precious gift. Quality time is my second love language, which also provides an interesting dynamic.
My eyes are hurting from staring at a computer all day. 9 more office work days! Probably fewer since we are moving offices in a week and the transition will provide a welcome interupption.
This is a classic film. Good stuff.
I am learning to appreciate the gift of time increasingly. Lately I don't seem to have enough time for everyone and for everything I want to do. I pray that the Lord gives me wisdom in allocating this precious gift. Quality time is my second love language, which also provides an interesting dynamic.
My eyes are hurting from staring at a computer all day. 9 more office work days! Probably fewer since we are moving offices in a week and the transition will provide a welcome interupption.
October 27, 2008
Struggling to Glory
Struggling to glory,
We're shuffling dust,
Beautifully messy,
Laden with trust.
Fire frees function
After pressure molds clay.
Now we hold water
For which no one can pay.
June 2008
(I wrote this one for my Pop's birthday.)
We're shuffling dust,
Beautifully messy,
Laden with trust.
Fire frees function
After pressure molds clay.
Now we hold water
For which no one can pay.
June 2008
(I wrote this one for my Pop's birthday.)
More than politics...
This is an email I sent to a couple of friends this morning:
Hey, someone sent me an email this morning about Obama being pro-abortion, with which I was already familiar as I have scanned his voting record. I decided to look a little more deeply into the extent of how much he supports it, as I had heard that he has always voted pro-choice for every issue. Actually, I was surprised to discover that for a person who presents himself to the public as pro-life, he is indeed intensely pro-choice. He strongly opposed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act (also known as the Induced Infant Liability Act) in the state of Illinois in 2001-2003. Reports were circulating that babies born after botched late-term abortions were being left to die in the Chicago hospital. (What from what I've heard from pro-life organizations, this happens fairly often nationwide.) After a nurse discovered an abandoned baby dying in a linen closet, lawmakers tried to pass the Born Alive Infant Protection Act to say that those babies who survived the abortions had to be treated humanely as citizens. I read part of the transcripts in which Obama argued against the act, and what he said didn't hold water. He also voted against the ban on partial birth abortion (nationally) and against parental notification in his state. Moreover, in July 2007 he spoke at a major Planned Parenthood fundraiser and promised: "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do." I just watched him say this. He also said, "There will always be people who disagree with my views on the issue of choice. In this matter, I will not yield and Planned Parenthood will not yield." I included the links below. Granted, these are conservative sites, but I looked at the legal transcripts and the footage. He also opposed the federal version of the act in 2002, which, unlike the Illinois act, did end up passing. (At least he's consistent in this, right?)
As you both know, the issue of abortion takes precedence above all else for me, particularly as it is one in which the president actually has quite a bit of influence (unlike the war or the economy, which are largely dependent on Congress...oh yeah, Congress). I don't dispute that Obama is an excellent communicator. However, his main accomplishments seem to be writing two books during his short years in public service and then charismatically converting a large portion of the population (largely youth) to believe that he is the answer to ... well, to just about anything. As a politician, I find him fascinating and untrustworthy. He votes party and has no foreign policy experience. You may note that I am not extoling the virtues of McCain. This is because I am not completely enamored with him as a candidate, but I do trust him more than Obama and admire his lifetime of service to our country -- with actual accomplishments.
When it comes to social policy, I think it is the church's job to take care of the poor and sick, not the government's. It took me awhile to come to this conclusion because, as you know, I desperately want to help the poor and hurting both domestically and internationally. I'm not saying that the government can't lift a finger, just that it's wrong (and in the long run, inefficient) to hand the government the entire responsibility as the Democrats are wont to do. If I'm going to be an idealist living for God's Kingdom on earth, then I should be consistent and charge the church with our responsibility. Though socialized health care sounds appealing, there are serious drawbacks as will be seen when studying Canada or the UK (and I spent a semester studying the UK's social welfare state). These reasons and a strong stance on pro-life and marriage are why, though I vote for individuals based on their own merit, I designate myself as a Republican.
Synopsis of Obama's opposition to the Born Alive Infant Protection Act with links to the transcripts: http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/02/links_to_barack.html
Movie of Planned Parenthood speech: http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/07/one_year_annive.html
More about Obama's opposition to the BAIPA: http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/01/top-10-reasons.html
Hey, someone sent me an email this morning about Obama being pro-abortion, with which I was already familiar as I have scanned his voting record. I decided to look a little more deeply into the extent of how much he supports it, as I had heard that he has always voted pro-choice for every issue. Actually, I was surprised to discover that for a person who presents himself to the public as pro-life, he is indeed intensely pro-choice. He strongly opposed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act (also known as the Induced Infant Liability Act) in the state of Illinois in 2001-2003. Reports were circulating that babies born after botched late-term abortions were being left to die in the Chicago hospital. (What from what I've heard from pro-life organizations, this happens fairly often nationwide.) After a nurse discovered an abandoned baby dying in a linen closet, lawmakers tried to pass the Born Alive Infant Protection Act to say that those babies who survived the abortions had to be treated humanely as citizens. I read part of the transcripts in which Obama argued against the act, and what he said didn't hold water. He also voted against the ban on partial birth abortion (nationally) and against parental notification in his state. Moreover, in July 2007 he spoke at a major Planned Parenthood fundraiser and promised: "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do." I just watched him say this. He also said, "There will always be people who disagree with my views on the issue of choice. In this matter, I will not yield and Planned Parenthood will not yield." I included the links below. Granted, these are conservative sites, but I looked at the legal transcripts and the footage. He also opposed the federal version of the act in 2002, which, unlike the Illinois act, did end up passing. (At least he's consistent in this, right?)
As you both know, the issue of abortion takes precedence above all else for me, particularly as it is one in which the president actually has quite a bit of influence (unlike the war or the economy, which are largely dependent on Congress...oh yeah, Congress). I don't dispute that Obama is an excellent communicator. However, his main accomplishments seem to be writing two books during his short years in public service and then charismatically converting a large portion of the population (largely youth) to believe that he is the answer to ... well, to just about anything. As a politician, I find him fascinating and untrustworthy. He votes party and has no foreign policy experience. You may note that I am not extoling the virtues of McCain. This is because I am not completely enamored with him as a candidate, but I do trust him more than Obama and admire his lifetime of service to our country -- with actual accomplishments.
When it comes to social policy, I think it is the church's job to take care of the poor and sick, not the government's. It took me awhile to come to this conclusion because, as you know, I desperately want to help the poor and hurting both domestically and internationally. I'm not saying that the government can't lift a finger, just that it's wrong (and in the long run, inefficient) to hand the government the entire responsibility as the Democrats are wont to do. If I'm going to be an idealist living for God's Kingdom on earth, then I should be consistent and charge the church with our responsibility. Though socialized health care sounds appealing, there are serious drawbacks as will be seen when studying Canada or the UK (and I spent a semester studying the UK's social welfare state). These reasons and a strong stance on pro-life and marriage are why, though I vote for individuals based on their own merit, I designate myself as a Republican.
Synopsis of Obama's opposition to the Born Alive Infant Protection Act with links to the transcripts: http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/02/links_to_barack.html
Movie of Planned Parenthood speech: http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/07/one_year_annive.html
More about Obama's opposition to the BAIPA: http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/01/top-10-reasons.html
October 22, 2008
Such an awesome job!
I just spoke to a woman with the most awesome job title. She works for First Church of the Nazarene in San Diego and is in charge of Compassionate Ministries & Social Justice. After I raved about it, Scott joked that it is a sign that I am supposed to have a job. (The interns are taking turns sharing at devotions about where we are in our lives, and I shared this morning.) I hope he's right.
October 19, 2008
Math
Strange discovery: Including my current house but excluding my family, I have had forty-four housemates. Twenty-one males and twenty-three females. Four of the latter were actual roommates. I'm sure anyone who lived in the Wesley House for at least three years has a good chance of catching up, and Nicki wins the prize. Forty-four housemates! Goodness. It's a wonder I'm still a people-person.
October 17, 2008
Work in progress on a Friday afternoon
I almost discovered the meaning of life as I wandered a library with open tomes
Where ancient wisdom censured sure science and mysteries waited smugly for attention.
Here was infinite knowledge: cures and tales and safe-certain pick-up lines.
But none could answer why, as I paused to intake breath, truth began in a still, small voice.
Where ancient wisdom censured sure science and mysteries waited smugly for attention.
Here was infinite knowledge: cures and tales and safe-certain pick-up lines.
But none could answer why, as I paused to intake breath, truth began in a still, small voice.
How now, brown cow?
I just came across the most interesting name: Earlean Hurt. She is the human resources manager for Feed the Children. (www.feedthechildren.org) I wish I knew what it meant, but SuperScout (work filter) is blocking the baby names websites. I think it has something to do with earls.
Last night I was ruminating on this social phenomenen and essentially decided (yet again) that I need to spend less time on Facebook because I tend to get too sucked in. This morning I decided to apply my good, better, best philosophy. It's not that Facebook is inherently evil. In fact, when I am using it with self-control, it is "good" to keep in touch, stalk with discretion, and share pictures. However, "better" and "best" are spending quality time with people and with the Lord. Not to mention that I need to read and to experience new things, both of which are generally preferable to spending more time behind a computer. Boundaries, Facebook, boundaries.
October 15, 2008
Call and Response
This is a limited release "rockumentary" educating people about the global slave trade. I'm hoping that it will turn into an "Invisible Children" sort of grassroots movement, in which people are motivated not only to spread awareness but actually to revolt against evil. My friends and I went to see it the other day, and it is convicting and wrenching but not hopeless. I've been impressed by the heart behind this project. The cost of production was donated and all profits are going to nonprofits that are fighting the slave trade and healing victims. Call and Response plans to continue the movement by focusing attention on product sources. In other words, are human rights being violated in the production of our common products? Anyway, please check out their site!
http://callandresponse.com/
CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.
Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.
Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.
http://callandresponse.com/
CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.
Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.
Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.
October 14, 2008
Things I Like Volume 116
Shakespeare's 116 Sonnet
Naps
Kittens
Ribbon
Hurricane Lamps
"Just because" calls from friends
Sending e-cards
Being blessed with free things
The marvelous feeling of release when walking out of the building after work
Wine tasting
California Central Coast
Walking along the Thames in a vest while the wind's blowing
When someone completely understands my usage of a fitting vocabulary word and therefore we acheive richer communication
Louis Armstrong singing "What a Wonderful World"
Watching people pursue the Lord's call and encouraging them in so doing
http://www.freerice.com/
Art museums
Roses, especially just one or two so that I can better appreciate
Hearts (the card game)
Warm drinks
Being efficient
Lounging
Grace
Naps
Kittens
Ribbon
Hurricane Lamps
"Just because" calls from friends
Sending e-cards
Being blessed with free things
The marvelous feeling of release when walking out of the building after work
Wine tasting
California Central Coast
Walking along the Thames in a vest while the wind's blowing
When someone completely understands my usage of a fitting vocabulary word and therefore we acheive richer communication
Louis Armstrong singing "What a Wonderful World"
Watching people pursue the Lord's call and encouraging them in so doing
http://www.freerice.com/
Art museums
Roses, especially just one or two so that I can better appreciate
Hearts (the card game)
Warm drinks
Being efficient
Lounging
Grace
October 13, 2008
Connexions
Interesting, I used to think I was very much a detail-oriented person. Now I'm realizing that accumulation of details mostly applies to remembering things about people. When it comes to tasks, though I certainly can keep track of details quite well (thank God for a relatively adept memory), I prefer making connections and coordinating and delegating. It's easy for me to see how things fit together, to help people solve problems, to see the potential in people and how they can exercise it. It's amazing how God crafts our minds and then guides us into "good works" (Ephesians 3:10). I think this is also why I like crossword puzzles and answering trivia questions. They give me clues to connect a body of knowledge to something concrete. History is also fascinating, ruminating on how events and people impacted each other. Metaphors, oxymorons, juxtapositions -- all these please me.
Everything/Hosanna
New favorite song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUJIbXN0WY
How can you not fall in love with this man? He has such an adorable smile. Of course the reactions have been mixed. Karen says that there is something sinister about him as if he is a hidden alcoholic or wife beater. Christy says, "Nerd. But I'm starting to understand the female fascination with him...though I have yet to participate." He overcame Emily's initial amusement with the chubby cheeks. Beth and Deanna are with me. As you can see, I have been enthusiastic about sharing the joy. Strangely enough, within one week, two people told me about this song and since then I have been hearing it in random places, the best one being a cafe in San Diego's Little Italy. Deanna and a couple other people have mentioned to me that I am essentially a Michael Buble fan waiting to happen, but I had never concentrated on any of his songs. YouTube has now educated me; he has such a sexy, quality voice.
Moving on, a song that has encouraged and convicted me is "Hosanna" by Hillsong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7SMUf6QcyQ. The lines that replay in my head are: "Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like you have loved me. And break my heart for what breaks yours -- everything I am for your kingdom's cause, as I walk from earth into eternity." How can you dare to sing that without meaning it? And how can your life stay the same if you do mean it? Bob Pierce prayed, "Let my heart be broken by what breaks the heart of God." He then proceeded to found both World Vision and Samaritan's Purse. Amazing. Glory be to God!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUJIbXN0WY
How can you not fall in love with this man? He has such an adorable smile. Of course the reactions have been mixed. Karen says that there is something sinister about him as if he is a hidden alcoholic or wife beater. Christy says, "Nerd. But I'm starting to understand the female fascination with him...though I have yet to participate." He overcame Emily's initial amusement with the chubby cheeks. Beth and Deanna are with me. As you can see, I have been enthusiastic about sharing the joy. Strangely enough, within one week, two people told me about this song and since then I have been hearing it in random places, the best one being a cafe in San Diego's Little Italy. Deanna and a couple other people have mentioned to me that I am essentially a Michael Buble fan waiting to happen, but I had never concentrated on any of his songs. YouTube has now educated me; he has such a sexy, quality voice.
Moving on, a song that has encouraged and convicted me is "Hosanna" by Hillsong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7SMUf6QcyQ. The lines that replay in my head are: "Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like you have loved me. And break my heart for what breaks yours -- everything I am for your kingdom's cause, as I walk from earth into eternity." How can you dare to sing that without meaning it? And how can your life stay the same if you do mean it? Bob Pierce prayed, "Let my heart be broken by what breaks the heart of God." He then proceeded to found both World Vision and Samaritan's Purse. Amazing. Glory be to God!
Central Coast Longings
I miss SLO and the Central Coast so much. My heart is definitely at home there. Yes, I miss Cal Poly too and the occupation of student with more exultant ups than weary downs. When I first moved to Orange County, my mood was often relatively dour, which state of mind has changed in the past few weeks. The change can primarily be attributed to the Lord's grace in answering my prayers and the prayers of friends and family that I would be at peace and would be fulfilled in the Lord during this season. It was also helpful to allow myself to mourn the end of my season in SLO and in college. Though I dearly hope to return to the Central Coast one day (and must stop myself from scheming to make it happen), I am beginning to think that this won't happen in the near future. Orange County is definitely "not me," but the Lord has me here for a reason. More on this later...
Oh, and this cogitation made me happy: If seasons represent maturity, then Autumn is thirty in Paris.
Oh, and this cogitation made me happy: If seasons represent maturity, then Autumn is thirty in Paris.
October 1, 2008
Charities
This is an awesome website that rates charities. Use discretion, people!
http://charitynavigator.com/
Also, check out this list of the top celebrity donors in 2007. I'm disappointed that the donations were not larger considering the amount of money these people have. (As an aside, I'm glad to see that Denzel made the list!)
http://www.givingback.org/2007GivingBack30.html
http://charitynavigator.com/
Also, check out this list of the top celebrity donors in 2007. I'm disappointed that the donations were not larger considering the amount of money these people have. (As an aside, I'm glad to see that Denzel made the list!)
http://www.givingback.org/2007GivingBack30.html
September 23, 2008
My lunch break encouragement
For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. Psalm 102: 17-18
I was wondering how this related to the Holocaust. I will ponder that further when I'm not falling asleep...and supposed to be working. But the verse is still encouraging and resonates with my spirit.
I was wondering how this related to the Holocaust. I will ponder that further when I'm not falling asleep...and supposed to be working. But the verse is still encouraging and resonates with my spirit.
September 15, 2008
The Way I Am/Realize
My current two favorite songs are in the enclosed links. Beware, the music videos definitely distract from the songs. Also, I am aware that "Realize" does not really demonstrate musical quality, but has struck me nonetheless. And, yes, I am one of those people that plays a song over and over and over and over until I am sick of it. I have played "The Way I Am" (such an awesome song with both lyrics and music) 44 times since purchasing it about two weeks ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnhVgPr-NU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJOzdLwvTHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnhVgPr-NU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJOzdLwvTHA
For His glory
This morning at church (or rather this afternoon because I believe the sermon commenced "after noon") the pastor was talking about the different giftings that make up the church body. He went over quite a few points with which I am familiar, though it was good to have them reiterated. Namely, those church members who ARE fully participating still cannot experience the Body as designed until those members who are NOT fully participating become engaged. This is outside of our individualistic culture, but the Lord really has designed it for us to rely on one another. Also, we need to make it a point to encourage those members whose giftings are less honored as a rule. Amen!
During the sermon, I felt the Lord tell me that I need to stop feeling sorry for myself for all of the things that I am not able to do. Self pity can be a sweet pain, much like biting the inside of your cheek or pressing on a bug bite. Feeling insecure about my lack of well-rounded talent and knowledge has become a similar habit over the past year. It is true that an acknowledged laziness prevents me from acquiring many skills (such as playing the guitar or speaking Spanish). However, there are many more areas in which I either have no natural ability or virtually no interest (i.e. cooking). However, I need to move on from focusing on these and rather focus on what the Lord has called me to do. I have definite talents and giftings and callings that should be cultivated, and I need to find my worth in the character of Christ in me rather than in what I can do.
Speaking of cultivation, I hope to audit two online classes through Kings Seminary, but I am waiting for God to provide the finances if it is meant to happen. One is Biblical Counseling and the other is Introduction to Psychology with a ministry emphasis. They start Monday, September 22. I really hope that it works out, particularly as my brain is stagnating in my current job.
Praise be to God for His wonderful works in Christ Jesus.
During the sermon, I felt the Lord tell me that I need to stop feeling sorry for myself for all of the things that I am not able to do. Self pity can be a sweet pain, much like biting the inside of your cheek or pressing on a bug bite. Feeling insecure about my lack of well-rounded talent and knowledge has become a similar habit over the past year. It is true that an acknowledged laziness prevents me from acquiring many skills (such as playing the guitar or speaking Spanish). However, there are many more areas in which I either have no natural ability or virtually no interest (i.e. cooking). However, I need to move on from focusing on these and rather focus on what the Lord has called me to do. I have definite talents and giftings and callings that should be cultivated, and I need to find my worth in the character of Christ in me rather than in what I can do.
Speaking of cultivation, I hope to audit two online classes through Kings Seminary, but I am waiting for God to provide the finances if it is meant to happen. One is Biblical Counseling and the other is Introduction to Psychology with a ministry emphasis. They start Monday, September 22. I really hope that it works out, particularly as my brain is stagnating in my current job.
Praise be to God for His wonderful works in Christ Jesus.
September 10, 2008
Welcome Karen
I would just like to reiterate that Karen means "pure." Also, I forget your middle name. The end.
I would vote for me.
If I were president (hypothetically of our country but also perhaps of a large organization that garnered public interest), I would try a bit of personal public communication to raise support and connect with my populace. Citizens would be encouraged to either email or mail questions to a trustworthy individual volunteering a few hours a week for just such a purpose. The individual (let's call him Max) would screen the questions and present me with a variety each week. I would allow myself five minutes to answer a lighthearted question and fifteen to answer ones with greater import. Max would, of course, have impecable taste and chose a range representing humor and whimsy as well as more pressing issues. My responses (proofread by Max and screened by the head of my press committee) would be available via website and would also be distributed to national news agencies. Hopefully this would prove endearing, insightful, and encouraging, much like Roosevelt's famed fireside talks.
August 23, 2008
College Life
The water line of my mason jar reads 10 ounces.
Glad flowers commend.
Today, less spritely:
Car breaks down,
three hour essay,
call my mom.
Down to 8 so quickly.
Tomorrow I will:
brush my teeth,
create my report,
charm the mechanic,
break down.
For good-posture flowers,
I'm up to 12.
5/19/2008
Glad flowers commend.
Today, less spritely:
Car breaks down,
three hour essay,
call my mom.
Down to 8 so quickly.
Tomorrow I will:
brush my teeth,
create my report,
charm the mechanic,
break down.
For good-posture flowers,
I'm up to 12.
5/19/2008
August 22, 2008
Philippians 4
It has been quite some time since I have posted, though unfortunately not because I have been keeping busy crashing secret societies or reading classics in intimate coffee shops. (I haven't seen a single coffee shop that isn't a chain in Orange County.) Rather, the tedious work days leave little to report, though I'm never bored outside of work.
Two weekends ago I saw Les Miserables in concert at the Hollywood Bowl with three friends -- Deanna, Andrea, and Kate. My patience was sorely tried by the interminable traffic that doubled my drive time, but it was so lovely to have dinner with my friends and then to hear the concert. I think the music is superb. Though I wanted to throw rotting weeds intact with dirt clumps at whoever decided to give Jan from The Office the role of Fantine, all in all the singers did an excellent job. During the concert we supped on wine, strawberries, and chocolate covered almonds. Also, I was most pleased to be able to see, albeit for a brief amount of time, my friend Richie who works at the Bowl and graciously acquired comp tickets for us all.
Last weekend I went home to hang out with the fam, and my friend Christy drove down from Visalia to spend 32 hours with us. I am generally the one driving hither, thither, and yon to visit my friends, so her visit was especially gratifying. We attempted to get Beth's ears pierced at the mall, but alas, evidently I can't pass for a "legal guardian," so Beth's lobes remain intact. However, on the way out through JC Penney's I noticed that they were having a 75% off on clearance sale, so we had a happy time browsing through the establishment. I am particularly pleased with the blue and white striped scarf that I snagged for $5. It reminds me of aviation and also of sauntering through parks in London when the sun is bright but the air is crisp.
So yes, I am enjoying the little things in life, such as mochi ice cream and analyzing (usually correctly) the new people I meet and watching Friends for the first time (Even though I decided don't really like it, but I was always curious what the fuss was all about. However, I think that Monica and Ross are interesting. The rest of them are rather insipid.) and eating cheese and pretzels with the ducks who reside in the concrete pond of the business building next door. Much like my desperately successful maneuvers to follow my leads in swing dancing, I am learning in whatever state I am in to be content because otherwise I just grimly trip around.
Two weekends ago I saw Les Miserables in concert at the Hollywood Bowl with three friends -- Deanna, Andrea, and Kate. My patience was sorely tried by the interminable traffic that doubled my drive time, but it was so lovely to have dinner with my friends and then to hear the concert. I think the music is superb. Though I wanted to throw rotting weeds intact with dirt clumps at whoever decided to give Jan from The Office the role of Fantine, all in all the singers did an excellent job. During the concert we supped on wine, strawberries, and chocolate covered almonds. Also, I was most pleased to be able to see, albeit for a brief amount of time, my friend Richie who works at the Bowl and graciously acquired comp tickets for us all.
Last weekend I went home to hang out with the fam, and my friend Christy drove down from Visalia to spend 32 hours with us. I am generally the one driving hither, thither, and yon to visit my friends, so her visit was especially gratifying. We attempted to get Beth's ears pierced at the mall, but alas, evidently I can't pass for a "legal guardian," so Beth's lobes remain intact. However, on the way out through JC Penney's I noticed that they were having a 75% off on clearance sale, so we had a happy time browsing through the establishment. I am particularly pleased with the blue and white striped scarf that I snagged for $5. It reminds me of aviation and also of sauntering through parks in London when the sun is bright but the air is crisp.
So yes, I am enjoying the little things in life, such as mochi ice cream and analyzing (usually correctly) the new people I meet and watching Friends for the first time (Even though I decided don't really like it, but I was always curious what the fuss was all about. However, I think that Monica and Ross are interesting. The rest of them are rather insipid.) and eating cheese and pretzels with the ducks who reside in the concrete pond of the business building next door. Much like my desperately successful maneuvers to follow my leads in swing dancing, I am learning in whatever state I am in to be content because otherwise I just grimly trip around.
August 4, 2008
Opening Closed Doors
Samaritan's Purse has been given favor to build relationships with governments that are historically anti-Christian and often do not allow foreign aid as a rule. I truly believe that it is the Lord Who has given us access to the Sudan and to North Korea. Most recently, Franklin Graham, our CEO, preached the gospel to citizens and government officials of North Korea. Here is the link to the SP interpretation of the event: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/bringing_good_news_to_north_korea/. Fox News accompanied Franklin and will be broadcasting the story tonight at 6pm. Praise Jesus!
P.S. This favor and boldness to pursue closed countries is one of the reasons I am drawn to this organization.
P.S. This favor and boldness to pursue closed countries is one of the reasons I am drawn to this organization.
August 1, 2008
Do you? Do you?
Yesterday I was listening to Les Miserables songs from the Tenth Anniversary concert (thanks, YouTube) in between phone calls at work. My spirited rendition of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" led to an explanation that I am going to the Les Mis concert at the Hollywood Bowl next weekend. This tidbit was projected across the office to Karen, the administrative assistant, who then proclaimed that Jennifer, one of the managers, is also going! Karen is strategically positioned so that both Jennifer and I can hear her, so we met in the open area to enthusiastically congratulate each other on our mutual passion and emminent fix. (As a side note, I really like Jennifer, and not only because we are incredibly similiar in personality and values.) As I trudged back to my desk, I heard Jennifer softly begin the song, though she totally missed my more energetic version earlier.
Quality of life, people.
Quality of life, people.
July 30, 2008
Rice = Bread
Check out this cool website. It combines two of my passions: helping the impoverished and words. Basically, you match vocab words to their definition and the site donates rice to the UN food bank. Granted, I do not have respect for the UN and think that they often do more harm than good with regards to conflict resolution and foreign policy. However, as the largest supranational in the world, they do have considerable resources, and I have heard good things about some of their relief work. UNICEF in particular seems to be relatively effective.
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
P.S. I am currrently up to level 47.
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
P.S. I am currrently up to level 47.
July 18, 2008
It sure beats sports.
Yesterday I went to the Orange County Fair with Carol, one of my co-workers. It was actually larger and more interesting than I had anticipated. The fair was super clean and even had an elephant ride! Highlights:
- Being swarmed by goats and deer in the petting zoo. This also entailed having my shirt mouthed by one vigorous deer, whose predilection for fabric seemed to match mine for chocolate. We also petted wallabies. So cute!
- Fair food: a mini red velvet cupcake with chocolate frosting, a cinnamon bun (proudly proclaimed official fair food by the vendor), and a caramel apple with a chocolate shell further enhanced by sprinkles and Oreo crumbs. (Yes, yes, I know. But we shared.)
- A mini three-man circus with an aura of good-nature that ended with a Houdini "Metamorphosis" act in which two men switched places in and on top of a locked trunk. A black drawstring bag and circular curtain were also involved in the plot.
- A bonsai exhibit! So beautiful. I love miniature things.
- Standing inside a camera obscura, which uses mirrors and natural light to project (Warning: That is probably NOT the correct scientific term.) an image from outside onto a table inside. I was pleased to learn that we were essentially standing inside of giant camera. Evidently they have one from the 1800's in Edinburgh, but I don't remember it. I think it is similar technology to a periscope and started scheming as to how I could add it to my dream tree house/fort.
Also, Carol splurged on a henna tattoo. I actually like hennas, but felt that my money had already dispersed too rapidly that evening.
Later gator.
- Being swarmed by goats and deer in the petting zoo. This also entailed having my shirt mouthed by one vigorous deer, whose predilection for fabric seemed to match mine for chocolate. We also petted wallabies. So cute!
- Fair food: a mini red velvet cupcake with chocolate frosting, a cinnamon bun (proudly proclaimed official fair food by the vendor), and a caramel apple with a chocolate shell further enhanced by sprinkles and Oreo crumbs. (Yes, yes, I know. But we shared.)
- A mini three-man circus with an aura of good-nature that ended with a Houdini "Metamorphosis" act in which two men switched places in and on top of a locked trunk. A black drawstring bag and circular curtain were also involved in the plot.
- A bonsai exhibit! So beautiful. I love miniature things.
- Standing inside a camera obscura, which uses mirrors and natural light to project (Warning: That is probably NOT the correct scientific term.) an image from outside onto a table inside. I was pleased to learn that we were essentially standing inside of giant camera. Evidently they have one from the 1800's in Edinburgh, but I don't remember it. I think it is similar technology to a periscope and started scheming as to how I could add it to my dream tree house/fort.
Also, Carol splurged on a henna tattoo. I actually like hennas, but felt that my money had already dispersed too rapidly that evening.
Later gator.
July 16, 2008
Operation Christmas Child Intro
This is an email I wrote (with admitted plagerism) to introduce churches to Operation Christmas Child (OCC):
Greetings from Operation Christmas Child, a missions project of the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse. In brief, Operation Christmas Child is a missions project that collects gift-filled shoe boxes and delivers them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in desperate situations around the world. Last year we delivered 7,689,726 shoe boxes to over one hundred countries. One of the most profound aspects of this project is that each shoe box translates into another child touched with the love of Christ. These shoe boxes open doors for presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ by working in and through culturally appropriate evangelistic and follow-up programs. One of the things that makes Operation Christmas Child so special is its emphasis on kids helping kids. The project provides a simple, tangible way for children and teenagers to join adults in sharing the joy of giving to children around the world. There is no age limit to participation! National collection week is November 17-24, so the project will not interfere with any scheduled Christmas events.
Please visit our website for further information: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/. I would also be more than glad to send you an information kit. Please do give me a call if you have any questions or would like more information. I would love to discuss the project with you.
God bless,
Katie Brooks
Greetings from Operation Christmas Child, a missions project of the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse. In brief, Operation Christmas Child is a missions project that collects gift-filled shoe boxes and delivers them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in desperate situations around the world. Last year we delivered 7,689,726 shoe boxes to over one hundred countries. One of the most profound aspects of this project is that each shoe box translates into another child touched with the love of Christ. These shoe boxes open doors for presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ by working in and through culturally appropriate evangelistic and follow-up programs. One of the things that makes Operation Christmas Child so special is its emphasis on kids helping kids. The project provides a simple, tangible way for children and teenagers to join adults in sharing the joy of giving to children around the world. There is no age limit to participation! National collection week is November 17-24, so the project will not interfere with any scheduled Christmas events.
Please visit our website for further information: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/. I would also be more than glad to send you an information kit. Please do give me a call if you have any questions or would like more information. I would love to discuss the project with you.
God bless,
Katie Brooks
July 15, 2008
But I'm still awake!
One day I hope to have a job with flexible hours. Being mentally alert but bodily exhausted during my beloved night watches is rather disheartening. Ugh...mornings. Enough. Think happy thoughts: spiderwebs outside with no chance of running into them, sharpies, antique blocks, raspberry cordials. There, that's better.
I am reinstating my habit of getting rid of one item a day. This is not a strict rule, and there are no limits on the item's size or personal import. It's quite fulfilling to toss things, and will be especially beneficial to continuously downsize as an antidote to the outrageous materialism of the OC. Thus far, I have observed it to be somewhat less about appearance than expected (note the qualifiers) and more about accumulating. However, that could be because I have been spending gift certificates to decorate my room and explore/get out in the evenings. Now that I'm getting my bearings and also making/meeting up with friends I will try to avoid getting sucked into the multitudes of shopping malls (at least not regularly). Working for a nonprofit also helps to keep me grounded.
Now to bed. Drat.
I am reinstating my habit of getting rid of one item a day. This is not a strict rule, and there are no limits on the item's size or personal import. It's quite fulfilling to toss things, and will be especially beneficial to continuously downsize as an antidote to the outrageous materialism of the OC. Thus far, I have observed it to be somewhat less about appearance than expected (note the qualifiers) and more about accumulating. However, that could be because I have been spending gift certificates to decorate my room and explore/get out in the evenings. Now that I'm getting my bearings and also making/meeting up with friends I will try to avoid getting sucked into the multitudes of shopping malls (at least not regularly). Working for a nonprofit also helps to keep me grounded.
Now to bed. Drat.
June 18, 2008
Two weeks...
Aack! I'm moving to Santa Ana in two weeks! I don't have housing yet, but I do trust that God will provide. Finally, I am learning to trust without dwelling on it all the time. Should be interesting... I'm looking forward to the trip to Boone, N.C. in the interim. I haven't been there since age 16, so it will be grand to get an in depth tour of SP's international headquarters. (Though why they wish to be located two hours away from the closest major airport beats me...)
At the moment I'm packing, cleaning, and meeting people to say good-bye. I wish that I had more time to just relax in SLO, but two of my roommates skipped town without cleaning. Yes, yes, I know. I'm trying not to be bitter. However, I do enjoy using the magic eraser bars on the walls. :)
Night!
At the moment I'm packing, cleaning, and meeting people to say good-bye. I wish that I had more time to just relax in SLO, but two of my roommates skipped town without cleaning. Yes, yes, I know. I'm trying not to be bitter. However, I do enjoy using the magic eraser bars on the walls. :)
Night!
June 11, 2008
Rainbow's End
Take me there to rainbow's end.
While dreams dance
the journey glitters.
If hope must die from
what is not,
let it be there,
suffused in color.
While dreams dance
the journey glitters.
If hope must die from
what is not,
let it be there,
suffused in color.
May 30, 2008
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Last night I slept longer than I have all quarter, except perhaps when I was sick at the beginning. My roommate seemed disapproving, which actually succeeded in irritating me. That aside, it was wonderful. It certainly put me behind on my mental schedule for the day, but I suppose that people will just have to get my graduation announcements one day later. It doesn't really matter except for the party invitations anyway, and the people who are going to come to that probably won't be affected by a day's delay. And somehow my homework continues to get done...
Remember how I scrapped the Sherlock Holmes essay because it wasn't working? Well, I ended up profiling the family minivan that I used to drive and personally thought the essay lacked the "so what" factor and also lacked the cultural element that I was trying to drive home (no pun intended). Anyway, I wasn't satisfied with it, but the peer reviews on Wednesday were universally effusive. Seriously. They were pretty much the most concentratedly positive of anyone's all quarter, which was rather unnerving. Now my teacher has super high expectations of my last (and by FAR hardest) essay due in less than two weeks that I have yet to start. The thought just exhausts me further.
I've turned off emotion regarding the job process today because it was becoming too overwhelming. I find myself unable to be glad or even excited that Samaritan's Purse has finally become enthused with me as a candidate. I'm leaning toward the Lifewater position, but I don't know if that is even an option. What I DO know is that the Lord has a purpose for this confusing sequence of events that began about two weeks ago. Hopefully it's over soon.
I just realized that I'm going to be late again meeting Kara to edit our senior project. Oops.
Remember how I scrapped the Sherlock Holmes essay because it wasn't working? Well, I ended up profiling the family minivan that I used to drive and personally thought the essay lacked the "so what" factor and also lacked the cultural element that I was trying to drive home (no pun intended). Anyway, I wasn't satisfied with it, but the peer reviews on Wednesday were universally effusive. Seriously. They were pretty much the most concentratedly positive of anyone's all quarter, which was rather unnerving. Now my teacher has super high expectations of my last (and by FAR hardest) essay due in less than two weeks that I have yet to start. The thought just exhausts me further.
I've turned off emotion regarding the job process today because it was becoming too overwhelming. I find myself unable to be glad or even excited that Samaritan's Purse has finally become enthused with me as a candidate. I'm leaning toward the Lifewater position, but I don't know if that is even an option. What I DO know is that the Lord has a purpose for this confusing sequence of events that began about two weeks ago. Hopefully it's over soon.
I just realized that I'm going to be late again meeting Kara to edit our senior project. Oops.
May 26, 2008
THIS is the day that the Lord has made.
I mentioned today in conversation that at this point school is just a waiting game. This quarter has been uncharacteristically dreary in terms of school, and my disgruntled attitude is only heightened by my impending graduation. As I expressed to my mother last week, I really do not want to leave SLO nor end my career as a student, but as long as it has to happen in the near future, I wish the near future was right now. I just want to get it over with.
However, today I decided that I need to actually change this attitude instead of merely acknowledging that it is inferior. God has a purpose for this time in my life, and it is wrong for me to go on autopilot for my last six weeks of school even to prevent sadness and discouragement. I should depend on the Lord for joy and encouragement, rather than mentally checking out. This is not say that I have achieved this change in attitude, but rather I acknowledge that, once again, I am wrong and I need the Lord's help. I cannot rely on myself; I cannot rely on people; I can only rely on the Lord and His goodness and faithfulness.
Amen.
However, today I decided that I need to actually change this attitude instead of merely acknowledging that it is inferior. God has a purpose for this time in my life, and it is wrong for me to go on autopilot for my last six weeks of school even to prevent sadness and discouragement. I should depend on the Lord for joy and encouragement, rather than mentally checking out. This is not say that I have achieved this change in attitude, but rather I acknowledge that, once again, I am wrong and I need the Lord's help. I cannot rely on myself; I cannot rely on people; I can only rely on the Lord and His goodness and faithfulness.
Amen.
May 21, 2008
Pride?
I've been realizing recently that I have difficulty asking people for help with what I deem are important things. I can totally ask on behalf of someone else (which is want I want to do as a career, in a nutshell) or with small favors. But if something is important to me, it's difficult to ask. I find this to be an interesting psychological puzzle. My current explanation, which I believe to be correct, is that I would rather not ask than ask and be refused. It's the feeling of being vulnerable from which I shy away more than of inconveniencing someone, though the latter is certainly influential. This is particularly true of needing emotional support, which is how I was able to generalize to the overall explanation of vulnerability. I rarely tell people when I am upset about important things because I would rather languish than tell them and have them not try to fix it. I do not understand how you can love someone and not try to help them when possible. I think there is also a bit of a martyr syndrome in that I am willing to try to fix other people's problems but I label mine as less important. In truth, I think they usually are.
Is there an acronym for falling asleep at the keyboard?
Is there an acronym for falling asleep at the keyboard?
May 13, 2008
My Life as a Mystery Lover
This is the essay that I abandoned half-way through the word count. Each paragraph still has some merit, but it wasn't working as a whole.
The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fills ¬1,122 pages of a two-volume 24-centimeter edition. It is comprised of four novels and fifty-six short stories, all unabashedly starring the classic sleuth of indomitable intellect. One ramshackle copy of the Complete Works resides on the second-from-the-bottom shelf of the mystery row in the tiny Fillmore Library. When I was fourteen the librarian straight-faced requested, “You will let me know when you have read every book in this library, won’t you?” Smiling assent, I loaded my tottering check-out pile into my left arm and spent the seven-minute walk home balancing it with my right as I pondered which delicacy to inhale first.
My childhood appetite for reading was insatiable. During sixth grade, my one year in public school, the teacher worried about my habit of occasionally reading straight through our 55 minute recess. I labeled him category number one: “Concerned with Social Skills.” Category number two was simply “Impressed,” which was gratifying yet disconcerting because it created more fodder for category number one. My parents, who taught me to read by age four, laughed off the comments from both categories. They knew I was perfectly capable of long-legged racing the other kids to the edges of our imaginary kingdoms.
After years of sauntering among genres, it happened: I fell in love with mystery. But I was no flighty debutante, traipsing through the library shelves and lingering with whichever mystery cover looked most alluring. Rather, I was captivated by a thin, graying, eagle-nosed man of vision. Yes, I loved Sherlock Holmes for his mind. Observation and deduction were his creed, and it was his reliance on science and logic that made him a superhero in my eyes. Holmes taught me that the mind is like an attic to be stored neatly with particular knowledge of use or to be obstacle course cluttered with indiscriminate factoids and blurbs. In arranging my mind with his exploits, I created a shrine. Anyone who could locate a crook from a soil sample or identify a profession from a scrap of handwriting deserved some adulation. Holmes always explained his methods in a denouement, but he never anticipated that his fans would or even could rise to his monumental heights.
Holmes was the Superman of Victorian London. His cases, which were ostensibly chronicled by his faithful sidekick Dr. John Watson, took London by storm in newspaper serials published from 1887-1927. When Holmes perished in the act of destroying his nemesis Professor Moriarty in 1893, a seven-year surge of pleading persuaded the author to resurrect him in what has ironically become the most well-known story, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Holmes style of sleuthing set the foundation for the mystery genre and he remains an integral icon of British culture. Even today the computer system used by British law enforcement is respectfully named Home Office Large Major Enquiry System – or HOLMES.
Transition needed. The Complete Works of Holmes is too large in size to transport as an antidote to boredom and furthermore brooks no interruptions. Like Holmes, his admirers must be homebodies when not saving the world. There is a best time for reading of Holmes. For a homeschooler in Southern California, this is on dark, preferably rainy afternoons post-Algebra. When the climate does not emulate the fairy-tale fog of London, evenings may be used provided there is cocoa present and that at least two-thirds of the body is hemmed by a close-wrapped blanket.
At the beginning of our relationship, a dictionary was a necessary third wheel. Every three pages or so, I had to update my lexicon to incorporate Victorian English. Twitterpated, I found this an endearing indication of education and culture. After reading through the entire collection once, I put the dictionary aside and simply enjoyed the stories even though I already knew the answers. It was like the tenth date after the demographics and favorites are old news and she is able to notice that he laughs with eyes closed when he’s truly amused and strangely sits straighter when he’s tired. I realized then that Holmes was more than “the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen” as described by Watson in A Scandal in Bohemia. He was an unashamed champion of the underdog, an able psychologist, an ardent patriot, an acclaimed scientist and scholar, and a loyal friend. He was also a neurotic druggie between cases (though he eventually conquered this vice), incapable of verbalizing his admittedly rare emotions, and an understandable victim of egotism.
Needs transition. Holmes explained his success when remonstrating Watson in The Sign of Four: “How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?” For hundreds of Holmesian fans worldwide, it is impossible that Holmes is not real. The improbable truth is that Sherlock and his bumbling biographer Watson truly lived in London in the late 1800’s and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was their inept literary agent. This is known as “The Great Game,” in which The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes is the “Canon” whose genius is reflective of Holmes and whose inconsistencies are simply Watson’s lapses. The Sherlock Holmes Society in London, founded in 1934 and resumed after WWII in 1951, boasts over 1,000 members who meet regularly for conversation and special events centered on the Baker Street sleuth. It is open to anyone with “an interest in Sherlock Holmes and his world, and a willingness to play the game.” Its American cousin, The Baker Street Irregulars in New York City was also started in 1934. More about this.
After reading through the collection straight through twice with numerous jaunts on an intermittent basis, I realized that our relationship was no longer growing. Unwilling to play games, I moved on.
The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fills ¬1,122 pages of a two-volume 24-centimeter edition. It is comprised of four novels and fifty-six short stories, all unabashedly starring the classic sleuth of indomitable intellect. One ramshackle copy of the Complete Works resides on the second-from-the-bottom shelf of the mystery row in the tiny Fillmore Library. When I was fourteen the librarian straight-faced requested, “You will let me know when you have read every book in this library, won’t you?” Smiling assent, I loaded my tottering check-out pile into my left arm and spent the seven-minute walk home balancing it with my right as I pondered which delicacy to inhale first.
My childhood appetite for reading was insatiable. During sixth grade, my one year in public school, the teacher worried about my habit of occasionally reading straight through our 55 minute recess. I labeled him category number one: “Concerned with Social Skills.” Category number two was simply “Impressed,” which was gratifying yet disconcerting because it created more fodder for category number one. My parents, who taught me to read by age four, laughed off the comments from both categories. They knew I was perfectly capable of long-legged racing the other kids to the edges of our imaginary kingdoms.
After years of sauntering among genres, it happened: I fell in love with mystery. But I was no flighty debutante, traipsing through the library shelves and lingering with whichever mystery cover looked most alluring. Rather, I was captivated by a thin, graying, eagle-nosed man of vision. Yes, I loved Sherlock Holmes for his mind. Observation and deduction were his creed, and it was his reliance on science and logic that made him a superhero in my eyes. Holmes taught me that the mind is like an attic to be stored neatly with particular knowledge of use or to be obstacle course cluttered with indiscriminate factoids and blurbs. In arranging my mind with his exploits, I created a shrine. Anyone who could locate a crook from a soil sample or identify a profession from a scrap of handwriting deserved some adulation. Holmes always explained his methods in a denouement, but he never anticipated that his fans would or even could rise to his monumental heights.
Holmes was the Superman of Victorian London. His cases, which were ostensibly chronicled by his faithful sidekick Dr. John Watson, took London by storm in newspaper serials published from 1887-1927. When Holmes perished in the act of destroying his nemesis Professor Moriarty in 1893, a seven-year surge of pleading persuaded the author to resurrect him in what has ironically become the most well-known story, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Holmes style of sleuthing set the foundation for the mystery genre and he remains an integral icon of British culture. Even today the computer system used by British law enforcement is respectfully named Home Office Large Major Enquiry System – or HOLMES.
Transition needed. The Complete Works of Holmes is too large in size to transport as an antidote to boredom and furthermore brooks no interruptions. Like Holmes, his admirers must be homebodies when not saving the world. There is a best time for reading of Holmes. For a homeschooler in Southern California, this is on dark, preferably rainy afternoons post-Algebra. When the climate does not emulate the fairy-tale fog of London, evenings may be used provided there is cocoa present and that at least two-thirds of the body is hemmed by a close-wrapped blanket.
At the beginning of our relationship, a dictionary was a necessary third wheel. Every three pages or so, I had to update my lexicon to incorporate Victorian English. Twitterpated, I found this an endearing indication of education and culture. After reading through the entire collection once, I put the dictionary aside and simply enjoyed the stories even though I already knew the answers. It was like the tenth date after the demographics and favorites are old news and she is able to notice that he laughs with eyes closed when he’s truly amused and strangely sits straighter when he’s tired. I realized then that Holmes was more than “the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen” as described by Watson in A Scandal in Bohemia. He was an unashamed champion of the underdog, an able psychologist, an ardent patriot, an acclaimed scientist and scholar, and a loyal friend. He was also a neurotic druggie between cases (though he eventually conquered this vice), incapable of verbalizing his admittedly rare emotions, and an understandable victim of egotism.
Needs transition. Holmes explained his success when remonstrating Watson in The Sign of Four: “How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?” For hundreds of Holmesian fans worldwide, it is impossible that Holmes is not real. The improbable truth is that Sherlock and his bumbling biographer Watson truly lived in London in the late 1800’s and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was their inept literary agent. This is known as “The Great Game,” in which The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes is the “Canon” whose genius is reflective of Holmes and whose inconsistencies are simply Watson’s lapses. The Sherlock Holmes Society in London, founded in 1934 and resumed after WWII in 1951, boasts over 1,000 members who meet regularly for conversation and special events centered on the Baker Street sleuth. It is open to anyone with “an interest in Sherlock Holmes and his world, and a willingness to play the game.” Its American cousin, The Baker Street Irregulars in New York City was also started in 1934. More about this.
After reading through the collection straight through twice with numerous jaunts on an intermittent basis, I realized that our relationship was no longer growing. Unwilling to play games, I moved on.
May 5, 2008
I ate three mangos today.
Drat, it's been almost a month since I have posted. Basically, I am waiting on the Lord for a job and struggling to overcome senioritis, the onset of which has been spurred by a dismal lack of interest in my classes. It's a shame to go out this way when I have so enjoyed my major. I wish that I could have audited Dr. Duffy's American Political Rhetoric class, but alas, scheduling conflicted. Strangely, my job is one of the highlights of my quarter because the staff is so affirming (love language #1) and I get frequent snatches of free food. If only I didn't have to work MORNINGS.
Speaking of which, I have to get up in six hours. Ugh.
My condolences for this bland post. I'm going to blame my mundane classes.
Speaking of which, I have to get up in six hours. Ugh.
My condolences for this bland post. I'm going to blame my mundane classes.
April 7, 2008
I knew him well.
I killed my fish. It was, of course, inadvertent. Evidently I subjected him to temperature shock. Poor Almond. As Christy reminded me, at least David gave a nice speech. It was a good eulogy. I must focus on the good times we had. Everyone liked his name. Poor little Almond. Mealtimes will be bereft of his warm (OBVIOUSLY not literally) companionship. It is so tragic!! Poor little Almond. I think I said that already.
And I had to drink a bunch of sugar water for a psychology lab, so my stomach feels strange. Alas.
And I had to drink a bunch of sugar water for a psychology lab, so my stomach feels strange. Alas.
April 6, 2008
Blase
So it seems that this quarter is not going to be as easy as I had anticipated, as evidenced in part by this post (procrastination from homework). I'm still rather stressed about my senior project - which is still up in the air. But I know that the Lord has it under control.
Also, I am currently suffering from a cold, which has made the weekend rather unproductive. However, I did lay in the sun and read homework/a weird novel for four hours yesterday. And dozed. I am now slightly tan. I had forgotten what that looked like.
Forgive the incipient nature of this post. I am still rather slow and groggy from my cold. We had an encouraging word at church this morning. I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep all I've committed to Him until that day.
Amen.
Also, I am currently suffering from a cold, which has made the weekend rather unproductive. However, I did lay in the sun and read homework/a weird novel for four hours yesterday. And dozed. I am now slightly tan. I had forgotten what that looked like.
Forgive the incipient nature of this post. I am still rather slow and groggy from my cold. We had an encouraging word at church this morning. I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep all I've committed to Him until that day.
Amen.
March 18, 2008
Restitution
Okay, happy things:
1.) "That Thing You Do"
2.) Icelandic poppies
3.) Sea shells
4.) Winning at Clue
5.) Flying to Seattle on Thursday!
6.) Laughing at my ridiculous math class
7.) Citrus
8.) Corduroy
9.) My job at BP/TE
10.) The word "parcheesi"
1.) "That Thing You Do"
2.) Icelandic poppies
3.) Sea shells
4.) Winning at Clue
5.) Flying to Seattle on Thursday!
6.) Laughing at my ridiculous math class
7.) Citrus
8.) Corduroy
9.) My job at BP/TE
10.) The word "parcheesi"
Complaining (Sorry)
Auughhh! I am so sick of my paper! If I never hear about the UN again, it will be too soon. Plus, I just ate a whole bar of Toblerone chocolate in about 7 minutes. Shows how focused I am. And prior to that I ate 1/3 bag of snap peas from Trader Joe's. These two incompatible food groups are now having a duel in the depths of my interior. I think we call that "stress eating."
Almost done! On an ironic note, I accidentally achieved an A in my credit/no credit Math 112 class. It was such a joke. It saddened me that I wasted a credit/no credit. Oops. Should have gone with my instinct, but I figured since I skipped about 1/3 of the classes I should play it safe...evidently not.
Wow, I'm in full stream into complaining mode about inconsequential things. I'm leaving now.
Good-bye.
Almost done! On an ironic note, I accidentally achieved an A in my credit/no credit Math 112 class. It was such a joke. It saddened me that I wasted a credit/no credit. Oops. Should have gone with my instinct, but I figured since I skipped about 1/3 of the classes I should play it safe...evidently not.
Wow, I'm in full stream into complaining mode about inconsequential things. I'm leaving now.
Good-bye.
March 16, 2008
In His prescence is fullness of joy.
It's been rather a crazy week, and though I could come up with a list of reasons why, the overall reasons for stress are still semi-nebulous. However, the Lord has really been using those stressful factors to teach me more about myself and my priorities. I think my heart is more in the right place than it was last Sunday (i.e. focused on the Lord and my relationship with Him rather than on myself or my relationships with people).
It makes me smile when I stop and think how kind and gentle the Lord is to work with me in spite of my blinders. He has used several people that I did not anticipate to directly and indirectly encourage me this week, moving me more towards a much-needed Mary mindset rather than trudging on as a Martha.
Praise the Lord that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and even more so, that He is faithful. Psalm 16:11 has impacted me this week: In His presence is fullness of joy. Oftentimes I remind myself of the verse, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). However, the joy of the Lord comes from His presence and from having a relationship with Him. Again, it was reinforced that I am nothing apart from God.
I've also been conducted two interesting experiments this week that will be revisited after break. More on that later. They're still very much works in progress, but have the potential to have a significant impact on my mindset and the way I spend my time.
Aside from the topics mentioned above, cognition has also been expended in gleeful anticipation of my trip to Seattle/road trip to SLO. I fly up on Thursday. 'Twill be grand. I also decided to tint my hair red again during the last weekend of break and have been looking forward to that. You have to appreciate the little things in life. Besides, I get so bored with my hair.
This post is becoming mundane. My apologies.
Kudos, David, for getting this far. ;)
It makes me smile when I stop and think how kind and gentle the Lord is to work with me in spite of my blinders. He has used several people that I did not anticipate to directly and indirectly encourage me this week, moving me more towards a much-needed Mary mindset rather than trudging on as a Martha.
Praise the Lord that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and even more so, that He is faithful. Psalm 16:11 has impacted me this week: In His presence is fullness of joy. Oftentimes I remind myself of the verse, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). However, the joy of the Lord comes from His presence and from having a relationship with Him. Again, it was reinforced that I am nothing apart from God.
I've also been conducted two interesting experiments this week that will be revisited after break. More on that later. They're still very much works in progress, but have the potential to have a significant impact on my mindset and the way I spend my time.
Aside from the topics mentioned above, cognition has also been expended in gleeful anticipation of my trip to Seattle/road trip to SLO. I fly up on Thursday. 'Twill be grand. I also decided to tint my hair red again during the last weekend of break and have been looking forward to that. You have to appreciate the little things in life. Besides, I get so bored with my hair.
This post is becoming mundane. My apologies.
Kudos, David, for getting this far. ;)
February 12, 2008
Excerpt from history section of Samaritan's Purse
"Go and do likewise," Christ commanded after explaining the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. So we do. Samaritan's Purse travels the world’s highways looking for victims along the way. The work is often dangerous—as it was for the Samaritan—but the message we carry is much too important. We are quick to bandage the wounds we see, but the Samaritan didn’t stop there, and neither do we. In addition to meeting their immediate, emergency needs, we help these victims recover and get back on their feet.
No matter where we go or what we do, though, we offer more than help. We offer hope. To suffering people in a broken world, we share the news of the only One who can bring true peace—Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
No matter where we go or what we do, though, we offer more than help. We offer hope. To suffering people in a broken world, we share the news of the only One who can bring true peace—Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
February 11, 2008
Excerpt from UN account of their "efforts" in Sudan
On 7 October 2004, the Secretary-General [of the United Nations]announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to determine whether acts of genocide had occurred in Darfur. In its final report, the Commission concluded that while the Government of Sudan had not pursued a policy of genocide, its forces and allied militia had “conducted indiscriminate attacks, including killing of civilians, torture, enforced disappearances, destruction of villages, rape and other forms of sexual violence, pillaging and forced displacement.” The panel concluded that “international offences such as the crimes against humanity and war crimes that have been committed in Darfur may be no less serious and heinous than genocide.” It urged the Security Council to “act not only against the perpetrators but also on behalf of the victims”.
On 21 April 2005, the Commission on Human Rights (predecessor of the Human Rights Council) appointed a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan. The Special Rapporteur, Sima Samar, has travelled to Sudan regularly and issued oral and written statements to the Commission (and later the Human Rights Council) and to the Third Committee of the General Assembly.
In February and March 2007, the Human Rights Council deployed a special mission to report on the human rights situation in Darfur. The Council subsequently set up a human rights expert group to work with the Sudanese Government and the AU to ensure implementation of all resolutions and recommendations on Darfur in relation to human rights. On 20 June, the mandate of the expert group was extended for another six months. In its seventh report on the human rights situation in the Sudan (18 May), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on aerial attacks conducted from January to March 2007 against civilians in Darfur. The Secretary-General has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Security Council to the continuing violence in Darfur and has condemned the targeting of civilians, including aerial attacks on villages.
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unamid/background.html
On 21 April 2005, the Commission on Human Rights (predecessor of the Human Rights Council) appointed a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan. The Special Rapporteur, Sima Samar, has travelled to Sudan regularly and issued oral and written statements to the Commission (and later the Human Rights Council) and to the Third Committee of the General Assembly.
In February and March 2007, the Human Rights Council deployed a special mission to report on the human rights situation in Darfur. The Council subsequently set up a human rights expert group to work with the Sudanese Government and the AU to ensure implementation of all resolutions and recommendations on Darfur in relation to human rights. On 20 June, the mandate of the expert group was extended for another six months. In its seventh report on the human rights situation in the Sudan (18 May), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on aerial attacks conducted from January to March 2007 against civilians in Darfur. The Secretary-General has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Security Council to the continuing violence in Darfur and has condemned the targeting of civilians, including aerial attacks on villages.
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unamid/background.html
February 8, 2008
Samaritan's Purse
I sent in my application for the volunteer relations position with Samaritan's Purse yesterday. This job is totally a "God thing" as it seems to fit me (and visa versa) so exactly. Also, it appeared just at the time when I needed to start the job search process. I rest assured in the knowledge that Lord will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11), and I know that this is an area of my life that I have continuously given over to the Lord. He has a specific plan for my post-graduation plans as well as my long-term career. But I get really excited contemplating myself in this particular position. And, oh, how I love California! Someday I think I'll make it back up to the Central Coast.
Life has been super busy, and I often think that we lose sight of who we are supposed to BE in the midst of concentrating on all we have to DO. I have been disappointed that I do not have more time to spend on people, though in actuality I have been sacrificing sleep and personal time (not to mention devotions) to do just that. But I do enjoy my job at Bishop's Peak/Teach tremendously and actually don't have too much homework considering that I'm taking 17 units. My personality class is so fulfilling. One of the best decisions I've ever made, to the point that it prompted me to "go for" the psych minor. Another stupendous decision.
It would be beneficial (at least for my own self-processing) to continue to chronicle some of the main points of the past five weeks, but then I would be late for yet another engagement. So I'll end with a verse that really hit me a few days ago. I love mentions in the Bible of how much God values words, to the point that Jesus is called the Word. Anytime Jesus is called something, we really should listen up! Also, God SPOKE the world into existence, and salvation is made by confession of the mouth (Romans 10). Anyway, the verse is Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
We could spend weeks discussing the implications of that verse, even to the subject of how living things are affected by speech. Talking to plants or examining the impact of positive v. negative messages on health are two examples. I love my major. :)
Life has been super busy, and I often think that we lose sight of who we are supposed to BE in the midst of concentrating on all we have to DO. I have been disappointed that I do not have more time to spend on people, though in actuality I have been sacrificing sleep and personal time (not to mention devotions) to do just that. But I do enjoy my job at Bishop's Peak/Teach tremendously and actually don't have too much homework considering that I'm taking 17 units. My personality class is so fulfilling. One of the best decisions I've ever made, to the point that it prompted me to "go for" the psych minor. Another stupendous decision.
It would be beneficial (at least for my own self-processing) to continue to chronicle some of the main points of the past five weeks, but then I would be late for yet another engagement. So I'll end with a verse that really hit me a few days ago. I love mentions in the Bible of how much God values words, to the point that Jesus is called the Word. Anytime Jesus is called something, we really should listen up! Also, God SPOKE the world into existence, and salvation is made by confession of the mouth (Romans 10). Anyway, the verse is Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
We could spend weeks discussing the implications of that verse, even to the subject of how living things are affected by speech. Talking to plants or examining the impact of positive v. negative messages on health are two examples. I love my major. :)
January 20, 2008
Dolly Parton/Norah Jones
Dolly Parton/Norah Jones
One reds and breasts
The other fading quietly
As modes of remembrance
Rise in her audience
Drifting to her songs
Re-emerging Grammy time
Bowed under the weight
Of funnily-shaped commendations
One reds and breasts
The other fading quietly
As modes of remembrance
Rise in her audience
Drifting to her songs
Re-emerging Grammy time
Bowed under the weight
Of funnily-shaped commendations
January 10, 2008
Why do birds suddenly appear everytime you are near?
I absolutely love my personality class! I see the Lord's work in the design of the human mind and in my desire to understand it. My current favorite test is Myers Briggs. I don't feel like explaining it at the moment, but ask me about it because I love discussing it and have found it beneficial for multiple people. Here's the link. The link below is a description of the types. I am so looking forward to taking more tests in the next nine weeks.
http://humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm
http://www.personalitypage.com/portraits.html
http://humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm
http://www.personalitypage.com/portraits.html
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