Now that you know and love Lou and Bernice, I thought I would share the latest:
1. In the last week, I have seen two deer running down (repeat...down, not across) Columbia Parkway, stopping traffic in both directions. I have also seen deer walking down the sidewalk (repeat...down the sidewalk) of my street. It is like they are following me around, pleading to me with their eyes to save them from Lou. I am haunted by deer.
2. The people at the very end of my street are growing corn. Not just a garden. Corn. There are huge stalks of corn growing there. And they aren't growing in their backyard or even their sideyard. They are growing in the grassy area between the street and the sidewalk (is that called an easement?). I seriously love this street. The laughs never, ever stop. Add to all this a certain house around the corner that houses a rooster which greets me in the morning, and you would scarcely believe I live in the city.
3. Bernice got a new dog this weekend. It is a 4 year old Pomeranian that she got from the pound. His name is Barney, and he is adorable. He seems to like me, but I think that is because I was petting him after I had just gone for a run, and he enjoyed licking the salt off of my skin. But I am not proud. I will win him over however I can. And I can see that Bernice is very, very happy. I am happy for her.
4. I met a neighbor from the apartments across the street when I went over to talk to Bernice and Barney. She is really nice and mentioned that her friend wants to be a child psychologist. Um...I think that was a gimme for making a connection, so I invited her and her friend over to barbecue sometime so that her friend can pick my brain and I can make more connections with neighbors. Anyone else wanna come? (Note - this WILL NOT be my next pie party, which incidentally will involve an amazing peach and creme fraiche concoction ala Martha Steward via Emily Pradera, so don't think you can get in the backdoor on this one).
5. Late breaking news - Bernice told me that a young, male architect bought one of the houses on my street. This could be promising. Maybe I will push up the timeline on that design work I want to do in my basement. Well, either that or reconsider the hot tub fund. Hmm...
Monday, July 30, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
One Down, Sixty-Two To Go
I have now officially watched Citizen Kane. I don't have much to say about it. I was pretty tired when I watched it, so that probably wasn't the best decision. I liked the message of the movie - the whole haunted by where things got off track in the past thing hits home a little. I would guess there were a lot of things about the film in general that were ahead of their time. Orson Welles knew what he was doing. One of the actresses really annoyed me, but I think that was intentional. That's all I have to say about that.
Next up...Raging Bull (#4 on AFI's list), as I am proud to say that I have already seen The Godfather (#2) and Casablanca (#3). I am really excited to see Raging Bull. It's one of those I have always intended to see but haven't made the time. Well, I soon won't be able to say that any longer. Who's in?
Monday, July 16, 2007
Who Needs TV When You Live in a Sitcom?
We all have them. Young or old, loud or reclusive, tasteful or tasteless...they come in all sorts. You guessed it. I'm talking about neighbors. And while we would all probably argue we deserve the prize, I think I would get at least an honorable mention in any "interesting" neighbor contest. Truth be told, though, I would not have it any other way. I love my neighbors. We get along, and I get all sorts of interesting and amusing stories as a bonus. Who could ask for more?
So let me introduce you...Meet Lou*. Lou is the first person that I got to know on my street, and he is incredibly nice. He mowed my lawn all last summer because he could tell I was having a hard time getting to it with all of stresses of moving into a house as a single person while maintaining a (more than) full time job. He trimmed the bushes around my house after asking permission, because he loves to garden. He gave me bulbs and even planted some for me. He gives me all sorts of tips on gardening, and he also knows the good gossip on the street (which I of course close my ears to completely).
Lou has probably provided me with the most amusement, though you could say it is a toss-up. He's at least in the top two. First, he gets really nervous and worked up about things. I will admit that I am not the most laid back of people, but the stuff this guy gets worked up about doesn't even occur to me, and I find myself trying to calm him down a lot. Then there's the way he will come outside to talk to me when I am out in my yard, bring up topics of conversation, and then abruptly state that he has to go, with a tone conveying annoyance that I am somehow keeping him (recap: he came out to talk to me, introduced the topic, and is standing in my yard).
The absolute best Lou story, however, is one that just keeps giving and giving. It began last summer, when Lou starting complaining about a deer in the woods behind our houses who would come into his yard and eat all of his flowers. This would come up every time we encountered one another. Now, I understood his frustration, as he has a beautiful flower garden and he works hard on it. As he kept talking about his failed efforts to put a stop to the sabotage, however, things got more serious. He started talking about how he was checking with the city to see if you could shoot a deer within Cincinnati city limits. I said, "yeah, um...I think you can't." That was all that I could get out verbally, because images of camouflage-clad, shotgun-touting Lou shooting a series of bullets into my yard as Bambi's life flashes before her eyes and a soundtrack of me yelling for all my barbecue guests to "hit the dirt" were going through my head. Lou continued to bring that subject up all last summer, and my house guests started somewhat avoiding him for fear he would bring it up again. They had all heard it before. Luckily, cold, hard winter set in for a while, but the talk of the perils of deer sprung once again with spring 2007. Tonight, he conveyed a particularly amusing story of how he saw a pregnant doe in my yard the other day. Beautiful, right? Wrong. He decided to run after it and throw a rock at it. Um...that frightens me a little. But really, the image of it just completely cracks me up. Aw...Lou.
Now, please allow me to introduce you to Bernice. Bernice lives across the street. She is somewhere in her 80's and lived with her rather overweight boxer named "King" when I moved in. She immigrated from Vienna with her husband as a young woman, and she has lived on this street for many, many, many years. She pretty much owns this street if attitude, experience, and knowledge counts for anything. She has always been very sweet to me, but I was warned early on not to get on her bad side, and I can see why. She is a tough lady. She is, however, also a lady who is very hard of hearing. I have been awakened many a summer morning to the sound of her repeatedly screaming "King" in an unbelievably high-pitched voice only to look at the window and see her prod him along with some sort of walking stick. Say what you want, but that woman loved her Kingy. Sadly, King died this spring, and she has been devastated. It has given me many opportunities to talk with her and get to know her better, though, and I am really enjoying it. When I recently returned home from Colombia, she came running out the door to see me as soon as she saw me again, and we talked for like 45 minutes even though I was really needing to be somewhere. We hugged. It was sweet.
My favorite with Bernice, though, is how she will often make statements like, "Oh, that's nice dear" when she can't hear what I just said. It reminds me of the King in the Princess Bride, when Princess Buttercup tells him that she is going to kill herself and he says, "Well, won't that be nice."
My mission now is to find out ways my other neighbors can amuse me. Oh, and I guess I will try to get to know them, too. Won't that be nice.
*names have been changed to protect these very friendly, helpful, and overall lovely people who just happen to provide me amusement even as I likely do the same for them with all of my idiosyncrasies and those of my visiting friends (e.g., Aaron Maxie, who, when Lou had his shirt off as he worked in his garden on a hot day and stated "nice to see you again, Aaron," responded, "nice to see, too. And I am seeing a lot, aren't I?")
So let me introduce you...Meet Lou*. Lou is the first person that I got to know on my street, and he is incredibly nice. He mowed my lawn all last summer because he could tell I was having a hard time getting to it with all of stresses of moving into a house as a single person while maintaining a (more than) full time job. He trimmed the bushes around my house after asking permission, because he loves to garden. He gave me bulbs and even planted some for me. He gives me all sorts of tips on gardening, and he also knows the good gossip on the street (which I of course close my ears to completely).
Lou has probably provided me with the most amusement, though you could say it is a toss-up. He's at least in the top two. First, he gets really nervous and worked up about things. I will admit that I am not the most laid back of people, but the stuff this guy gets worked up about doesn't even occur to me, and I find myself trying to calm him down a lot. Then there's the way he will come outside to talk to me when I am out in my yard, bring up topics of conversation, and then abruptly state that he has to go, with a tone conveying annoyance that I am somehow keeping him (recap: he came out to talk to me, introduced the topic, and is standing in my yard).
The absolute best Lou story, however, is one that just keeps giving and giving. It began last summer, when Lou starting complaining about a deer in the woods behind our houses who would come into his yard and eat all of his flowers. This would come up every time we encountered one another. Now, I understood his frustration, as he has a beautiful flower garden and he works hard on it. As he kept talking about his failed efforts to put a stop to the sabotage, however, things got more serious. He started talking about how he was checking with the city to see if you could shoot a deer within Cincinnati city limits. I said, "yeah, um...I think you can't." That was all that I could get out verbally, because images of camouflage-clad, shotgun-touting Lou shooting a series of bullets into my yard as Bambi's life flashes before her eyes and a soundtrack of me yelling for all my barbecue guests to "hit the dirt" were going through my head. Lou continued to bring that subject up all last summer, and my house guests started somewhat avoiding him for fear he would bring it up again. They had all heard it before. Luckily, cold, hard winter set in for a while, but the talk of the perils of deer sprung once again with spring 2007. Tonight, he conveyed a particularly amusing story of how he saw a pregnant doe in my yard the other day. Beautiful, right? Wrong. He decided to run after it and throw a rock at it. Um...that frightens me a little. But really, the image of it just completely cracks me up. Aw...Lou.
Now, please allow me to introduce you to Bernice. Bernice lives across the street. She is somewhere in her 80's and lived with her rather overweight boxer named "King" when I moved in. She immigrated from Vienna with her husband as a young woman, and she has lived on this street for many, many, many years. She pretty much owns this street if attitude, experience, and knowledge counts for anything. She has always been very sweet to me, but I was warned early on not to get on her bad side, and I can see why. She is a tough lady. She is, however, also a lady who is very hard of hearing. I have been awakened many a summer morning to the sound of her repeatedly screaming "King" in an unbelievably high-pitched voice only to look at the window and see her prod him along with some sort of walking stick. Say what you want, but that woman loved her Kingy. Sadly, King died this spring, and she has been devastated. It has given me many opportunities to talk with her and get to know her better, though, and I am really enjoying it. When I recently returned home from Colombia, she came running out the door to see me as soon as she saw me again, and we talked for like 45 minutes even though I was really needing to be somewhere. We hugged. It was sweet.
My favorite with Bernice, though, is how she will often make statements like, "Oh, that's nice dear" when she can't hear what I just said. It reminds me of the King in the Princess Bride, when Princess Buttercup tells him that she is going to kill herself and he says, "Well, won't that be nice."
My mission now is to find out ways my other neighbors can amuse me. Oh, and I guess I will try to get to know them, too. Won't that be nice.
*names have been changed to protect these very friendly, helpful, and overall lovely people who just happen to provide me amusement even as I likely do the same for them with all of my idiosyncrasies and those of my visiting friends (e.g., Aaron Maxie, who, when Lou had his shirt off as he worked in his garden on a hot day and stated "nice to see you again, Aaron," responded, "nice to see, too. And I am seeing a lot, aren't I?")
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Colombia: Preludes
Once upon a time, five young professionals stepped onto an unknown path, traveling to Bogota, Colombia as part of their church plant's first international mission trip. They had been charged with a God-given mission to love Him and spread His love for others in both their local community (Clifton) and their broader global community. Loving others, serving others, and creating community by opening a coffee house were three components of that mission , so Colombia seemed an obvious choice. And then there was that small connection created by two adorable little boys born in Colombia and brought to the USA to be loved and raised by two great parents who also oversee this whole crazy thing called D'VINE.
The group worked with their broader church community to raise money and elicit donations of much-needed medical equipment for Luz y Vida , an amazing facility for orphaned children with special needs. Through these efforts, they were able to provide car seats, clothes, a patient lift, and, together with another group's donation, a much-needed commercial grade washer/dryer to replace the single household washer that was being employed to wash the clothes, diapers, and linens of the 120+ children cared for at the facility. They then traveled to Bogota to provide whatever hands-on help was needed in the orphanage, which generally included holding, feeding, changing, and otherwise entertaining the children as the staff worked tirelessly to meet their extensive basic and broader medical needs.
Through this experience, God worked in amazing ways. He touched the hearts of each team member, and, they were quite sure, touched the hearts of those served as well. Reflection will undoubtedly yield insights, musings, lessons, direction, and even callings for some time to come, and this is where our story begins...
Sometimes (or oftentimes) God doesn't have the same plan for us that we have for ourselves. His is always ultimately better, but it doesn't always seem like that at every point along the way. Then there are the times when He really throws a curveball - you don't know whether to swing or whether you should let it go because it's really not the best pitch for you in the moment.
The group worked with their broader church community to raise money and elicit donations of much-needed medical equipment for Luz y Vida , an amazing facility for orphaned children with special needs. Through these efforts, they were able to provide car seats, clothes, a patient lift, and, together with another group's donation, a much-needed commercial grade washer/dryer to replace the single household washer that was being employed to wash the clothes, diapers, and linens of the 120+ children cared for at the facility. They then traveled to Bogota to provide whatever hands-on help was needed in the orphanage, which generally included holding, feeding, changing, and otherwise entertaining the children as the staff worked tirelessly to meet their extensive basic and broader medical needs.
Through this experience, God worked in amazing ways. He touched the hearts of each team member, and, they were quite sure, touched the hearts of those served as well. Reflection will undoubtedly yield insights, musings, lessons, direction, and even callings for some time to come, and this is where our story begins...
Sometimes (or oftentimes) God doesn't have the same plan for us that we have for ourselves. His is always ultimately better, but it doesn't always seem like that at every point along the way. Then there are the times when He really throws a curveball - you don't know whether to swing or whether you should let it go because it's really not the best pitch for you in the moment.
Here's my recent curveball.
I know there was a divine purpose to this encounter, I just don't yet know what that is. I know it confirmed some things and brought some other fleeting possibilities closer to the forefront. I know this child touched my heart and, with that touch, brought a fresh touch from God. For now, that will be enough until the rest comes into focus.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Stop the Presses...
I officially have a new goal. Ok, in actuality, it’s not just a goal - it's more like a need. And by need, I mean it's kind of an obsession.
No - I am not referring to gin and tonic (I felt I needed to say that before my next run in with a certain friend of mine involves him jumping out of a parked car, pulling me off the sidewalk, and driving me out west to a famous clinic established by a former first lady). What I am referring to is the fact that I just saw AFI’s list of top 100 films of all time, and it is seriously bothering me that there are a lot of films I have never seen. There are a few I have never heard of (mostly silent films), but what disturbed me the most was the sheer number of films I have heard of, know to be famous and acclaimed films, and have just never set aside time to watch.
Do I hear you asking what I am going to do about this? Well, I am going to start with the top rated films and watch all the films I haven’t seen until I reach #100. When they add more and drop some, I will watch the new ones as well. Maybe I’ll watch some I’ve already seen, because I just can’t help myself. Maybe I’ll write reviews and stuff. The sky’s the limit when it comes to obsession.
First up…Citizen Kane. I seriously haven’t seen the #1 movie. How pathetic am I?* If you, too, are pathetic, feel free to join me.
*This question is rhetorical
No - I am not referring to gin and tonic (I felt I needed to say that before my next run in with a certain friend of mine involves him jumping out of a parked car, pulling me off the sidewalk, and driving me out west to a famous clinic established by a former first lady). What I am referring to is the fact that I just saw AFI’s list of top 100 films of all time, and it is seriously bothering me that there are a lot of films I have never seen. There are a few I have never heard of (mostly silent films), but what disturbed me the most was the sheer number of films I have heard of, know to be famous and acclaimed films, and have just never set aside time to watch.
Do I hear you asking what I am going to do about this? Well, I am going to start with the top rated films and watch all the films I haven’t seen until I reach #100. When they add more and drop some, I will watch the new ones as well. Maybe I’ll watch some I’ve already seen, because I just can’t help myself. Maybe I’ll write reviews and stuff. The sky’s the limit when it comes to obsession.
First up…Citizen Kane. I seriously haven’t seen the #1 movie. How pathetic am I?* If you, too, are pathetic, feel free to join me.
*This question is rhetorical
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
RSVP
You issue the invitation
Once, twice, countless times
Excitedly, I answer
“Yes!”
Longing to come
My heart soon recoils into dark corners
Of a drawer full of broken promises
“Something came up,” I first say
Next, I bring guests to a date meant only for two
Always understaying my welcome
You never give up
Another missive arrives
Carrying peace which envelopes as the seal is broken
It is time
I cannot miss the opportunity
I cannot miss You
Not again
Receive my RSVP
Tied not with the fragile chains of will and resolve
But the tender longings of my heart
I go where I know You wait
This party for two is soon to begin
Once, twice, countless times
Excitedly, I answer
“Yes!”
Longing to come
My heart soon recoils into dark corners
Of a drawer full of broken promises
“Something came up,” I first say
Next, I bring guests to a date meant only for two
Always understaying my welcome
You never give up
Another missive arrives
Carrying peace which envelopes as the seal is broken
It is time
I cannot miss the opportunity
I cannot miss You
Not again
Receive my RSVP
Tied not with the fragile chains of will and resolve
But the tender longings of my heart
I go where I know You wait
This party for two is soon to begin
Friday, June 15, 2007
Ruminations
What will be my next thing? Will it be as good as the last? I don’t want to live in the fading light of glory days long passed.
And what of missed opportunities? Will they come back ‘round again? If only I could pass some clues to that girl I was back then.
How do I move life forward, closer to where I want to be? Will striving lead me to success, or is it enough just to live free?
It’s these questions that consume me. And with them comes the fear. Yet through God’s love it’s less and less with every passing year.
And what of missed opportunities? Will they come back ‘round again? If only I could pass some clues to that girl I was back then.
How do I move life forward, closer to where I want to be? Will striving lead me to success, or is it enough just to live free?
It’s these questions that consume me. And with them comes the fear. Yet through God’s love it’s less and less with every passing year.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Evocative One
endless moments
stolen glances
benign from another
addictive from you
my evocative one
kissless, touchless, careless
your mere presence brushing mine
e(merging) into transcendental desire
a distant dream tenuously aroused
upon its bed of premature slumber
where fantasy burns to ashes within a kiln of solitude
speak!
shatter this vessel of surrendered silence
throw a shared adventure with your words
narrate destinations where journeys unite
stolen glances
benign from another
addictive from you
my evocative one
kissless, touchless, careless
your mere presence brushing mine
e(merging) into transcendental desire
a distant dream tenuously aroused
upon its bed of premature slumber
where fantasy burns to ashes within a kiln of solitude
speak!
shatter this vessel of surrendered silence
throw a shared adventure with your words
narrate destinations where journeys unite
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Today is....
Helping a friend
Sunny breezes on my face
Greeting strangers
Talking to God
Smiling for no reason
Nourishing beautiful things from an unsurpassed Creator
Catnap in the shade, book on my lap
Listening to nothing, hearing everything
Glass of water next to a better one of gin and tonic
Music in my ears
Dreaming
Hoping
Praying
Words to paper
…the way it’s supposed to be
Sunny breezes on my face
Greeting strangers
Talking to God
Smiling for no reason
Nourishing beautiful things from an unsurpassed Creator
Catnap in the shade, book on my lap
Listening to nothing, hearing everything
Glass of water next to a better one of gin and tonic
Music in my ears
Dreaming
Hoping
Praying
Words to paper
…the way it’s supposed to be
Immovable Heart
Oh, heart
Can I not replace you?
For you are no good to me now
Circumstances changed
Life goes on
But you do not
So much of what I do now
Centers around you
My will is but your slave
I push and I pull
But you do not budge
I gaze at your steadfastness
And am haunted by the mystery
Can I not replace you?
For you are no good to me now
Circumstances changed
Life goes on
But you do not
So much of what I do now
Centers around you
My will is but your slave
I push and I pull
But you do not budge
I gaze at your steadfastness
And am haunted by the mystery
Friday, May 18, 2007
Love's Song
Nowhere to turn
Means everything to gain
For I have You
Hurt by another
Means look to my Lover
To be made new
To respond in anger
To become but strangers
Makes me a fool
I turn my head
Red cheek to pink
Destruction, love alludes
Means everything to gain
For I have You
Hurt by another
Means look to my Lover
To be made new
To respond in anger
To become but strangers
Makes me a fool
I turn my head
Red cheek to pink
Destruction, love alludes
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Awakening
Tonight I dared to dream again
How scared I was
To remember
To hope
A shooting star
A present from my Lover
Telling me I have but to ask
That I can’t out-dream Him
Light streaming downward
I held out my hands
But it pierced my heart instead
The same hand that moves the stars for me
Holds mine
And calms my deepest fears
Finally, I have passionate peace
True Love
Found
How scared I was
To remember
To hope
A shooting star
A present from my Lover
Telling me I have but to ask
That I can’t out-dream Him
Light streaming downward
I held out my hands
But it pierced my heart instead
The same hand that moves the stars for me
Holds mine
And calms my deepest fears
Finally, I have passionate peace
True Love
Found
Monday, March 26, 2007
Drawn to Dawn
We glorify the dawn, for with its golden light it ushers in new beginnings and illuminates beauty in things that are otherwise overlooked. But can God’s glory be contained by the dawn? Or are the boundaries imposed by the smallness of our minds and the vastness of our fears? Just as beauty is more than skin deep, the beauty of God's glory is far more than the beauty appreciated by man.
It is in the dark that I am learning to see. It is with my senses blurred, deafened, and obscured that God is being more fully perceived. Without my faculties, I am forced to breathe Him in. He fills my lungs and restores my soul.
I, like you, am drawn to dawn. But it is my time with God in the dark that draws me.
It is in the dark that I am learning to see. It is with my senses blurred, deafened, and obscured that God is being more fully perceived. Without my faculties, I am forced to breathe Him in. He fills my lungs and restores my soul.
I, like you, am drawn to dawn. But it is my time with God in the dark that draws me.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Run Ladies Run!
We interrupt this programming for a brief message from our sponsors...
invites you to sponsor
RUN LADIES RUN!
No, we’re not running for our lives, but we are running for a good cause. We will be coming together on August 5th to take part in the 4th Annual Lady Distance Classic, running or walking either a 5K or 10K course.
Why? It’s all part of D’VINE’s Big Ask campaign to raise money to open a not-for-profit coffee house in the Clifton area. This coffee house will be a gift to our community where people can get great coffee, grow relationships and experience community, and be creative or appreciate the creativity of others.
If you would like to partner with us, we are looking for financial sponsors to support us as we run like the wind (or maybe just a soft breeze). You can pledge by kilometer or in one lump sum. We would love for you to support us however you feel led. And feel free to come cheer us on!I personally will be running the 10K. If you would like to provide support, either financially, praying that God would provide sponsors, and/or moral support at 7:30 am this Saturday, let me know! I'm #1541, or just look for the person running with death-defying speed :)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Spiritual Bulimia
I’m starving. Obsessed, I hunger and thirst for spiritual food, but with this obsession co-exists a great aversion to the very object of my desire.
I seek Him out, but moments of rest are so quickly overtaken by a battle that I can’t face. I turn and retreat.
I binge. I purge. I am left lonely and longing.
I am surrounded by lies, piercing and deflating the truth like arrows. The aim is too good. No doubt the archer is skilled.
He disputes my worth. He tells me I am alone. He tells me to give up, to walk away. He tells me nothing yet everything all at once.
His voice is persuasive; his volume too loud. And the lies of this world play an alluring accompaniment. From the horns comes “bitch,” from the strings, “ho,” from the woodwinds, “too much,” and percussion, “not enough.”
I rally to turn the channel, and I hear the contents of my heart sung to a less compelling rhythm.
“I can barely hear you. Please grow louder.” 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…still not loud enough. Still not long enough. “Please don’t stop! I need to hear!”
“That is nothing, child, but a fruitless cry to vacated seats. He does not hear you. His do not hear you. Not you. Spit Him out. Spit them out. Vomit. Vomit!”
Spiritual bulimia…And with it, darkness obscures the horizon. Desperate, I reach back and grasp for something real. “What’s that?”
A still small voice is barely audible beneath the clamor... "What? Please…louder.”
“Eat, My child. Drink”
I long for solid food, but I will start with milk if I must. I will not spit it out, though the taste seems oddly bitter.
I will not forsake it, for I still believe it will not forsake me.
I seek Him out, but moments of rest are so quickly overtaken by a battle that I can’t face. I turn and retreat.
I binge. I purge. I am left lonely and longing.
I am surrounded by lies, piercing and deflating the truth like arrows. The aim is too good. No doubt the archer is skilled.
He disputes my worth. He tells me I am alone. He tells me to give up, to walk away. He tells me nothing yet everything all at once.
His voice is persuasive; his volume too loud. And the lies of this world play an alluring accompaniment. From the horns comes “bitch,” from the strings, “ho,” from the woodwinds, “too much,” and percussion, “not enough.”
I rally to turn the channel, and I hear the contents of my heart sung to a less compelling rhythm.
Lord, I'm in the dark,
Seems to me the line is dead when I come calling.
No one there, the sky is falling;
Lord, I need to know.
My mind is playing games again,
You're right where You have always been.
Take me back to You,
The place that I once knew as a little child;
Constantly the eyes of God watched over me.
Oh, I want to be
In the place that I once knew as a little child,
Fall into the bed of faith prepared for me.
I will rest in You,
I will rest in You,
I will rest in You.
Tell me I'm a fool,
Tell me that You love me for the fool I am,
Comfort me like only You can,
And tell me there's a place
Where I can feel Your breath
Like sweet caresses on my face again.
Take me back to You,
The place that I once knew as a little child;
Constantly the eyes of God watched over me.
Oh, I want to be
In the place that I once knew as a little child,
Fall into the bed of faith prepared for me.
I will rest in You,
I will rest in You,
I will rest in You.
“I can barely hear you. Please grow louder.” 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…still not loud enough. Still not long enough. “Please don’t stop! I need to hear!”
“That is nothing, child, but a fruitless cry to vacated seats. He does not hear you. His do not hear you. Not you. Spit Him out. Spit them out. Vomit. Vomit!”
Spiritual bulimia…And with it, darkness obscures the horizon. Desperate, I reach back and grasp for something real. “What’s that?”
A still small voice is barely audible beneath the clamor... "What? Please…louder.”
“Eat, My child. Drink”
I long for solid food, but I will start with milk if I must. I will not spit it out, though the taste seems oddly bitter.
I will not forsake it, for I still believe it will not forsake me.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Please Endulge Me
Yes, now is the time for all of you who are waiting for me to write something incredibly profound and inspiring on this blog to...well, wait even longer. Sorry, but I feel I must now take on the role of unabashedly proud aunt, showing off these pictures of two of my adorable nephews. Seriously, who can resist these faces?
First, this is Joey. Joey is 2 years old now. Joey is (hopefully) wearing swim trunks specially designed by Walmart. As you can see, he is also sporting an amazing smile that my sister and I first saw when we finally met him at a South Korean adoption center last June. He has the most amazing personality and has had an incredible impact on so many lives already. Everyone say, "Hi Joey."
Now, this is Tyler. Tyler is Joey's big brother at a ripe old age of 5. Tyler is much taller than the last time I saw him, which was unfortunately December (they live on the East Coast). Tyler, as you can see, has a girlfriend. Tyler is very smart and can probably almost read this. Tyler would then say, "I don't have a girlfriend you goofball." Goofball is his favorite derogatory name for other people (especially Daddy and Aunt Marsha), but that is probably so December by now.
And this...well, this can't be a good omen, can it?
First, this is Joey. Joey is 2 years old now. Joey is (hopefully) wearing swim trunks specially designed by Walmart. As you can see, he is also sporting an amazing smile that my sister and I first saw when we finally met him at a South Korean adoption center last June. He has the most amazing personality and has had an incredible impact on so many lives already. Everyone say, "Hi Joey."
Now, this is Tyler. Tyler is Joey's big brother at a ripe old age of 5. Tyler is much taller than the last time I saw him, which was unfortunately December (they live on the East Coast). Tyler, as you can see, has a girlfriend. Tyler is very smart and can probably almost read this. Tyler would then say, "I don't have a girlfriend you goofball." Goofball is his favorite derogatory name for other people (especially Daddy and Aunt Marsha), but that is probably so December by now.
And this...well, this can't be a good omen, can it?
Friday, July 14, 2006
Be Afraid...Be Very Afraid
After what I just went through in the last half-hour and in similar calls over the last several weeks, I am seriously concerned that someday - it may be tomorrow or it may be years from now when I am old(er) and gray - I will find myself walking down the street or sitting in the park or otherwise minding my own business when, all of a sudden, it will happen.
I will hear a voice that has the misfortune of too closely approximating that computer-generated one used by Big Business and Big Health Care and all the other Big's to keep from having to have any personal contact with the people whom they serve. The one that makes us wait on the line, speak our 10-digit member number, says "sorry, but I think you said..." when you know you spoke perfectly clearly, and never gives you the option you needed in the first place. The one that never gives you even the opportunity to press something to be connected with a real live person unless you can generate the willpower to not press anything while Little Miss Computer says things like, "Sorry, I didn't get that" or "Remember, you need to press either 1 or 2 to indicate you choice" or something like that. And is it just me, or does her voice tone change ever so slightly to indicate increasing annoyance on her part? Like she's the one who should be annoyed in that scenario.
When I do someday come across that poor unsuspecting individual who sounds a little too much like this computer lady, I can only imagine the ire that will rise up in me. I can only imagine the strength of character and peace of God that will need to come over me to keep me from taking out on her all the bitterness that for me has become attached to that voice. It is like nails on a chalkboard (the ancestor of the white board for the younger generations out there).
Sometimes I swear I was born in the wrong time. It's time like these I wonder what it would have been like to live in the 1940's or 50's. I know I would have a very different lifestyle, but I think I look pretty good in high heels and pearls :)
I will hear a voice that has the misfortune of too closely approximating that computer-generated one used by Big Business and Big Health Care and all the other Big's to keep from having to have any personal contact with the people whom they serve. The one that makes us wait on the line, speak our 10-digit member number, says "sorry, but I think you said..." when you know you spoke perfectly clearly, and never gives you the option you needed in the first place. The one that never gives you even the opportunity to press something to be connected with a real live person unless you can generate the willpower to not press anything while Little Miss Computer says things like, "Sorry, I didn't get that" or "Remember, you need to press either 1 or 2 to indicate you choice" or something like that. And is it just me, or does her voice tone change ever so slightly to indicate increasing annoyance on her part? Like she's the one who should be annoyed in that scenario.
When I do someday come across that poor unsuspecting individual who sounds a little too much like this computer lady, I can only imagine the ire that will rise up in me. I can only imagine the strength of character and peace of God that will need to come over me to keep me from taking out on her all the bitterness that for me has become attached to that voice. It is like nails on a chalkboard (the ancestor of the white board for the younger generations out there).
Sometimes I swear I was born in the wrong time. It's time like these I wonder what it would have been like to live in the 1940's or 50's. I know I would have a very different lifestyle, but I think I look pretty good in high heels and pearls :)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Something Profound? Not So Much
So the fact that I think this video is hilarious and the fact that I actually understand not only what these people are singing about but also why they would be driven to do something so ridiculous officially makes me a nerd. I am finally accepting it.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Real Men of Genius
Bud Light (or not) presents Real Men of Genius
(Real Men of Genius)
Today we salute you, Mr. Hoot and Holler at Women Passing By Guy
(Mr. Hoot and Holler at Women Passing By Guy)
You are perhaps the greatest inspiration to women everywhere, using your primitive calls to bring joy to their days, even as you stand there in your wife beater t-shirt
(there’s ketchup on your t-shirt)
You spend your days thinking up new and different ways to make your voice into the perfect mating call to attract that very special woman of your dreams
(more like a nightmare)
Day in and day out women pass by and ignore you, but you aren’t deterred
(I think she might like me)
It’s true, it’s never worked before, but those were just bitches anyway
(maybe if I call her “sweetheart”)
So open an ice cold Bud Light, Mr. King of Carnivals and Construction Sites. Because if one guy can use his voice to let other men know just how not to treat women, we are glad it’s you
(Mr. Hoot and Holler at Women Passing By Guy)
(Real Men of Genius)
Today we salute you, Mr. Hoot and Holler at Women Passing By Guy
(Mr. Hoot and Holler at Women Passing By Guy)
You are perhaps the greatest inspiration to women everywhere, using your primitive calls to bring joy to their days, even as you stand there in your wife beater t-shirt
(there’s ketchup on your t-shirt)
You spend your days thinking up new and different ways to make your voice into the perfect mating call to attract that very special woman of your dreams
(more like a nightmare)
Day in and day out women pass by and ignore you, but you aren’t deterred
(I think she might like me)
It’s true, it’s never worked before, but those were just bitches anyway
(maybe if I call her “sweetheart”)
So open an ice cold Bud Light, Mr. King of Carnivals and Construction Sites. Because if one guy can use his voice to let other men know just how not to treat women, we are glad it’s you
(Mr. Hoot and Holler at Women Passing By Guy)
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
To Love or Not To Love
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Mark 12: 32-34
When God commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves, do you think he meant to include inept customer service personnel? You're probably going to say yes, aren't you?
God, sorry for today. Help me to love you more, experience the true freedom of your love, and love others through both easy and difficult situations. It can only go up from here.
Mark 12: 32-34
When God commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves, do you think he meant to include inept customer service personnel? You're probably going to say yes, aren't you?
God, sorry for today. Help me to love you more, experience the true freedom of your love, and love others through both easy and difficult situations. It can only go up from here.
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