Just when I was down to my last few dollars from my last paycheck, I got a card in the mail from my friends who just got married. I played one song on cello at their wedding, and I told them that it would be fine with me if they just paid my gas for the trip up and back. I did not get the money at the wedding, and figured they forgot. I let the issue go and forgot about it.
The card in the mail had a check from the wedding, and it was significantly more than I expected, right when I needed it the most. I almost cried in relief because until I got the check in the mail, I didn't realize how much of a financial strain I was under. I've had a few unexpected expenses this month, and those are always tough to deal with. I'll be alright, and it was good of God to remind me that He provides what I need.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
Back to the Future in French
Failed my French quiz from last Wednesday. I just didn't study. Didn't know what I needed to know. Oh well, I'll do better on the next one. We're watching Back to the Future in French. I understand a smidgeon of what is being said. I forgot that movie came out in the eighties.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Holy Halloween Haunts Batman!
I apologize to my 2 faithful readers...I haven't been able to post in the last few days because things have finally started to get a little busier. I was feeling overwhelmed with things yesterday, but I think I got everything done.
My boss is sending me to Texas for a seminar on preserving archival materials, and it happens to coincide with one of my brother's football games. The seminar and the game are at the same university! So I get to go to the game, and work is paying for my plane ticket. :)
I worked on my halloween costume for the costume party I'm going to on Saturday. I'm going to be Robin, the boy wonder, the lesser half of the dynamic duo. I sewed the "R" patch on my vest last night, and created my utility belt. It looks good! If I had a digital camera I'd take a picture for you guys!
My boss is sending me to Texas for a seminar on preserving archival materials, and it happens to coincide with one of my brother's football games. The seminar and the game are at the same university! So I get to go to the game, and work is paying for my plane ticket. :)
I worked on my halloween costume for the costume party I'm going to on Saturday. I'm going to be Robin, the boy wonder, the lesser half of the dynamic duo. I sewed the "R" patch on my vest last night, and created my utility belt. It looks good! If I had a digital camera I'd take a picture for you guys!
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Funny Story
Funny Story: Got home on Monday night, and the neighbor's cat was meowing at their door. So I opened the screen, knocked, and no one answered. Tried the door knob, it was open, and I let the cat in. Then the 8 year old who lives there and I had a conversation through the front window.
"Is that your cat?" I asked.
"No, that's not our cat," he said.
"What?!!" I said, with increasing anxiety.
"You have a cat, right?" I asked.
"Yes. That's him," and he pointed inside, "But not that one." He pointed the other direction.
"Do you want me to help get him out?" I asked, feeling guilty for opening the door in the first place.
I was confused. Apparently, so was he. His older sister and brother came to the door. We started chatting. They opened the door, and I looked inside. I pointed at the cat. "That's the cat I let in."
"Oh," said the girl, "that's our cat."
"Ok, good, because that's the one that I let in your door," I said.
Moral of the story: Don't mess with other people's pets, even if the pet is a very persistant cat.
"Is that your cat?" I asked.
"No, that's not our cat," he said.
"What?!!" I said, with increasing anxiety.
"You have a cat, right?" I asked.
"Yes. That's him," and he pointed inside, "But not that one." He pointed the other direction.
"Do you want me to help get him out?" I asked, feeling guilty for opening the door in the first place.
I was confused. Apparently, so was he. His older sister and brother came to the door. We started chatting. They opened the door, and I looked inside. I pointed at the cat. "That's the cat I let in."
"Oh," said the girl, "that's our cat."
"Ok, good, because that's the one that I let in your door," I said.
Moral of the story: Don't mess with other people's pets, even if the pet is a very persistant cat.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Mellow
As I witnessed another loss for Fresno, and with the report that Duncan was hurt, and the news that he was getting discouraged, I began to wonder how much of his identity is tied to football. Megan is thinking the same thing and told me she tries to talk of other things when they talk to each other.
It made me start to think about my own identity, and maybe why I sometimes feel depressed or discouraged is because I have this idea in my head that I should be able to do more, to accomplish more, and to be more successful. In a way, I think I have tied my identity to what I do, and not to who I am as a person. Maybe God is trying to teach me through the job I have now is that my identity is "so much more" than what I do, and my identity in Christ should be the only thing that matters. And as I continue to seek His will for my life, he will lead me in the right direction, no matter what my job happens to be at the time.
It was hard for me to sit through that game tonight, and my prayer for Duncan is that he would put his identity in Christ as well.
Football is just a game after all, it isn't life or death, even when the loss is hard to take.
It made me start to think about my own identity, and maybe why I sometimes feel depressed or discouraged is because I have this idea in my head that I should be able to do more, to accomplish more, and to be more successful. In a way, I think I have tied my identity to what I do, and not to who I am as a person. Maybe God is trying to teach me through the job I have now is that my identity is "so much more" than what I do, and my identity in Christ should be the only thing that matters. And as I continue to seek His will for my life, he will lead me in the right direction, no matter what my job happens to be at the time.
It was hard for me to sit through that game tonight, and my prayer for Duncan is that he would put his identity in Christ as well.
Football is just a game after all, it isn't life or death, even when the loss is hard to take.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
The Sox Rock!
I don't feel so great today. I don't think I have the flu though. I'm half tempted to leave work a few hours early today.
I AM excited that the Red Sox won. Adam left me a message last night. It went something like this:
Hi Robyn, I was just calling to see how you were doing and to let you know something. I don't know if you heard, because it just happened yesterday, but Duncan tweaked his hamstring so I wanted to ask you to pray for healing for him, because I don't know if he'll be able to play on Saturday. It's only a tweak though, so it might be ok. Anyway, I'm so excited that the Yankees are losing right now. I'll talk to you later.
At my community group, we watched the ALCS game between the Red Sox and Yankees. I'm excited too. I'm totally on the Red Sox bandwagon.
I AM excited that the Red Sox won. Adam left me a message last night. It went something like this:
Hi Robyn, I was just calling to see how you were doing and to let you know something. I don't know if you heard, because it just happened yesterday, but Duncan tweaked his hamstring so I wanted to ask you to pray for healing for him, because I don't know if he'll be able to play on Saturday. It's only a tweak though, so it might be ok. Anyway, I'm so excited that the Yankees are losing right now. I'll talk to you later.
At my community group, we watched the ALCS game between the Red Sox and Yankees. I'm excited too. I'm totally on the Red Sox bandwagon.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Allergy Season
I went to a different community group last night, all girls... it was good, but now I'm going to pay. I should have stayed in to do my French homework...we have an essay due in about an hour and a half, and I haven't done mine yet. I was too tired to do it last night, and I think I have figured out that my extra-sleepyness was due to some allergy medication I took yesterday. I took some more today because the weird weather is making my nose run, but it is a gamble as to whether I want to have a stuffy nose or be extra tired. Anyway, so now I have to try and do my homework before class AND get everything done that I need to get done for work. Today is a busy day.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Verifying sources
After some extensive research this morning on the correct name of the extra skin on your elbow, there are numerous spellings of weenus...wenis...weenis...but none of them showed up in the dictionary.
We have the Oxford Reference database here at the library, and according to the Oxford Reference tool, this word does not exist.
So I must come to the conclusion that this is slang, and though I heard the word on the radio, there is no REAL proof anywhere online that this word is correct. However, if you check the slang dictionary at www.urbanslang.com, you will find a few entries for this word as submitted by users of their website...but still not verifiably accurate in my opinion.
Note: DO NOT look up this word at a public computer... the urban slang site contains some questionable language, so don't look at it if people are going to be looking over your shoulder.
So, even though the word doesn't exist, you can still use it in a sentence.
We have the Oxford Reference database here at the library, and according to the Oxford Reference tool, this word does not exist.
So I must come to the conclusion that this is slang, and though I heard the word on the radio, there is no REAL proof anywhere online that this word is correct. However, if you check the slang dictionary at www.urbanslang.com, you will find a few entries for this word as submitted by users of their website...but still not verifiably accurate in my opinion.
Note: DO NOT look up this word at a public computer... the urban slang site contains some questionable language, so don't look at it if people are going to be looking over your shoulder.
So, even though the word doesn't exist, you can still use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Conversations-8
Chelsea, my step-sister, came into the library last night.
"ROBYN!" She yelled at me in a whisper. We were in the library. "Don't you want to do something with student life?" she asked me.
"Yeah," I said slowly, "what about it?"
I may have someone for you," she told me excitedly,
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well," she began conspirationally as she sat down on the stool at the reference desk, "Do you know Brandon? He went on a retreat with us this weekend. He's thirty."
"Does he work in community life?" I asked her, "I thought he was older."
"Yeah, you know him?" she asked me with surprise.
"Yes. Funny story actually," I told her, "He graduated from the same grad program at the same time I did. I have seen him once or twice, and whenever I'm around him, I sort of feel like a loser."
"Why?" She asked with an indignant look on her face.
"Cause he has a great job in the field and I'm still working at the library" I said.
"Oh...well, he worked at the same place for like 10 years," she told me. "He came from a place where he knew everyone, and came here. He told us at the retreat we went on that it has been hard coming here because he just doesn't know as many people. I think I'm gonna set you up. Would you be interested in dating him?" she asked me.
"I don't know," I responded. "It seems to me that if he had been interested in the first place, he would have pursued something after we first met. But he didn't. Plus I thought he was married or had a girlfriend."
"Well, he doesn't. He's single," she informed me. "And I think he needs more people to hang out with. He hangs out with my friend Jeff all the time."
"Where does he live?" I asked, "Does he have a church he goes to regularly?"
"He lives in Flex," She told me, referring to the on-campus apartments. "And I don't know where he goes to church."
"What made you think of him for me?" I asked, curious.
"Well, he is a Christian, and after our quiet time, he seemed really sincere," she told me, "AND he knows a lot of random information. Like, did you know the flabby part of your elbow is called a 'tweenus?'
"No its not," I contradicted, "Its called a 'weenus.'"
Chelsea started laughing..."No way."
"I'm serious. You better go look it up." I said with a straight face.
One of Chelsea's friends had been listening in to the conversation. "I'm gonna look it up!" he said. He went over to the computer."
"See?" Chelsea said, laughing, as if to indicate that Brandon and I had things in common.
Chelsea's friend came back. "She was right!" he said, referring to my knowledge of the weenus.
"Yes!" I said, and I put my arms up in a gesture of victory. "I was right!"
Chelsea started laughing really hard. "That's so funny! I think you guys would be perfect for each other."
"Well, do you want me to tell him about you?" She asked.
I said, "Well, I always thought that the guy I started dating would be my friend first, so if he's interested in making some new friends and meeting people, then yeah, tell him I know a lot of people around our age. It's going to be hard for you to introduce us because we've already had an initial meeting."
"Hmmm," She was thinking.
"You could tell him that he was wrong, and that I was right..." I said helpfully.
"Yeah!" she said excitedly. "Okay, I'm gonna do that. I gotta study."
Chelsea walked away from my desk and started talking to her friends. I had to tell her to be quiet about three times. But I love her.
"ROBYN!" She yelled at me in a whisper. We were in the library. "Don't you want to do something with student life?" she asked me.
"Yeah," I said slowly, "what about it?"
I may have someone for you," she told me excitedly,
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well," she began conspirationally as she sat down on the stool at the reference desk, "Do you know Brandon? He went on a retreat with us this weekend. He's thirty."
"Does he work in community life?" I asked her, "I thought he was older."
"Yeah, you know him?" she asked me with surprise.
"Yes. Funny story actually," I told her, "He graduated from the same grad program at the same time I did. I have seen him once or twice, and whenever I'm around him, I sort of feel like a loser."
"Why?" She asked with an indignant look on her face.
"Cause he has a great job in the field and I'm still working at the library" I said.
"Oh...well, he worked at the same place for like 10 years," she told me. "He came from a place where he knew everyone, and came here. He told us at the retreat we went on that it has been hard coming here because he just doesn't know as many people. I think I'm gonna set you up. Would you be interested in dating him?" she asked me.
"I don't know," I responded. "It seems to me that if he had been interested in the first place, he would have pursued something after we first met. But he didn't. Plus I thought he was married or had a girlfriend."
"Well, he doesn't. He's single," she informed me. "And I think he needs more people to hang out with. He hangs out with my friend Jeff all the time."
"Where does he live?" I asked, "Does he have a church he goes to regularly?"
"He lives in Flex," She told me, referring to the on-campus apartments. "And I don't know where he goes to church."
"What made you think of him for me?" I asked, curious.
"Well, he is a Christian, and after our quiet time, he seemed really sincere," she told me, "AND he knows a lot of random information. Like, did you know the flabby part of your elbow is called a 'tweenus?'
"No its not," I contradicted, "Its called a 'weenus.'"
Chelsea started laughing..."No way."
"I'm serious. You better go look it up." I said with a straight face.
One of Chelsea's friends had been listening in to the conversation. "I'm gonna look it up!" he said. He went over to the computer."
"See?" Chelsea said, laughing, as if to indicate that Brandon and I had things in common.
Chelsea's friend came back. "She was right!" he said, referring to my knowledge of the weenus.
"Yes!" I said, and I put my arms up in a gesture of victory. "I was right!"
Chelsea started laughing really hard. "That's so funny! I think you guys would be perfect for each other."
"Well, do you want me to tell him about you?" She asked.
I said, "Well, I always thought that the guy I started dating would be my friend first, so if he's interested in making some new friends and meeting people, then yeah, tell him I know a lot of people around our age. It's going to be hard for you to introduce us because we've already had an initial meeting."
"Hmmm," She was thinking.
"You could tell him that he was wrong, and that I was right..." I said helpfully.
"Yeah!" she said excitedly. "Okay, I'm gonna do that. I gotta study."
Chelsea walked away from my desk and started talking to her friends. I had to tell her to be quiet about three times. But I love her.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
The Lost Parade
The sun is sinking down,
On the lost parade,
And all along the dirty streets,
Tattered banners wave,
A hollow victory song,
Is ringing in my ears,
Drowning out the voices that we fear.
--Randy Stonehill
This song resonates with me. I'm not exactly sure why.
At homecoming, the parade was all of 5 minutes long. If you blink, you'll miss it.
On the lost parade,
And all along the dirty streets,
Tattered banners wave,
A hollow victory song,
Is ringing in my ears,
Drowning out the voices that we fear.
--Randy Stonehill
This song resonates with me. I'm not exactly sure why.
At homecoming, the parade was all of 5 minutes long. If you blink, you'll miss it.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Homecoming
I'm picking Megan up at about 11:30 to drive back home. We are meeting Adam, Duncan, (my brothers) and Tracy (Duncan's girlfriend) for the parade and then I think we're all going to the high school football game. I know, we are such geeks. I asked Adam (who teaches at the high school) if I should wear my old letterman jacket. He laughed at me and said, "Don't be one of those people!" I did find my old varsity swim sweatshirt. It used to be my favorite. You can tell. It is a little threadbare. I got it my freshman year of swimming, but I love it! I haven't decided if I'm going to wear it though because when I wear it, people think I'm still in high school.
Now that I have thought about it... no. I'm not wearing it. Also on this weekend's agenda...I hope I have time this afternoon to get out to Pasadena. There's a great music store there that has the best selection of sheet music I have seen anywhere. I'm hoping to get out there so I can pick up some Christmas music. I think we (my string friends and I) are going to try and play Correlli's Christmas Concerto and hopefully a version of "Hark, Hear the Bells." I want to go look and see what's available, cause that will determine what we play. I also want to get a Christmas quartet book so that I can pull together some friends and play for the people in my complex...make it an outreach event.
Anyway, I also got most of Sunday off, so I'm excited about the extra time I have on Sunday. My boss told me not to worry about making up the hours because there's a non-holiday break and the library is closed, which messes up my schedule, and I inevitably get to work overtime even though it doesn't show up on my time sheet that way. It is going to be a fun and busy weekend.
Now that I have thought about it... no. I'm not wearing it. Also on this weekend's agenda...I hope I have time this afternoon to get out to Pasadena. There's a great music store there that has the best selection of sheet music I have seen anywhere. I'm hoping to get out there so I can pick up some Christmas music. I think we (my string friends and I) are going to try and play Correlli's Christmas Concerto and hopefully a version of "Hark, Hear the Bells." I want to go look and see what's available, cause that will determine what we play. I also want to get a Christmas quartet book so that I can pull together some friends and play for the people in my complex...make it an outreach event.
Anyway, I also got most of Sunday off, so I'm excited about the extra time I have on Sunday. My boss told me not to worry about making up the hours because there's a non-holiday break and the library is closed, which messes up my schedule, and I inevitably get to work overtime even though it doesn't show up on my time sheet that way. It is going to be a fun and busy weekend.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Interview
I just got called about the interview I had last Friday. I didn't get the job. Yet another rejection. But I think I am relieved that I didn't get this job. The way that the interview was set up was that I had to go through three sets of interviews. The first two were fine. The last one was not. And I kind of knew after that third meeting that I probably wouldn't get the job. The interviewer was very negative and it actually put me in a bad mood afterwards.
In the city
At my Bible Study, a friend of mine came and shared about some transitions that are taking place in her life. She is in ministry full-time and was working with high school students, but is now going to be working more with business professionals through a new ministry that believes that if cities can change, it will have a significant impact on the rest of the world. This will be a great new place for her to be.
Some of the guys in our Bible Study were asking her about how she would meet high-schoolers because she is 30-something (but doesn't look like it). She shared about her small groups, meeting with them, talking about boys at her high-school Bible Studies, etc. It was so funny because at the end of the evening, what did us girls start talking about? Boys of course. As long as girls are meeting together in groups, or even one-on-one, they will be discussing boys...no matter their age.
My friend in ministry is still single, but is desperately trying to expand her circle of friends so that she can meet someone. Our church is so small and there aren't a lot of thirty-somethings who come. Gen X is still missing in action in the small church community here. So I'm going with her (as long as her other friend can't make it) to the Air Show at Miramar and her hope is that she can meet some guys.
I decided that I would pray for her for this. It is a significant concern of her heart, and I know that she is frustrated.
Some of the guys in our Bible Study were asking her about how she would meet high-schoolers because she is 30-something (but doesn't look like it). She shared about her small groups, meeting with them, talking about boys at her high-school Bible Studies, etc. It was so funny because at the end of the evening, what did us girls start talking about? Boys of course. As long as girls are meeting together in groups, or even one-on-one, they will be discussing boys...no matter their age.
My friend in ministry is still single, but is desperately trying to expand her circle of friends so that she can meet someone. Our church is so small and there aren't a lot of thirty-somethings who come. Gen X is still missing in action in the small church community here. So I'm going with her (as long as her other friend can't make it) to the Air Show at Miramar and her hope is that she can meet some guys.
I decided that I would pray for her for this. It is a significant concern of her heart, and I know that she is frustrated.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Tripped up!
So I just went to lunch, and on my way back to the library, I tripped on the stairs...I was headed down. My shoe just turned over, and I lost my balance. It is a darn good thing I was holding onto the handrail, because in trying to get myself balanced, I tripped again. I'm so glad I wasn't seriously injured...I'm just shaken up a bit. I could have easily fallen down the stairs, flat on my face.
More Stuff
I just realized that I don't have to go to class on Friday. It is fall break. So if I want it, I can have a true day off. Problem is that we're closed Sunday, so I have to make up those hours somewhere else. Icky. My schedule really gets messed up when there are non-holiday breaks.
You know what I've decided? Sleep is good. I feel better about life when I am well rested. When I'm tired, I start getting stressed out. Anyway. Hope everyone has a great day.
You know what I've decided? Sleep is good. I feel better about life when I am well rested. When I'm tired, I start getting stressed out. Anyway. Hope everyone has a great day.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
My day today
I had a great chill night last night. Started watching the Houston/Braves game. Read one of MacDonald's short stories... went to bed early, got up a little late, but I feel so rested right now. That's good.
Had a great time at lunch talking with one of the librarians about where in the world I might be traveling next year...
Went to the bookstore and got a card for bosses day, got a call from Candice...she wants me to come to her Bible Study tonight. I told her I couldn't. She asked me why not, and I told her it is because I'm meeting with her boyfriend tonight. Really, I am. But it is a ministry related meeting. One I'm actually looking forward to. I thought that conversation was funny.
Business is slow. So I've just been doing some research for my meeting tonight and contemplating my life. I am thankful. And when I am thankful, I am content.
Had a great time at lunch talking with one of the librarians about where in the world I might be traveling next year...
Went to the bookstore and got a card for bosses day, got a call from Candice...she wants me to come to her Bible Study tonight. I told her I couldn't. She asked me why not, and I told her it is because I'm meeting with her boyfriend tonight. Really, I am. But it is a ministry related meeting. One I'm actually looking forward to. I thought that conversation was funny.
Business is slow. So I've just been doing some research for my meeting tonight and contemplating my life. I am thankful. And when I am thankful, I am content.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Learning
My head hurts. I'm not sure if it is because of the busy weekend we had and lack of sleep thereof or because I just came out of my French class where I found myself concentrating extra hard today. The same thing happens to me after orchestra rehearsals. They always made me hungry afterwards.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
AHHH!!!
Laurel, one of my best friends from college, called me in the middle of the Fresno State game (I was physically there) to tell me that she got engaged. That day. I was in shock...apparently she didn't expect it either. Since I was at the game, and the reality of this news didn't quite hit me until later, I asked her if I could call her back. When we talked this morning, she told me that he had asked her parents for permission about two months ago, and then took her hiking and told her roommates that they couldn't come. That's planning. I am so excited for her.
PS. Fresno lost. :-( I was sad. But Duncan played well.
PS. Fresno lost. :-( I was sad. But Duncan played well.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Sleepy
My sister and I stayed up talking last night until the wee hours of the morning. My mom woke us up at 8am. I'm really tired. But its a good tired. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep in the car on the way up to Fresno.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Almost Done
I'm at Azusa, waiting for my next appointment. I think this interview is going well. I was a little nervous before I came, and I can't wait to go back and change out of my professional attire (suit & button up shirt with a collar). The next phase of this will be the most difficult. I knew everyone else that I talked to. I meet with the Dean next, and she doesn't know me, although I interviewed with her once before.
I also started reading the Gifts of the Child Christ and Other Stories and Fairy Tales by George MacDonald today. Why haven't I ever read his writing before? Couldn't tell ya. I don't usually like short stories, but I have really enjoyed reading his work so far.
I also started reading the Gifts of the Child Christ and Other Stories and Fairy Tales by George MacDonald today. Why haven't I ever read his writing before? Couldn't tell ya. I don't usually like short stories, but I have really enjoyed reading his work so far.
Another day off
I'm at my mom's house cause I have an interview in Azusa today at 12:30. I drove home last night because I thought I would be able to sleep in here. I was wrong. The gardeners came this morning and my window was open. They mowed and they blowed, they whacked and the weeded, and scared my sleep away. There is actually breakfast food in the kitchen, and I'm probably going to take Scout, our rather large labrador, for a walk. I will probably start doing my laundry if I have time. I am glad I have the morning off at least.
On the drive home last night, I didn't listen to the radio at all. That was interesting because I had the two orchestral pieces that I'm playing in the orchestra stuck in my head. I was worried that I would have trouble sleeping because the pieces were stuck in there pretty good. Though there were some unpredictable drivers out there, it was otherwise a good chance to just think about my life and what's going on. I was able to just talk to God and listen to the silence. Sometimes I need that, more than I know.
On the drive home last night, I didn't listen to the radio at all. That was interesting because I had the two orchestral pieces that I'm playing in the orchestra stuck in my head. I was worried that I would have trouble sleeping because the pieces were stuck in there pretty good. Though there were some unpredictable drivers out there, it was otherwise a good chance to just think about my life and what's going on. I was able to just talk to God and listen to the silence. Sometimes I need that, more than I know.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Return of the Bible Study
Exodus 15:22-27
We haven't been able to have a true Bible Study in a long time. But this one was great. In the sermon on Sunday, our pastor highlighted seven words from this passage. They were:
Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" He cried out to the Lord; and the Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made for them a statute and an ordinance and there he put them to the test. He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you." Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there by the water.
We haven't been able to have a true Bible Study in a long time. But this one was great. In the sermon on Sunday, our pastor highlighted seven words from this passage. They were:
- Marah
- Bitter
- Grumbled
- Sweet
- Showed
- The Lord Heals
- Elim
Marah was the place where the Israelites wandered without water, and when they finally found water, they could not drink it for its bitterness. They grumbled against God, but God showed (same root in Greek as the root for Torah, the law, or blessings that come from God) Moses a piece of wood. God provided through the circumstances. The water was made sweet and the people were reminded that God Heals. Elim is the perfect place of rest and can be interpreted as a metaphor of rest in Christ.
The message of this sermon was that God can turn our bitterness to sweetness and joy, but only if we trust him. The pastor mentioned that when we complain, it doesn't matter who we are complaining to, or what we are complaining about, because all of our complaints really go to God. When we have a complaint, we are in effect, judging God.
I find it interesting that there are plenty of examples of people and prophets who complain against God in the Bible, and so I think that God allows us to complain against him, but he always reminds them that we are small, insignificant creatures who will never fully understand the ways of God.
We had a great conversation last night about circumstances, and whether or not all circumstances are from God. Because there is evil in the world, not all circumstances are of God, some of them are atrocities committed by other human beings. But can God use these circumstances in our lives? Yes. The pastor always quotes from the Bible saying, "what you have meant for evil, God has meant for good."
It is hard sometimes for me to let go of the bitter circumstances in my life, but when I hold onto them, I become more and more bitter. I have to decide not to be bitter, but to be thankful instead for the numerous blessings I have in my life, and trust in the Lord no matter what.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Light From the Kitchen
Here's a funny story for you...
The light in our kitchen went out last week, so I went to go replace the light bulb and couldn't figure out how to get into the light to change the bulb. I tried twisting it, but the lamp was stuck on the base pretty good. So then I twisted harder. The light came off of the ceiling, and when I gently let go, it dangled by its cords. Yes, I broke the kitchen light, and couldn't even get it back up onto the ceiling. So I told the manager. Last night, I came home and noticed that the light had been fixed. They put in an industrial-type halogen light fixture, so now our kitchen looks like the aisle of a grocery store (yes, that bright!).
Moral of the story: Just get the manager to fix it in the first place. And I am NOT paying to replace the bulbs in the new light.
The light in our kitchen went out last week, so I went to go replace the light bulb and couldn't figure out how to get into the light to change the bulb. I tried twisting it, but the lamp was stuck on the base pretty good. So then I twisted harder. The light came off of the ceiling, and when I gently let go, it dangled by its cords. Yes, I broke the kitchen light, and couldn't even get it back up onto the ceiling. So I told the manager. Last night, I came home and noticed that the light had been fixed. They put in an industrial-type halogen light fixture, so now our kitchen looks like the aisle of a grocery store (yes, that bright!).
Moral of the story: Just get the manager to fix it in the first place. And I am NOT paying to replace the bulbs in the new light.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Out and about
Yesterday, after work, I met three of the neighbor kids. They were between the ages of 7 and 9. They wanted to know how old I was, what grade I was in, and where I worked. I made them guess my age. They thought I was 18. :) My response? "That's SO OLD!" I told them I was 27. One of the girls told me that her mom was 27. Interesting...
Then I went out with my roommate to this bar over by where we live. This bar made me laugh! It is located in a not-so-good part of town, and looks very seedy. It definitely had character. I would never go there by myself. The lead singer's name is Dottie. She's a 60 year old black lady who can wail. She's the kind of lady that calls everyone "baby" and "sugar" and her catch phrase is "Well, I ain't mad at cha."
Her band consists of a group of 20 somethings guys whom she calls the Diamonds. And they can play the blues. My roommate is in love with their pianist, who is a fantastic piano player. He also plays the harmonica, but my roommate told me that he broke it, so he can't play it right now. It was very fun. I had to leave to go to bed, cause they didn't even start playing until 9:30pm. I told my roommate to tell the band not to be insulted that I left. I had to get up early in the morning to go to work. I just may go back...and bring friends with me.
Then I went out with my roommate to this bar over by where we live. This bar made me laugh! It is located in a not-so-good part of town, and looks very seedy. It definitely had character. I would never go there by myself. The lead singer's name is Dottie. She's a 60 year old black lady who can wail. She's the kind of lady that calls everyone "baby" and "sugar" and her catch phrase is "Well, I ain't mad at cha."
Her band consists of a group of 20 somethings guys whom she calls the Diamonds. And they can play the blues. My roommate is in love with their pianist, who is a fantastic piano player. He also plays the harmonica, but my roommate told me that he broke it, so he can't play it right now. It was very fun. I had to leave to go to bed, cause they didn't even start playing until 9:30pm. I told my roommate to tell the band not to be insulted that I left. I had to get up early in the morning to go to work. I just may go back...and bring friends with me.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Revelation
My friend Ryan (the one who sometimes comments on this journal) and I were talking once about relational equity...which is a description of the amount of relational pull you have with other people. This concept came up again last night as I thought about various relationships in my life and realized that in all but two relationships that I have with my friends down here in San Diego, I am the initiator, meaning if I want to hang out with people individually or in small groups, I have to call them. They aren't really calling me except for large group activities like potlucks or frisbee. Why is that? I'm not exactly sure.
I only mention this because it started to bother me a little...and then I had to decide not to let it bother me. The true friendships I have go both ways. I call them, and they call me.
One more note: Although I am right handed, most of my best friends have been left-handed so I'm always interested in knowing how many lefties I know. Go Lefties!
I only mention this because it started to bother me a little...and then I had to decide not to let it bother me. The true friendships I have go both ways. I call them, and they call me.
One more note: Although I am right handed, most of my best friends have been left-handed so I'm always interested in knowing how many lefties I know. Go Lefties!
Sunday, October 03, 2004
It's back to work I go...
I think I would enjoy Sundays so much more if I had friends to come visit me on my dinner break. I get just a little lonely working here when I know that everyone else is having lunch or hanging out.
I went to church for the first time in a few weeks. Last week, I was at that wedding and two weeks ago, I just didn't feel like going to the one I normally go to. I get in these moods sometimes where I just need to be in a different place to worship God. I get distracted when I know people. I had to go back today because I got assigned to play. Michael, the worship guy at church actually sent me an e-mail last week asking how I was doing because we hadn't talked for a few weeks. After seeing him at least twice a week and then not seeing him at all for 2 or so weeks, I had to agree...it was weird not seeing him.
I went to a potluck last night, and another friend of mine was wondering why I wasn't interested in joining the leadership of the 20's somethings ministry and asked me about why I didn't feel like getting involved. I still think I made the right decision for now, and I'm glad that they feel I would be a valuable member to have on the team, but I just want to be the consultant.
Here's what's cool about consulting...people listen to what I have to say because they value my input, but I don't have to actually do anything. I like making suggestions, especially when they work out. I suggested to Michael that he should ask another friend of ours to lead music for the ministry. Michael had a few reservations about this person, but I told him that I thought this guy would not only do a great job, but would get excited about it and bring more people. It is now so much fun for me to see this person taking a more active role in this ministry, and he's excited about it. It's funny, especially since he doesn't know that I recommended him for the music ministry role, and now he's trying to convince me to be a part of the leadership. This amuses me.
On the whole, I have been more withdrawn lately from the people I normally talk to. I have been spiritually withdrawn as well...haven't wanted to pray, I haven't wanted to go to church, I feel really tired all the time, and maybe that's why I don't want to lead right now either. I can't even pinpoint why I'm feeling this way. This is my life. At least for now.
I went to church for the first time in a few weeks. Last week, I was at that wedding and two weeks ago, I just didn't feel like going to the one I normally go to. I get in these moods sometimes where I just need to be in a different place to worship God. I get distracted when I know people. I had to go back today because I got assigned to play. Michael, the worship guy at church actually sent me an e-mail last week asking how I was doing because we hadn't talked for a few weeks. After seeing him at least twice a week and then not seeing him at all for 2 or so weeks, I had to agree...it was weird not seeing him.
I went to a potluck last night, and another friend of mine was wondering why I wasn't interested in joining the leadership of the 20's somethings ministry and asked me about why I didn't feel like getting involved. I still think I made the right decision for now, and I'm glad that they feel I would be a valuable member to have on the team, but I just want to be the consultant.
Here's what's cool about consulting...people listen to what I have to say because they value my input, but I don't have to actually do anything. I like making suggestions, especially when they work out. I suggested to Michael that he should ask another friend of ours to lead music for the ministry. Michael had a few reservations about this person, but I told him that I thought this guy would not only do a great job, but would get excited about it and bring more people. It is now so much fun for me to see this person taking a more active role in this ministry, and he's excited about it. It's funny, especially since he doesn't know that I recommended him for the music ministry role, and now he's trying to convince me to be a part of the leadership. This amuses me.
On the whole, I have been more withdrawn lately from the people I normally talk to. I have been spiritually withdrawn as well...haven't wanted to pray, I haven't wanted to go to church, I feel really tired all the time, and maybe that's why I don't want to lead right now either. I can't even pinpoint why I'm feeling this way. This is my life. At least for now.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Happy October!
First of all, I'd like to say Happy October! October is my favorite month of the year. I love the way the weather changes, wind with a slight chill in the air, football season is officially underway, and most of the trees start changing colors, well, sort of. California is not exactly a good "fall" state for colors. But I still like it.
I'm still trying to find a place that might be broadcasting the Fresno game today (Don't get mad Meg!) and I have quite a few other things to do before I go...today is going to be an organizational feat! Here's what's going on:
I'm still trying to find a place that might be broadcasting the Fresno game today (Don't get mad Meg!) and I have quite a few other things to do before I go...today is going to be an organizational feat! Here's what's going on:
- Ultimate Frisbee at the park at 10am in La Jolla
- Lunch afterwards :)
- 3 hours of freetime in which I will need to possibly do my laundry, cook a lasagna, drop off my dry cleaning, take a shower, go to the bank, and fill out that pesky faculty application.
- Watch the Fresno game with my sister at an unspecified location (at this point)
- Pick up my friend Ryan G. and my *cooked* lasagna
- Head up to a potluck
- Have lots of fun!
As for last night, it was really fun. My roommate's friend apparently has a wedding coordinator friend, so I gave him my contact card. Look at me! Networking! I've never been good at it. But here's hoping for a little extra income. Dinner was great, and here's the funny story of the evening... Have I ever mentioned that I am a klutz? yeah... well, I had this quarter in my pocket. It was a Maine one. And I dropped it about 3 times before we even left to go. Once we got to the venue, I dropped it one more time. By this time, all my friends were laughing. Then about halfway through the first half, I realized my phone was missing. I knew I had brought it in (cause I hadn't meant to) and it was now not in my pocket, so I started to panic a little, and then I dropped that darn quarter again in addition to my whole wallet, which made some noise on the way down. We were all chuckling by this point. I'm happy to report that I found my wallet, the phone, and even that pesky quarter by the time we left. I'm NEVER wearing those pants out again because things fall out so easily.
As for that significant spiritual conversation, we had a bit of a conversation about what church my friend and I go to, but that was about it. But that's okay. I'm not going to push. But I do care about these people, and I'm hoping that when the timing is right, I'll be able to share God's love with them.
I hope everyone else out there has a great weekend. For me, this is my Sunday. I work tomorrow.
Friday, October 01, 2004
My day off
It is so nice to have a day off, but I'm here on campus because of my French class. I went on a cleaning rampage last night and cleaned the kitchen thouroughly, except for the floor and the fridge. But everything else looks good. And I cleaned the sink, counter, and toilet in our bathroom. Now I'm going back home to dust the bookshelves, and clean my room. I still need to fill out my faculty application. Maybe that's why I'm on this cleaning frenzy--I'm really procrastinating cause I don't want to fill out this app. Well, I do, but I hate filling out applications. This is probably the reason why I hated being unemployed. I hated filling out all those job applications.
This is the first weekend in awhile where I have some free time available. Consequently, I get to do all the errands that I've been putting off for the last 3 weeks or so, like clean, take my dry-cleaning in, and do laundry at the laundromat.
My roommate and I and two guyfriends of ours are going to see the musical "Rent" tonight. My roommate decided to cook dinner. She's a great cook. I'm bringing a friend of mine from church. I'm hoping that we might have a significant spiritual conversation with my roommate and her friend. I'll let you guys know how things go. Until tomorrow (or whenever I write again...).
This is the first weekend in awhile where I have some free time available. Consequently, I get to do all the errands that I've been putting off for the last 3 weeks or so, like clean, take my dry-cleaning in, and do laundry at the laundromat.
My roommate and I and two guyfriends of ours are going to see the musical "Rent" tonight. My roommate decided to cook dinner. She's a great cook. I'm bringing a friend of mine from church. I'm hoping that we might have a significant spiritual conversation with my roommate and her friend. I'll let you guys know how things go. Until tomorrow (or whenever I write again...).
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