For Sheldon and Davy

I'm not sure how many years it will take before I stop considering March 28th an anniversary of sorts. I didn't buy a card and we aren't going out to dinner, but I'm remembering it just the same.

The tree stump.

The book.

The ring.

THE question.

After just four months of dating, D asked me to marry him.

"A Severe Mercy" has been an important book in our story. I read about David before I actually met him. Talk about a first impression. When D mentioned this book on his eharmony profile, I knew there had to be something unique and special about this man.

That hunch was correct.

"A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken, is a heart-rending love story described by its author as "the spiritual autobiography of a love rather than of the lovers." Vanauken chronicles the birth of a powerful love born out of the relationship he shares with his wife, Davy, and describes the growth of their relationship and the dreams that they share." -Jacque Holthusen

It was only fitting that the story of Sheldon and Davy be present at our engagement and that their words had a place in our ceremony. If you haven't read the book before, may I suggest you add it to the list this year? It's one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read.

• "She knew without my saying that I was hers, that I was full of happiness that we were deeply together… wherever the road led. And I knew without her saying that she had, somehow, come to a new understanding that God in His ample love embraced our love with, it may be, a sort of tenderness, and we must tread the Way to Him hand in hand. We understood without words that we must hold the co-inherence of lovers and be Companions of the Co-inherence of the Incarnate Lord: she in me and I in her; Christ in us and we in Him.” - A Severe Mercy

Dear Sheldon and Davy...

Happy March 28th.

Cheating?

Is it cheating if I use my post to point you to a post my sister wrote on another site?

I didn't think so.

Y'all know Val is hilarious and entertaining. She has one of my favorite "voices" in written form. I feel like I'm having a conversation with her when I read her work. That's a rare gift and she has it in spades.

I asked Val to write a guest post for my other blog and she graciously obliged. Here's a snippet:

...The Bible says that we are ALL sinners (and yes that’s including you, Miss VBS) and ALL sin separates us from Him. So the fact that Christ has redeemed you from sins like picking on your little brother and cheating on your homework and being rude to your friends is no less magnificent than if the sins you needed to be redeemed from were adultery or murder! The fact that our Lord would come to this earth and die for each and every one of us most disgusting creatures is an absolute miracle! And the fact that He has done that for YOU makes your testimony the most flashy and firework-y and whiz-bang HALLELUJAH THANK YOU LORD celebration of a story that this earth ever did see!

Head HERE to read Val's letter to her 17-year-old self in its glorious entirity. Trust me... it's worth the click.

Stray Thoughts

Person with a motorcycle in my apartment complex who constantly fakes me out and makes me think there’s an open spot by the front! Stop that! Or I am really going to… shake my fist at you!!!
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2011 is shaping up to be the year of the musical- it’s still December and I already have tickets to see TWO shows, and the possibility of a third on the horizon! First up is the touring company of West Side Story in Houston with my parents in January. When Dad called to see if I’d want to go with them, I paused and said, “Is this a trick question??” I’ve been listening to this version of “America” on repeat ever since. It’s going to be good.

Second will be Legally Blonde, which is coming to TYLER in April! Tickets to that one come courtesy of my fantastic sister and dashing brother-in-law, who know me OH SO WELL. I can hardly wait. Finally, my friends have been talking for ages about getting out to Dallas for their summer musical series, so I have a feeling this will be the year we will actually DO IT. Bring it on, Broadway.
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If there wasn’t enough evidence that Ginger and I are both turning into our Dad, lately I have been listening to more and more classical and pops music on my satellite radio. A lot of other music that’s currently playing ad nauseum on the radio just drives me crazy! Classical just tends to consistantly be a better option.
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This week in movie club we watched “Treasure Planet,” an animated film that has grown on me more and more since watching it when it first came out. Amazing score, incredible visuals, and an outstanding voice cast- what more could you want?? Read more of my thoughts here.
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Don’t forget to check out Ginger’s friend Carey’s blog. I subscribe through Google Reader and am always blown away by her creative craftiness. I am way too intimidated to try out most of this stuff (my Mom is the first to admit she didn’t have a crafty gene to pass on to us!), but I know several of you reading would get a kick out of her fun ideas like Christmas crayons and ornament wreaths. Click here to check out her holiday giveaway!
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And finally, apropos of nothing but Christmas, enjoy a little winter fairytale that my siblings and I have enjoyed every year in December for as long as I can remember!

Give Joy

Quick post to alert you to some absolutely free giveaways! One of my dear friends is hosting a blog drawing for three separate Christmas goodies this week. Head to her blog, check out the details, leave a comment and win yourself some Holiday cheer!

Behind the times.

I've always been ok with being a bit behind the rest of the culture curve.

I modeled my wardrobe after a cousin who was four years older than me. Only problem with that - I generally wore clothing that was in style 4-5 years prior.

I happen to be wearing a hand me down shirt from that cousin today. Not a big deal, right? I'm pretty sure I pulled it out of a bag of clothes in 1995 and I've been wearing it proudly ever since. I've also been informed that she was not the first owner of this shirt. Oh yeah.

I'm catching up after 2 years of no fiction reading and a year of no T.V. outside of LOST. Here's what I've discovered...

1. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS = AWESOME. We've watched six episodes of season one in the past week. We casually ask each other if maybe we could just do one more... who needs sleep?

2. "The Outsiders" by NEEDTOBREATH = Toe-tapping goodness. Loving this album. I've been listening to it nonstop while I write.

3. MATT COSTA = Good listening. My good friend Whitney brought me roughly 20 cds when she came out for the wedding. She informed me that it was all music I SHOULD know... but didn't. She was right.

4. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson= good beach read. This was the only book I read on the honeymoon. It was intense and made my head swim with information about Swedish business journalism. Not a "must read" in my opinion, but definitely intriguing. I will be reading the rest of the books in the trilogy.

5. Training for a 1/2 Marathon = ask me in three weeks. D and I are training for a January 1/2 marathon. I've never run more than a 10k in my whole life. D has run 2 previous 1/2 marathons. We are on a training program that adds one mile a week. This weekend we hit four miles. It was fine. In three weeks we will hit 7 miles. Ask me how much I hate it then.

6. Cooking pork chops = intimidating. I'm trying this out tonight. I've only cooked NEW recipes since coming back from vacation. So far almost everything has been a success. Tonight: pork chops with cider glaze. I can do this.

7. Recognizing that I'm really emotional = annoying. Imagine the conversation in which I admit to my husband that I am much more of a girl than I thought possible. I think I still pictured myself as the tomboy that I tried to present in 6th grade.

8. Taking a giant leap of faith = exhilarating and terrifying. I'm taking steps towards making my lifelong dreams a reality. Confession: it's harder than I thought it was going to be. I am easily frustrated. I don't like having an ambiguous due date. Basically I'm not a fan of only having to be accountable to myself for this. I would like a manager asking me what I've accomplished and guiding me along the way. Instead, I have me. Why am I not a good personal manager? I doubt that I can do this. I doubt my abilities. I doubt my drive. I question my motives.

But I'm going to keep at it. Time to play catch up on completing this project.

"Our value is not dependent on our ability to earn the fickle acceptance of people, but rather, its true source is the love and acceptance of God." - Robert S. McGee

Titles Are Hard

I am a huge fan of Arrested Development and Extras. The Office is one of my all-time favorite shows. I think that Community is the best series currently on the air.

I don’t think my taste in comedic television should be called into question.

That being said, I not only think that Cougar Town is one of the funniest shows on TV right now, but I also think that YOU should be watching it.

Plagued by a terrible name and a premise completely ditched during the first season, Cougar Town is now simply about a group of friends in their thirties and forties who hang out, talk, and… that’s about it. Oh, also? Be hilarious. That’s what they do. They be hilarious.

In the first line of their review of this week’s episode, New York magazine said, “Cougar Town may have an unfortunate name, but it has become a truly wonderful, hilarious television show that everyone who likes funny TV shows should be watching.”

See??? Even New York magazine agrees with me!

Still not convinced? Okay then, consider this. The creator of the show also created a little show I like to call SCRUBS. Yep, the one and only Bill Lawrence created Cougar Town right on the heals of Scrubs.

Lawrence has had a lot to say about his regret about the original premise and title of the show. He admitted in an interview that: “We gave the show a title that not only is horrible but that, for someone who hasn't checked out the show, it's a title that says to them what the show is — even though it isn't.”

He also told Entertainment Weekly, “It might be the worst titled show of all time.”

It’s actually become a great recurring joke, and above the title on each week’s credits is a small joke that’s a fun little wink at the now well-known title gaff, like “Titles Are Hard,” "Badly Titled, or “100% Cougar Free.”

Still still not convinced? Consider the cast, which in addition to Courtney Cox includes Busy Phillips (Kim Kelly on “Freaks and Geeks”) and Christa Miller (Jordan on “Scrubs” and Kate on “The Drew Carey Show”). You’d probably recognize a lot of the rest of the cast too, and again- they’re all hilarious.

If you don't take my advice and at least try just one episode, consider the fact that you're missing out on the show that brought us the truth gun, penny can, "Slap out of it!", and the homage to a certain movie in this week's episode:


Boom. Roasted.

Don't fail me now...

I am running out of time and I need some serious music help. You were so wonderful to provide me with music for my 10K race that I determined to make another plea.

Needed: suggestions for a contemporary processional song for the wedding party. This will be played by a string quartet. The prelude will be classical, seating of the g'parents and mom "Time to Say Good-Bye" and then... (insert your amazing suggestion here). Right now it's a toss up... U2, Coldplay, Eric Clapton, West Side Story... we'd prefer this not be a toss up. (The bridal processional has already been selected.)

Help.

Also needed: a song for the bouquet toss that is not sung by Beyonce.

Thanks much.

Muchas Gracias! (85 days) *photo by carriefayphotography.com

One giant leap.

Today I ran.

Today I ran for one hour and one minute. That's the longest stretch of time I've ever run.

Today I ran 6 miles without stopping. That's the longest distance that I've ever run. Ever.

This Saturday I will run my first 10k race. I started the year intending to run a 1/2 marathon this spring. I began running in October, by myself, and without any sort of a training program. I trained while listening to "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" and "This American Life" podcasts. My pace was all over the place. I was plagued by knee pain and lack of motivation, but I stuck with it... at least enough to sign up for a 10k.

Today, I traded the podcasts for a new iTunes playlist. It was great. It kept me focused and on target time wise. I'm planning on running the race with music. The only problem is that I have song A.D.D. I stuck it out to the end today, but I'm nervous for Saturday. I need new songs. I have running fever and the only cure is good music.

Help. I need 18 new songs for Saturday. What do you recommend?

What Goes Around...

This time I'M the one asking the questions!


Valerie: Okay, question one! Have you ever starred as Anne Shirley in a high school production of "Anne of Green Gables?"
Ginger: Heck yes. But the true story is that, through auditions, I was cast as Diana Berry. And then six weeks before the show, Anne did something that was...not good. So that's when I got the role.

Interesting... Now, have you ever tried to kick a tree over and ended up stabbing yourself in the leg with a piece of projectile wood?
That is a true statement, yes. And for a while later the doctors thought I still had wood in my leg!

What goes around comes around. Who do YOU have a crush on right now?
Obama. (pause) No, we'll say.... Well we can just go with my standard answer... that would be Kenneth Branagh.

What movie is Kenneth the hottest in?
HAMLET! Uh... Mourning clothes? HOT.

Interesting. So, tell me about your feelings regarding inside cats and dogs.
Umm... Well for me personally, there's a reason that when God made animals, he didn't build buildings and put them inside of them. And I know a lot of people reading this have indoor cats and dogs, and that's fine. I just don't want them living inside my house. The animals, that is.

Agreed on all counts. What's the best movie you've seen in theaters this year so far?
(Very long pause) Can we go back to '08 and pick Slumdog? Umm.... Sunshine Cleaners?

Oops, I accidentally typed "Sinshine."
Well, that actually sounds about right.

What's the worst?
"Confessions of a Shopaholic." I'm sad to even say I saw that movie. Who gave that script a green light? They should (shakes head)...not have a job.

What are your top 3 or 5 all-time favorite tv shows?
(Without missing a beat) Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Lost. The Office. Alias. Gosh, I don't know... Veronica Mars... or My Boys?

It doesn't have to be exactly five.
Okay then, Veronica Mars and My Boys. Growing up it was Saved by the Bell and Full House.

Great segueway into my next question! Have you ever participated in a Saved By the Bell trivia contest?
Uhh... yes, and won second place! But that was back in the day when people didn't really utilize the internet, and I went online to the trivia pages and read up on a lot of info about the show. Some people would call that cheating, but... I would go with what Zach Morris would say, which is... freeze time and it makes it all okay. Remember when Slater's pet lizard dies? (At this time Ginger proceeds to sing word for word the song Jessie Spano sang at the lizard's funeral) "...In that big chameleon banquet in the sky!"

Wow. Okay... Have you ever gone on a local morning show to quite literally cry like a baby?
Uh, yes. It was called... "How cool are you?" Or something like that. It was on a 6:00 am news show. Local news, with Stormy the Weather Dog. They had people on to do stupid human tricks, but they must not have been very talented because I made the finals. But I totally got gypped in the finals, because I got beat by a woman that could shoot a lay up behind her back! That's not a stupid human trick. That's like a...skill!

Okay, this is a two part question...Would you consider yourself a good speller? (When I get to the word 'consider' she breaks out in "Consider Yourself" from Oliver.)
Anyways. Umm, I'm much better than I used to be. I can now spell cabin, anniversary, business, and Saturday, which was not the case 15 years ago.

Well then the second part of that question, is have you ever won a spelling bee?
Well, no, because I was technically runner-up.... Oh! Hold on! Someone's at my door. I'm going to have to let you go!

Oh! Uhh... okay!
Okay! (hangs up)

Maybe he's rich. A money interview.

Valerie is currently playing the soundtrack to Annie during our Skype conversation. Now to begin the interview....

Me: What is it like having such a wonderful older sister?

Val: Am I answering as though you're asking the question? Or like a third person is asking? Okay....What is it like. Well, it's a barrel of laughs, I'll tell you that much, although much of the laughter is definitely yours.

Me: I just wanted to start out with a good question. Ok. Number two. Who is your current crush?

Val: Laughter... GUY PATTERSON.

Ginger: Who?

Val: Haven't you seen That Thing You Do? He's the charming, hilarious, nice guy drummer!

Ginger: Right. I forgot that you live in a movie.

Val: (sigh) If only.

Ginger: Ok. Really juicy for our HUGE readership. (Now laughing because Valerie held up Apple Juice to the camera.) Nice. No. What was the worst thing that you did by the time you were in 8th grade?

Val: There could be that time I tried to open my sister's eyes with pencils... oh wait, that was you. Or that time I caused my sister to have to get stitches in the back of her head... no wait, that was you. OR that other time I made my sister fall off her bike and break her fingers... WAIT. You again.

Ginger: Um. Nice. Way to be a difficult interview. I don't buy the angel schtick. Ok, what's the worse punishment you ever received?

Val: (Thinking hard.) I mean, you should really ask if there is an interesting answer to the question before you start typing.... I mean, I was grounded twice. And I was probably in about fifth grade, so it's not like I really missed a lot of social interaction. And we weren't really allowed to watch TV anyways, so what did that do? I mean... although I do remember getting yelled at for my messy room more than... 700 times.

Ginger: Ok. Then. Lightning round. Already. What is your favorite blog to read every day?

Val: That's mean. Really mean. Hold on. I gotta look at Google Reader.... Just one?

Ginger: Just one.

Val: Are you typing everything I say? Umm.

Ginger: The people want to know. You are like blog queen. Give you a crown.

Val: Yes, because I read a lot of blogs... not just one. But if I could only pick one, I would have to say... Fail Blog. But if I could add to that I would include... Annie, Dani, and Shani. Hey, that RHYMES! And Julie and Katie.

Ginger: That's funny. Ok. Next one. Who is the meanest person that you know?

Val: Gosh... Who's the meanest person? YOU. When you are talking about other people.

Ginger: What?

Val: Well, I can't say someone for real. In all reality, probably me. (laughs)

Ginger: I buy that. What movie are you most looking forward to coming out this summer?

Val: Hmm... Are you writing, "pretending to think this through?" and actually meaning HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE which premieres in theaters this JULY 15th?

Ginger: Two months from today!!! Wingardium Leviosa!

Val: I've already said that phrase twice tonight.

Ginger: I use Alohomora as a greeting.

Val: (laughing)

Ginger: So... how bout that Lost finale?

Val: Oh my gosh. That show just blew my mind all over my face.

Ginger: Sounds graphic. Like Sunshine Cleaners.

Val: No, just tense... and also insane.

Ginger: What book are you reading right now? The O'Malley series? Flight 914 is down?

Val: (Geller gesture from friends) I just finished Angels and Demons and now I'm on a book called Can You Keep A Secret, very shallow, very thin story-line and I call it a "pool book." I take it when I go out to the pool.

Ginger: What is in your purse?

Val: (Rolls eyes and then sighs) Oh! Have you seen my new purse?

Ginger: I have a new purse too! Here's mine. (Show each other purses.)

Val: You've always got to elbow your way in and steal the spotlight.... My handy dandy planner which has Harry Potter, The Office, Hairspray, and Jim Halpert and movie stuff on it like Lord of the Rings and Sound of Music. Ok. Um. My calendar that says you were visiting in March. Nail file. Trident gum. Check book. Halls fruit breezers for when I get a sore throat. Movie ticket for Star Trek. Winter Green tic tacs. Sun glasses. Kleenex. This is so not exciting.

Ginger: Where's the knife?

Val: You mean lip gloss? Business cards? Oh, there's those earrings! Apparently my Eiffel tower earrings have been in here.

Ginger: Those could work as a knife.

Val: Movie ticket to Coraline.

Ginger: OOOH.

Val: Good movie. Oh, business card for my hair dresser.

Ginger: I thought it was one of those cards that tell you what your name means, like Valerie... woman of God. What does your name mean?

Val: Determined.

Ginger: To be annoying?

Val: Ha. Starbucks gift card that I've had since Christmas because I don't drink coffee or go to Starbucks.

Ginger: Send it to me!!!

Val: Thas for meee. Last thing. A really funny fortune from one time when we out to get a fortune. Wait. I mean Chinese food.

Ginger: How was that palm reader? What does it say?

Val: First of all, I didn't get the fortune. You have to keep in mind that Kyle got this. Trust me... Okay, it says, "If you've got it, flaunt it."

Ginger: (Laughs)

Valerie: Exactly.

Ginger: Sounds like just desserts to me.

Val: (Laughs) Not touching it! Not playing that game, Morby. Okay... coolest part. The top of my purse is magnetic!

Ginger: This has been really educational.

Val: I'm sure it has.

Ginger: That's about it. Um. When are we actually hanging out next?

Val: Well, theoretically I'm coming to Arizona, but seeing how it is summer, I'm thinking not so much.

Ginger: Hey. It's only 105 on Sunday. Suck it up. Or, I could just come home for the 4th of July.

Val: Why don't you go ahead and do that since you are considering going ahead and doing that.

Ginger: Good deal, and that's a wrap. Wait, no. This is a rap...

Val: NO, can we just skip the corny jokes?

Ginger: Ok. The End.

April 25, 2009

I’m going to shamelessly use my post this week to promote an event that is near and dear to my heart. Almost two years ago I found my way to the INVISIBLE CHILDREN website and have been following this organization ever since.

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a film making adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda’s night commuters and child soldiers. The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

Here’s the latest from the Invisible Children blog:

"Our new film, ‘The Rescue: of Joseph Kony’s Child Soldiers’ is now streaming on our brand new website! This powerful new piece of media profiles rebel leader Joseph Kony and the untold story of child soldiers under his reign. It speaks of the urgency to end the war and rescue the child soldiers.

Check it out, and sign up to receive updates, and start spreading the word about The Rescue Event on April 25th. Since the website’s launch a few days ago, over 5000 people have already signed up for The Rescue. When you sign up, you choose the city you will be at on April 25th, and you’ll receive updates about your specific city. With over 100 cities worldwide hosting the Event, you’ll be sure to find a city in your area.

When you click the ’sign up’ button on the main page, you’ll be directed to the three ways you can take action. You can buy the Gray Rescue Bracelet DVD, the two Rescue tshirts, and sign up for TRI to help fund the event.

We’re really excited about The Rescue, but we need your help. We’ve got 60 days to make history, so watch the film and sign up today."

So take a minute or two and visit the site, sign up for updates, and partner with a generation as we come together in cities across the world on April 25th to raise awareness and hopefully end this war.

Changing the Numbers

In 2007, the average consumer planned to spend more than $800 on holiday related shopping and more than $100 on themselves.

The typical American planned to spend:

$469.14 on family members
$94.69 on candy and food
$90.13 on friends
$49.76 on decorating
$37.45 on acquaintances
$32.21 on greeting cards and postage
$22.79 on co-workers
$20.53 on flowers

In November and December of 2007, consumers accumulated an estimated $12.8 billion in new debt, according to cardtrak, an organization that tracks credit card use. That is 16% of the total debt accumulated that year. According to a 2007 survey, one third of consumers were still paying off debt from the 2006 holiday season. But what if we could change the numbers this year?



If you’re interested in joining the conspiracy that will change the face of Christmas Seasons to come, then check out some creative alternatives this year. For more gifts that keep giving consider some of the following organizations for some unique gifts this year:

Cards from Africa

Save the Children

Gospel for Asia

Invisible Children

Watoto

CompassionArt

Christian Andre Coffee

Merry Christmas and Happy Giving!!

*2007 Statistics from The Good Sheet www.good.is/

Anatomy of a Book List

“Woe be to him that reads but one book.” – George Herbert

Here’s a recent progression of reading (it’s like 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon.)

I wanted a new book to listen to on CD for my long rides in the car. Work is a ½ hour drive and not even NPR can hold my attention once the financial market comes on. I browsed over the titles on the shelves hoping for something to jump out and grab me. I ended up looking at the cart of recently returned titles and chose “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading!” by Maureen Corrigan. Although I found several chapters on Catholic Secular Martyr books less than particularly interesting, I did enjoy the chapters on Female Adventure Heroes. She spoke of her own journey to adopt her daughter, Molly, from China.

Once I returned to the library, I decided to search for any other books by Corrigan. I found the book version of the “Leave Me Alone…” but nothing else. She was placed on the non-fiction shelves. As I began perusing I noticed a title, “The Russian Word for Snow.” I checked it out. The story was of a couple from the United States who ended up adopting their son unexpectedly through international adoption – he was found in an orphanage in Russia. I’ve decided I don’t have a desire to visit Russia. The picture painted was rather bleak. But I’ve also discovered that international adoption is beautiful, giving, trying, and full of endless paperwork.

Upon returning to the library I remembered Corrigan discussing a book that was her favorite about the adoption experience. She should know, she is the chief book critic for NPR’s “Fresh Air.” She remarked wishing that “The Lost Daughters of China” had been written before she was hoping to adopt. I found it to be a remarkably eye-opening read by Karin Evans, who had adopted her daughter from China.

The next book? Corrigan had spoken several times about Anne Lamott’s journal of her son's first years. I’m a fan of Lamott’s writing, but had never read this specific memoir. She tells of her story as a single woman managing through that first amazingly trying year. This then led to “Grace Eventually” and “Thoughts on Faith” by the same author.

A comment on my sister’s facebook wall led me to “The Time Traveller’s Wife” and some coaching from friends led me to purchase “No Other Gods” and “Humility”. My sister also handed me "Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life" the last time we saw each other.

But now I'm drawing to the end of my list. I’m in a fiction dry spell and am looking for the next books to pick up on CD or in print. I'm open to just about anything, although I do find Science Fiction to be a dreadful challenge for me. So please, comment and recommend away!!

Summer Reading

I realize that you could just as easily turn to Oprah or Maureen Corrigan and pick up some books for the summer – and that I just blogged about books recently, but I can’t help but share the wealth. Humor:
I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman - Nora Ephron

Memoir:
The Russian Word for Snow - Janis Cooke Newman
Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year – Anne Lamott

Rainbow's End: A Memoir of Childhood, War, and an African Farm - Lauren St. John
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust - Immaculee Ilibagiza

Spirituality:
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire - Jim Cymbala (as good the second time around)

Grace Eventually - Anne Lamott
The Irresistable Revolution – Shane Claibourne

Non-Fiction:
The Lost Daughters of China – Karin Evans
Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading. – Maureen Corrigan

Oddly enough I started a book with plenty of potential, but the book smelled horribly – I couldn’t get past chapter four. I had to read the last chapter and then set it aside. Maybe your copy will be fresher.

All the Fishes Come Home to Roost: An American Misfit in India - Rachel Manija Brown

Happy Reading.

Seeing and Giving

"Two catastrophes have struck this month — the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. As the death tolls in these two countries mount, so does the need for aid. But Myanmar has been reluctant to let relief workers into the country, and China says it will accept foreign aid on its own timetable. So where does all that leave charitable contributions? How do people give if they want to help victims of the disasters, and where will their contributions do the most good?" -From NPR's "All Things Considered"

If you've turned to a news page or turned on a television in the past month you've been reminded of the tragedies taking place all over the world. Most recently, the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake and China, have brought forth valid questions about our response in giving. In a report by Alix Spiegel of NPR, I learned that the organization "Save the Children" saw $626,000 in aid donated over the Internet within the first 10 days of the disaster. Contrast that to the funds they received after last year's tsunami within 10 days...$7 million.

One of the reasons this disaster is not receiving the funding may be the lack of trust felt towards the government's handling of the situation, but other experts say that has to do with everything we aren't seeing. Photo journalists have been limited in Myanmar, while accepted in most of the earthquake devastated areas of China. Because we aren't seeing it, Spiegel surmises, we aren't giving. (To hear the full story click here.) What will it take for us to remember to give this time?

After hunting around the web today I've discovered that the Myanmar government is allowing aid to trickle in from around the world, but have specifically asked for help from the country of India. Gospel For Asia, an organization and ministry I've been supporting for years, happens to have a large presence in India. GFA's native missionaries have been among some of the first allowed to provide for the needs of survivors.

If you've been looking for a trustworthy organization to give through, then consider Gospel For Asia. For more information or to donate directly please click on the web banner below.

I have a fever.

I have a fever and the only cure seems to be more reading.

I've always enjoyed reading. I'm not sure if the contests I entered in elementary school were national or regional, but I know that they were a wonderful incentive. Some awarded personal pan pizzas from the Hut while another gave ice cream and hamburgers from Braum's. Wouldn't it be amazing if there were reading incentives for adults? Imagine how books would fly off the shelves if Best Buy offered 30% off coupons for reading 3,000 pages. Or consider Jamba Juice stamp cards that reward a free smoothie for every other book you read. Someone should get on this, if for no other reason than the sake of my brother who reads once a year.

My friend Becca doesn't enjoy reading fiction. I don't understand and cannot comprehend what that world feels like. We went on a trip to Florida a few years ago to rest after 12 weeks of working at summer camp. I piled Garrison Keillor, J.K. Rowling, and other favorites into my crowded suitcase. Becca tried. I watched her carry a work of fiction down to the beach every morning as she tried in vain to get past the first 4 chapters. She explained to me that deep down inside she feels fiction is a waste of time. So instead, she brought out some light reading, John Piper, to enjoy our little vacation.

I on the other hand, have to add non-fiction to my diet as if it were green leafy vegetables. I enjoy a good memoir or biography, but cannot sit for hours on end in heavy theology or even philosophy. Like green beans, I eat them at the start of a meal with large doses of diet coke to bribe myself to continue. I do not find non-fiction to be a waste of time, but I do mainly crave the carbs I find in a fictional story.

So here's my real problem. I'm currently reading 4 books and listening to another on CD in the car. I'm not mixing my stories, or unable to follow along. My diet this week contains a memoir, a work of non-fiction, a light-hearted piece of fiction, and a dose of spiritual encouragement. This doesn't sound like much of an issue, until you look and see what's awaiting me in my reading chair. It's as if someone has dropped off a bag of candy and I have to continue reminding myself to eat my vegetables and wait for dessert until I've finished everything already on my plate. The desserts awaiting me were selected from the library on Sunday. I'm not entirely certain what compelled me to do so, but I left with too many books. My book selections are not like 2nd grade where I could easily see myself getting through all 15 books in the allotted check out time. When will I possibly find time to read the 5 awaiting me? (For some reason I have an aversion to renewing my books. I take this to be a form of weakness. My goal is to finish everything by the original due date.)

Going to the library is just as thrilling for me as going to a cookie and sweets shop is for most of my co-workers. I see that gleam in their eye as they suggest a quick run to Paradise Bakery, or to obtain cookie dough from the kitchen at work. I plan my library visits days in advance. I make my selections deliberately, often picking books off the shelf, walking around with them for an hour, only return them for another time. I've only one book and two dvds to return to the library this afternoon, but I'm already having to give myself a stern talking to. "No more new books until you finish these...unless you find a really good one*."

Currently Reading:

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

In This Mountain by Jan Karon

unChristian by David Kinnaman

Becoming the Woman I Want to Be by Donna Partow

On Deck in the Reading Chair:

Bill Bryson's African Diary by Bill Bryson

Tropical Fish - Tales from Entebbe by Doreen Baingana

Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani

Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna

More Women Travel edited by Natania Jansz and Miranda Davies

A Year of Reading by Elisabeth Ellington and Jane Freimiller, Ph. D.

* Recommendations welcome! Maybe I need more potassium in my diet.

Drum Fill

I work with an amazing team of people. I feel very lucky to not only enjoy what I do for a living, but also actually enjoy the people in my office. After a rather long meeting yesterday we were all preparing to head to lunch together. Carey ran up on the stage and sat behind the drum set. She disclosed that as a child she had always dreamed of having her own drum set and had even presented a plan to sound proof the attic in her house. Unfortunately, that dream was never realized. Fernando joined her on stage to give her a crash course in the drums. After 10 minutes she was able to hit a drum, cymbal, and the kick drum on beat and keep a rhythm, at least for a few seconds. Once at lunch Carey asked us all if we had hidden dreams as kids or even adults that we were one day hoping to achieve. The results of the conversation were quite interesting.

Beth hopes to one day own her own business. She wants to own a specialty pet store, and even has a clever name to boot. I think she hopes to sell collars, dog clothes, and offer grooming. She definitely lit up when talking about the store, but what I love seeing is the way that Beth dreams for her son. She lights up when she talks about him and really dreams of the ways she can bring a smile to his face.

Virginia has always wanted to play the drums or the guitar, but what she really wants to do is continue her passion for ice skating. She skated all the time as a kid and would one day love to get back to it. Virginia reminds me of a kid sometimes. She’s a loving friend, and one of her greatest gifts has been the way she plays with her daughters. I’ve loved watching her use her own imagination to instill a sense of wonder and play in her girls.

Erin has found that she loves sewing and would love to sell some of her own creations. She’s started out small, but with her new sewing machine in tow, I’m pretty sure she’s going to start having more orders than she can handle. She crafts memory books for each of her kids and saves anything that might come in handy to them one day. You can find some of her creations already for sale here .

Fernando couldn’t quite vocalize his dream. He felt really lucky to have a job so young that allows him creative freedom in art, music, and organization. He’s had the chance to do short-term missions and travel. The thing about Fernando is that his dreams don’t stay dreams for long. He writes songs for his son and turns home videos into music videos as soon as he captures them. He lives every day doing exactly what he wants to do and doesn't wait for the time later down the road.

Carey, my boss who started this whole conversation, is constantly encouraging us to really do what we love. She loves to write and create, to dream and design. She has a baby on the way in May. That child is in for an adventure.

Dreams are fascinating. Some of us are born with dreams that we wait our whole lives to take hold of, while others find that the dreams take hold of us and shape the way that we live every day. I think there was a time in my life when I worried that my dreams would somehow conflict with my calling as a believer. Although my preference on timing may not line up, I’m convinced that the dreams within me have been placed for a reason and will one day come to fruition. I have this huge list of dreams, a bucket list if you will. But if I don’t get to them all it will really be ok. I just want my life to be about accumulating experiences and not possessions. I may not climb Mount Kilimanjaro before I die but that doesn’t mean I have to miss out on all the mountains around me right now. Who knows if I will learn to play a drum set (apparently everyone shares this) or write a manuscript – but dreaming is way better than just shuffling along. So dream on my friends, dream on.

Saltwater Book Club

Continuing on the subject of books, I'd like to recommend a few of my favorites to you.

The Secret Life of Bees: is one of those books that makes you angry. Angry because it's so great, you wish you had written it first. Lily Owens is growing up in South Carolina in the volatile summer of 1964. After running away from her father, she ends up staying with three sisters- August, June, and May- who make honey. Beautifully written, this book will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

"The bees came the summer of 1964, the summer I turned fourteen and my life went spinning off into a whole new orbit, and I mean whole new orbit. Looking back on it now, I want to say the bees were sent to me. I want to say they showed up like the angel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary, setting events in motion I could never have guessed. I know it is presumptuous to compare my small life to hers, but I have reason to believe she wouldn't mind; I will get to that. Right now it's enough to say that despite everything that happened that summer, I remain tender toward the bees."

The O'Malley Chronicles: This series is probably the best work of Christian fiction I have ever read. The stories concern the O'Malley siblings, a group of seven orphans who "adopted" each other as siblings. They all have exciting careers- a hostage negotiator, a firefighter, a paramedic, etc.- that are the basis for each book. In addition, each book contains the issues that each O'Malley has with Christianity and their struggle to believe. The books are suspenseful, well-written, and bring up very interesting questions about the Lord. I highly recommend all of these books.

"Shari's words echoed again. He wanted to be able to cross the hesitation and trust enough to pray, but he felt mute the closer he came to that line. He had believed and prayed for his mom and she had died. It wasn't logical, but thinking about praying for Jennifer brought a resonating fear that, in doing so, he would lose her too. The emotion wasn't rational. But it was powerful."

Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man: is a terribly hilarious book. Written by one of my favorite authors, Fannie Flagg, Daisy Fay is about a young girl growing up in the deep South in the 1950's. Told from Daisy's sassy point of view, the story meanders through anecdotes about her eccentric father, the girls at her Junior Debutante meetings, and, of course, her encounter with a "miracle man." If you're looking for a light and funny read, definitely look into this one.

"Hello there... my name is Daisy Fay Harper and I was eleven years old yesterday. My grandmother Pettibone won the jackpot at the VFW Bingo and bought me a typewriter for my birthday. She wants me to practice typing so when I grow up, I can be a secretary, but my cat, Felix, who is pregnant, threw up on it and ruined it, which is OK with me. I don't know what is the matter with Grandma. I told her a hundred times I want to be a tree surgeon or a blacksmith."

Paradigm Shift

“Paradigms power perception and perceptions power emotions. Most emotions are responses to perception – what you think is true about a given situation. If your perception is false, then your emotional response to it will be false too. So check your perceptions, and beyond that check the truthfulness of your paradigms – what you believe. Just because you believe something firmly doesn’t make it true. Be willing to reexamine what you believe. The more you live in the truth, the more your emotions will help you see clearly. But even then, you don’t want to trust them more than me.”

This is just one of the passages from The Shack by William P. Young that I have marked up and reread several times in the past few days. This is the book that I discussed in the previous post. This small novel, only 248 pages, has been quite a journey for me…one that is continuing to change my perceptions and examine truth. I admit that I do often cry when I read something that is emotionally stirring. I can’t remember ever reading something that caused me to cry from joy, sadness, peace, and gratitude all at the same time.

The book follows the story of one man’s journey into true relationship with the Triune God. I’m not sure how to describe it without giving away the plot twists and turns that lie within the pages. Somewhere around page 90 I almost gave up, I found elements too much for my mind to try and shift. I think more than anything, this book has opened my eyes to see where I have allowed my own humanity to define our infinite God.

Blaise Pascal once said, “God made man in his own image and man returned the compliment.” Oh how sad and true that statement really is in my own life.

Here’s what you will find on the back cover of the book:

Mackenzie Allen Philip’s youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack’s world forever.

In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.

I cannot guarantee that you will like this book. I wasn’t sure how I would respond to seeing each of the persons of the Trinity as a living, breathing, and speaking character. But with gusto and bravery, William P. Young gently carries the reader into fellowship with the Creator.

For more information on the book check out http://www.theshackbook.com/

“This is not a revolution that will overthrow anything, or if it does, it will do so in ways we could never contrive in advance. Instead it will be the quiet daily powers of dying and serving and loving and laughing, of simple tenderness and unseen kindness, because if anything matters, then everything matters. And one day, when all is revealed, every one of us will bow our knee and confess…that Jesus is the Lord of all Creation.”
William P. Young

Favorite Things

I didn't think I should let Oprah have all the fun. This is my list of favorite picks for Christmas gifts this year. I couldn't actually list everything that I am buying for family and friends (mostly because it's just family and friends who probably read this), but I decided to choose some gifts that you won't find on a shelf at the Mall.

So...happy shopping. I certainly don't have the money for it, so hopefully you can do your part to help the economy and I'll just be here.

1. Random Shirts from http://www.randomshirts.com/ - a great little Internet company out of Texas who have helped me to clothe my teenage brother for the past few years. Right now there is free shipping for all orders over $30...and the shirts fit well and the color stays great even after several washes.

2. Uncommon gifts at http://www.uncommongifts.com/ - this site has so many odds and ends at every price. I wish I had tons of money to spend on these cool keepsakes. My favorite are Slang flash cards.

3. A gift for the person who makes everything into a keepsake at http://www.ticketstubdiary.com/ - You use the book to hold ticket stubs of all sizes.

4. The gift of hope to Uganda via your purchase of some gifts and the paper to wrap with at www.invisiblechildren.com/holidaystore2008/index.html - My personal favorite are the bracelets. You can purchase one for $20 or four for $65. Every bracelet is handmade in Uganda from reed and recycled wire. Once made, each bracelet is packaged in the States and sold with a short film that tells the story of a child who has been affected by the war.

5. Find the only kitchen knife you need at http://www.pamperedchef.com/ - I love my Chef's knife with sharpening case. I do actually own this product. It is amazing.

6. For looking good in the kitchen I found this great apron at http://www.violet.com/ - it's a fun little place to look around, but a little too rich for my blood...or my wallet...either way. I would pick up this apron in a heartbeat.

7. And lastly, I don't know why there are only 7, except that I've been doing this for over 45 minutes...I really recommend the Irwin Laser Level to aid in hanging things in your walls at http://www.homedepot.com/ (or any home store).

I'm sure I can add as I think of more, but for now...happy shopping.