Updates...

So!!! I know its been a while since ya'll have heard from me but I wanted to let you know whats going on in my life, and what my plans for the summer are!!
Classes are going pretty well, there are only two, well three, okay four that I don't like so much. Out of six. No really, only one that I feel is a waste of time, the rest are just difficult to sit through. The last two are great!!! Greek is my FAVORITE class by far and I'm learning so much in it I LOVE IT!!!
Work has been pretty crazy lately. Two weeks ago we had 8 games in 5 days. I was in the gym more than I was in class. This past week has been pretty low key, just gearing up for the weekend. Last night was our Exposure Film Festival. Simpson students write, direct and produce films and then we roll out the red carpet (literally), get celebrity look alikes from the student body, everyone gets dressed up and we have our own little premier. Today was our Craft and FairTrade Bizarre: this is a chance for local artisans from the area to sell their goods as well as a big FairTrade opportunity. FairTrade is the overarching name of organizations that work to help raise self-sufficiency among people in third world countries. They go in and teach people a marketable trade and then sell those products in the US for what theyre worth and all of the money goes back to the person making it. FairTrade helps free women prostitution and helps put food on the tables of countless families.
Next week we only have classes Monday and Tuesday because of Thanksgiving YAY for a break!!!! Then we come back for a week and then its finals. On December 11th I will officially be done with my second to last semester of college!!!!
FLASH AHEAD: GRADUATION is April 25th at 10am on my Simpson University campus. YAY!!!!!
Which brings me to my plans for the summer. I have been given a fantastic opportunity to do some major traveling this summer. I need a few last credits to graduate with my minor, and so I will be taking the Israel Study Tour with Simpson in May and early June. You heard right ISRAEL . Ill be gone for three weeks studying the area where the patriarchs lived, where David fought Goliath and where Jesus walked. Well stay at Jerusalem University College for the majority of the tour and walk around Jerusalem as well as visiting archeological sites and eating a real Sabbath meal. A great friend has traveled and stayed in this area extensively, and Im looking forward to seeing the sites she mentions so frequently. After Israel , I will be traveling to France for two weeks to join a dear friend. The first week will be spent in the Taize Community (http://www.taize.fr/en). This community is an international and ecumenical community that focuses on worship through chant, repetition, silence and song. The last week or so in France we will spend touring the area ( Eiffel Tower here I come!!) Then off to England and Scotland for more visiting and touring. After all of these thrilling adventures, I'll be back on American soil and soon back to gorgeous California !!!
So here's what it looks like:
Israel Study Tour May 16th June 7th
France (two weeks)
Scotland and England
Home.
As I have worked through this process God has opened every door and in some cases has practically shoved me through. I'm so tremendously excited I can't really describe it!!!! There are many things that I will miss being gone this long (roughly seven weeks) but I know that there will never be another time in my life for an opportunity like this. This is mostly just for informational purposes, but I will also ask you to pray that things continue to go smoothly and that the funds come in. I have some educational loans left and will do some fundraisers. But I also have responsibilities here that must be paid while I am gone and overseas travel is not cheap.
Mostly I ask you to pray that the trip is as educational as I'm hoping it will be, that we are safe there and back, and that God is glorified through this experience.
Thanks for listening to (reading) my babbling!
Love you all!!!
Natasha

So I realize that its been a while since I posted. But just check out what the future holds for me:
My Cultural Identity Paper for Cindy Strong is due tomorrow.
I have a sermon evaluation due on Tuesday and also our first basketball game. Wednesday brings a test on a book that I hate and didn't read all the way and our last soccer game and possibly a make up volleyball game.
I have to preach in class on Thursday and just thinking about it makes me want to puke. On Friday we have another basketball game and a 'movie night' in the dorm which for some reason I’m setting up for.
Next week, I have pretty meaningless homework til Thursday where I have a group presentation due.
Friday where I have a communicating cross culturally midterm (the last one which I didn't do so good on).
What makes this week interesting is that I have a game on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I also have two games on Friday and three games on Saturday. And Friday and Saturday I’m Dan-less – Dan is my announcer, he pretty much makes basketball games what they are for the crowd.
I get Sunday ‘off’ but its back to school on Monday.
Another sermon evaluation is due on Tuesday and my third sermon manuscript is due on Thursday.
I have a test the following Monday and a huge application paper due on Tuesday, then thanksgiving ‘break’.
We come back from thanksgiving break and I have a Proficiency paper due, another sermon eval due on Tuesday, a home basketball game on Wednesday along with my lead project due and my second semester evaluation with Phil due Thursday.
The next week is finals – three on Wednesday and one on Thursday.
Its gonna be a fun rest of the semester don’t ya think?
Yes, I am to be pitied. But don't let me catch you doing it, I hate pity.

Church Signs and Sermon Titles

Church Signs
The Best Vitamin for a Christian is B1.
It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
Try our Sundays, they are better than Baskin-Robbins.
Come in and have your faith lifted.
This is a ch__ch. What’s missing?
You are not too bad to come in. You are not too good to stay out.
Can’t sleep? Try counting your blessings.
Try Jesus. If you don’t like him, the devil will always take you back.
Life is hard. Afterlife is harder!
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Where will you be sitting in eternity? Smoking or non-smoking?
Under same management for over 2,000 years.

Sermon Titles
A Fat Servant is Better than a Skinny Corpse (Luke 15:17)
A Few Good Men: Gideon's Army (J.F. Higgins)
A Major Message From A Minor Prophet (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
A Nude Dude in a Rude Mood: A sermon on the Gadarene Demoniac
All stressed up and nowhere to go
American Culture-Polytheisism at its Best (A.S.)
An address to Submarine Christians--those who surface Christmas and Easter!
An Attitude of Gratitude (Luke 17:11-19) (J. Bryant)
Are you in the Way, or are you in the way? (John 14:6) (JLN)
Born to RAZE Hell. (raze-destroy,break down, demolish) (Tom Foster)
But GOD Romans 5-8
Don't Panic It's Just A Test
Driven to Distraction (Luke 10:38-42, Martha distracted by many things)
Get Off Your Donkey - Parable of Good Samaritan. (W. Vendt)
Gone With The Wind: (house on a rock) (RWJ)
How Are You Going To Get Along In Heaven With People You Can't Get Along With Here?
How Big is Your Barn? (storing up treasures on earth)
If You Can't Keep Up, Keep Going
I'm gonna be in heaven with him?
Is God your steering wheel or your spare tire.
Lost in His Own Back Yard (the older Brother)
Love 'Em All, and Let God Sort 'Em Out (loving your enemies)
More Zip for the Trip - Elijah out running the chariots
Not Your Typical Baptist (Luke 3:1-6)
Shared Any Good 'Yokes' Lately? (message on servanthood) (David A. Hall)
Standing On The Promises or Sitting On The Premises (sermon on service) (David A. Hall)
Table Manners (On Communion)
The Buts of the Believer (II Corinthians 4:7-9) (JLN)
The Church - Some assembly required (Mike Petzer)
The company you keep! (I Samuel 10:5-11) (Eld. Harvin)
The Great Ommission
The Man in the Middle
The Mighty Mite-The Widow's Mite
The rude, crude, dude in the nude (Luke 8:26)
The Saline Solution (Salt of the earth)
Three (Wise) Men and a Baby Christmas Sermon (Pastor Manuel Cruz Jr.)
Turn or Burn! (Revelation 20:15)
Unthawing the Frozen Chosen
WANTED: SAINTS - DEAD OR ALIVE! (John 11:32-44 -- M. Stone)
What on earth are you doing for Heavens’ sake?
What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do (Rev. Larry Moore)

Oh college...

20 Things Admissions Never Told You About College
1. Quarters are gold
2. Two meals per day is the standard
3. You will begin to nap again
4. College students throw paper airplanes too
5. You never realized that so many people were smarter than you
6. Western Europe could be wiped out by a horrible plague and you wouldn’t know it.
7. Cartoons are for all ages
8. Disney movies are more than just classics
9. It never hurt so much to get sick
10. The health service nurses are there because they couldn’t make it at a real hospital. Never, ever forget that.
11. Care packages are right up there with birthdays
12. Jeans may be worn as many times as the wearer desires
13. The only time to dress up is when your jeans are dirty
14. Creativity in the dining hall is KEY
15. The FRESHMEN 15 is NOT a myth
16. Cereal makes a meal any time of day
17. You will eat anywhere that is a buffet
18. You will eat anything that is free
19. ATM’s are the devil’s advocate. ATM = Another Twenty Missing
20. You are never alone!


Top 10 Reasons That College Is Like Preschool
10. You cry for your mother
9. You cross the street without looking for cars
8. Snack time is necessity
7. You bundle up for the outdoors without caring what you look like because everyone else looks as stupid as you do.
6. You stay at home and play games with your friends
5. You wear your backpack on both shoulders
4. You wear big mittens
3. Playing in the snow is a legitimate activity
2. You take naps
1. You look forward to grilled cheese sandwiches

You Know You’ve Been In College Too Long When…
• You actually like doing laundry at home
• You’d rather clean than study
• Mom’s meatloaf and potatoes become something you desire, not avoid
• You live for getting mail
• Looking out the window is a form of entertainment
• You start thinking and sounding like your roommate
• Highlighters become the coolest thing on earth


Before I Came To College I Wish I Had Known That…
• I could change so much and barely realize it
• You can love a lot of people in a lot of different ways
• No matter how ‘cool’ you were in High School, no one here cares
• Every clock on campus shows a different time
• Even if you were smart in High School, you’re NOT here
• You can know everything and fail a test
• You can know nothing and ace a test
• Most of my education would be obtained outside of class
• Friendship requires more than you think
• Psychology is really Biology. Biology is really Chemistry, Chemistry is really Physics. And Physics is really Math.
• It’s possible to be alone even when people surround you
• Friends are what make this place worthwhile!

Share with your friends, because without friends, college is prison.

Culture's Core

I recall now, so very clearly
as evening clings like tapestry,
a distant time when i was small
and loved to creep along the wall
toward the circle cast by light
where elders talked, among themselves, into the night.

They filled the room with stirring tales, as I--
in my pajamas with the little feet--would lie
behind the outsized chair, hair pressed to rung,
listening invisibly, 'til wakened by the hug
of arms that cradled me 'round knee and head
and placed me back in sagging bed.

They told their stories,
one by one, of hardships suffered, and of glories--
times endured, evils feared,
stunning triumphs engineered
by luck, effort, patience, cunning,
and those who saved themselves by running.

I remember, too, the sagas told
about the turning points in growing old
amidst the tempests once withstood,
and tender details of first kisses, which were good
for waves of jokes and laughter
that I scarcely understood 'til after
i had aged, and learned of love affairs,
and private things that people do in pairs.

So now, like sages who have been and done,
who've told their tales of favors lost and won,
I primp my heirs with stories from my youth
of the vainglorious pursuits of truth,
justice, and the 'Merican way,
'til a still small voice can guide, I pray,
the journey forth where only they may go,
toward a promised land, which I will never know.

Thus repeats the simple lore
of passion, pleasure, pain and pride
that marks us all, deep down inside,
as humans with a common core.

--Myron W. Lustig

This week...

WOW. Since my last posting I have missed two birthdays, one trophy, a bad loss and the start of classes.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE AND MADDIE!!!!!!!!
Way to go Men's Soccer!!!! Beat Oregon Institute of Technology 5-0 to win the OIT Tournament!!! One of the guys who works for me and used to play goalie scored two goals at striker - talk about position change!
Our Women's Volleyball team lost to Chico State...wasn't a huge surprise.
Classes started on Tuesday. I started my week with Preaching I. I wasn't too stoked about this class to start with, but I don't have to preach in front of a whole church so I'm really stoked about that!!! Then I had Peoples of the World which is focused on China this year because our Overseas Worker in Residence is working in China. Except right now, when she's here, teaching us. AND, her name is Jolene!!!! How cool is that?
Wednesday I started with Communicating Cross Culturally where my phone went off in class. That was embarrassing. That looks to be a really REALLY great class; its taught by one of Nicole's favorite profs. Then chapel (Academic Convocation, Senior Class Picture etc) and lunch.
Next was what I think will be the highlight of my semester: Greek. I am seriously SO stoked and excited and terrified of and SOOOOOO looking forward to this class - I just can't tell you. And, tonight, I learned the Greek alphabet. So there.
My last class on Wednesday was Leadership in Ministry. Doesn't look to be a phenomenal class, and it did require five books (ARG) but I'll get through it.
Today I had Preaching and Peoples, and usually I have my Internship Class...only today I TOTALLY blanked it. Completely forgot that I had a class. My prof called me after they were done and even then my phone didn't ring at the call, it only rang through the message he left. Where he told me that he figured I had just forgotten and therefore wasn't dropping me from the course and that hopefully I had a horrified look on my face and would be scurrying over to his office to apologize in person etc etc. (He's really a great prof, and he's my adviser.) And I did exactly that. Practically ran across campus to Labum to catch him before he left, which I did. Apologized profusely, got my syllabus and signed up for my presentation date. That presentation is worth 65% of my grade in that class, how's that for daunting? Besides that presentation the only thing I get graded on are 10 one page responses to a book we read last semester, Blue Like Jazz. This class will be a breeze, if I can just manage to show up...
Crazy plans for the weekend, lots of homework; a service project followed by swim and BBQ. Church on Sunday followed by more homework I'm sure. Back to classes on Monday. Hopefully I'll make it through the week without my phone going off in class or forgetting to go to class.
I'm off now, study break has lasted long enough. I owe my Greek professor another hour at least on the Greek alphabet before our quiz tomorrow and then there's Monday's homework to start on.
LOVE TO ALL!!!
Skip

The coming of students.

Well. It has begun. The coming of students. It happens every fall. Every fall we have the influx of freshmen, and with freshmen come parents and siblings and stuff beyond all power to comprehend. With freshmen comes more cars than our poor little parking lot can handle and the inability to drive in our only somewhat convoluted parking lot.
Before the freshmen even get here the craziness starts with insane set ups by the most fantastic greatest Conference Services crew (my second, third or fourth job, depending on how you count). This year it was a skeleton crew as we had two off playing soccer, three FYE leaders, an ASBSU rep, one off to the mail-room and a vacationer. That means that we set the gym the first couple of times last week with five people. We did a set up that included matting the entire gym floor, setting up the stage, four recs (rectangular tables), 11 pieces of lattice and cramming 56 round tables with eight rather large chapel chairs around each table with five crew members. It was a feat of genius. ANYWAY. The set ups and tear downs and moves have been RIDICULOUS this weekend. I've worked eight hours every day for the past week. It makes for a wonderful paycheck, but I'm so bruised I look like a dalmatian.
The parents of all the freshmen are the worst on campus when it comes to driving, they don't follow the speed limit (there's something wrong when the campus safety officer is begging you to go faster) choosing to go five mph instead of the 15 mph we're allowed as they gape at the people working or the buildings or whatever it is that they're looking at. AND, they drive the wrong way in my parking lot. The sign says 'Right Turn Only'. Not, "please, go straight here so that you're headed the WRONG way along the dorm parking lot while you don't look where you're going because you're trying to get to the dorm so you're craning your neck to see the name and then WHOOPS!!! Almost ran over the CS crew on the Juice who have already been working for five hours in this triple digit weather!!!" Yes, it annoys me.
By now the parents have left (or were supposed to have left). And today is the day that the rest of the students come back. For some of them I'm really excited. For most of them I just wish they'd go away so I can park somewhere remotely close to my dorm. Sometimes I think it would be worth it to be an RA just to have my own parking spot.
Tomorrow the freshmen have all this stuff they have to do, and those students who didn't arrive yesterday will get here to find the parking lot so full they can't back up to unload their stuff, their roommate here and only a third instead of half of their room to shove all their stuff into. I also have to work tomorrow morning all by myself again. It shouldn't be too big a deal, it just means that I have to be everywhere at once which is never fun.
Classes start on Tuesday. SUPER excited!!!! REALLY nervous - this is my senior year. I just can't get over that. This is my senior year. I am a senior in college. I have two semesters left and then I'm done. With college. I am on my way to being a college graduate. Its weird.
All of which to say that I'm back in Redding getting ready to start classes and that the posting will happen with some amount of regularity again. Just so you know.
The trivia could come back...it depends on who cares to answer.
I'm looking forward to updating you all on my life as I attend classes and work this fall, on my second to last semester. (Again, WEIRD.)
LOVE YOU!!!
Skippy

Wanted to share some pretty FABULOUS slightly (ahem) sarcastic quotes to brighten your day!!! Remember not to take yourself too seriously, no one else does.

Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor’s newspaper, that's the time to do it.

Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

The quickest way to double your money is to sold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

A closed mouth gathers no foot.

Duct tape is like 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Be who you are say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

SONG

Song: “n. 1. short metrical composition intended or adapted for singing, esp. one in rhymed stanzas. 2. poetical composition; poetry. 3. the art or act of singing; vocal music.” Music: “n. an art of sound in time that expresses ides and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics.” According to Mr. Webster, ‘music’ and ‘song’ are similar, as they will be for the purpose of this paper. Today the distinction is made between Song and song. Today, music and song will be what Webster states it as: “sound in time that expresses ides and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics.” And Song will be not only the countless songs I have known, sung, listened to and played myself over the years, but the way the wind moves through the trees and the glorious sound of community. Song is the crescendo of instruments in perfect tune and the voice of my best friend as she reads scripture. Song is the perfection with which some authors write their books and the encouraging notes I receive from friends. Song is not just voice, although that has been a significant part of it. Song is a language, an emotion, a state of mind, and an expression. It is all encompassing and yet the most exclusive thing I have ever known. Song, is complicated; and Song is simple. Song is perfectly balanced, and incredibly intuitive. Song just is.
Song has a great significance for me. My mother once said “Singing is breathing for us.” She’s right, I’ve sung my whole life, I don’t remember a time before there was song. The song has just always been, always. My father was a music minister for thirty years; my mother played the piano. I sang in church from the time I could speak, I’m fairly certain that my Dad taught me to sing before he taught me to talk. Throughout my life many things have changed, most of them in the past three years. Since I graduated High School my father has passed away, my mother and I have moved out of the home I had lived in my entire life; going to church (let alone singing in church) has become a sporadic event, and I have questioned my faith and the God that I have believed in and have loved for 13 years. And through all of that, two things have remained the same: the God I questioned, and the Song I carried in my soul. More often than not, it is that Song that carries me back to God. In the same way that Song used to carry me back to God, it continues to draw me in, opening my mind and my heart to God’s presence, making it okay for me to search for Him. Song can pull me into God, even when I am desperately running the other way. Song expresses to me the emotions and thoughts of God that I cannot seem to feel or understand. It allows me to express to God the way I feel and what I think when I cannot seem to find the words. Song is the way that I am able to openly communicate with God. In Song I am most open, and Song is the best mode for me to convey my inner self – especially to God. “Song is the best and only true expression of the human soul, especially this human soul.”
Song is ever changing, yet completely constant; more or less, good or bad, loud or soft, in tune or off key – it is continually shifting and yet is relentlessly the same essence. This is extremely significant to me because I get very frustrated when something is repeated without variation; and yet – I need the consistency of the same medium and of my understanding of that medium. Each time I listen to a song I hear something different: another instrument or recurring melodic phrase, another lyric or artist intonation, another sound. The song resounds repeatedly, each a unique part of a united whole. This resonates with me because in the same way that I hear a new sound in a song, through Song I hear, see, and learn a different strain of God. Song shows me the lessons about God that I have not fully learned; pointing out the parts of God I should be focusing on, and the promises that He has made.
The lines of song that impact me the most are the lines that are straight from scripture. There are countless songs that are taken straight from scripture. The Psalms in particular are a great source of song lyrics, mostly because they are songs themselves. Just as there countless biblical songs, there are two works that demonstrate Song and speak directly of the Singer. The first is an actual song call ‘The Singer” by David Phelps. Here are some of the lyrics:

The music began at His command and the Singer drew his breath
The melody rose and dawned on the land and pierced the emptiness
And from a barren and lonely place life began to spring
As on the stage of time and space God threw back His head and began to sing
Let there be light /Invade the darkness, fill up the void, replace the noise, with sweet harmony
Let there be joy, and echoes of laughter
And the Singer sings on and still writes the song of the redeemed
Though beautifully sung, the song went unheard and darkness returned again
But God had a plan in the second verse to win back the hearts of man
A star rose up in the eastern sky that night in Bethlehem
And as the baby Jesus cried God sang out His song and the angels joined in
And every time a soul receives that joyful Christmas song
He rises from His throne and all creation sings along

The second is actually from a well known book.

“In the darkness something was happening at last. A voice had begun to sing. … Sometimes it seemed to come from all directions at once. Sometimes he almost thought it was coming out of the earth beneath them. Its lower notes were deep enough to be the voice of the earth herself. There were no words. There was hardly even a tune. But it was, beyond comparison, the most beautiful noise he had ever heard. It was so beautiful he could hardly bear it. … the voice was suddenly joined by other voices; more voices than you could possibly count. They were in harmony with it, but far higher up the scale: cold, tingling, silvery voices. The second wonder was that the blackness overhead, all at once, was blazing with stars. They didn’t come out gently one by one, as they do on a summer evening. One moment there had been nothing but darkness; next moment a thousand, thousand points of light leapt out…you would have felt quite certain that it was the stars themselves which were singing, and that it was the First Voice, the deep one, which had made them appear and made them sing. … The Voice rose and rose, till all the air was shaking with it. And just as it swelled to the mightiest and most glorious sound it had yet produced, the sun arose. … The earth was of many colours: they were fresh, hot and vivid. They made you feel excited; until you saw the Singer himself, and then you forgot everything else.”

C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew. I included this section to demonstrate that this is not simply Lewis writing about Song, this writing IS Song. It’s a perfect example of Song not being music. It’s a perfect example of how reading a section of a book sends chills down my spine and makes my heart race. Both of these inserts are about the Singer and how He sang the world into being. The Creation story as told in Genesis are lyrics (so to speak) and David Phelps’ “The Singer” and C.S. Lewis’s prose are the melody and the harmony that take those lyrics from words on a page to real and tangible life that you can feel all the way down to your soul.

HISTORY OF SONG
I grew up in Southern Baptist churches where the standard service would begin with two praise songs and three hymns followed by an offertory hymn, the sermon, and a hymn or praise song for the benediction. Music was never discussed as anything more than music in my church; although we did talk a lot about the fact that musical talent was a gift of God and a gift not everyone had. We also talked about the people who have that gift being called to share it with everyone, and the way that everyone is blessed when those talented members share their gifts with the whole church. Song as I define it, my Song, was a non issue at my church: never encouraged, never discouraged – just never discussed. My family is where my Song really developed. As previously stated, song was always a part of my life at home; that song grew to become my Song. There was always music playing at my house: a tape or a CD, a music video on the TV, Mom playing the piano or one of us singing. I played the piano for several years; began playing the clarinet in the fourth grade and continued to play until after my first semester at Simpson; and danced from the time I was three until I started middle school. I sang in talent shows at school and during special times on Sundays at church. My family was always part of whatever musical production my church was doing. I learned early on that as long as it was music I was playing; it was liked by everyone in the house and I could blast my stereo as loud as I wanted it. All of that is just the ‘music’ part of it. Song is the language of my soul; my soul learned to speak the way it did at home because we shared feelings and thoughts through song. My Song was born here and nourished here in the way we lived our lives. At church, Song came through as we sang my favorite songs on Sundays, the ones that all the old people had memorized and what Mom played on the piano when she was just playing instead of practicing. At home, Song was in everything we did and felt. I believe that the Song I learned at home is not only a accurate representation but also what has carried me through the years to where I am now. I would also take the Song I learned at home one step further. Music can be Song, yes; but fabulous pictures are Song; so are amazing books, really good food, and a sunny day spent working in the yard. I find Song in getting things crossed off a list, or making someone happy. Song is all around me when I play with my nieces or work hard and fast with my crew to set up the gym. I have learned in the past three years that a place without Song is not a place I want to be; that the life permeated by Song is what I long for – and that Song is my highway to God. Life permeated by Song is life permeated by God, and that is my ultimate goal.

MY SONG TODAY
One way that my definition of Song changed recently is mode of expression. Just as Song is expressed to me in multiple ways, I can express Song in multiple ways. My first method of Song was my voice, and for a long time I thought that voice, specifically my voice, was the only method I had to express Song. I have been learning this year that sometimes the best way for me to express anything is through silence. My voice has been a source of pride in the past, and rightly so – my Daddy taught me well and I was gifted with that talent. I have lost most of that in the past few years, and I have also come to see that my voice should not be a source of pride for me, but a source of pride for God. I have learned that when I sing I am often singing for myself, even if the words I am singing are meant for God. I have found that in those times when I want to sing out loudly – especially when those words from my heart really are for God, that by being silent and just listening to the words and the music, reciting them in my head I am pulled farther in God’s embrace. By being silent, I allow my soul to sing, instead of my vocal box; Dad may have trained my vocal chords, but God is forever training my soul. I have learned that Song is everywhere – you just have to look for it. Intentionality is a word that we used often in my Spiritual Formation class, and it is the word that fits best here. Regardless of where I am or what I’m doing or how I’m feeling, if I can find my Song – my day instantly improves. If I am intentional about looking for Song in other people, I feel more akin to them and am more apt to show them love and support. If I search for Song in myself, I am more at peace with who I am and what I’m doing. I have also learned that I don’t have Song when I’m happy, I am happy because I have Song. I feel the presence of God near me when I am in tune with Song, even if what I am doing is not your typical ‘worship’ activity. When I listen to some of the movie scores in my iTunes, they strike such a chord in me that I can literally sit back from my computer, close my eyes, and soar above the clouds with my Maker. When I see pictures of my family I have taken, pictures others have taken of me– just my favorite pictures, I see in those faces or landscapes the hand of my heavenly Father and I am drawn into creation and Creator alike. Last year my suitemates and a few of the other girls were just sitting in our room hanging out while one of them packed to go home for weekend. We were there for almost three hours, just hanging out and talking and giggling as girls do – this was a time when Song was all around me, weaving in and out of my mind and my heart, binding us together as sisters in Christ. I find Song in the oddest things: movie lines and quotes from musicals, the random things that happen at work that we laugh about for days. Funny one liners that pop up on Facebook. The day that Jason Lezak came out of nowhere to win the Gold for the Americans – an event for which God was not given the glory by anyone involved; but I watched that and thought of the Creator who made those four guys muscle by muscle to be able to do that and the Great Orchestrator who brought them together to make it happen just the way it did. As I have come to have a more accurate, ‘backstage’ look at the church and the way ministry works it has become more and more important to me to find God in my everyday life. Song has helped me to see that He is here with me every minute of every day if I will simply reach out and touch Him. Song has shown me that God rejoices in the times that I spent with my girlfriends and the elation I get from seeing pictures of my niece walking. Some of the quotes I’ve shared recently are more examples of what Song is to me. A phrase or sentence that makes me stop and contemplate life, God, myself or others is Song. The words that speak to me enough that I write and rewrite them, the words that end up on my wall, on sticky notes in my Bible and notebook and planner – those are the Song in my everyday life. Song has shown me that all of life is the space God would fill if we would just allow Him to come in and take hold.
Song is so tremendously important to me in so many ways. Song is my home, especially now at a time in my life when I’m not sure where I belong; but Song is also my traveling buddy, going with me everywhere, always being ‘home’ for me. Song is my closest friend and my most challenging companion. She is the way God constantly, continually, always draws me back to Himself. She is the way God speaks to me, and often the way God speaks through me. Song is the language of my soul. Song is my soul. Without Song, I am just an empty shell filled with mistakes and regrets. Song fills me with life, laughter, and the will to go on.

Church Sunday Morning

So much to say!!! I know for me this isn't that new of a concept, but still.
I went to church today by myself. I went to Little Country which isn’t little its huge, perfect for disappearing into. Walked in and sat down just as the worship leader was starting the first song. Sat in the back, surrounded by people I didn't know. You know those song services that are so great it doesn't matter if the Pastor didn't preach at all, you'd still walk away with tons of new stuff to think about? This was one of them. We sang 'Your Grace is Enough' which reminded me that I don't need a guy or my best friend right here or those I love physically near to me to be okay or fulfilled. HIS grace IS enough for me; I just have to accept that. Then we sang 'I am a Friend of God'. Really - how cool is that? Creator of the universe, and He has called me friend!!!??!!And not just friend, His daughter, His beloved, one He died for. Mind boggling. Then we sang a song I'd never heard before called 'Made Me Glad'. The chorus is: "And I'll say of the Lord, You are my shield, my strength, my portion, deliverer. My shelter, strong tower. My very present help in time of need." Again - God is enough. And not only is He enough because He's God, He's enough because He is all those things. He is my strength - which means I don't have to do it by myself!! He's my help in time of need (most of my life, I know) and not only that but He's my VERY PRESENT help - He's not off in some far away land. Next came 'What Joy Is Found', another new song for me. The chorus goes: Singing oh how lovely is the King in all His glory. And the Christ who is Holy. Who was, and who is. And how amazing is His love so unfailing. And His grace that draws us near." I watched One Night With the King last night, it does a really good job of showing the splendor of the King. And the first time I read the line 'the King in all His glory' I started seeing all of that glory from the movie multiplied by like a gazillion with a Holy Christ in the middle of it. Again, mind boggling. We also sang a song containing the phrase "I am here to seek only Your face" and it reminded me of why I went to Little Country in the first place. To be able to seek His face without the extra crap of people and activities and tasks. Without having to dodge the pleas for involvement and money and ‘finding a church home’ etc. And it worked.
The pastor spoke on Jeremiah and the temple. The talk of the temple reminded me of a part in the movie last night where Mordecai is talking to one of the Jewish merchants who had come to Susa from Jerusalem and Mordecai is asking about the temple. The man says "What ecstasy to stand in the presence of the Almighty. Like the intimate embrace of a husband and wife. It is so much deeper than mere mortal love." Its that feeling when we're singing and the words are speaking into my heart and I no longer worry about what's going on around me or what I'm doing later or how I'm going to get the work done or what’s going on with my family. Pure focus on the greatness of God. Mind boggling is the word of the day.

The Seven Wonders of the World

To see – a sunrise, the mountains, artwork of God

To hear – a baby’s laughter, an old man’s chuckle, a trickling stream, the pouring rain; a crescendo, the swelling of marvelous voices; to hear the SINGER sing

To touch – clean sheets and a warm blanket; the future, the past

To taste – peanut butter! Mom’s fresh holiday rolls, mashed potatoes; meat made just for me by those who understand

To feel – loved, cherished, important; empowered; out of control and relaxed all at once.

To laugh – at yourself, with others; to smile simply because you are near someone

To love – your roommates, your family, your friends, your church; to love yourself – in all that God has made you; to love Him – because He has made you, saved you, killed you, and changed you.

Stupid Headlines

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
[No, really?]

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
[ That'll stop 'em. ]

Miners Refuse to Work after Death
[No-good-for-nothing lazy so-and-sos!]

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
[See if that works any better than a fair trial!]

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
[You think?]

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
[You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?]

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
[Taste like chicken?]

Local High School Dropouts Cut In Half
[Chainsaw Massacre all over again!]

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
[Boy, are they tall!]

And the winner is....
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

No Wonder They Call Him The Savior

I read a book, I know, novel concept - no pun intended. It was a really good book. One of those books that makes you think about things and question things you thought you know but never cared or thought to fully understand. Its called No Wonder They Call Him The Savior by Max Lucado. I read it a few weeks ago while I was sitting outside gyms in Redding waiting for the NBC camps to be done so I could go back to campus. I decided that since I haven't posted anything even remotely personal lately, that I would start by sharing some of the things this book made me think about, the things from this book that stood out to me.

"The cross...its tragedy summons all sufferers, its absurdity attracts all cynics. Its hope lures all searchers." 'The cross is either history's hinge or history's hoax, there is no other option.'

"We're angry but don't know who we're angry at; we're scared but we don't know what we're scared of."

Here's something to get you thinking - Jesus' love for us does not depend upon what we do for Him.

"Forgiveness follows failure."

"Rest well sweet soldier, the battle is over."

"The rubber of faith meets the road of reality under hardship."

Or how about this one: the disciples. We don't know where they went that weekend, but we know they came back. They might have been halfway home, on their way back to their former lives, trying to understand all that had happened. Maybe they had completely given up, we don't know. But, we know they came back. Not only did they come back, but they all came back to the same place - the Upper Room. "From all sections of the city they appeared. Too convicted to go home, yet too confused to go on. Something in their nature refused to let them give up. Something in those words spoken by the Master pulled them back together. Too ashamed to ask for forgiveness, yet too loyal to give up. Too guilty to be counted in, but too faithful to be counted out."
How far did you get before the loyalty and faith came back into play, and you turned around and headed to the room?

Jesus as "a once upon a time storyteller with a somewhere over the rainbow promise."

Grace. A crazy, Holy grace. If grace were logical, it wouldn't be grace.

Ha!!! The two men who buried Christ - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea - were members of the SANHEDRIN. The very group that had Him killed. Hmmm...

"Tears are tiny drops of humanity. They drip, drop and pour from the corner of our souls, carrying with them the deepest emotions we possess."

"God, may we never be so 'educated,' may we never be so 'mature,' may we never be so 'religious' that we can see Your passion without tears."

Contentment is when what we have overshadows what we want.

"Just when we find a place where God would never be (like on a cross), we look again and there He is, in the flesh."

Just some things to make you think, lastly - think on this, and know that you are loved by the Creator of the universe.

"Whatever you have done, whatever you have become, it doesn't matter, please come home."

GREAT QUOTES BY GREAT LADIES

Inside every older lady is a younger lady -- wondering what in the world happened. -Cora Harvey Armstrong-

Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cookies.

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy. -Helen Hayes (at 73)-

Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse. -Lily Tomlin-

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends. -Laurie Kuslansky-

Old age ain't no place for sissies. -Bette Davis-

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't. -Rhonda Hansome-

The phrase "working mother" is redundant. -Jane Sellman-

Every time I close the door on reality, it comes in through the windows. -Jennifer Unlimited-

Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult. -Charlotte Whitton-

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart. -Caryn Leschen-

I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once. -Jennifer Unlimited-

If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. -Catherine-

If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them. -Sue Grafton-

I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on. -Roseanne Barr-

When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country… -Elayne Boosler-

Behind every successful man is a surprised woman. -Maryon Pearson-

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. -Eleanor Roosevelt-

Dear God,

I'm writing to say I'm sorry for being angry yesterday
When you seemed to ignore my prayer and things didn't go my way

First, my car broke down, I was very late for work
But I missed that awful accident; was that your handiwork?

I found a house I loved, but others got there first
I was angry, then relieved, when I heard the pipes had burst!

Yesterday, I found the perfect dress, but the color was too pale
Today, I found the dress in red, would you believe, it was on sale!

You're watching over me, and I'm feeling truly blessed
For no matter what I pray for, you always know what's best!

I have this circle of E-mail friends, who mean the world to me;
Some days I "send" and "send", at other times, I let them be.

When I see each name download, and view the message they've sent;
I know they've thought of me that day, and "well wishes" were their intent.

I am so blessed to have these friends, with whom I've grown so close;
So this little poem I dedicate to them, because to me they are the "Most"!

So to you, my friends, I would like to say, thank you for being a part;
Of all my daily contacts, this comes right from my heart.

God bless you all is my prayer today, I'm honored to call you "friend";
I pray the Lord will keep you safe, until we write again.

God Bless You

A Day Just For You

A day of blessings filled to the brim,
A day of good things that come from Him.
A day of beauty, a day of grace…
A day of sunshine touching your face.
A day that keeps you in peace and rest,
A day that brings you all of God’s best.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

Lord I’m walking your way.
Let me in, for my feet are sore, my clothes are ragged.
Look in my eyes, Lord,
my sins will play out on them as on the screen.
Read them all, forgive what you can,
send me on my path.
I will walk on, until you bid me rest.

How do you go on...when in your heart you begin to understand, there is no going back?

Rather than attempt to fill you in on the insanity that is my day to day, I thought I would share random quotes and sayings that are...well, that I like.

I feel I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers...I have not that talent which some possess of conversing easily with people I have never met.

Walk toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.

My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

You can only be truly accomplished at something you love.

Do you know what we could accomplish together? We'd set the world on fire!!! ... not just figuratively but literally as well!!!

Weep like a woman for what you could not hold onto as a man.

If we had no Winter, Spring would not be so pleasant.

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write something worth reading or do something worth the writing. - Benjamin Franklin

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. - Eleanor Roosevelt

To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it...the right to swing your fist ends where the other man's nose begins. - G.K. Chesterton

Nothing is interesting if you're not interested.

Its not enough to be good if you have the ability to be better.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. - Eleanor Roosevelt

There may be someone who can stop you temporarily but you are the only one who can do it permanently.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

What we see depends on what we are looking for.

Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you'll ever regret.

Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry with your girlfriends.

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.

The phrase 'working mother' is redundant.

When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping...men invade another country.

And lastly:

"I will never betray my Goon Dock friends
We will stick together til the whole world ends
Through heaven and hell and nuclear war
Good friends like us will stick like tar
In city or country or out in the boonies
We proudly declare ourselves fellow GOONIES!!!!"

National Treasure.
When they're looking for the Charlotte.
I love Riley. He cracks me up.

"Its a big blue-ish green man with a strange looking goatee. I'm guessing that's significant."

"How could a ship wind up way out here?"

"Well, I'm no expert, but it could be that the hydro-thermic properties of this region caused hurricane force ice storms that cause the ocean to freeze and then melt and then refreeze resulting in a semi-solid migrating land mass that would land a ship, right about here."

"Do you have any wild hopes,
or tame ones for that matter?
The possibility of acorns becoming towering oaks,
or caterpillars blossoming into butterflies,
or that dawn will chase away midnight fears?
Wild hopes!
That all creation will learn the dance of joy,
and all humanity might taste the wine of peace,
and that our loving God will become transparent through love.

Recast the earth, O Lord,
and move our hearts with wild hopes."

From Resurrection to Pentecost by Robert F. Morneau

Children, presented with the first half of a well known proverb, came up with:

1.Don't change horses until they stop running.
2.Strike while the bug is close.
3.It's always darkest before Daylight Saving Time.
4.Never underestimate the power of termites.
5.You can lead a horse to water but How?
6.Don't bite the hand that looks dirty.
7.No news is impossible
8.A miss is as good as a Mr.
9.You can't teach an old dog new Math
10.If you lie down with dogs, you'll stink in the morning.
11.Love all, trust Me.
12.The pen is mightier than the pigs.
13.An idle mind is the best way to relax.
14.Where there's smoke there's pollution.
15.Happy the bride who gets all the presents.
16.A penny saved is not much.
17.Two's company, three's the Musketeers.
18.Don't put off till tomorrow what you put on to go to bed.
19.Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and you have to blow your nose.
20.There are none so blind as Stevie Wonder.
21.Children should be seen and not spanked or grounded.
22.If at first you don't succeed get new batteries.
23.You get out of something only what you see in the picture on the box
24.When the blind lead the blind get out of the way.
25.A bird in the hand is going to poop on you.
26.Better late than . . . . .pregnant.
27. As you shall make your bed so shall you ... mess it up.
28. It is better to light one candle than to... light an explosive.
29. You have nothing to fear but... your Principal.
You have nothing to fear but... homework.
30. If you can't stand the heat... don't start the fireplace.
If you can't stand the heat... go swimming.
31. I think, therefore I... get a headache.
32. Early to bed and early to rise... is first in the bathroom.
33. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a... blister.
34. There is nothing new under the... bed.
35. The grass is always greener... when you leave the sprinkler on

Deep thinking for a teenager:

The only stupid question is the one that is never asked, except maybe "Don't you think it is about time you audited my return?" or "Isn't it morally wrong to give me a warning when, in fact, I was speeding?" --Age 15

Classes. Books. Syllabi. Pens and paper and pencils. Moving in. Paying for laundry again. Really bad Caf food. Oh the joys of coming back to school.
Arg. I'm two days into the semester and I'm already exhausted. It might be the rain, it just makes the whole world gray and deary and makes you not want to go outside. And that's not a good thing when you have to walk back and forth and back and forth between classes and works and works and classes and works and classes.
Anyway...So I'm taking six classes this semester, and all of them have to do with Ministry. Imagine that, a junior ministry major taking all ministry classes - that's rocket science!
Youth Culture and Issues, Spiritual Formation, Engaging Theology, Small Groups Ministry, Business Issues in Ministry, and Ministry Internship. All in all, I think it should be a good semester; if I can just get past all of the insanity of the past two days. Oh the joys...