so, on my yahoo account i've found something new.... you can create yourself.... this was as close as i could get....
6.12.05
c'est moi??
so, i'm a bit embarrassed that i've been absent from blogging for so long.... where, oh where, has the time gone.... actually probably nowhere, since i've been sitting on on my hill.... still surrounded by the woods & fields.... and hitting the books..... the one change perhaps is that the leaves have been replaced by sporadic snow.... 1.5 weeks left to the semester.... that's 1 final paper and 3 more group presentations and papers to write.... "i think i can, i think i can, i think i can....."
so, on my yahoo account i've found something new.... you can create yourself.... this was as close as i could get....
so, on my yahoo account i've found something new.... you can create yourself.... this was as close as i could get....
31.10.05
Ibdaa Cultural Center
had a chance this afternoon to watch 20 palestinian kids share history through dance. these kids from the dheisheh refugee camp near bethlehem are traveling through the u.s. to perform amazing dances with energy and joy. it was really special to be able to see them and learn just a little bit more about the Palestinian struggle in the refugee camps especially. i'm always so struck when i hear palestinian youth speak... even at 10 years old, they are very eloquent in talking about the struggles of living in camp and the justice they want seen. i groaned when i heard the first question out of the mouth of an audience member... "what do you think about america?" one young boy answered that he likes the american people, but he does not like the american government.... the room exploded in applause.....
www.dheisheh-ibdaa.net
30.10.05
Halloween 2005
can you name them all??
from l-r: fairy, business man, shooting star, 70's star, farm gril, pippi longstocking, red hot chili pepper, pumpkin, zorro, chalk outline
I think I can honestly say that Kendra W. is my link to Halloween.... she introduced me to this special day by including me to go trick or treating with her family a few years ago... this year was the first time in probably 16 years that I have dressed up for Halloween..... Kendra, I now have the costume ready to go.... next year..... that is, if your boys still go!
from l-r: fairy, business man, shooting star, 70's star, farm gril, pippi longstocking, red hot chili pepper, pumpkin, zorro, chalk outline
I think I can honestly say that Kendra W. is my link to Halloween.... she introduced me to this special day by including me to go trick or treating with her family a few years ago... this year was the first time in probably 16 years that I have dressed up for Halloween..... Kendra, I now have the costume ready to go.... next year..... that is, if your boys still go!
26.10.05
ARE YOU REAL?
ARE YOU REAL?
by Kallistos Ware
The isolated individual is not a real person. A real person is one who lives in and for others. And the more personal relationships we form with others, the more we truly realize ourselves as persons. It has even been said that there can be no true person unless there are two, entering into communication with one another.
This idea of openness to others could be summed up under the word love. By love, I don’t mean merely an emotional feeling, but a fundamental attitude. In its deepest sense, love is the life, the energy, of God in us. We are not truly personal as long as we are turned in on ourselves, isolated from others. We only become personal if we face other persons, and relate to them.
by Kallistos Ware
The isolated individual is not a real person. A real person is one who lives in and for others. And the more personal relationships we form with others, the more we truly realize ourselves as persons. It has even been said that there can be no true person unless there are two, entering into communication with one another.
This idea of openness to others could be summed up under the word love. By love, I don’t mean merely an emotional feeling, but a fundamental attitude. In its deepest sense, love is the life, the energy, of God in us. We are not truly personal as long as we are turned in on ourselves, isolated from others. We only become personal if we face other persons, and relate to them.
25.10.05
23.10.05
life according to kacki - episode 1
... have you ever tried going down a flight of stairs without bending your knees? how about using your arms without bending your elbows? my dear suitemate, kacki, is helping me keep life in perspective (even though it's at the most random times!). tonight after dinner she started walking without bending her knees... which was accompanied by a five minute talk about the use of knees and an actually test of us trying to get downstairs without bending our knees..... HAPPY KNEE APPRECIATION DAY!!!
keene, nh pumpkin festival
Keene, NH is famous for it's annual pumpkin festival.... lighting thousands of pumpkins in order to break their own Guiness World record.... many of us braved the rain and cold just for a taste of pumpkin pie and pumpkin decor. 
10.10.05
Conflict Transformation
Conflict transformation is to envision and respond
to the ebb and flow of social conflict
as life-giving opportunities
for creating constructive change processes
that reduce violence,
increase justice
in direct interaction and social structures,
and respond to real-life problems
in human relationships.
~John Paul Lederach
Conflict Transformation. That's my major here at SIT. It seems huge, doesn't it?? Want to read more about CT? I highly recommend "The Little Book of Conflict Transformation" by John Paul Lederach.
2.10.05
another year....
sometimes it's good to take a moment and reflect back on the last year... to see all the changes..... all the experiences.... all the travels.... all the people.... that have impacted your life and just be thankful for the good times and the bad times.
to all of you who have touched my life this last year - THANK YOU!
i was reminded in church this morning that GOD doesn't need you and me to fulfill his plan - his plan is not contingent upon us.... but he wants us to be a part of his plan and he invites us to participate.
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am.. I am Yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am...
I am Yours, I am Yours.
I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.
by Casting Crowns
to all of you who have touched my life this last year - THANK YOU!
i was reminded in church this morning that GOD doesn't need you and me to fulfill his plan - his plan is not contingent upon us.... but he wants us to be a part of his plan and he invites us to participate.
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am.. I am Yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am...
I am Yours, I am Yours.
I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.
by Casting Crowns
yuki = amy
not quite sure how i can explain what happened here..... it does involve my crazy suitemate, kacki, as well as my very limited japanese, which wasn't questioned by this good-hearted fireman. :)
life in vermont.....
well, folks.... it's been too long, i know.... i would love to say that my excuse is that i'm hitting the books and trying to be as studious as possible.... however, that is not quite the truth. the truth is that it's hard to get back into "study" mode... tackle all the wonderful reading assignments and get a head start on all the various papers and books. one of my suitemates is fresh out of college and let me tell you... that girl studies! she doesn't stop and she is making me feel like a slacker.... i had to set her straight though and tell her that if she wasn't going to slow down she was going to give me an ulcer just by being around her. so the deal is that several of us "older" folks will try to slow her down and remind her to have fun and she'll keep us on our toes in regards to studying.... sigh.... i love being back in school.
"stop the war - promote peace" demonstration
so, admittedly, this is a new experience for me...an important one, i think :) .... several of us decided to head down to the local brattleboro peace demonstration in support of the large demonstration in washington, d.c. that many of us weren't able to attend.... it was my first demonstration.... i can't remember having attended one in holland or for that matter actually having ever really seen one in holland, mi. indeed there were only about 35 of us down there.... and besides the occasional raised middle finger or upside down peace symbol, people honked and gave us an encouraging thumbs-up. needless to say.... it was a whole new experience for this midwestern girl! hahaha.... no worries.... at this point i don't plan on bringing these skills back to holland, though perhaps i should...
"stop the war - promote peace" demonstration
so, admittedly, this is a new experience for me...an important one, i think :) .... several of us decided to head down to the local brattleboro peace demonstration in support of the large demonstration in washington, d.c. that many of us weren't able to attend.... it was my first demonstration.... i can't remember having attended one in holland or for that matter actually having ever really seen one in holland, mi. indeed there were only about 35 of us down there.... and besides the occasional raised middle finger or upside down peace symbol, people honked and gave us an encouraging thumbs-up. needless to say.... it was a whole new experience for this midwestern girl! hahaha.... no worries.... at this point i don't plan on bringing these skills back to holland, though perhaps i should...
18.9.05
the constant gardener
one of the most riveting, powerful, moving, heart-wrenching movies i have seen in a long time!! a must see... it has a little of everything in it... i promise you that it will leaving you deeply impacted... plus the cinematography is phenomenol!!! www.theconstantgardener.com
14.9.05
OB1
so, i'm currently in a two week intensive class called 'organizational behavior' (aka OB1).... it's all about group work, multicultural work teams, conflict, goals, etc.... actually very fascinating stuff.... our class (one of 6 sections) has been subdivided and i'm in a group of 5 fun people.... PeiHui from China, Yaser from Palestine, Krissy from Tennessee, Lorien from Connecticut, and me.
today's class activity & homework?? "socialize"
each group was assigned to "socialize".... i mean how often does that happen?? we were given the whole afternoon class session - 1:30-5:00pm to hang out for however long we wished....
so, we went apple picking .... :) can't beat that class!!
today's class activity & homework?? "socialize"
each group was assigned to "socialize".... i mean how often does that happen?? we were given the whole afternoon class session - 1:30-5:00pm to hang out for however long we wished....
so, we went apple picking .... :) can't beat that class!!
13.9.05
bowling balls & moose calls...
tonight, life in vermont has consisted of bowling balls & moose calls.....
not sure of what a moose sounds like?? check out: http://www.smouse.force9.co.uk/sound.htm
it was with great anticipation that 5 of us headed into the bowling alley tonight to check out the local talent. 70 points later (yes, that's 10 points above my average!!), 1 thumb stuck in a bowling ball, and 1 ball dropped backwards (i swear the thing was greasy!!), we decided to go moose calling.
as we skirted through the woods on dirtroads, we intently looked for the big, bulking creatures.... to our disappointed the evening consisted of seeing only one red fox. however, the highlight of the evening was when khaki, my dear suitemate, insisted that we give a sample of our moose calls before getting out of the car. the ensemble was quite amazing... not to mention accompanied by much laughter!
tonight, perhaps, the local moose will talk about those strange noises coming down the road....
not sure of what a moose sounds like?? check out: http://www.smouse.force9.co.uk/sound.htm
it was with great anticipation that 5 of us headed into the bowling alley tonight to check out the local talent. 70 points later (yes, that's 10 points above my average!!), 1 thumb stuck in a bowling ball, and 1 ball dropped backwards (i swear the thing was greasy!!), we decided to go moose calling.
as we skirted through the woods on dirtroads, we intently looked for the big, bulking creatures.... to our disappointed the evening consisted of seeing only one red fox. however, the highlight of the evening was when khaki, my dear suitemate, insisted that we give a sample of our moose calls before getting out of the car. the ensemble was quite amazing... not to mention accompanied by much laughter!
tonight, perhaps, the local moose will talk about those strange noises coming down the road....
12.9.05
i really am still out here....
hey folks,
i haven't forgotten.... i'm just trying to shift over to class mode.... will be back asap.... don't forget about me!!
6.9.05
tie-dye, hemp necklaces, dreds, birks, ...
suppose i come back to michigan with dreds, a tie-dye shirt, hairy legs, .... people seem a lot more "earthy" out here than back in michigan... hahahahahaha.... i actually find it quite fascinating. i might actually have to dig out my birkenstocks... and buy some trailmix.
well, i've arrived safely and in one piece in vermont. my school, i kid you not, overlooks mountains and forests... is tucked away on dirt roads.... the amazing thing is that these woods draw people from all over in the world.... today alone, i've met folks from ethiopia, krygystan, japan, china, bolivia, kenya, indonesia, serbia, .... and we all want to make this world a better place... ;)
anyway.... it's back to nametag days.... i've made it through my first day of orientation (incl. a spanish language placement test!) in one piece.... though my mind is fried and i'm on information-overload of sorts. i'm living right in the international center... in a suite of 4 rooms.... it's actually really nice, although it's back to dorm style living....
well, i'm rambling with nothing concrete to say... think i'll take my camera for a walk!!! this place is SOOOOOO similar to sweden!! i can't believe it.... (and for those of us holsby-survivors... i have found the bell.... they use a similar thing here to call to attention 230+ students)
hope you guys are all well!!!
well, i've arrived safely and in one piece in vermont. my school, i kid you not, overlooks mountains and forests... is tucked away on dirt roads.... the amazing thing is that these woods draw people from all over in the world.... today alone, i've met folks from ethiopia, krygystan, japan, china, bolivia, kenya, indonesia, serbia, .... and we all want to make this world a better place... ;)
anyway.... it's back to nametag days.... i've made it through my first day of orientation (incl. a spanish language placement test!) in one piece.... though my mind is fried and i'm on information-overload of sorts. i'm living right in the international center... in a suite of 4 rooms.... it's actually really nice, although it's back to dorm style living....
well, i'm rambling with nothing concrete to say... think i'll take my camera for a walk!!! this place is SOOOOOO similar to sweden!! i can't believe it.... (and for those of us holsby-survivors... i have found the bell.... they use a similar thing here to call to attention 230+ students)
hope you guys are all well!!!
2.9.05
questionable....
dreams... aren't they supposed to be an outworking of our deeper thoughts and fears? processing life?
i guess i'm dreading going back to school more than i want to admit.
dream: i'm back in an undergraduate program, it's exam week, and i'm trying to frantically pack and get ready to move back home.... in the meantime, i'm ignoring 5 exams (math, english, spanish, economics, and some other class). it's a thursday night and exams are all due on friday... to my dismay, i realize that i'm starting a little late (DUH!!) on massive writing assignments, tests, readings, etc. i prepare myself for an all-nighter... sitting down at the computer and staring at a blank screen is kind of scary, so i start soliciting help.... i ask my mom to pre-read something, rodrigo to give me the imperfect tense of a spanish report, economics is left on the side, i start tackling a nine page paper, reasoning all the while that my professors are reasonable people and that i can turn my work in after the weekend.... the worst part of the dream wasn't that they weren't available to help me, but that i kept thinking that people would know that i couldn't have possibly finished the work on my own by friday.... a dream about procrastination, doing the right thing, being accountable for my own work....
in the meantime, now that i have woken up, i do realize that i'm trying to pack, i've neglected my grad school readings.... and several other things.... sigh.... if that isn't a sign to get going....
alright.... so, sunday morning i start my two day drive to vermont... please keep me in your prayers. i'll try to be not so blog-silent .....
i guess i'm dreading going back to school more than i want to admit.
dream: i'm back in an undergraduate program, it's exam week, and i'm trying to frantically pack and get ready to move back home.... in the meantime, i'm ignoring 5 exams (math, english, spanish, economics, and some other class). it's a thursday night and exams are all due on friday... to my dismay, i realize that i'm starting a little late (DUH!!) on massive writing assignments, tests, readings, etc. i prepare myself for an all-nighter... sitting down at the computer and staring at a blank screen is kind of scary, so i start soliciting help.... i ask my mom to pre-read something, rodrigo to give me the imperfect tense of a spanish report, economics is left on the side, i start tackling a nine page paper, reasoning all the while that my professors are reasonable people and that i can turn my work in after the weekend.... the worst part of the dream wasn't that they weren't available to help me, but that i kept thinking that people would know that i couldn't have possibly finished the work on my own by friday.... a dream about procrastination, doing the right thing, being accountable for my own work....
in the meantime, now that i have woken up, i do realize that i'm trying to pack, i've neglected my grad school readings.... and several other things.... sigh.... if that isn't a sign to get going....
alright.... so, sunday morning i start my two day drive to vermont... please keep me in your prayers. i'll try to be not so blog-silent .....
24.8.05
unbelievable.....
isn't it great to have folks like pat robertson speaking on behalf of christians.... (note the sarcasm!!!) http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9047102/
when is the christian community going to wake up and realize (or actually listen to) what is being said under the christian guise??
when is the christian community going to wake up and realize (or actually listen to) what is being said under the christian guise??
under pressure....
why is it that i always work best under pressure???
here it is 5 days before i have to leave and i haven't packed a single thing... i haven't finished my readings.... i haven't completed important paperwork... and i'm just cruising along.... tomorrow is already wednesday... wait - today is already wednesday.... it's 1:00am and instead of going to bed, i'm sitting around writing about not mucho! guess the pressure just isn't great enough yet!!
procrastination.... sigh!
here it is 5 days before i have to leave and i haven't packed a single thing... i haven't finished my readings.... i haven't completed important paperwork... and i'm just cruising along.... tomorrow is already wednesday... wait - today is already wednesday.... it's 1:00am and instead of going to bed, i'm sitting around writing about not mucho! guess the pressure just isn't great enough yet!!
procrastination.... sigh!
22.8.05
def of home?
sometimes i wonder what/where home really is.... is it a place, a memory, a person?
sigh.... back in michigan as of last night and in a sense, i really wonder if i was ever gone for two weeks.... my little house in the woods is home... my cats are here... and yet, my heart is somewhere else... and my mind is trying to prepare itself for the move to vermont in a couple of weeks.... my 2 year housemate is moving out... i feel pretty scattered....
my time in mexico was a blessing and a gift from above.... it was HUGE to see rodrigo on his own turf and in his own surroundings... and to know what his environment looks like. but it almost seems like a dream that i was there.... did it really happen?? both of us need to keep our heads up, focused on the face of our Redeemer, and trusting that He will continue to lead.
So, CHIN UP! (and time to find some food....)
sigh.... back in michigan as of last night and in a sense, i really wonder if i was ever gone for two weeks.... my little house in the woods is home... my cats are here... and yet, my heart is somewhere else... and my mind is trying to prepare itself for the move to vermont in a couple of weeks.... my 2 year housemate is moving out... i feel pretty scattered....
my time in mexico was a blessing and a gift from above.... it was HUGE to see rodrigo on his own turf and in his own surroundings... and to know what his environment looks like. but it almost seems like a dream that i was there.... did it really happen?? both of us need to keep our heads up, focused on the face of our Redeemer, and trusting that He will continue to lead.
So, CHIN UP! (and time to find some food....)
16.8.05
lost....
it´s amazing how you can get lost in someone´s eyes.... buildings could have come crashing down around me yesterday and i don´t think i would have noticed....
(sorry, didn´t mean to get all mushy on you guys!)
i´m just amazed by this overwelming feeling that i never understood when everyone else was going through it...
now I totally understand why one of my dear college roomies, who loved headbanging music, suddendly had only mushy love songs playing on her car radio... Jim was the reason!
now I totally understand why people can´t focus on anything else that they need to do.... distracted by someone else....
one of my married friends once told me that i would be missing out on the most amazing experience by not allowing myself to fall in love.... at the time, I laughed about it and told him to scrap it! now, i´m a believer... some of you (including myself) would have never thought it would be possible for ms. otis to ever let her guard down..... wonder how i ever managed to be so cynical about love....
(again, sorry to be a sap.... i´m just trying to process this new experience..)
15.8.05
bus drivers with a death wish.....
i don´t know why it is that i always seem to end up with either taxi or bus drivers who have some sort of a death wish.... last week friday i took a bus by myself to the university area.... about a 30 min. ride....
the morning started with the bus barely coming to a stop long enough for me to climb on board, press 5 pesos into the drivers hand and find the next seat before the bus continued a full speed across the cobblestone streets.... i kid you not when i tell you that i could have been flung from one end of the bus to the other in a matter of seconds if i hadn´t hung on to the railings....
thankfully i found a seat that i could barely fit my knees in.... right above the back wheel cover! lucky girl!!!
the driver continued racing (imagine racing in a bus!!) down the road in order to beat whatever time he was supposed to... at one point he carried a full blown conversation with a bus driver next to him at record speed.... quite impressive for how narrow some of the roads are here.... you would have thought you were on a racetrack for buses!!!
in the midst of the insanity and speed, i look down and see a poor struggling cockroach meandering down the aisle.... another critter with a death wish..... it wasn´t long before a little girl´s sandle came crushing down on the poor thing that had no hope to begin with.....
sigh.... such is life, no?? don´t think i would want to be a cockroach..... la vida de las cucharachas....
anyway, 30 min later i gathered up enough courage to take the step out of the moving bus.... and manage to not trip and fall....
here's my preferred method of transportation (see below):
the morning started with the bus barely coming to a stop long enough for me to climb on board, press 5 pesos into the drivers hand and find the next seat before the bus continued a full speed across the cobblestone streets.... i kid you not when i tell you that i could have been flung from one end of the bus to the other in a matter of seconds if i hadn´t hung on to the railings....
thankfully i found a seat that i could barely fit my knees in.... right above the back wheel cover! lucky girl!!!
the driver continued racing (imagine racing in a bus!!) down the road in order to beat whatever time he was supposed to... at one point he carried a full blown conversation with a bus driver next to him at record speed.... quite impressive for how narrow some of the roads are here.... you would have thought you were on a racetrack for buses!!!
in the midst of the insanity and speed, i look down and see a poor struggling cockroach meandering down the aisle.... another critter with a death wish..... it wasn´t long before a little girl´s sandle came crushing down on the poor thing that had no hope to begin with.....
sigh.... such is life, no?? don´t think i would want to be a cockroach..... la vida de las cucharachas....
anyway, 30 min later i gathered up enough courage to take the step out of the moving bus.... and manage to not trip and fall....
here's my preferred method of transportation (see below):
11.8.05
GRINGAS
as of yet, only rodrigo´s grandpa has called me a ´gringa´ ...
let me tell you guys... meals are on a whole different time table down here.... last night we walked around the corner to a little taco/gringa shop at 11:00pm. both rodrigo and his mom didn´t bat an eye at the time, although i kept wondering how my indigestion would work at that time of the night... hmmmm....
what is a gringa?? (besides a north american chiquita??) well, for those of you familiar with kebabs where you shave meat off of a huge chunck of rotisserating meat... it´s that, just in a taco, mexican style... very, very rico!! you put pineapple, onion, guacamole, and other stuff on it and eat it taco style.
while rodrigo and i ate gringas, his mom consumed three `tacos de cabeza´ and one ´taco de seso´ ... cabeza=head and seso=brain.... yep... very impressed with the variety of tacos available... (other interesting items that come in tacos are eyes and stomach...). i tried the `cabeza´ and it really didn´t taste that bad... i´m more curious to know though where all that head meat comes from.... guess it´s better to use ALL parts of the critter than to waste...
as for indigestion... well, i slept like a rock last night.... no complaints... (thank the lord that my stomach has been in fairly good condition!! kari-i´m hoping i don´t experience the wrath of montezuma as you and ryan did a few years ago... yikes!)
let me tell you guys... meals are on a whole different time table down here.... last night we walked around the corner to a little taco/gringa shop at 11:00pm. both rodrigo and his mom didn´t bat an eye at the time, although i kept wondering how my indigestion would work at that time of the night... hmmmm....
what is a gringa?? (besides a north american chiquita??) well, for those of you familiar with kebabs where you shave meat off of a huge chunck of rotisserating meat... it´s that, just in a taco, mexican style... very, very rico!! you put pineapple, onion, guacamole, and other stuff on it and eat it taco style.
while rodrigo and i ate gringas, his mom consumed three `tacos de cabeza´ and one ´taco de seso´ ... cabeza=head and seso=brain.... yep... very impressed with the variety of tacos available... (other interesting items that come in tacos are eyes and stomach...). i tried the `cabeza´ and it really didn´t taste that bad... i´m more curious to know though where all that head meat comes from.... guess it´s better to use ALL parts of the critter than to waste...
as for indigestion... well, i slept like a rock last night.... no complaints... (thank the lord that my stomach has been in fairly good condition!! kari-i´m hoping i don´t experience the wrath of montezuma as you and ryan did a few years ago... yikes!)
10.8.05
buenos dias de mexico, amigos!!
i wish i could describe what an incredible day yesterday was... but it´s hard to put it all into words until i process it all .... mi caballero and i celebrated 8 months of getting to know each other... it was a beautiful evening of qualtity time together... muy muy romantico!! :) muchas gracias, amore mio!
i also had the opportunity to see my friend mo'pete who is teaching in the durango area... she is such a stitch and it was great to sit in a cafe and near fountains and just talk, talk, talk.... mo´pete, it was great to catch up with you!!! you are a riot! hope you survived the evening with brent! hahahaha
mo´pete and i walked all around downtown.... you guys should see the colors of the buildings... and the way people just sit in the plaza, relaxing, taking siestas, and just being part of a community.... often i felt like i was walking the cobblestone streets of europe... and being in a southern mediterranean atmosphere.... so far i´m not getting hassled, so that is a good thing....
it´s weird... in a way this place is a combination of so many places i have visited.... there are scenes, buildings, people, smells, sounds, animals, etc that look familiar from my travels in europe, bosnia, afghanistan, malaysia, china.... and for the first time in a long time, i get the chance to just sit and soak it all in.... so many of my other trips have been agenda and purpose driven... God is blessing me with time to sit, rest, reflect, grow, and of course, get my grad school readings done!!! hahahahahahahah
i wish i could describe what an incredible day yesterday was... but it´s hard to put it all into words until i process it all .... mi caballero and i celebrated 8 months of getting to know each other... it was a beautiful evening of qualtity time together... muy muy romantico!! :) muchas gracias, amore mio!
i also had the opportunity to see my friend mo'pete who is teaching in the durango area... she is such a stitch and it was great to sit in a cafe and near fountains and just talk, talk, talk.... mo´pete, it was great to catch up with you!!! you are a riot! hope you survived the evening with brent! hahahaha
mo´pete and i walked all around downtown.... you guys should see the colors of the buildings... and the way people just sit in the plaza, relaxing, taking siestas, and just being part of a community.... often i felt like i was walking the cobblestone streets of europe... and being in a southern mediterranean atmosphere.... so far i´m not getting hassled, so that is a good thing....
it´s weird... in a way this place is a combination of so many places i have visited.... there are scenes, buildings, people, smells, sounds, animals, etc that look familiar from my travels in europe, bosnia, afghanistan, malaysia, china.... and for the first time in a long time, i get the chance to just sit and soak it all in.... so many of my other trips have been agenda and purpose driven... God is blessing me with time to sit, rest, reflect, grow, and of course, get my grad school readings done!!! hahahahahahahah
8.8.05
mexico....
buenos dias de mexico!!!
what an incredible place this is.... am having a grand time here..... will try to keep you all posted in the next few days of what´s going on.... the biggest surprise??? it definitely feels like home... sam´s club, office max, walmart, home depot, mc d´s, kfc..... weird... the other thing is that hearing spanish 24-7 doesn´t seem to bother me as holland has definitely prepared me for it....
as for my caballero.... it´s good to be with him!!! :)
adios muchachos!!
what an incredible place this is.... am having a grand time here..... will try to keep you all posted in the next few days of what´s going on.... the biggest surprise??? it definitely feels like home... sam´s club, office max, walmart, home depot, mc d´s, kfc..... weird... the other thing is that hearing spanish 24-7 doesn´t seem to bother me as holland has definitely prepared me for it....
as for my caballero.... it´s good to be with him!!! :)
adios muchachos!!
2.8.05
31.7.05
luke 10:25-37
"teacher, what shall i do to inherit eternal life?" (luke 10:25)
"you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself" (luke 10:27)
"and who is my neighbor?" (luke 10:29)
jesus replies by telling the story of the samaritan who despite cultural and ethnic barriers, assists a man who was robbed, beaten, and left on the side of the road. a priest and a levite, men from his own ethnic background, passed him by. but the samaritan, a man who had no business interacting with a jew, stopped to take care of the beaten man. he touched him, cleaned him, lifted him onto his own beast, put him in an inn, and paid for him....
who are our neighbors? are we stopping by the side of the road to touch, clean, lift, and pay for someone other than for people of our own kind? are we crossing cultural and ethnic barriers to love your neighbor as yourself?
the message at church this morning was powerful.... since childhood i've been familiar with this story, but wow, did it ever have an impact on me this morning.... i've been struggling with explaining why i've chosen the MA that i have... because it seems vague, too big, idealistic.... and yet, these verses in luke are my heartbeat.... i've chosen to pursue a MA in sustainable development and social justice because i've been commanded "to love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." what other reason than to equip yourself to do this even more so. our God is a God of Justice! this next step in my life is tied to obedience - obedience to follow God's command. open my eyes, lord, to see people the way you see them, may i not be held back by cultural differences, poverty, pain, or status... may YOU be glorified!
"you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself" (luke 10:27)
"and who is my neighbor?" (luke 10:29)
jesus replies by telling the story of the samaritan who despite cultural and ethnic barriers, assists a man who was robbed, beaten, and left on the side of the road. a priest and a levite, men from his own ethnic background, passed him by. but the samaritan, a man who had no business interacting with a jew, stopped to take care of the beaten man. he touched him, cleaned him, lifted him onto his own beast, put him in an inn, and paid for him....
who are our neighbors? are we stopping by the side of the road to touch, clean, lift, and pay for someone other than for people of our own kind? are we crossing cultural and ethnic barriers to love your neighbor as yourself?
the message at church this morning was powerful.... since childhood i've been familiar with this story, but wow, did it ever have an impact on me this morning.... i've been struggling with explaining why i've chosen the MA that i have... because it seems vague, too big, idealistic.... and yet, these verses in luke are my heartbeat.... i've chosen to pursue a MA in sustainable development and social justice because i've been commanded "to love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." what other reason than to equip yourself to do this even more so. our God is a God of Justice! this next step in my life is tied to obedience - obedience to follow God's command. open my eyes, lord, to see people the way you see them, may i not be held back by cultural differences, poverty, pain, or status... may YOU be glorified!
26.7.05
separation....
"To feel loss and longing, you have to feel intimacy. What you miss the most about someone who isn't there is their presence in the physical world - touching them, smelling them. You miss their skin, their hair, the way they made you feel. That's what you want back."
~ bruce springsteen
it's been only 3 days since my caballero left... but it seems like an eternity. may the LORD give us HIS strength, joy, and patience as we are apart for at least a year. i miss him terribly... the saving grace is an upcoming trip to mexico to see him for two weeks.... then i pack my own bags and move to vermont.... life can be so twisted sometimes.... just when you come to grips with finally feeling at home in a place or with someone, it changes.... and yes, i know.... it's good to change... helps prevent being to comfortable or becoming stagnant.... but wow..... it's hard and it hurts...
...in terms of moving.... you would think that i would be used to this by now.... in the last 10 years, i have lived in 8 different houses - one of which was in sweden for a year. in the last 3 years i've been in approx. 16 countries.... yet it's only been in the last year that i have finally felt at home... somewhat settled in my own home in the woods.... and now it's time to pack up and move again, time to transition...
i have this weird thing going on in my mind.... sometimes i think that it's wrong for me to long for a place to be home.... to be settled down and to have a family... part of me is terrified that if i become too comfortable in location, i will miss out on the blessings the LORD has in store for me. i think it's a personal thing i struggle with.... it's not that the LORD would not bless me if i settled... but i think, i've been stretched by a lifetime of transition and crosscultural moves in order to be mobile... there is a reason for all of it.... and HE will make that abundantly clear in HIS time. i admire friends and family who know where home is... and who are not stagnant. settling is not wrong... if the LORD should ever give me that blessing of 'being home,' then may i be ever ready to go when HE says it's time to go. may i never be tied to a place - instead, may my heart be tied to the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the call to see HIS glory proclaimed throughout the earth.
despite transitions and separations, HE is faithful! (remember that, caballero de mi vida!)
~ bruce springsteen
it's been only 3 days since my caballero left... but it seems like an eternity. may the LORD give us HIS strength, joy, and patience as we are apart for at least a year. i miss him terribly... the saving grace is an upcoming trip to mexico to see him for two weeks.... then i pack my own bags and move to vermont.... life can be so twisted sometimes.... just when you come to grips with finally feeling at home in a place or with someone, it changes.... and yes, i know.... it's good to change... helps prevent being to comfortable or becoming stagnant.... but wow..... it's hard and it hurts...
...in terms of moving.... you would think that i would be used to this by now.... in the last 10 years, i have lived in 8 different houses - one of which was in sweden for a year. in the last 3 years i've been in approx. 16 countries.... yet it's only been in the last year that i have finally felt at home... somewhat settled in my own home in the woods.... and now it's time to pack up and move again, time to transition...
i have this weird thing going on in my mind.... sometimes i think that it's wrong for me to long for a place to be home.... to be settled down and to have a family... part of me is terrified that if i become too comfortable in location, i will miss out on the blessings the LORD has in store for me. i think it's a personal thing i struggle with.... it's not that the LORD would not bless me if i settled... but i think, i've been stretched by a lifetime of transition and crosscultural moves in order to be mobile... there is a reason for all of it.... and HE will make that abundantly clear in HIS time. i admire friends and family who know where home is... and who are not stagnant. settling is not wrong... if the LORD should ever give me that blessing of 'being home,' then may i be ever ready to go when HE says it's time to go. may i never be tied to a place - instead, may my heart be tied to the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the call to see HIS glory proclaimed throughout the earth.
despite transitions and separations, HE is faithful! (remember that, caballero de mi vida!)
18.7.05
south manitou island
"The Chippewa Indians legend tells us of the mother bear, Mishe Mokwa, who fled a great forest fire in Wisconsin with her two cubs. Mishe Mokwa reached the Michigan shore and climbed a steep bluff to await her cubs. The cubs, exhausted by their long swim, never reached land. The mother bear waited day after day to no avail. Finally she died. The Great Spirit Manitou marked her resting place with the Sleeping Bear Dunes and raised North and South Manitou Islands from the spot where the cubs perished."
eight adventurous souls crossed the waters to south manitou island on the july 4th weekend to camp, hike, and play. smi is approximately 17 miles out into lake michigan and part of the sleeping bear dunes national park.
it was my third time back to smi and it's still as beautiful as ever! after weathering a rough thunderstorm in the early morning, several of us hiked 8.5 miles across the island, up the dunes, down the dunes, and back around along the shore line. If you ever have the chance to camp/hike there, do it (and don't forget to invite me along!!)
eight adventurous souls crossed the waters to south manitou island on the july 4th weekend to camp, hike, and play. smi is approximately 17 miles out into lake michigan and part of the sleeping bear dunes national park.
it was my third time back to smi and it's still as beautiful as ever! after weathering a rough thunderstorm in the early morning, several of us hiked 8.5 miles across the island, up the dunes, down the dunes, and back around along the shore line. If you ever have the chance to camp/hike there, do it (and don't forget to invite me along!!)
holsbybrunn
in preparation for my upcoming stint in a grad program out in vermont, i've been experiencing these flashbacks from the last school i attended http://www.holsby.org. it's crazy to think of all the eclectic personalities that were called to sweden that year.... many of us having no idea why in the world - sweden. and yet, when i think about the relationships formed, the support, encouragement and friendship still experienced over the last three years, i realize that each of us was called on purpose and that in years to come it will continue to be evident why we spent a year in the woods of sweden, studying the WORD, digging deeper, being refined in sometimes blazing fires, and building a network of folks from around the world. by far it wasn't always a mountain top experience, yet, may the lessons (in and out of the classroom) continue to take root in our hearts and minds. may we continue to worship the One and Only, and may His glory be all that matters.
15.7.05
poor pip
strudel and pip went off to the vet today... after their usual check ups and shots, the vet discovered a very loose tooth in pip's mouth. poor kitty... one of his fangs was about ready to fall out.... now we know the source of that foul smell wafting from his mouth.... ugh! the good vet pulled an inch long tooth from my kitty and now pip has a somewhat crooked smile. (that is if cats can smile).
he's definitely a happier kitty; i on the other hand feel like such a terrible owner... how could i not tell that his tooth was loose.... ahhh... if only cats could talk.
if you own a cat, go home and check his/her teeth!
he's definitely a happier kitty; i on the other hand feel like such a terrible owner... how could i not tell that his tooth was loose.... ahhh... if only cats could talk.
if you own a cat, go home and check his/her teeth!
30.6.05
food for thought....
"I didn't cross the border, the border crossed me. America was born free - Man divided her." -Los Tigres del Norte
29.6.05
panchisimo
Pancho..... at 7 months old.... compare with the picture from December 25 when he used to fit under our coffee table....
28.6.05
weather up date
i spoke too soon.... the rain immediately turned to a drizzle.... and then it stopped..... though it's finally cooled down from about 95 degrees to 80 degrees.... overcast.... hope the weather for up-north is better this weekend....
finally!!!
it's raining!!! finally raining.... glorious rain!!! it's been way too long since we've had rain and my grass is as dry as the desert.... (bad comparison, i know....).
granted we just washed 20 windows for my former german prof, but at least i don't have to water my garden today....
may joy soak into your soul as rain soaks into parched land.
granted we just washed 20 windows for my former german prof, but at least i don't have to water my garden today....
may joy soak into your soul as rain soaks into parched land.
the reunion...
the klaaren reunion was a blast! after 18 months, we finally found the time to get together and catch up with everyone.... (i'll try to post a picture of you lovely ladies as soon as i have it downloaded). i think i realize now, how much i take friendships for granted... assuming that we'll always be friends.... yet it's also how much effort is put into those friendships... and it's important to be able to get together to catch up, hear what the joys and trials are in each other's life, and to know that you have good girlfriends to rely on. thanks ladies for reminding me about the power of friendship, laughter, and love and for sharing your lives with me!
by the way, i will put money on the fact that hatti will be cheerleading coach as soon as isabel and mallory hit high school.... she just can't get those cheers out of her blood....
okay, enough mush..... hahahahaha :)
by the way, i will put money on the fact that hatti will be cheerleading coach as soon as isabel and mallory hit high school.... she just can't get those cheers out of her blood....
okay, enough mush..... hahahahaha :)
24.6.05
krazy klaaren kampers
10 years ago
7 college seniors
1 klaaren cottage
________________
6/25/2005 reunion
our last reunion in 2003 was filled with talk of wall colors, diapers, husband's dirty socks, gardening, and reminiscing about the past..... as the last standing member of the DWC*, my contributions to the buzz of husbands, houses, and hijos ('children' in espanol) were extrememly limited and i realized that if i was going to maintain some level of conversation with these dear friends something in my life was going to have to change....
love was not knocking on my door, adopting children seemed a little intimidating for a single (considering the long-term implications), and so i decided that the easiest solution would be to buy a house and start splattering wall paint at my own discretion....
it's 2005 and i'm anxious to jump into the conversations with talk of my 'nacho-cheese' colored bathroom walls.
can't wait to see you ladies!!
*DWC = Dateless Wonder Club
7 college seniors
1 klaaren cottage
________________
6/25/2005 reunion
our last reunion in 2003 was filled with talk of wall colors, diapers, husband's dirty socks, gardening, and reminiscing about the past..... as the last standing member of the DWC*, my contributions to the buzz of husbands, houses, and hijos ('children' in espanol) were extrememly limited and i realized that if i was going to maintain some level of conversation with these dear friends something in my life was going to have to change....
love was not knocking on my door, adopting children seemed a little intimidating for a single (considering the long-term implications), and so i decided that the easiest solution would be to buy a house and start splattering wall paint at my own discretion....
it's 2005 and i'm anxious to jump into the conversations with talk of my 'nacho-cheese' colored bathroom walls.
can't wait to see you ladies!!
*DWC = Dateless Wonder Club
23.6.05
blank thoughts....
i don't know how many times over the last month i have sat in front of this blank post wondering what to write... isn't it strange that sometimes the complex, twisted, ever-running rumblings in our heart and mind turn into blanks when you try to express them in words.... the blank canvas awaits the strokes of color to bring to light the things that remain expressionless.
do you ever wonder what consume your thoughts?
is it the mundane? is it the complex? the forbidden? the holy?
thoughts of self or others? of Christ?
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2. Corinthians 10:5)
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2)
where are my thoughts? what are my thougths?
a penny for your thoughts....
do you ever wonder what consume your thoughts?
is it the mundane? is it the complex? the forbidden? the holy?
thoughts of self or others? of Christ?
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2. Corinthians 10:5)
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2)
where are my thoughts? what are my thougths?
a penny for your thoughts....
21.6.05
Lions rescue kidnapped girl....
An Act of GOD perhaps??
Check out this bizarre story.... then again, thinking about biblical stories, perhaps not so far-fetched!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/06/21/ethiopia.lions.ap/index.html
WOW!!
Check out this bizarre story.... then again, thinking about biblical stories, perhaps not so far-fetched!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/06/21/ethiopia.lions.ap/index.html
WOW!!
2.6.05
28.5.05
spent the day driving from garden center to garden center..... the result.... two starter peonies, one white rhodedendron, one echinachea, and two little blue spreading flowers.... plus a little bit of a tan and a man who has once again proven his patience and worth.... :)
isn't that pink incredible?? takes my breath away when i look at the richness of the color... perhaps that's why i so love to be in the garden. when i take the time to ponder the fullness and rich deep colors that each blossom flower has, i feel like i'm drawing closer to the CREATOR. color is a wonderful, awesome thing.....
isn't that pink incredible?? takes my breath away when i look at the richness of the color... perhaps that's why i so love to be in the garden. when i take the time to ponder the fullness and rich deep colors that each blossom flower has, i feel like i'm drawing closer to the CREATOR. color is a wonderful, awesome thing.....
14.5.05
1.5.05
during a lazy sunday afternoon, as art projects are flying all over the living room - i realized that i'm a frustrated artist.... not as in "hidden-frustrated" artist, rather a "no-skill-can't-think-of-anything-to-create-type-of-artist"...... to the shame of my housemate, I gave up way too fast... what can i say.... i just wasn't inspired....
Happy 29, Aaron!!
Happy 29, Aaron!!
19.4.05
Back in Business!
Folks,
We are back in Business... and Hello is functioning again!!! Now I'm much more excited about posting things again!!!
Alright!!! I'll be keeping this blog up to date a bit more....
We are back in Business... and Hello is functioning again!!! Now I'm much more excited about posting things again!!!
Alright!!! I'll be keeping this blog up to date a bit more....
6.4.05
help....
okay, i'm gettin majorly frustrated in trying to figure out why "hello" doesn't work on my computer any more..... i tried uninstalling and re-installing..... any thoughts anyone???
still around....
HEY!!
so, yeah, i'm still around ~ just extremely pre-occupied or something so that i haven't blogged in a while.... on top of that, "hello" doesn't seem to be functioning on my computer anymore, so i haven't been able to post any pics from asia or up-north.
i'm lovin' the warmer weather and have actually spent time out in the garden already.... and things are growing!!!
well, i'll try to blog just a little more often...
food for thought:
when you have the chance to sit it out or dance, always dance.
so, yeah, i'm still around ~ just extremely pre-occupied or something so that i haven't blogged in a while.... on top of that, "hello" doesn't seem to be functioning on my computer anymore, so i haven't been able to post any pics from asia or up-north.
i'm lovin' the warmer weather and have actually spent time out in the garden already.... and things are growing!!!
well, i'll try to blog just a little more often...
food for thought:
when you have the chance to sit it out or dance, always dance.
28.3.05
5.3.05
asia....
howdy, howdy to all from the singapore airport.... have just arrived in singapore after spending 4 days in kuala lumpur..... malaysia is absolutely amazing.... green, lush, hot, humid, laid-back, .... it's beautiful! if you ever have a chance to travel to malaysia, take it!
now it's off to explore and work in singapore for 2 days before heading up to hong kong..... i'll keep you posted and will hopefully be a little more specific and detailed in what is going on during this trip!
a big thanks for anne and the skaffs for their kind assistance in KL!!!
now it's off to explore and work in singapore for 2 days before heading up to hong kong..... i'll keep you posted and will hopefully be a little more specific and detailed in what is going on during this trip!
a big thanks for anne and the skaffs for their kind assistance in KL!!!
27.2.05
No Music?
The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils;
The motions of his spirit are as dull as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus;
Let no such man be trusted.
~William Shakespeare "The Merchant of Venice"
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils;
The motions of his spirit are as dull as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus;
Let no such man be trusted.
~William Shakespeare "The Merchant of Venice"
14.2.05
If Thou Must Love
If thou must love me, let it be for naught
Except for love’s sake only. Do not say,
“I love her for her smile - her look - her way
Of speaking gently, - for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day” -
For these things in themselves, Belovèd, may
Be changed, or change for thee - and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity’s wiping my cheeks dry.
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love, thereby!
But love me for love’s sake, that evermore
Thou mayst love on, through love’s eternity.
~Elizabeth Barring Browning
Happy V-Day Everyone!!
Except for love’s sake only. Do not say,
“I love her for her smile - her look - her way
Of speaking gently, - for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day” -
For these things in themselves, Belovèd, may
Be changed, or change for thee - and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity’s wiping my cheeks dry.
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love, thereby!
But love me for love’s sake, that evermore
Thou mayst love on, through love’s eternity.
~Elizabeth Barring Browning
Happy V-Day Everyone!!
11.2.05
influenza
baka wa kaze o hikanai
i'm told that in japan stupid people don't get sick..... hmmmm..... now i wonder when the last time was that i got sick.
i'm told that in japan stupid people don't get sick..... hmmmm..... now i wonder when the last time was that i got sick.
10.2.05
beautiful one
Wonderful, So Wonderful
Is your unfailing love
Your cross has spoken mercy over me
No eye has seen no ear has heard
No heart can fully know
How glorious, how beautiful you are
Beautiful One I love
Beautiful One I adore
Beautiful One my soul must sing
Powerful so powerful
Your glory fills the skies
Your mighty works displayed for all to see
The beauty of your majesty awakes my heart to sing
How marvelous how wonderful you are
You opened my eyes to your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as you
~By The Tree
Is your unfailing love
Your cross has spoken mercy over me
No eye has seen no ear has heard
No heart can fully know
How glorious, how beautiful you are
Beautiful One I love
Beautiful One I adore
Beautiful One my soul must sing
Powerful so powerful
Your glory fills the skies
Your mighty works displayed for all to see
The beauty of your majesty awakes my heart to sing
How marvelous how wonderful you are
You opened my eyes to your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as you
~By The Tree
3.2.05
Joy Unbroken and Lasting
Sacrifice yourself for once for the sake of God's will. It will not be in vain. Sacrifice yourself for truth, for justice. Sacrifice yourself for once against all human sense for something that is truly good. Sacrifice yourself for Christ in all things, and seek the kingdom of God. There is great strength in this… Stand for something; then your joy will be unbroken and lasting.
~C.F. Blumhardt
~C.F. Blumhardt
31.1.05
passionate for jesus...
am i passionate for jesus? i love jesus, but am i really passionate for him right now? i spoke with a friend from BC yesterday and was completely blown away by the passion he has for jesus.... all he could do was give non-stop testimony to what god has been doing in his life. scripture and praise bubbled forth from this guy who just three years ago seemed to be plodding through bibleschool in sweden, trying to stay on top of his first love of basketball, and dealing with family issues a continent away.
and i suddendly realized that i so badly want that same passion, or i want to be back in that place of passion... i want my life to give testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of god, i want to bubble over with joy and praise, i want jesus to be my first love. may he remove the fog of the world from me so i can see clearly.... i'm terrified that my own wants and desires in this life overshadow my wants and desires for the lover of my soul.
lord, loosen my tongue so i may give praise and glory to your name!
i don't want the rocks to cry out for me! (luke 19:40)
and i suddendly realized that i so badly want that same passion, or i want to be back in that place of passion... i want my life to give testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of god, i want to bubble over with joy and praise, i want jesus to be my first love. may he remove the fog of the world from me so i can see clearly.... i'm terrified that my own wants and desires in this life overshadow my wants and desires for the lover of my soul.
lord, loosen my tongue so i may give praise and glory to your name!
i don't want the rocks to cry out for me! (luke 19:40)
29.1.05
peace starts here
We often think of peace as the absence of war; that if the powerful countries would reduce their arsenals, we could have peace. But if we look deeply into the weapons, we see our own minds - our prejudices, fears, and ignorance. Even if we transported all the bombs to the moon, the roots of war and the reasons for bombs would still be here, in our hearts and minds, and sooner or later we would make new bombs.
Seek to become more aware of what causes anger and separation, and what overcomes them. Root out the violence in your life, and learn to live compassionately and mindfully. Seek peace. When you have peace within, real peace with others will be possible.
~ by Thich Nhat Hanh
Seek to become more aware of what causes anger and separation, and what overcomes them. Root out the violence in your life, and learn to live compassionately and mindfully. Seek peace. When you have peace within, real peace with others will be possible.
~ by Thich Nhat Hanh
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