"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the Devil says 'Oh crap, she's up!' "
Loving this one!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Watch for flying apples!
**Warning, this is an extra long post that's been brewing for a couple of weeks...
A couple of years ago we joined up with another church for our annual snow trip. We rented houses, borrowed vehicles and headed out for an adventure. An adventure it was. We had car problems, lots and lots of snow, an emergency car rental to get everyone home and then a blow-out on the way home on one of the cars. By the time we arrived back at the church at 10pm, we were tired. Snow trips are fun but I usually never get enough sleep, and this weekend wasn't any different. After everyone was finally picked up, I loaded up the leftover stuff and R-girl into the car and headed for home, thinking the adventure was behind us.
The road we took home wasn't the usual one for us. There are two roads that head our direction and as it turns out Road B was more direct than Road A, the usual route home. Road B is a little more secluded and tends to be less traveled by cars. As we drove towards home, R-girl and I were reviewing the weekend, commiserating about our general lack of sleep and laughing about things that had happened. We rounded a corner and that's when we saw the deer. He was a proud fellow with a good set of horns on his head and he was enjoying his late night snack by the side of the road. Now, being the semi-country girl that I am, I know that deer will do one of two things when headlights come at them. Run across the road in front of the car or stand still. Not knowing what this proud deer was going to do, I did what comes naturally to a person in this situation. I hit the brakes.
The brakes on this rental vehicle worked really well. We came to an immediate stop. The apples in the Costco pack on the back seat did not. Within seconds R-girl and I were being pelted by apples from inside our own vehicle! The combination of sleep deprivation, adrenaline from a quick stop and being pelted with apples had us in giggles. The proud deer looked at us for a second and resumed munching his snack. Amidst our giggling, R-girl and I managed to round up the apples and returning them to their pack and their place on the back seat.
As we headed on home, we were on alert now. As we drove away from proud deer we kept watching the side of the road to make sure there weren't any friends nearby. About a half mile down the road, I let my guard down a little and was in the midst of yawning very widely when I saw it. Proud deer's girlfriend. Again I hit the brakes and again the apples went flying! This time R-girl, amidst the laughter, was grumbling "dumb apples, dumb deer". What are the chances of the same thing happening two times in one night?
I managed to drop R-girl off safe and sound a few minutes later and made it home without any more deer spotting that night. The memory, though, has stayed with us. Yesterday, R-girl and I were reminiscing about the dumb deer and dumb apples and the thought hit me; dumb me. In my haste to get home, I had placed the pack of apples on top of a box on the back seat of the rental car. I remember thinking "I should move that to the seat" but got distracted and never did. And then, once we had the first apple flying encounter, instead of putting them on the floor or on the seat next to the box, I put the box of apples back in the same, exact place. You know what? I did the same thing after the second pelting. The apples went right back on top of that box.
So many times in my life, I do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results only to never see any change. As the phrase goes "When you do what you always do, you get what you always get." Yep. Pretty clear. Put the apples on the box, when you slam on the brakes, you will be pelted. Didn't learn it the first time? How about the second? Want to go for a third?
Change is a hard word for humans...it's even harder in a church setting. We do the things we do because we've always done them that way. They've worked before, they should work now. Mention the "c" word, and be ready for the firing range. Change is threatening, scary and seems to indicate that there is something desperately wrong with the person, the group of people, the institution. And so, we keep putting the apples back on the box, only to have them fly off and whack us in the head every once in a while.
Over the weekend I heard from many different speakers and God seemed to be saying the same thing through each of them...it's time for a change. In order for the Church universal to survive, we need to be changing. Not for the sake of change but because times are changing, people are changing. I loved how one speaker said it, Jesus will always be timeless but many of the things in our churches are not timeless. Some of those things need to be eliminated in order for the Church to survive, for the message of Jesus to be heard, for the peace of God to be shown.
Coming home and sharing that message with a handful of people, the reality of the threatening aspect of change hit home. Some reacted with a passion, immediately jumping to protect that which they cherished (and I hadn't even brought up...hmmmmmm...), some nodded their head in agreement and put the apples back on the box they had been resting on before, one passionately agreed and said "preach it, sister!". I know that God is working, I know that God is speaking to my heart for a reason and I'm listening. Praying for the strength to do and say what God is wanting me to say and do, that I will be able to listen, respectfully, to those who disagree and that God will speak louder than our fears. I'm watching for deer and flying apples.
A couple of years ago we joined up with another church for our annual snow trip. We rented houses, borrowed vehicles and headed out for an adventure. An adventure it was. We had car problems, lots and lots of snow, an emergency car rental to get everyone home and then a blow-out on the way home on one of the cars. By the time we arrived back at the church at 10pm, we were tired. Snow trips are fun but I usually never get enough sleep, and this weekend wasn't any different. After everyone was finally picked up, I loaded up the leftover stuff and R-girl into the car and headed for home, thinking the adventure was behind us.
The road we took home wasn't the usual one for us. There are two roads that head our direction and as it turns out Road B was more direct than Road A, the usual route home. Road B is a little more secluded and tends to be less traveled by cars. As we drove towards home, R-girl and I were reviewing the weekend, commiserating about our general lack of sleep and laughing about things that had happened. We rounded a corner and that's when we saw the deer. He was a proud fellow with a good set of horns on his head and he was enjoying his late night snack by the side of the road. Now, being the semi-country girl that I am, I know that deer will do one of two things when headlights come at them. Run across the road in front of the car or stand still. Not knowing what this proud deer was going to do, I did what comes naturally to a person in this situation. I hit the brakes.
The brakes on this rental vehicle worked really well. We came to an immediate stop. The apples in the Costco pack on the back seat did not. Within seconds R-girl and I were being pelted by apples from inside our own vehicle! The combination of sleep deprivation, adrenaline from a quick stop and being pelted with apples had us in giggles. The proud deer looked at us for a second and resumed munching his snack. Amidst our giggling, R-girl and I managed to round up the apples and returning them to their pack and their place on the back seat.
As we headed on home, we were on alert now. As we drove away from proud deer we kept watching the side of the road to make sure there weren't any friends nearby. About a half mile down the road, I let my guard down a little and was in the midst of yawning very widely when I saw it. Proud deer's girlfriend. Again I hit the brakes and again the apples went flying! This time R-girl, amidst the laughter, was grumbling "dumb apples, dumb deer". What are the chances of the same thing happening two times in one night?
I managed to drop R-girl off safe and sound a few minutes later and made it home without any more deer spotting that night. The memory, though, has stayed with us. Yesterday, R-girl and I were reminiscing about the dumb deer and dumb apples and the thought hit me; dumb me. In my haste to get home, I had placed the pack of apples on top of a box on the back seat of the rental car. I remember thinking "I should move that to the seat" but got distracted and never did. And then, once we had the first apple flying encounter, instead of putting them on the floor or on the seat next to the box, I put the box of apples back in the same, exact place. You know what? I did the same thing after the second pelting. The apples went right back on top of that box.
So many times in my life, I do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results only to never see any change. As the phrase goes "When you do what you always do, you get what you always get." Yep. Pretty clear. Put the apples on the box, when you slam on the brakes, you will be pelted. Didn't learn it the first time? How about the second? Want to go for a third?
Change is a hard word for humans...it's even harder in a church setting. We do the things we do because we've always done them that way. They've worked before, they should work now. Mention the "c" word, and be ready for the firing range. Change is threatening, scary and seems to indicate that there is something desperately wrong with the person, the group of people, the institution. And so, we keep putting the apples back on the box, only to have them fly off and whack us in the head every once in a while.
Over the weekend I heard from many different speakers and God seemed to be saying the same thing through each of them...it's time for a change. In order for the Church universal to survive, we need to be changing. Not for the sake of change but because times are changing, people are changing. I loved how one speaker said it, Jesus will always be timeless but many of the things in our churches are not timeless. Some of those things need to be eliminated in order for the Church to survive, for the message of Jesus to be heard, for the peace of God to be shown.
Coming home and sharing that message with a handful of people, the reality of the threatening aspect of change hit home. Some reacted with a passion, immediately jumping to protect that which they cherished (and I hadn't even brought up...hmmmmmm...), some nodded their head in agreement and put the apples back on the box they had been resting on before, one passionately agreed and said "preach it, sister!". I know that God is working, I know that God is speaking to my heart for a reason and I'm listening. Praying for the strength to do and say what God is wanting me to say and do, that I will be able to listen, respectfully, to those who disagree and that God will speak louder than our fears. I'm watching for deer and flying apples.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Home
The weekend was a blur of information, images, thoughts, visceral reactions, food, smells and more. There is much to unpack, both literally and mentally. I'm wondering about the future of the Church universal and the Church personal. I'm pondering the state of youth ministry in my own situation, I'm thinking about the body of believers that I worship with, about those who will welcome some fresh ideas and those who will put up a wall, a very, very large intimidating wall. I'm thinking about our upcoming trip to Mississippi and the tug I'm feeling from God to change things, to sacrifice, to go outside my comfort zone. There is much going on in my brain and there is much to filter. I'm sure this space will be used to filter all of the stuff inside my head in the coming days and weeks.
Right now, I'm going to sleep.
Right now, I'm going to sleep.
Wrap-up of the day
It's really early in the morning or late at night, depending on how you look at it. I've been away from the hotel a full 15 hours. There was a lot packed into that time. Here's just a glimpse:
- Heard from 3 young people who have started groups that give to others or are taking a stand on issues. Very, very impressive, enlightening, encouraging and cool. Just cool.
- Worshipped with a children's choir from Africa. If I can get the video, church on Sunday will be worshipping with them as well. I'm making an executive decision as the worship leader...so there.
- Watched an amazing performer bring a story to life that left the whole room in tears. And that was all within two hours.
- Had lunch at the ESPNzone and watched the 49ers lose in the last seconds of the game...but had a yummy salad.
- Participated in a workshop focusing on how we connect with God throughout the day in the moments that we have...good stuff. Did you know that chocolate and prayer go together? They do.
- Enjoyed a caramel frappacino that tasted like caramel corn. Yum.
- Listened to a discussion about youth revolutionizing the world. It was co-led by a guy who was an atheist, has come to Christianity while working in DC. He has worked for some pretty high mucky-mucks including the Obama campaign. There are a lot of things that I still need to review from that session. I thought I was going to walk away from the conference without buying any cd's or DVD's...not gonna happen.
- Had dinner with other Presbyterian Youth Workers, including someone that I had gone to a class with a couple year ago. Good conversation and I came away with some new resources, plus after the expensive meals in this town, it was nice to have a free dinner! Thanks PC(USA)!
- Tonight we heard from the woman the Lifetime movie, Homeless to Harvard, was based on. I appreciated hearing her perspective on life...it made me think about what I take for granted and what I assume.
- And then, Jon-boy and I hung out and listened to Todd T.'s favorite band in the whole wide world...Lost and Found. Slinky! We also laughed until we couldn't breathe with the Skit Guys. A long but good day.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Brush with fame???
The LA Convention Center is right next door to the Staples Center, across the street from Nokia Live!, and down a block from the new Grammy Museum. When we arrived on Friday afternoon, Jon-boy and I overheard someone saying "Downtown LA rolls up the sidewalks at night...nothing is happening." Um....that's not my experience!
Last night was a concert that had a whole bunch of excited but buzzed people around Nokia Live! Lot's of people. Tonight there is even more going on. But let me back up a bit...
Today at NYWC the morning speaker hit a home run. Home.run. He spoke about change. Not a new topic by any means, it was the way he spoke about change that brought things that I've been thinking about in a full circle. My mind has been buzzing all day long...and it's been a good day for it to be buzzing. There weren't any seminars, now called Labs, to attend today. They had something they called "Open Space" going on. Basically people created their own topics and had a set time for others to come sit and discuss the topic. Great idea, but with my mind whirring from the morning seminar, and the chaos of trying to figure out what discussion started when, I opted to head back to my hotel room and take advantage of the spaciousness there to sit with God. I'm not prepared to talk about all that yet, but stayed tuned! On my way back to the hotel it became apparent that there was something going on at the Staples Center tonight. I made a mental note to check their website and see what was up.
Anyway, about 5:45 it was time to find Jon-boy and get dinner before the evening Session. I left my room to head back to the Convention with a stop at the hotel gift shop for some bottled water. Seriously, I don't know what hotels do to their water but there is a taste to it...water shouldn't taste! Rabbit trail, sorry. I bought the expensive water and headed for the escalator. Three men in suits got there ahead of me. I looked at one of the guys and thought "his nose has been broken". As we all headed out the front doors, a couple of women were coming in. One of the ladies looked at broken nose guy and immediately let out a string of Spanish, she clearly recognized him. It was then that the light bulb donned. The event happening at the Staples Center...a boxing match...broken nose guy is a boxer! Don't know who he is (boxing is so not my thing) but I have to admit, I felt a little more comfortable walking down to the Convention Center with a boxer in my midst. Hopefully if someone had tried anything broken nose boxer guy would have come to my rescue!
Tonight's speaker was Donald Miller, who's newest book just released.
His talk was about the process of writing a book/screenplay and he tied it in nicely with how we live our lives, which is what I believe the book is about as well...I bought it but haven't read it, yet. Again, I connected with what he was saying so much. God is talking, what God is saying is still a little unclear, but God is definitely talking.
Jon-boy and I decided to skip out on late night options tonight...gonna save that for Skit Guys tomorrow. As we left, we noticed a crowd at the Nokia Live! area. It's been busy over there all weekend but I didn't go investigate what was happening. I heard someone say "they can't buy tickets for another couple hours" and my investigative hat went on. The TV just told me what I needed to know...people have been waiting in line for days to get first dibs on tickets to (drum roll please) the Michael Jackson movie. No joke. People have been sleeping out there for days to get tickets to the movie that supposedly is only going to run for a couple of weeks.
And that fight? Yeah, the Governator was there along with Rocky (Slyvester Stallone for those none movie buffs), Madonna's ex-husband, Mike Tyson and a whole slew of celebrities. My brush with fame...they were all in the building right next to where I was! Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
Last night was a concert that had a whole bunch of excited but buzzed people around Nokia Live! Lot's of people. Tonight there is even more going on. But let me back up a bit...
Today at NYWC the morning speaker hit a home run. Home.run. He spoke about change. Not a new topic by any means, it was the way he spoke about change that brought things that I've been thinking about in a full circle. My mind has been buzzing all day long...and it's been a good day for it to be buzzing. There weren't any seminars, now called Labs, to attend today. They had something they called "Open Space" going on. Basically people created their own topics and had a set time for others to come sit and discuss the topic. Great idea, but with my mind whirring from the morning seminar, and the chaos of trying to figure out what discussion started when, I opted to head back to my hotel room and take advantage of the spaciousness there to sit with God. I'm not prepared to talk about all that yet, but stayed tuned! On my way back to the hotel it became apparent that there was something going on at the Staples Center tonight. I made a mental note to check their website and see what was up.
Anyway, about 5:45 it was time to find Jon-boy and get dinner before the evening Session. I left my room to head back to the Convention with a stop at the hotel gift shop for some bottled water. Seriously, I don't know what hotels do to their water but there is a taste to it...water shouldn't taste! Rabbit trail, sorry. I bought the expensive water and headed for the escalator. Three men in suits got there ahead of me. I looked at one of the guys and thought "his nose has been broken". As we all headed out the front doors, a couple of women were coming in. One of the ladies looked at broken nose guy and immediately let out a string of Spanish, she clearly recognized him. It was then that the light bulb donned. The event happening at the Staples Center...a boxing match...broken nose guy is a boxer! Don't know who he is (boxing is so not my thing) but I have to admit, I felt a little more comfortable walking down to the Convention Center with a boxer in my midst. Hopefully if someone had tried anything broken nose boxer guy would have come to my rescue!
Tonight's speaker was Donald Miller, who's newest book just released.
His talk was about the process of writing a book/screenplay and he tied it in nicely with how we live our lives, which is what I believe the book is about as well...I bought it but haven't read it, yet. Again, I connected with what he was saying so much. God is talking, what God is saying is still a little unclear, but God is definitely talking.Jon-boy and I decided to skip out on late night options tonight...gonna save that for Skit Guys tomorrow. As we left, we noticed a crowd at the Nokia Live! area. It's been busy over there all weekend but I didn't go investigate what was happening. I heard someone say "they can't buy tickets for another couple hours" and my investigative hat went on. The TV just told me what I needed to know...people have been waiting in line for days to get first dibs on tickets to (drum roll please) the Michael Jackson movie. No joke. People have been sleeping out there for days to get tickets to the movie that supposedly is only going to run for a couple of weeks.
And that fight? Yeah, the Governator was there along with Rocky (Slyvester Stallone for those none movie buffs), Madonna's ex-husband, Mike Tyson and a whole slew of celebrities. My brush with fame...they were all in the building right next to where I was! Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Long day
It's 11:30pm...I've been up since 4:30am and should really go to bed NOW! If I get to sleep soon I will get a full 7 hours! There is much, however, rushing through my head, so I'm going to put it down here in whatever order it comes out. Feel free to read along or browse somewhere else.
The car ride to LA was pretty pain free. There were these bugs, however, that decided they really wanted to join us in LA. The front of my car is covered, covered in them. I couldn't get my windshield clean using the wiper fluid, it was ridiculous! We made good time until we were within 15 miles of our destination...then we crawled along for a half hour or so. 2 car accident that for some reason required 10 police/highway patrol people. No joke. My clutch leg was cramping up by the time we got past that. Missed the exit, twice, but managed to find the way to the Convention Center and eventually the hotel.
The hotel. Opinionated Friend, there is plenty of room for you too! Turns out I got a Jr. Suite. Couch, chair, desk, two double beds (the one drawback), vanity, bar area with fridge (yes!) and plenty of floor space for about 5 other people. Sent a pic text to Yo Momma and said "I could live here". I may just camp out here tomorrow and not go far.
As for the Convention itself...there are things that I've heard in the last 10 hours that I agree with, things that I don't. One speaker had me hooked right at the start and then went on a tangent that I just couldn't go on. Still said some good things but I was disappointed. Jon-boy told me I got a look on my face that expressed my complete disagreement...I tried to remain expressionless. Another speaker started out with some things that I questioned and then got to a place where God started whispering in my ear. The whispers are gentle and a little soft right now. I'm praying that they get a little louder and clearer, even if it gets rough.
The best part of the day, though, came in the form of two of my favorite groups. DC*B and Shane and Shane performed tonight. It was good. My soul is enlivened by DC*B and soothed by Shane and Shane. I go to sleep a happy camper tonight. Tomorrow is another long day. Not sure exactly what's in store but I'm praying that Jon-boy and I are open to God's whispering about ministry and about our own souls.
The car ride to LA was pretty pain free. There were these bugs, however, that decided they really wanted to join us in LA. The front of my car is covered, covered in them. I couldn't get my windshield clean using the wiper fluid, it was ridiculous! We made good time until we were within 15 miles of our destination...then we crawled along for a half hour or so. 2 car accident that for some reason required 10 police/highway patrol people. No joke. My clutch leg was cramping up by the time we got past that. Missed the exit, twice, but managed to find the way to the Convention Center and eventually the hotel.
The hotel. Opinionated Friend, there is plenty of room for you too! Turns out I got a Jr. Suite. Couch, chair, desk, two double beds (the one drawback), vanity, bar area with fridge (yes!) and plenty of floor space for about 5 other people. Sent a pic text to Yo Momma and said "I could live here". I may just camp out here tomorrow and not go far.
As for the Convention itself...there are things that I've heard in the last 10 hours that I agree with, things that I don't. One speaker had me hooked right at the start and then went on a tangent that I just couldn't go on. Still said some good things but I was disappointed. Jon-boy told me I got a look on my face that expressed my complete disagreement...I tried to remain expressionless. Another speaker started out with some things that I questioned and then got to a place where God started whispering in my ear. The whispers are gentle and a little soft right now. I'm praying that they get a little louder and clearer, even if it gets rough.
The best part of the day, though, came in the form of two of my favorite groups. DC*B and Shane and Shane performed tonight. It was good. My soul is enlivened by DC*B and soothed by Shane and Shane. I go to sleep a happy camper tonight. Tomorrow is another long day. Not sure exactly what's in store but I'm praying that Jon-boy and I are open to God's whispering about ministry and about our own souls.
LA bound
This weekend the National Youth Workers Convention takes over the LA Convention Center. My cohort in ministry, Jon-boy, and I are heading there for the weekend. The time that this post goes live is the time that we will be leaving. I'm excited because one of my favorite bands will be there, DC*B, and one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, will be speaking. Both have new stuff out right now...excited about picking those up too! (Which reminds me, I don't need to pack all those books that I just packed!)
The bad thing about having to get up before the sun is that I need to get to sleep early...which is nearly impossible on a Thursday night when Project Runway is on (though I fell asleep a couple weeks just as the runway show began) and really hard when I've become addicted to Models of the Runway. I love the inside scoop/behind the scenes things, even if that's not reality. Totally dig it.
I'm looking forward to the weekend, looking forward to continuing my Youth Worker training, but most of all I'm looking forward to the opportunity to focus on my need for God, for my own spiritual rejuvenation and some time to just be.
The bad thing about having to get up before the sun is that I need to get to sleep early...which is nearly impossible on a Thursday night when Project Runway is on (though I fell asleep a couple weeks just as the runway show began) and really hard when I've become addicted to Models of the Runway. I love the inside scoop/behind the scenes things, even if that's not reality. Totally dig it.
I'm looking forward to the weekend, looking forward to continuing my Youth Worker training, but most of all I'm looking forward to the opportunity to focus on my need for God, for my own spiritual rejuvenation and some time to just be.
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