my neighborhood
april 29, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Lord, I believe in you; help me to believe more firmly.
I trust in you; help me to trust more surely.
I love you; help me to love more ardently.
I am sorry for my sins; help me to deepen my sorrow.
Guide me by your wisdom, correct me by your justice.
Comfort me by your mercy, defend me with your power.
Lord, I offer you,
my thoughts to be centered on you, my words to speak of you,
my actions to do your will, my sufferings for your sake.
I want whatever you want;
Because you want it,
The way you want it,
As long as you want it.
Lord, enlighten my mind, strengthen my will,
purify my heart, and sanctify my spirit.
Lord, in your goodness, grant me the grace to love you
and to forget myself, to seek my neighbor's good
and despise the seduction of the world.
Teach me to obey those in authority, serve those under my care,
look after my friends, and forgive my enemies.
Teach me;
How trivial wordly interests are
How momentous is the Kingdom
How brief temporal concerns are
How lasting is life eternal!
Excerpts from the prayer of of Pope Clement XI
I trust in you; help me to trust more surely.
I love you; help me to love more ardently.
I am sorry for my sins; help me to deepen my sorrow.
Guide me by your wisdom, correct me by your justice.
Comfort me by your mercy, defend me with your power.
Lord, I offer you,
my thoughts to be centered on you, my words to speak of you,
my actions to do your will, my sufferings for your sake.
I want whatever you want;
Because you want it,
The way you want it,
As long as you want it.
Lord, enlighten my mind, strengthen my will,
purify my heart, and sanctify my spirit.
Lord, in your goodness, grant me the grace to love you
and to forget myself, to seek my neighbor's good
and despise the seduction of the world.
Teach me to obey those in authority, serve those under my care,
look after my friends, and forgive my enemies.
Teach me;
How trivial wordly interests are
How momentous is the Kingdom
How brief temporal concerns are
How lasting is life eternal!
Excerpts from the prayer of of Pope Clement XI
Friday, April 24, 2009
42.2km
My dear friend Pip and I have been training for the Canberra Marathon these past few months. Ever since we finished our first one last June, we have been hooked on this crazy running adventure- which is exhausting, exhilarating, and everything in between. Once again, during this race I wondered why exactly I do this-- but yet again, it was a fleeting thought which disappeared after a few minutes, and was gone completely after I crossed the line.
I didn't run as fast as I had wanted to- but I was filled with joy in the process of running this race. It was so much fun! Feeling the breeze. Energized by the crowd. Refreshed by water and cool sponges. Ready to fall over in fatigue. But just as ready to keep running and cross the line. What a blast! And now, just another reason to keep going...
I didn't run as fast as I had wanted to- but I was filled with joy in the process of running this race. It was so much fun! Feeling the breeze. Energized by the crowd. Refreshed by water and cool sponges. Ready to fall over in fatigue. But just as ready to keep running and cross the line. What a blast! And now, just another reason to keep going...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
New Life
I was baptized as a baby, in the tradition of my church. After seventh grade, I gave my life completely to Jesus, but at that time I didn’t think about being baptized again.
Yet after following Christ for some time now, I felt that it was important for me to be baptized- as His daughter who fully believes and understands the decision. To declare openly my love for Jesus and my desire and intent to follow Him for the rest of my life. Because I want to be obedient to what Jesus tells His followers to do. Because I recognize my desperate need for the Holy Spirit to do dangerous and impossible things. Because I turn from sin and believe that Jesus is stronger than the strongest evils of this life.
”We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—” Romans 6:4-6
“Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
Thank you Pip and Rosie, for praying for and with me- immersing me in water, and blessing me by your presence. Praise God for his gift, too wonderful for words. I am blessed to know I don’t walk this Way alone.
Byron Bay, Australia
April 14, 2009
"Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Yet after following Christ for some time now, I felt that it was important for me to be baptized- as His daughter who fully believes and understands the decision. To declare openly my love for Jesus and my desire and intent to follow Him for the rest of my life. Because I want to be obedient to what Jesus tells His followers to do. Because I recognize my desperate need for the Holy Spirit to do dangerous and impossible things. Because I turn from sin and believe that Jesus is stronger than the strongest evils of this life.
”We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—” Romans 6:4-6
“Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
Thank you Pip and Rosie, for praying for and with me- immersing me in water, and blessing me by your presence. Praise God for his gift, too wonderful for words. I am blessed to know I don’t walk this Way alone.
Byron Bay, Australia
April 14, 2009
"Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Monday, April 20, 2009
April!
what a great month!
birthday, baptism, best race times...
April 5- Race for the Roses in Portland- pb half marathon time
April 8- celebrated from midnight on- complete with Annie's lemon meringue pie at 2am ;)
April 14- got baptized at the ocean in Australia
April 19- pb time for marathon #2 in Canberra
more details soon!
birthday, baptism, best race times...
April 5- Race for the Roses in Portland- pb half marathon time
April 8- celebrated from midnight on- complete with Annie's lemon meringue pie at 2am ;)
April 14- got baptized at the ocean in Australia
April 19- pb time for marathon #2 in Canberra
more details soon!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
no regrets
About a week ago I had a patient whose situation rocked me. For some reason I could easily put myself in his place. The whole night I kept thinking: If my life and his were switched, would I have regrets? I pondered this all night, and into the week.
I decided no, I wouldn’t have any regrets. Yet it was still something I needed to think about. And I never want to get out of that place of being aware. Sensitive to people. Being grateful in the day to day. Noticing the little things. Celebrating my health. Rejoicing in being alive. Only the Lord knows when things may change.
Sometimes I feel calloused in my job- or because of it. I think it is natural, but I don’t want to be hardened to the things that matter. Life is short. I want mine to count.
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion.”
Psalm 39:4-8
I decided no, I wouldn’t have any regrets. Yet it was still something I needed to think about. And I never want to get out of that place of being aware. Sensitive to people. Being grateful in the day to day. Noticing the little things. Celebrating my health. Rejoicing in being alive. Only the Lord knows when things may change.
Sometimes I feel calloused in my job- or because of it. I think it is natural, but I don’t want to be hardened to the things that matter. Life is short. I want mine to count.
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion.”
Psalm 39:4-8
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
92 bananas
Our presenter at class tonight was awesome. She left us with a slideshow of quotes by people who have changed the world for Christ. They were missionaries. I haven't totally embraced the word for myself yet; but these words and their stories were enough to bring tears to my eyes.
"If this is war," the message said, "A woman is not likely to stop it."
Back went her reply,
"You think only of the woman.
You have forgotten the woman's God."
Mary Slessor, Nigeria, 1874-1915
"I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done in China...
it must have been a man.
Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing...
and God looked down and saw Gladys Aylward...
and God said, "Well, at least she's willing!"
Gladys Aylward, China, 1902-1970
"I can assure you that months and months
of heart-rending anguish are before you...
Yet, take the bitter cup with both hands.
You will learn a secret; that there is sweetness at the bottom."
Adoniram Judson, Burma, 1788-1826
"If this is war," the message said, "A woman is not likely to stop it."
Back went her reply,
"You think only of the woman.
You have forgotten the woman's God."
Mary Slessor, Nigeria, 1874-1915
"I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done in China...
it must have been a man.
Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing...
and God looked down and saw Gladys Aylward...
and God said, "Well, at least she's willing!"
Gladys Aylward, China, 1902-1970
"I can assure you that months and months
of heart-rending anguish are before you...
Yet, take the bitter cup with both hands.
You will learn a secret; that there is sweetness at the bottom."
Adoniram Judson, Burma, 1788-1826
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
The words of Floyd McClung met me today, as I read his article, Apostolic Passion:
"A young man in Bible school offered to help David Wilkerson years ago when he was ministering on the streets of New York City. Wilkerson asked him how much time he spent in prayer. The young student estimated about 20 minutes a day. Wilkerson told him, "Go back, young man. Go back for a month and pray two hours a day, every day for 30 days. When you've done that, come back. Come back, and I might consider turning you loose on the streets where there is murder, rape, violence and danger. If I sent you out now on 20 minutes a day, I'd be sending a soldier into battle without any weapons, and you would get killed."
"A young man in Bible school offered to help David Wilkerson years ago when he was ministering on the streets of New York City. Wilkerson asked him how much time he spent in prayer. The young student estimated about 20 minutes a day. Wilkerson told him, "Go back, young man. Go back for a month and pray two hours a day, every day for 30 days. When you've done that, come back. Come back, and I might consider turning you loose on the streets where there is murder, rape, violence and danger. If I sent you out now on 20 minutes a day, I'd be sending a soldier into battle without any weapons, and you would get killed."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Glory despite the stench
In John 11, Mary and Martha ask Jesus to come and heal their brother Lazarus. Jesus comes two days later, and Lazarus has already died.
“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.
Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11:32-44
I love this story. Jesus knows human nature; that those around Lazarus are mourning his death, and wondering why Jesus didn't do something. And the stink of the dead after four days...
But He asks; "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
It’s awesome.
It’s easy to doubt and despair in the stench of life. Evil, human need, and injustice have a paralyzing effect- a smell that it’s easier to turn from than embrace. Father, remind me that as You chose to embrace and become engaged in our world with it’s awful stench, you invite me to do the same. I fully believe that the glory of God is stronger than the worst smells on earth.
“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.
Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11:32-44
I love this story. Jesus knows human nature; that those around Lazarus are mourning his death, and wondering why Jesus didn't do something. And the stink of the dead after four days...
But He asks; "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
It’s awesome.
It’s easy to doubt and despair in the stench of life. Evil, human need, and injustice have a paralyzing effect- a smell that it’s easier to turn from than embrace. Father, remind me that as You chose to embrace and become engaged in our world with it’s awful stench, you invite me to do the same. I fully believe that the glory of God is stronger than the worst smells on earth.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
i love my family!
We don't all get together much.... but we always have time to take a few pictures, much to my dad's dismay.
He loves us, though ;)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
January 20, 2009!
LOVED the cover of the Oregonian the other day. Thought it should be commemorated on my blog...
Monday, January 19, 2009
MLK
"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
“Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.”
"I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not to these little gods that are here today and gone tomorrow, but to God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Martin Luther King, Jr 1929–1968
“Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.”
"I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not to these little gods that are here today and gone tomorrow, but to God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Martin Luther King, Jr 1929–1968
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
safe or brave?
I recently finished a book by Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission. I have since been contemplating one of the questions he proposes. Would you rather be safe or brave? In following God, can we be both? What are we supposed to do when following the will of God is scary?
He mentions a colleague who recalls his journey to give up his career as a lawyer and life in the United States to move to the Philippines and work for justice. The things that held him back were the losses of comfort, security, control, and success. Yet these were the things he was forced to let go of in order to receive the life that Jesus promised. As he did, he said he instead received adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus.
The author says, “Jesus knows I must make a choice for myself. He is inviting all of us on his great, costly expedition of transformation in the world- but we must respond. Are we coming or staying? Jesus is relentlessly issuing the invitation and forcing a choice to action. What are we going to DO? I am much more interested in telling Jesus and others what I BELIEVE, but Jesus (and the watching world) knows that what I truly believe will be manifested in what I choose to DO.”
Today I have been doing much thinking about this question of being safe or brave. It’s easy for me to say I want to be brave. But if that means giving up being safe, that is scary. What does it mean to give up safety? I don’t know if I want to really know that at this point. But day by day, I do choose to trust God. And for me, this is bigger than my fear of being “unsafe.”
As his colleague recognized the things like comfort, security, and control that he would probably lose, I am reminded that I have also known these things well (maybe too well). I like them. They make me comfortable. Sometimes I get upset when I don't have them. But may I be reminded again and again that I would rather have the life that Jesus promises even if it means I lose what I perceive to be "comfort" or "security."
As Jesus tells the young ruler in Matthew, “Come, follow me.”
Lord make me BRAVE because I want to follow You.
He mentions a colleague who recalls his journey to give up his career as a lawyer and life in the United States to move to the Philippines and work for justice. The things that held him back were the losses of comfort, security, control, and success. Yet these were the things he was forced to let go of in order to receive the life that Jesus promised. As he did, he said he instead received adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus.
The author says, “Jesus knows I must make a choice for myself. He is inviting all of us on his great, costly expedition of transformation in the world- but we must respond. Are we coming or staying? Jesus is relentlessly issuing the invitation and forcing a choice to action. What are we going to DO? I am much more interested in telling Jesus and others what I BELIEVE, but Jesus (and the watching world) knows that what I truly believe will be manifested in what I choose to DO.”
Today I have been doing much thinking about this question of being safe or brave. It’s easy for me to say I want to be brave. But if that means giving up being safe, that is scary. What does it mean to give up safety? I don’t know if I want to really know that at this point. But day by day, I do choose to trust God. And for me, this is bigger than my fear of being “unsafe.”
As his colleague recognized the things like comfort, security, and control that he would probably lose, I am reminded that I have also known these things well (maybe too well). I like them. They make me comfortable. Sometimes I get upset when I don't have them. But may I be reminded again and again that I would rather have the life that Jesus promises even if it means I lose what I perceive to be "comfort" or "security."
As Jesus tells the young ruler in Matthew, “Come, follow me.”
Lord make me BRAVE because I want to follow You.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
inspiration to run
I came across this song as I ran this morning.
My new song to ponder...
I have been pondering, but have failed to blog. I'm working on it.
Run
Stoplights, breakdown, we cry, last try
Worlds collide, time to decide
Where you want to go in this great big world
Where you want to go in this great big world
Stuck here too long in this sad song
Lost on a street, everyone has
Vanished and you're all alone
But you don't know where to go
You're all alone
And you want to go home
Run just as fast as you can
Run, 'til you reach the end
Where the fallen finally land
And your world starts over again
Run
Next page, new day, finding my way
Stumble upon the strength to move on
I am not alone in this great big world
And you are not alone in this great big world
Run just as fast as you can
Run, 'til you reach the end
Where the fallen finally land
And your world starts over again
Run
Run now don't you look back
Run towards the light straight ahead
Where the lost souls make a beautiful sound
And new life is finally found
Run
Music and lyrics by Travis Lawerence, Jenny Simmons, and Clint Lagerberg of Addison Road
My new song to ponder...
I have been pondering, but have failed to blog. I'm working on it.
Run
Stoplights, breakdown, we cry, last try
Worlds collide, time to decide
Where you want to go in this great big world
Where you want to go in this great big world
Stuck here too long in this sad song
Lost on a street, everyone has
Vanished and you're all alone
But you don't know where to go
You're all alone
And you want to go home
Run just as fast as you can
Run, 'til you reach the end
Where the fallen finally land
And your world starts over again
Run
Next page, new day, finding my way
Stumble upon the strength to move on
I am not alone in this great big world
And you are not alone in this great big world
Run just as fast as you can
Run, 'til you reach the end
Where the fallen finally land
And your world starts over again
Run
Run now don't you look back
Run towards the light straight ahead
Where the lost souls make a beautiful sound
And new life is finally found
Run
Music and lyrics by Travis Lawerence, Jenny Simmons, and Clint Lagerberg of Addison Road
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
(snow)cover
Sunnyside Environmental Elementary School is a few blocks away. They teach kids about growing all sorts of things in their various garden plots. The kids always make colorful signs to label the things they've planted. I wonder if they ever expected nature would cover their crops... (and their sign!)
Monday, December 22, 2008
snowed in day 2- cross training
I was DETERMINED to work out today, and I didn't want to take the bus to the gym. I can't drive because my car is covered with ice and there are drifts in the streets...so I dug out my snowshoes and boots, found my ski pants and a vest, put on some gloves and my ipod, and went out to explore the streets on foot! I don't think this has been done on Portland streets by many people before. I even caught a cute older woman taking a picture of me when she thought I didn't notice. But although I felt a little silly when I left my house, after traipsing a few blocks, I spotted a woman coming towards me on skis! It was awesome. I wish the news people were out- seriously a woman on skis and another on snowshoes on the same neighborhood street is SO enough to make the news -at least here! I think this is one of the most unusal winters Portland has ever had! And the snow is still coming down...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
snowed in!
The temperature difference between where I lived last December and this December is about 70 degrees....YIKES! Portland is known for mild winters- and NOT for snow- but this winter has been crazy! I am currently stranded in my apartment, and there are SNOW DRIFTS outside my window!! I am skipping my running workout tomorrow to snowshoe at the park instead! I decided this morning after I finished running in this winter wonderland (imagine cold air, fresh tracks on 2 inches of light clean snow, no traffic, and the sun just coming up... ;) that you haven't LIVED until you have experienced winter snow! It is BeAuTiFuL!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
tribute to banya
I found out today that yesterday one of my precious little girls went home to be with Jesus. Banya was about 3 years old, and she was HIV+. Ironically, this is not what took her life. I'm sure she was off playing and being her sweet, mischievous self, and she drowned in a nearby pond. She leaves behind her mom, Sitow, who is one of the sweetest women I met while in Cambodia. She also lives with AIDS. She has now lost both of her children as well as her husband. I'm praying for her today; that she would not feel responsible, but know her daughter is being cared for in the BEST way- and that she will herself be cared for by those around her and her loving Father in heaven. I'll miss you, Banya!
Monday, December 1, 2008
advent conspiracy
The following is the vision my church has for Advent Conspiracy, an international movement to refocus our hearts and lives around Jesus during this busy season of the year. I am so excited to be a part of it, and am already thinking of creative ways to give relationally, and intentionally focus on Christ instead of the things this culture tells me are important. I am trying to examine how those who follow Christ can lead the world in taking care of others near and far, and send the message by our actions and lifestyles that truly Christ is our most valuable gift!
Christmas can (still) change the world.
Freedom, restoration. Joy. For everyone. This was God’s agenda 2,000 years ago when he sent his son into our broken world with an outrageous plan to rescue us. This was his gift to humanity.
Today, Americans celebrate this act of revolutionary love by spending 450 billion dollars each Christmas. On December 26, after months of chaos, we may look back and wonder if we somehow missed the point.
The story of Christ’s birth is subversive; it tells of an upside-down kingdom. It’s a story of promise and hope in which the blind see, the lame walk and the least become the greatest. So what if Christmas became a world-changing event again by turning our focus back to the birth of Christ? What if we could trade our celebration of stuff for a celebration of hope and unbelievable memories with family and friends? What if all this could save a life at the same time?
Concepts:
Worship Fully- It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. Christmas is a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. Entering the story of advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.
Spend Less- We live in a culture that guilts us into overspending. But is buying a loved one the latest gadget really the best way show you care? This Christmas, resist the message that stuff will satisfy and become more available to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Give More- God didn’t spend a dime when he gave us the greatest gift ever known – the loving presence of his son in our world. So it’s no wonder that we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends, family and people in need. Instead of shopping for excess things, consider writing your mom a letter, taking your kids sledding, serving a homeless family and visibly showing love through relational giving.
Love All- When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined before. He entered our world and gave up everything to bring God’s kingdom to those who were physically and spiritually poor, forgotten, overlooked and sick. By spending less on presents, we can free up our resources and join Him in meeting physical and spiritual needs around the world.
Throughout the month of December, there will be opportunities to give away money you would have otherwise spent on holiday loot by putting it in a red advent conspiracy envelope and dropping it in Mosaic’s offering. 100% of the funds will be redistributed to projects to serve Portland, Haiti, Kosovo, and provide clean water through Living Water International.
I think it's a pretty cool conspiracy....
the never ending list...
November 27-waking up early to start the day with a run and a friend, starbucks peppermint mochas, baking with cinnamon, journaling, playing games, watching movies, ice cream, eating a traditional thanksgiving dinner, friends to hang out with, my family!!!
November 28- sleeping in, running up stairs, stretching, trader joe's, candles, silence, cleaning with bleach, the library, going to work and liking it
November 29- work with friends, finally being able to sleep after 24 hours
November 30- learning new things at work, times to laugh (and practice IV starts ;) stairs with Katie, the beginning of advent, community, good songs on the radio
Well, I could do this every day- but it has been a fun activity for the month of November. Thanks, God, for abundant blessings, and allowing me to remember all of the reasons I am so thankful.
"Let your roots grow down deep in Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong... and you will OVERFLOW WITH THANKFULNESS." Colossians 2:7
November 28- sleeping in, running up stairs, stretching, trader joe's, candles, silence, cleaning with bleach, the library, going to work and liking it
November 29- work with friends, finally being able to sleep after 24 hours
November 30- learning new things at work, times to laugh (and practice IV starts ;) stairs with Katie, the beginning of advent, community, good songs on the radio
Well, I could do this every day- but it has been a fun activity for the month of November. Thanks, God, for abundant blessings, and allowing me to remember all of the reasons I am so thankful.
"Let your roots grow down deep in Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong... and you will OVERFLOW WITH THANKFULNESS." Colossians 2:7
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving eve week in review~
November 19- chiropractic adjustments, reflection, driving under the dusky sunset listening to missy higgins, a new sweater, shopping at Target
November 20- encouraging words, hanging out in my cozy apartment in my pajamas all afternoon with coffee and chocolate doing "work", praying my plans, networking, a great workout, Thai food
November 21- finishing a book, papaya, being able to communicate easily with friends around the world
November 22- the comfort of familiar, fresh fruit and vegetables
November 23- thanksgiving dinner #1, surprise skype conversations, things to look forward to
November 24- running across the Hawthorne Bridge in the early morning cold air, my kind patients, tea, my car, getting to wear scrubs and a down vest
November 25- dinner invitations, studying the Bible, warm peanut butter cookies, conversations, pictures and stories of hope from Kosovo
November 26- phone conversations lasting over 2 hours (and having multiple friends who will talk to me for that long!) a good workout, sunshine, great harvest bread, dinner conversations (and thanksgiving dinner #2!) seeing families together
November 20- encouraging words, hanging out in my cozy apartment in my pajamas all afternoon with coffee and chocolate doing "work", praying my plans, networking, a great workout, Thai food
November 21- finishing a book, papaya, being able to communicate easily with friends around the world
November 22- the comfort of familiar, fresh fruit and vegetables
November 23- thanksgiving dinner #1, surprise skype conversations, things to look forward to
November 24- running across the Hawthorne Bridge in the early morning cold air, my kind patients, tea, my car, getting to wear scrubs and a down vest
November 25- dinner invitations, studying the Bible, warm peanut butter cookies, conversations, pictures and stories of hope from Kosovo
November 26- phone conversations lasting over 2 hours (and having multiple friends who will talk to me for that long!) a good workout, sunshine, great harvest bread, dinner conversations (and thanksgiving dinner #2!) seeing families together
Friday, November 21, 2008
worth a thought...
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
-Mary Oliver
-Mary Oliver
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
another week of THANKFUL
November 11- early morning spinning, genuine compliments, reading the Bible and remembering again and again how fascinating it is
November 12- baking, a clean apartment, friends dropping by, good new music, reading in bed
November 13- drinking cold water, snacks at work, having some knowledge to share
November 14- a weekend away, fun friends, laughing, good songs that get in your head
NOvember 15- beach hiking, bonfire and making smores, watching a movie, staying up late
November 16- early morning run on the beach, coffee at Bella, good conversation
November 17- shared Thai food at 3am, sleeping deeply all day
November 18- hot showers, dinner with friends at a table, coconut gelato, a fabulous run, fresh clean clothes
November 12- baking, a clean apartment, friends dropping by, good new music, reading in bed
November 13- drinking cold water, snacks at work, having some knowledge to share
November 14- a weekend away, fun friends, laughing, good songs that get in your head
NOvember 15- beach hiking, bonfire and making smores, watching a movie, staying up late
November 16- early morning run on the beach, coffee at Bella, good conversation
November 17- shared Thai food at 3am, sleeping deeply all day
November 18- hot showers, dinner with friends at a table, coconut gelato, a fabulous run, fresh clean clothes
Thursday, November 13, 2008
wet, dirty, smelly...
welcome to running in oregon in november...
am I really going to do this all winter?!
well, my shoes were clean...
am I really going to do this all winter?!
well, my shoes were clean...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
adding to the list...
November 5- the opportunity to recieve medical care, inspiration through music, text messages, talking to my grandma
November 6- new music to run to, productive morning with coffee, a new stethoscope!
November 7- chocolate ice cream, being immersed in a book, great coworkers
November 8-God’s provision, friends, diet coke, scripture
November 9- lots of sleep, meeting new people, going to church
November 10- working out, skype conversations, memories, being reminded of God’s arms around the whole world, the beauty of the blanket of yellow leaves which covers the sidewalks and streets like confetti
November 6- new music to run to, productive morning with coffee, a new stethoscope!
November 7- chocolate ice cream, being immersed in a book, great coworkers
November 8-God’s provision, friends, diet coke, scripture
November 9- lots of sleep, meeting new people, going to church
November 10- working out, skype conversations, memories, being reminded of God’s arms around the whole world, the beauty of the blanket of yellow leaves which covers the sidewalks and streets like confetti
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November thankfulness
In keeping with my tradition, I'm going to make a list on Thanksgiving day of every possible thing I can think of that I am thankful for. My sister and I have been doing this for years, and have recruited whomever we can get to join the list-making tradition. This "list" has been going on in my head for the past few weeks, however. So I decided that I am going to remember the little things from every day in November, and post them once a week.
November 1-beautiful weather (rain, fall leaves, and cool air) living in oregon, free time
November 2-finishing an awesome book, talking to God, laughs at work (being able to go to work!)
November 3-afternoon sleep, dinner and deep conversation, FRIENDS!
November 4-hilly morning run over a blanket of yellow leaves, stumptown coffee (the BEST!) with annie, democracy (and the energy surrounding it!)
November 1-beautiful weather (rain, fall leaves, and cool air) living in oregon, free time
November 2-finishing an awesome book, talking to God, laughs at work (being able to go to work!)
November 3-afternoon sleep, dinner and deep conversation, FRIENDS!
November 4-hilly morning run over a blanket of yellow leaves, stumptown coffee (the BEST!) with annie, democracy (and the energy surrounding it!)
Monday, October 27, 2008
God gave you...
God gave you his wallet. He gave you all the cards, and all the pin numbers... and He said, "Here, I want you to have these. You need this to live. I want to take care of you and provide for you... But I want you to do some other things. I want you to give it away. Not all of it, but I want you to share... Use it to provide and care for people in need. Share it with me to further my kingdom around the world. I want you learn to share. You have been given in abundance so you can share what you have been given." -M. Dirks, from his message today at Mosaic
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace." 1 Chronicles 29: 11-15
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace." 1 Chronicles 29: 11-15
Friday, October 24, 2008
everyone on earth
“You faithfully answer our prayers
with awesome deeds,
O God our Savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth...”
Psalm 65:5
with awesome deeds,
O God our Savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth...”
Psalm 65:5
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
run like hell...
(...and look like it, too?!)
my co-workers and I ran the "run like hell" half marathon in portland yesterday... and I got my best time yet ;) perhaps it was the fish net tights?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
the girls who take fun pictures...
mom, sisi boom, and I earlier this afternoon...
sorry, dad~ they tend to work out better without you ;)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
awake
The past 96 hours:
48 were spent at work
16 were spent sleeping...
and at 4:08 am somehow my mind is buzzing and I am alive with energy....
despite the times of exhaustion, my job is fantastic!
48 were spent at work
16 were spent sleeping...
and at 4:08 am somehow my mind is buzzing and I am alive with energy....
despite the times of exhaustion, my job is fantastic!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
O Lord Jesus, you who came to us to show the compassionate love of your Father, make your people know this love with their hearts, minds, and souls. So often we feel lonely, unloved, and lost in this valley of tears. We desire to feel affection, tenderness, care, and compassion, but suffer from inner darkness, emptiness, and numbness. I pray tonight: Come Lord Jesus, come. Do not just come to our understanding, but enter our hearts- our passions, emotions, and feelings- and reveal your presence to us in our inmost being. As long as you remain absent from that intimate core of our experience, we will keep clinging to people, things, or events to find some warmth, some sense of belonging. Only when you really come, really touch us, set us ablaze with your love, only then will we become free and let go of all false forms of belonging. Without that inner warmth, all our ascetical attempts remain trivial, and we might even get entangled in the complex network of our own good intentions. O Lord, I pray that your children may come to feel your presence and be immersed in your deep, warm, affectionate love. And to me, O Lord, your stumbling friend, show your mercy. Amen.
~Henri Nouwen
~Henri Nouwen
Friday, September 5, 2008
consider
I read this article today called "Doing Short-Term Missions without Doing Long-Term Harm" which talks about the explosion of short term mission trips ministering to the poor around the world. Although this is not new information to me, I think it is important to reflect on. Here are some highlights I found worth sharing!
~Most STM trips violate basic principles of effective poverty-alleviation and have the potential to do considerable harm both to low-income people and to ourselves.
~One of the key principles for effective ministry in low-income communities is discerning whether the context calls for “relief,”—short-term handouts to people in an emergency situation—or “development”—walking with people over time in a way that brings reconciliation of foundational relationships with God, self, others, and creation.
~Relief and development are very different sorts of interventions, requiring different skills, approaches, human and financial resources, and time. It is not always easy to discern which intervention is appropriate, but a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself the following question: Are the people in this community capable of helping themselves? If the answer is “yes,” then relief is not the right intervention.
~Most low-income people are suffering from chronic issues that may affect their self-image and sense of purpose. Such feelings of inferiority, hopelessness, and meaninglessness cannot be overcome by handouts from a STM team or anybody else.
~STM trips often make the serious mistake of providing relief in contexts in which development is the appropriate intervention. Providing handouts of goods and services in such a situation can do enormous damage by undermining the willingness and capacity of low-income communities to be stewards of their own human and physical assets.
~Instead of focusing on the gifts and abilities that God has placed in low-income communities, the implicit assumption of many STM trips can be, “We must come in and build houses for you, because you don’t have the materials or know-how to do so yourselves. You need us to show you how to run Vacation Bible Schools in your community because we know more than you do.” This “needs-based” approach exacerbates the feelings of inferiority that are rampant in many low-income communities and can inflate the sense of superiority of the STM teams.
~Every STM team should ask itself: What are we doing to the testimony of the local church that already exists in this community? The reality is that often the local churches in poor communities cannot compete on the same stage with U.S. suburban churches in terms of their ability to put on a glitzy program. When STM teams come in with an abundance of resources and glossy Vacation Bible School materials, they look better and are often more attractive than the local church. STM teams need to ask: How can we be less on the front stage and more supportive of the local church and its ministry?
~Rather than going as “doers,” some powerful dynamics can be unleashed if STM teams go as “learners” from the poor or as “co-learners” with the poor. Going as a learner emphasizes the gifts which poor people have to share with others: the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social resources that God has already placed in their community.
~Listening to people and asking them to share their insights affirms their dignity and reduces the tendencies towards pride on the part of the outsiders. Furthermore, the poor really do have something to teach us, for they have unique insights on what it means to trust in a sovereign God to “give us this day our daily bread.”
Source: The Chalmers Centre at Covenant College. The Chalmers Center for Economic and Community Development at Covenant College trains the church worldwide how to minister to the poor without creating dependency.
~Most STM trips violate basic principles of effective poverty-alleviation and have the potential to do considerable harm both to low-income people and to ourselves.
~One of the key principles for effective ministry in low-income communities is discerning whether the context calls for “relief,”—short-term handouts to people in an emergency situation—or “development”—walking with people over time in a way that brings reconciliation of foundational relationships with God, self, others, and creation.
~Relief and development are very different sorts of interventions, requiring different skills, approaches, human and financial resources, and time. It is not always easy to discern which intervention is appropriate, but a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself the following question: Are the people in this community capable of helping themselves? If the answer is “yes,” then relief is not the right intervention.
~Most low-income people are suffering from chronic issues that may affect their self-image and sense of purpose. Such feelings of inferiority, hopelessness, and meaninglessness cannot be overcome by handouts from a STM team or anybody else.
~STM trips often make the serious mistake of providing relief in contexts in which development is the appropriate intervention. Providing handouts of goods and services in such a situation can do enormous damage by undermining the willingness and capacity of low-income communities to be stewards of their own human and physical assets.
~Instead of focusing on the gifts and abilities that God has placed in low-income communities, the implicit assumption of many STM trips can be, “We must come in and build houses for you, because you don’t have the materials or know-how to do so yourselves. You need us to show you how to run Vacation Bible Schools in your community because we know more than you do.” This “needs-based” approach exacerbates the feelings of inferiority that are rampant in many low-income communities and can inflate the sense of superiority of the STM teams.
~Every STM team should ask itself: What are we doing to the testimony of the local church that already exists in this community? The reality is that often the local churches in poor communities cannot compete on the same stage with U.S. suburban churches in terms of their ability to put on a glitzy program. When STM teams come in with an abundance of resources and glossy Vacation Bible School materials, they look better and are often more attractive than the local church. STM teams need to ask: How can we be less on the front stage and more supportive of the local church and its ministry?
~Rather than going as “doers,” some powerful dynamics can be unleashed if STM teams go as “learners” from the poor or as “co-learners” with the poor. Going as a learner emphasizes the gifts which poor people have to share with others: the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social resources that God has already placed in their community.
~Listening to people and asking them to share their insights affirms their dignity and reduces the tendencies towards pride on the part of the outsiders. Furthermore, the poor really do have something to teach us, for they have unique insights on what it means to trust in a sovereign God to “give us this day our daily bread.”
Source: The Chalmers Centre at Covenant College. The Chalmers Center for Economic and Community Development at Covenant College trains the church worldwide how to minister to the poor without creating dependency.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
chocolate chai and thrombocytopenia
sweet
cold
rich
smooth
icy
calm
relieved
ordinary
famililar
scattered
stories
laughs
comfortable
easy
uneasy
cautious
on edge
watchful
hoping
nervous
fragile
careful
warning
teaching
waiting
uncertain
cold
rich
smooth
icy
calm
relieved
ordinary
famililar
scattered
stories
laughs
comfortable
easy
uneasy
cautious
on edge
watchful
hoping
nervous
fragile
careful
warning
teaching
waiting
uncertain
Monday, August 25, 2008
hood to coast
the largest running relay in the world~2 days~1000 international teams~12,000 runners~36 legs of a 197 mile race~crowded, painted vans~one hour of sleep in a field, a van, or on a high school gym floor~headlamps~reflective vests and blinking lights~cool mountain air~finishing a run at 11:40pm~the smell of the salt on the beach~eating breakfast at 2am~group cheers~no time to stretch~total exhaustion~steep hills~layers and changes of sweaty clothes~running shoes everywhere~cow bells out the van windows~cheers from strangers~falling asleep 10 minutes before running a hill~learning the real meaning of roadkill~
it's such a crazy adventure they're making a documentary about it! check out this clip:
www.hoodtocoastdocumentary.com/teaser
it's such a crazy adventure they're making a documentary about it! check out this clip:www.hoodtocoastdocumentary.com/teaser
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
rafts and canoes
yesterday we floated down the deschutes river all afternoon, and canoed sparks lake at night! juice and i only got in minor trouble from our canoe guide, but i think it may have made our night all the more fun.... ;)
i love central oregon!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
thankful today
flannel sheets~ sleeping in till 7:40~ cool, salty air~ fog~ 8am run in the woods along the ocean~ coffee with vanilla soy milk~ music~ phone calls~ the gray and white of the ocean waves~ candles~ friends~ blueberries~ things to look forward to~ the Word of God~ journaling~ almond butter and bananas
“What can I give back to God for all the blessings He’s poured out on me?
psalm 116, the message
“What can I give back to God for all the blessings He’s poured out on me?
psalm 116, the message
Monday, August 11, 2008
change the world
"Never deny the power of a small group of committed individuals to change the world. Indeed that is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead
Juicy~ thanks~ and thanks for being one of those people... :)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
thoughts I needed today
Thoughts on prayer from Henri Nouwen; taken from “Letting Go of All Things.”
“...we realize that the closer we come to God, the stronger will be God’s demand to let go of the many “safe” structures we have built around ourselves. Prayer is such a radical act because it requires us to criticize our whole way of being in the world, to lay down our old selves and accept our new self, which is Christ...In the act of prayer, we undermine the illusion of control by divesting ourselves of all false belongings and by directing ourselves totally to the God who is the only one to whom we belong. Prayer therefore is the act of dying to all that we consider to be our own and of being born to a new existence which is not of this world. Prayer is indeed a death to the world so that we can live for God.”
“...we realize that the closer we come to God, the stronger will be God’s demand to let go of the many “safe” structures we have built around ourselves. Prayer is such a radical act because it requires us to criticize our whole way of being in the world, to lay down our old selves and accept our new self, which is Christ...In the act of prayer, we undermine the illusion of control by divesting ourselves of all false belongings and by directing ourselves totally to the God who is the only one to whom we belong. Prayer therefore is the act of dying to all that we consider to be our own and of being born to a new existence which is not of this world. Prayer is indeed a death to the world so that we can live for God.”
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
carols at 5 am
My job is a riot. This morning I went to visit a nurse on another unit I worked on last week. Somehow, we both ended up in his patient’s room, where his patient proceeded to ask me my favorite christmas carol, and before I could answer, he was standing up; his arms raised and eyes closed, and belting out “Amazing Grace” and “Silent Night” so loudly that the other nurses asked what was going on when we finally left the room 20 minutes later. Never mind that it was 5 am. I laughed so hard I cried. We clapped when he finished and told him how beautiful his voice was. I told him I had better get back to my patients upstairs, but thanked him for his entertainment. “What a shame...” he said, sadly. I thought so too. That was the highlight of my night. ;)
Friday, August 1, 2008
today
"He it is Who spreads out the northern skies over emptiness and hangs the earth upon nothing. He holds the waters bound in His clouds [which otherwise would spill on earth all at once], and the cloud is not rent under them. He covers the face of His throne and spreads over it His cloud. He has placed an enclosing limit upon the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of the heavens tremble and are astonished at His rebuke. He stills or stirs up the sea by His power, and by His understanding He smites proud Rahab. By His breath the heavens are garnished; His hand pierced the swiftly fleeing serpent. Yet these are but a small part of His doings, the outskirts of His ways, the mere fringes of His force, the faintest whisper of His voice! Who dares contemplate or who can understand the thunders of His full, magnificent power?" Job 26:7-14
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