What feeds me...

What feeds you? Brie asked this question, and I promised I would respond:

~ The sound of rain, snuggled up inside by the fireplace with a good book. Best place to be. But really, just the sound of water. Waves crashing on a beach, waterfalls crashing and whirling. So soothing. ~

~ Organizing. Alphabetizing, color-coding, restoring order. *sigh* Brings me peace. ~

~ Surprise flowers, just because, from someone sweet. Beautiful red and yellow tulips on the first day of spring is simply wonderful ~

~People. My family who is supportive and so loving. My wonderful friends, I am so blessed - (Brie who brings spontaneity and constant laughter into my life) My staff - the most wonderful people I know. ~

~ Green things. The color green, environmentally green, mmmm green. ~

~ Tea, especially early in the morning or in the evening when I'm studying. It warms me inside and out. So delicious. So many different kinds. ~

~ God. My Sustainer. My Strength. My Guide. ~

And of course... (in Brie's terms)

- salty snacks, especially pretzels

- pita chips and hummus

- kiwi

- grapefruit

- sharp cheddar cheese

Your turn, what feeds you? Literally and figuratively?

WOC09 commences tomorrow. California here we come. See you in 8 days.

Pictures found on weheartit.com which I found out about on Allie's lovely blog.

hello moon

The middle of the night and I are getting to be quite acquainted.
There's a certain stillness at this time...

...most likely because all of the sane people are sleeping.


Finals. week. is. ridiculous.

Learning to be still

Once again it's the close of winter quarter.
I reflected on this time last year, and realized that Winter Quarter is just rough for me.
I'm tumultuous inside. Whether it's the solemness of the Lenten season, or just the long drag of gray skies, frigid winds and hard truths, it's simply heavy. So, in following tradition (and this time with some help from Learn To Be Still by the Eagles):

Winter Quarter has brought...

...the realization that I fear the future. I fear change because I relish in moments that are dear to me. Then I grasp then so tightly I suffocate them and mourn their passing even more. My palms sweat and I look with fear to what could be coming, though it's never what I except. I've grabbed so tightly this quarter that I fear I missed moments because of it. I'm striving to let go of that fear.

It's just another day in paradise, As you stumble to your bed
You'd give anything to silence Those voices ringing in your head
You thought you could find happiness Just over that green hill
You thought you would be satisfied But you never will- Learn to be still

...surprises. Those kinds of surprises where you've all but thrown hope out the window, closed the blinds, crossed your arms and crumpled in frustration. Those are the moments God slips in a surprise that was there all along while you were so desperately trying to knock down every other door. I am weak. I cannot do this on my own. God is my only guide and it's amazing how much I resist.

We are like sheep without a shepherd We don't know how to be alone
So we wander 'round this desert And wind up following the wrong gods home
But the flock cries out for another And they keep answering that bell
And one more starry-eyed messiah Meets a violent farewell- Learn to be still Learn to be still

...the necessity to pray. To submit and thus, to live. To seek truth, though lies are easier. To find peace because I will never be enough. To stop waging war and simply pay attention. To listen and not have all the answers. To trust God and to trust where God's taking me. Friends and family have shown me the power of prayer, the power of support and simply believing in one another. The power of laughter and simple words that bring you through those dark tunnels. I wouldn't give those hard moments up for the world because they make this side of the tunnel that much more...awakened.

Now the flowers in your garden They don't smell so sweet
Maybe you've forgotten The heaven lying at your feet
There are so many contradictions In all these messages we send
(We keep asking) How do I get out of here Where do I fit in?
Though the world is torn and shaken Even if your heart is breakin'
It's waiting for you to awaken And someday you will- Learn to be still Learn to be still

...learning to be still. Because that is the only way I can truly listen and respond.

You just keep on runnin' Keep on runnin'

Black and White Lullaby

I am absolutely obsessed with piano music right now.

George Winston, David Nevue, and Jim Brickman just might help me make it through the next two weeks.

On another note,

I close my eyes and wander far away. This is my game, this is where I am met and my heart is full of laughter.

Monday Medley

[My Monday Medley.]

[sunrise greeter]

Monday Morning by, Aldo Luongo

Staring at a maple leaf

Leaning on the mother tree

I said to myself we all lost touch

Your favorite fruit is chocolate covered cherries

And seedless watermelon ohhhh

Nothing from the ground is good enough

Body rise

look what's over me

[Pillow Yearner]

Remember seeking moons rebirth

Rains made mirrors of the earth

The sun was just yellow energy

It is a living promise land

Even over fields of sand

Since it's filled my body, covered me

Bringing back More than a memory

[Day-dreamer]

Oh chariot, your golden waves

Are walking down upon this face

Oh chariot, I'm singing out loud

To guide me

Give me your Strength

You'll be my vacation away from this place

You know what I want

Holding that cup,

It's pouring over the sides

You make me wanna spread my arms and fly

Chariot by, Gavin DeGraw

Top Ten Reasons...

I got this from Professor Dearborn in UFDN yesterday following our discussion about Women in Ministry. These all counter the arguments made for why women shouldn't be in ministry. It's hilarious.

Top Ten Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ordained

-Anonymous

10. A man’s place is in the army.

9. For men who have children, their duties might distract them from the responsibilities of being a parent.

8. Their physical build indicates that men are more suited to tasks such as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be “unnatural” for them to do other forms of work.

7. Man was created before woman. It is therefore obvious that man was a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment, rather than the crowning achievement of creation.

6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. This is easily demonstrated by their conduct at football games and watching basketball tournaments.

5. Some men are handsome; they will distract women worshipers.

4. To be ordained pastor is to nurture the congregation. But this is not a traditional male role. Rather, throughout history, women have been considered to be not only more skilled than men at nurturing, but also more frequently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.

3. Men are overly prone to violence. No really manly man wants to settle disputes by any means other than by fighting about it. Thus, they would be poor role models, as well as being dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.

2. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep paths, repair the church roof, and maybe even lead the singing on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the Church.

1. In the New Testament account, the person who betrayed Jesus was a man. Thus, his lack of faith and ensuing punishment stands as a symbol of the subordinated position that all men should take.

Silence

Colossians 3:12

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I'm in need of some silence.

Repose.

Quiet.

From the Taize service tonight:

How is it possible to reach inner silence? Sometimes we are apparently silent, and yet we have great discussions within, struggling with imaginary partners or with ourselves. Calming our souls requires a kind of simplicity: 'I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.' Silence means recognizing that my worries can't do much. Silence means leaving to God what is beyond my reach and capacity. A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbatical rest, a truce of worries and makes us ready for a new meeting with God. In silence, it proves to be 'sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides souls from spirit'. In silence, we stop hiding before God, and the light of Christ can reach and heal and transform even what we are ashamed of.