Talk Thursday // Still Holdin' On

When I was in junior high boy bands were incredibly prolific. Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, 98 Degrees, O-Town...you name it, we knew 'em. I was never one of those screamy, crying girls who wept over the prospect of seeing one of these bands live (usually), but I will admit that I loved every one of them. My sister and I weren't allowed to hang posters of boys on our walls, but I had a binder full of TigerBeat and Teen HeartThrob pages cut out and stuck in page protectors.

As much as I loved Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC and all those guys, there was a band that I loved the most. My binder had the lead singer about every other page and I distinctly remember writing our names together (SL + TH). I kept it under wraps because it was the source of a lot of mockery. However, I'm older now and a little more secure in my identity. So I'm just going to claim this...

I loved Hanson.

Yeah, these kids.

And you know what, I still love Hanson.

I have been waiting for years for another Hanson album (and waiting to get the courage/self-esteem to admit this love). But now it's finally here...

It's an excellent album. And it satisfies both the junior high Sarah's love for Hanson & the 25-year-old Sarah's need for good music.

Most of you probably had a celebrity crush once upon a time. Maybe admitting it forced you to endure much mocking. Maybe you still harbor this love secretly.

But let's get it all out there...

Who were you all about back in the day? Was it mock-worthy? And if they put out a new CD/movie/book/TV show how soon would you snatch that up?

(And Taylor Hanson, if you're reading this, I still love you. =) )

Sermonizing

Today is my day off, so I once again find myself at Cutter's Point Coffee in Covington, hoping to get a sermon on the 10 Commandments busted out here soon. I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to say and how to say it. I'm preaching this sermon at a conference next week as well at my church. So I have to think about both of my audiences. And the 10 Commandments cover a wide spectrum of things to discuss.

I know today's not a "Talk Thursday", but if you were going to hear a sermon about the 10 Commandments, what would you want to know about them?

Luckily, I have all the fixin's for a productive day...

Here's to a good day of writing. Cheers! =)

Talk Thursday // "In the Schrute family..."

It's no secret that this blogger loves her some traditions. It's kind of amazing that I'm not Catholic or Jewish or something because I love traditions and ritual. It makes me feel connected to things that are bigger than just me.

That being said, we Lewis' have some Christmas traditions. Christmas itself is pretty freaking awesome, you know, the birth of Jesus and all. But these Lewis family traditions make it so much more anticipatory! (Is that even a word?!) When/if I ever get married, I'm not sure how much I'll be willing to flex on giving some of these traditions up or "renovating" them. Maybe it's good I don't want to get married - I'm far too selfish. =)

But in Hephzibah list-style of awesomeness, here's some of the Lewis' family traditions that I am looking forward to (again) this year:

* Christmas Eve light-looking

* An entire bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider in my stocking

* Making & eating sausage balls

* Watching "White Christmas", "The Christmas Box" & "Little Women"

* Going to a Christmas movie

* Listening to Harry Connick Jr's "When My Heart Finds Christmas", Steven Curtis Chapman's "Music of Christmas", Avalon's "Joy" & CeCe Winans Christmas albums on repeat until I can't yuletide no mo'!

* Hopefully a potato famine story from my dad

* Getting worked up when I see the 3 Wise Men in a Nativity Scene =)

And our newest tradition that I hope only has to be intermittant:

* Skyping with the Sister & BIL, which for long periods of time is slightly awkward, but always awesome.

I love Christmas. Mostly because I love Jesus, but also because I appreciate the fact that its a time for us all to stop what we're doing and be together, even if "together" means Skype. It's a time to be with people who know you and love you and want to share in traditions together.

So, what are some of your traditions?

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Talk Thursday//Final Countdown

It's 6.15 pm on Thurday night.

Thursday night of finals week.

And what exactly am I doing?

Writing a Talk Thursday blog.

Not writing my BIB 501 paper.

That's due midnight Saturday.

Two days to end this fall term.

One paper, one Hebrew exam.

And it's over. But I can't rally.

Anyone else feel like this?

Thiiiiiis close to the end...

But no gas left in the tank.

If you're in this boat with me,

And you have no ooomph left,

Let us know what you're doing

and what you're doing to rally

Till the bitter end of this time.

(And is it supersad how excited

I am to get these lines to match

in length for this entire post???

I'm a mega-nerd and really need

to consider getting help. Yeah...)

Surprises

Let's be real: most of our mothers are not "ghetto fabulous." Generally they don't even know what that means. But sometimes they can surprise. I present textual proof of that.

A verbatim text from my mother this morning at 8.44 am:

Mom: Forgot to tell you there was a girl with apple bottom jeans at church on Sunday. I had never seen them before! She was not going low low low and she did not have boots with the fur. :0)

Most. Amazing. Text. Ever.

Thanks Mom. =)

Talk Thursday//Year In Statuses

Like many people, I am sucked into random things on Facebook. It's like a Mecca of time-wasting. Everyone knows it...everyone judges it. And since I have much to do and no time to waste of COURSE I spent time last night making one of those now popular "My Year In Statuses" things.

As I perused and picked my Facebook statuses from the last year to add into this collage, I saw that every other status was about one of 4 things: coffee, music, homework, or the weather.

Part of me wonders if that's really what my life revolves around or if that's just what gets put up on Facebook or are those two the same thing? As I look back over 2010, I see homework, stress, Veritas, and my family. But apparently I talk about coffee more than I talk about my church and the weather more than my family.

And I wonder if that's ok.

Now, normally people wait until December 31 to post about poignant year-reflective things, but we're ahead of the curve here. =)

So...if you were to make a list of what it is that you spent your time talking about over 2010, would it be the same thing that you spent your year doing? How did you spend 2010?

Monday Is A Good Day for Bad Poetry//Finals Week ed!

Festive Christmas lights are a-twinkle,
Wrapping paper is about to unwrinkle.

Laughter and joy abound in the streets
And smiles and coffee are shared when people meet.

But what does this Yuletide season mean for those of us in school?
That in fact we are sinking in a finals week frenzied pool.

While papers need writing,
Its lack of motivation I'm fighting.

Greek is turning my brain to slush,
while Hebrew is furthering making it mush.

Why, God, why do I continue to invite punishment?
These classes are causing me grave astonishment.

One more week of which to push through
then I can happily skip in the morning dew
At least until after New Years
then once again I will need a few beers
to make it through another semester go-round
where you can find me banging my head on the ground.

Talk Thursday//Things that make the baby Jesus cry

1. Cold oatmeal

2. The smell of broccoli soup in enclosed spaces

3. Farmville

4. Wet socks

5. Tepid bathwater

6. When cell phones say "No Service"

7. Cats

8. Blue Christmas lights

9. Dropping food on a solid colored shirt

10. Greek homework


This list felt more like an anti-Oprah's favorite things list than things that make the baby Jesus cry. But I was going for seasonal relevance.

We have good things. Like steak...hamburgers...football...glitter. Then we all have bad things. This is not to be a Debbie Downer, but let's admit it: sometimes things are stupid.

So, what things in your world are the worst? What things do you think make the baby Jesus cry?

This Is What Happens When Adults Take A Snow Day

It is once again winter in the Evergreen State. Not just the rainy kind of winter,but blizzard-Alaskan-super-charged winter. For two days the state was practically shut down due to ice and snow. And as a lemming, I decided to take a snow day. My roommate had a late start to her work day, so we decided that it wouldn't be a snow day without playing. Here is picture evidence that adults can play in the snow too. =)

The view from our front yard yesterday morning.

We were bundled and ready to play!

My BA snow angel.

Janet working on her snow angel.

We tried to make a snowman, but we're not so talented, thus it became....

A snow alien!

The day also consisted of a huge pot of coffee while writing a huge paper and a frozen, slippery walk to the deli. It was delightful and a great reminder that sometimes, even adults, need to stop and enjoy the snow. =)

Happy winter, friends!

Talk Friday//Thanksmas

Well, I was so busy stuffing my face and cheering against the Cowboys that I completely forgot to put up my Talk Thursday!

And as much as I love "giving Thanksgiving a chance" I must admit, I get far more excited for the day AFTER Thanksgiving.

Is it the shopping?, you ask.

HECK no. (That is so vehemently no that were this not a family-friendly blog, there would be expletives there.)

Is it the cold turkey sandwiches and sausage ball leftovers?, you ponder.

Ehh...Slightly.

Is it the fact that I can now listen to as many Christmas jams as I want completely guilt-free?

Absolutely.

As you are all (or should be) well aware, I am so against Christmas music before the day after Thanksgiving. However, today is Friday. Some people call it "Black Friday" - I call it "Steven Curtis Chapman/Amy Grant/NSYNC/Harry Connick Jr On Repeat" Day or SCCAGNSYNCHCJORD if you will. (Tell your friends - it's gonna be a thing). Today through December 27th I will delightfully and deliriously listen to a barrage of Christmas music - old, new, croonie, poppy. My ringtones have been set (The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, "Sleigh Ride" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies"), decorations will go up tomorrow and Christmas movie watching will commence soon.

So in the general fashion of a holiday mash-up:
What are you thankful for on Black Friday? Do you celebrate Christmas starting in August like the retail stores or do you wait for this day?

Happy Thanksmas! =)

Talk Thursday//Awkward Turtle

One of the greatest and most awkward games to play (in my humble opinion) is the Fortune Cookie Game. If you've never played it, you've likely lived under a rock for the last 82 years and you've obviously never had Chinese food with me. (And if the latter is true, let's go eat. I love sweet 'n sour chicken!)

But for any "newbies" out there, what you do is after eating your delicious and not-at-all nutritious sweet 'n sour chicken and moo goo gai pan, you enjoy a tastless, origami-cut cookie. When you get your fortune out, whatever it says, you tack on "in bed" at the end. Ex: "A thrilling time is in your immediate future....in bed." Or: "Your everlasting patience will be rewarded sooner or later...in bed." Giggling ensues, awkwardness commences...it's delightful. Unless you eat Chinese food with your parents/grandparents. Then intense amounts of blushing occurs but nothing is allowed to be verbalized...cause that's worse than awkward...that's awkWEIRD.

I love awkwardness. Mostly because I have no filter. And no shame. But also because I LOVE to tell stories. And awkward moments make the most amazing stories. Fortune cookie moments invite awkward, but so do other things.

Like getting caught checking out the ring finger of an incredibly good looking guy to hear "Yeah, my wife likes those same cups that you're holding in your hand."
Or
Running into a lightpole because you were too busy flirting than looking where you were going.
Or
Having a texting conversation about your ovaries with a boy you just met. And now will never likely talk to again.
Or having a piece of paper fall out of your Bible with a memory verse from 1 John on one side and the words "sex kitten" on the other. While in the seminary lounge. With seminarians around.

Wow...those were all about boys. And personal. You're welcome. =)

So since today is Talk Thursday and we like to share things:
What is the most awkward moment you've ever had? And how do you generally respond to super-awkward things? Do you invite the awkward (ie: the Fortune Cookie Game) or just fall into it (like whenever you're around a member of the opposite sex)?

Spirals

Discouragement is the vacuum of life.

But not in a cleanliness way.

It sucks out all joy.

All hope.

All possibility.

Discouragement drains the soul, leaving despair in it's wake.

Despair enables a negative perspective on everything.

Nothing is going...

Can go...

Or will go right.

No one can empathize.

And no one can understand.

Despair leads to a lack of faith.

In ourselves...

In our futures...

In our presents...

In God.

And once we've lost that....

We've lost it all.

On Why Being Human Sometimes Sucks

YesterdayI had to recite Genesis 1.1-5 in Hebrew to my professor and then read aloud Deuteronomy 6.4-9 to her. Because of the tremendous difficulty of this situation I forewarned her that sometimes, when I'm stressed and discouraged and I forget things and though Jesus and I are working on it, sometimes I swear.


I did not expect her reaction.

She laughed and said that it was her most favorite reading ever. And we hadn't even started yet. This made me feel good. Then when she composed herself (which was only barely composed) she said, "That is so refreshingly human, Sarah. I really appreciate that." This comment made me feel...not as good. And it took me well over an hour to be able to figure out why her comment said completely in kindness and as a compliment made my heart hurt a little.

I have tried to live my life as transparently as possible. 98% of the time I am the same Sarah on Friday nights that I am on Sunday mornings that I am on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Obviously there are moments where I want to hide who I am (there's that pesky 2%) and I'll lie and distort who I am. And I also understand that there are situations that require less..."flamboyant" Sarah - ie: for work there is more structured behavioral expectation and maybe not swearing in from of my Orchard kiddos. But 98% of the time my personality doesn't change.

While I truly believe this is a good thing and that Jesus wants us to live our lives in vulnerability and openly and honestly about who we are in Him, there is still a tension.

As someone who wholeheartedly believes in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, I also believe that the same Spirit that rose Jesus Christ from the dead resides in my body. And I believe that the Bible tells us that those who are in faith in Jesus are to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh (see the apostle Paul's discussion as it is pretty much a word-for-word screen shot of my brain).

We are called to live honestly, openly, vulnerably in communion with one another and with God in the hope that others will desire to be open and vulnerable and honest with themselves and with God. To this end I generally succeed.

However, we are also called to live holy lives, to be set apart, to walk by the power of the Spirit. Therein lies my tension.

As a seminarian, I am around a lot of very...I don't think pious is the right word...people. They are not "holier than thou" teetotalers, but they love Jesus with all their hearts and they talk about that and sometimes it makes me feel...too human in comparison. Because more often than not I find myself living completely in my humanity more than I find myself desiring to live as a holy child of God, physically, emotionally, mentally... Living in my humanity is comfortable, it is easy. I don't have to strive to be anything more than what I am. And I think God loves that. He wants us to just be.

But I know that He wants more for us as well. He wants us to live justly and love mercy and walk humbly and have our minds dwell on good things. But my humanity is so much more accessible. And that's frustrating.

I love that my Hebrew professor felt that my vulnerability made me more "human" and hopefully she felt the freedom to be vulnerable as well - since that is the goal.

But some days I wouldn't mind being told that it was refreshing how much my speech caused someone else to love Jesus.

Guess that's just the human in me though.

Non Date Date

So I'm going on what I call a "non date date" tonight.

I say it's a non-date because I asked (and tradition tells that girls don't ask boys out on dates (apparently traditionalists don't live in Seattle)) and because it was a fill-in situation thing - extra concert ticket for cute boy. =)

However, I am calling it a pseudo-date because a) it's a concert w/ a boy b) there has been much flirting and c) I spent WAY too much trying to plan this outfit. =)

I haven't dated in EONS of time (see last HORRIFIC date experience) so I'm a little concerned about how awkward I am. And I am indeed awkward.

So, what's a non-date to you? What's considered a date? How do people know?!

What a world, what a world, what a world, what a world.....

Talk Thursday//An Attitude of Gratitude

All of a sudden it's November. I don't know about ya'll but I did NOT see that one comin'. But here in the Northwest, it's been lovely. Crisp, cool days, a whistle of wind, leaves fluttering down - not quite crunchable, but almost.

However, I know that when the skies turn and the rain comes and stays. And stays....and stays...my attitude will also turn.

Lately I've been noticing that my reaction to my day is more closely linked to my attitude than the circumstances that arise. Some people have just sucktackular days - nothing goes right and calamity after calamity after calamity occur. Others have just crappy attitudes about random stuff - calamities or not.

I definitely fall into the latter category. My attitude drives my day and generally, it's not a good one. Grumbling and complaining about nothing and everything have become almost as much a part of my speech as conversations about Dr. Pepper, missing my sister and loving Veritas have been.

So, in honor of Thanksgiving, Talk Thursday and this crisp fall day: Do you possess an "attitude of gratitude" in the midst of even sucky circumstances? Or do you allow your attitude, in either good or bad situations to drive your day? If the latter, do you have any inclination to change this habit or are you ok with it?

Happy Thursday, kids!

Church, Children & the Living Dead

If you know anything about me (Hi! I'm Sarah Lewis, by the way!) you know that I love the Bible. And if you know any secondary thing about me, you know that I don't care for children. There are other things that you likely know but those are the two pertinent to this conversation.

However, because God thinks He's sooooo funny, He has put me into a ministry that I NEVER expected to be in, nor did I ever expect to love. Since January 2010 I have been serving as the Director of Children's Ministry (the Orchard) for Veritas Church. It is extremely administrative (which I love) and it is kids-y (which I'm learning to be ok with). In spite of having no idea what I'm doing and consistently feeling like I'm going to ruin these children forever, God has continued giving me a spirit of purpose and intentionality for teaching these kids the truth of His word.

As the Director I've had the opportunity to decide how the curriculum will work and what our kids learn about the Bible and Jesus. And I've come to a deep-set conviction that kids should be as engaged with the Scriptures as adults are. Suuuure, they may not grasp it all, but if they can be exposed to the truths of Scripture early enough, it may not be as unfamiliar to them later in life. Therefore, whatever sermon series our adults are learning Sunday to Sunday is the same series that our kids will be learning (with some exceptions). We also hope that this will enable more ability for families to interact with the Bible and what they're learning.

All that to say: I'm having a great time.

However, since we've been writing (for the most part) the children's lessons alongside the sermons, I have had to write (with significant help!) the majority of the lessons. I was so hopeful that the internet would give me all that I needed. Boy, was I wrong! But since we've developed lessons for these kids, I thought it would be wrong not to share them.

Thusly, I am posting all of the lessons from our Fruits of the Spirit series and the Living Dead series on my other blog: Priscilla's Ponderings. Feel free to share them with your church or children's minister or use them for whater'e you need. We teach our kids to share, so I ought to practice it with ya'll! =)

Keep in mind that these lessons are designed for our very small church, with very limited resources. But they could easily be adapted for any size church or setting.

Hope you enjoy! (And if you don't, please don't tell me, cause I'm sensitive.) =)

Talk Thursday // Halloween

When I was a kid, I had extremely conservative parents. We were not allowed to trick or treat, talk about witches, ghouls or vampires, and all Halloween festivities had to be done under the guise of a "Harvest Party." Now as an adult, I just don't care for Halloween. I've never cared for scary movies, slutty costumes or masks (they give me the heebie-jeebies). Therefore, Halloween has never held much excitement for me. My Halloween tradition has become watching "Luther" after whatever Halloween party I attend (I like candy & people, therefore I'll go to a party).

However, since its Talk Thursday and I can smell pumpkins & candy in the air, mingled with the stench of costume sweat, let's take a Halloween survey:

1. How did you celebrate Halloween growing up? Or did you at all?

2. What is your favorite Halloween-esque movie?

3. Do you have any Halloween traditions?

4. What are your plans for this Halloween weekend?

5. What will you be dressing up as?

This picture still cracks my stuff up.

Happy Halloween!!

Monday is a Good Day for Bad Poetry

Fall is here

Winter grows near

Rain drips, drips, drips through the trees

And causes the falling down of brightly colored leaves

Cider, cocoa & coffee sound delighfully warm

This time of year makes me greatly miss Memorial's dorm

Pumpkins are being carved

While we're beginning to pull out the scarves

Soon the frost will come

Which is totally dumb

Much like the progression of these rhymes

But I thank you anyway for your time(s)

Go crunch a leaf

Or eat a bowl of soupy beef

Enjoy this season of fall

And I will bid adieu to you all.

Talk Thursday // Fanilow

I once met Sandi Patty.

It probably would rank as one of the top 3 moments of my life.

If I could remember it.

However, I was so excited I blacked out from sheer joy of meeting one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. (If my mom ranks as an 11/10 on the awesomeness scale, Sandi is like 10.95/10.) My mom tells me that I talked about how much I loved her "Friendship Company" tape when I was four and that we've had a 19-year relationship that she knew nothing about. Then she signed my Bible. I suppose if anyone was going to sign my Bible, it might as well be Sandi Freaking Patty.

Now I know that most of you are thinking "what is the opposite of name-dropping?" It would in fact be name-dropping Southern gospel singers. Or NHL players.

However, it is a pretty big deal to meet "celebrities" (in my opinion). Cause I'm a fanilow. (Two sitcom references in one post. Bonus points if you get them!)

So today's Talk Thursday is one of my most favorite "ice-breaker" questions:

If you could have lunch with anyone famous (dead or alive) who would it be? And a follow-up, have you met anyone famous? Have any good name-dropping stories?

And as another no-name-dropping bit o' awesomeness, at the Gaither concert last weekend I got to (re)meet Wes Hampton! And he remembered me from last year's Alaskan cruise! What a night! What a moment!

Talk Thursday // Old People's Rocktober Fest

This Saturday is going to be legen-WAIT FOR IT!-DARY! "Why?", you ask. Let me paint you a picture....

I'm gonna put on some bling...tease my hair...and put on a nice pants-suit. Oh yeah. Cause this gal is hittin' the town for the Gaither Homecoming Concert in Tacoma! My mom, my 76-yr-old Nanny and family friend Sue are accompaying me to this party of awesome.


Oh will they sing "He Touched Me"? You know it.
Will they sing "Because He Lives"? Without a doubt.
Will I cry? For shiz.


We'll get to hear the Isaacs, GVB, Charlotte Ritchie, & Lynda Randle, among others. I could not be more excited. It starts at 3pm. Because the party starts early w/ the Gaithers! Word.


I get excited about old people music. I get excited about country music. About Hebrew. About Bible trivia. About Jeopardy.


All this to say that I'm a nerd. And I accept this. I get mocked a lot for these things. And I deal with that.





So what gets your motor revved? What odd things do you like that earn you a river of mockery? How do you deal with this? Do you embrace who you are as an oddball? =)











And, please, in the comments section, try to keep your jealousy over my Gaither attendance at bay. It'll be hard, I know, but.... ;)

Guidelines for Coffee Shops

If there was a sport that involved the number of coffee shops visited in a single day with varying coffees tried I would be the Michael Jordan of this game. One might even call me a "coffee shop connoisseur." Because of the amount of homework that I have and my inability to focus anywhere with internet, I utilize coffee shops. I'm not necessarily partial to one type of coffee shop: This last Saturday I was at Panera with a cup of drip in the morning, that afternoon I was at Starbucks with a peppermint mocha and at a indie coffee shop (Zola's in Auburn shoutout!) with a cup of blackberry coffee in the evening.

Due to my extensive experience in and around coffee shops, I would like to share my observations and give some "guidelines" for acceptable Coffee Shop Hopping (CSH, if you will). These should help you a) get the most out of your coffee shop experience and b) keep from committing any CSH faux pas, which might result in getting a sneezer.

1. The Look
When you go into a coffee shop, always look like you're going to be there a while. Unpack a bag of books and papers or get out your worn copy of War & Peace. Make it look like you're about to snuggle into that oversized chair for the rest of the afternoon. This way the baristas think you could possibly buy coffee & food - every baristas hope! Now we both know that you won't be there after that first cup, but it's nice to share hope.

2. The Drink
Order either a grande or a venti cup o' joe. If you get a tall, everyone knows that you aren't planning on being there very long, which goes against the look that you're trying to establish. But since this may be your 1st or 6th cup for the day, always get a venti ice water. Then you can drag out the game a little longer.

3. The Work
In order to fully utilize the coffee shop experience, get right to work whatever you have to do. Don't dilly-dally or putter. As soon as you have coffee in hand or even while you're waiting, get everything set up. This then allows you to look like you mean business. But also, since you know you're not going to get a 2nd cup (cause let's face it, who orders a 2nd cup?), you have to work fast enough to keep pace with your cup of coffee. (This is also where the water comes in handy - if you drink coffee that fast, you'll need the water as a buffer for your poor kidneys.)
I made the mistake earlier last week of staying too long and not keeping up with my coffee and having to ask them to re-heat my coffee. I received many derisive looks for this. I'll assume it was because I was making them re-heat my coffee rather than the assumption that it was because I was taking up space.

4. The Shut Down
When you're down to the dregs OR you have completed some work, sigh loudly. This signals to the people within hearing range that you're moving on, but not necessarily because you want. Make sure to look at your watch a lot during these last few moments. That way you can let the coffee shop know that "it's not you...it's time." And they'll be more willing to let you come back again.

5. The Hop
DO NOT GO IN TO ANOTHER COFFEE SHOP WITH A CUP OF COFFEE ALREADY IN HAND. I shouldn't have to capitalize that, but the point needs to be made. That's like being dropped off for a date by the last date. Awkward for everyone involved. This is where the sneezers come in. If you have another cup of coffee in your hand, then everyone knows you're just there for the free wi-fi and not for the beans. And it's about pretenses, people.

Sure, you could just kick it at one coffee shop for an afternoon, hoping that the barista there will be cool with it. And you could buy two cups of coffee and be real about the fact that they have internet and good coffee and you have neither of the above. But where would the fun be?

Are you a coffee shop hopper extraordinnaire? What tips/tricks do you have?

Talk Friday//Expectations

There is something that is coming in my life that is slated to be my new most favorite thing ever. I have been waiting for this for as long as I can remember and it is finally arriving. I would liken this expectation to how your IT friends felt when Halo:Reach came out. (Yes, it's THAT big.)

What am I talking about?

Let's be real, what else would I talk about?

Wal-Mart.

They are building a new SUPER WAL-MART in Auburn! Granted, it's only about 5 miles from the other Super Wal-Mart. But that's 5 miles closer to where I live. And I could not be more pumped.

I watched with joy when they started making the frame of the building. When the parking lot was being paved, it was all I could do to not drive down and claim my parking spot. Those little blue & red posts have gone up in front of the store and I keep seeing Wal-Mart trucks being unloaded in the back. All we're waiting on now is the sign - that bright, delightful, flourescent sign that shouts from the highway "I'm Wal-Mart! You're welcome."

There is no shame in my Wal-Mart lovin' claim. I will continue to hope and wait for the day that I can walk into Wal-Mart and buy something...anything....because I know I can get whatever I need there. Wal-Mart has never disappointed. (Ok, there was that ONE time but honestly, how could Wal-Mart have expected that I would need white posterboard last minute? I forgive this.)

Some people might say that this is a ridiculous thing to be expectant for. But somethings are like that - in all honesty, our expectations aren't for anybody else. They just make our days a little brighter.

So what are you waiting for? Is it something ridiculous? Is it something awesome? Let's be real, is it the caliber of a SUPER WAL-MART less than 6 miles from my house?! What's coming up that you're super stoked about?

Dr. Freud? A Moment Please

Which of the following is not true about my most recent dreams?

A. Reggie & Ladye Love Smith yelling at me while Michael W. Smith (no relation) laughs at me because I can't scrape an ice rink?

B. Being involved in a group psychiatry ADD assessment where they refer to Jesus as "Patrick" and my best friend performs an interpretive dance for Jesus/Patrick as a cracking egg?

C. Mistakenly sending a text message and subsequently defenestrating myself in horror as a way of escape from the ramifications of said text?

D. Creating a life-size Shark/Whale exhibit in a hollowed out boat hull with a team consisting of a small child, a 40-year-old HS dropout and (I think) Mel Brooks?

If you answered "None of the above", you would be totally right.

Apparently, my subconscious is a crazy person. If I didn't know better, I'd say this was a result of too many drugs/alcohol. But I know better. Maybe I should lay off the Dr. Pepper....it must be getting to me.

Is anyone out there a dream interpreter? Cause I have some questions for you!

Talk Saturday // A Repeat

Life is cyclical. Situations come & go, but inevitably, the same ones always return. We live in a world of repeated action. The stupid rarely grow wise and the penalties for actions reveal themselves again and again.

I could be talking about something political or life-altering. However, as we all well know, I rarely talk about those types of things.

No, no, I'm talking about exegeticals. Back in 2007, I wrote a post on my xanga (it's ok, no one else remembers what a xanga is either):

From April 2007: "It Sounds Like a Cuss Word"

Yeah...it's exegetical time again. My only one for the exegetical semester, but I've put it off until...now. 6 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes and I'll never have to write another one. Ever exegetical again. What will I do with myself? It's kind of a scary exegetical thought.
This one is for Jesus class. 2 exegetical parables: Matthew 25.1-13, the parable of the 10 Virgins (just cause I want to write virgins - ha) and...I have no clue for the second exegetical one. Anybody have any ideas? Help a sistah out.
Why am I playing on exegetical xanga, when I REALLY ought to be writing? Cause I'm an exegetical slacker, that's why.
One to go! Push ahead! - nope, my exegetical pep talk to myself isn't working.
Well ya'll....I'll be in the exegetical library if ya need me...attempting to write.
Exegetical...

In re-reading this post from well-over 3 years ago, I realize that at that moment in time, I was certain that I would never write another exegetical again. Yet here I am...three semesters into graduate school, 2 exegeticals behind me, 5 due this semester and an unspecified number beyond that.

Why!?

Because life is cyclical. And I'm a glutton for punishment.

So today I pose a question: what in your life do you find yourself repeatedly doing that you thought you'd never do again? Are you back in school? Are you dating stupid people? Are you watching Anaconda yet again? (It's just so dang engaging!) Life is cyclical, so what bike do you keep riding?

Happy exegetical Saturday.

Talk Thursday // ENFJ

So I don't know if many people know this about me, but I'm an extrovert. "Whaaaaaaat?!", you say, "Sarah Lewis? An extrovert?! Shocking!" (Yes, I can hear what your minds are thinking...creepy, huh?)

Well, this little known secret about me is now out: Myers-Briggs told me that I was an extrovert. In fact, I scored at nearly 100% on the Extroversion scale (I don't know if there's actually a scale, but for a fake statistic, a scale is necessary). But Myers-Briggs also told me that I was several other things: iNtuitive, a Feeler (hehehe) and a Judger (this one we knew).

Answering questions about myself is one of my most favorite past-times. So I will assume that you all like doing it too. Therefore, today's Talk Thursday has two-parts: go to this site, take the Myers-Briggs indicator test and then come back here and let us know what you are. If you already know your "type", I will allow you to forego/forgeo/forgo* the 1st step.

Do you think the type assigned to you matches you very well? Do you like being put in a personality box? What kind of box knife do you use to get out said box?



*I apparently can't spell and have no desire to check word, even knowing that I may potentially get hounded by people for forgoing/foregoing/forgoeing this simple step. It's about principles, people.

Talk Thursday//Frankie Say Relax!

There is a lot that ends up on our plates throughout the day. Between work, school, kids, projects, family responsibilities, or life in general there is a lot to deal with. And it gets hard to figure out how to balance it all. Much less do it with as little stress as possible.

But Frankie say relax and quite frankly (bahahaha), we need to do it.

So in honor of Talk Thursday, I present to you a topic of discussion (cause that's how I roll):

What causes you stress? And how do you take the time to eradicate said stress? What are your modes of relaxation?

Maybe something that you do helps someone else here figure out how to relax (and believe me, I'm going to be trying all your suggestions!). I am terrible myself about taking specific time to do something not-required from my life. Or if I do, I just end up feeling guilty about doing so. But that's not relaxing. And I don't want to disobey Frankie. =)





(I so hope this song is stuck in your head the rest of the day. Because it now sure as heck is stuck in mine!)

I Heart Fall (and I don't "Heart" a lot of things)

Much of this blog has been spent bemoaning the fact that I am cold. And that this frozen tundra of Seattle has little to offer in the way of summer.

However, this last weekend reminded me of a true love: autumn. Why this sudden shift in allegiences?

The answer, my friends, is simple:

Football.

College ball was on Saturday (though not as much as I would have prefered) and NFL on Sunday. The weather was perfection. It felt like a text-book perfect autumn day - windy, crisp, and the sounds of football coming through the TV receiver.

So the next time you catch me whining that I miss summer or being warm or swimming or needing to shave my legs, you just remind me that it's football season and all is right with the world. Then you can punch me in the face.

(The aforementioned agreement is only in effect until February when football season ends, basketball is dominating the sports networks, & I'm wearing a parka. Then I'm free to go to town on how much I hate cold weather & miss summer.)

Talk Thursday//Holy Book-Burning, Batman!

I'm not a political person. Not even a little. I can spell politics (see first sentence), but I long ago stopped trying to care. It was a lot of effort and a lot of headache and quite frankly I'm just lazy. The majority of my political knowledge came from "The Colbert Report", while a necessary part of my lust for Stephen Colbert (mmmmm), it did not seem to be the best way to get good information regarding the nation & world.

However, even in my laxidaisicalness, I have heard of some goings-on. And what better way is there to commentate on something than ignorance? (see most of your friends political Facebook status updates)

Apparently some "christian" organizations/people have decided to burn the Qur'an as a statement for...something. I heard a radio clip of a pastor saying that people groups in & outside of America burn the flag & burn Bibles so why shouldn't "christians" be allowed to burn the Qur'an? Sure it's an argument, but it's about as flimsy as a bikini on Pamela Anderson - it's there, but it doesn't really do anything.

Now I don't know who these pastors/organizations are (I"m lazy, remember?) but I'd like to leave them with a word from the Bible (which I have to assume they aren't reading much of right now):

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor...Bless those who persecute you; bless & do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12.9-10, 14-19, & 21)

This is Paul's message to the Roman churches. He was exhorting them to do these things - these things that Jesus taught His followers to do. It may just be me, but burning someone else's sacred book doesn't fit in well with this (or any other New Testament exhortation).

So in the spirit of Talk Thursday, the day we talk about things, let's rap*. If you're a believer in Jesus, what do you think Jesus would do? (oh! Hey 1995!) If you're not a believer in Jesus, do this seem representative of the Jesus you've heard about? And if you can answer this, please do: why are people ^#*@&&%@) crazy?

*If you're going to be pourin' some Haterade on people in the comments be forewarned - I will delete it. I have that right (considering this is my blog). This includes hating on both misguided fundies & the Muslim community. Open discussion does not equal open hostility. Thanks!

3 Down, 3 to Go...

In the traditional "Back to School" style (traditional as in I did this once....like 2 years ago):

Distraction-enabler - I mean! Computer....check!

Adorable notebooks....check!

Enough pens/pencils for the entire seminary....check!

The realizations that:

a) I'm apparently making it EXTREMELY obvious that I'm a girl in primarily a men's world & that:

b) all these patterns together would make Tim Gunn cry.... CHECK!

Alright, kids....I'm off to school!

Observations

* Life is better when it is sunny

* Power-walking up a huge hill sucks

* Power-walking up a huge hill is necessary when your office has supplied you with an endless stream of carbohydrates during your workday

* Goldfish crackers & coffee do not mix well (either in the same container or in my mouth)

* Not all people needing a mental health appointment are crazy

* A diet of straight country music can only last so long

* A diet of straight Dr Pepper & coffee is bad for your kidneys

* A diet of straight vegetables is bad for...your chocolate intake

* It's not until you're about to obtain it do you realize just HOW exciting the prospect of getting health insurance is

* It's not until you realize how excited you are about health insurance that it becomes evident that you've become an "adult"

* Twitter is made all the more fun when the phone alert is birds chirping

* Twitter is made all the less fun when it comes straight to your phone as a text message

* With school starting in a week, getting the homework done early seems preemptive, but delightfully fulfilling

* I have missed blogging and all that it entails (not to be confused with entrails...I don't miss those)

Talk Thursday // Chatty Cathy

Out of the blue phone calls from random friends inspire one of two things in me: fear or excitement. My first inclination is to assume that they are calling to tell me that someone died, that they themselves died or are badly injured, that they're in town for one day and I'm busy, etc et etc. Sometimes I will push myself out of the cave of neuroticism where I typically live and just be excited to talk with long-distance friends. (Today's conversation was the latter, in case you were curious.)

Sometimes you can have conversations just for the sake of conversation. And that's ok. It builds relationship and helps give you a common ground on which to stand with someone else. Sometimes you have conversations to accomplish a goal and hopefully the end of the conversation provides the results. And sometimes you have conversations that challenge and convict and illuminate. Many conversations span those three things and then some.

What kind of conversation do you typically enjoy most? Random? Poignant? Short? =)

Do your conversations leave you wanting more, wanting you to challenge yourself and be challenged by others?

How do you feel when you see a random, non-expected name pop up on your phone? (Or am I the only crazy one out there?)

Music 101

It's no secret that music is a big part of my world. I mean, I can't handle silence at all...I need music in the background just to stay focused.

However, it's hard for me to find new music that I enjoy. I attribute this to the fact that I live under a country music rock. And really only get out it to enjoy some Southern Gospel now & then.

Lucky for me I have friends who are more well-rounded in terms of music and are willing to educate me in the ways of great music. And lucky for you, I'm willing to share. =)

So, just for your enjoyment, here are the Top 5 best musicians I've been introduced to this year and that you also should love....(in no particular order):

3. Tyrone Wells: Jason Segel may need to move over as my celebrity BF. Minus the fact that he's married and famous, Tyrone is perfect. =) But this guy's vocals are killer and even his covers are astounding. PLUS, he's a Washington state local. Gotta love 'em homegrown (and bald) =) This is my current fave Tyrone jam:

5. Dierks Bentley isn't necessarily "new" to me, but this new album of his is. And it's seriously awesome x's infinity. This is for lovers of Bluegrass and all things Appalachian.

Watch the YouTube vid here!

(sorry YouTube was dumb and wouldn't let me embed it, but still totally worth it)

2. NeedtoBreathe: if you like Kings of Leon, you'll enjoy this band's sound. Seriously good driving music. Here's my personal fave, "Girl Named Tennessee."

4. Family Force 5: some friends have been trying for 2 years to get me to listen to FF5; however, they are very nearly "scream-o" rock and I said Nyet! But, at a music festival they played at, I was actually digging most of what I heard. I was totally down with them until they had robots on the screen dancing. So I had to bail...BUT! They are still good and worth listening to if you can handle loud and raucous music that isn't country-based. Well, except for this song. =)

(best part of this: the mullet-as-weapon beat-down at the end)

1. JJ Heller: Christian indie folk-esque. Like Ingrid Michaelson with a Jesus slant. =) Her songs move me. Especially this one.

Talk Thursday // Reasons Why Summer Rocks

Today, I was once again ghetto fabulous and grabbed my lawn chair from my car and kicked it in the GHC parking lot for a solid 30 minutes soaking up the rays (since it is 90 degrees here in the PNW!!!!!!!!!!).

As I was reflecting over the awesomeness that is, in fact, sunshine, it hit me that I have not always been a summer girl. Years ago, I was a mild weather person, often cold weather suited me just fine. I loved wearing scarves and hats and mittens and drinking cocoa and bundling/cuddling under layers of blankets. In the last 3 years, a shift has occurred...I am a summer gal. I want to be WARM! Possibly, this happened because warm weather is so infrequent here in the temperate climate of the Northwest. Maybe it's just because I miss Missouri and their abundance of warm. Likely, its a both/and. And granted, Washington hot is no where NEAR Missouri hot (in MO the lakes get warm enough to swim in! Shocking!!)

Whatever the reason for the switch and in the midst of the difference between WA hot and other places hot, I have compiled a list of reasons why summer is awesome. But this is Talk Thursday so add your own:

Why do you love summer too?

1) Country music can be played at much louder decibles considering the windows will be down and the wind will be whipping through the car
2) There is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why I am eating 2 popsicles for breakfast and will enjoy probably 2 or more throughout the day
3) It necessitates a reason to go to the lake or river
4) Nobody else wants to sit inside so we can all go play
5) I often NEED a reason to shave my legs...summer gives me that reason
6) Two conjunctions: Flip-flop tan-lines
7) Walking away with that "summer glow" (which is funny because it sounds like "Summer Glau"...non-nerds, you won't understand)
8) There is no reason to turn on the heat so I save on electric
9) Warm night driving
10) The smell of sunshine

Let's hear your reasons why you love summer. =)

Caption Please

A Good Day

Saturdays that have no priorities or requirements are few and far between in my life. Thus, the have also become one of my most favorite and enjoyable things in the world.

Today, I have slept in and watched about 75 hours of "Scrubs". Mom, Dad and I hung up my jewelry box eventually, but other than that I have succeeded in doing NOTHING productive. Gloriously glorious. =)

How was your Saturday?

Talk Thursday // All. By. Myself. Don'twannabe....t

Over the last few days, I've had the same conversation with several people: it is hard to make friends and build relationships as a post-college grad. For some reason, finding friends and gaining community gets more and more difficult, it seems.

And it apparently doesn't seem to matter if you're single, married, a cat lady or a Twilight fan - the post-college world is a hard one to live in.

For someone like me, who is EXTREMELY extroverted and needs people ALL. THE. TIME. this little paradigm shift for my life has been hard. Especially living in the Northwest where it is much more difficult to penetrate the thick walls that people put themselves in.

However, we are built for community - we are designed for it. We are created for relationships and friendships, even when they are hard to find.

So, in selfishness AND an act of mercy for those other Hephizbah readers in similar boats, let's talk. It'll be like a reader survey/an advice column. =)

Where are you in life? College, post-college, employed, not-employed, living at home, living on your own?

AND

Where have you found relationships? How have you managed to build community and make friends in whatever stage you are in life? If you've done so successfully, can you give any one of us some advice?

Talk Thursday // Back Where I Come From

I feel like I haven't blogged in a really long time. And that is no bueno (look at me...bein' all bi-lingual =) ).

As you may or may not have heard (for those of you who AREN'T creepy Facebook stalkers...), I just accepted a permanent-full-time job as a patient care representative for GroupHealth's Behavioral Health Access department. You may remember this same department as the one that produced such art as this or this. I've been at this job for a while, but will be stepping into a new role. And I'm pretty stoked (not least stoked for the coming health coverage! Woot woot!).

Part of my job training for this new position requires me to travel to our downtown Seattle office to work in one of the Behavioral Health clinics. I have been training for the last 3 days and through the grapevine, I think I have another week or so to go.

Being down in the Seattle office has opened my eyes to a whole new world: public transit (ooooh!). I catch the train from Auburn to Seattle, then jog over a couple blocks to the Light Link and at its last stop, hop out and walk the remaining 8 blocks or so to my office. I've never ridden public transit, so it was a frightful experience that first day.

However, over the last several days, I have become more confident as I walk the city streets of Seattle. It is definitely a different vibe than walking around the 'burbs of Auburn, Maple Valley or Federal Way. iPod in, music blaring, looking straight ahead - NO EYE CONTACT! This I do not care for. I am a social entity. I need to wave hey to people, to smile and say "good morning"....this no contact thing is not a happy time for me.

Over the last few days, I've pined for the quiet 'burg of Bolivar, where you walk to the square, greeting everyone you pass. Or as you drive down the road, you wave to the cars passing. It's a homey feeling. And I like that.

But I do get along in Seattle. The metropolis is booming and busy and energetic. Quite honestly, I could go either way.

In the spirit of Talk Thursday (which has now become Talk Sunday), which do you prefer? Are you a metropolite or a down-home kind of person? City or country?

Talk Thursday // Cereal Killers

It's no secret to anyone that I love cereal. Between cereal and Easy Mac (and my parents) I am able to survive. Cheerios and Rice Chex are my faves, but I don't discriminate. Except for Raisin Bran - that stuff sucks.

So I want to know, if you could be any type of cereal, which would you be? (Your reasoning can be based on anything from flavor to creepiness factor of the cereal's mascot.) I think I would be Fruit Loops. Fruit Loops are tasty, colorful, and they always make the milk taste good at the end. Plus Toucan Sam has a huge schnose - just like me. =)

What about you?

Partial/Nuclear Family Photos

When you have big moments to capture, it's inevitable that you take pictures. Luckily, we Lewis' got lucky with Karen Wang - photographer extraordinaire! Rachael graduated this last Saturday so we took advantage of the time to do some partial/nuclear family* photos.

Some family photos are awkward.

Some are dumb.

Our's were just straight up awesomeness. =)

Check out Karen's blog to view some Lewis' in the sun.
And check out Karen's blog if you need someone to do great photos in the Seattle metro. (She did Rachael's senior pix and I approve.)

Yay for awesome pictures! =)



*referenced as partial/nuclear family photos because we were missing Stephen Cowden - our BIL. He needs to know that the pictures (and good times had during) would have been greatly improved due to his presence. As a consolation, I'll send his wife back to him temporarily. ;)

Random Thoughts w/ Sarah Lewie

I was reading through some Proverbs last night and stumbled across a verse that I've probably read a bajillionty times before, but it struck a nerve last night.

"The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness." (Prov. 16:21, NASB)

Wisdom has always been something that I've desired - making wise choices with my time, financially, my relationships, food, future plans, etc. And I constantly feel the struggle to make wise, godly choices. HOW do I make those wise, godly choices everytime when it is just so ding-dang hard to do?

In reading this verse, I wonder if what Solomon is saying is that those who are wise [in heart] are those who are understanding. Understanding of what? People? Situations? Maybe those who are empathic? If this is the case, maybe then the struggle needn't be me against myself and my own inability to understand my situation, but that I become capable of understanding others.

And this is love. Out of that love comes sweetness of speech. Then if I'm desiring that others perceive me as wise (or at least capable of making wise choices) my method becomes sweetness of speech, caused by love for the people I'm around because I am choosing to understand them and their situations. This gives me God's wisdom at heart because everything boils down to showing love to others, which is how we also show our love to God. Wisdom caused by the ability to love others as we have been loved???

God just blew my mind.

Granted, I could be totally off my rocker here. Solomon could have been completely talking about something else entirely. But if God's never-ending intention is that we love Him and we love others, seeking His wisdom can't be that far off base. =)

Ok, random thought over. Happy Wednesday. =)

"HEY YOU GUUUUUUUUYYYYYYYYSSSSSSS!"

This weekend I will be headed down to Astoria, OR to engage in a cultural phenomenon:

The Goonies 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Some people from my church are HUGE Goonies fans; I don't even think I've ever even heard one of them say the word "die." So we're headed that way to enjoy reliving the dream of the Goonies madness.

To be honest, I'm headed that way cause I just like roadtrips and eating junk food with my friends, but whatevs. =) It will be an interesting weekend - chock full of people watching. Although, if I got to meet Sean Astin, I would wet myself (SAMWISE GAMGEE!!!).

Are any of you big Goonies? If so, would you be willing to post a picture of you doing the Truffle Shuffle? ;)

(Interesting point to note: the Goonies movie and I are the same age. Fancy that. =) )

Have a great weekend, ya'll! Pictures to come!

Talk Thursday // Gleek

My sister had oft spoken of her deep desire to be in a Broadway musical, despite her current hiatus from public singing. And she could do it; she would rock the Casbah. True story.

I, on the other hand, while loving the spotlight and belting out a rockin' karaoke jam, am not made for the stage. Put me working the lights or sound or props and I'll be fine.


That's why GLEE works for people like Heather. And for people like me. It's chock full of power ballads done by relatively decent vocalists with a story-line that have to matter because everyone knows we're all just watching it for the music.

If you love Journey (and who doesn't?!), you should watch GLEE.

If you want to watch Idina Menzel absolutely DESTROY a Lady GaGa song, you should watch GLEE.

If you were ever in or desirous of being in a vocal group, you should watch GLEE.

If you ever felt like a loser/outcast in high school, especially when pitted against the cheerleaders and jocks, you should watch GLEE.

If you want to find a plethora of songs to belt out to in the car so that as you're driving down the road people look at you a little funny because though it's quite obvious you're not black, you are certainly attempting to sound like Whitney Houston, you should watch GLEE. (Wow...that one got personal...)

And if you are able to find expression to who you are through music, you should watch GLEE.





So, have I convinced you? Are you a GLEE(k)? And where do you belt out your power ballads? =)

Talk Thursday // 5 Questions You've Never Been Asked

Like a car runs on gasoline, this blog runs on thievery. I'm not so creative, but I know how to read and listen. And I've been reading and listening over at Tyler Stanton's freaking hilarious blog. He makes me laugh; I want to make you laugh; so I thereby give you....

5 QUESTIONS YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ASKED, Talk Thursday ed. (done also in part by a ridiculous conversation between Jenna S & myself)

1. If you had to trade your face with any kitchen appliance, which one would it be?
(Things to consider: the noises your face would make, the fact that you'd have no eyes, and how often people would use your face in the process of making themselves something to eat that they couldn't share with you because you would also have no mouth)

2. What song would you choose to sing if you were required to sing it every time someone asked you how your day was going?
(Things to consider: your pastor asks you this question, your vocal range, the frequency of this question being asked in a day)

3. How often would you like to see Michael Bolton do the worm?
(Things to consider: really, there is nothing to consider. The only appropriate answer to this is "all the time!")

4. Which would you rather have stapled on your forehead: your thumb or my gym sock?
(Things to consider: swimming, first dates, the chance of being tickled)

5. If you had to lick some item in your room every time you passed by it, what would you choose to lick?
(Things to consider: the chances of you having to touch it, the chance that someone else will touch it, the looks you'll get from people who see this happen)




This has been 5 questions you've never been asked.....and probably never will again. =)
(Thanks to Tyler Stanton and Jenna S!!!)

Talk Friday // Passion

I like the beach.

I like ministry.

I like people who like the beach and ministry.

These things put together made for an excellent last few days. Our administrative coordinator/collegiate student minister invited me to accompany her to Cannon Beach for the Northwest Baptist Collegiate Ministry Conference. I'll be real: I was skeptical. I'm not a collegiate minister; I've never done collegiate ministry (SBU does not count); and I don't know anyone.

However, it was fabulous. The people were kind, they accepted me without any collegiate background and I made some wonderful connections, not just for myself, but also for our church and the community we serve.

And it got me to thinking: what was it that made these people come together? Why would they take three days out of their schedules to come to the beach and hang out? Ok, ok...that question just answered itself. =)

The answer to the first question, though, is PASSION. Those collegiate ministers had passion. Passion for their work, passion for their collegues, passion for their Lord, and a passion to do what they know they were called to do. Their passion for growing closer together as collegues, gleaning ideas for how to do their ministry better, and passion for how to help college students get to know Jesus better was evident the whole time.

So, what's your passion? Is there something in your life that you are deeply passionate about? That you would give up three days for? That you would change your life for? If there's not, there should be. I can't imagine living life without a purpose. And passions enable us to have purpose.

What's yours?

Summer Goals: UPDATE!

It has officially been summer in the Lewis/Halpin house for 2 full weeks. And I have added and completed several goals for myself and my summer.

So without further ado:

Sarah's Super Spectacular Summer Schema!

Veritas:
* Write training materials for the Orchard
(outline accomplished)
* Pre-write one month's worth of lessons for Orchard
(accomplished with 3 months to go because of her super awesome BFF Adina and the generosity of Central Baptist Church!)
* Inventory Orchard materials
* Create Orchard budget

Multnomah:
* Start Comprehensive Written Report for internship class
* Review Hebrew & Greek (likely closer to August)
* Read Genesis-Song of Solomon
* Translate Galatians
* Read ahead in textbooks (if possible)

Personal:
* Reorganize bookshelves (they are not in alpha order and it's driving me NUTS) (accomplished)* Finish The Coffeehouse Gospel, All-Star Missions Churches, Crazy Love and all the Dean Koontz books that have been sitting on my bookshelf for the last 3 months
* Go on a road trip (or several)
- Cannon Beach #1!!: 5/18-5/20
- Cannon Beach #2!!: 6/4-6/7
- Wyoming!!!: 7/21-7/25
* Go to the drive-in movie (accomplished: Iron Man 2)
* Go on a date (but not like the two blind dates from last summer...those were BAD!))
* Ride bike to Flaming Geyser & back (14 miles)
- Ride bike to SR-18/Auburn-Black Diamond by end of May (4 miles)
(accomplished 5/15)
- Ride bike to Mosby farms by end of May (6 miles)
* Get a tan
* Upload all pictures to Facebook
* Make Rachael’s graduation present
* Lose weight (it's an every summer ordeal)



You guys are keeping me accountable. And I appreciate that. =)

Homepage

I have two computers: my work computer (Jack) and my laptop (Alex). The default homepage for Jack is the GroupHealth Cooperative intranet page. I can't change it (try as I like) and I don't need the intranet for much. So when I want to get online I usually opt for opening the shortcut link to my iGoogle.

For those of you who don't know the gloriousness that is iGoogle, it contains the Gmail inbox, the weather, chat, news clips, the Google function and I even have a Tetrus game on mine. I love iGoogle. And I would love if Jack's homepage would be iGoogle instead of GHC.

*Segue!!*

Our church is going through a sermon series on the Fruits of the Spirit. We spent last night at our community group kind of recapping the last couple: kindness, goodness and faithfulness. After discussing the nuances of each of those, the main point became that all of these things boil down to love. You can't be kind without love; you can't be good without love; do you really want to have faith in something (or Someone) that you don't love?

The illustration was made that love should be our homepage. It should be what we default to. Once we're in the love 'homepage', we'll be able to "link" to anyone of those other fruits: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

However, for many of us, love doesn't seem to be our go-to; it's typically something else. We discussed Ephesians 4.31 that says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." One of these is more than likely what we default to.

I have to admit that mine is slander. When I'm frustrated, when I've lost control over something, when something doesn't go my way or I can't get what I want or I'm hurt, I default to slander. Whatever the situation, it's never my fault, something else made me drop the ball or caused me to be late or hurt my feelings or made me feel little. I want to deflect any responsibility and throw someone under the bus.

But what if rather than opening my homepage to slander, I opened it to love? How would that even look?

When I can't complete something on time, what if rather than complain, I worked to get it done more quickly?

When I lose control over some situation, what if rather than assume the other person has it out for me, I find something else to do?

When I get my feelings hurt, what if rather than talk bad about them to others, I stop right then and pray for them?

I think it might look like love. Like the love of Christ coming out in my life. And helping others to see Him more clearly in me.

I can't change the default setting on my work computer. It's always going to be GHC. However, I've gone straight to my shortcut enough that I rarely open the Internet Explorer icon. It's muscle memory. And I think if we do it enough, if we practice it enough, we can make our default settings remember love, rather than what we'd rather go to, be it anger or malice or bitterness or self-pity or judgmentalism or whatever.

iGoogle is awesome.

Love is awesomer.