tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180703432024-03-19T01:08:13.016-07:00learning to flyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-51826147938793804932008-06-26T19:31:00.001-07:002008-06-26T19:41:51.707-07:00One Last PostFriends, as this seminary season ends I think that the time has come for my blog to end. It has been an incredible last 3 years. I had no clue all the change, growth, and good things that would find me at Fuller. I think it's appropriate (and slightly cheesy, but I am kind of cheesy) to leave you words from the song that inspired the title of this blog.<br /><br />"I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly<br />I'll do what it takes to 'till I touch the sky"<br /><br />Well I'm still learning, but it's been quite a ride so far. I"ll leave you all with two pictures from graduation. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2yy_I6TCj6Isex7WZrzaGtAZg1K4j4N0ETJESL7iZgFtUni9GnL4PMca1nFXw8ZWwzwiBJGOtFeNUUnLwr2si5_WbWjjY8IQVgJIXPAdFszLa1AIHjoW1XnJMBVwUSOqv1WK9g/s1600-h/grad+picture+4+from+wendy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2yy_I6TCj6Isex7WZrzaGtAZg1K4j4N0ETJESL7iZgFtUni9GnL4PMca1nFXw8ZWwzwiBJGOtFeNUUnLwr2si5_WbWjjY8IQVgJIXPAdFszLa1AIHjoW1XnJMBVwUSOqv1WK9g/s400/grad+picture+4+from+wendy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216385771332668450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hrECvILBTucgyi1zlGX2Rja8YFI0QhKrDbhjo7fPY6w6qwCq0ZIDQPbv23OWlQaBFiyCkafwd1XVOEewMG3UlFsQnRk4w31UHvPmdliykAU1J-2Zsb5CKIoh23KjrhvxWV4VBg/s1600-h/IMG_0443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hrECvILBTucgyi1zlGX2Rja8YFI0QhKrDbhjo7fPY6w6qwCq0ZIDQPbv23OWlQaBFiyCkafwd1XVOEewMG3UlFsQnRk4w31UHvPmdliykAU1J-2Zsb5CKIoh23KjrhvxWV4VBg/s400/IMG_0443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216385774049572562" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to all those who are sharing this journey with me. <br /><br />Much love,<br />JenniferUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-22428856035984060322008-05-24T22:29:00.001-07:002008-05-24T22:42:23.673-07:00The Mischievous BirdsIn the past month 2 birds have decided to make a new home on my apartment welcome mat. I didn't mind at first, it's outside, why shouldn't the birds have a new spot to live? But soon, they began playing tricks on my roommate and I. As I walk up the stairs to my apartment door I can't see my welcome mat. Just when I don't expect it, the birds have a habit of flapping their wings loudly and then flying at me while I'm mid stair. They swoop low right above my head before landing on the edge of the a/c unit. While I have come to expect it now, there is still something unsettling at suddenly having 2 birds flapping and flying directly at you narrowly missing your head. <br /><br />But, the birds have crossed a line. As Amy (my roommate) was walking up the stairs she heard the birds cooing (or whatever you call the sounds the birds make). She stopped hoping they would fly to their perch on the a/c unit and she could walk up in peace. Sure enough, at the sound of her feet they came flapping and flying and landing on the a/c unit. She watched the birds a second when she noticed that one of them had turned around, with it's butt directly over her head. Amy quickly noticed that the bird looked like it was about to relieve itself and hurriedly rushed up the stairs. Her instincts were right and she barely missed the bird poop falling from the a/c unit. <br /><br />Now that's just plain mean birds! Maybe they are telling us we need bird feeders...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-63933728808673468432008-05-21T17:53:00.000-07:002008-05-21T22:22:55.751-07:00Rocking My WorldIf any of you all have been around me these past 8 weeks, you have heard me complain about my Hebrew Exegesis of Psalms class. The professor requires more work than i have ever had in a class--6 mini exegetical papers (each using 6ish sources) and 1 15-18 exegetical paper (requiring 20 sources)--all in 10 weeks, plus a midterm and several translations. I have spent more time in the library this quarter than I think I have spent there the rest of my Fuller career combined. And I am hardly seen without a Psalm commentary or the Hebrew Lexicon dictionary in hand. One classmate told me today that he was sure that I'd be carrying my Hebrew BDB with me whenever I moved to next, because of the deep habit I have formed this quarter. All this for a class I'm taking pass/fail... <br /><br />But, as I have been immersed in the book of Psalms, digging more deeply into Scripture than I have ever dug before...slowly my world is being rocked. I love this book! The sheer, raw emotions expressed by the Psalmists are incredible. Anger. Doubt. Devastating Sadness. Huge questions. Confusion. It is in these deep emotions that the Psalmists meet God. <br /><br />My new favorite psalm is 106, a historical psalm. It retells the stories of the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and confesses the common theme of the sin of forgetfulness by the Israelites. Each time things got hard or confusing the Israelites forgot God--but in the end God saved them despite their sin. As I think about the future and all the many questions that lie in front of me--I confess that I, too, forget God. I forget God's faithfulness and look other places for guidance. I see myself in this psalm. All I can do right now is agree with the confession of this psalm and cling to the praise offered up at the end in verse 48, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting...Praise the Lord."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-60563548757051848272008-05-15T22:23:00.000-07:002008-05-15T22:39:08.940-07:00A Brief UpdateMy friends have been constantly reminding me that my blog hasn't been updated in quite some time, so here's an overview. <br /><br />First, I am now a quarter of a century old. We waited until the weekend after my birthday to have the big party - we went to the beach for a bonfire/cookout. You'll have to wait and see pictures though, because I don't have them on my computer yet. Or if you don't want to wait you can check out Sophie's blog (sophiemarian.blogspot.com) because she already has a few pictures up (it's the post titled "Happy Birthday Pocket"). <br /><br />On my actual birthday though, I went with my girls to Bodega (a wonderful wine bar in Pasadena) for drinks and dinner. Here are a few pictures from that evening you might enjoy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26QLnzjQP0XAktRV8_CFwuN6WCacqY77ipqQsk9KVuYRfA_alPMFK5xtvKMW1ulpbwyaUzqKFDiTcE2SLoBCwkJUAtH1vgwgRIuUUTFVTCE1MUIO68PtXQpZ19YvRsHNmh00Pvw/s1600-h/IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26QLnzjQP0XAktRV8_CFwuN6WCacqY77ipqQsk9KVuYRfA_alPMFK5xtvKMW1ulpbwyaUzqKFDiTcE2SLoBCwkJUAtH1vgwgRIuUUTFVTCE1MUIO68PtXQpZ19YvRsHNmh00Pvw/s400/IMG_0245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200845621605587314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o_DKKDlfgkt20LM0NG_1EpeZvArYQ5eKAfADIut3ou-QpFFbut9brQwMIQ37FwixPxkzuU8eT8K-19zq9nMpgJJEOXvbmeFwrXxkAmbmJhY7KZwTMw7VE4jid7x0qvnM4MPo2w/s1600-h/IMG_0246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o_DKKDlfgkt20LM0NG_1EpeZvArYQ5eKAfADIut3ou-QpFFbut9brQwMIQ37FwixPxkzuU8eT8K-19zq9nMpgJJEOXvbmeFwrXxkAmbmJhY7KZwTMw7VE4jid7x0qvnM4MPo2w/s400/IMG_0246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200845686030096770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_yRE-BZzfGus31CNwYpszqfG7N91mZs-oibrlMt2mOnhsDdeF47srtbSZFhHT8FVnYM2sjSLcVI59rrT6WxiedFFrWGjb-FAmBR7gIK4LarL7JUH05QpgBgelUJFDASszSDwpg/s1600-h/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_yRE-BZzfGus31CNwYpszqfG7N91mZs-oibrlMt2mOnhsDdeF47srtbSZFhHT8FVnYM2sjSLcVI59rrT6WxiedFFrWGjb-FAmBR7gIK4LarL7JUH05QpgBgelUJFDASszSDwpg/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200845733274737042" /></a><br /><br />And I have also been reminded by my friends that I promised to post more pictures from the weekend Robin and her daughter Alyssa were here, so here are a few more pictures for your enjoyment. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQc8O_zFpkvlO7bHeAb9G9zN54H5JNpFD4jpnjrIWFwiq4Pn8-ZXv3NPeRYO-r4YX5sSIByoRDQISekuqxHBJTx9mCjBXDcVhgWjX_gIVAZ690mNOp6pCnSvFsHxb3DwrvCigfQ/s1600-h/P3260009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQc8O_zFpkvlO7bHeAb9G9zN54H5JNpFD4jpnjrIWFwiq4Pn8-ZXv3NPeRYO-r4YX5sSIByoRDQISekuqxHBJTx9mCjBXDcVhgWjX_gIVAZ690mNOp6pCnSvFsHxb3DwrvCigfQ/s400/P3260009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200844341705333026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dexw9zsez4HzHz8OJcRJPKoB6gQYw3NCI8Mc45OGf1Dv4LVmn5UStzGqw1oGz2aVxEVsAtLrVbEmqotPZZVR86EXnKYba7FgAtBvLszFjxR_0evpctAl8b7EOoOt3G5Rxz-kmw/s1600-h/P3260032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dexw9zsez4HzHz8OJcRJPKoB6gQYw3NCI8Mc45OGf1Dv4LVmn5UStzGqw1oGz2aVxEVsAtLrVbEmqotPZZVR86EXnKYba7FgAtBvLszFjxR_0evpctAl8b7EOoOt3G5Rxz-kmw/s400/P3260032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200844367475136818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zo6mJm8h7kv2Q8iTTvF69cNCqfNgfOTGSdbJb3Nmmbh5rUelS3PMh6w34cxKZLVHF3XNTnlPPo2G_RgPLTPPmMVtVuSLAZI56dqOOeigrWn30hEJpSmIALIUgCMefzg9y1i-Fg/s1600-h/P3280055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zo6mJm8h7kv2Q8iTTvF69cNCqfNgfOTGSdbJb3Nmmbh5rUelS3PMh6w34cxKZLVHF3XNTnlPPo2G_RgPLTPPmMVtVuSLAZI56dqOOeigrWn30hEJpSmIALIUgCMefzg9y1i-Fg/s400/P3280055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200844427604678978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3ndeWtPomT4ClS8CPXk-AzG781eY02ySSxhke9j-ZgnkRFHY9IgPyytrRJgIWsgfAS9hkYmGbzUlFBDHZunxqhPSybrMRNVcn8ZzF2jShICwYu1LuUeyh1W3rs_mXfUA9fGjXA/s1600-h/P3280121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3ndeWtPomT4ClS8CPXk-AzG781eY02ySSxhke9j-ZgnkRFHY9IgPyytrRJgIWsgfAS9hkYmGbzUlFBDHZunxqhPSybrMRNVcn8ZzF2jShICwYu1LuUeyh1W3rs_mXfUA9fGjXA/s400/P3280121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200844453374482770" /></a><br /><br />The main reason I haven't been diligent about posting on my blog is the sheer amount of school work I have - I have 11 assignments left and then I'm done. I can't wait to graduate. <br /><br />So, for now I'm going to list the things I've been doing (and I would promise to give more details later, but it make be awhile before that happens)<br />- I'm learning a lot at my church internship at San Marino Community Church <br />- we've been having lots of parties!!! My birthday party, an engagement party for Steve and Christina. And upcoming parties includes Christina's bachelorette party, a going away party for Sophie, Megan's 30th birthday party (May has literally been filled with parties!)<br />- I am officially going to become a California resident once I navigate my way through all the DMV paperwork <br />- did I mention the school work? I'm taking Exegesis with Psalms with one of the hardest professors ever (and one of the best), two preaching practicums with Dr. Shuster, and a church history IDL (distance learning class). <br />- I watched Season 3 of Grey's Anatomy in it's entirety when I was so tired from doing school work that I just needed a break <br /><br />That's the brief update so I could get my friends to stop pestering me about not having an update.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-81632436208937301352008-04-20T21:17:00.000-07:002008-04-20T21:33:47.310-07:00UpdateI was doing so well at keep my blog updated, and then well, didn't do so well. But here's the last couple weeks in a very quick summary. <br /><br />--Winter Quarter ended, with my passing of my Intensive Hebrew class--now that is a feeling SHALOM.<br />--Easter was a day of mixed emotions as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ the same morning that one of our church custodians tragically died. <br />--On the first day of Spring Break I was super excited to get the news that I passed all of my ordination exams. I was shocked and very, very relieved to never have to deal with those tests again. <br />--Robin and Alyssa Sturgis came into town for four days during Spring Break to visit and see me preach. I had a wonderful time with them!<br />--I preached for the first time on March 30th at San Marino. Despite feeling like a nervous wreck, in the actual preaching time I felt immense peace and really enjoyed the experience. What a gift to preach to my church family. <br />--The next day began my second to last quarter ever at Fuller. And it didn't take me very long to discover, it is my hardest academic quarter at Fuller. Which brings me to this point... It is already week 4, time is flying by. This quarter is intensely filled with schoolwork, lots of internship stuff at church, and lots of social events. <br /><br />It has been an eventful couple of weeks as you can tell, with some really happy moments and some tragic moments. But nonetheless, life is certainly moving quickly... I'll try and do a better job of keeping you guys posted on all that's going on. For now here's a picture of Robin, Alyssa, and I and a picture of me with the marquee when I preached. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFi6TNz8_YFsTAgCff1TDOVfRsxnY6WtwYyRO7EPquMgbdI_PfNngpEv0WXFvymKZhHulgQbS2WYiJmqsfBBLRA-h_s4hqsTrryObxVgopxf35aFP2n9WJnSwJhgIBhS27kd3Iw/s1600-h/P3260041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFi6TNz8_YFsTAgCff1TDOVfRsxnY6WtwYyRO7EPquMgbdI_PfNngpEv0WXFvymKZhHulgQbS2WYiJmqsfBBLRA-h_s4hqsTrryObxVgopxf35aFP2n9WJnSwJhgIBhS27kd3Iw/s400/P3260041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191551158443570658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eg9UIIFG98SBhtbJgmItkwJ770a_ZF0kgu5O7FMnxHXuTyuB34GHhSGsUNbweGd97BSL2TZ-zXb-W1cY0nZhvxdkhu5zMTLy6eAQ0fEsRGDCiNrluHuVJeaTs3jd8nIknmD6Tw/s1600-h/IMG_0178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eg9UIIFG98SBhtbJgmItkwJ770a_ZF0kgu5O7FMnxHXuTyuB34GHhSGsUNbweGd97BSL2TZ-zXb-W1cY0nZhvxdkhu5zMTLy6eAQ0fEsRGDCiNrluHuVJeaTs3jd8nIknmD6Tw/s400/IMG_0178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191551167033505266" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-81027015087752262822008-03-22T22:09:00.001-07:002008-03-22T23:03:10.783-07:00Shalom: Winter 2008 in a NutshellMy catch phrase this quarter was "Shalom," partly because it continues to be one of the few Hebrew words I know, and partly because this quarter was so full, busy, and stressful at times, that saying Shalom helped. All in all, it was a very productive quarter, but I am thankful to be at the end of it. I thought that this was a fun way to reflect and summarize my quarter...<br /><br />1 fun visitor, yay for a Spider reunion with Kristen who came in from Wisconsin<br />3 long, but helpful ordination exam study session; plus countless more hours studying the Book of Order, Book of Confessions, and making flashcards<br />64 hours sitting in Hebrew class...<br />2 Children's Sermon's given- always an interesting experience, particularly when there aren't any children in church<br />1 new dog friend Shadow, an old, yet very sweet black lab that I have dog sit a few times this quarter<br />5 Committee meetings, maybe more--I could have lost count, but nonetheless, an essential part of the church I've learned<br />2 Chinese American church groups visited. For my Ethnicity and the Church class I was assigned to visit 2 Chinese American churches. Both times were super interesting.<br />3 Bodega trips, a wonderful wine bar that is great for relaxing after a long week<br />10 Hebrew study sessions, which is how I survived Hebrew--both emotionally and academically, I think we became a support group for each other.<br />1 Chik Fil A trip--such a luxury to go to in SoCal<br />3 drives to Azusa to meet with my Presbytery liason to prepare for Candidacy<br />1 Session, CPM, and Presbytery meeting all in which I officially became a Candidate (hooray!)<br />12 hours in ordination exam testing, and many many more writing my exegesis ordination exam on Revelation <br />3 visits to Arcadia Methodist to dine with my chaplain friends still working there<br />4 coffee shops: Beantown, Zephry, Starbucks, Vromans, that gave me a place to study besides the Fuller library. Favorite: Beantown<br />1 swanky alumni cocktail reception with the UR President<br />2 calls to Triple A; silly ignition that broke<br />1 visit to Hrant--my trust auto mechanic, he keeps the Focus going<br />1 lovely Valentine's dinner/show with my girls. The Color Purple is wonderful<br />2 Hebrew tutoring sessions, the other way that I made it through Hebrew<br />5 CPK meals, it's just so good, and a good place for meetings...<br />4 good movies seen in the theatre: Juno, Definitely Maybe, 27 Dresses, The Other Bolyn Girl<br />2 books enjoyed for classes: Divided by Faith by Michael Emerson; The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb by Eric Law<br />1 crazy case of Senioritis, without Christina and I babysitting each other, I may not have done any homework this quarter. <br /><br />And I'm sure there's more, but for now... Shalom!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-84173923877241920702008-03-18T10:35:00.000-07:002008-03-18T10:56:53.880-07:00"It's not enough, but it's something..."During CPE we adopted our motto from the above quote from John Goldingay, a Fuller professor. As we reflected on our interactions with patients and families in group time we were frequently struck by the enormous task that we were doing as chaplains. We were entering in people's lives in their darkest and most stressful moments. In group time we would evaluate how past patient visits had gone, critiquing ourselves and each other, identifying times that went really well and other times that well, really bombed. In feeling the anxiety and pressure surrounding our job, we kept coming back to, "it's not enough, but it's something." For me, I found much comfort in knowing that I was not alone in ministering to patient's but that God was right their with me, was there before I was there, and continued to be there once I was long away from the hospital room. The pressure and anxiety was relieved, that in my human mind that what I did was the "end all be all" really was not. No matter how great of a chaplain I was, I could not make the pain and suffering go away from that person's life, what I did was "not enough but it was something..." I was a tiny little part of the magnificantly huge plan that God had in that person's life.<br /><br />Somehow over the last quarter I had forgotten about that quote, that lesson that I learned last quarter. Each worship leadership task I was given this quarter caused me worries and nervousness. Performance anxiety some might call it... And now as I'm preparing my sermon to preach in two weeks that anxiety has reached it's peak. But as I sat in the library this morning that phrase came back into my head... "it's not enough, but it's something." Preaching God's word is an awe inspiring and terrifying task but I was reminded today that whatever I say on the 30th... it won't be enough, but it will be something, and that's all I can do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-54171526076919499062008-03-12T22:16:00.000-07:002008-03-12T22:36:40.612-07:00An LA MomentToday as I sat in my last day of Hebrew class (Wahooooo!) my professor shared with us that we should all watch his wife as she acts on a prime time TV show in the next few weeks. With a little search on <a href="http://imdb.com">imdb.com</a> my classmates and I were able to discover a number of television shows and movies that his wife has had roles in. The real surprise was when a classmate found my professor on<a href="http://famoushookups.com"> famoushookups.com</a> He has been married to 1 celebrity for 5.8 years--which he confirmed for us as true. <br /><br />We asked my professor more of what it's like to be in the industry scene. He said one of the most memorable moments they had was an evening that they spent with Barbara Streisand and her husband James Brolin. Barbara was intrigued by his studying of Judaism since he is a Gentile. They had a long discussion about it in which Barbara concluded, "I really like that Jesus guy." <br /><br />I realize that I've been in LA for 2 1/2 years now, but there are some moments that still do shock me a bit. I'm definitely not in Richmond, VA anymore.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-25973566758334733042008-03-06T21:56:00.000-08:002008-03-06T22:03:57.766-08:00New Year's ResolutionI realized earlier this week that I had not set a New Year's Resolution. Actually, it hadn't even crossed my mind because I never, ever come close to keeping new year's resolutions. I don't even remember over the past few years what I have attempted to do... This Tuesday morning I was watching Rachel Ray as I got ready for the day and saw an inspiring story of a woman who tackled a different new year's resolution each month--so she had done 12 things once the year was done. That was a bit too ambitious for me, but I was inspired at her success. One of her things she did, was to try and learn to cook (fitting with the show). I realized that ever since I began seminary that I have been telling myself I want to learn to cook. And truthfully I am leaps and yards better than I was when I moved here. However, I still rely an awful lot on Trader Joe's frozen foods to get me through the week. I realized with my busy lifestyle, and lack of skills, that I will still have to do that sometimes. But I have decided, my 2008 New Year's Resolution is to try and cook a new recipe each week. This week it was Lemon-Basil Chicken Pasta--inspired by Rachel Ray, of course. I find that if I post things on public on my blog that they tend to get done, so here's to learning to cook! Any recipe suggestions, send them my way. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-74675985920683850562008-03-03T07:36:00.000-08:002008-03-03T07:38:41.271-08:00Hebrew and Politics?So during my Hebrew study group last night a fellow classmate pointed out a way that he remembers two vocabulary words and while it may have a pretty strong political slant, I thought it was too funny not to share. <br />The Hebrew word for "to bless" = "Barack"<br />The Hebrew word for "ashamed" = "Bush"<br />Hmm.... :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-47722948934792668352008-03-02T08:06:00.001-08:002008-03-02T08:15:22.045-08:00Never again!I wanted to take a quick moment and celebrate that I finally PASSED the Bible Content Exam! They say "third times the charm" and in my case it was true. 3 different times of taking the test, $210 spent on testing fees, and countless hours spent online memorizing useless Bible trivia...finally! You see, the Bible Content Exam doesn't measure knowledge of the contents of the Bible. No, it measures ability to remember tiny little details like, what is the first line of Psalm 1? Thankfully, there is a wonderful man who created a website with old Bible Content Exams, because the trick to passing the BCE is memorizing old questions (at least 1/3 of the test comes directly from old tests). If you'd like to try your hand at it, go to: <a href="http://www.whitneyhq.com/cgi-bin/bible_exam_with_hints.pl?">http://www.whitneyhq.com/cgi-bin/bible_exam_with_hints.pl?</a> You need a 70 to pass. And I am going to celebrate that never again will I take this test!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-1195872100072564072008-02-25T21:42:00.000-08:002008-02-25T21:46:49.781-08:00A Night On the TownBecca, Sophie, Sarah, and I continued our tradition of Secret Valentine's this year. We exchanged names, surprised each other with gifts, enjoyed a fancy dinner out together, and saw The Color Purple at the Disney Concert Hall. It truly was a night of dressing up fun and celebrating our friendship with one another. Here's my favorite picture of the night... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOS-QyQdv0aATNbMEqWRIaou1cZSl98fbgylNaDghi-3PezGzoSukAFlaMcz_EUwiPti_W1-HuMvk1JD1VYTbmpUXm6SY8KgicPB-KT0eIwn1SODekEkPz381E8bTNmE7MNTEOw/s1600-h/Valentine's+Day+Girls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOS-QyQdv0aATNbMEqWRIaou1cZSl98fbgylNaDghi-3PezGzoSukAFlaMcz_EUwiPti_W1-HuMvk1JD1VYTbmpUXm6SY8KgicPB-KT0eIwn1SODekEkPz381E8bTNmE7MNTEOw/s400/Valentine's+Day+Girls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171160955307150754" /></a><br /><br />Hooray for friendship!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-68968772729665852862008-02-12T21:08:00.001-08:002008-02-12T21:27:49.683-08:00More Fun in February!Well I truly am overdue for a post--thanks for pointing that out Sarah. First of all, THANK YOU to all of you who have been praying and encouraging me over the last month. It was the most study filled month I think I have ever had. Between ordination exams, Hebrew, and candidacy stuff there truly wasn't much time for fun. Hence my new motto--more fun in February! The ordination exams are over and I won't find out how I did until March 24th. Based on my initial feelings, I could have passed them all or failed them all...I was strong on certain questions and weak on others. Now it's up to how gracious the readers are feeling. I do know that I finally passed the Bible Content Exam. I looked up every answer once I had turned the test in and know that I got enough Bible trivia questions right to pass. So yay for that! <br /><br />My candidacy stuff is going well. Both Session and CPM have passed me on to become a candidate. On March 11th I'll go before Presbytery. The process has been so encouraging as so many people have affirmed the call on my life to be a Minister of Word and Sacrament. I still don't have a clear picture of what exactly the road looks like, but it's pretty clear that the ordination path is part of it for me. It's hard to believe that as early as this fall that I'll be looking for a job. That is so exciting and yet a bit scary all at the same time. <br /><br />And Hebrew, well, let's just say it's really not the best experience I've had at Fuller. Between frustration with the textbook and teaching style, I'm really ready for this quarter to be done. 10 more Hebrew classes left!! That means I am more than halfway done with the class and sadly still don't know a whole lot more than "Shalom." But I am praising God over and over for Bible translation software--those resources are amazing!<br /><br />Other things going on my life last month... getting our grant report for SLP out--we'll soon start planning the next conference. And I began my church internship. I am getting used to ministry in the environment of a church--definitely different than a hospital context. It's not better or worse--just really different. So far I've been able to participate in various aspects of worship leading, make some pastoral phone calls, and help out with the New Member's Class. On March 30th I am preaching for both services--that should be interesting, for sure! <br /><br />And MORE FUN IN FEBRUARY. I realized after last month was over that I was longing for more balance in my life. So for Lent, I am committing a full 24 hour period each week to have a Sabbath. I'm still praying through and researching what exactly that means for me, but for now I'm understanding it as a time for rest and renewal. A time with friends, a time in solitude, and a time intentionally spent with God. We'll see how it goes! I hope it can be a spiritual discipline that remains part of my life long after Lent is over. Other fun things that happened, my friend Kristen E. from college came to visit me in CA which was a blast, I met the new UR president at a swanky alumni cocktail reception, weekly potluck dinners have been reinstated, some trips to Chik Fil A have been made (a rarity in LA), some fun tea dates with friends, I'm getting back into the gym routine, and I even saw the ocean a few times. I'm looking forward to celebrating Valentine's Day with my girls as we continue our tradition of "Secret Valentines" and will end the week by seeing The Color Purple at the Disney Concert Hall. I'm also excited to have Robin and her daughter Alyssa (friends from Houston Cursillo) visit during part of my Spring Break when I preach. So there's my life in the last month in a quick nutshell. I'm hoping to be way better at updating this thing soon! Hope each one of you is well. And thank you again for your kind words and prayers last month--they really made a difference!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-85550739998913674092008-01-11T00:38:00.000-08:002008-01-11T00:53:41.032-08:00Lots Going OnWell there is nothing like drinking English Breakfast tea too close to bedtime to bring on insomnia and there's nothing like insomnia to promote writing a blog update... I am a day away from finishing my first week of classes back at Fuller and I am tired. It's been an interesting week. Interesting to be a Fuller student again, interesting to start my part time church internship, and interesting to balance this with upcoming ordination exams and candidacy paperwork. I've realized that this next month will be pretty intense. Despite the intensity, it is packed with some exciting things. My chaplaincy internship was such a great experience--and was so valuable in confirming my call to ministry. This month's timing worked out perfectly to take on some very practical steps in the ordination process in following my call to ministry. <br /><br />I would love you all's prayers for the next month or so. If you think of it, please do pray for me as I study for and take the ords (January 25th, 26th, a writing portion due on the 31st, and another exam on February 2nd). And I'd love some prayers as I take intensive Hebrew--I was very proud of myself for learning and writing the alphabet by Wednesday but judging by our quiz I think that pace is too slow for the intensive Hebrew track. And prayers for my candidacy process would be much appreciate too--I meet with my church session on January 23 and with CPM in early February. <br /><br />So definitely lots going on here!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-51191137960850070022007-12-28T21:08:00.000-08:002007-12-28T21:21:36.261-08:00A Weary TravelerI recently got back from a whirlwind trip to the East Coast for Christmas. I waited too long to book my flight and ended up getting one way tickets with lots of layovers to make it cheaper. So in just a few days due to layovers and cities I flew into/out of, I visited the cities of Houston, DC, Richmond, Raleigh/Durham, Atlanta, and Las Vegas before getting back to LA. I realized on the day I got back that I had spent 16 hours traveling, but it wasn't all bad--I did get to play the slots once in the Vegas airport--definitely a new experience for me, too bad I lost a $1. Despite the many hours traveling, it was definitely worth seeing people I hadn't seen in a year! I love living in LA but there is definitely something great about being in the city that I grew up in.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-54693230901893213272007-12-09T22:08:00.001-08:002007-12-09T22:52:37.410-08:00It was a Beautiful ThingWhile the ending of CPE was pretty bittersweet for me, there is something to be said for being done with an incredibly exhausting and intense 3 month internship--and that means some celebrating. I've celebrated with both my CPE chaplains and friends outside of CPE. In this post I'll post only pictures from my CPE people in this post and then use another post to show my other celebrations. We had our offical CPE graduation ceremony on Thursday. It was an intimate and meaningful ceremony with my fellow chaplains, supervisors, a few hospital administrators, and our close friends and family. To steal a frequent said quote of my supervisor--CPE was "a beautiful thing." There was much growth, tears, joys, and prayer poured into the last 3 months...an experience I'll never forget! Here's a picture of my group including my supervisor Cheri sitting "around the table" during our celebration lunch after graduation. This is the table in which all of the hard conversations, conflict, sharing, and breakthroughs happened during our group time. The table was definitely sacred space! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHqAl3koL2BzlSJdIZ067RZcNpGO7JuEMabJtR6OVD2ju2uoArQ3gSMwSSXoiDNAt9XuokfQkNvF2-Dv7TijUZxQVGR_RT89TOpdO0uaVKKmr3APrwJR-U82fMnvxr-hqo3sQWg/s1600-h/PICT0435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHqAl3koL2BzlSJdIZ067RZcNpGO7JuEMabJtR6OVD2ju2uoArQ3gSMwSSXoiDNAt9XuokfQkNvF2-Dv7TijUZxQVGR_RT89TOpdO0uaVKKmr3APrwJR-U82fMnvxr-hqo3sQWg/s400/PICT0435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142224851794167826" /></a><br />My friends Christina and Sarah came to graduation to support me. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRueXnrl8oHKs8ZdEwnyI2DHjDUhfdJsFFdIb41wlLYVivMSuRHR7uIMVzmd0__UYgUEaBGNbgxzlqocUmnJqCm3ADWKpVBcHWymva8ASYzJl6sMdq95AVYrwVvP1w0l1rzffc9A/s1600-h/PICT0431.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRueXnrl8oHKs8ZdEwnyI2DHjDUhfdJsFFdIb41wlLYVivMSuRHR7uIMVzmd0__UYgUEaBGNbgxzlqocUmnJqCm3ADWKpVBcHWymva8ASYzJl6sMdq95AVYrwVvP1w0l1rzffc9A/s400/PICT0431.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142229670747473954" /></a><br />This is Cheri--my fabulous supervisor and I. She shared an amazingly calming presence in the midst of all the chaos. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwo5Fgs_xdRg1JyUKavEPDybFpp782TWRq48oDhEEBST1nGLG4ogDrR9cmyUSkJv_OYpbgJvvoPP-R9CNxtMsSdBLSQFqNgPyDmg469K8wnpD9sEe2K_4XBHdb2bh5BNR11xcyg/s1600-h/PICT0434.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwo5Fgs_xdRg1JyUKavEPDybFpp782TWRq48oDhEEBST1nGLG4ogDrR9cmyUSkJv_OYpbgJvvoPP-R9CNxtMsSdBLSQFqNgPyDmg469K8wnpD9sEe2K_4XBHdb2bh5BNR11xcyg/s400/PICT0434.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142230014344857650" /></a><br />Although with Cheri the chaplain interns were fortunate to have several other staff chaplains to lead and assist us. The staff chaplain I worked with most was Deacon Mike. He is an ordained deacon in the Catholic church. He and I would do visits together sometimes and it was so neat to minister to a patient with both of our perspectives together. He also helped me remember and relearn some of my Spanish, I now have a great cheat sheet of the common Catholic prayers in Spanish to pray with someone. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3iRDLr_vJC7ouKPBkjE-P0-yOfo_RM0zIW_a8oPZboYriPtrXsi82KvNjsRaUVmFgce5V6kLD6T-L36nV2_dNxaVOks16YBJN9-FuZ17v2_F2OHELJDrCTwsKl0T0YXUcvYlxQ/s1600-h/PICT0433.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3iRDLr_vJC7ouKPBkjE-P0-yOfo_RM0zIW_a8oPZboYriPtrXsi82KvNjsRaUVmFgce5V6kLD6T-L36nV2_dNxaVOks16YBJN9-FuZ17v2_F2OHELJDrCTwsKl0T0YXUcvYlxQ/s400/PICT0433.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142230250568058946" /></a><br />I formed a different relationship with each of my group members, but I grew particularly close to the two women in the group. Darenda and I often shared meals together. Here we are for one final meal at the Huntington Gardens. Darenda is now back in Austin where she lives with her family. Carol finished up her fourth unit of CPE and was a welcomed and needed voice of experience in our group. She also grew to be a fun friend to have. On Thanksgiving she invited me to join her family for a fabulous meal. Here's Carol and I having a celebratory sushi lunch on our last day of CPE. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdrfUNNe0CTHtwofgiqKigmqOcNfRIx_3plOaw7Il7nEf4mmIDWXmLs4NeyhWHjbzpA11ixY4hmYodrsCe_0_zHPiwBEipV26jmYz2rWtBt-jtik1tnGRej5cVfUkSvTPE_BILQ/s1600-h/PICT0430.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdrfUNNe0CTHtwofgiqKigmqOcNfRIx_3plOaw7Il7nEf4mmIDWXmLs4NeyhWHjbzpA11ixY4hmYodrsCe_0_zHPiwBEipV26jmYz2rWtBt-jtik1tnGRej5cVfUkSvTPE_BILQ/s400/PICT0430.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142230564100671570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjVwTToxwDVCN6OacbTt5lrxOG1BmVuiGSC0PSY77v4vXsq8dCPOv0xeaGTqxhqmVKNwlrSpCmenml0gJ-tkNs1Nrui4impK13wRN6bwAHPi8KzepHH2Xv-LFiyJl0X5eA_u1Yw/s1600-h/PICT0005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjVwTToxwDVCN6OacbTt5lrxOG1BmVuiGSC0PSY77v4vXsq8dCPOv0xeaGTqxhqmVKNwlrSpCmenml0gJ-tkNs1Nrui4impK13wRN6bwAHPi8KzepHH2Xv-LFiyJl0X5eA_u1Yw/s400/PICT0005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142231667907266658" /></a><br />Finally, here's a picture of our 3 male chaplains...Magdy, Bruce, and Darren. They are each so, so different--but so much fun in their own ways. There were definitely lots of many laughs and shared memories in these three months--and I am thankful for getting to know each of these people. It was a beautiful thing!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d1iwIzLu1dFrjq9b2H175kkKSrPFn5rU0dIxDDBfMi0-nrC7Z4cgyAnVUH0isXUUvAANdJf9BMkSxZ7LAtXtDcvyY4jFR2l_7acR6narrOX32F_cMVl7R2dJrn-A0k0mRs2EgQ/s1600-h/PICT0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d1iwIzLu1dFrjq9b2H175kkKSrPFn5rU0dIxDDBfMi0-nrC7Z4cgyAnVUH0isXUUvAANdJf9BMkSxZ7LAtXtDcvyY4jFR2l_7acR6narrOX32F_cMVl7R2dJrn-A0k0mRs2EgQ/s400/PICT0004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142232140353669234" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-84425392118537705762007-12-04T21:47:00.000-08:002007-12-04T21:59:08.000-08:00BittersweetToday I saw my last patient at the hospital. We still have 3 days left at the hospital--all wrap up stuff and goodbyes, but no more patient visits. For my last day of patient care, it was quite an eventful one! I had never responded to a "Code Blue" before (an announcement over the hospital speaker saying that a patient is in cardiac arrest and the code team needs to respond) but I had to respond to not one, but two today. Thankfully both patients ended up okay. Even with all the trauma of the day... I was very sad to say goodbye to my last patient. I tell my unit staffs goodbye on Thursday and that will be even harder as I've grown attached to some of the staff and loved being a part of a team so big. All that to say is that I am so grateful for this opportunity that I've had at Methodist but it's sad to end.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-40074627197351045542007-11-23T16:36:00.000-08:002007-12-01T11:04:20.557-08:00Thanksgiving A-Z 2007Last year for the first time I created a list of things I was thankful for in the year 2006 going from A-Z. It was a really neat exercise and way to reflect--so I decided to continue this tradition with 2007. <br /><br />Arcadia Methodist Hospital: The past 3 months I have been a full time chaplain at Methodist. It has been a life changing experience--growing me more than I have in my entire life. Methodist has given me the space and people to grow and transform with. Here's a picture of my group (minus Carol) out for dinner on our special CPE field trip to see Wicked. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShIVhLnqHc6F66j3JJDoCZQNX2WVq7Vg7NPBhvP0lL0OQg5O3vOvddffz_mO3XDKg7Ds2K3ayCG49MPwn4Piqi7Vy85xZr9uPe6wxCr5qOpct1KOMZlrrKaFC3YaSda2NFRxtZg/s1600-r/PICT0427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JIgAmE9SFUcP3CWH0zoO110VedF4oFN9PbWEcJz3jOpfcBNa_Ki5L95p2mnTPs0VN4vJkmZQH6GovyC3-zEKzD5Rd5aEGwSM-rndd-JjqOi-7r-eB5CH5pALH4Lwe5MVVkDM2A/s400/PICT0427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138887834003867522" /></a><br />Bible: Yes, I have been thankful for the Bible before--but this year I have a new appreciation for it. After failing the Bible Content Exam in February I made the resolution to actually read the Bible straight-through from beginning to end. Each night I've tried to read about 20 minutes of it, I've made it to the middle of Isaiah. Who knows if reading it will actually help me pass the exam--whether I do or not, I've been so blessed and enriched at getting a bigger picture of the stories and themes that God continually tells in Scripture. Those 20 minutes at night have become one of my favorite parts of the day!<br /><br />Curly Hair: I tried a new hairdresser that told me I have curly hair. I responded to him, I know that...I just can't control it. He gave me some product so now, if I choose I can wet my hair, put some product in, and walk out the door in 5 minutes. After struggling with straightners, hairdryers, and spending way too much time in the bathroom trying to tame my curly hair; I am now embracing it, and waking up later and that, is a beautiful thing!<br /><br />Discernment: Since coming to Fuller I've been anxious about what's next for me... This year I feel like I've been given a bit more discernment in that. Through my Reformed Worship class, church and Presbytery people, and CPE, I feel like God is pointing me to continue to the next phase of the ordination process to become a candidate. And while that still leaves a wide open door of many options after graduation I feel more peace about my future than before. <br /><br />Emergent: I took an Ethics class this summer in which part of studied the ethic of the Emerging Church. I had previously written off the Emerging Church, but in taking this class I have a new found respect for many of the values of the Emergent Movement. I am still deeply committed to the PC(USA) denomination and was curious at how to reconcile the two. I was thankful to find a movement that dialogues between the two--check it out at www.presbymergent.com<br /><br />Fine wine and good friends: This year I've expanded my taste buds to liking wine. And in that, I've discovered how much fun dinner parties are with good friends, good wine, and good food. This fall a group of us started a weekly potluck to watch the TV show Beauty and the Greek. We each take an aspect of the meal every week and rotate hosting at each others' apartments. I look forward to that time each week anticipating the laughs and moments of sharing that I know I'll find during potluck. <br /><br />Gardens: My biggest complaint about LA (and I really don't have many) is that there is no good places to frolic. I need a place that is open, filled with nature, that just inspires one to frolic. For my birthday/Christmas present two friends combined their resources and got me a membership to the Huntington Gardens. It is an absolutely gorgeous place. It has been my haven--place to go read amongst the trees, smell beautiful roses, and drink the best tea I've ever had. Doesn't this look like a great place to frolic?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrzEicU_aURcwDIkRtqwMXge2-pHvoMvFPmEKX6kqwFuX_AaHpslOSawTestN2KwD6PJYFl1efkX2ZAz5J7vErP9XqCGgr0ol6jWN5Ax9IBAP-1kRqdMPwGbEUZLUVgnXVUuKnw/s1600-r/huntingtongardens.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2E2HRD7JtSsK_W50ChbvpSpypi1evbRSAJ9k69_KD4-jgGUfANOTNThWcJYXKYL-zjXqMFOr1kjodGN3jlV78ktSkuOh6tD3ibZQn37rIKo2SzwS9nTPP9tZ7sN3f-uwM4hBU4A/s400/huntingtongardens.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138889058069546898" /></a><br />House Sitting: This year several families from my church have temporarily employed me to house sit and dog sit. While my apartment is spacious--nothing beats the feeling of a home in the suburbs (it's the part of me that misses Richmond). The other perk is I get paid to hang out with adorable dogs! My most frequent job is dog sitting for a beautiful golden retriever named Mack. This is a picture of Mack's owners--two adorable kids in a family that I've loved getting to know over the past year from San Marino. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi65WKYVwHlxjBzDAMZIa6oMwBdm9Ddtk4jloq8C2EmDe8HQVoCfu7AVjxu-taqa7qxOIBNDIQlbZ82TeHk9MrTIaGyEb79ew1reI2LAxLmWMQRqEpNkQlRFg0UzOng4PcRGCZA/s1600-r/PICT0384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rc7w7NaR08Vvsn3AyqInFGLtTHwS6rAEaX7PrvU0ENshJSgLqgL22xpwwlIAOXBbdkBb8fMxWa3KuePXiiC8xSA2Xhke9cI_ntxIBsoD70hyphenhyphenudLcvFH0pyUcsboNmWEG6goAXg/s400/PICT0384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138890337969801122" /></a><br />International cuisine: Ever since I had surgery over a year ago--I get so much joy trying new types of food. One of the things that is so wonderful about the culture of LA is the varieties of international foods. On a junior high mission trip that I helped lead this spring I had the chance to try Nicaraguan and Armenian. During Oktoberfest I had some good German food. And while it's not that exotic of a food--I have fallen in love with sushi. And of course, I'll go for some good Thai anytime. <br />I feel blessed to live in such a diverse city.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYNpgM5vrAWfDK-85rS00o2kV95I1XYULERvaqG9Jf1cfDFRv1pCx4y8-szqZTltNVx53fDgmwrm89WQjWNNaHg-jm5rBE7CfuXRSu77iH6stfpEAtW9kmO3trCCkbXR_2JrZkg/s1600-r/PICT0110.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLMz9yAbeLs8GChHPSTIagTJh7eVO9ooRKOrgDOC4EhDjwRS0FtPW8DAli8mVH-l0LZiS8yKdlrCgPcLL8DHgfGtOseJOvm6HuPUL16k4jTrwz_7zJaEuApAHUeWT73x3tIcnzA/s400/PICT0110.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139072805360404434" /></a><br />Julie and Amy: While at Fuller I went through an experience that most go through during college--living with roommates. This past year I've had two roommates--I lived with Julie for a little over a year, and Amy took her place in September. It's fun to get to know a person in the way only a roommate can--and I feel fortunate to have had each of them. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0x5HWFslZKs9_uKNyvfmC3LVDq9bbdIKxbpECILSrAJel9WDSoW2BB_AJgd5qpMpSADyVpA6O4Pm6X1wX6X6fpkTsJDbUcBPcPs3YMJgGjSCVeZXX3tRt_ZQuHRwm1xhWhwXSw/s1600-r/julie+and+i+at+ikea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0QB7Wrlz51PPXgfpH9yFfjkXzHRfRW7UIsKvIr1n8bW0F92aOmrTsJXa050MqV8-Vydac3jud0FTn4rqFcg37X7JI6FmjJX-9Z_0oDy8m9LIeCI2mibBlJNLCY-BkZcg1Y24LA/s400/julie+and+i+at+ikea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139080879898920930" /></a><br />Kilometers—Five Kilometers: I made a goal with myself after surgery that I would run a 5k--it took me a year to actually do it, but I did it in August. Finishing the 5k was exhilarating and I got hooked. Since the 5k in August I have run two more. It has kept me in shape and got me started on what I've found to be a great stress reducing habit. I have found one of the best remedies after a long day to get on the treadmill and run hard. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkqUq8xouekfiaXgs70ry03QVbF9pqaDacPFHFwhk5ckSDpbo0kFZMARMccT_SUpAyMPoOq6U3hXiwYSO4xcdqozhau37PdmbvZYamGIhMKccvAPvSjz97JWSwt4S2m2cmRk2Bw/s1600-r/me+5k.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihYBVcu2EOVMj31Wnd4ccFOPNmp-FuxIDaIsRm2YMyZWAS04vPEh_vIn1T0kO-8CCCbEHV9QeJwsov25jJI1U10kLHKv9BtD1m_zby1m6eGEBOjGPMSC2NOSzpomE-IWCAO_FWw/s400/me+5k.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139081489784276978" /></a><br />Life-giving: One of my fellow chaplains constantly asks us to try and name what we consider life-giving. Having thought about it in the past 3 months I have found myself very thankful to be able to have resources of places, people, and activities that are life-giving--many of which are named on this list. <br /><br />Macs: In September I made a huge switch--after years of having PCs, I bought my first Mac! I used Apple's Back to School deal and got a free IPod and Printer in addition to a nice discount off my Macbook. I have loved the simplicity, speed, and large numbers of possibilities that I'm discovering on my Macbook. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyiahj0VsmcPKiyXyjEqlJxsJ_vEybK3JmrTlOYSuTeCw4b-9SPERndZLSbSSZ82gLPF3Q4GeQyYs7-FNvwSYiQ2URdl2ocw58ANJBAU0eeIb3FgMtl12xj1qxL8-WRV5NUmyow/s1600-r/PICT0393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NZZ9YW_RuIAYUe6x8hesOQUp19NRVUAW3fTCrAsAy1nmRr8JXHZD41tjpPW8ImNC56wzGg7yQHJTS7hixvPKYzgbjLwe5H24pcoCH4FGlBsTuljZzd5pQt3ITLenhd86S43MoQ/s400/PICT0393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139082202748848130" /></a><br />New Uses for Paint: There are many walls in my apartment. In order to cover some of these wall--Julie created her own artwork. I loved this idea and gave myself and 3 friends--Becca, Sophie, and Sarah blank canvases and paints. It was so neat to see what we all came up with and now I have a beautiful display on my bedroom wall. Becca created another painting for me for Valentine's Day--the verse John 3:16 written in Greek, English, and Latin. That is on my kitchen wall. <br /><br />Opportunities to decorate: In addition to the homemade paintings I've enjoyed buying things for my apartment. One of the most fun purchases that I needed to make was dishes. I spent at least 45 minutes in the Target dish aisle to pick a set out. There is something empowering about deciding how I want my space to look like. <br /><br />Pointy Toed Shoes: I received a letter a few months prior to starting my internship at the hospital outlining the chaplain dress code. For women that means, a suit everyday and close toed shoes. I knew that finding suits and shoes would be quite a challenge for my oddly sized body so I set out early. Surprisingly I found the suits easily and got them to the tailor right away to be altered. The harder part was finding shoes. One day Becca and I went to every story in the mall and could not find size 4 professional dress shoes. A few days later when I vented about this to Robin (who is also 4'11'') she mentioned that there was a shoes store in Houston that specialized in selling odd sized shoes. Ironically, I had a trip planned to Houston a week later in which Robin had picked out 2 beautiful pairs of size 4 shoes--just in time to start my internship. Those shoes have been with me all 3 months, and I've learned that wearing pointy toed shoes seriously builds confidence. <br /><br />Quiddith: Years ago when the first Harry Potter books were written I read Books 1,2, and 3. I lost interest in reading the rest of the books once I started college. I had enough reading--why would I read for fun? This summer as all the frenzy about the release of the final Harry Potter book was building I decided to try reading the books again. In two weeks this summer I read Books 4, 5, 6, and 7. And I was one of those people who reserved my Book 7 ahead of time at Borders and picked it up the day it was released. This summer I am thankful to have escaped into the wonderful world of Hogwarts. <br /><br />Robin: When I attended Cursillo in November 2006, Robin was the weekend moderator and later I found out she was my prayer partner. She and I clicked during the weekend and have stayed in touch since Cursillo sending each other frequent long emails. I have also stayed with Robin and her family three times this year as I traveled to Houston for Cursillo events. Her sweet prayers, advice, and friendship are a huge blessing to me. <br /><br />Selah: This April I led a group of middle school youth on a mission trip to downtown LA. It was a slightly chaotic trip with lots of group dynamics to think about and jam packed days of service sites. But the devotional material for the weekend that I used taught about the Hebrew word "Selah"--to pause. If you read throughout the Psalms you will notice that "selah" is frequently used. As I continuously told the kids to slow down and "selah" I realized that God was teaching me to "selah." It never amazes me the lessons that I learn in those quiet moments of pausing. At one point the kids drew on their hands reminders to "selah." <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQoN-SHm-LGwUalGnBrz3c2hbWyig5_DFIGP06aE1JVHBAfN7hClpIma5SjTxpb3zL5d2YKsVHjNiq7Ben86DJfX2aaA7zFpG_DiifdHGBBqSSMQdHnwoBYfhXXyU5b5pAaMijA/s1600-r/PICT0117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SuFfKVX7KSyXc-DZJLmR-2pCBBL2dp3wVqnr290Zw7dfNGxDdcyxObwSFEU2r2f2TWQQeld-HNlKeZEC7P33PSr5m3AgadxPHDqM-WvOa6YTQricN1Th7VvA7DdHaIb_gI8ePA/s400/PICT0117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138893593555011506" /></a><br /><br />Triple A: During one week this fall I had a flat tire, a car battery die, and my check engine light go on. The flat tire happened first and thankfully I made it to my job at the hospital and used a friend's Triple A membership to get the spare tire put on while I worked. Two days later I was shocked at 11:30pm when my car wouldn't start. After getting a ride back from a friend, I signed up for Triple A online and they came the next morning to the hospital parking lot and put a new battery in my car. And a few days later when my check engine light came on, they drove out to the house I was at and looked the car over and deemed it okay to drive. Car problems are never fun and I recognize my ignorance at how to fix cars, but now I am thankful for the resource of Triple A!<br /><br />Unlimited to do lists: Sometimes my brain is a bit scattered but this year I discovered a way to help that scatter--to do lists! I found that if I woke up each day and had written reminders and tasks for myself that I was much more productive. So now, when times get busy I have a new strategy that seems to be working well, to do lists!<br /><br />Vists to Houston: I made 3 visits to Houston this year. While all 3 visits were Cursillo related events, it was the community there that keeps making me go back. The relationships I have in Houston are unlike anything I've ever had before--and for that I am thankful and wishing that Houston wasn't 2,000 miles away. Here's a fun sign that Robin's kids made for me welcoming me to Houston...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6NMnlhuKdj6DsLN3Esi9RJvsv6YmXElymvxlYAvOQHrxGNtM_blV-TohdKm-uBRC3MLqL4tF3bFIFeCAaGkiTFwj5lALYtUYFBQsnnCqDwG4pA3jqHZP4kR3_ThMOhgbuiXboQ/s1600-r/PICT0383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFzO511tHdKbI1k9ZuzlY6-LTUInyyv6aNSMFQjPWSfMhi8_6KdS-TnUNwtWX2J3xRB19A9lSEFfPiYyDyy_cmJoMDI-YC4uAKhootiecmCWmAQbgZXJrQ8Zk7rsWvL4jydCwDw/s400/PICT0383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138896600032118722" /></a><br /><br />Wicked: For my birthday I went to see my first Broadway Musical ever--Wicked. Since my birthday I have seen the show two more times and listened to the soundtrack countless times. I love the story--a beautiful tale of transformation and redemption; the music--powerful lyrics and very talented singers; and set--absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend it. <br /><br />X-rays: X-rays have shown me this year that I am still healthy post surgery in August 2006. Life without Crohn's Disease is one of the biggest things that I am thankful for!!! Good health is a blessing. <br /><br />Young Life: Around March I took a job as the Logistics Director of the Student Leadership Project. It's a partnership between Young Life and Fuller Seminary. I worked with Chap, a professor at Fuller, in planning the details for 30+ Young Life high school juniors who attended a leadership development two week camp. It was an absolutely blast to be a part of such a great organization. I am starting to work on the details for next summer's camp now. <br /><br />Zephyr's: Okay, this is my one repeat from last year--but I have to be thankful again for Zephyr's. Because without it--and another coffee shop--Beantown, I would have a very, very hard time getting my schoolwork done. So I am thankful that I have a haven--outside of the Fuller library to be productive.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-54877184665925522852007-10-28T15:11:00.000-07:002007-10-28T15:34:21.491-07:00Happy EndingsI’ve had some time away from the hospital this week and that has given me some much needed to both rest and reflect. As I was driving to church this morning I thought about a party that I think summarizes a lot of my reflection. A friend of mine had invited me to go to a Halloween party hosted by some friends of hers. "Wear my fanta costume another time, sure!" I thought. Just before we left for the party she said, “oh yeah, it’s an AA Halloween party.” That perked my curiosity, an AA party... But leaving the party I felt rejuvenated. The party was a blast—there were couples, families with children, and singles all dressed in their finest Halloween attire. I loved watching people interact. Some of them called each other special names—“sober Suzanne” or brother and sister. In interacting with them it was clear that they knew deep intimate facts about one another—each other’s histories, hardships, joys… And I knew that they were supporting one another in this journey to become healthier people. While I'm sure that AA is not an easy process--seeing this was a joyous thing. A group of people helping each other and leaning on God to have happier endings. <br /><br />Happy endings. Back in September, that’s what I said that I was most not excited about CPE. I said—I like happy endings. The hospital doesn’t always have happy endings. Death. Losing one’s independence. Chronic sickness. I have learned that life isn’t always happy endings, and I need to accept that. And sometimes things that don't seem like happy endings to me really are happy endings to others. The AA party was so exciting to me because I saw people actively headed towards a more whole lifestyle. And there are many in the hospital that are actively working towards more whole lifestyles. But there are also those that are not. It was a huge contrast—the party signified life to me, not death. But God gave us both life and death. The quote from Ray Anderson hit me again. To paraphrase him he said that, “love has to be big enough to encompass the tragic.” He went on to say that when a person is born, it is inevitable that a person will die. A birth means another grave must be dug. Wow. What an unpleasant picture. What a truthful picture. And this image was reinforced as I was doing my nightly devotion time last night. Ecclesiastes 3:20 says, “all come from dust and to dust all return.” This is reality. I hate this reality sometimes. But this is reality. I trying to make my love bigger to encompass the tragic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-28451586608348583592007-10-20T15:22:00.000-07:002007-10-20T15:46:23.965-07:00HalfwayOn Monday I begin week 6 of my CPE internship. I haven't blogged since I started because a. I haven't had a lot of time and b. it is hard to really put into words my experience of the last 5 weeks. I'll try my best to put an update in a few tidbits...<br /><br />--A large part of CPE is group time. We meet 3 times a week for several hours to go over written reflections and encourage and challenge one another. I am in a diverse group of people...myself, another twenty something, a 67 year old, and then 3 coworkers that have 24 year old daughters. There are 3 women and 3 men and we are facilited by a supervisor. I was concerned at how the age difference would play out but it turns out that I could not ask for a better group. We all have our differences but in the end it's a really safe space to try new things and process what we are doing on the hospital floors. <br /><br />--I am the chaplain for 2 units: a floor that has patients that need to be monitored at all times but aren't serious enough to be in ICU--it's kind of a catch all unit; and a rehabilitation unit. It's been fun to get to know the staffs on both units-I am continually amazed by the hard work of nurses! On my catch all floor the patients leave every couple days so I rarely see them more than once. But on my rehab unit patients stay around 2 weeks...sometimes more. Yesterday I celebrated with a patient that had been in rehab for 6 weeks--she had been there longer than I had. While I enjoy being a chaplain on the catch all floor I have to admit I love the rehab unit because I can get to know the patients and their families so much better. <br /><br />--I also am on call about once a week--a time when I get called in no matter what hour of the day. So far there haven't been any middle of the night calls but I'm betting I'll have at least one before it's over. <br /><br />--I totally see why CPE is required for all PCUSA ordination canidates. I have been confronted in dealing with issues including--death, terminal illness, bioethic end of life issues, growing old... It hasn't been easy for me to deal with the stuff but I do realize that all of these things are facts of life. I was reading over my systematic theology notes from Ray Anderson and he said that "love has to be big enough to encompass the tragic...realize that when a baby is born then it is inevitable that that baby will be a person who will die." It's not a pleasant image but it is realistic... So I do feel like I am being prepared to be in ministry and also be a more whole person in general. <br /><br />--There are many more things I could share... patients that have touched my heart, situations that have pushed me more than I could have ever imagined, putting my theology into practice, and the development of my professional and pastoral identities... But for now I want to celebrate that I am halfway done, and that, my friends, is exciting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-74760344241454590682007-09-19T21:14:00.001-07:002007-09-19T21:24:46.915-07:00A New SeasonSince I bought my Mac I haven't had the time to figure out how to work IPhoto--and thus I don't have the ability to post pictures of my trip to Houston for y'all. Hopefully soon though! The quick summary of it: I spent Sept 11-17 at a beautiful camp outside Houston, TX called "Cho-Yeh" staffing Houston Presbyterian Cursillo (HPC) 47. It was a weekend filled with tears, new friends, many many laughs, lots of singing, and a reminder and refresher of how amazing God's love for me and others is. I came back from TX physically exhausted but feeling incredibly renewed spiritually. I also returned with much encouragement and confidence that I am in a great place along this crazy journey of seminary and discernment of what's next. <br /><br />This was a good place to start my hospital chaplaincy...and that's exactly what I did the day after I flew in. I began a 3 month full time internship at Arcardia Methodist Hospital. It has been a complete switch in change of environment...new people, new place, new schedule, even new clothes. The first two days have been good--all orientation and training. I already can tell, though, that this is the beginning of a new season for me. The internship is intense--already we have discussed some of our deepest anxieties and fears and tomorrow we visit the morgue. I feel like this is a time when I will be faced with huge opportunities to grow and be changed. My prayer is that I will be continually open in my heart and mind to whatever is thrust my direction.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-57309057873637902252007-09-11T07:36:00.000-07:002007-09-11T07:36:44.861-07:00The longest to-do list...Between August 21-Sept 10 I had to:<br /><br />--Memorize Directory of Worship of Book of Order, take final<br />--Ethics Reading and Journal Reflections<br />--Ethics Research Paper<br />--23 Systematic Theology Lectures<br />--A worship reflection paper<br />--Reformed Worship Reading Log<br />--Reformed Worship Journal<br />--2 Systematic Papers to write<br /><br />And not to mention the preparation I needed to do for Cursillo, my upcoming internship, and general life tasks... I made myself a schedule and organized it so I can get it all done by the 10th before I flew to TX. Now, as I'm about to fly out--I'm happy to say that the entire to do list was done except for one systematics paper--which isn't due till December anyways. <br /><br />It has not been the most exciting couple of weeks to say the least! But, I did try to have a good balance of fun things in the midst of the schoolwork so I did't completely go insane. Part of that fun including buying a new computer...a Mac! The new computer is a very needed and welcomed change! Only thing is that I'm still learning how to use it--and I'm still organizing my pictures--therefore I can't post pictures on my blog of other fun adventures of the last two weeks. But they are coming later. <br /><br />For now, I'm off to staff Cursillo. I fly back in on the 17th and on the morning of the 18th I begin my hospital chaplain internship. Lots to come I'm sure!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-77555475969181989012007-08-24T08:46:00.000-07:002007-08-24T08:58:15.335-07:00Here's to health!1 year ago today I was having surgery to take out part of my intestines. I had been struggling with Chron's Disease since I was 13 and I needed surgery. The doctors told me that there was a 50% chance that I would never have to have surgery again or a 50% chance that I would have it again, as soon as in 6 months. Regardless of the odds, I left the hospital in celebration.<br /><br />And that celebration has continued for me throughout this year. Hooray for eating anything I want....including spicy curries, sushi, all kinds of new raw veggies, nuts, everything that ends in -ito, and corn on the cobb! Hooray for not taking so many pills a day! And hooray for having enough energy and stamina to run a 5k! All of those things continue to remind of what a blessing health is. This year has passed without any issues with my stomach--Praise the Lord!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-82666690909191065592007-08-22T18:05:00.000-07:002007-08-22T21:03:37.481-07:00Welcome 2 (to) H-Town!After a brief delay from tropical storm Erin, I flew into Houston, TX Thursday night. I was flying in for training for the upcoming September Cursillo weekend and also using my time in Houston to spend with friends. The training time went very smoothly and made me very excited to serve with this superb team in September. I'll keep y'all posted on how that weekend goes.<br /><br />The best gift of being in Houston was being able to see members of my Cursillo family in TX. It boggles my mind to be a part of a community that spans 2,000 miles! I visited fellow Fuller student and Cursillo friend Barbara at her house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJNkLyrXCMqWF58ZPDP9GoF63NeKbNiztZJACNWW94NaN9CT1U8y0ePUBGDVwRl1P9NgYH0sHtF60PN79psPyVNDJHfGS7SStiFrgP9sv-Q9wVNQIc47jAgkCP3-R5sGUW9hMFQ/s1600-h/PICT0379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJNkLyrXCMqWF58ZPDP9GoF63NeKbNiztZJACNWW94NaN9CT1U8y0ePUBGDVwRl1P9NgYH0sHtF60PN79psPyVNDJHfGS7SStiFrgP9sv-Q9wVNQIc47jAgkCP3-R5sGUW9hMFQ/s400/PICT0379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101696494988712050" border="0" /></a>After spending much time with Barbara in CA when she came to take classes it was very fun to see her house, meet her kids, and play with her adorable dog Candy. I've decided that when I get a dog--I am getting a pug. How can anyone resist these brown eyes???<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYGE16nijWkI0F6IccZhtuirkl5vNNk2bx-8t-oRYNlVfEm9WSc_6bYj-SHdKa2ydirni2ZOSHK6jRGgeaVnTmU26ZqJA_fqJr77pNKVLKdwlpdFo7MNribB7ROswBXdFmicH7A/s1600-h/PICT0377.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYGE16nijWkI0F6IccZhtuirkl5vNNk2bx-8t-oRYNlVfEm9WSc_6bYj-SHdKa2ydirni2ZOSHK6jRGgeaVnTmU26ZqJA_fqJr77pNKVLKdwlpdFo7MNribB7ROswBXdFmicH7A/s400/PICT0377.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101698736961640594" border="0" /></a>I stayed with Robin--a woman that I connected with during my participant Cursillo weekend back in November. She and I have stayed closely in touch since then. She has become an amazing blessing to me! Robin and her husband Rusty were gracious enough to open their house up to me even though they had just moved homes the day I flew in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yjXmpsfczS_kRHcxb2MG4FK4wpJoKcgDTTkQiK8fnXuj3yvWxjBf8tZqU5mvqrJDQvg9ORQFtBnxAosPbVrw75azPW2s2xxNFNDZIaMZYtGorbSAIxbjF3NwiLtCM9cQ75-E4g/s1600-h/PICT0382.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yjXmpsfczS_kRHcxb2MG4FK4wpJoKcgDTTkQiK8fnXuj3yvWxjBf8tZqU5mvqrJDQvg9ORQFtBnxAosPbVrw75azPW2s2xxNFNDZIaMZYtGorbSAIxbjF3NwiLtCM9cQ75-E4g/s400/PICT0382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101696920190474370" border="0" /></a>Here are the her kids--Alyssa, Sarah, Bethany, and the cat Tigger. It was lots of fun getting to know the girls more. They made me some lovely signs above the guest bed welcoming me 2 (to) H-town. :) I spent much time that weekend playing card games, playing Polly Pocket, and getting updates on 7th Heaven. All in all, I had an absolutely wonderful, relaxing, and much needed vacation in Houston.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbB1EQiVB83MTL__YaQrZi-PT-lUeyCLBFfCnxKH_w8ybXs102hh3neZCRWV9FiLk3qCA3Y-beE5HIugbVu-l72P-gOMQV8rUb0jnPIlgUNbYFoC3T4QZrWri2U4FZA3Zxd7kjA/s1600-h/PICT0381.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbB1EQiVB83MTL__YaQrZi-PT-lUeyCLBFfCnxKH_w8ybXs102hh3neZCRWV9FiLk3qCA3Y-beE5HIugbVu-l72P-gOMQV8rUb0jnPIlgUNbYFoC3T4QZrWri2U4FZA3Zxd7kjA/s320/PICT0381.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /><br /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18070343.post-84886321926546058652007-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:002007-08-12T14:19:45.552-07:00Walking the TightropeYesterday I went business suit shopping. My experience business suit shopping was a disaster. I went in and out of almost every women's clothing store in the Santa Anita mall to find the same situation--no suits at an affordable price to fit my body. I gave up and went to Ann Taylor Loft the next day to find that the first suit I tried on--fit!<br /><br />My first experience wearing a business suit was awkward. I felt a bit out of place in my own clothes--too professional and formal for my own comfort. The second time I wore my suit I felt a bit more myself. And the third time I wore my suit I found myself even liking my clothes. So yesterday, I tried the business suit shopping again. It took less than an hour to find two suits. I knew what I needed, knew how they would fit, and even got excited at the thought of having to wear a business suit every day! I realized that I've become more comfortable at thinking of myself as a professional and dressing like one...<br /><br />My friends and I talk a lot about what makes someone an adult. In my youth ministry classes we learn about the "tightrope" of adolescence. And developmentally, one does not leave that tightrope until at least age 25. But really, what constitutes being an adult? Is it being comfortable in wearing a business suit? Is it being married? Or having kids? How about having a career you love? Is it being completely financially independent? I can name a person that fits each of those descriptions but isn't what I consider an adult. I don't really have an answer to my question...I guess it's just something that happens organically. Whatever it is, I know that I'm still learning about who I am, and hopefully one day I'll get off the tightrope. Until then, I'm going to continue to enjoy the journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1