Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Faith and the Unexpected
I felt kind of bad about leaving a post up through Christmas entitled "the road to hell", although I do think it was somewhat appropriate since I have been working retail throughout the season.
Last night I was talking to a good friend who was asking me about my future plans, and after expressing some uncertainty and/or preoccupation, he encouraged me to have faith, which led to a discussion about what faith is. I said that I have faith everything will work out, but I don't have faith necessarily that it'll work out to the plans I am working towards.
I spend a lot of my Christmas meditations thinking about Mary and Joseph. So last night as I read the nativity story I wondered again about Mary. I can't begin to imagine what she felt on that night. The angel foretells the birth of the Son of God, and I can't help but think of all the things she experienced that must have made her doubt that. The barn, the fleeing into Egypt, the scorn from family, the strange and intense ministry, culminating at a brutal death. We know the disciples had problems with grand disillusions about the kingdom of Jesus-- imagine what his mother must have thought.
I wish so much we heard more from Mary in the cannonized gospels (she probably shows up more in apocryphyl work, but I don't know from sure). Luke's account gives a few peeks into her thoughts, which I'm assuming Luke garnered directly from her. I wonder how she felt when she was praised, only to have Jesus rebuke the thought. I wonder how she felt when the family went to see him and he denied the biological family but claimed all believers as his family.
I don't know how she handled it. I don't know if she was bitter or accepting, warm or hardened, faithful or doubting. Clearly she was loyal to her son, though it must have been difficult. I don't know about the faith of Mary. I assume she was faithful. She was the woman chose among all those in the world for this burden and joy.
I believe Mary had faith, although things certainly didn't unfold as she would have chosen or thought. I think that's the point. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Delight yourself in the Lord-- there's the catch. In good times and bad, even when it doesn't go the way you want or expect.
Last night I was talking to a good friend who was asking me about my future plans, and after expressing some uncertainty and/or preoccupation, he encouraged me to have faith, which led to a discussion about what faith is. I said that I have faith everything will work out, but I don't have faith necessarily that it'll work out to the plans I am working towards.
I spend a lot of my Christmas meditations thinking about Mary and Joseph. So last night as I read the nativity story I wondered again about Mary. I can't begin to imagine what she felt on that night. The angel foretells the birth of the Son of God, and I can't help but think of all the things she experienced that must have made her doubt that. The barn, the fleeing into Egypt, the scorn from family, the strange and intense ministry, culminating at a brutal death. We know the disciples had problems with grand disillusions about the kingdom of Jesus-- imagine what his mother must have thought.
I wish so much we heard more from Mary in the cannonized gospels (she probably shows up more in apocryphyl work, but I don't know from sure). Luke's account gives a few peeks into her thoughts, which I'm assuming Luke garnered directly from her. I wonder how she felt when she was praised, only to have Jesus rebuke the thought. I wonder how she felt when the family went to see him and he denied the biological family but claimed all believers as his family.
I don't know how she handled it. I don't know if she was bitter or accepting, warm or hardened, faithful or doubting. Clearly she was loyal to her son, though it must have been difficult. I don't know about the faith of Mary. I assume she was faithful. She was the woman chose among all those in the world for this burden and joy.
I believe Mary had faith, although things certainly didn't unfold as she would have chosen or thought. I think that's the point. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Delight yourself in the Lord-- there's the catch. In good times and bad, even when it doesn't go the way you want or expect.
"But his mother treasured all these things in her heart..." --Luke 2:51
Friday, December 22, 2006
The road to hell...
I have been rather discouraged lately by some things, and when I say things I mean people, and when I say people I mean friends. :) Nothing big, nothing intentional or malicious, just run of the mill frustrations. Disappointments and down times happen in all relationships-- nothing new under the sun.
Well in a rare moment of spiritual clarity, I realized that my frustrations were probably a ploy from Satan to get me discouraged about ministry and opportunities God wants me to pursue. Then I thought, "but still, that's a hurtful thing of my friends to do..." Then it dawned on me. Satan can use people to get to us.
I'm not accusing anybody of being hell's angels, but I think Satan can and does use good, Christian people to affect us negatively. This may be a more powerful tool than most, because while we may not care what the stranger on the street thinks, a cut from a friend wounds very deeply.
They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and Lord knows I'm guilty of this. So as I'm processing all of this tonight, I decided to stop thinking of my friends and start thinking of myself, and all of the beloved people in my life I am hurting through my good intentions and thoughts that are never acted upon. Who isn't feeling loved because I haven't made that call or sent that email? Am I going to continue to let Satan use me like this?
I'd never thought of it like that before... but I don't think I'm off base. Maybe my good intentions aren't only paving my "road to hell", but driving people I love into the same direction because I'm not following the Spirit's leading on how to show God's love to them. Sins of omission are just as real as any intentional evil.
Especially during this holiday season when many people feel more emotional or vulnerable, let's make the effort to be not only well meaning but acting on our thoughts of kindness.
Well in a rare moment of spiritual clarity, I realized that my frustrations were probably a ploy from Satan to get me discouraged about ministry and opportunities God wants me to pursue. Then I thought, "but still, that's a hurtful thing of my friends to do..." Then it dawned on me. Satan can use people to get to us.
I'm not accusing anybody of being hell's angels, but I think Satan can and does use good, Christian people to affect us negatively. This may be a more powerful tool than most, because while we may not care what the stranger on the street thinks, a cut from a friend wounds very deeply.
They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and Lord knows I'm guilty of this. So as I'm processing all of this tonight, I decided to stop thinking of my friends and start thinking of myself, and all of the beloved people in my life I am hurting through my good intentions and thoughts that are never acted upon. Who isn't feeling loved because I haven't made that call or sent that email? Am I going to continue to let Satan use me like this?
I'd never thought of it like that before... but I don't think I'm off base. Maybe my good intentions aren't only paving my "road to hell", but driving people I love into the same direction because I'm not following the Spirit's leading on how to show God's love to them. Sins of omission are just as real as any intentional evil.
Especially during this holiday season when many people feel more emotional or vulnerable, let's make the effort to be not only well meaning but acting on our thoughts of kindness.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
2006 SojoAwards
The SojoBlog Awards for 2006!
aka-- another survey ripped off of Nina.
1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR
Oh my, this can't go to anyone except Ivan. :)
2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD - LONGEST FRIEND(s)?
Rock on Nina! Since 1st grade in Mrs. Hayes class!
3) NEWCOMER AWARD - NEWEST FRIEND?
Lots of people from Brazil. I'm going to have to go with a three way tie between Pamela, Thiago, and Jessica.
3) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?
Probably when I was able to eat again or when I got my feeding tube out.
4) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?
My near death experiences in January?
5) BEST HOLIDAY?
Thanksgiving was really great.
6) SONG FOR 2006?
"My Humps"..... no I'm just kidding. :) hahaha... I'll have to go with... hmm... "Broken Road" by Selah.
7) ANY REGRETS?
Yep.
8) BEST NIGHT OUT?
My night out in São Paulo with Thiago, Thauana, Felipe, and Guto. Too much fun. :)
9) WORST NIGHT OUT?
The night I broke my toe and sat in the freezing hospital with the mean doctor.
10) WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES WITH?
Me, myself and I.
11) BEST RELATIONSHIP?
Ha, well hmm, that is a good question. There were about 3 people who truly preserved my sanity this year. I hope they know who they are.
12) WORST RELATIONSHIP?
Can I just say "the Man", and by that I don't mean a man, but you know, THE Man. :) And not God either. You know... THE MAN. The man got me down... hahahaha... :)
13) FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?
Itu church choir. That was pretty fun! :)
14) LAST GIG OF THE YEAR?
I sang at an English class I went to visit... Oh my.
15) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR?
One word-- Brazil.
16) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?
Forming.
17) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK?
None-- "homey don't play 'dat." But as for other people I saw drunk, I had a friend decide it was a good idea to direct traffic in the street. Bad idea. :)
18) BUTTHEAD OF THE YEAR?
Donald Rumsfeld
19) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?
I love you all, but I've gotta go with Meredith.
20) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?
Eu falo português! Então... mais ou menos... ;)
2007, here we come. :)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Me talk pretty...
Thanks to Dan for the tip on this. I'm pretty happy with my results. In my line of work it's good to not have an accent. I wish I could take a test like this in Portuguese... I'm pretty sure I'd come out being a strong Paulista. ;)
By the way, this is my 500th post! Thanks for hanging around, my loyal people! :)
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio. | |
| The South | |
| The West | |
| The Inland North | |
| The Northeast | |
| Philadelphia | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
By the way, this is my 500th post! Thanks for hanging around, my loyal people! :)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Bible people
I'm starting to notice a subtle, yet distinct dichotomy in the types of people that study the Bible. There are people who read the Bible seeking to find truth, and there are people who read the Bible looking to prove what they already believe. The dangerous thing that the prior is very difficult and the latter is very easy.
It's been said that you can use the Bible to argue anything. It's true. This is why I don't like what I call "acrobat" Bible studies, when a person speaks on a topic and has you flip flop through your Bible to catch wayward sentences that may relate to that subject (or not). Satan used scripture in the temptation of Christ. The word of God is a sword, and it can be used quite violently. From the law of Moses until now, the scriptures have been used by religious people wielding it recklessly and for their own power.
But the word of God is a double edged sword. I don't really know what that means in context, but here's how I'm going to use it. :) There's the prior use for the sword as I mentioned earlier. But the Bible is the truth of God, and I have this vision of a lost person cutting through dense overgrowth to find their way back to the path. Kind of an image of one of the seeds in Luke 8. You don't know what you're going to find as you continue on, but each step is progress.
The Bible is all about paradox. Weak and strong, humble yet exalted, sinner but saved. I think this is another one. One of the most evil things is to twist the word of God into your own creation; that is pure blasphemy. But one of the most beautiful things is to find a ray of truth that you know would never come from a source of this world.
We hold the same book in our hands, but every one will choose how they're going to approach it.
God, open our hearts. Empty us of ourselves. Show us your truth.
It's been said that you can use the Bible to argue anything. It's true. This is why I don't like what I call "acrobat" Bible studies, when a person speaks on a topic and has you flip flop through your Bible to catch wayward sentences that may relate to that subject (or not). Satan used scripture in the temptation of Christ. The word of God is a sword, and it can be used quite violently. From the law of Moses until now, the scriptures have been used by religious people wielding it recklessly and for their own power.
But the word of God is a double edged sword. I don't really know what that means in context, but here's how I'm going to use it. :) There's the prior use for the sword as I mentioned earlier. But the Bible is the truth of God, and I have this vision of a lost person cutting through dense overgrowth to find their way back to the path. Kind of an image of one of the seeds in Luke 8. You don't know what you're going to find as you continue on, but each step is progress.
The Bible is all about paradox. Weak and strong, humble yet exalted, sinner but saved. I think this is another one. One of the most evil things is to twist the word of God into your own creation; that is pure blasphemy. But one of the most beautiful things is to find a ray of truth that you know would never come from a source of this world.
We hold the same book in our hands, but every one will choose how they're going to approach it.
God, open our hearts. Empty us of ourselves. Show us your truth.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Good gifts and bad gifts
I really like the whole Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year/holiday season. I think the song rings true when it says it's "the most wonderful time of the year." Maybe that's a little too sentimental of me, but hey, I like it. I especially like my dancing Santa and watching Christmas movies. And the music.
Anyway, this may be an ongoing blog theme until Christmas, I don't know, but I want to say a little about my least favorite part of Christmas. Gifts. I love giving gifts, but at Christmas I, like most people with any good sense, get frustrated at the rampant consumerism. So I want to present you with what I think are good gifts and bad gifts. Feel free to add to my list.
Bad gifts--
The diamond "journey" necklace. I think this is a genius marketing ploy by the diamond industry. First they had the whole, three stone "past, present, future" thing, and then the "women's right hand ring," and now this. What a great way to convice you to buy 7 diamonds instead of one. I'm not a diamond girl, for several reasons practical and ethical. So I think this is a bad gift.
A Lexus. Have you seen these commercials? First of all, who buys a $50,ooo luxury car for their spouse at Christmas? I'd kill my husband if he bought a car, especially like that, without telling me.
Naming a star after someone. This is just pretty weird. If you're interesting in naming a star after someone, then let me also interest you in naming a tree in the amazon after your loved one, as well. Only $29.95, a deal found exclusively on the sojochick blog.
Good gifts--
Blood donation! Not only a good idea for the holiday season, but all year through. But this is the season to give. There may be a blog coming up about this, but I honestly feel like every person who is able should be donating regularly. You might be thinking, "this is a gift?" Sure! You can give in honor of someone who's received a transfusion, like, I don't know, maybe your favorite blogger. :)
Ten Thousand Villages -- a fair trade organization that lets you buy artisan work from around the world while paying the artists fair prices. Really beautiful things, too.
World Vision or Heifer International -- These groups let you buy things like a cow or a goat for a family who desperately needs it.
Art by the children of St. Jude's hospital-- What a precious gift one of these items would make! Not only are you supporting the kids, but also giving someone a reminder to pray for the children who make these things as well.
Good books. Good books are always a good gift. It'll make ya' smarter. :)
------
I'm sure there are lots of other bad and good gifts. Any thoughts?
Anyway, this may be an ongoing blog theme until Christmas, I don't know, but I want to say a little about my least favorite part of Christmas. Gifts. I love giving gifts, but at Christmas I, like most people with any good sense, get frustrated at the rampant consumerism. So I want to present you with what I think are good gifts and bad gifts. Feel free to add to my list.
Bad gifts--
The diamond "journey" necklace. I think this is a genius marketing ploy by the diamond industry. First they had the whole, three stone "past, present, future" thing, and then the "women's right hand ring," and now this. What a great way to convice you to buy 7 diamonds instead of one. I'm not a diamond girl, for several reasons practical and ethical. So I think this is a bad gift.
A Lexus. Have you seen these commercials? First of all, who buys a $50,ooo luxury car for their spouse at Christmas? I'd kill my husband if he bought a car, especially like that, without telling me.
Naming a star after someone. This is just pretty weird. If you're interesting in naming a star after someone, then let me also interest you in naming a tree in the amazon after your loved one, as well. Only $29.95, a deal found exclusively on the sojochick blog.
Good gifts--
Blood donation! Not only a good idea for the holiday season, but all year through. But this is the season to give. There may be a blog coming up about this, but I honestly feel like every person who is able should be donating regularly. You might be thinking, "this is a gift?" Sure! You can give in honor of someone who's received a transfusion, like, I don't know, maybe your favorite blogger. :)
Ten Thousand Villages -- a fair trade organization that lets you buy artisan work from around the world while paying the artists fair prices. Really beautiful things, too.
World Vision or Heifer International -- These groups let you buy things like a cow or a goat for a family who desperately needs it.
Art by the children of St. Jude's hospital-- What a precious gift one of these items would make! Not only are you supporting the kids, but also giving someone a reminder to pray for the children who make these things as well.
Good books. Good books are always a good gift. It'll make ya' smarter. :)
------
I'm sure there are lots of other bad and good gifts. Any thoughts?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Thanksgiving Thursday
Last week I forgot Thursday Thanksgiving! Shame on me! It wasn't that I wasn't thankful, I just forgot. :( Oops!
Then today I was having a craptacular day. Nothing big happened, just all the little things seemed to go wrong. So I very nearly didn't post one on purpose today. How wreched of me is that?! But I just received an email that more than made up for any little junk. So thanks to that little Godlight, I now present my Thursday Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for--
Introducing Miss Chloe Sylvia, beautiful daughter of Alissa and Rob!
Then today I was having a craptacular day. Nothing big happened, just all the little things seemed to go wrong. So I very nearly didn't post one on purpose today. How wreched of me is that?! But I just received an email that more than made up for any little junk. So thanks to that little Godlight, I now present my Thursday Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for--
- visits with old, dear friends
- good advice from people you love and trust
- new life
Introducing Miss Chloe Sylvia, beautiful daughter of Alissa and Rob!- a car to use pretty much falling into my lap
- the spirit of Christmas
- open and honest people willing to ask hard questions
- warm blankets
- staying safe during the winter storm in Oklahoma
Monday, December 04, 2006
One word and Anti-social drinking
You can only answer with one word. No explanations.
1. Yourself: hopeful
2. Your spouse: where
3. Your hair: growing
4. Your mother: busy
5. Your father: manly
6. Your favorite item: comfort
7. Your dream last night: Brazil
8. Your favorite drink: big
9. Your dream car: sensible
10. The room you are in: green
11. Your ex: wrong
12. Your fear: forgotten
13. What you want to be in 10 years: happy
14. Who you hung out with last night: Blake
15. What you're not: ordinary
16. Muffins: blueberry
17: One of your wish list items: ipod
18: Time: precious
19. The last thing you did: smiled
20. What you are wearing: sweater
21. Your favorite weather: clear
22. Your favorite book: powerful
23. The last thing you ate: lunch
24. Your life: miracle
25. Your mood: hesitant
26. Your best friend: gift
27. What you're thinking about right now: future
28. Your car: grandad
29. What you are doing at the moment: chatting
30. Your summer: excitement
31. Your relationship status: single
32. What is on your TV: nothing
33. What is the weather like: cold
34. When was the last time you laughed: today
-------------
Something to make you smile today
We can all stop holding our breath and praying for the light to re-enter the world, because it has come. Seriously. Wow. Are we avoiding reading about half of the story of Jesus and discarding virtually every culture in the world outside of the US? Wow.
In response to the title of this book, a friend who shall remain un-named quipped, "Well, I'm not a social drinker. I always drink alone. I'm an anti-social drinker." :)
1. Yourself: hopeful
2. Your spouse: where
3. Your hair: growing
4. Your mother: busy
5. Your father: manly
6. Your favorite item: comfort
7. Your dream last night: Brazil
8. Your favorite drink: big
9. Your dream car: sensible
10. The room you are in: green
11. Your ex: wrong
12. Your fear: forgotten
13. What you want to be in 10 years: happy
14. Who you hung out with last night: Blake
15. What you're not: ordinary
16. Muffins: blueberry
17: One of your wish list items: ipod
18: Time: precious
19. The last thing you did: smiled
20. What you are wearing: sweater
21. Your favorite weather: clear
22. Your favorite book: powerful
23. The last thing you ate: lunch
24. Your life: miracle
25. Your mood: hesitant
26. Your best friend: gift
27. What you're thinking about right now: future
28. Your car: grandad
29. What you are doing at the moment: chatting
30. Your summer: excitement
31. Your relationship status: single
32. What is on your TV: nothing
33. What is the weather like: cold
34. When was the last time you laughed: today
-------------
Something to make you smile today
We can all stop holding our breath and praying for the light to re-enter the world, because it has come. Seriously. Wow. Are we avoiding reading about half of the story of Jesus and discarding virtually every culture in the world outside of the US? Wow.
In response to the title of this book, a friend who shall remain un-named quipped, "Well, I'm not a social drinker. I always drink alone. I'm an anti-social drinker." :)
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Winter Wonderland
Hey folks!
I arrived in OKC on Wednesday afternoon, just before the big winter storm hit. I've been pretty homebound from Wednesday night til today, but it's been great to be with the Carpenters and I've visited with the McBrides too, since they live just across the street.
The weather was pretty bad. It was sleeting all Wednesday night then snowed all day Thursday with temperatures in the teens. Thank God for a warm house.
I took some pictures. Here you go--
Where'd my foot go? I think Edmond got a good 6".
Happy holidays from your favorite Snow-Ann.
I arrived in OKC on Wednesday afternoon, just before the big winter storm hit. I've been pretty homebound from Wednesday night til today, but it's been great to be with the Carpenters and I've visited with the McBrides too, since they live just across the street.
The weather was pretty bad. It was sleeting all Wednesday night then snowed all day Thursday with temperatures in the teens. Thank God for a warm house.
I took some pictures. Here you go--
Where'd my foot go? I think Edmond got a good 6".
Happy holidays from your favorite Snow-Ann.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
What's up with me
Hey people! Still reading? Good for you!
Well here's what's up with me. Thanksgiving was great. I ate some of the best food of my life and got to see my crazy, yet much beloved, family. As perfect a holiday as I could ever imagine.
What else... well I've been scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is probably the leading cause of insanity in crafters. Wow, I can't wait to be done (and I think I'll finish tomorrow). In the future I'll show off some of my pages...
One interesting thing I've had the opportunity to do since I've been back is doing Bible studies at the Juvenile Detention Center. It has been so incredible. I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed a Bible study more. I've worked with the same 5 girls the past two weeks. The oldest is probably 16, and the lives these girls have had... man. I know this makes me sound old (and I am, I know), but these are just kids! They shouldn't have to have dealt with the situations they've been in at such young ages. Anyway, this isn't to bemoan society or whatever. I loved the studies because the girls are so honest. None of the churchy façade that so many people put up. They talk about how faith is hard, and being good is hard, and they have such hope for their futures. I love it. Pray for these girls, please.
Readjustment is alright. Some times are better than others. A lot of times I'll remember some joke or quote or thing that happened and laugh to myself, because I know no one else would understand it or even if I explained it, think it's funny. And sometimes I want to talk in Portuguese and I find it rather hard to comprehend that no one here understands what I'm saying, even when I say something simple. I've gone nuts. :) And sometimes I'll think of someone I miss or something I miss and just let out a sad moan or a big sigh. But really it's not as hard as I expected. Then again, I'm only a week and a half into re-entry. :)
I'm off to OKC this week. If you're there, leave a message and vamos combinar fazer alguma coisa... sorry, I mean let's plan to do something. ;) haha...
Well here's what's up with me. Thanksgiving was great. I ate some of the best food of my life and got to see my crazy, yet much beloved, family. As perfect a holiday as I could ever imagine.
What else... well I've been scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is probably the leading cause of insanity in crafters. Wow, I can't wait to be done (and I think I'll finish tomorrow). In the future I'll show off some of my pages...
One interesting thing I've had the opportunity to do since I've been back is doing Bible studies at the Juvenile Detention Center. It has been so incredible. I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed a Bible study more. I've worked with the same 5 girls the past two weeks. The oldest is probably 16, and the lives these girls have had... man. I know this makes me sound old (and I am, I know), but these are just kids! They shouldn't have to have dealt with the situations they've been in at such young ages. Anyway, this isn't to bemoan society or whatever. I loved the studies because the girls are so honest. None of the churchy façade that so many people put up. They talk about how faith is hard, and being good is hard, and they have such hope for their futures. I love it. Pray for these girls, please.
Readjustment is alright. Some times are better than others. A lot of times I'll remember some joke or quote or thing that happened and laugh to myself, because I know no one else would understand it or even if I explained it, think it's funny. And sometimes I want to talk in Portuguese and I find it rather hard to comprehend that no one here understands what I'm saying, even when I say something simple. I've gone nuts. :) And sometimes I'll think of someone I miss or something I miss and just let out a sad moan or a big sigh. But really it's not as hard as I expected. Then again, I'm only a week and a half into re-entry. :)
I'm off to OKC this week. If you're there, leave a message and vamos combinar fazer alguma coisa... sorry, I mean let's plan to do something. ;) haha...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Real Thanksgiving Thursday
I know I've been blog absent, but let's face it, my life here isn't as exciting as it was in Brazil. :) Actually, I did have an exciting experience last weekend. I'll write about it later.
Tomorrow is the honest to goodness Thanksgiving, so here's the mother of all Thanksgiving lists. These may be repetative, but they're the big ones that I'm super grateful for.
Tomorrow is the honest to goodness Thanksgiving, so here's the mother of all Thanksgiving lists. These may be repetative, but they're the big ones that I'm super grateful for.
- Mexican food, chocolate, Dr. Pepper
- Good books and good music
- The Bible
- Amazing opportunities I've had
- Medical technology that has allowed me to live long enough to have those opportunities
- Internet and airplanes
- The fact that I am lucky enough to call several places in the world "home"
- My friends and my family-- how can 5 words do this one justice?
- Grace, courage of conviction, and the body of Christ being lived out in this world
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Arrived and Thanksgiving Thursday
I am thankful for--
- sweet goodbyes and the wise words of Gandalf-- "I will not say 'Do not weep,' for not all tears are an evil."
- people watching opportunities in the airport-- I saw a Buddhist monk, an orthodox rabbi, an Amish family all in the Sao Paulo airport, and I saw Santa Claus in Washington DC.
- Taco Bell, Dr. Pepper, American sized drinks with ice and free refills, and Three Musketeers
- getting to see my family again
- being able to shop for clothes I understand
- memories and pictures
- the kind emails and notes and calls I've gotten from people thinking of me during the past week
- instant messaging programs
- courage to stand up for what I believe in
- hope for the future
Oh love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe that in Thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be.
--George Matheson
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Oh babe, I hate to go...
Well, in about 3 hours I`ll be leaving Itu, and this time tomorrow I´ll be in Texas. It´s so strange how you can get on an airplane and in a few hours be completely around the world. Freaky.
Goodbyes are heartwrenching, but I have been praying for the past week that God would give me peace and good opportunities to say bye, and appropriate emotions (not too hysterically devistated, but not cold as ice). And God has graciously answered all those prayers in force.
I don´t know how I`ll be about blogging in the upcoming week or so. I might put some pictures up, might have a reflective post, might not.
It´s hard to say goodbye (or tchau for now), but I really can´t complain. I have been given amazing opportunities and experiences, and with the incredible joys I must also accept the difficulties. It´s also like that with the most worthwhile experiences, right?
Love you all. Please pray-- with thanksgiving for the amazing expriences I´ve had here, for your brothers and sisters in Christ working in Brazil, and for my travel and readjustment to the US.
Blog you from the flip side. ;)
Goodbyes are heartwrenching, but I have been praying for the past week that God would give me peace and good opportunities to say bye, and appropriate emotions (not too hysterically devistated, but not cold as ice). And God has graciously answered all those prayers in force.
I don´t know how I`ll be about blogging in the upcoming week or so. I might put some pictures up, might have a reflective post, might not.
It´s hard to say goodbye (or tchau for now), but I really can´t complain. I have been given amazing opportunities and experiences, and with the incredible joys I must also accept the difficulties. It´s also like that with the most worthwhile experiences, right?
Love you all. Please pray-- with thanksgiving for the amazing expriences I´ve had here, for your brothers and sisters in Christ working in Brazil, and for my travel and readjustment to the US.
Blog you from the flip side. ;)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
More pictures
This might not be interesting if you don´t know these people, but hey, you know me. I just wanted to post some pictures of people I love very much.
Ann, Ivonete, Jandira-- Ivonete is so precious. She showers love on everyone she meets, and every week I look forward to seeing her at church because I know that she will be genuinely happy to see me. She is so beautiful, inside and out. All my girlfriends here want to be like her when we´re her age. :) For reference, for those who "know" Ivan from earlier posts, this is his mom.
Kária, Joab, Ann-- Kária is the wife of Joncelei, the minister of the church in Salto (planted by the church in Itu). Kária is too precious. She always calls me "Annie," and when she writes my name she writes it "Anny". :) Joab (pronounced Joe-ah-bee) is one of the cutest kids ever. He loves my chocolate chip cookies and draws me pictures. I adore this family!
The other day, to my utter horror, I realized I had no pictures of me with this boy! This is Victor, AKA Vitinho. I love Victor-- he has a joy about him that just makes you happy to be with him. He´s an amazing friend and one of the people I respect most as a young Christian leader. And he´s hilarious-- he is, in fact, the penguin milker. :)
Eu amo Itu! :)
Ann, Ivonete, Jandira-- Ivonete is so precious. She showers love on everyone she meets, and every week I look forward to seeing her at church because I know that she will be genuinely happy to see me. She is so beautiful, inside and out. All my girlfriends here want to be like her when we´re her age. :) For reference, for those who "know" Ivan from earlier posts, this is his mom.
Kária, Joab, Ann-- Kária is the wife of Joncelei, the minister of the church in Salto (planted by the church in Itu). Kária is too precious. She always calls me "Annie," and when she writes my name she writes it "Anny". :) Joab (pronounced Joe-ah-bee) is one of the cutest kids ever. He loves my chocolate chip cookies and draws me pictures. I adore this family!
The other day, to my utter horror, I realized I had no pictures of me with this boy! This is Victor, AKA Vitinho. I love Victor-- he has a joy about him that just makes you happy to be with him. He´s an amazing friend and one of the people I respect most as a young Christian leader. And he´s hilarious-- he is, in fact, the penguin milker. :)
Eu amo Itu! :)
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Dinner Nights
A few months ago 3 of my friends and I started this tradition of coming over to my house once a week and eating a nice meal together. Doesn´t the Bible say something about breaking bread together? ;) I love to cook, and so it was always a joy for me to share that with my friends. Last night was our last "dinner" of this year... but rest assured one day they will continue! Jandira, Aníbal, Ivan and I have shared a lot of laughs and a few tears. They are true friends, and I am blessed beyond measure that God put them in my life.
Here´s a little slideshow thing of some pictures of us at our dinners.
Here´s a little slideshow thing of some pictures of us at our dinners.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Bento Gonçalves-- Misc Pictures
So this was a great trip. Wonderful to get away, see new places in Brazil (I almost wrote "meet" new places in Brazil... if you speak Portugese or Spanish you understand), and meet great people.
Here are some miscellaneous photos I want to share to wrap up.
This is funny-- let me translate. "Witch Market-- Parking". I´m really not a witch. :)
Pretty good looking group, huh? :) I think it´s funny that of all the amazing photo opps and beautiful scenery, my friends chose to take our picture in front of a group of stragley rocks.
Me and Jéssica
Ivan and I
Fountain of wine!
This is me drinking the green tea the south is famous for. I don´t know why I´m making this face; it was really quite good! Just like the REAL green tea in Japan! :)
Us with Tia Tânia, the owner of the hotel where we stayed. She was SO WONDERFUL to us!!! If you ever go to Bento Gonçalves, you HAVE to stay at the Villa Dei Fiori! :)
So sad to go home! :(
"Carry this special place in your heart with the hope of your return", or something like that. :)
And to wrap it up, I leave you with yet another video of Ivan and I making fools of ourselves doing the toothpick trick in a mall. This time in Bento Gonçalves. If you knew how Brazilians feel about toothpick etiquette, you´d realize how stupid we are. :) Please note Ivan piercing his lip.
Here are some miscellaneous photos I want to share to wrap up.
This is funny-- let me translate. "Witch Market-- Parking". I´m really not a witch. :)
Pretty good looking group, huh? :) I think it´s funny that of all the amazing photo opps and beautiful scenery, my friends chose to take our picture in front of a group of stragley rocks.
Me and Jéssica
Ivan and I
Fountain of wine!
This is me drinking the green tea the south is famous for. I don´t know why I´m making this face; it was really quite good! Just like the REAL green tea in Japan! :)
Us with Tia Tânia, the owner of the hotel where we stayed. She was SO WONDERFUL to us!!! If you ever go to Bento Gonçalves, you HAVE to stay at the Villa Dei Fiori! :)
So sad to go home! :(
"Carry this special place in your heart with the hope of your return", or something like that. :)
And to wrap it up, I leave you with yet another video of Ivan and I making fools of ourselves doing the toothpick trick in a mall. This time in Bento Gonçalves. If you knew how Brazilians feel about toothpick etiquette, you´d realize how stupid we are. :) Please note Ivan piercing his lip.
Thursday Thanksgiving
Last week I was in an airport all day Thursday, so I missed my TT. But this week I am extraordinary thankful.
I am thankful for--
I am thankful for--
- the past 5 months here in Brazil. What a gift.
- the support of my friends and family in following my dream, although I am sure it looked truly insane for me to be buying a plane ticket the day I got my feeding tube out.
- the true miracle from God that I came from writing a blog like this a year ago to being where I am now, healthwise.
- every experience I have had here-- both good and bad-- because I have learned so much about myself, people, friendship, and ministry.
- the remarkable capacity for humans to learn a second language.
- my Brazilian family, who have loved me without fail and without question-- Ivan, Jandira, Aníbal, Jéssica, Marúsia, Jorge, Leandro, Vitinho, Joncelei, Kária, Joab, Soraya, Antenor, Phyllis, Renato, Ivonete, Regina, Iara, Seu Zezo, Zezé, João, Ivete, Thiago, Thauana, Felipe, Alessandro, Rafael, Jonathan... and there are many more, I just don´t think I can keep my composure if I continue.
- a confidence in God that goes beyond what my human fears try to tell me... that no matter how confused or hurt I am, God is working His vision for my life.
Oh, the depth of the richest of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Bento Gonçalves-- Trains and Italians
Saturday in Bento Gonçalves we took a trip on an old steam engine named the Maria Fumaça. It was pretty darn fun. :) First, we took old timey photos of us dressed like Italian immigrants. Here is a picture. I was trying SO HARD not to laugh, which was hard enough considering how we looked, but then the photographer lady kept tell me to look down the train track sadly, and reminding me how I miss "Mateo" and "Giovanna" back in mother Italy. Oh my goodness, I don´t know how I kept it together. I am clearly a horrible immigrant. I like to laugh way too much! Oh wait, I AM a real live immigrant! ;) Ha, we modern immigrants can smile. We have email.
So on the Maria Fumaça, what happens is that you ride on the train and different performers come through singing and dancing. It´s all Italian themed, and it was SO wonderful! They´re dressed in character and they were really such a joy. Ivan´s family is very Italian and he said it was just like being at home with them. :) Here are some pictures.
The little old lady asked Ivan to dance :)
Gauchos
Dancing with the old, singing, Italian man on the train :)
(You can push play, I don´t know why the imagine thing is having problems)
I love the colors in this picture. This was at one of the stops where we´d stop and drink wine or champagne or grape juice.
It was so much fun! It was funny, though. That train went SO slow... probably because there were people drinking and dancing on it. It took 2 hours ride, then we all got on a bus and it took us 15 minutes to get back where we started. :) Ha! Man, Italians are great fun. Mama mia!
So on the Maria Fumaça, what happens is that you ride on the train and different performers come through singing and dancing. It´s all Italian themed, and it was SO wonderful! They´re dressed in character and they were really such a joy. Ivan´s family is very Italian and he said it was just like being at home with them. :) Here are some pictures.
The little old lady asked Ivan to dance :)
Gauchos
Dancing with the old, singing, Italian man on the train :)
(You can push play, I don´t know why the imagine thing is having problems)
I love the colors in this picture. This was at one of the stops where we´d stop and drink wine or champagne or grape juice.
It was so much fun! It was funny, though. That train went SO slow... probably because there were people drinking and dancing on it. It took 2 hours ride, then we all got on a bus and it took us 15 minutes to get back where we started. :) Ha! Man, Italians are great fun. Mama mia!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Bento Gonçalves-- Vineyards
Aaah, now for the most incriminating blog I may ever post. :)
I have said that Bento Gonçalves is the wine capitol of Brazil, so of COURSE we had to take advantage of the 28 vineyards there. Actually we just visited three. Someday when I return I´d like to spend a week there and try to visit a lot of them. They were so so beautiful-- flowers and grape vines and mountains. And of course, we got to taste a lot of wine. :)
So here are some photos. Lots of photos. :) Enjoy!
Jéssica at the Aurora winery display. This is as close as she got to wine-- she´s only 17. :) Although she didn´t drink of her own will. I am positive no one would have stopped her. In fact, it was quite the opposite! Brazil is very lax about this. :) Oh, and she was our designated photo taker throughout the wineries. :)
You can´t really tell here, but these are HUGE barrels of wine... each was about as tall as me.
This is at the Cordelier Vineyard-- my favorite. At each one we went through a tour of how they make wine. That part was boring, but I´m feigning excitement here. :)
The best part was after the tour, we got to taste a lot of their wine!
Opening champagne with a sword
No comment :)
Jéssica finally gave into the peer pressure. Hahaha... just kidding :)
My beautiful friends
The scenery was beautiful.
This is at the Miolo vineyard. Ivan was pretty excited about the wine. :)
Ha, I was pretty excited about the wine, too! :)
Reflection
-------
-------
I took a ton of photos, which can be found in my webshots album in the link on the right.
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I am leaving Brazil a week from today. I´m not going to write about it until after I get back, okay? I just wanted to let you know and petition for prayers.
I have said that Bento Gonçalves is the wine capitol of Brazil, so of COURSE we had to take advantage of the 28 vineyards there. Actually we just visited three. Someday when I return I´d like to spend a week there and try to visit a lot of them. They were so so beautiful-- flowers and grape vines and mountains. And of course, we got to taste a lot of wine. :)
So here are some photos. Lots of photos. :) Enjoy!
Jéssica at the Aurora winery display. This is as close as she got to wine-- she´s only 17. :) Although she didn´t drink of her own will. I am positive no one would have stopped her. In fact, it was quite the opposite! Brazil is very lax about this. :) Oh, and she was our designated photo taker throughout the wineries. :)
You can´t really tell here, but these are HUGE barrels of wine... each was about as tall as me.
This is at the Cordelier Vineyard-- my favorite. At each one we went through a tour of how they make wine. That part was boring, but I´m feigning excitement here. :)
The best part was after the tour, we got to taste a lot of their wine!
Opening champagne with a sword
No comment :)
Jéssica finally gave into the peer pressure. Hahaha... just kidding :)
My beautiful friends
The scenery was beautiful.
This is at the Miolo vineyard. Ivan was pretty excited about the wine. :)
Ha, I was pretty excited about the wine, too! :)
Reflection-------
Drink wine, it's what remains of the harvest of youth, the season of roses and wine and drunken friends. Be happy for a moment, that moment's your life.
-- Omar Khayyam
-------
I took a ton of photos, which can be found in my webshots album in the link on the right.
-------
I am leaving Brazil a week from today. I´m not going to write about it until after I get back, okay? I just wanted to let you know and petition for prayers.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Bento Gonçalves-- Getting there
Hello my people! I have returned from the land down under-- Rio Grande do Sul! (this is the southern-most state of Brazil) Like I said last week, I went for a trip with some of my dear friends to the city of Bento Gonçalves, the heart of wine country in Brazil. This will be a multi-part blog series for your reading convience and leisure. And it will be mostly pictures.
We left Thursday. In a great coinkidink, it was probably one of the worst days of the history of airlines in Brazil. The entire country was an absolute mess with delays and cancellations. We were one of the very lucky ones who left only two hours late (and I really am very thankful). We were flying to a small city called Caxias do Sul. But as we arrived and were landing, the pilot came on and said, "Welcome to Porto Alegre. The weather was bad in Caxias do Sul, so you have been diverted here. We have arranged transportation for you."
So after arriving there we boarded a bus for two hours to our original location. It was really a beautiful route that I mostly slept through, and when I wasn´t sleeping it made me carsick. But we arrived at the Caxias airport, then got on our van to go to Bento Gonçalves. We arrived about 5 hours late, but hey, we arrived.
That´s all for today´s edition, because it´s late and I´m tired. Here are some travel photos for you.
Jéssica´s first flight!
Jungle survival kit.
Ivan was not feeling photogenic by the time we were put on the bus in Porto Alegre. This is saying a lot if you know what a ham he usually is. :)
The general sentiment at this point in the trip.
The trip there was rough, but it was definitely more than worth it. Stay tuned for the rest of the series!!!!!! :)
We left Thursday. In a great coinkidink, it was probably one of the worst days of the history of airlines in Brazil. The entire country was an absolute mess with delays and cancellations. We were one of the very lucky ones who left only two hours late (and I really am very thankful). We were flying to a small city called Caxias do Sul. But as we arrived and were landing, the pilot came on and said, "Welcome to Porto Alegre. The weather was bad in Caxias do Sul, so you have been diverted here. We have arranged transportation for you."
So after arriving there we boarded a bus for two hours to our original location. It was really a beautiful route that I mostly slept through, and when I wasn´t sleeping it made me carsick. But we arrived at the Caxias airport, then got on our van to go to Bento Gonçalves. We arrived about 5 hours late, but hey, we arrived.
That´s all for today´s edition, because it´s late and I´m tired. Here are some travel photos for you.
Jéssica´s first flight!
Jungle survival kit.
Ivan was not feeling photogenic by the time we were put on the bus in Porto Alegre. This is saying a lot if you know what a ham he usually is. :)
The general sentiment at this point in the trip.
The trip there was rough, but it was definitely more than worth it. Stay tuned for the rest of the series!!!!!! :)
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