Poetry is an extension of soul. After an emotion baring conversation with a friend, I wrote this. Here is a piece of my soul.
To give until you feel full.
To laugh until you ache.
To cry until you drown.
The sacrifice of friends
The rides that do not end.
The joys of endless hours.
The pain shared in glances.
The sacrifice of friends
Be still as life grabs you up.
Be alive as death stares you down.
Be gracious when your well is dry.
The sacrifice of friends
Carry the weight they cannot lift.
Bear the burdens they cannot speak.
Hold the heart they've dared not share.
The sacrifice of friends
The elephant in the room
In the spirit of Christmas there was a bash held in our home last night. What a joy to be surrounded by friends, joy, love and laughter for another wonderous night. We traded food and gifts and, my favorite- we traded time. We spent hours enmeshed in each others lives. We dug into soul. And there we have found treasure beyond measure.
God has been kind(amazing! gracious! merciful!) and given me friends who bless this world by their presence. I know I say this alot, but it because I believe it!
Like my friend Stacy. My joyful and most compassionate friend in the whole wide world. She blesses me with her patience and love. She reminds me to be kind and to revel in the wonder of the moment.
And Katie. She challenges me to think and grow emotionally and to walk a life that is honest and open. And I am reminded to embrace fierce opinions and to share them with earnestness.
And Derek. He teaches me to be brave and face confusion and possibility with optimism and strength. (no photo here yet...)
And Kari. She radiates joy and graciousness. She allows me to see the genuine wonder of womanhood.
And Kyle reminds me why I love politics--
the people there are awesome!
And he shows me what it is to work
hard to get where you want to be.
And Micheal.
He allows me
to see grace
and friendship
in a whole new light.
And Zach. I see the laughter and humor that shows me that life is light and joking when we choose it to be.
Merry Christmas! May there be Peace on Earth and in Your Heart.
God has been kind(amazing! gracious! merciful!) and given me friends who bless this world by their presence. I know I say this alot, but it because I believe it!
Like my friend Stacy. My joyful and most compassionate friend in the whole wide world. She blesses me with her patience and love. She reminds me to be kind and to revel in the wonder of the moment.
And Katie. She challenges me to think and grow emotionally and to walk a life that is honest and open. And I am reminded to embrace fierce opinions and to share them with earnestness.
And Derek. He teaches me to be brave and face confusion and possibility with optimism and strength. (no photo here yet...)And Kari. She radiates joy and graciousness. She allows me to see the genuine wonder of womanhood.
And Kyle reminds me why I love politics--the people there are awesome!
And he shows me what it is to work
hard to get where you want to be.
And Micheal.
He allows me
to see grace
and friendship
in a whole new light.
And Zach. I see the laughter and humor that shows me that life is light and joking when we choose it to be.
Merry Christmas! May there be Peace on Earth and in Your Heart.
Confused
I am surrounded by a mass of women.
I see them daily. I smile with them and chat with them. I eat with them and I play in the snow with them. I love these women. They are strong, creative and lovely. They surround themselves with humilty and grace and the body of Christ.These women are beautiful.
They teach me to laugh and fill Michigan (and Texas and California and Sicily) with joy and mercy. I see God in these women. I see what it means to grow. I see challenges faced with tears and determination. I see fierce passion and motivation.
And I see pain. I am surrounded by these women. Lonely women. And I ache for them. Heck, I ache with them. It seems an odd thing to be so independent, as these women are, and yet to feel a longing for a 'someone'. These women are alone, some lonely, some just sadly alone. and I wish I had that band-aid for their soul sized bullet hole. (Thank you POTUSA for that lyric)
I am also surrounded by a mass of men. I see them every day. I smell them every day. I laugh with them and at them. I cry for them and with them. I see strength and vulnerablity. I see hope and trust and love. I see what it means to fight the good fight. These men stun me with their depth and their quiet heroism. They make me remember what makes man great - His search for God. These men are beautiful.
They show fortitude and dependance on a Greater Man. They teach me to appreciate kindness and grace. I learn every day what it means to be humble and driven. I love these men. They make this world a more marvelous place.
And I see pain here too. I see the pain hiding in eyes that rise over a smile. Some are lonely, and some just dreadfully alone. Oh, for that heavenly first-aid kit...
I see them daily. I smile with them and chat with them. I eat with them and I play in the snow with them. I love these women. They are strong, creative and lovely. They surround themselves with humilty and grace and the body of Christ.These women are beautiful.
They teach me to laugh and fill Michigan (and Texas and California and Sicily) with joy and mercy. I see God in these women. I see what it means to grow. I see challenges faced with tears and determination. I see fierce passion and motivation.
And I see pain. I am surrounded by these women. Lonely women. And I ache for them. Heck, I ache with them. It seems an odd thing to be so independent, as these women are, and yet to feel a longing for a 'someone'. These women are alone, some lonely, some just sadly alone. and I wish I had that band-aid for their soul sized bullet hole. (Thank you POTUSA for that lyric)
I am also surrounded by a mass of men. I see them every day. I smell them every day. I laugh with them and at them. I cry for them and with them. I see strength and vulnerablity. I see hope and trust and love. I see what it means to fight the good fight. These men stun me with their depth and their quiet heroism. They make me remember what makes man great - His search for God. These men are beautiful.
They show fortitude and dependance on a Greater Man. They teach me to appreciate kindness and grace. I learn every day what it means to be humble and driven. I love these men. They make this world a more marvelous place.
And I see pain here too. I see the pain hiding in eyes that rise over a smile. Some are lonely, and some just dreadfully alone. Oh, for that heavenly first-aid kit...
Now if only I can get these two groups together. Can you imagine?
The Countdown
Only one more week of classes and then we hit the home stretch of finals and the end of this semester. I am so eager to have a break from classes and head to Peru to build a church!
Only one week until my presentation for Pentatuech. Only one day until my next Hebrew quiz. Just 2 hours until I go Christmas decoration shopping with my roomie. I can't wait to decorate the house!
It's as though life it a big countdown. Tick Tick Tick.
I was recently reminded that we are on this earth with one BIG final countdown that is heading our way really quickly. I live here, not to take tests or to accomplish X Y and Z, but to share the news that the countdown has started and 'zero' is rapidly approaching.
God is coming back for you! He's coming back for me! I get to go home! I get to decorate heavens halls with laughter and hold onto Jesus's nail-scared hand. I get to go HOME!
Paul Writing His Epistles
by:
Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier
Only one week until my presentation for Pentatuech. Only one day until my next Hebrew quiz. Just 2 hours until I go Christmas decoration shopping with my roomie. I can't wait to decorate the house!
It's as though life it a big countdown. Tick Tick Tick.
I was recently reminded that we are on this earth with one BIG final countdown that is heading our way really quickly. I live here, not to take tests or to accomplish X Y and Z, but to share the news that the countdown has started and 'zero' is rapidly approaching.
God is coming back for you! He's coming back for me! I get to go home! I get to decorate heavens halls with laughter and hold onto Jesus's nail-scared hand. I get to go HOME!
Paul Writing His Epistles
by:
Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier
Glee and other such fits of joy
The world I see is full of wonder and delight, made to be loved and inspiring. The following is a list of what inspires and thrills me. And for it all, I am so grateful.
1) My parents, Jim and Donna, my brother James and my sister Tara- the wackiest family with the biggest loving hearts and most embarrassing sense of timing
2) Stacy - the best roommate money couldn't buy
3) KJ - the best friend who reminds me what joy and patience are
4) Pat and Sergei - the bosses with the tenacity to survive in small business America and do it with a smile on their faces
5) Italy - the land of cappuccino, pasta and Boccelli - what more can a girl dream of?
6) Socks - i love socks.
7) Texas - the land I love, miss and long for when I am not there, it's my home away from home.
(my other home, which I have yet to see, is far better!)
8) Driving on the back roads to anywhere - the sights and smells and wonder of the lesser seen things
9) Babies - a new niece or nephew on the way, friends having new ones (Kaed!) all lends to my dream of being Auntie Jenn forever.
10) Friends around the globe - they make traveling worth every penny
11) Jesus - my most enduring friend, love and life giver. All to Him I owe.
1) My parents, Jim and Donna, my brother James and my sister Tara- the wackiest family with the biggest loving hearts and most embarrassing sense of timing
2) Stacy - the best roommate money couldn't buy
3) KJ - the best friend who reminds me what joy and patience are
4) Pat and Sergei - the bosses with the tenacity to survive in small business America and do it with a smile on their faces
5) Italy - the land of cappuccino, pasta and Boccelli - what more can a girl dream of?
6) Socks - i love socks.
7) Texas - the land I love, miss and long for when I am not there, it's my home away from home.
(my other home, which I have yet to see, is far better!)
8) Driving on the back roads to anywhere - the sights and smells and wonder of the lesser seen things
9) Babies - a new niece or nephew on the way, friends having new ones (Kaed!) all lends to my dream of being Auntie Jenn forever.
10) Friends around the globe - they make traveling worth every penny
11) Jesus - my most enduring friend, love and life giver. All to Him I owe.
She's OLD!
My roommate hit the big 25 this month. We celebrated with a wonderfully crafted party in the which folks who dearly love Katie dragged out costumes and props and became singers extraordinaire!
Maria- of Sound of Music fame
David Bowie, Tom Waits, Audrey Hepburn, a go-go girl, Phantom, a Geisha
Even President Bush turned up for the festivities.
Happy Birthday Katie! May this year of your life build you up, teach you more about joy, and most of all throw you soaring into the arms of God.
Maria- of Sound of Music fame
David Bowie, Tom Waits, Audrey Hepburn, a go-go girl, Phantom, a Geisha
Even President Bush turned up for the festivities.
Happy Birthday Katie! May this year of your life build you up, teach you more about joy, and most of all throw you soaring into the arms of God.
Balderdash
It's amazing that words communicate anything. We use them in so many ways, especially in English, that they have become sort of like tissue paper. We use them, but they are of little or indistinct value to us. They are disposable.
I spent this past Saturday night with 'the girls'. This amazing conglomeration of women make this world a brighter, better place. They make my heart lighter and they point out joys that have slipped past sometimes unseen. We spent four glorious, homework free hours playing the word game Balderdash. I love words and this game is one of my favorites. The point of the whole game? To throw people off track by giving odd definitions for a word pulled from a box. Amazing how distracted we can become by the wrong definitions.
Reminds me of my life. I get so easily distracted by work, or people, or classes or Starbucks (this last option, willingly) that I forget what my real purpose in life is, what my future is all about. I lose the definition in my life and just run through a maze of options - some funny, some deceptive, some scary, some downright stupid.
And what I need is the real Word in my life. In that Word I am free, I am filled, I am satisfied. I live today knowing that tomorrow is already taken care of, that Love is present, that Hope surrounds me and that ultimately - God is my purpose.
"For me to live is Christ..." Philippians 1:21
I spent this past Saturday night with 'the girls'. This amazing conglomeration of women make this world a brighter, better place. They make my heart lighter and they point out joys that have slipped past sometimes unseen. We spent four glorious, homework free hours playing the word game Balderdash. I love words and this game is one of my favorites. The point of the whole game? To throw people off track by giving odd definitions for a word pulled from a box. Amazing how distracted we can become by the wrong definitions.
Reminds me of my life. I get so easily distracted by work, or people, or classes or Starbucks (this last option, willingly) that I forget what my real purpose in life is, what my future is all about. I lose the definition in my life and just run through a maze of options - some funny, some deceptive, some scary, some downright stupid.
And what I need is the real Word in my life. In that Word I am free, I am filled, I am satisfied. I live today knowing that tomorrow is already taken care of, that Love is present, that Hope surrounds me and that ultimately - God is my purpose.
"For me to live is Christ..." Philippians 1:21
Four of my favorite things
This week I had the joy of attending a wonderfully wacky surprise birthday party for ... well.. for two of my friends cars. How weird is it that we sang happy birthday to two 10 year old cars?
In the midst of this occasion I was ordered (viciously, with the threat of prizes) to pick my favorite car. HA! As though I could pick just one! You see, I suffer from an addiction known as 'sport-car-itis', fueled by years of watching races with Pop, years of subscribing to cars magazines and spending time in auto mech. classes.
I did however narrow down the vast array choices to four. I think I would have to add a number 5 (can I really leave out the Lotus Elise 2?), but will leave this posting at my original list.
Here they are. Love them as I do!
Aston Martin Vanquish
Porche Carrera Targa
McLaren F1 LM
The Bugatti Veyron
In the midst of this occasion I was ordered (viciously, with the threat of prizes) to pick my favorite car. HA! As though I could pick just one! You see, I suffer from an addiction known as 'sport-car-itis', fueled by years of watching races with Pop, years of subscribing to cars magazines and spending time in auto mech. classes.
I did however narrow down the vast array choices to four. I think I would have to add a number 5 (can I really leave out the Lotus Elise 2?), but will leave this posting at my original list.
Here they are. Love them as I do!
Aston Martin Vanquish
Porche Carrera TargaMcLaren F1 LM
The Bugatti Veyron
Александр Сергеевич Пушкин
One of my favorite poets wrote these words long ago. Well, he wrote them in Russian. This is the translation.
I loved you; even now I may confess,
Some embers of my love their fire retain;
But do not let it cause you more distress,
I do not want to sadden you again.
Hopeless and tongue-tied, yet I loved you dearly
With pangs the jealous and the timid know;
So tenderly I loved you, so sincerely,
I pray God grant another love you so.
Ran across this poem again this week, stuck in my poetry journal. Amazing how words can bring up the past so quickly.
Makes me want to monitor my words and say things that will only bring back joy, and never pain. I also want to know.. does love ever really die? Or will there always be embers?
This much I do not know.
I loved you; even now I may confess,
Some embers of my love their fire retain;
But do not let it cause you more distress,
I do not want to sadden you again.
Hopeless and tongue-tied, yet I loved you dearly
With pangs the jealous and the timid know;
So tenderly I loved you, so sincerely,
I pray God grant another love you so.
Ran across this poem again this week, stuck in my poetry journal. Amazing how words can bring up the past so quickly.
Makes me want to monitor my words and say things that will only bring back joy, and never pain. I also want to know.. does love ever really die? Or will there always be embers?
This much I do not know.
My new hobby
Yep. I have a new hobby.
Let me explain. I love to have things to do. I like to be busy. But I need something FUN to do in the midst of school and work. I have never been really crafty, nor creative in the artsy sense of the word, so when new adventures in experimenting present themselves, I am generally game.
So... my friend has a horse. Aramus is white and lovely. He is like a blank canvas. He was a prime target for some sort of mischief.
So I painted it. See?
I think next time there shall be more color used so all of him is colored:)
Let me explain. I love to have things to do. I like to be busy. But I need something FUN to do in the midst of school and work. I have never been really crafty, nor creative in the artsy sense of the word, so when new adventures in experimenting present themselves, I am generally game.
So... my friend has a horse. Aramus is white and lovely. He is like a blank canvas. He was a prime target for some sort of mischief.
So I painted it. See?
I think next time there shall be more color used so all of him is colored:)
The leaves are gently falling
Fall is here. Crisy winds, falling leaves, pumpkin donuts:)
See my roommate? Ain't she cute?
I have made wonderful friends here, who allow me to be joyful in the moment, live like a curious poking child and when I am not in my normal frame of mind, drag me into happiness when I don't feel it.This time of year, with the colors and massive piles of leaves is really a novelty for me. We don't get this much color back in Texas, except for at UT football games.
Which reminds me. The games are on!
Global warming, my toe!
I am a bit wary of this white falling stuff whirling past the windows as I type this. Though it has a sort of wild beauty to it, the idea of doomed ice balls hurling themselves at me when I leave these safe confines is frightening.
What an amazing world we live in. The cold also makes me think. Is there really such a thing as global warming? If so, why has it not hit Michigan yet?
I am also begging that a comparable school be opened in the Bahamas. Tomorrow. Please!
I am also reminded how fortunate (read that blessed!) I am to have warm clothes and a house that has fireplaces and we have heat at work. How great it is to be able to race around outside in the madness and have a refuge to hide in.
What an amazing world we live in. The cold also makes me think. Is there really such a thing as global warming? If so, why has it not hit Michigan yet?
I am also begging that a comparable school be opened in the Bahamas. Tomorrow. Please!
I am also reminded how fortunate (read that blessed!) I am to have warm clothes and a house that has fireplaces and we have heat at work. How great it is to be able to race around outside in the madness and have a refuge to hide in.
Jesus Loves Me (this i know)
I have been having a rough couple of weeks. My mind has been very scattered. I haven't been able to focus. This is a bad thing in graduate school! I was stuck in my own head with confusion swimming around like a mad shark.
So I have been praying like mad. And God has been answering me so wonderfully.
I ride my bike to class (most days) and this morning riding over the wet pavement I could hear my tires making soft swooshing sounds. The brilliant autumn leaves are falling here and have made wonderful patchwork quilt on the road. And my tires were making wonderful soft sounds while racing over them.
The beauty of the ride reminded me of a favorite text. "When I said, my foot slips, Your Mercy, O Lord, holds me up." I can have a bad day, a low couple of weeks but when I call out to God, He answers me and better yet, He holds me up. He loves me and shows me in the tiny ways that I can understand.
Jesus Loves Me This I Know!
So I have been praying like mad. And God has been answering me so wonderfully.
I ride my bike to class (most days) and this morning riding over the wet pavement I could hear my tires making soft swooshing sounds. The brilliant autumn leaves are falling here and have made wonderful patchwork quilt on the road. And my tires were making wonderful soft sounds while racing over them.
The beauty of the ride reminded me of a favorite text. "When I said, my foot slips, Your Mercy, O Lord, holds me up." I can have a bad day, a low couple of weeks but when I call out to God, He answers me and better yet, He holds me up. He loves me and shows me in the tiny ways that I can understand.
Jesus Loves Me This I Know!
Talk to me
Found out today that the people we think we know and love are at times an enigma.
Why is it that when a person is hurt or sad or confused that they would choose not to speak to the people who are 'harming' them and would rather post it on the net?
Seems passive aggresive to me. And yet, we love them anyhow. We love not because they hurt us. We love because they hurt. Period. We love because the world needs love to heal. We love because, ultimately, love is what makes our days bright and our lips smile.
So talk to me. Talk to me of love and of beauty. Talk to me of pain and sorrow. And I will respond with love (or a good whack in the head, dependant on the situation)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
-Romans 12:10
Why is it that when a person is hurt or sad or confused that they would choose not to speak to the people who are 'harming' them and would rather post it on the net?
Seems passive aggresive to me. And yet, we love them anyhow. We love not because they hurt us. We love because they hurt. Period. We love because the world needs love to heal. We love because, ultimately, love is what makes our days bright and our lips smile.
So talk to me. Talk to me of love and of beauty. Talk to me of pain and sorrow. And I will respond with love (or a good whack in the head, dependant on the situation)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
-Romans 12:10
Happiness - Day 6
This is tha last day of my official happiness journal, though I have really enjoyed keeping track of what I love in life! It is a great reminder of what a wonderful life I have been given!
1) It's Sabbath!
2) Talking with Ted and Judy
3) Lunch at Seth and Angela's
4) SUGAR! She had a birthday! Cranium is so much fun! Girls won!
5) Chai Tea and blown glass chandeliers
1) It's Sabbath!
2) Talking with Ted and Judy
3) Lunch at Seth and Angela's
4) SUGAR! She had a birthday! Cranium is so much fun! Girls won!
5) Chai Tea and blown glass chandeliers
Day Five of Happiness
Happiness abounds in life!
1) Being busy at work
2) Baking ( I love to bake!)
3) The end of the week is here!
4) Driving in my car. Did I mention I love my car?
5) Granola Breath - he makes me laugh!
1) Being busy at work
2) Baking ( I love to bake!)
3) The end of the week is here!
4) Driving in my car. Did I mention I love my car?
5) Granola Breath - he makes me laugh!
Day Four of Happiness
Thursday September 28th
1) The guys in class doing impressions of professors. I about choked! SOO funny!
2) Watching a plane take off from the Berrien Airpark at 7:45 am
3) Beautiful cloud formations
4) Coffee (mint mocha - must have been made in heaven!)
5) Sales at work
1) The guys in class doing impressions of professors. I about choked! SOO funny!
2) Watching a plane take off from the Berrien Airpark at 7:45 am
3) Beautiful cloud formations
4) Coffee (mint mocha - must have been made in heaven!)
5) Sales at work
Day Three of Happiness Journal
Wednesday September 27th
1) Dinner with the roommates
2) Red sweater
3) Old Navy
4) Shopping with Sugar!
5) Flash cards
1) Dinner with the roommates
2) Red sweater
3) Old Navy
4) Shopping with Sugar!
5) Flash cards
Day two of Happiness Journal
September 26th - Tuesday
1) Hot butternut squash soup
2) Chiropractic visit (begone neck pain!)
3) Confidential conversations - trust!
4) Worship at chapel today. AMAZING!!!!!!
5) Bottle caps- root beer flavored- from Renee
1) Hot butternut squash soup
2) Chiropractic visit (begone neck pain!)
3) Confidential conversations - trust!
4) Worship at chapel today. AMAZING!!!!!!
5) Bottle caps- root beer flavored- from Renee
Day one of Happiness Journal
In one of my classes the small group (that I am thrilled to be a part of) has chosen to grow ourselves in joy this week by noting 5 things that brought us joy daily.
Here is my list for Monday September 25
1) Tea on a cold night while reading across the table from my roommate Katie
2) Selling a sofa at work to a really nice lady
3) My friend Sugar and her crocheting patterns (can you say poncho??)
4) Crawling into bed with a great book (Blink - no idea who the author is...)
5) Baby Maxson was born! He is as of yet, un-named.
Here is my list for Monday September 25
1) Tea on a cold night while reading across the table from my roommate Katie
2) Selling a sofa at work to a really nice lady
3) My friend Sugar and her crocheting patterns (can you say poncho??)
4) Crawling into bed with a great book (Blink - no idea who the author is...)
5) Baby Maxson was born! He is as of yet, un-named.
Catch me I'm falling
I went for a lovely drive this weekend through some of the back roads of MI. Frankly, I got lost driving to a church retreat, but I find any drive can be lovely, even if you have no idea where you are.
I found one road that belongs in a dramatic scene in a movie when someone is declaring their ultimate desire for chocolate (or something equally important) with a long shot from the outside of the car with the trees huggin' in on the sides of the road and the leaves gently glowing yellows and oranges, and dramatic Yo Yo Ma strains playing in your head.
It made me feel like a slice of pure joy had fallen right out of God's hand and into the road in front of me. Breath taking.
I found one road that belongs in a dramatic scene in a movie when someone is declaring their ultimate desire for chocolate (or something equally important) with a long shot from the outside of the car with the trees huggin' in on the sides of the road and the leaves gently glowing yellows and oranges, and dramatic Yo Yo Ma strains playing in your head.
It made me feel like a slice of pure joy had fallen right out of God's hand and into the road in front of me. Breath taking.
Summer Break
So this "break" (thus bracketed due to the lack of rest and free time, so not really a break) I am working like crazy. We are painting the store where I work and the yearly county fair is going on and we have to man our booth there. Fairs are crazy! The food alone could kill you by walking by it! Soooo much gease!
I have been able to slip away to camp for a weekend. Fabulous! Highly recommend camping in MI with awesome friends! We went to a wee park called Yankee Springs. Lots of water and trees and nature. Just beware the fire. It burns.
This time with no classes has only allowed me to work harder on other projects. My yard is looking good! I have gotten back to running. I actually ironed clothes. And I am planning for a trip to see Niagra Falls.
I can sleep when I am dead right?
I have been able to slip away to camp for a weekend. Fabulous! Highly recommend camping in MI with awesome friends! We went to a wee park called Yankee Springs. Lots of water and trees and nature. Just beware the fire. It burns.
This time with no classes has only allowed me to work harder on other projects. My yard is looking good! I have gotten back to running. I actually ironed clothes. And I am planning for a trip to see Niagra Falls.
I can sleep when I am dead right?
Finals Week
This Thursday will find me sitting in a tiny desk in a freezing cold classroom taking finals. These will be the last finals of my fist semester of grad. school.
Got home last night after work exhausted and I still had to study. A paper to write, take home quiz to finish, and two finals to be prepping for.
I am so grateful I don't have to keep this pace up forever! Of course this new vegan diet may help give me energy, so maybe I could go on like this for oh say another year and a half....
PTL for He is good.
Got home last night after work exhausted and I still had to study. A paper to write, take home quiz to finish, and two finals to be prepping for.
I am so grateful I don't have to keep this pace up forever! Of course this new vegan diet may help give me energy, so maybe I could go on like this for oh say another year and a half....
PTL for He is good.
Where in the world have you been all my life?
This is from an awesome site. This map is marked with all the places I have ever lived or visited. I've got alot of traveling to do! Check it out for yourself!
www.world66.com
create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide
www.world66.com
create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide
Parting is such sweet sorrow
I have friends who are always on the move around this wonderful world. Usually I am the one on the move.
It's harder I think to be left behind, because the world that you are used to is now changed. The person who leaves gets a new adventure, a new view.
I'll miss my friend while she is gone on vacation for the week. A week is brief. It is the years that are harder to deal with.
Anyone else ready to start a colony for your friends? A place where you can all hang out and be with each other as long as you want. Sun and fun, laughter and joy.
That would be nice. I can't wait until I never have to say goodbye again.
It's harder I think to be left behind, because the world that you are used to is now changed. The person who leaves gets a new adventure, a new view.
I'll miss my friend while she is gone on vacation for the week. A week is brief. It is the years that are harder to deal with.
Anyone else ready to start a colony for your friends? A place where you can all hang out and be with each other as long as you want. Sun and fun, laughter and joy.
That would be nice. I can't wait until I never have to say goodbye again.
Idiomatic madness
"You can't have your cake and eat it too."
What a phrase.
What on earth does this mean?
Why can't I eat the cake that I clearly have?
If it's is my cake, what is it that prevents me from eating it?
Who would be sadistic enough to give someone cake and then not let them eat it?
More importantly why would anyone give ME cake and then not let me eat it?
Does this phrase mean that I cannot eat my cake and keep it? Well, why would I do that anyhow? Who really wants moldy cake? It's not like the phrase says a fake cake, or a permanently perserved cake.
So...
I would love to know where this phrase came from. And I would love to eat all of my cake.
What a phrase.
What on earth does this mean?
Why can't I eat the cake that I clearly have?
If it's is my cake, what is it that prevents me from eating it?
Who would be sadistic enough to give someone cake and then not let them eat it?
More importantly why would anyone give ME cake and then not let me eat it?
Does this phrase mean that I cannot eat my cake and keep it? Well, why would I do that anyhow? Who really wants moldy cake? It's not like the phrase says a fake cake, or a permanently perserved cake.
So...
I would love to know where this phrase came from. And I would love to eat all of my cake.
Seeing men walking as trees
So I went to the lake this weekend and in the joy is frolicking in the water, lost my glasses. Don't worry, I had help in this adventure! Jenn gets dunked. Plop. Glasses float away. Now Lake Michigan has a happy fish who can see very clearly!
At least I hope so.
So I had to drive 30 minutes to town to get new glasses as I didn't have a backup pair nor do I own contacts. I now know why little old people who can't see should never drive! It's hazardous! Someone could have been killed by my blinking and squinting alone, never mind my driving!
I felt as the blind man long ago who had his sight restored to him in two sessions. At first he saw the men walking about as trees, and then clearly. I saw everything veiled and distant. Now I see clearly. I am so dependent on my eyes and though men walking about as trees sounds fun, it really gives me a headache. Glad to be seeing clearly again.
Would that we all could see clearly, in all areas of our lives.
At least I hope so.
So I had to drive 30 minutes to town to get new glasses as I didn't have a backup pair nor do I own contacts. I now know why little old people who can't see should never drive! It's hazardous! Someone could have been killed by my blinking and squinting alone, never mind my driving!
I felt as the blind man long ago who had his sight restored to him in two sessions. At first he saw the men walking about as trees, and then clearly. I saw everything veiled and distant. Now I see clearly. I am so dependent on my eyes and though men walking about as trees sounds fun, it really gives me a headache. Glad to be seeing clearly again.
Would that we all could see clearly, in all areas of our lives.
Rhubarb Pie
So I attempted my first ever Rhubarb pie last night. Turned out pretty dern good too. Thanks to mom for the over the phone instructions!
I picked some Rhubarb from a friend's house on Sunday. I never knew that rhubarb has such huge leaves and you only eat the stalks of the thing! Those leaves were seriously bigger than a platter. You could have used them as a fan, or loin cloth, should a desparate situation arrive.
Always good to know you have back up options in case of closet failure.
I picked some Rhubarb from a friend's house on Sunday. I never knew that rhubarb has such huge leaves and you only eat the stalks of the thing! Those leaves were seriously bigger than a platter. You could have used them as a fan, or loin cloth, should a desparate situation arrive.
Always good to know you have back up options in case of closet failure.
Church History
I am in the middle of a church history class. We started back with Plato and his affects on Christian thought. We are now digging into the Reformation. My brain hurts trying to shove so much information in, but it's very interesting.
I just have to add something to my textbook however. In the 15th century Girolamo Savonarola was martyred for ticking off the wrong people. He was hung and burned in Piazza della Signoria in Florence Italy. There is a plaque in the square that gives the date (May 23) and tells who else died with him. Our text only mentions that he was hung. So here you go Mr. Ellingson! He was hung AND burned.
Goes to show you should never tick off the Italians I guess....
I just have to add something to my textbook however. In the 15th century Girolamo Savonarola was martyred for ticking off the wrong people. He was hung and burned in Piazza della Signoria in Florence Italy. There is a plaque in the square that gives the date (May 23) and tells who else died with him. Our text only mentions that he was hung. So here you go Mr. Ellingson! He was hung AND burned.
Goes to show you should never tick off the Italians I guess....
Friends to lean on
I am blessed. I have an army of friends on whom I can rely. It amazes me everytime.
I don't feel so close to those who are geographically close to me, not right now. I feel as though they are so busy and caught in their life that they have lost me. And I am OK with that. I know they love me ultimately, but they are just on freak-out-fast mode now.
Through what I would detail as the vast experience of my life (wink, wink), I find that the people who are the most loving and willing to receive love are the ones who will be there for you in the weird times.
Like now. I am in what I would say is a transition time. A possible move, new jobs, all that. The weird times. Growing up in the military made these times all the more frequent for me so I have grown used to them. And every two years or so I am ready to pack up and hit the road.
And now in the midst of all the newness, I feel a bit overwhelmed, but my amazing friend brought it all into perspective for me. One e-mail changed the day. The power of the keyboard saves that day again. What a blessing:)
I don't feel so close to those who are geographically close to me, not right now. I feel as though they are so busy and caught in their life that they have lost me. And I am OK with that. I know they love me ultimately, but they are just on freak-out-fast mode now.
Through what I would detail as the vast experience of my life (wink, wink), I find that the people who are the most loving and willing to receive love are the ones who will be there for you in the weird times.
Like now. I am in what I would say is a transition time. A possible move, new jobs, all that. The weird times. Growing up in the military made these times all the more frequent for me so I have grown used to them. And every two years or so I am ready to pack up and hit the road.
And now in the midst of all the newness, I feel a bit overwhelmed, but my amazing friend brought it all into perspective for me. One e-mail changed the day. The power of the keyboard saves that day again. What a blessing:)
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