Bandwagon 2009

It seems like this year, people are taking their New Year's resolutions seriously—at least the people in my world. I've decided to jump on the bandwagon, and hopefully use this blog to somehow hold myself accountable for how I need to change this year.

For me, this needs to be a year of discipline in all aspects of my life:

1.) Eating/Exercise... I hate this one. Let's be honest. It seems like everyone tries to make some kind of resolution revolving around weight loss or getting into shape and it normally lasts about a month (if that). This year, I know that I need to take this seriously, for multiple reasons... My plan of action is to eat less, eat healthier, and to work out. The working out part is the part I usually fail. Let's face it, I am athletically impaired. I know this, but I also know that exercise is the key to getting healthy. Lord, give me strength!

2.) Time... I have a lot on my plate, and I am often frustrated with the balancing act; meaning, how do you remain responsible to your commitments and yet manage to stay happy and delve into the things that you really want to delve into without sacrificing something that is truly important? I feel like I need to be more careful with the time I have; more disciplined with how I spend my time.

3.) Priorities... Kind of along the same line with spending my time wisely, I find there are times in my life when I get out-of-whack, for lack of a better term. I push things aside, like my time with God, in order to get homework done, or relax after a long day... I don't want to do that anymore. I want to realign my priorities!

So, this list is not exhaustive, but these three things are truly my top priority this year. How am I doing after day 1 (Monday)? Not too bad... however, the Ohio State game kind of messed up my plans, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step... one step down, a lot more steps to go.

Miracles

What a crazy couple of weeks it's been! Between Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, opening gifts, traveling near and far, working, playing, catching up with friends, and a plethora of other activities, I feel completely exhausted! While I've been busy, I have loved every moment. I spent many late nights/early mornings talking with dear friends. I lost valuable hours of sleep but gained treasures that far surpassed rest.

During my last minute shopping trips to the mall, I noticed a book by A.J. Jacobs called The Year of Living Biblically. I won't get into too much detail, but Mr. Jacobs, who admits to being agnostic, a firm believer in evolution, and basically has had no use for religion of any sort in his life, decided to spend a year studying and living the Bible as literally as possible. I'm only on page 100, but thus far it has been rather humorous...you can only imagine with Old Testament laws that include not wearing clothing that mix wool and linen... I am anticipating the end...will his in-depth look at scripture change his views? Only time will tell, but today I was captured by a closing section that he wrote in the introduction:

"I...had breakfast with Rabbi Andy Bachman, a brilliant man who heads up one of Brooklyn's largest synagogues, Congregation Beth Elohim. He told me a midrash—a story or legend that is not in the Bible proper, but which deals with biblical events. This midrash is a bout the parting of the Red Sea...

We all think of the scene in The Ten Commandments movie with Charlton Heston, where Moses lifted up his rod, and the waters rolled back. But this midrash says that's not how it happened. Moses lifted up his rod, and the sea did not part. The Egyptians were closing in, and the sea wasn't moving. So a Hebrew named Nachson just walked into the water. He waded up to his ankles, then his knees, then his waist, then his shoulders. And right when water was about to get up to his nostrils, the sea parted.

The point is, sometimes miracles occur only when you jump in."

I was struck by this simple story. Are there miracles in my life waiting to happen if I will simply "jump in?"

I pray that as we close this busy Christmas season that you will take hope in this notion. May none of us be afraid to take the first step towards a miracle.

Thankful At All Times

1.) For a night full of culture, starting with the International Dinner and ending with Lyric Theatre's presentation of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. What a great night~!

2.) The crisp chill of winter. Yes, it is true that I don't really like to be cold, but sometimes I enjoy putting on my coat, gloves, and scarf and walking around places like Muskingum's campus. It feels like Christmas.

3.) Songs that I really like but haven't heard in awhile... I love when a familiar melody comes on, and I suddenly realize that I love this song, but I haven't heard it in forever! It's kind of the same feeling you get when see a friend you haven't seen for awhile.... For instance, tonight my ipod randomly played "God Shaped Whole" by Plumb... I love that song, but it has been a long time since I heard it.... it was nice to sing along again!

4.) The photo below.... it's of my friend Brianna and my dad as they walked on a trail in Sedona, Arizona this past May. It is a great reminder of a fantastic trip, but it also serves as a reminder of the "narrow path" that I've chosen to travel...

5.) Jim Brickman. He is probably my favorite pianist of all times, and I was slightly shocked and amazed to find out that he will be coming to Cambridge as part of his Spring Concert Tour... That is pretty awesome!

Giving Thanks

We have reached that time again. The time to give thanks. As my pastor and I met the other night to discuss youth group planning, we talked about a Thanksgiving themed night where we ask the teens to say something they are thankful for and why. Then, last night at youth group, we talked about being hypocritical. I felt convicted in various areas of my life. This seems like a pretty easy one to fix... If I am going to ask the teens to say what they are thankful for and why, I should be practicing what I preach! So here's to being thankful instead of hypocritical!

I am thankful...

1.) That I woke up early enough to get ready for work, eat breakfast, go downstairs and get my camera so I could capture this gorgeous sunrise. Good job God! You made a winner!

2.) That I got a jumpstart on my English paper tonight. It has been stressing me out for the last week... I have a page!

3.) Unexpected phone calls from friends....good to talk to you Taralyn!

4.) Brian & Jenn Johnson - Amazing worship leaders. I have loved them since I first heard them a year or so ago, but I recently fell in love with their songs again. Check them out!

5.) Warm things during these cold winter days...fuzzy blankets, slippers, sweatshirts, and most importantly, tea with honey!

Shamefully Overdue

Here we are. Gone are the warm, bright summer days. We have sprung into autumn full force with jackets and socks galore. I have put away my flip flops, sadly and have realized that I did not blog at all. Do I regret this decision you might ask? When I think back to all of the memories that the summer holds, the answer is no. And while another summer passed with little accomplished, I am happy to have had a summer that I am proud of. I made new friends, built stronger relationships with friends, and hung out with my family. While my list of "to do's" didn't really shrink at all, what I gained far surpasses any of my "to do's."

So, here I am in the midst of another semester. Life continues whether I am ready for it to continue or not. What's been happening? Let's see...We spent the summer talking about aspects of the trinity in youth group. Then we talked about prayer. I was reminded of so many truths that I take for granted. I love that! I was so encouraged this summer. In the midst of camp, youth group, worship, and spending one-on-one time with God, I was overwhelmed with His goodness.

My folks have been on vacation. They are returning tomorrow, so I have been holding down the fort. My brother got a job as a geologist working on an oil rig. He works insane hours and is rarely seen for weeks. However, he is making more money than I think he knows what to do with. He bought a truck, which I am pretty sure is the nicest thing he has ever owned. He is home now for awhile if you want to come and see it!

My exiciting news is that I finally bought a laptop after years of contemplation. I think it was time. I love it!

Hewlett Packard Pavilion DV9922US 17" Notebook PC

And, I think that is all I know. Perhaps when I learn something great in my postmodern lit class or my excursions in world music class, I will blog again.

Just One of the Many Activities that Has Kept Me From Blogging This Summer...

Aidah—Please Pray

As I sorted through my mail this past week, I was happy to see a letter from Aidah. She is a 12 year old from Uganda who I have had the privilege to sponsor through Compassion International for the past two years. Through Compassion, Aidah and I have had the opportunity to correspond back and forth fairly consistently. I have loved to see the transforming power of Jesus work in this young girl's life and in the lives of her family. She has eight siblings and parents who do their best to provide for all of them. When Aidah's letter came, I also received a postcard from Compassion International alerting sponsors about the current global food crisis and it's affect on the children of the world.

"The price for rice, beans, corn and other food staples has risen exponentially in recent months, creating extreme hardship and suffering...Families earning less than $2 per day cannot afford to keep up with these rising prices. There is just no margin. The impact is truly devastating."

I believe that our God meets all needs! He tells us not to worry about where our food comes from because He loves us (Matthew Chpt. 6). Please pray with me for children like Aidah who are in desperate need. How else can you be involved? Think about sponsoring a child. For $32 a month, a child receives food, clothing, an education, and the chance to learn about the saving love of Jesus. Visit http://www.compassion.com/ to find out more. It has been one of the coolest things I have had the opportunity to be involved in. God bless you all!

Aidah and the goat she bought with her Christmas money from me.