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.)
October 27, 2008
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
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