This summer has been full of many changes and surprises and it's only the end of June! I'm sitting here once again in the front office. I never seem to escape this desk. But it's okay, I kind of enjoy it and it keeps me away from working facilities.
I officially decided yesterday that I'm going to buy a new car. Mine has given me nothing but trouble this past week and it's stressed me out. I am in the process of searching for a new car and it's been fun looking and seeing what I can afford. I just bought my plane ticket home for July 7. Pretty excited.
I'm about 350 pages away from finished World Without End. It's good, but I'm ready to start some more books, like the book club books that Ashley and I are starting.
Well, back to work for 27 minutes.
Until next time.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
"No temas, porque yo estoy contigo" Isaías 43:5
"I am the LORD, your Holy One, Isreal's Creator, your King" Isaiah 43:15
I guess it's only appropriate when you've been in such a good place for things to be rattled to be reminded of who God is and how much He is alive and working in your life. Right? I guess I had one of those moments last night during our cookout Bible study. We were looking at Ephesians 1:1-14. I've read part of Ephesians before and enjoyed it, but last night, something just wasn't sitting well.
Predestination v. Free Will. How many times has it been debated? How many churches have split because of this? I don't have the answers to those questions, but I can tell you last night it ripped apart my head. Throughout the entire discussion I sat there writing all over this paper this dialogue I was having in my head. I'm not going to go into detail about what I was writing (if you want to know, ask me) because it would take too long and need to be translated (yes, I wrote it in Spanish). Needless to say, it really bothered me and I'm still not quite over it. Throughout all of it I am praying that I would be hearing the voice of truth and not just going on this winding road alone. I wish I had been listening to the discussion, though. It sounded like a lot of great things were said and discussed.
I guess the other thing is I don't know how much this should impact me. Is this a topic that should really change how I view God? Should it change the way I live my life? Regardless of whether I chose to follow Christ or it was chosen for me, does this take away from my desire to serve and lead a life according to Him? For me it just called into question a lot of things. I think me writing this and getting it out of my head is helping to process, but wow, just really bothered me yesterday and apparntly still is as countless people at work have asked me if I'm okay. I guess I wear it all over my face what's going on. Last night I had an intense look almost the entire time, too.
But I guess this is good, right? We can't sit her and be complacent in our beliefs (I have no idea how to spell that word, by the way). We learn and grow through challenging our thoughts and what it is we think we know. I guess the only true knowledge comes from God and not what we think. So I guess when we are believing what we think, God throws it at us and says, "No. You're wrong. This is truth." I don't know.
Well, that's what's rolling around in my head. Thanks for reading.
Until next time.
I guess it's only appropriate when you've been in such a good place for things to be rattled to be reminded of who God is and how much He is alive and working in your life. Right? I guess I had one of those moments last night during our cookout Bible study. We were looking at Ephesians 1:1-14. I've read part of Ephesians before and enjoyed it, but last night, something just wasn't sitting well.
Predestination v. Free Will. How many times has it been debated? How many churches have split because of this? I don't have the answers to those questions, but I can tell you last night it ripped apart my head. Throughout the entire discussion I sat there writing all over this paper this dialogue I was having in my head. I'm not going to go into detail about what I was writing (if you want to know, ask me) because it would take too long and need to be translated (yes, I wrote it in Spanish). Needless to say, it really bothered me and I'm still not quite over it. Throughout all of it I am praying that I would be hearing the voice of truth and not just going on this winding road alone. I wish I had been listening to the discussion, though. It sounded like a lot of great things were said and discussed.
I guess the other thing is I don't know how much this should impact me. Is this a topic that should really change how I view God? Should it change the way I live my life? Regardless of whether I chose to follow Christ or it was chosen for me, does this take away from my desire to serve and lead a life according to Him? For me it just called into question a lot of things. I think me writing this and getting it out of my head is helping to process, but wow, just really bothered me yesterday and apparntly still is as countless people at work have asked me if I'm okay. I guess I wear it all over my face what's going on. Last night I had an intense look almost the entire time, too.
But I guess this is good, right? We can't sit her and be complacent in our beliefs (I have no idea how to spell that word, by the way). We learn and grow through challenging our thoughts and what it is we think we know. I guess the only true knowledge comes from God and not what we think. So I guess when we are believing what we think, God throws it at us and says, "No. You're wrong. This is truth." I don't know.
Well, that's what's rolling around in my head. Thanks for reading.
Until next time.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
UP not so uplifiting
I kind of feel that this is going to be a movie review, which in a sense it is, but I hope it to be more than that.
Last night Andrew and I went and saw Up by Disney and Pixar. I was very excited going into it; I love Disney/Pixar movies. I won't spoil it for you, but I will give you a quick recap of how I feel about it. It started off hilarious, but quickly added a very serious and sad element. Maybe it was because one of the character's name is Ellie and that's my grandma's name, but it felt too serious for a kid's movie. I know they make them for adults, too, but this was just too serious. It tainted the rest of the movie and it kept going back to this sad element. The movie was full of hilarious antics and great stuff that kids, teens and adults will like. I enjoyed seeing it and would probably see it again. Not to mention, the short before it was HILARIOUS. Sometimes I wish they would just make those into movies; they're so funny.
Next weekend when I go home I'm going to make sure I get pictures with my whole family. My grandparents are getting older and I want to make sure I have pictures with them. I also want pictures with everyone else in my family. Hopefully that will happen.
This week is dragging on. Tuesday felt like Friday to me, and it's only Thursday. Sheesh. Next week I don't have to work facilities again because I'm helping out with camps! I'm getting very lucky with that. There are a few other things in the works that might help me out even more. Time will tell.
This weekend is going to be fun. My aunt's neighbor is having a Luau Party and they got a Tiki Bar! How awesome is that? Sunday, my aunt is also having a jury party. I love those. Tons of people getting togeter and talking about legal jank, it's awesome.
Well, it's back to work. Need to make it look like I'm doing something.
Until next time.
Last night Andrew and I went and saw Up by Disney and Pixar. I was very excited going into it; I love Disney/Pixar movies. I won't spoil it for you, but I will give you a quick recap of how I feel about it. It started off hilarious, but quickly added a very serious and sad element. Maybe it was because one of the character's name is Ellie and that's my grandma's name, but it felt too serious for a kid's movie. I know they make them for adults, too, but this was just too serious. It tainted the rest of the movie and it kept going back to this sad element. The movie was full of hilarious antics and great stuff that kids, teens and adults will like. I enjoyed seeing it and would probably see it again. Not to mention, the short before it was HILARIOUS. Sometimes I wish they would just make those into movies; they're so funny.
Next weekend when I go home I'm going to make sure I get pictures with my whole family. My grandparents are getting older and I want to make sure I have pictures with them. I also want pictures with everyone else in my family. Hopefully that will happen.
This week is dragging on. Tuesday felt like Friday to me, and it's only Thursday. Sheesh. Next week I don't have to work facilities again because I'm helping out with camps! I'm getting very lucky with that. There are a few other things in the works that might help me out even more. Time will tell.
This weekend is going to be fun. My aunt's neighbor is having a Luau Party and they got a Tiki Bar! How awesome is that? Sunday, my aunt is also having a jury party. I love those. Tons of people getting togeter and talking about legal jank, it's awesome.
Well, it's back to work. Need to make it look like I'm doing something.
Until next time.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Al coro de la patata...
I have ring around the rosie in Spanish stuck in my head. Just so you all might get it in your heads too, I'm going to write it out.
Al coro de la patata
Comeremos ensalada
La que comen los señores
Naranjitas y limones
Alupe, alupe
Estandita me quede
It doesn't go to the original tune, but it's a good song. Maybe next week I can incorporate it into Spanish Camp! Wee.
So just another day at work. I think I've been getting too much sleep. I go to bed before 10:30 every night and wake up before my alarm (which goes off at 6:30) and am really tired. Maybe it is too much sleep. Who knows.
Tonight I am seeing Up with Andrew for $5 in VA Beach. I'm excited. I haven't seen a movie in a while and this one looks very promising. Disney and Pixar make some of the best movies.
I received some more information about Student Teaching yesterday and unfortunately it throws a bone into my Spain plans, but I guess I'll just have to go another time, like after graduation!
I also need to start looking into applying for grad schools. Cannot wait! I just hate waiting to hear back, ya know? I have a few things to be working on before I get to be done, like the GRE's, VCLA and a very solid writing sample.
I have some awesome plans set up for when I go home next weekend: seeing my cousin Samantha, my cousin Katelyn and my old high school Spanish teacher, Eva. It's exciting. Well, just going to spend the day doing something and reading here and there.
Until next time.
Al coro de la patata
Comeremos ensalada
La que comen los señores
Naranjitas y limones
Alupe, alupe
Estandita me quede
It doesn't go to the original tune, but it's a good song. Maybe next week I can incorporate it into Spanish Camp! Wee.
So just another day at work. I think I've been getting too much sleep. I go to bed before 10:30 every night and wake up before my alarm (which goes off at 6:30) and am really tired. Maybe it is too much sleep. Who knows.
Tonight I am seeing Up with Andrew for $5 in VA Beach. I'm excited. I haven't seen a movie in a while and this one looks very promising. Disney and Pixar make some of the best movies.
I received some more information about Student Teaching yesterday and unfortunately it throws a bone into my Spain plans, but I guess I'll just have to go another time, like after graduation!
I also need to start looking into applying for grad schools. Cannot wait! I just hate waiting to hear back, ya know? I have a few things to be working on before I get to be done, like the GRE's, VCLA and a very solid writing sample.
I have some awesome plans set up for when I go home next weekend: seeing my cousin Samantha, my cousin Katelyn and my old high school Spanish teacher, Eva. It's exciting. Well, just going to spend the day doing something and reading here and there.
Until next time.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Voice Of Truth
How many times do we hear the voices of guilt, jealousy, anger, temptation and doubt? Why do we constantly choose to listen to these voices? Is it because they allow us to feel righteous when we're angry at someone? Or to feel bad for ourselves when something didn't go right? How many times do we get caught up in this? I know for me it happens quite frequently. This post has been in my head since last night and I have just found the time to write it.
Not to quote Casting Crowns, but they got it right in their song Voice of Truth. I can name countless times in the past few days that I have been listening to everything but the voice of truth. It's so easy for these "voices" to creep into a situation and ruin it. Lately I've been thinking about those people that say they are constantly doing things to glorify God, and are always talking about it. I have never understood that. How can you be thinking about that ALL the time? Don't you pay attention to what else is going on in the world? I find it very hard to focus on that because I'm so wrapped up in what's going on around me. I get so caught up in a desire or temptation that I block out and ignore the voice of truth. The truth that I shouldn't do that, that I shouldn't be that angry, that I shouldn't be doubting right now. Maybe it's been my desire to read scripture more, but lately I've been thinking about how God is impacting my life in a daily sense and not just big picture. I think that's one of my biggest hold ups. I forget that God is alive and active in daily life and doesn't just have this plan and dumps us off to figure out.
It's very easy to confuse God's voice with the voice of the Evil One. God doesn't guilt us or shame us. I know that I find myself feeling guilty about something and thinking that it's God telling me something. God convicts us, but doesn't guilt. I've been finding it hard to differentiate between the two, but I think that with more scripture reading and seeing more of who God is, it's becoming a little easier. The other day I was talking to Kristen (new staff worker), and we were talking about Acts and how sometimes there isn't a whole lot of application. She made a very good point that the Bible isn't just for application and ways to live a better life, but a way to see who God is and learn about his character.
I've been finding myself in prayer a lot more lately. It's definitely been a good thing, I'm just curious where this switch came from. I guess I know, but it's weird to see how different things are when you spend more time in prayer, and are praying about things that are important.
Summer has kicked off and I have been working a ton. I don't really spend that much time with people like I used to. It's kind of weird. I go home right after work to VA Beach and spend my evenings there. It's not a bad thing, but I see how it has changed some things. I guess this is a good precursor to a few things. But, there's no giving up on things. Everything changes, you just have to roll with it and work to keep what you find important. I will say though, living with my aunt has inspired many great conversations and I'm loving it. It's a lot of fun living there.
I'm going home next weekend for my brother's wedding. It was kind of thrown at me last minute and I had to buy a plane ticket home ($230 later). Not exactly what I wanted to be spending my money on, but I'm really excited to be going.
The other day I was talking with Eva, my high school Spanish teacher, about my trip to Spain and we were discussing a few things. I'm very excited. I just need to hear back from some people at ODU and then we can really discuss it. Alison will be in France at that time and it would be pretty sweet to go hang out there and maybe hit up Italy or Portugal while I'm there. Time will tell.
But, now it's back to work. Only a few more days sitting here and then I'll be wishing I were back here.
Until next time.
Not to quote Casting Crowns, but they got it right in their song Voice of Truth. I can name countless times in the past few days that I have been listening to everything but the voice of truth. It's so easy for these "voices" to creep into a situation and ruin it. Lately I've been thinking about those people that say they are constantly doing things to glorify God, and are always talking about it. I have never understood that. How can you be thinking about that ALL the time? Don't you pay attention to what else is going on in the world? I find it very hard to focus on that because I'm so wrapped up in what's going on around me. I get so caught up in a desire or temptation that I block out and ignore the voice of truth. The truth that I shouldn't do that, that I shouldn't be that angry, that I shouldn't be doubting right now. Maybe it's been my desire to read scripture more, but lately I've been thinking about how God is impacting my life in a daily sense and not just big picture. I think that's one of my biggest hold ups. I forget that God is alive and active in daily life and doesn't just have this plan and dumps us off to figure out.
It's very easy to confuse God's voice with the voice of the Evil One. God doesn't guilt us or shame us. I know that I find myself feeling guilty about something and thinking that it's God telling me something. God convicts us, but doesn't guilt. I've been finding it hard to differentiate between the two, but I think that with more scripture reading and seeing more of who God is, it's becoming a little easier. The other day I was talking to Kristen (new staff worker), and we were talking about Acts and how sometimes there isn't a whole lot of application. She made a very good point that the Bible isn't just for application and ways to live a better life, but a way to see who God is and learn about his character.
I've been finding myself in prayer a lot more lately. It's definitely been a good thing, I'm just curious where this switch came from. I guess I know, but it's weird to see how different things are when you spend more time in prayer, and are praying about things that are important.
Summer has kicked off and I have been working a ton. I don't really spend that much time with people like I used to. It's kind of weird. I go home right after work to VA Beach and spend my evenings there. It's not a bad thing, but I see how it has changed some things. I guess this is a good precursor to a few things. But, there's no giving up on things. Everything changes, you just have to roll with it and work to keep what you find important. I will say though, living with my aunt has inspired many great conversations and I'm loving it. It's a lot of fun living there.
I'm going home next weekend for my brother's wedding. It was kind of thrown at me last minute and I had to buy a plane ticket home ($230 later). Not exactly what I wanted to be spending my money on, but I'm really excited to be going.
The other day I was talking with Eva, my high school Spanish teacher, about my trip to Spain and we were discussing a few things. I'm very excited. I just need to hear back from some people at ODU and then we can really discuss it. Alison will be in France at that time and it would be pretty sweet to go hang out there and maybe hit up Italy or Portugal while I'm there. Time will tell.
But, now it's back to work. Only a few more days sitting here and then I'll be wishing I were back here.
Until next time.
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