Today I went to the park.
The PARK!! I can't remember the last time I spent 3 hours just chilling at a park, but I did today and it was awesome! A bunch of friends randomly decided sometime between lunch and the end of school that today was a park day...so we grabbed some clothes and headed into the GORGEOUS weather (it was like 65 degrees and sunny and windy) and we had a blast. We rolled down hills, played in the creek, identified cloud shapes, found a random stump in the woods and had team trust therapy (or something like that...ask Joni for the details), played frisbee (although the wind made that pretty difficult), and I swung (swang? swinged?) on a tire swing for the first time in I don't know how long! We also spent some time laying around and laughing at stupid things and talking about how close we are to graduation (all the sudden it's april!) and throwing grass at eachother. I felt like we were elementary kids again...bring it on!
Why is it that in our lives we find so little time for things like this? I wish I was the type of person who put down what I was doing and just stopped to ENJOY more often. I get so wrapped up in keeping up with my schedule that I forget that God put this green earth around us for a reason, and it isn't so there's a place to throw my gum during soccer games. :)
It's days like this that are like balm to the soul...great weather, awesome people to chat with, good crazy random times, and smiles around. If you haven't found a good park lately, grab a buddy and have some fun or just go lay under a tree for a while. I think it will do you good.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Saturday, March 26, 2005
DONE!
After a long and drawn out week involving many late nights and distracted study hall sessions I have finally conquered my newest enemy! Wuthering Heights is FINISHED! Good thing too, because I have a four page paper due on Wednesday. Now that I've read every word all I have to do is refer to my motif references, come up with a stellar thesis, ...oh, and write a paper that is worthy of Mrs. Kok's eyes. ...there lies the rub. ah well...
Now that that's done I can relax a bit tomorrow...we're looking forward to a great morning of music and celebration and then lunch with the Bosticks and Costerisans. Good deal!
We spent yesterday and today in Champaign, taking a much needed family outing. It has been so long since we've spent some good family time "away from it all"...we had a great time shopping (ok...I lied...the girls had a great time shopping...Dad and TJ bought computer games and played in the mall's arcade) and swimming and playing games at the hotel. Then we came home tonight and watched Illinois' attempt at throwing half the country into cardiac arrest. ...Holy holy cow cow!! I'm not ready to see another game that's that close for a LONG time.
ILL...
have a great Easter!
Now that that's done I can relax a bit tomorrow...we're looking forward to a great morning of music and celebration and then lunch with the Bosticks and Costerisans. Good deal!
We spent yesterday and today in Champaign, taking a much needed family outing. It has been so long since we've spent some good family time "away from it all"...we had a great time shopping (ok...I lied...the girls had a great time shopping...Dad and TJ bought computer games and played in the mall's arcade) and swimming and playing games at the hotel. Then we came home tonight and watched Illinois' attempt at throwing half the country into cardiac arrest. ...Holy holy cow cow!! I'm not ready to see another game that's that close for a LONG time.
ILL...
have a great Easter!
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Son of the Father
No, not Jesus
Not you or me or any other Christian.
Barabbas.
Did anyone else know that the translation for Barabbas is "son of the Father"? Tonight as our speaker was taking us through the timeline for the passion week he said this and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean, how many times have I read the passage and been mad again at the crowd for picking the "wrong one" to release? Everything in me screams "INJUSTICE" and I find myself loathing Barabbas. He deserved his punnishment...he should have died...but he got away. The nerve of some people!!
...add the above translation though and things started to fall into place. I realized for the first time that Barabbas isn't just another person in the story of the crucifiction week. He was the first one to experience complete, and yes unjust, forgiveness because of Christ's sacrifice. It wasn't fair and it certainly wasn't deserved...but it was given. Since Barabbas' release thousands, maybe millions have found the same forgivness in the same sacrifice...and they haven't deserved it any more. Suddenly, it's me I'm loathing.
Easter week is an amazing one. We are preparing a drama that was originally written as a radio play to present in chapel on Wednesday. The chapel will be very different than anything we've ever done because we're trying to make it like a good Friday service...focusing on the sacrifice and leaving the ressurection for Sunday. The solemnity of this play, even in rehersals every morning, strikes me as something that I gloss over too easily during this week every year. As my classmates learn their lines, I hear a gradual shift in their voices that tells me I'm not the only one who's heart is being impacted. I hear the roughness in the centurion becoming more pronounced, then suddenly softening once the sacrifice is made. I hear the voice of John comforting others while looking on, his heart so full of grief that he pronounces it "dead." I hear the voice of Mary, wondering how she can bear to watch her son suffer. And as my own voice adds to the jeers of the crowd and the hypocritical cynicism of the pharisees I am humbled beyond measure.
There is no explanation for this love but the amazing grace of God for all of the Sons of the Father. May he grant you the fullness of his joy as you anticipate his ressurection.
Not you or me or any other Christian.
Barabbas.
Did anyone else know that the translation for Barabbas is "son of the Father"? Tonight as our speaker was taking us through the timeline for the passion week he said this and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean, how many times have I read the passage and been mad again at the crowd for picking the "wrong one" to release? Everything in me screams "INJUSTICE" and I find myself loathing Barabbas. He deserved his punnishment...he should have died...but he got away. The nerve of some people!!
...add the above translation though and things started to fall into place. I realized for the first time that Barabbas isn't just another person in the story of the crucifiction week. He was the first one to experience complete, and yes unjust, forgiveness because of Christ's sacrifice. It wasn't fair and it certainly wasn't deserved...but it was given. Since Barabbas' release thousands, maybe millions have found the same forgivness in the same sacrifice...and they haven't deserved it any more. Suddenly, it's me I'm loathing.
Easter week is an amazing one. We are preparing a drama that was originally written as a radio play to present in chapel on Wednesday. The chapel will be very different than anything we've ever done because we're trying to make it like a good Friday service...focusing on the sacrifice and leaving the ressurection for Sunday. The solemnity of this play, even in rehersals every morning, strikes me as something that I gloss over too easily during this week every year. As my classmates learn their lines, I hear a gradual shift in their voices that tells me I'm not the only one who's heart is being impacted. I hear the roughness in the centurion becoming more pronounced, then suddenly softening once the sacrifice is made. I hear the voice of John comforting others while looking on, his heart so full of grief that he pronounces it "dead." I hear the voice of Mary, wondering how she can bear to watch her son suffer. And as my own voice adds to the jeers of the crowd and the hypocritical cynicism of the pharisees I am humbled beyond measure.
There is no explanation for this love but the amazing grace of God for all of the Sons of the Father. May he grant you the fullness of his joy as you anticipate his ressurection.
Friday, March 18, 2005
...make a joyful noise...
My life flows on in endless song
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—How can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?
Robert Lowry
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—How can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?
Robert Lowry
Monday, March 14, 2005
Care for a ramble?
very little time, less brain power, and a ramble or two to take you on. This could be fun...
Let's see, recap of my weekend is tough but so fun. Friday eve the long awaited secret came out of the bag finally. We threw Dennis and Cheryl Costerisan a century party (they both turned 50 this year) and it was a BLAST. They are such amazing, inspiring people...the type that make me almost afraid to live out my future because I'm scared I can't get it that close to right. Then again they restore my hope that Christians can make a huge difference in the lives of those around them. We made up verses to "you are my sunshine" and gave gag gifts and stayed up late talking. Much fun.
Saturday had soccer practice, then TJ's basketball game, then a crazy fun scavenger hunt at the mall in springfield searching for missing people dressed up like who knows what. I got to run around with people from 3 different youth groups and that was fun. Zach gave a great challenge back at the church...one I really needed to hear. "keep your hand to the plow and don't look back...following Jesus isn't on our terms, it's a fully surrendered cross bearing." When you read this, thanks bud.
My birthday was Sunday and really is a whirlwind at this point...had a nice lunch with my family and then a soul purpose concert, which although totally out of our hands and a little stressful ended up being a great time of worship and I hope a not too unacceptable offering. We give what little we have at our moments of greatest insufficiency and ask God to make it something useable, right?? After that I had a whole slew gob of people from school over for pizza, games, smores, and fun. I love all y'all! Got some teddy bears, chocolate (Hooray!), cookies, some jewelry, a Cd, and even a phone call from Tina...oh, and some rocks. :) God has surrounded me with some awesome sharpening friends who become more precious by the day.
18 seems like one of those impossible ages which I somehow achieved without even noticing. Crazy how that happens. Thanks for the time you've given me Lord...
Let's see, recap of my weekend is tough but so fun. Friday eve the long awaited secret came out of the bag finally. We threw Dennis and Cheryl Costerisan a century party (they both turned 50 this year) and it was a BLAST. They are such amazing, inspiring people...the type that make me almost afraid to live out my future because I'm scared I can't get it that close to right. Then again they restore my hope that Christians can make a huge difference in the lives of those around them. We made up verses to "you are my sunshine" and gave gag gifts and stayed up late talking. Much fun.
Saturday had soccer practice, then TJ's basketball game, then a crazy fun scavenger hunt at the mall in springfield searching for missing people dressed up like who knows what. I got to run around with people from 3 different youth groups and that was fun. Zach gave a great challenge back at the church...one I really needed to hear. "keep your hand to the plow and don't look back...following Jesus isn't on our terms, it's a fully surrendered cross bearing." When you read this, thanks bud.
My birthday was Sunday and really is a whirlwind at this point...had a nice lunch with my family and then a soul purpose concert, which although totally out of our hands and a little stressful ended up being a great time of worship and I hope a not too unacceptable offering. We give what little we have at our moments of greatest insufficiency and ask God to make it something useable, right?? After that I had a whole slew gob of people from school over for pizza, games, smores, and fun. I love all y'all! Got some teddy bears, chocolate (Hooray!), cookies, some jewelry, a Cd, and even a phone call from Tina...oh, and some rocks. :) God has surrounded me with some awesome sharpening friends who become more precious by the day.
18 seems like one of those impossible ages which I somehow achieved without even noticing. Crazy how that happens. Thanks for the time you've given me Lord...
Saturday, March 12, 2005
a virtue
I'm writing this here so that 2 months from now when I've forgotten tonight's lesson I'll know just where to look for it...
I love moms and late night talks and the inspirations that come from their stories. Tonight she told me, "it looked good. In fact, it looked GREAT!! ...but that was only because I hadn't seen the best yet."
Lord, give me patience
peace...
I love moms and late night talks and the inspirations that come from their stories. Tonight she told me, "it looked good. In fact, it looked GREAT!! ...but that was only because I hadn't seen the best yet."
Lord, give me patience
peace...
Monday, March 07, 2005
Got Random-ocity?
Hi all...
After nearly 2 weeks without a post I'm shocked that I don't have something urgent to tell you. Then again, maybe it's better that way--there's half a chance of this blog being a length that can be read in one sitting :)
Let's see...I guess the thing that's jumping out to me the most is my time on Sunday morning. After singing in praise team we raced over to a black church downtown. Our history class had an interesting conversation about racism in the church, and one of the black girls in our class invited us to attend her church, so we did. I remember attending joint services with a black church several years ago...they were fun, but it has been a while. I had forgotten the power of their worship and the strength of the music. Almost as soon as the choir started singing I was swept away...the next hour or so was spent "adding to the noise"...unable to hear myself I clapped, stomped, yelled, and sang, content with watching my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ present a united, unpolished, heartfelt offering to God. I love getting some place new, experiencing new traditions and ideas...this church was so alive. The pastor certainly knew his stuff as well...he spoke on letting God have full control over our hearts, a message that I certainly needed to hear. I took more notes on his sermon than I've taken since camp this summer...he was great. I tried hard not to laugh at the end when he appoligized for not getting loud. His heart in the issue certainly spoke loud enough. Halleluiah~
Last week was a challenging one, and I certainly wasn't myself...the stress, lack of sleep, and such like caught up with me I think. But God pulled me through 3 big projects and in little ways I continue to see his faithfulness. It ended with a great movie night with friends Friday...thanks guys. Much needed and even more appreciated.
Illinois lost....sigh, tear (drip....sploosh)
Today I dated a paper 03/04/07. Brain? What's that??
We are painting our youth room and I spent two hours of quality time with a projector and a little circle tracing bubbles of various shapes and sizes on a quarter of our room. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Therein lies the extent of my memory...that and the fact that I wish every day could be as perfect as the weather this weekend. GLORIOUS! Snow in the forcast, but the promise of spring is enough for me. I saw the first new blades of grass on the soccer field today...be encouraged and press on! Love to you all...
After nearly 2 weeks without a post I'm shocked that I don't have something urgent to tell you. Then again, maybe it's better that way--there's half a chance of this blog being a length that can be read in one sitting :)
Let's see...I guess the thing that's jumping out to me the most is my time on Sunday morning. After singing in praise team we raced over to a black church downtown. Our history class had an interesting conversation about racism in the church, and one of the black girls in our class invited us to attend her church, so we did. I remember attending joint services with a black church several years ago...they were fun, but it has been a while. I had forgotten the power of their worship and the strength of the music. Almost as soon as the choir started singing I was swept away...the next hour or so was spent "adding to the noise"...unable to hear myself I clapped, stomped, yelled, and sang, content with watching my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ present a united, unpolished, heartfelt offering to God. I love getting some place new, experiencing new traditions and ideas...this church was so alive. The pastor certainly knew his stuff as well...he spoke on letting God have full control over our hearts, a message that I certainly needed to hear. I took more notes on his sermon than I've taken since camp this summer...he was great. I tried hard not to laugh at the end when he appoligized for not getting loud. His heart in the issue certainly spoke loud enough. Halleluiah~
Last week was a challenging one, and I certainly wasn't myself...the stress, lack of sleep, and such like caught up with me I think. But God pulled me through 3 big projects and in little ways I continue to see his faithfulness. It ended with a great movie night with friends Friday...thanks guys. Much needed and even more appreciated.
Illinois lost....sigh, tear (drip....sploosh)
Today I dated a paper 03/04/07. Brain? What's that??
We are painting our youth room and I spent two hours of quality time with a projector and a little circle tracing bubbles of various shapes and sizes on a quarter of our room. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Therein lies the extent of my memory...that and the fact that I wish every day could be as perfect as the weather this weekend. GLORIOUS! Snow in the forcast, but the promise of spring is enough for me. I saw the first new blades of grass on the soccer field today...be encouraged and press on! Love to you all...
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