it seems so...severed
such a huge part of my life
memories, oh sweet memories
that now lie dormant
as if they are unsure of what to do
whether to sleep
whether to rise
whether to simply fade away
it seems so...surreal
that such a good thing
true beauty
would almost seem to be cut
never to be repaired?
and it seems as though i only stand here
helpless
watching something that is truely beautiful
grow small in the distance
i look back-try to retrace my steps
pull myself back to that familliar shore
but the waves are pulling me steadily away
will it do any good to fight?
in the midst of darkness
there is so much light
in the midst of frailty
so much strength
and in the midst of imperfection
there is so much hope, and joy, and beauty
and in the midst of fear there is love
i refuse to allow darkness to swallow up joy
i refuse to allow fear to push me out to sea
i refust to simply let it be as it is-to forget His faithfullness
His goodness
His sacrifice
because i am in a battle
i shall fight for hope
not because it needs defending
but because hope will not dissapoint
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
snow, beauty, and drudgery
i turned in my final paper for my final class today! next week is finals and the end of another semester
unbelievable...
after class i rushed off to catch the red line to babysit
when i left there was a little snow on the ground
on my way back to school, only a few hours later, 5 inches and still falling
beautiful...
the city takes on a different look in the wintertime
and the first snow always makes everything seem clean
the edges of light are softened by the falling snow
i guess there is usually a good side to something and a bad side to something
but as of
right now...
my attitude is light and i am enjoying this change in scenery outside my window
and if you are lucky enough to be outside in the first snow, you are able to avoid what comes
unbelievable...
after class i rushed off to catch the red line to babysit
when i left there was a little snow on the ground
on my way back to school, only a few hours later, 5 inches and still falling
beautiful...
the city takes on a different look in the wintertime
and the first snow always makes everything seem clean
the edges of light are softened by the falling snow
i guess there is usually a good side to something and a bad side to something
but as of
right now...
my attitude is light and i am enjoying this change in scenery outside my window
and if you are lucky enough to be outside in the first snow, you are able to avoid what comes
as time goes on...
when the snow turns to slush, mixed with the grease and grime from sidewalks and streets
car horns honking as traffic is backed up for blocks
and drudging through the snow is less than enjoyable
i am reminded of something oswald chambers says (on drudgery):
"we are not meant to be seen as God's perfect, bright-shining examples, but to be seen as the everyday essence of ordinary life exhibiting the miracle of His grace. Drudgery is the test of genuine character. the greatest hinderance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. yet, "Jesus...took a towel and...began to wash his disciples feet...' we say we do not expect God to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we do! i must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life hall all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it."
Friday, December 02, 2005
random events...
courtney came to visit, and we had a great time, though both of us were weak from recovering over the 12 hour flu.
my week in a few snapshots:
going to jewel in the rain...finding breyer's ice cream on sale
buying two half-gallons
almost passing out in my media class-leaving early
skipping my theology class
sleeping
debbie(roomie) getting sick with 12-hour flu
96th floor of the john hancock building
shedd aquarium
field museum
art institute
corner bakery
little sleep
worship in chapel
helping with science at sunzone
taking courtney to train station
cold, windy
gloves, scarves, hats, layers
realizing i have yet another paper due...forgot about that one
meeting with a guy i don't know who wants me to sing on his music album
a 1 minute audition singing amazing grace outside of the commons (we'll be recording sometime in the next few weeks...so random)
how amazing to be in this city, at this school-may i never take it for granted
my week in a few snapshots:
going to jewel in the rain...finding breyer's ice cream on sale
buying two half-gallons
almost passing out in my media class-leaving early
skipping my theology class
sleeping
debbie(roomie) getting sick with 12-hour flu
96th floor of the john hancock building
shedd aquarium
field museum
art institute
corner bakery
little sleep
worship in chapel
helping with science at sunzone
taking courtney to train station
cold, windy
gloves, scarves, hats, layers
realizing i have yet another paper due...forgot about that one
meeting with a guy i don't know who wants me to sing on his music album
a 1 minute audition singing amazing grace outside of the commons (we'll be recording sometime in the next few weeks...so random)
how amazing to be in this city, at this school-may i never take it for granted
Thursday, December 01, 2005
follow me
Matt 9:9
"as Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'follow me' and he rose and followed him."
i am struck by the simplicity of this verse. i am struck by the simplicity of this call.
"follow me"
and he rose and followed him.
sometimes i think i make God's call for my life one of pomp and brilliance-which if looked at deep down is motivated by selfishness, the desire to be recognized, to have a good story to tell...yet, the call of God is simple...profoundly simple
follow me
and it is said by one who wears sandles caked with the judean desert, who was born in a stable, from a small town-there was no pomp or brilliance in his call-his life was one of sacrifice
follow me
it is simple, and yet i make it so complex. i worry. follow him to where? what if he really means me to stay where i am? how will i know what to do?
simply...follow me
Matthew didn't really analyze every alternative. instead, he rose and followed him.
that's it
no writing in the clouds or music playing in the background
he rose and followed him.
when will i learn to leave behind my old lifestyle-thought processes, comfort, and like Matthew, listen to my Master's voice?
"as Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'follow me' and he rose and followed him."
i am struck by the simplicity of this verse. i am struck by the simplicity of this call.
"follow me"
and he rose and followed him.
sometimes i think i make God's call for my life one of pomp and brilliance-which if looked at deep down is motivated by selfishness, the desire to be recognized, to have a good story to tell...yet, the call of God is simple...profoundly simple
follow me
and it is said by one who wears sandles caked with the judean desert, who was born in a stable, from a small town-there was no pomp or brilliance in his call-his life was one of sacrifice
follow me
it is simple, and yet i make it so complex. i worry. follow him to where? what if he really means me to stay where i am? how will i know what to do?
simply...follow me
Matthew didn't really analyze every alternative. instead, he rose and followed him.
that's it
no writing in the clouds or music playing in the background
he rose and followed him.
when will i learn to leave behind my old lifestyle-thought processes, comfort, and like Matthew, listen to my Master's voice?
Monday, November 28, 2005
why is it that i sometimes fear obedience? it isn't that i don't desire to be obedient-i think i am sometimes afraid of where that obedience will lead...i guess i pray that God would show me where he would like me to begin moving, and then when doors start opening, i pretend that it is all in my head, and i don't face reality.
what does it mean to be selfless? i realize more and more everyday that i am so far from understanding what sacrifice means...
what does it mean to give up the rights to myself? to surrender fully?
to be so in love with my savior that all else fades to a stale backdrop in light of who HE is?
only by HIS grace
only because HE first loved me
only because of HIS sacrifice
and i can hold firmly to the promise that
"HE who began a good work in me will carry it onto completion..."
for HIS glory
what does it mean to be selfless? i realize more and more everyday that i am so far from understanding what sacrifice means...
what does it mean to give up the rights to myself? to surrender fully?
to be so in love with my savior that all else fades to a stale backdrop in light of who HE is?
only by HIS grace
only because HE first loved me
only because of HIS sacrifice
and i can hold firmly to the promise that
"HE who began a good work in me will carry it onto completion..."
for HIS glory
Thursday, November 17, 2005
a trip to India-only minutes away
We took Lakeshore Drive north until the end and after only a few wrong turns, pulled onto Devon Street. We parked in a side street, and began walking down the main street. We passed stores carrying ornate dresses, restaurants advertising Kebap, grocery stores filled with spices such as curry, shelves with payneer, and walls with pictures of Mecca. As we walked, we passed women with head scarves made of beautiful fabric. I am sure that my two friends and I stuck out, especially when we went into the dress stores. We passed bright fabric with beautiful beads sown on in different patterns. We entered a few stores to browse, and some of the employees knew very little English.
Before we left, we stopped at a restaurant to buy some food. I ordered naan along with my meal of Chiken Biryani. While I was waiting for my food, I walked through the restaurant. I passed a prayer room with rugs facing toward Mecca. I listened to people speaking in different languages, and it seemed for a moment as if I were no longer in Chicago. It is almost unreal, how one can drive a mere thirty minutes and feel like they were transported to a completely different culture and country.
However, it wasn’t long before I remembered that I was in Chicago-a very diverse city. I heard someone speak in Spanish, while another couple of people were speaking a language I had never heard. This clash of cultures is so unique.
It was my first time visiting that area of the city, and I know that I definitely would like to go back again.
Before we left, we stopped at a restaurant to buy some food. I ordered naan along with my meal of Chiken Biryani. While I was waiting for my food, I walked through the restaurant. I passed a prayer room with rugs facing toward Mecca. I listened to people speaking in different languages, and it seemed for a moment as if I were no longer in Chicago. It is almost unreal, how one can drive a mere thirty minutes and feel like they were transported to a completely different culture and country.
However, it wasn’t long before I remembered that I was in Chicago-a very diverse city. I heard someone speak in Spanish, while another couple of people were speaking a language I had never heard. This clash of cultures is so unique.
It was my first time visiting that area of the city, and I know that I definitely would like to go back again.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
ehaeahhhhhhhhhh-welcome to moody bridal institute
yup, that is pretty much the sound that could be heard coming from my room late on sunday night...
i was sitting in the room across the hall, studying diligently, when my roommate debbie walked in, having just arrived from being home that week-end..
"hi" she says, walking over to me to give me a hug
"how was your week-end home?" i asked...
"It was a really good week-end..."
i look at her...she smiles....i look at her again, then grab her left hand and yup, sure enough...'
EAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
much jumping and screaming
her boyfriend (now fiance) had popped the question after she had to follow 12 clues (which in the process caused her a speeding ticket) to him waiting in a flower garden.
they plan on getting married in may '07-so excited for them!
i was sitting in the room across the hall, studying diligently, when my roommate debbie walked in, having just arrived from being home that week-end..
"hi" she says, walking over to me to give me a hug
"how was your week-end home?" i asked...
"It was a really good week-end..."
i look at her...she smiles....i look at her again, then grab her left hand and yup, sure enough...'
EAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
much jumping and screaming
her boyfriend (now fiance) had popped the question after she had to follow 12 clues (which in the process caused her a speeding ticket) to him waiting in a flower garden.
they plan on getting married in may '07-so excited for them!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
relaxing week-end
friday night myself and several girls from the floor went to our friend hannah's house for the night...(hannah lives across the hall from me). it was a much needed time of rest, watching movies, and playing outside, just being away from the city.
we watched mean girls, then elf...which though i was enjoying it, my eylids were too heavy to stay open and i went upstairs to hannah's super comfy bed and had an amazing nights sleep...
the next morning we woke up to breakfast, homemade bluberry muffins, and i even at a few scrambled eggs....(for those of you who don't know, scrambled eggs and i usually do not mix, as i have bad memories of having to eat them with soy sauce as a child...)
we then went to the park and played on one of the sweetest playgrounds i have ever seen..rock climbing, ropes course, it was pretty much amazing
also, hannah's 8 year old sister abby and i were adventurous and crossed the stream, jumping from rock to rock...very cold water...
i was able to get a little bit of studying done before we headed out to harvest bible chapel to hear joe stowel speak...
he was talking about purpose...God's purpose for our lives
We are chosen on purpose with a purpose in mind (ephesians 1.."even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him..."
He is willing to use short term trouble to achieve his glorious outcomes in our lives...
we must turn our hearts toward what we KNOW rather than what we FEEL..."Knowing this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on unto completion..."
we must recognize that we are a risk to the process of what God is wanting to accomplish...our tendency to bail under the burden...james 1"consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverence..."
bitterness blocks the grace of God...
Despair is never an option...
do we believe: (that He is)
Presence of God
His protection
love
capable
worthy
enablement
Stop looking at trouble and start looking to God...
though these notes are somewhat sporadic, they are truths that i constantly need to be reminded of ...do i really trust Him...do i really believe that he is all of these things? why do i despair?
do i love and follow Him for the blessings that he gives....or for He Himself?
can i really say
"blessed be your name!"
we watched mean girls, then elf...which though i was enjoying it, my eylids were too heavy to stay open and i went upstairs to hannah's super comfy bed and had an amazing nights sleep...
the next morning we woke up to breakfast, homemade bluberry muffins, and i even at a few scrambled eggs....(for those of you who don't know, scrambled eggs and i usually do not mix, as i have bad memories of having to eat them with soy sauce as a child...)
we then went to the park and played on one of the sweetest playgrounds i have ever seen..rock climbing, ropes course, it was pretty much amazing
also, hannah's 8 year old sister abby and i were adventurous and crossed the stream, jumping from rock to rock...very cold water...
i was able to get a little bit of studying done before we headed out to harvest bible chapel to hear joe stowel speak...
he was talking about purpose...God's purpose for our lives
We are chosen on purpose with a purpose in mind (ephesians 1.."even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him..."
He is willing to use short term trouble to achieve his glorious outcomes in our lives...
we must turn our hearts toward what we KNOW rather than what we FEEL..."Knowing this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on unto completion..."
we must recognize that we are a risk to the process of what God is wanting to accomplish...our tendency to bail under the burden...james 1"consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverence..."
bitterness blocks the grace of God...
Despair is never an option...
do we believe: (that He is)
Presence of God
His protection
love
capable
worthy
enablement
Stop looking at trouble and start looking to God...
though these notes are somewhat sporadic, they are truths that i constantly need to be reminded of ...do i really trust Him...do i really believe that he is all of these things? why do i despair?
do i love and follow Him for the blessings that he gives....or for He Himself?
can i really say
"blessed be your name!"
Friday, November 11, 2005
quiet on the set!
this past week my electronic media class has been doing more hands-on stuff, including work in the t.v. studio...today my jobs included (we are at very, very basic things) sitting and being the person video-taped, demonstrating proper focus on the camera, being the floor director..."Quiet on the Set!", recording the tape, demonstrating proper head room...just learning the basics-and even though it is so basic..so much fun...
monday i will be graded as the director...
my schedule for next semester is very full:
Hebrews
Systematic Theology I
Fundamentals of Video
Introduction to Mass Communications
Hermeneutics
and also finishing up a philosophy course that i am taking independent study
I am really looking forward to these classes, b/c i have amazing profs as well
to see some great photos from this year, click this link:
http://moody.facebook.com/photos.php?id=163800283&l=57bfc
monday i will be graded as the director...
my schedule for next semester is very full:
Hebrews
Systematic Theology I
Fundamentals of Video
Introduction to Mass Communications
Hermeneutics
and also finishing up a philosophy course that i am taking independent study
I am really looking forward to these classes, b/c i have amazing profs as well
to see some great photos from this year, click this link:
http://moody.facebook.com/photos.php?id=163800283&l=57bfc
Monday, November 07, 2005
the dramatic events of smith 7 and culby 10
follow this link to find out tonight's drama
http://www.xanga.com/kerfufflous_mermidon
http://www.xanga.com/kerfufflous_mermidon
today i look like a leaf
i didn't know what i was going to wear this morning (after i slept through my 8:00-despite my rooomate trying to wake me up/shaking me/speaking loudly- i just turned over, moaned something like, "i let you sleep in last week..." and going back to sleep...)
i was glad though, because the extra two hours were wonderful, i woke up feeling refreshed, and had a rather enjoyable day...
i think it was partially because i dressed kind of like a leaf
it was a little chilly out so i pulled out my orange, long sleeved fall looking shirt, put a brown tee-shirt underneath for a super-stylish layering effect, and felt very festively fall...
someone even told me i looked like a leaf...
yes...
look accomplished...
today i was reading in Matthew 5
so often i do not realize the power of Christ's words. i have them in this category of sunday school cartoons or softly spoken suggestions...
they are so unlike those things
"unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven..."
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'you shall not murder," BUT I SAY to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement..."
over and over, Matthew writes, "It was said....BUT I SAY...."you have heard that it was said...BUT I SAY..."
it is a standard that can only be achieved through Christ...through his righteousness.
These words are so radical
challenging
impossible
only accomplished because of Christ's righteousness.
Jesus also says..
love your enemies.
pray for those who persecute you
which is exactly what he did for us
Romans 5:10
"For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
may i be one who loves
selflessly
-apart from my convenience and comfort.
i was glad though, because the extra two hours were wonderful, i woke up feeling refreshed, and had a rather enjoyable day...
i think it was partially because i dressed kind of like a leaf
it was a little chilly out so i pulled out my orange, long sleeved fall looking shirt, put a brown tee-shirt underneath for a super-stylish layering effect, and felt very festively fall...
someone even told me i looked like a leaf...
yes...
look accomplished...
today i was reading in Matthew 5
so often i do not realize the power of Christ's words. i have them in this category of sunday school cartoons or softly spoken suggestions...
they are so unlike those things
"unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven..."
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'you shall not murder," BUT I SAY to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement..."
over and over, Matthew writes, "It was said....BUT I SAY...."you have heard that it was said...BUT I SAY..."
it is a standard that can only be achieved through Christ...through his righteousness.
These words are so radical
challenging
impossible
only accomplished because of Christ's righteousness.
Jesus also says..
love your enemies.
pray for those who persecute you
which is exactly what he did for us
Romans 5:10
"For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
may i be one who loves
selflessly
-apart from my convenience and comfort.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
random personality test
| Your Hidden Talent |
 |
Monday, October 31, 2005
one day trip
so i heard through the grapevine that there was going to be a work day at my house in michigan on saturday... and so saturday morning i was able to come home and surprise my family and true vine equestrian center staff. a friend and i came down just for the day, helped put up some fence, and then went trail riding. it was such an unexpected, refreshing day of being among friends and fam. as well as being outdoors in God's beautiful creation.
we returned to moody saturday night where, after eating dinner, i promptly went to sleep (around 8pm) and was able to sleep for 12 hours!!!
I love walking down sidewalks in autumn. it seems almost like i have stepped into a different place.
city streets lined with yellows
reds
crisp, cool air
scarves
hats
sweaters
my visible breath as i walk to class
pumpkins for sale across the street
apple cider
hot chocolate
mini marshmallows...lots of mini marshmallows
roasting s'mores on dryer lawn (over a grill)
...trying to find time to think...to be still
completely in wonder at this God i serve
we returned to moody saturday night where, after eating dinner, i promptly went to sleep (around 8pm) and was able to sleep for 12 hours!!!
I love walking down sidewalks in autumn. it seems almost like i have stepped into a different place.
city streets lined with yellows
reds
crisp, cool air
scarves
hats
sweaters
my visible breath as i walk to class
pumpkins for sale across the street
apple cider
hot chocolate
mini marshmallows...lots of mini marshmallows
roasting s'mores on dryer lawn (over a grill)
...trying to find time to think...to be still
completely in wonder at this God i serve
Friday, October 28, 2005
painting faces/frozen fingers
tonight i went down to help at a halloween party with sunshine gospel ministries. it was a lot of fun, i painted faces non-stop for at least two hours, drank lots and lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and my fingers about froze off...those kids bring such joy to my heart...and sometimes frustration.
it's funny when you are painting someone's face. if they smile while you are painting, the picture will be all distorted...so you tell them not to smile, which makes them smile even more...and it seems absolutely horrible to tell a child (or anyone for that matter) not to smile, especially when the purpose of what you are doing is to bring a smile to their face.
on my way back a friend called to see if i wanted to go see a movie...i totally would have gone-but $8 is a lot to spend on one movie...i think next time we should rent a movie instead and split the cost...that would be like a quarter each
it's funny when you are painting someone's face. if they smile while you are painting, the picture will be all distorted...so you tell them not to smile, which makes them smile even more...and it seems absolutely horrible to tell a child (or anyone for that matter) not to smile, especially when the purpose of what you are doing is to bring a smile to their face.
on my way back a friend called to see if i wanted to go see a movie...i totally would have gone-but $8 is a lot to spend on one movie...i think next time we should rent a movie instead and split the cost...that would be like a quarter each
Friday, October 14, 2005
soccer on the beach
the other night after our session, some friends and i went down to the beach to just hang out
soccer ball
sand
rain
wet sand
bare feet on cold, wet sand
playing tag
trying to block the ball
blocking the ball
in the process of blocking the ball, causing someone's toe to collide with my shin
pain
a broken toe
a bruised shin
still playing soccer
falling in the sand
laughing
friendship
covered in sand
walking back barefoot on cement earth
good conversations
so sore the next day...
all week we went to different sessions, heard speakers
hung out
it was a much needed break from the daily schedule
we also do not have classes on mon or tues, so i am looking forward to the extended time off of classes.
however...it is a little bit hard to get motivated after such a long break-which is why i find myself blogging instead of writing my reading reports (which i am currently four behind...)
i was reading in psalms a few days ago, and in light of the turmoil and chaos that has seemed to overwhelm the world, the words of the psalmist ring true:
psalm 9:18-20
"For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but mere men!"
So often we put a false hope in man. We forget our frailty and our dependence on Him-the creator God who is sovereign, and actively working in each of our lives- to the praise of his glory. May we know that He is God, and we are not, and may that leave us in awe at His feet.
soccer ball
sand
rain
wet sand
bare feet on cold, wet sand
playing tag
trying to block the ball
blocking the ball
in the process of blocking the ball, causing someone's toe to collide with my shin
pain
a broken toe
a bruised shin
still playing soccer
falling in the sand
laughing
friendship
covered in sand
walking back barefoot on cement earth
good conversations
so sore the next day...
all week we went to different sessions, heard speakers
hung out
it was a much needed break from the daily schedule
we also do not have classes on mon or tues, so i am looking forward to the extended time off of classes.
however...it is a little bit hard to get motivated after such a long break-which is why i find myself blogging instead of writing my reading reports (which i am currently four behind...)
i was reading in psalms a few days ago, and in light of the turmoil and chaos that has seemed to overwhelm the world, the words of the psalmist ring true:
psalm 9:18-20
"For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but mere men!"
So often we put a false hope in man. We forget our frailty and our dependence on Him-the creator God who is sovereign, and actively working in each of our lives- to the praise of his glory. May we know that He is God, and we are not, and may that leave us in awe at His feet.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
this week i found myself in two extremely fancy dining places. the first was a cruise boat called the spirit of chicago. some friends and i from holy trinity church went with the rest of the church to hear more about its vision over the next few years. someone had paid for the entire cruise, including meals, drinks, etc
candlelit tables
white table cloths
roses in a vase (now drying in my room)
2 shirley temples
clams (which scared me a little..i am petrified of snails, and clams are a snail-like consistency)
chicken
fish
other really good food i can't remember now
cheesecake
chocolate cake
watching a video i was able to help out with a little(as described in previous blog)
good conversation
black pants/black shirt/black coat/pink sweater
meeting new people
going to the top deck to view the city from outside
the skyline at night as seen from lake michigan
a group of moody students taking up an entire bus on the way back
being able to say "i ate dinner on a boat tonight..."
the second place i found myself in was on the 95th floor of the john hancock building
i went with some other women from sunshine and from church
all we could afford was to get drinks
i ordered the cheapest thing on the menu...which was a ginger ale-$5.
i then split a $7.50 dessert with a friend...and when it arrived it was so small..although it tasted very good-maybe four bites each.
however, it was fun to get dressed up, and see the city at night, lit up,
we could see for miles and miles-how amazing the vast number of people, buildings, street lights..
this next week classes are cancelled starting tuesday for the annual missions conference...i am so excited to go to seminars, talk to missionaries, and just learn from them.
i am looking forward to hopefully being able to catch up on some work and to spend some time just hanging out with people
until next time...
candlelit tables
white table cloths
roses in a vase (now drying in my room)
2 shirley temples
clams (which scared me a little..i am petrified of snails, and clams are a snail-like consistency)
chicken
fish
other really good food i can't remember now
cheesecake
chocolate cake
watching a video i was able to help out with a little(as described in previous blog)
good conversation
black pants/black shirt/black coat/pink sweater
meeting new people
going to the top deck to view the city from outside
the skyline at night as seen from lake michigan
a group of moody students taking up an entire bus on the way back
being able to say "i ate dinner on a boat tonight..."
the second place i found myself in was on the 95th floor of the john hancock building
i went with some other women from sunshine and from church
all we could afford was to get drinks
i ordered the cheapest thing on the menu...which was a ginger ale-$5.
i then split a $7.50 dessert with a friend...and when it arrived it was so small..although it tasted very good-maybe four bites each.
however, it was fun to get dressed up, and see the city at night, lit up,
we could see for miles and miles-how amazing the vast number of people, buildings, street lights..
this next week classes are cancelled starting tuesday for the annual missions conference...i am so excited to go to seminars, talk to missionaries, and just learn from them.
i am looking forward to hopefully being able to catch up on some work and to spend some time just hanging out with people
until next time...
Saturday, September 17, 2005
tapestry
it is amazing isn't it...how life can be going on one minute, and the next-it is radically changed... your views are changed, you can sense that the future as you thought it would be has changed, and it is can be hard to accept...
however, as many of us long for life to go on seamlessly, perfectly, without error, without drama...
do we really long for that?
what is it that makes life beautiful?
i don't think it is the seamless moments, or the lack of difficult circumstances.
without the hard times, without the emotions, without the drama of life
there would be no richness, no depth...
this tapestry of life would be one color, rather than many different circumstances woven together
some painful threads
some joyful threads
some different beyond what we could have ever expected threads
some normal, day to day threads
some threads that can't even neccessarily be seen
and to know that the Master Craftsman's ways are not our ways...nor are His thoughts our thoughts.
no thread is placed without His knowledge
no stitch is made apart from His will
and the tapestry He weaves, though from close up may appear confused and jumbled
when it is finished it is more beautiful
it is stronger
it is ready to accomplish the purpose that it was created for-to bring its Creator, the Master Artist praise and glory for the work that He has done.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows Him counsel?
Whom did He consult, and who made Him understand?
Who taught Him the path of justice, and taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?...
Do you not know? Do you not hear?
has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
IT IS HE who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness...
to WHOM WILL YOU COMPARE ME that I should be like him? says the Holy One? Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?
He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because He is strong in power not one is missing.
why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "my way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
HAVE YOU NOT KNOWN??? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD???
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
even youths grow tired and weary
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strenght;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary
they shall walk and not faint.
however, as many of us long for life to go on seamlessly, perfectly, without error, without drama...
do we really long for that?
what is it that makes life beautiful?
i don't think it is the seamless moments, or the lack of difficult circumstances.
without the hard times, without the emotions, without the drama of life
there would be no richness, no depth...
this tapestry of life would be one color, rather than many different circumstances woven together
some painful threads
some joyful threads
some different beyond what we could have ever expected threads
some normal, day to day threads
some threads that can't even neccessarily be seen
and to know that the Master Craftsman's ways are not our ways...nor are His thoughts our thoughts.
no thread is placed without His knowledge
no stitch is made apart from His will
and the tapestry He weaves, though from close up may appear confused and jumbled
when it is finished it is more beautiful
it is stronger
it is ready to accomplish the purpose that it was created for-to bring its Creator, the Master Artist praise and glory for the work that He has done.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows Him counsel?
Whom did He consult, and who made Him understand?
Who taught Him the path of justice, and taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?...
Do you not know? Do you not hear?
has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
IT IS HE who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness...
to WHOM WILL YOU COMPARE ME that I should be like him? says the Holy One? Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?
He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because He is strong in power not one is missing.
why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "my way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
HAVE YOU NOT KNOWN??? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD???
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
even youths grow tired and weary
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strenght;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40
Friday, September 09, 2005
day starting: 3:30 am
Yesterday was unique...
i awoke at 3:28 (actually before my alarm clock, which was set for 3:30) and got ready for my day-showered, dressed, hair done, make-up, time with God, and left at 5am for Rush Hospital. i was helping out with a film shoot for a church nearby. one of my profs had asked in class if anyone would be willing to help, and i jumped at the chance. it was my first experience with filming, and i must say it is fun to walk around downtown chicago with a boom mic, camera gear, and a sign that reads "crowd advisory: by walking in this area you give the consent to appear on film."
from going down the hospital corridor on a gurney holding a camera,
to avoiding the CTA authorities(because we didn't have documented permission) it was quite the experience,
fun
learned
most of all, became even more excited about film/video.
returned to moody about 10:40-
had class from 11-12:15,
work(babysitting in the loop) from 12:30-6:15,
Dr. Easley's inauguration at moody church at 7,
crash in bed at 10,
wake up at 9 friday(today)
go to chapel..
hear Howard Hendricks, an amazing teacher, man of God, he tells to ask ourselves three questions everyday
1)is the Lord well pleased? ...you can be successful in the evang. community and not in the eyes of God-our need for the Lord is not partial-its total...the Christian life is impossible-watch the danger of a misplaced confidence
2)Was the work well done? develop a passion for the gift God has given you...talent is cheap-dedication is costly-how disciplined are you? so many times we are aiming too low, and it is costing too little
3)Is the Word well used? Develop the attitude of a professional who will not settle for second class work...how do i use the word effectively? know it. live it...a lot of Christians are like poor photographs...overexposed, underdeveloped...
eat lunch,
sleep(power nap)
work at 2:30-my child's room,
learning baby furniture, cribs, changing tables, gliders, lots and lots of information,
until 8:30-back in my room
eat dinner
get online
find pictures from my friends wedding (tamara and attila in Hungary)-click here to see pictures!!!!
check email
blog
read
go to bed
i awoke at 3:28 (actually before my alarm clock, which was set for 3:30) and got ready for my day-showered, dressed, hair done, make-up, time with God, and left at 5am for Rush Hospital. i was helping out with a film shoot for a church nearby. one of my profs had asked in class if anyone would be willing to help, and i jumped at the chance. it was my first experience with filming, and i must say it is fun to walk around downtown chicago with a boom mic, camera gear, and a sign that reads "crowd advisory: by walking in this area you give the consent to appear on film."
from going down the hospital corridor on a gurney holding a camera,
to avoiding the CTA authorities(because we didn't have documented permission) it was quite the experience,
fun
learned
most of all, became even more excited about film/video.
returned to moody about 10:40-
had class from 11-12:15,
work(babysitting in the loop) from 12:30-6:15,
Dr. Easley's inauguration at moody church at 7,
crash in bed at 10,
wake up at 9 friday(today)
go to chapel..
hear Howard Hendricks, an amazing teacher, man of God, he tells to ask ourselves three questions everyday
1)is the Lord well pleased? ...you can be successful in the evang. community and not in the eyes of God-our need for the Lord is not partial-its total...the Christian life is impossible-watch the danger of a misplaced confidence
2)Was the work well done? develop a passion for the gift God has given you...talent is cheap-dedication is costly-how disciplined are you? so many times we are aiming too low, and it is costing too little
3)Is the Word well used? Develop the attitude of a professional who will not settle for second class work...how do i use the word effectively? know it. live it...a lot of Christians are like poor photographs...overexposed, underdeveloped...
eat lunch,
sleep(power nap)
work at 2:30-my child's room,
learning baby furniture, cribs, changing tables, gliders, lots and lots of information,
until 8:30-back in my room
eat dinner
get online
find pictures from my friends wedding (tamara and attila in Hungary)-click here to see pictures!!!!
check email
blog
read
go to bed
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
sometimes, I revert back to junior high
sometimes i feel like a silly little girl, giggling about things/so unimportant/yet in a sense i guess it touches on the deeper things of community, friendship, and joy.
My roomies and i each have "pursuers." It is the source of much laughter, and though we probably exagerate it quite a bit, and really (only one of us has any real evidence of an actual "pursuer") we just join in on the fun. My one roommate recieved 3 calls in one day from the same "person" inviting "all" of us to hang out at Quizno's. Funny, because every time this "person" only asked for her.
Tonight bethany and i went to study, and we joined my other roommie in the fireplace room...only to find her sitting next to "someone" "studying"...we spied on her through the huge fake flower arrangement on the table next to the couch we were sitting on. We laughed, wrote notes, whispered...chased her down after she tried to sneak out and hide in the bathroom...
of course, this loopiness may be a result of rearranging our room for the millionth time...deb brought a six foot couch into our room, and we had to move it all around again...our bunk beds are now stacked 3-high(they were three high before, just in a different arrangement)
we'll see what new adventures will await tomorrow at MBI
My roomies and i each have "pursuers." It is the source of much laughter, and though we probably exagerate it quite a bit, and really (only one of us has any real evidence of an actual "pursuer") we just join in on the fun. My one roommate recieved 3 calls in one day from the same "person" inviting "all" of us to hang out at Quizno's. Funny, because every time this "person" only asked for her.
Tonight bethany and i went to study, and we joined my other roommie in the fireplace room...only to find her sitting next to "someone" "studying"...we spied on her through the huge fake flower arrangement on the table next to the couch we were sitting on. We laughed, wrote notes, whispered...chased her down after she tried to sneak out and hide in the bathroom...
of course, this loopiness may be a result of rearranging our room for the millionth time...deb brought a six foot couch into our room, and we had to move it all around again...our bunk beds are now stacked 3-high(they were three high before, just in a different arrangement)
we'll see what new adventures will await tomorrow at MBI
Saturday, August 27, 2005
already eventful
yesterday i went to a great coffee shop called the Bourgouis Pig. there were a couple independent musicians there performing live- folk pop. one of them, Dawn Xiana Moon, played and her lyrics were deeper...and there was just something about her...Listen to her and decide for yourself : )
Today i went to the new building on 61st street that Sunshine Gospel Ministries owns. They are in the process of gutting out the building, cleaning it out. click here to see what it looks like from the inside. needless to say i was covered in dirt by the time i got back on campus-yet it is so rewarding and such an encouragement to see the Body of Christ working together to accomplish goals for the Kingdom.
Today i went to the new building on 61st street that Sunshine Gospel Ministries owns. They are in the process of gutting out the building, cleaning it out. click here to see what it looks like from the inside. needless to say i was covered in dirt by the time i got back on campus-yet it is so rewarding and such an encouragement to see the Body of Christ working together to accomplish goals for the Kingdom.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Rollerblading 101
this semester i am taking a beginning rollerblading class...notice i said beginning
now, before i go any further, it is important to know that
1)i have never rollerbladed before
2)i have only rollerskated a handful of times at rollerworld, and that was a very VERY long time ago
3)i have ice skated once
so...as i looked over the classes i could take, and realized that i needed a p.e. credit, and thought rollerblading would be fun...i thought i would give it a shot
i know several people in the class, so a few of us walked over to class together. we were late (don't you hate that on the first day) and we couldn't find the room (probably because it was never written in our schedule.) we finally find the room and it is very small...in fact too small. the professor is very nice, and tells us we can pull out a few of the fold-out desks that are leaning on the wall.
always the one to be resourceful, i chose a desk (while others just sat on the floor...)
i unfolded the desk (kind of) and felt i was drawing to much attention, so i just sat down...but you see the desk wasn't unfolded all of the way-so i drew even more attention when i sat down and the desk very abruptly opened all of the way...
we had a brief lecture on the benifits of rollerblading and health stuff...
fact: rollerblading for 1/2 hour burns 300 calories
fact: rollerblading puts less tension on muscles and joints than running or other high imipact sports (in theory...that is if you don't fall, roll into traffic, etc)
fact: they actually make padded shorts for rollerbladers ( i may think of investing in some...)
fact: in order to lose 1 lb, 3500 calories must be burned
after briefly looking at the parts of the rollerblade (we will be quized on it later)
we headed outside to the parking lot....
when we got outside we put our rollerblades on...then the prof told us to stretch...
now, for someone who has rollerbladed before, this task may have not seemed so daunting, but as i hugged the side of the building and tried to lift my leg for a hamstring stretch, i realized that the only result of this would be certain death...or at least falling flat on my face...so i wheeled/scooted/pulled myself around the corner and hid.
After stretching the majority of the class...ok everyone except me and another brave soul began rollerblading around the parking lot in a circle. I learned how to stand, then roll, then kind of stop. now i was able to get the going part, it was just the stopping part that was giving me difficulties.(i don't know, but if i am going to be rollerblading down sidewalks and across streets-it seems pretty important)
well...the super nice professor told me to roll to her and stop-in order to work on knowing the distance needed for stopping. after a few times of this, she told me to pick up speed and then stop-well, i did pick up speed and as i tried to stop, i instead ran right into my professor, knocking her down, scraping both my elbows, and hitting my head....and i got up again/making some cheesy comment about how rollerblading was like getting back on a horse after they had bucked you off...
then, as time went on, my confidence in balance a little better, i joined the circle of rollerbladers...i was doing great...
then, the prof said we were going to play a game-where we would be in two teams, each forming a line, and we would skate around, rotating the person who was in the lead....
so, i am in the middle of the line, basically holding on for dear life while we skate, faster, faster, faster...to fast as we were making the turn i suddenly did not have control-my feet went straight, my body kept turning, and i fell, causing my friend mark who was behind me to literally fly over me and fall, causing the entire team to lose their balance and a select other few people to fall....
thankfully everyone was extremely gracious, and it was fun...
next tuesday i am wearing a helmet, wrist guards (my roommate found me some for 10 dollars...so exciting)
needless to say-this story has provided much entertainment the last few days.
now, before i go any further, it is important to know that
1)i have never rollerbladed before
2)i have only rollerskated a handful of times at rollerworld, and that was a very VERY long time ago
3)i have ice skated once
so...as i looked over the classes i could take, and realized that i needed a p.e. credit, and thought rollerblading would be fun...i thought i would give it a shot
i know several people in the class, so a few of us walked over to class together. we were late (don't you hate that on the first day) and we couldn't find the room (probably because it was never written in our schedule.) we finally find the room and it is very small...in fact too small. the professor is very nice, and tells us we can pull out a few of the fold-out desks that are leaning on the wall.
always the one to be resourceful, i chose a desk (while others just sat on the floor...)
i unfolded the desk (kind of) and felt i was drawing to much attention, so i just sat down...but you see the desk wasn't unfolded all of the way-so i drew even more attention when i sat down and the desk very abruptly opened all of the way...
we had a brief lecture on the benifits of rollerblading and health stuff...
fact: rollerblading for 1/2 hour burns 300 calories
fact: rollerblading puts less tension on muscles and joints than running or other high imipact sports (in theory...that is if you don't fall, roll into traffic, etc)
fact: they actually make padded shorts for rollerbladers ( i may think of investing in some...)
fact: in order to lose 1 lb, 3500 calories must be burned
after briefly looking at the parts of the rollerblade (we will be quized on it later)
we headed outside to the parking lot....
when we got outside we put our rollerblades on...then the prof told us to stretch...
now, for someone who has rollerbladed before, this task may have not seemed so daunting, but as i hugged the side of the building and tried to lift my leg for a hamstring stretch, i realized that the only result of this would be certain death...or at least falling flat on my face...so i wheeled/scooted/pulled myself around the corner and hid.
After stretching the majority of the class...ok everyone except me and another brave soul began rollerblading around the parking lot in a circle. I learned how to stand, then roll, then kind of stop. now i was able to get the going part, it was just the stopping part that was giving me difficulties.(i don't know, but if i am going to be rollerblading down sidewalks and across streets-it seems pretty important)
well...the super nice professor told me to roll to her and stop-in order to work on knowing the distance needed for stopping. after a few times of this, she told me to pick up speed and then stop-well, i did pick up speed and as i tried to stop, i instead ran right into my professor, knocking her down, scraping both my elbows, and hitting my head....and i got up again/making some cheesy comment about how rollerblading was like getting back on a horse after they had bucked you off...
then, as time went on, my confidence in balance a little better, i joined the circle of rollerbladers...i was doing great...
then, the prof said we were going to play a game-where we would be in two teams, each forming a line, and we would skate around, rotating the person who was in the lead....
so, i am in the middle of the line, basically holding on for dear life while we skate, faster, faster, faster...to fast as we were making the turn i suddenly did not have control-my feet went straight, my body kept turning, and i fell, causing my friend mark who was behind me to literally fly over me and fall, causing the entire team to lose their balance and a select other few people to fall....
thankfully everyone was extremely gracious, and it was fun...
next tuesday i am wearing a helmet, wrist guards (my roommate found me some for 10 dollars...so exciting)
needless to say-this story has provided much entertainment the last few days.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
back in Michigan
I arrived back in Michigan a couple of days ago...it is amazing to look back over the summer and see 1)how quickly it went by, 2)that I am already wanting to go back to Chicago, and 3)the biggest thing...how much I have learned. This summer has been growing, learning, stretching, challenging, exciting...
the first week of the summer was spent in Memphis, TN. We lived in a neighborhood called Binghampton, and stayed in a vacant apartment there, working with Eikon Ministries. Our first "culture shock" came when we first arrived and noticed a cockroach dead on the floor right by the front door. Optimistically, i tried to encourage the group..."well..at least it is dead....that is a good sign, right?" Unfortunately, optimism does not always mirror reality.
we began noticing these "friends" appearing everywhere-in our bags, the kitchen, the bathroom, the couch. Our response at the beginning of the week was screaming, running, (staying up all night with the light on, watching the door to our bedroom for any intruders). However, by the second day, we began to fight back...squashing the roaches with our flip-flops-by the end of the week it really wasn't that bad.
While in Memphis we helped out at a community center nearby-they run an afterschool program and are very understaffed. We helped out with the different game times/i helped clean two huge fish tanks, and we had a chance to spend time with some of the kids.
we also had the chance to hold a small 3-day basketball camp on our block...many kids came. We played games with the younger kids while the guys played ball with the older ones. The second to last day, we presented a skit, shared the gospel-and kids came to Christ! The last day the gospel was presented again and more people came to Christ-including two moms! As our team reflected over this, we were amazed. People coming to Christ was not a result of anything we did in our power. It was God drawing these people to himself, and we were privelaged to be his instruments-to share in the work that he has already been doing there.
Also in Memphis, we had the chance to go to the Civil Rights Museum. It is built around the hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It was so impactful-and is so amazing to think that it was not so long ago that racism and segregation so permeated society...and then to realize that in many ways-it still does. And what a contrast it was for our team (a team of different ethnicities, home backgrounds, church backgrounds) to walk past exhibits that showed that segregation.
We left Memphis in our donated van (an astro), and our leader's minivan, and headed back to Chicago. There, we (the girls) stayed in a family from the church's garden apt. no cockroaches. the guys stayed in an apt at the church.
One of the first things we did was help out at "The House" a hip-hop youth service in Lawndale.
During the service we were able to get involved- i helped out with a drama-and was able to pray with a couple of girls after the service-who wanted to get serious about their faith.
We also had the amazing opportunity to work with Kids' Club in Cabrini Green. Kids' Club is a ministry through Moody Church. They have an afterschool program for the kids that struggle in school, and many come to Christ as a result of this ministry. We helped them advertise for thier summer "Sidewalk Sunday School!" We passed out fliers and candy, walking through the row houses, talking with families- the next day a couple of us went into some of the high rises to pass out fliers again.
Gang symbols on painted walls
the smell of urine
profanity
a little girl swinging from a makeshift swing, made out of a pillow and rope
boys fixing a bike
playing basketball
children laughing
metal fence around the buildings
barbeque
community
double-dutch
music
a few days later we went back to Kids' Club again, but this time it was for a different reason. We helped out at a funeral of an 18 year old boy who had been shot. The pastor had done 7 funerals of boys under the age of 18 in 12 days. This young man was a follower of Christ, and it was such a reminder of the urgency to share Christ...we never know how long we have-life is so short.
Our summer also consisted of helping out at sports camps, helping a school in the area move some boxes, desks, etc..., office work at Kids' Club, office work at Holy Trinity Church, Bible study (discourse analysis), and eating lots of chocolate. To write everything would take forever...as i have already written so much. These are just a few snapshots...
thanks for your prayers, encouragement...
hope your summer is going well
mar
the first week of the summer was spent in Memphis, TN. We lived in a neighborhood called Binghampton, and stayed in a vacant apartment there, working with Eikon Ministries. Our first "culture shock" came when we first arrived and noticed a cockroach dead on the floor right by the front door. Optimistically, i tried to encourage the group..."well..at least it is dead....that is a good sign, right?" Unfortunately, optimism does not always mirror reality.
we began noticing these "friends" appearing everywhere-in our bags, the kitchen, the bathroom, the couch. Our response at the beginning of the week was screaming, running, (staying up all night with the light on, watching the door to our bedroom for any intruders). However, by the second day, we began to fight back...squashing the roaches with our flip-flops-by the end of the week it really wasn't that bad.
While in Memphis we helped out at a community center nearby-they run an afterschool program and are very understaffed. We helped out with the different game times/i helped clean two huge fish tanks, and we had a chance to spend time with some of the kids.
we also had the chance to hold a small 3-day basketball camp on our block...many kids came. We played games with the younger kids while the guys played ball with the older ones. The second to last day, we presented a skit, shared the gospel-and kids came to Christ! The last day the gospel was presented again and more people came to Christ-including two moms! As our team reflected over this, we were amazed. People coming to Christ was not a result of anything we did in our power. It was God drawing these people to himself, and we were privelaged to be his instruments-to share in the work that he has already been doing there.
Also in Memphis, we had the chance to go to the Civil Rights Museum. It is built around the hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It was so impactful-and is so amazing to think that it was not so long ago that racism and segregation so permeated society...and then to realize that in many ways-it still does. And what a contrast it was for our team (a team of different ethnicities, home backgrounds, church backgrounds) to walk past exhibits that showed that segregation.
We left Memphis in our donated van (an astro), and our leader's minivan, and headed back to Chicago. There, we (the girls) stayed in a family from the church's garden apt. no cockroaches. the guys stayed in an apt at the church.
One of the first things we did was help out at "The House" a hip-hop youth service in Lawndale.
During the service we were able to get involved- i helped out with a drama-and was able to pray with a couple of girls after the service-who wanted to get serious about their faith.
We also had the amazing opportunity to work with Kids' Club in Cabrini Green. Kids' Club is a ministry through Moody Church. They have an afterschool program for the kids that struggle in school, and many come to Christ as a result of this ministry. We helped them advertise for thier summer "Sidewalk Sunday School!" We passed out fliers and candy, walking through the row houses, talking with families- the next day a couple of us went into some of the high rises to pass out fliers again.
Gang symbols on painted walls
the smell of urine
profanity
a little girl swinging from a makeshift swing, made out of a pillow and rope
boys fixing a bike
playing basketball
children laughing
metal fence around the buildings
barbeque
community
double-dutch
music
a few days later we went back to Kids' Club again, but this time it was for a different reason. We helped out at a funeral of an 18 year old boy who had been shot. The pastor had done 7 funerals of boys under the age of 18 in 12 days. This young man was a follower of Christ, and it was such a reminder of the urgency to share Christ...we never know how long we have-life is so short.
Our summer also consisted of helping out at sports camps, helping a school in the area move some boxes, desks, etc..., office work at Kids' Club, office work at Holy Trinity Church, Bible study (discourse analysis), and eating lots of chocolate. To write everything would take forever...as i have already written so much. These are just a few snapshots...
thanks for your prayers, encouragement...
hope your summer is going well
mar
Friday, July 22, 2005
life in Hyde Park
so...i know it has been a while, and even this little update will be extremely short...sorry.
We have been crazy busy, learning, growing, being challenged-and God is so faithful. I will write more in detail soon, but for now, here is a brief glimpse into the last few weeks
Memphis, TN
Civil Rights Museum
Kids...tons of kids
basketball
sharing Jesus' love
kids coming to Christ
moms coming to Christ
helping out at the community center
cleaning 2 giant fish tanks
first-screaming at the sight of cockroaches crawling in my bag-eventually killing them without mercy or second thought
eating carrots and grahm crackers for breakfast
watching "Bewitched"
road trip
knock-knock jokes
relay games
Chicago
five girls in a garden apartment
walking, walking, walking....and walking
passing out fliers
a carnival with over 300 kids showing up
face-painting non-stop
being caught in a rain storm, invited into someones home to stay dry-an hour long conversation about Truth
VBS
getting the material for VBS 3 minutes before it started
teaching the material for VBS
learning to be assertive
prayer
challenging
Working with Kid's Club in Cabrini
Hip-hop church service
eating lots of rice, pasta, and donated chicken
4 girls in a grocery store...sent to buy milk an bread...returning with chocolate and moostracks ice cream
waking up at 5:30am
sleeping in is 7am
being invited to eat dinner in wonderful homes
playing my guitar
drawing with charcoal on newspaper
too much caffeine
eating cereal out of cups
Roman's Road
Asking others "who is Jesus?"
good conversation
and finally
very little extended time of internet access
love you all
mar
We have been crazy busy, learning, growing, being challenged-and God is so faithful. I will write more in detail soon, but for now, here is a brief glimpse into the last few weeks
Memphis, TN
Civil Rights Museum
Kids...tons of kids
basketball
sharing Jesus' love
kids coming to Christ
moms coming to Christ
helping out at the community center
cleaning 2 giant fish tanks
first-screaming at the sight of cockroaches crawling in my bag-eventually killing them without mercy or second thought
eating carrots and grahm crackers for breakfast
watching "Bewitched"
road trip
knock-knock jokes
relay games
Chicago
five girls in a garden apartment
walking, walking, walking....and walking
passing out fliers
a carnival with over 300 kids showing up
face-painting non-stop
being caught in a rain storm, invited into someones home to stay dry-an hour long conversation about Truth
VBS
getting the material for VBS 3 minutes before it started
teaching the material for VBS
learning to be assertive
prayer
challenging
Working with Kid's Club in Cabrini
Hip-hop church service
eating lots of rice, pasta, and donated chicken
4 girls in a grocery store...sent to buy milk an bread...returning with chocolate and moostracks ice cream
waking up at 5:30am
sleeping in is 7am
being invited to eat dinner in wonderful homes
playing my guitar
drawing with charcoal on newspaper
too much caffeine
eating cereal out of cups
Roman's Road
Asking others "who is Jesus?"
good conversation
and finally
very little extended time of internet access
love you all
mar
Saturday, May 28, 2005
The World's Largest Buffalo
Most states are known for one main thing. Michigan is known for its lakes. Florida for its sun. Colorado for its mountains. Kentucky for its horse farms.
North Dakota is known for having the world's largest buffalo.
I flew into Jamestown around noon on Tuesday, after a quick stop in Aberdeen SD where everyone (excepting myself, of course) got off the plane. From Aberdeen to Jamestown I had my own private flight, and had to move a few rows back to (as I was told) "equalize the weight of the plane since i was the only passenger"....still haven't figured out the reasons exactly-and frankly it kind of scares me that one person could throw off the balance of a commercial airplane, and that by moving 3 rows back the problem is solved...
I even got to hear the "ladies and gentlemen. thank you for choosing to fly northwest today. please make sure your seats and tray tables are in their upright and locked positions..."
I hadn't seen Heidi since December of 2003, so of course, i was super excited. We were in Jamestown until Friday at her apartment. During that time
we went to see the world's largest buffalo, a fifty foot statue made out of cement that overlooks the entire town of Jamestown.
we toured the booming town of frontier village, a tourist trap ( i think we were the only ones there.)
I was carded for trying to buy cold medicine at the local wal-mart, and since i didn't have ID on me, i recieved a reciept that said "underage...denied sale by federal law." I just looked at the cashier, as i held my kleenex box in one hand, and my eyes watered with sinus congestion. So, Heidi had to buy it for me.
we went to the buffalo museum, which cost $5, so instead we went to the gift store. I never knew that so many things could have a buffalo theme.
I helped Heidi decorate her apartment more, we baked a lot, watched some movies, and I was able to meet some of her residents (from the nursing home where she works.)
I am now at her home in Maddock, a booming town of 500. The house is beautiful, overlooking fields complete with porch and porch swing. It has been such a blessing, and encouragement, as well as much fun to be here. I will be returning back to the great lake state on Tuesday.
North Dakota is known for having the world's largest buffalo.
I flew into Jamestown around noon on Tuesday, after a quick stop in Aberdeen SD where everyone (excepting myself, of course) got off the plane. From Aberdeen to Jamestown I had my own private flight, and had to move a few rows back to (as I was told) "equalize the weight of the plane since i was the only passenger"....still haven't figured out the reasons exactly-and frankly it kind of scares me that one person could throw off the balance of a commercial airplane, and that by moving 3 rows back the problem is solved...
I even got to hear the "ladies and gentlemen. thank you for choosing to fly northwest today. please make sure your seats and tray tables are in their upright and locked positions..."
I hadn't seen Heidi since December of 2003, so of course, i was super excited. We were in Jamestown until Friday at her apartment. During that time
we went to see the world's largest buffalo, a fifty foot statue made out of cement that overlooks the entire town of Jamestown.
we toured the booming town of frontier village, a tourist trap ( i think we were the only ones there.)
I was carded for trying to buy cold medicine at the local wal-mart, and since i didn't have ID on me, i recieved a reciept that said "underage...denied sale by federal law." I just looked at the cashier, as i held my kleenex box in one hand, and my eyes watered with sinus congestion. So, Heidi had to buy it for me.
we went to the buffalo museum, which cost $5, so instead we went to the gift store. I never knew that so many things could have a buffalo theme.
I helped Heidi decorate her apartment more, we baked a lot, watched some movies, and I was able to meet some of her residents (from the nursing home where she works.)
I am now at her home in Maddock, a booming town of 500. The house is beautiful, overlooking fields complete with porch and porch swing. It has been such a blessing, and encouragement, as well as much fun to be here. I will be returning back to the great lake state on Tuesday.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
home again
well...it has been a while since i have added to my blog...last week was finals week, and i feel pretty good about the semester. I have learned so much about God's faithfulness, and how his faithfulness is not dependent on my faithfulness. God is faithful, that is who he is, and he has plans for us that are way better than we could ever imagine up or try to orchestrate on our own. I am learning so much more about what it means to trust in him, and a result of that trust is ultimately surrender. i feel like i am barely scratching the surface when it comes to understanding all of this, but i have fallen more in love with my Savior these past few months, and looking back at this past year, i can clearly see God's hand directing me to where i am now. It is easy to try to imagine what the end result of all of this will be, and to try to plan my life now for what might happen in the future. However, I know that I must learn to take it day by day, moment by moment living for Christ. One of my favorite quotes.."wherever you are, be there." I don't want to miss out on what is in store for me know by living too far ahead.
Saturday morning, about 12:30 am, justin and katie arrived at moody to pick me up and bring me home...didn't get back until 5 am...was pretty tired...slept until 3 in the afternoon. It is so nice to be home, surrounded by trees, grapevinyards, horses, and of course...
the smell of dad's cooking
mom waking up at 5am
jeanette riding horses down the hill with student in tow
mom falling asleep on the couch around 9, sleeping soundly and then finally going to bed around 10.
dad falling asleep around 10, sleeping soundly until 11, calling the cat inside the house, doing dishes, then going to bed.
TVEC talk
filling water tanks, moving hoses, throwing hay
seeing 5 people i know in the check-out at the grocery store
leaving the car unlocked in the parking lot with keys inside
contemplating with katie if the horse treats in the fridge are alright for human consumption
black skies at night, bright stars
the smell of freshly cut grass
the sound of horses running in the pasture
home.
Saturday morning, about 12:30 am, justin and katie arrived at moody to pick me up and bring me home...didn't get back until 5 am...was pretty tired...slept until 3 in the afternoon. It is so nice to be home, surrounded by trees, grapevinyards, horses, and of course...
the smell of dad's cooking
mom waking up at 5am
jeanette riding horses down the hill with student in tow
mom falling asleep on the couch around 9, sleeping soundly and then finally going to bed around 10.
dad falling asleep around 10, sleeping soundly until 11, calling the cat inside the house, doing dishes, then going to bed.
TVEC talk
filling water tanks, moving hoses, throwing hay
seeing 5 people i know in the check-out at the grocery store
leaving the car unlocked in the parking lot with keys inside
contemplating with katie if the horse treats in the fridge are alright for human consumption
black skies at night, bright stars
the smell of freshly cut grass
the sound of horses running in the pasture
home.
Monday, April 25, 2005
What North Dakota, Memphis, Chicago, Horseback riding lessons, soccer, and basketball all have in common
the answer?
my summer vacation!!!!
I am so incredibly excited about the few months off of school. after finishing..i will be returning to michigan may 14, i will be home for about one week..looking forward to family time, friends time, reading, watching movies, taking walks in the woods...all that good stuff.
the next week i am going to visit one of the most amazing people i know-a good friend from North Dakota (Heidi B.) and spend an entire week with her! we were able to find an incredible deal on plane tickets, and the timing worked out wonderfully.
following that, i will again be home for a few weeks, teaching some riding lessons, once again hanging out with the fam, friends, and if anyone needs a babysitter...let me know.
then, from june 23-aug 5 I am doing a 6 week internship here in the city again. the first week of the internship will be in memphis tennessee where our team will get to know each other, and where we will help out with a local ministry. we will come back to chicago, helping out with a soccer camp, a basketball camp (which i have been told will have nba b-ball players helping out at), and just learning more about this city, what ministry is like here-learning how to get past stereotypes, eating dinner at various ministry's leaders homes...it is also a paid internship-which will be needed to help out with next semester.
following that internship i will be coming home for a few weeks until aug. 22, when i come back to school for the fall semester.
I am so excited about this summer, and i know that i will be stretched in new ways. God is so good-just in how opportunities have been falling into my lap..he is our Provider!
my summer vacation!!!!
I am so incredibly excited about the few months off of school. after finishing..i will be returning to michigan may 14, i will be home for about one week..looking forward to family time, friends time, reading, watching movies, taking walks in the woods...all that good stuff.
the next week i am going to visit one of the most amazing people i know-a good friend from North Dakota (Heidi B.) and spend an entire week with her! we were able to find an incredible deal on plane tickets, and the timing worked out wonderfully.
following that, i will again be home for a few weeks, teaching some riding lessons, once again hanging out with the fam, friends, and if anyone needs a babysitter...let me know.
then, from june 23-aug 5 I am doing a 6 week internship here in the city again. the first week of the internship will be in memphis tennessee where our team will get to know each other, and where we will help out with a local ministry. we will come back to chicago, helping out with a soccer camp, a basketball camp (which i have been told will have nba b-ball players helping out at), and just learning more about this city, what ministry is like here-learning how to get past stereotypes, eating dinner at various ministry's leaders homes...it is also a paid internship-which will be needed to help out with next semester.
following that internship i will be coming home for a few weeks until aug. 22, when i come back to school for the fall semester.
I am so excited about this summer, and i know that i will be stretched in new ways. God is so good-just in how opportunities have been falling into my lap..he is our Provider!
Sunday, April 03, 2005
he must become greater...i must become less
"it is often thus, that when we begin with good intentions in the eyes of God, a secret tagalong yen for the praise of our fellow men comes along, taking hold of our intentions from the side of the road. we take food, for example, out of necessity, but while we are eating, a gluttonous spirit creeps in and we begin to take delight in the eating for its own sake; so often it happens that what began as nourishment to protect our health ends by becoming a pretext for our pleasures. we must admit therefore that our intention, which seek to please God alone, is sometimes treacherously accompanied by a less-righteous intention that seeks to please other men by exploiting the gifts of God."
-Pope Gregory I
"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin. then he began to wash the disciples feet, drying them with the towel"
John 13:3-5
"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tounge confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
-Pope Gregory I
"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin. then he began to wash the disciples feet, drying them with the towel"
John 13:3-5
"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tounge confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Thursday, March 31, 2005
a walk in the rain
the rain falls in chicago...acid rain maybe...but there is still that romantic sense of walking in the city, in the rain, in search of adventure...and also the very high likelyhood of encountering gigantic mud puddles or being splashed by cars driving through them...
but that didn't stop 3 brave girls from challenging the weather head on-equipped with flip-flops, no umbrellas, and definately no umbrella hats. for my friend's b-day we went to a little coffee shop only a few stops away on the brown line, while lightning lit up the sky, rain poured down, and clouds of dark blue and silver raced across the skyline...
rain falling,
an espresso machine
damp clothing, damp hair, water spots on eye-glasses
chai tea
hot-chocolate
a small round table by an open window
quaint
warm
comforting
a break from the routine
laughter
conversation
the fellowship of friends
(just for BNicoleJ...)
but that didn't stop 3 brave girls from challenging the weather head on-equipped with flip-flops, no umbrellas, and definately no umbrella hats. for my friend's b-day we went to a little coffee shop only a few stops away on the brown line, while lightning lit up the sky, rain poured down, and clouds of dark blue and silver raced across the skyline...
rain falling,
an espresso machine
damp clothing, damp hair, water spots on eye-glasses
chai tea
hot-chocolate
a small round table by an open window
quaint
warm
comforting
a break from the routine
laughter
conversation
the fellowship of friends
(just for BNicoleJ...)
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Back in Chicago!
well...i had written a very detailed blog upon my return from turkey...but somehow it erased before i was able to publish this post...and the second time around is never the same, but i will do my best to redo what i undid...anyway...
it is hard to believe that only a few days ago i was eight hours on the other side of the world, and now back in chicago, life is going on as usual-except for the profound impact that place had on me...that continues to be in my mind and heart.
waking up to the call to prayer at five thirty in the morning, the sound of a soothing-unfamilliar language, turkish breakfast-fresh bread, olives, glasses of tea (once 15 glasses in one day!) chocolate cake, fetta cheese, turkish coffee (which if you are not familliar with-just try it...actual grounds, sugar, and water mixed and heated together, then poured into tiny espresso cups), minarets pointed heavenward, the clicking of prayer beads, rugs of red and brown covered with intricate designs-trod upon by bare feet, the flowing of scarves over dark hair, facing toward mecca, the eye of allah, the beautiful snow covered mountains of kayseri, the history of the hagia sophia, sunlight through stained glass of the blue mosque, the sound of children laughing, the smell of cigarette smoke mixed with tea, cobblestone streets...
...the absence of Truth
we flew into ankara on monday night, stayed with a wonderful "m" family, who put us on a bus the next morning for the city of bolu. in bolu we stayed with two turkish muslim girls, both nursing students at the nearby university-it was such a great experience with 'emel' and 'felize'. emel spoke enough english that we were able to communicate-we talked about politics, culture, religion, and family (i have to say...many turkish families put our families to shame..) the language barrier only allowed our conversations to go so deep, but it was so good to talk to them, learn from them, and talk to them a little about what we believe...
from there we went to an "m" conference in ankara-just talking with the workers, sitting in on meetings, and asking tons of questions...those amazing people just poured into us, taught us, encouraged us, and asked us challenging-thought provoking questions that even now i am still mulling over.
from ankara we took a bus to the center of turkey to kayseri-one of the most beautiful places i have ever been...we stayed with a family that my friend had stayed with before-they have three adorable children..twins-4 years old, and a 2 year old. we spent much of our time in a rug store with metin, thier uncle-hanging out, playing cards, speaking as much as we could (almost no english spoken this time) walking around...
praying...
from kayseri we took a 12 hour bus to istanbul, where, on our own-we navigated that ancient city with the greatest of ease...kind of...it is a long story, but basically-no one spoke english when we got off our bus, no map in hand-just two american girls with hiking backpacks, a duffle bag, a backpack, a plastic bag with random items, and a rug---we didn't stick out at all...
we finally figured out that the ferry we were supposed to take was not working, so we climbed into a tiny blue sardine can bus that seemed to be going to the right place...an hour later we arrived in the downtown part of istanbul-we could see the hagia sophia (once a christian church built by constantine-then a mosque-now a museum)...we walked along strange side streets, uphill..untill arriving at a decent looking hotel where we got ripped off...but it was an adventure for sure..
it was so strange to walk into the hagia sophia, to see crosses that had been scratched out, where images of the resurrection had been plastered over, painted over, covered up...and yet to still see images of jesus remaining on the walls amidst the names of allah and muhammed...to see turkish children on field trips-learning from thier teachers...the song that came into my head...
"can a nation be changed?..can a nation be saved?...can a nation be turned back to you?...we're on our knees, we're on our knees again..."
i love acts 17
"he is the God who made the world and everything in it. since he is the lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs-for he has no needs. he himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. from one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth.
he decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined thier boundaries. his purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps find him-though he is not far from any one of us. for in him we live and move and exist..."
God is moving in turkey...though it may not be obvious to the visitor, this country, having between 4 and 5 thousand believers..including workers is gradually being exposed to Truth once again...the region of galatia, cappadocia, the town of antioch-where believers were first called christians, ephesus...all located in this place. pray for turkey...pray for the workers there..pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ will be heard, and that Truth will be proclaimed once again.
as for me...who knows...maybe i will be back there again someday...
it is hard to believe that only a few days ago i was eight hours on the other side of the world, and now back in chicago, life is going on as usual-except for the profound impact that place had on me...that continues to be in my mind and heart.
waking up to the call to prayer at five thirty in the morning, the sound of a soothing-unfamilliar language, turkish breakfast-fresh bread, olives, glasses of tea (once 15 glasses in one day!) chocolate cake, fetta cheese, turkish coffee (which if you are not familliar with-just try it...actual grounds, sugar, and water mixed and heated together, then poured into tiny espresso cups), minarets pointed heavenward, the clicking of prayer beads, rugs of red and brown covered with intricate designs-trod upon by bare feet, the flowing of scarves over dark hair, facing toward mecca, the eye of allah, the beautiful snow covered mountains of kayseri, the history of the hagia sophia, sunlight through stained glass of the blue mosque, the sound of children laughing, the smell of cigarette smoke mixed with tea, cobblestone streets...
...the absence of Truth
we flew into ankara on monday night, stayed with a wonderful "m" family, who put us on a bus the next morning for the city of bolu. in bolu we stayed with two turkish muslim girls, both nursing students at the nearby university-it was such a great experience with 'emel' and 'felize'. emel spoke enough english that we were able to communicate-we talked about politics, culture, religion, and family (i have to say...many turkish families put our families to shame..) the language barrier only allowed our conversations to go so deep, but it was so good to talk to them, learn from them, and talk to them a little about what we believe...
from there we went to an "m" conference in ankara-just talking with the workers, sitting in on meetings, and asking tons of questions...those amazing people just poured into us, taught us, encouraged us, and asked us challenging-thought provoking questions that even now i am still mulling over.
from ankara we took a bus to the center of turkey to kayseri-one of the most beautiful places i have ever been...we stayed with a family that my friend had stayed with before-they have three adorable children..twins-4 years old, and a 2 year old. we spent much of our time in a rug store with metin, thier uncle-hanging out, playing cards, speaking as much as we could (almost no english spoken this time) walking around...
praying...
from kayseri we took a 12 hour bus to istanbul, where, on our own-we navigated that ancient city with the greatest of ease...kind of...it is a long story, but basically-no one spoke english when we got off our bus, no map in hand-just two american girls with hiking backpacks, a duffle bag, a backpack, a plastic bag with random items, and a rug---we didn't stick out at all...
we finally figured out that the ferry we were supposed to take was not working, so we climbed into a tiny blue sardine can bus that seemed to be going to the right place...an hour later we arrived in the downtown part of istanbul-we could see the hagia sophia (once a christian church built by constantine-then a mosque-now a museum)...we walked along strange side streets, uphill..untill arriving at a decent looking hotel where we got ripped off...but it was an adventure for sure..
it was so strange to walk into the hagia sophia, to see crosses that had been scratched out, where images of the resurrection had been plastered over, painted over, covered up...and yet to still see images of jesus remaining on the walls amidst the names of allah and muhammed...to see turkish children on field trips-learning from thier teachers...the song that came into my head...
"can a nation be changed?..can a nation be saved?...can a nation be turned back to you?...we're on our knees, we're on our knees again..."
i love acts 17
"he is the God who made the world and everything in it. since he is the lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs-for he has no needs. he himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. from one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth.
he decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined thier boundaries. his purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps find him-though he is not far from any one of us. for in him we live and move and exist..."
God is moving in turkey...though it may not be obvious to the visitor, this country, having between 4 and 5 thousand believers..including workers is gradually being exposed to Truth once again...the region of galatia, cappadocia, the town of antioch-where believers were first called christians, ephesus...all located in this place. pray for turkey...pray for the workers there..pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ will be heard, and that Truth will be proclaimed once again.
as for me...who knows...maybe i will be back there again someday...
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Destination: Turkey
Sometimes God gives us opportunities that we would never excpect...i am going to Turkey in a little over a week! So crazy! It all started when last Tuesday I sat down to eat lunch in the SDR (Student Dining Room) next to a friend. Jokingly, she asked me if I wanted to go to Turkey with her for spring break...the girl that she was going to go go with had backed out last minute. Well...i actually put thought into it, prayed about it for a few days, and really feel like this is where the Lord wants me for spring break. I am so incredibly excited!
We will be staying with missionaries for a few days, and living with some girls our age while we are there. Just some quick facts about Turkey:
it is the largest unreached country in the world.
there are only about 3,000 believers in the entire country
it is 99.9% Muslim
Please pray for us, as we go, for divine appointments, conversations, and that we will both just draw so much closer to our Lord. Pray that we will both learn a lot, and that we can be an encouragement to the believers there.
In HIS strength-may i continue to decrease until people only see Him when they look at me.
We will be staying with missionaries for a few days, and living with some girls our age while we are there. Just some quick facts about Turkey:
it is the largest unreached country in the world.
there are only about 3,000 believers in the entire country
it is 99.9% Muslim
Please pray for us, as we go, for divine appointments, conversations, and that we will both just draw so much closer to our Lord. Pray that we will both learn a lot, and that we can be an encouragement to the believers there.
In HIS strength-may i continue to decrease until people only see Him when they look at me.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Invisible Children
Imagine you are eight years old. Every night you walk from your home on the outskirts of the city into town. There you try to find a safe place to sleep. You are not safe in your own bed at home. If you remain there, soldiers might come, kidnap you, and force you, if you are a boy, to fight in a war that is going on. You will learn how to shoot a gun, you may even be forced to kill your own family members, or other children. If you are abducted and try to escape, you will be killed without question, if you cry, you may be killed because that would mean you are thinking about home...and thinking about escaping. You may even be younger than eight years old-perhaps five. On a day, you may be told that you must kill 30 people, 40 people...
If you are a girl and are abducted, you will be sold in the sex trade, used as a sex toy by rebel soldiers... you may be as young as five. you may be as old as 18. and your home is not safe.
And you are not the only one...in fact there are thousands of you who are walking into town.
Unfortunately, this is not a fabricated scenario...it is very real, and it is getting worse...
In northern Uganda, thousands of children crowd into the cities at night for fear of being abducted. Many have lost brothers or sisters to the rebel soldiers...they all live in fear...
and most likely, you have never heard of them.
This past Tuesday i had the chance to see a documentary on this here at Moody. It is called Invisible Children.
The makers of the movie (one whom i was able to meet) originally went to Sudan to document the war going on there...however, they stumbled upon these children, with their camera from ebay, having never made a documentary before, and said "we found our story, we are staying here." They made a rough cut of it, brought it back, and have been touring the U.S. for the past six months, not only raising awareness, but informing people on how to be actively involved. One of the guys appeared on Oprah. They are returning in a month's time to finish the film, this time with 20 other videographers, and endorsements from Target, Starbucks, and Urban Outfitters.
If you would like more info, visit their website:
www.invisiblechildren.com
If you are a girl and are abducted, you will be sold in the sex trade, used as a sex toy by rebel soldiers... you may be as young as five. you may be as old as 18. and your home is not safe.
And you are not the only one...in fact there are thousands of you who are walking into town.
Unfortunately, this is not a fabricated scenario...it is very real, and it is getting worse...
In northern Uganda, thousands of children crowd into the cities at night for fear of being abducted. Many have lost brothers or sisters to the rebel soldiers...they all live in fear...
and most likely, you have never heard of them.
This past Tuesday i had the chance to see a documentary on this here at Moody. It is called Invisible Children.
The makers of the movie (one whom i was able to meet) originally went to Sudan to document the war going on there...however, they stumbled upon these children, with their camera from ebay, having never made a documentary before, and said "we found our story, we are staying here." They made a rough cut of it, brought it back, and have been touring the U.S. for the past six months, not only raising awareness, but informing people on how to be actively involved. One of the guys appeared on Oprah. They are returning in a month's time to finish the film, this time with 20 other videographers, and endorsements from Target, Starbucks, and Urban Outfitters.
If you would like more info, visit their website:
www.invisiblechildren.com
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Indescribable
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
God's Goodness as told by my random notes
This past week-end i had the chance to go home, surprise my familiy (even though i only saw them for a few hours/minutes, and help out at camp winter retreat. It was so incredible to see everyone, hang out with the youth group, and play in the snow a little.
This week is Founder's week at Moody, so all classes are canceled and instead we go and listen to amazing speakers (3 a day!) it is a little tiring, but is a nice break from studying...which i should still be doing even though i don't have class...
This morning, Chip Ingram spoke about God's goodness, and i thought I would share my notes with you guys...they are a little random..the blanks aren't completley filled in, but the just of it is there.(the theme of Founder's week this year is Who is God?)
We need to desire to know God, not for who we want him to be, or who everyone has told us he is-but for who he truely is-all preconcieved ideas aside.
God is good: and he is good to us because he loves us-simply because he wants us to delight in him and he does want us to be happy- God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him (a little john piper add-in there..).
So many times we have a low view of God-and how we think about God affects our response to him, and how we think God thinks about us will affect our relationship with him.
(it is like meeting someone for the first time, and stereotyping them by what we see on the surface....we may be intimidated by that person, and as a result, will not desire to get to know them (or whatever)...but when we do get to know that person and realize that they are amazing, not intimidating, and great to be around, we will respond differently to them.)
God is generous...and it has nothing to do with me...God is not good because I am good-he is good because he is good...nothing I can do can earn God's favor or blessing...he gives it out becasue he is generous..not because I deserve anything.
However, if we are to get that blessing, sometimes risk is involved. Where there is no risk there is no faith..if we will allow God to move us to that place that HE wants us/where he is wanting to give us something amazing-it will most likely be out of our comfort zone...it requires us to be moved beyond ourselves.
Jesus is the supreme expression of God's Goodness. the cross. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us that we may have access to the Father.
This week is Founder's week at Moody, so all classes are canceled and instead we go and listen to amazing speakers (3 a day!) it is a little tiring, but is a nice break from studying...which i should still be doing even though i don't have class...
This morning, Chip Ingram spoke about God's goodness, and i thought I would share my notes with you guys...they are a little random..the blanks aren't completley filled in, but the just of it is there.(the theme of Founder's week this year is Who is God?)
We need to desire to know God, not for who we want him to be, or who everyone has told us he is-but for who he truely is-all preconcieved ideas aside.
God is good: and he is good to us because he loves us-simply because he wants us to delight in him and he does want us to be happy- God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him (a little john piper add-in there..).
So many times we have a low view of God-and how we think about God affects our response to him, and how we think God thinks about us will affect our relationship with him.
(it is like meeting someone for the first time, and stereotyping them by what we see on the surface....we may be intimidated by that person, and as a result, will not desire to get to know them (or whatever)...but when we do get to know that person and realize that they are amazing, not intimidating, and great to be around, we will respond differently to them.)
God is generous...and it has nothing to do with me...God is not good because I am good-he is good because he is good...nothing I can do can earn God's favor or blessing...he gives it out becasue he is generous..not because I deserve anything.
However, if we are to get that blessing, sometimes risk is involved. Where there is no risk there is no faith..if we will allow God to move us to that place that HE wants us/where he is wanting to give us something amazing-it will most likely be out of our comfort zone...it requires us to be moved beyond ourselves.
Jesus is the supreme expression of God's Goodness. the cross. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us that we may have access to the Father.
Monday, January 24, 2005
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water in my name..."
Hello! Well, I am discovering why this place is called the windy city! It is frigid cold, and walking around in the blowing snow is not at the top of my list of things to do on an afternoon. the other day, one of my roommates (debbie) and I went to Jewel(a grocery store nearby) to pick up some stuff we needed. It was so cold, and we bought more food than we could carry...so we asked if we could borrow a cart to bring the food back (Jewel is like 4 or 5 blocks away) They said yes! So we started pushing our cart of groceries back, but the sidewalks were to slushy and snow covered, so we ended up having to carry all of the bags back...needless to say, it wasn't much fun.
Yet, I should not be complaining...i have a warm room to come back to, blankets, food...and there are many who do not even have a place to sleep-unless you count the bridge where there are roads stacked upon roads- a giant cement structure that is only meant for traveling through...some men call that thier home. Last night we (some of our bro-sis) went down to the bridge and passed out hot-dogs, water, socks, and hot-chocolate to some of the homeless men who stay down there in the winter. We were only there for a few hours, and my hands and feet were so incredibly cold...they have been there for several months. We walked along the sidewalks and stopped at mounds of blankets, giving water in Jesus' name and in this case, hot-chocolate as well...It is crazy that people live like this--one man, Arnold, we were talking to-he had a Bible passage taped to the wall- Part of Luke 12.
"And he(Jesus) told this parable: The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, what shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said, 'this is whatI'll do-I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.....But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" this is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."
Then Jesus said to his disciples:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
In Galatians, Paul is writing to the church there...basically getting up in their face and confronting them about things-accepting false teaching-putting too much emphasis on the law. Along with that, Chapter 2:10- he adds this. "They agreed that I should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continueto remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."
Have we gotten so comfortable in our Christianity that we have pushed aside the most obvious and important command? Love God and love your neighbor. And a heart that is truely loving God will produce fruit-that will be seen as an overflow of thier life. When we have gotten to the point of stagnancy-and seeking our own personal comfort and convienience- we have gotton to the point were we are decieving ourselves.
I can spend all week drawing from the well-taking these amazing classes from amazing profs, reading my Bible every day-praying, journaling...but faith without deeds is dead. If you take a cup and fill it with water and just allow it to sit there-it is going to get gross-water that is not moving is never safe to drink-it is often poisonous...we need to be constantly pouring out-because unless we are, our lives will be but stale, dim and fruitless.
I so often get caught up in my "ministry..." or "Christian stuff" that I forget the greatest commands of Christ. How will people known us as followers of Him? By our love.
It was so incredibly convicting to walk around amongst those men who have nothing. So I give this challenge to myself and everyone else- Share the well.
Yet, I should not be complaining...i have a warm room to come back to, blankets, food...and there are many who do not even have a place to sleep-unless you count the bridge where there are roads stacked upon roads- a giant cement structure that is only meant for traveling through...some men call that thier home. Last night we (some of our bro-sis) went down to the bridge and passed out hot-dogs, water, socks, and hot-chocolate to some of the homeless men who stay down there in the winter. We were only there for a few hours, and my hands and feet were so incredibly cold...they have been there for several months. We walked along the sidewalks and stopped at mounds of blankets, giving water in Jesus' name and in this case, hot-chocolate as well...It is crazy that people live like this--one man, Arnold, we were talking to-he had a Bible passage taped to the wall- Part of Luke 12.
"And he(Jesus) told this parable: The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, what shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said, 'this is whatI'll do-I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.....But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" this is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."
Then Jesus said to his disciples:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
In Galatians, Paul is writing to the church there...basically getting up in their face and confronting them about things-accepting false teaching-putting too much emphasis on the law. Along with that, Chapter 2:10- he adds this. "They agreed that I should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continueto remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."
Have we gotten so comfortable in our Christianity that we have pushed aside the most obvious and important command? Love God and love your neighbor. And a heart that is truely loving God will produce fruit-that will be seen as an overflow of thier life. When we have gotten to the point of stagnancy-and seeking our own personal comfort and convienience- we have gotton to the point were we are decieving ourselves.
I can spend all week drawing from the well-taking these amazing classes from amazing profs, reading my Bible every day-praying, journaling...but faith without deeds is dead. If you take a cup and fill it with water and just allow it to sit there-it is going to get gross-water that is not moving is never safe to drink-it is often poisonous...we need to be constantly pouring out-because unless we are, our lives will be but stale, dim and fruitless.
I so often get caught up in my "ministry..." or "Christian stuff" that I forget the greatest commands of Christ. How will people known us as followers of Him? By our love.
It was so incredibly convicting to walk around amongst those men who have nothing. So I give this challenge to myself and everyone else- Share the well.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Comfort Zone...can't even see it anymore
So, I have just returned from my PCM again tonight...and I should be reading for classes tomorrow, but thought I would take a little time to write something. Tonight went pretty well-it is so crazy that I am doing this-i met the only other Moody student who is helping out at the after-school program, and because our usual ride was not able to come, he had to drive us out there(it was only his second time driving in Chicago...) we made it though, and I am extremely thankful that I did not have to drive. There were about 40 kids there tonight, and though chaos was a part of the night, so was a chance for them to hear the gospel.
We help the kids with their homework for a while, and tonight, i encountered a crisis....are 5th graders supposed to be subtracting mixed fractions with uncommon denomonaters??????? (see...i don't even know how to spell denominater) I was no help to a couple of my girls because of this...and after being extremely angry with myself upon returning back to the dorm(angry because I always excused my math skills with the phrase "i will never use this...i want to go into ministry...") Well..never say never...especially when it comes to ministry...anyway...i made my friend meghan show me how to do that...and I am bound and determined to help those girls somehow next week. I told one of them, "I will show you how to subtract mixed fractions next week." and she looked at me with this raised eyebrow as if to say "no you won't.." That just makes me more determined...so if my studies slack off this next week-it is because I am learning math.
I am totally out of my comfort zone on this one...May God's glory be more clearly seen in my life through my weakness and insufficiencies....it is cool, though, as I look back over the past few years, I can see how different ministries that I have been involved with may contribute to helping me prepare for this one.
Last night I went with a friend to study at a coffee shop a little bit farther away from Moody...called uncommon ground. There was live music, we ordered hummus and coffee, and studied. As I was sitting there reading my "Encountering John" book (for Gospel of John class), it just hit me how amazing it is that I am here now...It is only because of God. And also, how cool that I was sitting in a coffee house, in a city, reading a book, while listening to live music, such a cool atmosphere-I love it here.
We help the kids with their homework for a while, and tonight, i encountered a crisis....are 5th graders supposed to be subtracting mixed fractions with uncommon denomonaters??????? (see...i don't even know how to spell denominater) I was no help to a couple of my girls because of this...and after being extremely angry with myself upon returning back to the dorm(angry because I always excused my math skills with the phrase "i will never use this...i want to go into ministry...") Well..never say never...especially when it comes to ministry...anyway...i made my friend meghan show me how to do that...and I am bound and determined to help those girls somehow next week. I told one of them, "I will show you how to subtract mixed fractions next week." and she looked at me with this raised eyebrow as if to say "no you won't.." That just makes me more determined...so if my studies slack off this next week-it is because I am learning math.
I am totally out of my comfort zone on this one...May God's glory be more clearly seen in my life through my weakness and insufficiencies....it is cool, though, as I look back over the past few years, I can see how different ministries that I have been involved with may contribute to helping me prepare for this one.
Last night I went with a friend to study at a coffee shop a little bit farther away from Moody...called uncommon ground. There was live music, we ordered hummus and coffee, and studied. As I was sitting there reading my "Encountering John" book (for Gospel of John class), it just hit me how amazing it is that I am here now...It is only because of God. And also, how cool that I was sitting in a coffee house, in a city, reading a book, while listening to live music, such a cool atmosphere-I love it here.
Friday, January 14, 2005
My first week, a sprained ankle, and tons of reading
Well, i have successfully survived my first week in Chicago...the sense of direction is already starting to improve. I am loving my classes, and am so excited that I get to study the Bible...so amazing...i am still amazed that i am here... God is so incredibly good.
Moody is going to be a lot more work than I anticipated...i estimate that I will probably read btwn 100 and 200 pages a day on top additional assignments, tests, and quizzes...i am taking 16 hours, but they are all classes that I am thus far excited about going to. Please pray that as I am reading the Bible for my classes and reading other books, that I would never view the Bible as a textbook, and that I would keep Jesus my first love-that my studies would not get in the way with my relationship with God.
I went to my PCM for the first time on Thursday (practical christian ministry). It is down on the south side of Chicago and is a branch off of Sunshine Gospel ministries. I had no idea whatsoever of what to expect, but it went very well. I am working with inner city kids, 7-13 year olds, helping out in an afterschool program. We play games with the kids (aka run off thier energy) and then we tutor them, help them with thier school work(some of them are smarter than me...10 year olds aren't supposed to be on exponents are they???) and then there is a brief Bible teaching time (not too long-short attention spans), and then we eat food, and they go home. It is so cool, and it will probably be the most challenging thing I have ever done, but through my inadequecies, though I am unqualified, God's glory can be more clearly revealed, and then maybe I can get out of the way so he can work...God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
There are only 2 or 3 other moody students helping out with this ministry, and they are in need of some more volunteers-so that is a prayer request with that, and just for me, that i will have wisdom, discernment, and an amazing heart for these kids.
So, i sprained my ankle at my pcm...i was playing frisbee with some kids and stepped in a hole in the floor as i leaped to catch the frisbee-anyways...it didn't hurt until a few hours later, and now I am wearing a brace and icing it....so dumb...
anyways...i hope all is well with all of you. have a wonderful weekend.
Moody is going to be a lot more work than I anticipated...i estimate that I will probably read btwn 100 and 200 pages a day on top additional assignments, tests, and quizzes...i am taking 16 hours, but they are all classes that I am thus far excited about going to. Please pray that as I am reading the Bible for my classes and reading other books, that I would never view the Bible as a textbook, and that I would keep Jesus my first love-that my studies would not get in the way with my relationship with God.
I went to my PCM for the first time on Thursday (practical christian ministry). It is down on the south side of Chicago and is a branch off of Sunshine Gospel ministries. I had no idea whatsoever of what to expect, but it went very well. I am working with inner city kids, 7-13 year olds, helping out in an afterschool program. We play games with the kids (aka run off thier energy) and then we tutor them, help them with thier school work(some of them are smarter than me...10 year olds aren't supposed to be on exponents are they???) and then there is a brief Bible teaching time (not too long-short attention spans), and then we eat food, and they go home. It is so cool, and it will probably be the most challenging thing I have ever done, but through my inadequecies, though I am unqualified, God's glory can be more clearly revealed, and then maybe I can get out of the way so he can work...God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
There are only 2 or 3 other moody students helping out with this ministry, and they are in need of some more volunteers-so that is a prayer request with that, and just for me, that i will have wisdom, discernment, and an amazing heart for these kids.
So, i sprained my ankle at my pcm...i was playing frisbee with some kids and stepped in a hole in the floor as i leaped to catch the frisbee-anyways...it didn't hurt until a few hours later, and now I am wearing a brace and icing it....so dumb...
anyways...i hope all is well with all of you. have a wonderful weekend.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Hello from Chicago!
Well...i am sitting in a room at Moody Bible Institute writing this. How crazy and amazing to think of how I have ended up here. Orientation went very well-i was able to meet tons of other people, have been getting to know my roommies, and have caught up with several people that I know. (by the way...our room is AMAZING!!! We are in an old apartment complete with kitchen, large fridge, oven, cupboard, we each have our own closet, a linen closet, and our own bathroom-we also have two large rooms...one for sleeping,one for studying..and the best part is our amazing view of the city.) We have been having a blast, for example: last night we went with our brother floor (each dorm has a brother or sister floor who hang out together and do fun things..) to Giordonnos(Sp?) pizza and hung out, got to know some more people...It has been incredible thus far. Today I had two classes, and am now done for the day-they both went really well: one is evangelism and disciplemaking, and the other is Christianity and Western Culture.
You know that feeling when you know you are totally where you are supposed to be? Yeah...pretty much feeling that. Don't get me wrong..i know this won't be the easiest thing I have ever done...i know there will be struggles-but looking back over the past year and a half, i can say with confidence that God has brought me here right now, for a reason. May he be glorified in my life, and I hope that I will be used, stretched, and broken in ways I have never been before.
Have an amazing week-
You know that feeling when you know you are totally where you are supposed to be? Yeah...pretty much feeling that. Don't get me wrong..i know this won't be the easiest thing I have ever done...i know there will be struggles-but looking back over the past year and a half, i can say with confidence that God has brought me here right now, for a reason. May he be glorified in my life, and I hope that I will be used, stretched, and broken in ways I have never been before.
Have an amazing week-
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Happy New Year!!
It is so hard to believe that it is 2005. I am starting to feel old(now, I can't say I graduated last year-i have to say I graduated 2 years ago...) I have decided to make a list of New Year's Resolutions.
1. I will eat more fruit
2. I will actually finish a movie that I start to make on my computer
3. I will memorize more scripture-all of 1 John by the end of the year
4. I will drink more water throughout the day
5. I will actually study for my classes
6. I will not watch as many movies (ok...this one is kind of cheating because at Moody we aren't allowed to watch movies on campus i don't think)
7. And finally, the continually renewing resolution for me (I think I decide to do this every year...) I will be more organized!
Thursday I leave for Moody! Only a few days away. I am so excited...my next update will be from on campus. Have a beautiful week!
1. I will eat more fruit
2. I will actually finish a movie that I start to make on my computer
3. I will memorize more scripture-all of 1 John by the end of the year
4. I will drink more water throughout the day
5. I will actually study for my classes
6. I will not watch as many movies (ok...this one is kind of cheating because at Moody we aren't allowed to watch movies on campus i don't think)
7. And finally, the continually renewing resolution for me (I think I decide to do this every year...) I will be more organized!
Thursday I leave for Moody! Only a few days away. I am so excited...my next update will be from on campus. Have a beautiful week!
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