Pearls

Gleaning through my experiences... here's what I've found

1) Peace for the future. I no longer feel like I'm going over a cliff into the real world of a million possibilities. There are still a million possibilities, but I know that the only important thing is to follow God's voice and will to one possibility at a time. I have confidence and assurance that He will make a clear path for that which is His will. I also have assurance that He will use all the gifts that He has planted in my life. Nothing will go to waste. I must simply, trust and obey as the old hymn goes. It's definitely not as simple as a line in a hymn, but I've made steps in walking on water.

2) I dealt with grief issues I had from the last couple years and think that I've finally made my peace.

3) I have learned that my biggest mistake is trusting too much in everyone, including myself, and excepting God . Today's reading from Oswald stated, "Disillusionment means that there are no more false judgments in life. To be undeceived by disillusionment may leave us cynical and unkindly severe in our judgments of others (that's me!), but the disilluionment which comes from God brings us to the place where we see men and women as they really are, and yet there is no cynicism, we have no stinging, bitter things to say. Many of the cruel things in life spring from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts; we are true only to our ideas of one another. Everything is either delightful and fine, or mean and dastardly, according to our idea (that's me)... Our Lord trused no man, yet He was never suspicious or bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God and in what His grace could do for any man, was so perfect that He despaired of no one. If our trust is placed in human beings, we shall end in despairing of everyone. My mom always said that I expected too much out of people. I also expect too much out of myself. When I lash out unexpectedly at someone, do something really selfish, carelessly pass someone in need over, I am always REALLY surprised, horrified, and despairing of myself. It's like I can't believe that I was capable of hurting someone. I think we have to admit that we can hurt people and we will continue to until Jesus returns. Since a small age, I have been hurt by friends. So I think it's been my mantra never to hurt others as I have been hurt, but the reality is that we can't help hurting each other. The point is to expect to be hurt. It sounds cynical. But if we remember that we are human and fallen, we can forgive ourselves and others much more quickly. Even the best people hurt others. The problem is that we don't hear about it often enough. Heroes are created without faults. We get tricked into thinking perfect people exist. We meet people and never see their bad faults and assume that they are wonderful all the time. People sometimes think that about me. I see now that I should be glad that God doesn't let people think that for long. People end up seeing my faults a lot which is good; otherwise, I would just perpetuate the false illusion of perfection here and now. We will be made perfect (thank Jesus), but not until that GREAT day!

4) I've come to grips about my health and the need for help.

5) I've realized there's really just no lingering place for shame in this walk with Christ. If it's from sin, repent and turn away from sin. Then you have no reason to feel shame. If it comes from mistakes, learn from your mistakes, but don't feel ashamed. Do better next time. If it comes from weakness, well boast in your weaknesses. That is the way God's power is made known. Don't be let others shame you. Accept criticism and correction humbly. Don't feel ashamed because someone thinks you could do better. Be glad they want to help you. And remember that you probably can do better. We're not perfect as I believe I made clear in number 3 :) I've gotten better at accepting correction. Most people are trying to help you, and they usually speak at least a grain of truth. If they aren't, then just let it roll off because the most important thing is to be right with God. He's the one justifying you after all. It doesn't matter what others think as long as you are in line with the Bible and promptings of the Holy Spirit.

6) I've become more independent and willing to make a stand for my own decisions

7) It really is key to have long periods of time to sit and listen/converse with God. It may not make anything clearer, but it brings peace and joy which are supposed to characterize the Christian life after all :)

Enchiladas and Faux Leather

I had a lovely dinner tonight with Cathy (senior pastor) and Michael her husband. It was a little taste of home. We had enchiladas made by the neighbors and walked the two big black labs. When Michael found out how my brother is employed, he immediately asked me what his favorite TV show was. I laughed so hard and said "TWENTY FOUR" What with Kelsi, my dad, and recently finding out Nathan (the actor) loves it, it's hard not to think the whole world is obsessed with 24.

Michael and Cathy together are so funny. Michael made terrible puns the whole walk (I thought fondly of you, Brandon) and during dinner he had to ask me about guys. When Cathy (who was taking a call in a back room) overheard him say "Wait for a good one" she said, "Oh is he giving you the Christian guy talk? I'd better get back out there!" Michale looks in some small way like an older version of Michael from The Office. which is rather endearing. He runs marathons. Before he got on the guy track he said, "I see you have a good appetite (which is good) but you're also thin" I laughed over that one too... and we got to talk about running. He was also the first person to commend me straight up for not drinking which won me over entirely. His story is proof that my theory is not totally bunk.

I had a very productive and mostly happy day (aside from yelling at the dog this morning when she snuck through the baby gate for the THIRD time and woke me up even earlier then I had planned...and I planned early). Upon trying to make challah bread, I discovered we had no yeast. Now there are some things you can substitute for in cooking. Yeast in bread is not one of them. So I took an early morning run to Dillons (the local grocery store... it's like Meijers in MI). Then I made bread. I took another ATI test (my last before the final predictor!) and briefly talked to my friend in Germany.

Then we went to the new Three Trees building (the old one burned down last October) and helped with all sorts of crazy jobs. I got entrusted with a staple gun... and nearly strained my hand to death. I was creating faux leather benches. Here's a picture of the end results. Pretty nifty. I also sneezed my way through wiping down dusty walls. Unfortunately I'm the about the shortest candidate possible so I couldn't reach the ceiling even on a chair. But everyone else was avoiding the nasty, frustersome job, so I figure they're happy I tackled it at all. It's really hard to wipe down something when you can't tell where you've wiped before... I'll vouch for it!




Here are some other pictures from various rooms. It's going to be delightful when it's done!

The gorgeous mosaic which is remains of the old portrayal of the Three Trees.



This is the famous Three Trees story being put on panels. It's going to be so artistic and lovely



One of the children's rooms. Like the wallpaper? Yeah... that's wall paper. Amazing.



This one is more than wall paper... it's a painting! Notice the cute little chairs!

Flying Colors

Now for the post you've all been waiting for... (and by all, I mean, my parents).

Yesterday, was my great debut for teaching. I proudly introduced a small group of people to parish nursing for ONE whole hour. I bet none of you had to preach for an hour! Well... maybe you did. I did not think it was possible, but I managed to drag out 7 pages of slides for one whole hour. Unbeknownst to me, the two parish nurses who invited us to speak wanted to video tape the whole thing. Beejabbers... the things I endure (just kidding). I wasn't actually that nervous, what with giving so many honors presentations, (I'm not bragging... stating a fact) and I felt like I did a pretty good job (if I do say so myself). One of the nurses said I should get an A+ for presentation. Awww shucks.

Edit: Here's the big cookie Cathy sent to my last staff meeting :)

Blessings All Mine

... With ten thousand beside!

And now for a word of thanks. Confession: I used to throw oranges at my floormate Arielle and shout "THINK FAST" as they were flying towards her.

Sometimes I think God likes to do that to me with gifts. I've been slightly homesick and lonesome and tired of summer when people are never around when you need them (this is a general statement and not directed at anyone). Summer is just one of those times where everyone is spread out and on vacation.

Anyway, so today we were scheduled to go to Prairie Rose for lunch and "entertainment". Now this place was introduced to me as "the dude ranch" and considering that I went to Miss Saigon last night, Keith Urban a couple weeks ago, and a restaurant in a casino two weeks ago... I really wasn't sure what "entertainment" meant.

I was ready for anything, but was absolutely blown away by Christian hospitality and sincerity this afternoon at "the dude ranch". We pledged allegiance to the flag (which I haven't done since like 5th grade) applauded all the servicemen in the room, gave thanks to God... and were served a lot of meat...

A LOT.

They served us everything... even seconds. We didn't get up for anything. It was all you could eat and I managed two biscuits (I told you I have this thing for biscuits...). I don't think I'll be eating dinner tonight :)

Then it was time for gospel... southern gospel. Four guys (one a piano man... who's mom was there... it was really cute) sang some of the best hymns I've heard. It's a day for hymns. At First Pres we sang all hymns that I knew! I was so excited (normally I don't know any of them... and I know a lot for a young squirt). I was belting out "Soon and Very Soon" and "I'll Fly Away"

What was so refreshing was the "old fashionedness" of it. Now I know that just going back in time doesn't mean life was any less messy. Just seeing Miss Saigon assured me of that. People are vile anywhere, anytime. And I get fed up with it. So it was really nice to go somewhere out in the bright country air (like my home) where people were jovial, with a wealth of southern hospitality, and a mighty heart for God. They are the kind of people who preach it like it is, and joke like comedians today don't know how. I felt like someone was throwing pie in my face... the good way :) It was totally unexpected and very wonderful.

Today will also go down in history because I finally got to hear Mirko sing. AND I figured out how to spell his name. BUT no, I have not fallen in love... although he did have an excellent voice. However, a voice I can't resist... is one that belongs to anyone who plays the character Marius in the musical Les Mis. Seeing Miss Saigon reminded me how much I love the sound of his voice. (The lead male in Miss Saigon, played Marius in Les Mis). I'm also a big fan of people who sound like Lea Salonga. She is my favorite singer - 50% because of Mulan and 50% because of Les Mis. Now it makes sense why she also sang in Miss Saigon. How did I get on this topic?

Anyway, I'm still lonely, but much less empty. :) Cheers! Get ready for God to surprise you!

All I have needed, thy hand hath provided...

Ode to the weary

Oh to the weary
Who stare at computer screens
Red eyes bleary
And need 1000 espresso beans

Oh to the somnolent
Who need to plan and think
While sleep hangs redolent
And eyes of sand bags sink

Oh to the empty-headed
On futile hunt for motivation
No path before them breaded
May they find inspiration

Rocking Architecture

Thought maybe you should see what I'm working with!

Pretty amazing right? This is just the backside... and wait till you see the inside!

The main sanctuary... whew!

The gorgeous organ which is in use!

Here you can see the high vaulted dome

Lots and LOTS of painstakingly gorgeous stained glass

Help Wanted:

Hello Jubilee Fellows in particular. I need to obtain as many types of spiritual assessment quizzes I can get my hands on. If you've taken one... or know of one... please help me get a hold of a copy. This is kind of tricky.... because I'm not necessarily looking for spiritual gifts assessments. I don't need to find out if people are prophets... but rather what characteristics they have that can help build up the church.

Thanks so much in advance!