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

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!

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.

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