Cake

Something I started a long time ago.... (May 6th of 2009)


Can we have our cake and eat it too?

I volunteer at Easterby Elementary School doing outreach with Saturday Sports in a poorer section of Fresno.
I also have spent many hours volunteering at Neighborhood Thrift yet.....delighting in the fact that I live in a safe & affluent neighborhood.
Thinking these thoughts,
am I being hypocritical/inconsistent/insensitive?
Does this mindframe make my volunteering any less valuable or leave impressions in kingdom work without a kingdom life?
Am I living too simply?

Over the last few months my goal, anthem, and theme has been to: Simply Live.


Simply Live
Reading in Ephesians one day, I realized something I wasn't doing right. Although I was living, and living a life for God, I needed to adjust my focus. I needed to: live a life worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1). I needed to simply live.
Not necessarily live simply, but simply live. Live a life worthy of God's call of a life for Him. And that my dear, is simple. Not quite easy or uncomplicated, but not impossible or unachievable. And because of that, I can simply live. I must simply live

Polka dots and Moonbeams

mmm... this song just hits the spot!

A country dance was being held in a garden
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream

The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream

There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more

Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream

mm, mm, mm-mm-mm!

For a late & light dinner, I had:
-a leftover potsticker with rice & veggies   and
-strawberry yogurt with some blueberries, strawberries, and cranberry, almond, cluster cereal all from Trader Joes.
yum!
so light, refreshing, yummy, and healthy!

WSM

Oh those three little letters. There are so many thoughts and memories wrapped up into that little acronym. sigh

I am involved with WSM (Well Student Ministries) and I am slowly starting to help lead a life group (Bible study) for junior and seniors in our high school group.
And although I have not been with WSM for very long, I have gotten to know my group of junior & senior girls pretty well.

While we have had many girls come and go, some consistent, some not so consistent, I have had a blast seeing God work in their lives.

Tonight was a fun time of reflecting, reviewing, giving advice, and honoring our graduating seniors & our three foreign exchange students. It was also definitely a time where I thought back to my senior night in high school. There was a lot of excitement finishing another school year, finally finishing high school, moving on to bigger and better, moving to another city to start college, and leaving the comfort, routine, and familiarity of home. Wow. The last few weeks of high school definitely included quite a handful of emotions!


Anyways, not that any of my girls will probably ever read this, but if you ever did, I want you to know that I am so grateful to have met you and get the chance to share life with you, and I will truly miss you next year Alex, Jenn, & Ally!
Good luck in your first year of college!
I know I certainly learned a lot during that first year! (which is definitely an understatement :) and I am so glad that I was fortunate enough to go to a school out of town just like two of you. My parents are huge supporters for me and I am so glad that you all have your parents' support and encouragement & finances to go into this next stage of life!
God has big things in store for all of you and knows how your first year out of high school will turn out- I urge you to continue following Him!

And now, onto the foreign exchange students who are returning to your home countries in a few weeks!
Tanya, Kristine, and Loretta, I am so glad that I met each of you, for every conversation we have had, and for the opportunity to live life with you!
Each one of you has taught myself and our group so very much about living in a foreign country, going to a new school, living with a new (and sometimes drastically different) family, about living in a completely foreign (for a lack of better words) environment, community, and world. You have taught us about God, your personal & host families, and about the struggle to live a 'normal' life far removed from your previous version of normal.
Thank you for stepping out in faith and choosing to live in the US, California, and in Fresno and Clovis.
Just as your lives will forever be changed by your time spent here in the US, my life will be changed from knowing you!

Lastly,
to all the junior, senior, and foreign exchange girls in our life group, Thanks!
Thank you for living with us, teaching us, and loving with us!
I have loved meeting every one of you and I am so thankful that God has placed you in WSM and in my life!
You are amazing, beautiful, and awesome girls and I thank God for each one of you!
You are a blessing, you are a gift, and you are a crazy amount of fun!

A few thoughts:

Hunger savors every dish.

and:


Luke 6:44-45
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

among other things....

among other things, these songs have taught, touched, and resonated within me for awhile.
enjoy :)
Sort Of, The House of God Forever, Grace Like Rain,
'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, Only You,  
O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing




oh my.
this song.
gets to me. every time.
the piano, the voice.
the melody, the harmony, the lyrics.
everything is beautiful & said quite loverly.

Sort Of  - Ingrid Michaelson

Baby you've got the sort of hands to rip me apart
And baby you've got the sort of face to start this old heart
But your eyes are warning me this early morning
That my love's too big for you my love

Baby you've got the sort of laugh that waters me
And makes me grow tall and strong and proud and flattens me
I find you stunning, but you are running me down
My love's too big for you my love
My love's too big for you my love

And if I was stronger then I would tell you no
And if I was stronger then I will leave this show
And if I was stronger then I would up and go
But here I am and here we go again

Baby you've got the sort of eyes that tell me tales
That your sort of mouth just will not say, the truth impales
That you don't need me, but you won't leave me
My love's too big for you my love
My love's too big for you my love

And if I was stronger then I would tell you no
And if I was stronger then I will leave this show
And if I was stronger then I would up and go
But here I am and here we go again

Tell me what to do to take away the you?

And if I was stronger then I would tell you no.
And if I was stronger then I will leave this show
And if I was stronger then I would up and go
But here I am and here we go again


The House of God Forever  - Jon Foreman

God is my shepherd
I won't be wanting
I won't be wanting
He makes me rest
In fields of green
With quite streams
Even though I walk
Through the valley
Of death and dying
I will not fear
'Cause you are with me
You are with me

Your shepherd staff
Comforts me
You are my feast
In the presence of enemy
Surely goodness
Follow me
Follow me
In the house of God, forever

God is my shepherd
I won't be wanting
I won't be wanting
He makes me rest
In fields of green
Like quiet streams
Even while I'm walking
Through the valley
Of death and dying
I will not fear
'Cause you are with me
You're always with me

Your shepherd staff
Comforts me
You are my feast
In the presence of enemy
Surely goodness
Follow me
Follow me
In the house of God, forever
In the house of God, forever
In the house of God, forever

Grace Like Rain  -  Todd Agnew

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly

Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun

Chorus

Chorus

'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus  - Alan Jackson

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

[Refrain:]
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!

I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
And I know that thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

[Refrain:]
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!

Only You - David Crowder Band

Take my heart, I Lay it down
At the feet of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it upto You who’s throned

And I will worship You, Lord
Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You
Only You Lord

Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything

And It’s just you and me here now
Only you and me here now

You should see the view
When it’s only You

O, For a Thousand Tongues To Sing  -  David Crowder Band

O, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise
The glories of my God and King
The triumphs of His grace

My gracious Master and my God
Assist me to proclaim
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name

So come on and sing out
Let our anthem grow loud
There is one great love Jesus

Jesus, the name that charms our fears
That bids our sorrows cease
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears
‘Tis life and health and peace

He breaks the power of cancelled sin
He sets the prisoners free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me

He speaks and listening to His voice
New life the dead receive
The mournful broken hearts rejoice
The humble poor believe

Glory to God and praise and love
Be ever, ever giv’n
By saints below and saints above
The church in earth and Heav’n

There are so few words
That never grow old
There are so few words
That never grow old
Jesus

current songs

New songs I have been loving:

first, and foremost: a little silliness:


and onto more important matters:



and another:

eek!

So excited to wear my flowery purple-y, green-y, blue-y scrub shirt tomorrow....
..............because that means I'm working with little cutie pies at the Infant/Toddler Center at school! First time ever! Woohoo!

Also, more exciting news:
Getting in bed before 12?
Unheard of!

(Yet sorely needed. My eyes, my poor tired eyes.)

--------------

Post edit:
And then after being with them all afternoon, I soo tired.
Needless to say, I was in bed by 11. yay!

Cave In + Only You

Songs on my mind lately.....


Please take a long hard look through your text book
'Cause I'm history
When I strap my helmet on I'll be long gone
'Cause I've been dying to leave
Yeah, I'll ride the range and hide all my loose change
In my bedroom
'Cause riding a dirtbike down a turnpike
Always takes it's toll on me

I've had just about enough
Of quote, "diamonds in the rough"
Because my backbone is paper thin
Get me out of this cavern
Or I'll cave in

If the bombs go off
The sun will still be shining
Because we've heard it said that every mushroom cloud
Has a silver lining
(Though I'm always undermining too deep to know)
Swallow a drop of gravel and blacktop
'Cause the road tastes like wintergreen
The wind and the rain smell of oil and octane
Mixed with stale gasoline
I'll soak up the sound trying to sleep on the wet ground
I'll get ten minutes give-or-take
'Cause I just don't foresee myself getting drowsy
When cold integrity keeps me wide awake

Get me out of this cavern
Or I'll cave in

I'll keep my helmet on just in case my head caves in
'Cause if my thoughts collapse or my framework snaps
It'll make a mess like you wouldn't believe
Tie my handlebars to the stars so I stay on track
And if my intentions stray I'll wrench them away
Then I'll take my leave and I won't even look back

I won't even look back

I love you Owl City. Such inspirational & true sentiments.


+

Only You



Take my heart, I Lay it down
At the feet of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it upto You who’s throned

And I will worship You, Lord
Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You
Only You Lord

Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything

And It’s just you and me here now
Only you and me here now

You should see the view
When it’s only You


Thank you Lord for giving David Crowder the talent of songwriting!

Never Before....

had I read Luke 12:1-12

Reading verses 4-7, I found the context of verse 6 and 7 amazing. Yes, Jesus speaks words of truth, conviction, and reassurance; however, Jesus is not simply pacifying or reassuring his disciples and followers. Jesus offers reassurance within the context of rebuking and warning against the Pharisees' behavior. But as Levar Burton would say, don't take my word for it!


Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ²There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ³What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
 ⁴"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
 ⁸"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. ⁹But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. ¹⁰And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
 ¹¹"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

learning to accept the unexpected

Tatts

When I was younger, I was very legalistic.

I adamantly opposed popular music, movies, profanity, drinking, and tattoos.

Quite a few years later, I have rethought my position on most of these topics.
I have thought long and hard about tattoos.
On one hand, I believe that my body is not my own, but God's. Because of this, I believe that it is my job to preserve and delight God through it. Some may interpret this that by having un-tattooed skin, I can further glorify God in my preservation of a part of His creation.
I choose to live my life in a way that will not cause others to stumble, and therefore, join me in my sinful nature.

On the other hand, I believe that my body is not my own. But that I was created by God, for His purposes.
As a result, I believe that everything He created is delightful, purposeful, and unique. Therefore, just like the freckles God designed for me to have on my skin, I believe that adding my own art onto my skin can also be a reflection of God's beauty.
Yes, I do believe that tattoos are a form of art. As a result, I believe that tattoos are usually a personal action and they should be designed that way. Wherever you place a tattoo on your body, people will be able to view that art form and interpret it in their own way. While my parents and older generations see tattoos as a in-your-face and blaring attempt for attention, I view them as an art form that should be tasteful and carefully planned. I think that personal tattoos should be located in personal areas of the body and that it is more tasteful to have one that can be adequately covered up when working in a professional or church-related area.

I have thought about tattoos for awhile and if I want to get one of my own. (Heart behind ear / Live what you love)
If I were to ever get one, I have a good idea of the design and where I would want it located.
I ran across some tattoos online and resonated with quite a few. Here are a few:

'e' & the alphabet                       &                   the She & Him album cover

love the font on this one

so simple. so small

awesome. better full size

silly. simple. love it

So French.

Lately, I have been feeling So French.

For dinner I had a little nicoise salad
and
I can't wait to read my French Twist book series as soon as I am done with finals :)

Guittard's

Bittersweet

















Saturday was a bittersweet day.

I went to FPU's commencement.
Watching my former classmates of 2010 commence their final day at FPU, I felt a mix of excitement, pride, sadness, and longing.
For although I was extremely proud of my friends and classmates, I so badly longed to have continued my time at FPU. I told myself that that wasn't entirely true because although I missed my friends and the social and spiritual aspects of FPU that I do not have any longer at my new school, I strongly appreciate God's redirection of my college plans. I know that I am right where God wants me, going to Fresno State. I am at my school for a reason. Whether it is to shine a light in my classes, at my job, or in the various interactions I have at school. However, it's still hard to see many of my friends complete a part of life that I am not done with. This is also not entirely true though. I am so glad that I chose to transfer because I am really satisfied in the major I am completing, the level of education I am receiving, and the courses I am taking. FPU definitely has limitations in class size and offered courses and I now that had I remained at FPU, I would probably be somewhat dissatisfied with my courses. Although I definitely do not agree with all of the messages I receive at my school, the morals some of my coworkers hold to, or even understand the ethical logic many at State have, I know God guided me to the right place. I am truly learning many things, I am learning academically while learning about life, love, God, and society.

Phew. I am getting a little lengthy, so to close, I agree that although Saturday was bittersweet, strawberries dipped in a mixture of bittersweet and semisweet chocolate are wonderfully complementary.

two weeks' notice

I had to find quotes from  Two Weeks' Notice so I decided to share a few of my favorites:

What do you think of this? Too ornate? Or do you think it's... beltacular.

That is not true. I did call Slurpee Heaven. They didn't want you. Heard you had attitude. Said you weren't "Slurpee" material.

And did you tell Billy you loved him? Did you say, 'Billy, I love you'?

People just don't *go* in Volvos.


I think about you in the shower...not in a good way, but in an I'm-so-distracted-I-can't-remember-if-I-washed-my-hair kinda way - so I'll wash my hair twice! So I have a hole in my stomach, I'm running out of shampoo and today is the first day in my life that I did not give a thousand percent on the job. And I hate that feeling.

Come over for some strawberry ice-cream.
Oh, you have Tofutti! You heard what the doctor said, your cholesterol is over 300! You're... basically a solid.

A rolling stone gathers no moss

So you're leaving with your antacids and floss

Our hair we may toss

But we are at a loss...

Because you are the world's best boss. 

 

Lucy: Hi, Mr. Wong, it's Lucy Kelson. I need one No. 13, two No. 7's...
George: [walking back and forth] I can't believe how small this apartment is, it's actually shocking!

Lucy: I need three No. 8's, no garlic...
George: It's a very good thing your parents went to the movies, we'd never have squeezed in!
Lucy: I need one No. 7 and...
George: You realize, I can actually move from one side of this apartment to the other in 6 seconds. Watch this,
[steps off]
George: one...
Lucy Kelson: ...and a No. 11, please. No, actually, this is for two. 

magic

bubbles in her hair.....

At the hospital the other day, one of the specialists used bubbles to calm and distract a child. He was getting really worked up over little things that weren't painful so she went and grabbed her bubbles.
Blowing them around the room, he stopped screaming and started watching the bubbles float around with tears silently coursing down his cheeks.
When she left the room, I realized that she had bubbles in her hair. The type of bubbles she was using were they ones that are somewhat plastic-y and don't really dissolve after you pop them.
But in that moment, God used something as simple, mesmerizing, and tantalizing as bubbles to provide hope, encouragement, and peace to a little, scared boy.
Oh my, what a scene it was.


Have you ever stopped to think about how magical bubbles are?

Seriously though.

For kids around the ages of 2 to 5, bubbles are simply magical.
Captivating.
Inspiring.
Delightful.

It is simply amazing to watch kids delight in, squeal, run, and simply go crazy when you blow bubbles.
Seriously, there is no better feeling.

(Maybe besides that awesome dream that you have right before you wake up. And then when you wake up, you go back to sleep to 'finish' it :)

a hard goodbye

Last week was a sad one.
My boss (one of the two) is leaving and moving another state away so she will no longer be my boss.
I honestly never expected to find an on-campus job after transferring to State. When I finally realized one day that I could tutor again, I was amazed at my sheer stupidity of not realizing this sooner.
After applying and interviewing, I easily got the job and started working right away.
Although it took a long time for me to meet my coworkers and to feel at home, my new bosses made this transition really easy.
Without even realizing it, I became really familiar and close with Ashley, the female of my two supervisors. She, just like the other, William, is very inviting, welcoming, and willing to answer any questions and address any problems. I have learned so much from Ashley, not just about my job as a writing tutor, but about tutoring in general, about myself, and about life.
It sounds a little silly now. Almost like a eulogy.
But, no, I really have learned a lot from Ashley and I will definitely feel her loss next semester at work.
After her going away party, I thought of a line from one of my favorite movies....
...Cause you're the world's ...best......boss.



Goodbye Ashley.





A rolling stone gathers no moss...
So you're leaving with your antacids and floss...
Our hair we may toss...
But we are at a loss...
.....Because you are the world's best boss.
  Two Weeks' Notice

It's all understood....

I learned how to play the intro to this song a few years ago, but I have not worked on it much since then. Yesterday I couldn't get the song out of my head so I decided to work on my technical skills and see if I could learn the tricky chords for the verses and chorus. After some work, it wasn't all that bad, and you can actually hear what song I'm playing! :)  It helped that I knew some of the chords from a different song (although it took me forever to realize it :)   Then, I tried teaching myself the chords for The Kingdom by Bethany Dillon, and once again, it sounds pretty good now! Yay for having free time, an empty apartment to get loud and noisy in, and for remembering things I learned long ago! Yay for muscle memory! (Yep, I learned at least one new thing in my Children's Music class :)



It's All Understood -Jack Johnson
Everyone laughed at her joke
As if they'd never even heard it before
And maybe they were truly amused
But every word that she spoke was a bore
And maybe it's because they had seen
The previews on the TV screen
Well this part is good and that's well understood
So you should laugh if you know what I mean

But it's all relative
Even if you don't understand
Well it's all understood
Especially when you don't understand
Then it's all just because
Even if we don't understand
Then lets all just believe

Everyone knows what went down
Because the news was spread all over town
And fact is only what you believe
And fact and fiction work as a team
It's almost always fiction in the end
That content begins to bend
When context is never the same

And it's all relative
Even if we don't understand
And that's well understood
Especially when we don't understand
Then it's all just because
Even if we don't understand
Then lets all just believe

I was reading a book
Or maybe it was a magazine
Suggestions on where to place faith
Suggestions on what to believe
But I read somewhere
That you've got to beware
You can't believe anything you read
But the good Book is good
And that's well understood
So don't even question
If you know what I mean

But it's all relative
Even if you don't understand
Well it's all understood
Especially when you don't understand
And it's all just because
Even if we don't understand
Then lets all just believe

But there you go once again
You missed the point and then you point
Your fingers at me
And say that I said not to believe
I believe
I guess
I guess it's all relative




The Kingdom   -Bethany Dillon
It tapped me on the shoulder today when I got home
I saw everything collecting dust
It made me hope there was something more
I pour over pages, desperate to find out why
The cripple at your table has what I'm longing to find

Teach me how to hum it
Because I don't know the words yet

Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom

Why are some women barren
While the wicked's house is full
The stories never seem to end
Give me evidence I'm not alone
You said the weak would be lifted up
But maybe just not yet
So while I wait in this flesh and blood
I'll learn to lean in

Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom

Lessons from Luke.....

While I have been reading in Luke over the past few months, many verses, passages, and lessons have resonated in me.
Here are a few from my reading this morning:

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
      Peter answered, "The Christ of God."
 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."           

-Luke 9:18-27

>Who do I say Christ is? What role does He have in my life? And how is He in my life?
Do I actually depend on Him, take up my cross, and live each day not for myself but for Christ?
I'm ashamed to admit, that oftentimes, I do not. There are moments when I clearly choose to follow Christ or follow my own ways. However, there are other times when I realize my depravity, my evident lack of control over my life, and I repent and turn to Christ. However, this does not happen nearly as often as it should. Rather, the first part does happen, without repentance and change soon following. In those moments, I discover my reality, yet I choose to do the very thing I hate, which is to follow myself, while turning away from Christ.



About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)
 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.

 -Luke 9:28-36

>How often do we act just like Peter? It's pretty interesting that the author includes that he didn't know what he was saying. How often am I unaware of what I say to God? How often do I realize what I am actually asking of Him; or what I feel that I need; or what I think should happen in life?
This has definitely opened my eyes to be more aware and conscientious of my communication with God.
To know what I am saying to Him, what I ask of Him, and when I am talking to Him and don't even realize it. (Like when I blame things on Him, without actually calling Him out by name.)


An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."
 "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
 "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."

-Luke 9:46-50

>Jesus' example of demonstrating obedience through the acceptance of children definitely stands out in my mind. My involvement and career path of working with children allows me to understand this metaphor more readily. However, I do not say this to boast that by working with children I am greater than say, an accountant, chef, or engineer. Certainly not! That would definitely be missing the point. However, I am truly grateful for this metaphor for I it speaks volumes in my life. Not only do I interact with, teach, comfort, and guide children on a daily basis at the hospital, but I realize the sacrifices one must make to do so with children. By putting myself last and the child's needs first, I am learning to see past the scars, wounds, and earthly entrapments that have damaged many children. I am learning to see past the color of someone's skin, their hair (or lack thereof), the machines and tubes connected to their body, and to see past the family and emotional baggage that weigh many of them down. In learning these things, I am becoming more aware, more accepting, and more open. By broadening my perspective, assumptions, and knowledge, I have learned to give more, expect less, and receive anything and everything from different types of people. While working on myself, I have allowed God to shine through me; asking for guidance, direction, and opportunities, I have reached out, given, and been rewarded and taught in return. I have learned that when you give with open hands, you will have things taken away, just as you will be given to in return. Before, I was unaware, afraid, and wary of this. However, by choosing to give of myself and not to take from others, I believe that I have 'taken up my cross,' accepted the 'least of these,' and I have learned to know what I say to God, the three main lessons I have garnered from these passages.
Thank you God for your faithfulness, your mercy, forgiving nature, grace, and your provisions. Thank you for learning, awareness, becoming open, and for realizations.
I need thee, oh I need thee. Every hour I need thee.