My little brother turns 13 today!
So....
happy birthday Kevin!
(Though I have to admit that it's totally weird to think of my brother as a teenager... yikes!)
(He's the little guy with the oxygen tubes)
14 years ago
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
sunshine and clouds
One thing I'm really digging about Washington is the weather. Not to rub it in to all my dear Midwestern friends and family, but my winter coat has barely left the closet.
And besides the warm winter weather, the cloud formations here are pretty amazing. Especially with the evergreen covered mountains in the background.
I guess I can't complain.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
huffing.
I was reading this blog today and I found a quote that perfectly articulated what God has been revealing to me about the condition of my heart. I guess I feel the need to share.
"Our huffing and puffing to impress God, our scrambling for brownie points, our thrashing about trying to fix ourselves while hiding our pettiness and wallowing in guilt are nauseating to God and are a flat denial of the gospel of grace." - Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel
Sunday, February 1, 2009
pickle things
"pickle things you never see, like pickles on a pickle tree..."
Pickles have absolutely nothing to do with this post. But things do.
A few things that we have discovered with our move is that we have and abundance of things that we don't need, but are lacking in things that we do need. (or want.)
Things we have too much of: photo frames, college notebooks, clothes, luggage, broken computers, crappy cds, scratched cds, stupid movies, gift wrap, sports equipment... etc
Things we are lacking: microwave cart, break lights and blinkers on our volvo, cable (probably will never get), night stands, any neighbors with unlocked wireless internet....
Things we WERE lacking: couch, chair, and .... COMPUTER!
yes. Today we decided to get a computer. But as I mentioned before, we have no internet. So it will take a little while for it to be used to its full potential. But I am glad I will no longer have to drive 15 minutes to in-laws to use them for their computer.
Pickles have absolutely nothing to do with this post. But things do.
A few things that we have discovered with our move is that we have and abundance of things that we don't need, but are lacking in things that we do need. (or want.)
Things we have too much of: photo frames, college notebooks, clothes, luggage, broken computers, crappy cds, scratched cds, stupid movies, gift wrap, sports equipment... etc
Things we are lacking: microwave cart, break lights and blinkers on our volvo, cable (probably will never get), night stands, any neighbors with unlocked wireless internet....
Things we WERE lacking: couch, chair, and .... COMPUTER!
yes. Today we decided to get a computer. But as I mentioned before, we have no internet. So it will take a little while for it to be used to its full potential. But I am glad I will no longer have to drive 15 minutes to in-laws to use them for their computer.
Friday, January 23, 2009
digging
We all know the saying, "ignorance is bliss." I've been thinking about this phrase a lot in context with my faith in God. I'm not saying that because I have faith in God I am ignorant, so please don't hear that. What I am saying is there are certain ideas and questions I have remained ignorant in, because I've been afraid of how it might change what I believe, or how I'm called to live.
-Where did the Bible come from?
-Who decided which books would make up the Bible?
-What about the books that weren't chosen?
-Did Jesus really mean what he said we he commanded to sell all we have and give to the poor and needy?
-Predestination? (won't go into too much detail on this one. It would take another blog...)
-Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit something that is separate from becoming a believer? If so, how do you become baptized by the Holy Spirit?
-What about speaking in tongues and prophesy? There are chapters in Corinthians dedicated to these gifts.
-How is baptism used in the scriptures? Should infants be baptized? What about age of accountability?
-Is the Bible God's only source of authority? Or does he still speak through people today?
-If God says we are not under the law, why are the Ten Commandments still preached?
-What does it mean to be lukewarm? Am I lukewarm? (see Revelation 3:16)
-As a Christian, should I be supporting wars when Christ calls for peace?
These are just a few of the things that I have thought about briefly, and then looked away in order to prevent a possible uncomfortable realization that what I have been living and breathing for the last 20+ years might not be exactly right....
I'm sick of looking away. I'm tired of being ignorant. In the past I've been defensive toward people who make me question. I would refuse to hear. I don't want to be that anymore. So as I start digging deeper into God and discovering who he really is and what he desires, some of my perspectives might start to change. And I'm alright with that.
-Where did the Bible come from?
-Who decided which books would make up the Bible?
-What about the books that weren't chosen?
-Did Jesus really mean what he said we he commanded to sell all we have and give to the poor and needy?
-Predestination? (won't go into too much detail on this one. It would take another blog...)
-Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit something that is separate from becoming a believer? If so, how do you become baptized by the Holy Spirit?
-What about speaking in tongues and prophesy? There are chapters in Corinthians dedicated to these gifts.
-How is baptism used in the scriptures? Should infants be baptized? What about age of accountability?
-Is the Bible God's only source of authority? Or does he still speak through people today?
-If God says we are not under the law, why are the Ten Commandments still preached?
-What does it mean to be lukewarm? Am I lukewarm? (see Revelation 3:16)
-As a Christian, should I be supporting wars when Christ calls for peace?
These are just a few of the things that I have thought about briefly, and then looked away in order to prevent a possible uncomfortable realization that what I have been living and breathing for the last 20+ years might not be exactly right....
I'm sick of looking away. I'm tired of being ignorant. In the past I've been defensive toward people who make me question. I would refuse to hear. I don't want to be that anymore. So as I start digging deeper into God and discovering who he really is and what he desires, some of my perspectives might start to change. And I'm alright with that.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
take a look,
It's in a book - Reading Rainbow!
Last week I got a library card. Well, I should say, I got an official one. Back when we first arrived in Spokane, one of the first things I did was go get a library card. I could only get a temporary card because I didn't have proof of WA residency.
Historically, my experiences with libraries have been poor. Mainly because I would accrue some pretty sizable fines that I was too cheap to pay. It's been years since I checked out anything at a library. It was nice to be able to make a fresh start.
When I got my temp card, I made myself a goal to never return a book late. Unfortunately (but not surprising), I already failed. You see, the card was only good for 30 days, so that was the longest I could keep a book until I brought in proof of residency. I kept the book for 36 days. It only cost me $0.60, but really? I'm a little ashamed.
Now that I finally have my permanent library card, I am in need of some book suggestions. So please, if you have any suggestions at all, I would love to hear them!
Last week I got a library card. Well, I should say, I got an official one. Back when we first arrived in Spokane, one of the first things I did was go get a library card. I could only get a temporary card because I didn't have proof of WA residency.
Historically, my experiences with libraries have been poor. Mainly because I would accrue some pretty sizable fines that I was too cheap to pay. It's been years since I checked out anything at a library. It was nice to be able to make a fresh start.
When I got my temp card, I made myself a goal to never return a book late. Unfortunately (but not surprising), I already failed. You see, the card was only good for 30 days, so that was the longest I could keep a book until I brought in proof of residency. I kept the book for 36 days. It only cost me $0.60, but really? I'm a little ashamed.
Now that I finally have my permanent library card, I am in need of some book suggestions. So please, if you have any suggestions at all, I would love to hear them!
Monday, January 19, 2009
think of me
In less than 5 hours, I will be bundling up, going outside, getting in my car, and driving. Where will I be driving you ask? I will be driving to work. Yes. Work. A delightful 10 hour shift is awaiting me, and by 8AM tomorrow, I will be pooped.
And since lately reading has been putting me to sleep, I am praying for a Law and Order marathon. Or Monk. Or Psych. Or Cold Case. Or something with some sort of captivating plot. Because this is not a sleep shift.
So while you are putting on your cosy PJs, snuggling with your pillow, and drifting off to sleep, think of me. But don't pity me. Because I picked up this shift. And the overtime will be sweet.
And since lately reading has been putting me to sleep, I am praying for a Law and Order marathon. Or Monk. Or Psych. Or Cold Case. Or something with some sort of captivating plot. Because this is not a sleep shift.
So while you are putting on your cosy PJs, snuggling with your pillow, and drifting off to sleep, think of me. But don't pity me. Because I picked up this shift. And the overtime will be sweet.
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