Reflecting on the Holidays

I have been thinking about what to post on the topic of Christmas, grace and thankfulness lately. I remembered Jonathan Christmans blog posting of a year ago and knew that it could summ up my thoughts exactly. Thanks Jonathan, for sharing your thoughts, heart and elequence with us.


For Jesus Christ, the gospel, gift of faith and the grace to repent, peace with God, hope in life, a passion for the years to come, a vision for the future, forgiveness of sins, mercies new every morning, grace in time of need, God’s attributes – all of them- chiefly His unconditional love and faithfulness, union with Christ, the Bible, my family, the family of God, friends who love Christ, friends who love the world, the nations and all ethnic peoples who worship Jesus, cultural diversity in the family of God, diversity in worship expression to Jesus Christ, the nations who do not know our savior, missions, the privilege of sharing Jesus with the world, spiritual illumination, the Holy Spirit, the conviction He brings, His comfort and consolation, His intercession, His constant guidance and leadership through the word of God, yes, but also through his consistent promptings, biblical fellowship, worship, extended times of prayer, bible studies, small group, Spirit-saturated books, rich devotional puritan literature, modern-day life-imparting authors, theological teachers who produce doxological students, the ESV translation of the Bible, William Tyndall and John Wycliff, Christian martyrs, heart-driven preaching, engaging worship music, urban-minded churches, underprivileged people who teach me about my selfishness, Isaiah 58 and the heart of God, the wisdom of men before me, godly examples of biblical Christ-exalting families, virtuous women, feminine modesty, church history, families oblivious to worldly comfort, the tender love of a mother, faithful pastors, humble men, shepherding fathers, visionary Christians, Tim Keller, missional churches, expositional preaching, biblical theology, food to eat, pastoral oversight, Martin Luther King Jr., life-losing and life-giving missionaries, a vision and theology for racial harmony, the Lord’s day, joyful Christians, feasting and celebrating at the Lord’s supper, persecution, salvation of sinners, testimonies of grace, Baptism’s, Spirit-filled corporate prayer meetings, careful exegetes, the gifts of the Spirit, fathers who do not abdicate leadership, women in the church who minister in such vital ways, child-like faith, kindness of God leading to repentance, Grudem’s systematic theology, sleep, the Reformation and all of its leaders, the adoption of children, freedom of religion, radical Christian lives, radical churches, freedom from sin, slavery to Christ, Christian hedonism, well-ordered churches, George Eldon Ladd and realized eschatology, friends who will not waste their lives, friends who are not wasting their lives, an open ear from those outside of Christ, the example of Christ, Sunday morning prayer meetings, the promises of God, anticipation of Christ’s return, and the sufferings of this age which cannot compare to our eternal weight of glory. Need I say more? Isn’t it great to be a Christian?

amen.

The Hotness of Modesty

Sarah Vendsel, my lovely friend has bought me my favorite Christmas gift of at least the past 2 years. I was actually giddy with excitement. I wore this snappy number to work and to the grocery store yesterday. The problem with this is that people do not understand irony. When you are wearing your hair in a pony tail wtih gap jeans, you do not look cool enough to pull off the "I am a Christian but I am such an awesome one that does not need to proclaim the love of my Lord on my shirt...but ohh, look at me, I just did." Not nearly cool enough. I kept getting looks like "bet she's backward," or "short bus.." My self esteem took a serious blow, but not enough. The question is, which of your events will the "modest is Hottest" shirt make an appearence? Emerys belated birthday, ummm yes. Now you also can let your giddiness begin. Do not look over the verse which, in my humble opinion is the best part.
"The parts that are unpresentable are treated with a special modesty." to quote Liz "oh goodness gracious me."
DO NOT MISS THE OTHER POSTING OF "REDNECK CHRISTMAS" it begs commentary.

Redneck Christmas.

I wrote a long explination. I don't need one. I live in TN...this is about 25 minutes from my house. Sweet Lord.

After gasping (audibly) I laughed so hard I gagged.

Leda and beyond

A few nights ago I locked myself out of our house. Let me set the scene for you. There I was eating pepermint ice cream with raspberrys and watching buffy the vampire slayer season 4. Just in case you don't know me and you read that last sentance, no I am not a dork and 300lbs. So, I decided since I ate the ice cream, I should go running. I get ready, decide to leave the door open and go out to my car for a second and...yes ladies and gents I locked the door sans keys. SUCK. Long story shortened...
skip ahead 45 mins...
Scene: Ian and Ledas. Ian is helping me call locksmiths and showing me his new contraption. Ian has just been diagnosed with a pretty severe case of sleep apnea (where you stop breathing for more than 10sec during the night.) It looks like Darth Vadors mask, I mean, if I knew what that looked like... Anyway, his incredibly kind, beautiful wife Leda was on the couch. I have never seen Leda look so tired, she was hardly keepin herself awake. So, Ian was explaining the contraption and he informs Leda that he will need help putting it on at night. Leda without missing a beat responds.

"No, no you don't. Single people must have sleep apnea!" I snorted with laughter. I am not sure the humor translates to the internet, but alas, here you go. That said, Leda is great, beautiful and one of my top 3 favorite people in Chattanooga. Enjoy your vacation Leda, thanks for letting me crash at your house.

Saftey Jesus.

"I reckon this: the idol of the nice god, the safe god, has done more damage to biblical faith-more damage to people coming to faith-than the cariacture of the tyrant god ever did. The despotic god, howling his rage, wielding punishment with both ransacking destruction and surgical precision, at least inspired something in us. We were afraid. We wanted to appease. But this Milquetoast-Pampering deity is nothing but a cosmic lackey, an errand boy we call on to make our golf games pleasant or to help us escape reality for a little while and them summarily dismiss. Worship him? Revere him? Die for him? Believe that he died a curel and bloody death for us? You must be kidding." -Your God Is To Safe (Mark Buchanan)

"Is-is he a man?" asked Lucy.
"Aslan a man!" said Mr. Beaver sternly. "Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion-the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh," said Susan, "I thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver, "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're rather braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you." (Narnia)

A man at work was telling me how his mother had 16 children and I was listening patiently all the while thinking how that would be my hell. Don't get me wrong, I like children and would even like my own, but not 16, heck, not even 6. Alas, I digress. The thought actually crossed my mind that I would rather be in hell than have that life. I didn't say it out loud, but it was in the back of my mind and now it is haunting me. What a comercialized view of hell I must have to even consider a thought like that. Do I really believe in Satan, or do I chalk him up to a dime store teenager with satin horns. It was almost enough to bring tears to my eyes. Not even considering that children are a blessing from the Lord. Anyway, this has put my brain into overdrive.

How do I view Jesus? When I am walking with him all other things seem to fade away. I get glimpses of his glory and I know that I can sit, worshiping my King forever. It is like that worship song says "I long to be where the praise is never ending, yearn to dwell where the glory never fades. Where countless worshippers will share one song, and cries of "worthy" will honor the lamb." Yet, when I am not...I find myself giving God a way out. If I pray for someone I will leave it open "if it is your will" or making excuses. I know this is disjointed, it is my lunch break and I just felt like writting...but I am just praying that the Lord of the harvest will break this box I have put him in lately. He is the Lord of the Exodus, Lord of India, of Africa, of unbelieving family and friends. He is majestic, beautiful, worthy, glorious and breath taking. May this be our image of our savior, may we see him clothed in glory and honor, victorious, and may the simplicity of his birth be a vessle for us to see the magnitude of his life.

I am sure I will write before Christmas but I just want to use this one paragraph to write to the cameroon team.
As you are sent, know that it is my joy to come along side you in prayer. There is a King who is longing to see the nations worship the glorious Trinity. It has been written that "every tounge, tribe and nation WILL know the Lord." You have an amazing privilage to teach, encourage, love and honor those you come in contact with. I believe that Jesus is preparing each one of you in amazing ways and I can't wait to hear how he will reach the people of cameroon, and encourage the missionaries through your presence. Go in peace, know that you are loved.

John Mayer+meaty baby=my mind.

You know it's time to post again when you are getting internet spam in your comments section! That has never happened, I would say I feel unpopular, but well, I deserve it.

Instead of catching ya'll up on whats happening in the South I think I will just type tonight and let everyone (all 4 of you who still faithfully check this) just free flow.

I am listening to John Mayer and I am forced to agree with Erick Taylor that he indeed "rocks." I have been in denial for so long thanks to that "rockin the halls of my highschool" song that when I finally tuned in, 7 years later..I am forced to admit it, I love it. The song "Waiting on the world to change" has just been an incredible voice of my generation. All that random information so you will be able to audibly understand my mindset while I am typing this post.

It is really amazing how things are comming together, not just this trip but in life. About 4 weeks ago I was burdened with my debt. This is odd because I had been running from it for years and why now is a good question. I obtained a copy of my credit report and have proceeded to contact everyone on that sheet and begin payments. Now the total due is only around $6,000 but for the first time I am excited to bring this area of my life under the Lordship of Jesus. I am such a strict budget it is really funny. It is nothing like the Donaldson $10 a week entertainment, but I am not far behind. I am paying off of 3,000 in 7 months. I believe what really spurned this process was realizing that I had been talking about the mission field for so long and I was not acting on the one thing that could free me up to leave. It is almost as though I had been holding on to this as a crutch. I am excited for whatever the Lord leads now, if that is the field then amazing, if not, for the first time I can wait. I remember in a sermon that Piper preached about 7 years ago now, where he was walking in MN in Feb and it was about -20. He said that it made him think that maybe he might want a vacation. Then, in the Piperest of voices, he said he started dreaming of Heaven. After a while of that and looking around at all the work that needed to be accomplished he said "I can wait for that" meaning his vacation. That is how I am feeling about life right now. The Lord of the Harvest, wherever he was called us, an office building, our homes and families or the field is such an amazing provider. May we wait, trust and pray that we can catch a vision of our Lord and Heaven that can cause us to fall deeper in love with him. In that vision let us be encouraged that we are where we are supposed to be knowing that God who is soverign over all will be working all for the good of those who trust him and are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 paraphrase.)

Other news, parts of the Holsts (Dan, Liz and Anie) are going to Cameroon at the end of the month for a missions trip. They are connecting with the Baptist Theo. Seminary. May your presence breath new life into those you minister to. I love you all and will be laboring in prayer with you and for you and for the younger ones left home! Liz, you might want to get out that child harness and strap the Mayor in until you get back. Who is watching them?
Other, other news: I just met with the leader of my foreign missions commitee of NSF and we are planning a trip to Cameroon in late spring!! Sweet.

check out YouTube.com. Seriously, there is this clip of a laughing baby, not usually my sense of humor I know. But this baby laughs like a meaty old man. I had tears streaming down my face. Just type in baby laughing or something not so stupid.

peace out, yo.

Painful

Ok Internet, I have been a bad friend. Life has been crazy and blogging about it just has not fit in the schedule of exhaustion. Pitiful, just sad. Now tonight is 50cent Tacos at Amigos and half price Margaritas (makes life just a little more bareable, eh?) feel free to join the festivities if you are in town.

Here are some random things that when I am lacking for things to write about I will expand on.
1) A Monk almost saw me going to the bathroom.
2) I have gotten a car.
3) I am just been offered an internship in social work in Bay of St. Louis (recently ranked #1 murder capitol of the U.S.A.
4) I am "planning" on moving home (Mpls) to finish the Nurture program or finish school at Bethany College of Missions...maybe. This will "take place" in June or early July, please be praying for a place to live and a job. AMMENDMENT: NO TO BETHANY. I AM 27 AND I WOULD BE SHARING A 2 BEDROOM APT WITH 8 GIRLS. NOT THE ONLY REASON, BUT DEFINETLY NOT A REASON TO SAY YES.

Ahhhh, to sum up. I work... a lot. I see Ian and Leda, they go to bed at 8:30 pm same as I do. We pretty much rock.

I will say that I read this and I laughed out loud. I went to the gym the other day and this pretty much sums up my experience, only I was a casual bystander (Who visably snorted.)

ohhh

Yes please.

Happily Ever After? Not if you're Russian.

I think I just got hit on in Starbucks. If by "hit on" your definition includes a 47 year old man, who got to the door, LITERALLY gave himself a pep talk and then came up to talk to me. The minute he opened his mouth and I was assaulted by the Russian accent I had to fight the urge to put up my hand and say "Russian? Yeah, no but thanks for trying.

This brief post is in no way meant to discourage men from talking to strange woman. For all he knew it was the perfect scenario, I was alone and on my laptop. If it had not been that his accent was like getting bludgeoned with dull mallets and he was twice my age I bet we would have lived happily ever after. It did make me feel pretty though, it was appreciated and my carnal albet evil nature to post about this is simply for laughs.

Embrace the Space.

There is something special that happens in those moments when you can sense that something is off and you don't have time to question exactly what that thing is. I thought the older gentleman who was fulfilling his community service hours was just a close talker. You see, I attract these, close sitters, talkers ext. That is ok. I have dealt wtih this and more and thanks to Molly I don't even get nervous anymore when someone cries in my presence and needs a hug. She taught me that, when someone is crying you go in for the hug. She did not however inform me of what to do when a man leans so close to my mouth when I talk, that I have to fight the urge not to say the following. "This is America, I have my bubble (insert giant arms swinging motion) and you have your, embrace the space. " So, after 5 hours of frantic work I realize that he is not a close talker at all...he is almost deaf. Of course he is, obviously. So, I am at work, literally yelling everything I say to this man. Some things are just better when they are yelled, "PLEASE! JUST LEAVE THE POTATOES ALONE, COULD YOU COME BEHIND THE LINE? PLEASE!! It was a great stress reliever.

Key demographic

Well, I have found my key demographic of men. I went to the laundry mat the other day to watch my laundry get cleaned and I got hit on a total of 4 times in an hour. Yes, I am saying this to brag. No, actually I am not annoyed... feelin pretty. No need to point out that my men were hanging out at the "Suds n Go" on a Friday afternoon at 2ish. I understand completely and ya know what...still feel pretty.

Derek es no mas

On Thursday October 12th Derek (my scooter) died. His death was painful (for both parties!,) quick and completely debilitating.

I was coming home from work on Thursday and had just reached the Bilo (grocery) and I began the inner monolog of debating if I wanted Indian tonight or tomorrow when...WHAM. I slammed into a stopped car at a stoplight at 22mph to be exact. Now, I am a mindful driver and I want to use the following information to support my statement. You see, the light had turned green and traffic had begun to move, so I just slowed down a little. There was a man at the front of the line who slammed on his breaks to make a turn he almost missed. The entire line hit each-other. Enter scene Karla, I come zooming up and only see the green light, do not see others stopped and slam into van in front of me. I should say I did a face plant off of the back of a van, helmet cracked. Yes, I was wearing a helmet, a full motorcycle one to be exact. Gotta protect the money maker. So, no broken glass, no broken jaw, no broken anything. Just a bruised rib and a messed up knee. DAN AND LIZ, I am excited for your new bike, but I also want your children to have parents! Be careful, I like you and don't want you dead.

It has been amazing how God has already begun to provide. 1) The roommate was leaving out of town the next day and I had access to her car for 5 days if needed. 2) My friend Jared, the only person in TN I know with a truck "happened" to be at Blockbuster picking out a movie, wasting time, and he stayed with me for the entire duration. he also went to go get my license at my house to show the cop (You don't need a special/any license if it is under 50ccs.) 3)My friend Leda works 2 miles from me at the same horrifically early time of 5:45 am and I can get a ride there and take the bus back. 4) There is a possible car in the works. 5) I am ok...very thankful. 7) The man I hit is not pressing any charges he said "thats what bumpers are for, to be hit." And I don't have insurance on Derek, so I am out of luck but I also don't have to pay. Finally, number 6. My job could not be more understanding. They are wonderful and giving me a few days to get better without any guilt.

So...thankful, happy and in good spirits. Please keep me in your prayers and if you know anyone who is selling a car for cheap or if you know anyone to wants to give their car away...call.

more mpls photos

Home and after

Mpls is basically a deceiving state. There are 3 weeks out of the year that are so amazingly, breathtakingly beautiful that you kick yourself for leaving. Never mind the fact that the other 49 weeks are pretty much crap. It is hard to sum up my trip, I can't say it felt like I never left and I am happy with that. The friendships that were fairly surface have faded away after a year and a half and the ones that have remained...you are family to me. Thank you Holsts, Tomlinsons, Pipers, Finks, my parents and all others that put their lives on hold to host me. Ps-Erin Moore and Amber you two are the best "dead prostitutes" that I have ever seen, words cannot express how much I treasure our 16 year friendship. (They actually played dead prostitutes in a small film, I am not just being crass.)

Back in the Nooga. Just pray for the Community Kitchen, there are staff changes, shortages and all of us are maxed out and holidays are quickly approaching. Some of you are clued in to other things to pray for!! KEEP PRAYING!

I will post other pictures soon.

Check out Scott Andersons blog (http://www.jscottalexander.blogspot.com) for a wonderful John Piper "Fresh Words" article. Thank you Scott and Piper, it was good for my soul especially with what is going on at work. I was blessed and hopefully so will you.

I am reading through Isaiah and I wanted to post this.
"But now thus says the Lord, he who formed you, O Isreal; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cursh and Seba in exchange for you. BECAUSE you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my fame, whom I CREATED for my Glory, whom I formed and made." 43"1-7

afterthought...Holst, Erik and I (I speak for him) Challenge you to the formal rematch, giddy up partner, its go time. Ummm, ahem, Ani, I am sorry I thought you were the reason we were losing...that was wrong of me. :)

CHRIS FINK!

Christopher Robin Enoc Fink-
This is such a random shot it is laughable. In case you google yourself...DO YOU HAVE MY CELL PHONE IN YOUR TRUCK!?!?!? I AM STUCK IN ATL. YEP.....STUCK.
karla

Who's bad?

http://www.foolishblog.com/extras/piperisbad.mp3

-this is the best thing I have been sent in a year (apart from the laptop). Shout out to Gus

secret shame

I would like to admit something, I think it is time. The topic came up at work today of secret shame in relation to tv, movies and music. Queen was mentioned along with Billy Ray, some hard core rap was thrown in ext. When I said mine the room actually stood still and one person gasped. My favorite song, hands down, is "thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver. I know every lyric. It makes my heart glad. My tv shame is Jem and the Holograms. Don't hate, frankly Synergy and the misfits were the best character development I have seen in a while. Whats your shame?

how much he loves her

I was going to title this posting "whipped" but I decided that was crass. Although really...please. My sisters husband Erik actually takes their cat "lieger" for walks at night. My sister goes running, Erik the philosophy teaching, mountain climbing, sarcasm dripping man takes the cat on a walk. Just stretch your mind to imagine their neighborhood, it is rich white people. These people I am guessing own big golden retrievers and SUVs. I bet they think he ROCKS. Did I mention the cat is on a leash? Also that that cat actually gets dry ice to cool it down when it is hot because they do not have air conditioning. That cat has it better than me. By the way, if this post is not tickling your funny bone, read it slower because it is you, not me.

wow.

I went onto google and was looking for shirts or posters on the civil rights movement today, I stumbled upon the above.
I just want to say that it made me sad. We will never be as perfect as our Christ as we are totally depraved but often times I wish our faith didn't need to be broadcasted with "modest is hottest" tee shirts or "whitty" wordplay. I just think we need to see Jesus and so until that time, we fast and pray and cry maranatha, come quickly Jesus.

Top 5

It is one of those days here in Chattanooga where you do not wish you were anywhere else. It is 80 degrees outside, a slight breeze and unless you have sun repelling skin like myself you are basking in the glow of cancer. I am sitting outside right where a huge elm tree used to stand, before it was hit by lightning in coolidge park watching children run through the sculpture sprinklers and just enjoying the day and then I decided to blog. I have been at a loss of what to blog about lately, just thinking that my life was not interesting enough to post on the internet then I remembered I have opinions, lots of them. There is a book called "No one cares what you had for lunch 100 things to blog about." I now give you my opinion on number 33 entitled "what are your relationship deal breakers?"

Before I dive into this post I have to say that God has a way of giving me things that I do not want and bending my will (often forcibly) to his. Some examples, I have always said I would never visit (living didn't even enter into my thought process) in the South (especially not AK, TN or AL,) I had no heart for muslim ministry, I did not like jobs in service, I do not (for the most part) enjoy meeting new people, I never wanted to live in the inner city and I loved America. Now, take notice of how things have changed. I live in TN, I taught a muslim family English and I love learning about the culture, my life is now a service ministry, I am constantly meeting new people and putting THEM at ease, I moved to the inner city in Mpls and it took root in my soul and I desire to live overseas or at least visit a whole lot. Right..here is hoping that the deal breakers in dating do not end up that way. One more thing, these are my, I meet you and within 4 seconds I know I will never date you, top 5. With that said, lets begin.

1) Almost nothing gets on my nerves like a german/russian accent. Really, I can barley stand it. I am sure they produce intelligent, kind people but when they talk...I want to bash my head into a wall. Those of you who know me can not find one Russian friend I have ever had, it is the accent, it is proven how much I don't like it by the fact that it is number 1. Bring on the hate mail, I am just warming up.

2) Velvet/shinny shirts. What, are you Danny Devito? Seriously, the Gap, they have a men section. I want no part of this Right Said Fred, I'm to sexy for this fabric. Just stop it.

3) Chewing tobacco...e w w w.

4) Excessive complaining/why me. Oh my goodness. Shut up. We just met, I do not care if you hate your boss/life/family. And basically, to sum it up, I am guessing they are not so fond of you either.

5) Long Hair on men. Wookie. It just creeps me out, get a haircut hippie. Now, I love the shaggy look (not the cartoon shaggy, but the Owen/Luke Wilson shaggy.) That being said I am going to add in general maintenance. No one is offended if your chest hair does not wink at us from inside your shirt. shudder.


So those are mine. I just found out that I am shallow. What are your top five?

bleeding eyes.

If we are referring to the world in general, I am of average to slightly above in the intelligence department. I like reading and I can even understand what I read. The real question I want to pose to you Internet is this. HOW can I be so smart in some areas and SO incredibly daft in others. It took me 2 HOURS to download the Itunes 7.0 today. It is supposed to be as easy as pushing a "download" button. Inside my head, my brain was bleeding. I then realize after numerous calls to apple support that my computer has a "Software Update" button which does it for me so I do not manually need to install Satans birth-child known as itunes. This is sad, really. I love itunes! It allows me to download project runway and gives me all the updates on I ever need on what is hip, now. I really do love it, although I hate updating things because I do not know how and we have all seen how skilled I am at linking. Good goodness. That is all I have to say. Well, that and I will be home in 12 days!!!!!! I am seeing my favorite people, eating more Indian food than one girl was ever meant to consume, and watching my sister run (my favorite way to enjoy the sport of running.) If I do not post for a while forgive me. I am working 9 days straight leading up to the trip, although I have a 6 hour wait for my flight in ATL so I am sure I will post about people watching in the airport.

mess o stuff

I am aware that I am a bad friend Internet. I do not pay attention to you like I should and I promise that I have never sent any of you flowers, although I have never really sent any of my actual friends flowers either. hmmm, note to self, be more pro-active. I digress, I have been meaning to post but what I want to post about seems to elude me, that is to say, yet again I have forgotten how to link. Yep, that darn hyperlink just simply does not exist and that is not my fault. Really, I consider myself smarter than the average and why on earth I cannot grasp this simple task makes me want to beat my head in. Frustration to the max. So, you will need to trust me and go to youtube.com and type in Obediah Parker and you will realize that his rendition of HeyYa by Outkast is one of my most beautiful things you will have heard in a while I guarantee. Let me know what you think.

My mind has been racing lately. I went on my friend Jonathan Christmans blog (you can get to it on the left hand side of this blog) and saw his photos of India and I just began crying. I have been pushing foreign missions out of my mind lately telling my self that this is where I am at, I am doing missions, how else can I prepare? I have been running from what God has called me to. It is an odd thing to be happy where you are at and see the good things that the Lord has provided and yet long with a longing almost too deep for words to be somewhere else. He has enlarged my heart for the nations and I am really trying to just be faithful where I am called at the moment.

Contrary to the popular belief I want to say that I have not forgotten about long term missions. I am here, learning how to serve the homeless and God is showing me more about his character through them than I could have ever guessed. I have grown to LOVE these people. I think in the tinniest idea of how parents can have their heart broken and be frustrated and angry beyond words by their children and yet would do anything for them. They daily challenge me with their questions and in turn I feel like I am asking for big answers from God. Questions like What is the Church?, What is helping and restoring dignity vs enabling? I also feel like I am ashamed of the church often times. I really don't know of many churches who really would honestly love the prostitute. They are not pretty, when you have been on drugs for 18 years and on the streets you rarely know how to behave in a manner that you get you by in a suburban church or really anywhere in public. I am learning that before I moved here I wanted to outcome of Pauls ministry without being willing to pay the price he paid.

I have struck up a friendship with 3 unlikely people and since I will be referring to them you should get an idea of who they are.
Jonathan: He is a wiccan and he read my tarot cards the other week. I was nervous because I have an unhealthy interest in that stuff so I just avoid it. He was the one who took almost a full weekend to show me my computer, never complains when I ask him to do something, always is kind, and is open to all things, all people and is gay. Jonathan and I have spoken a lot about God vs his High being. He asked me on my view of tarot and I explained that I believe that that has power and not the kind of power I want to tap into. He read my cards and we started talking about if things are predestined to occur or not. That tarot reading (that I prayed right through it) became the best witnessing opportunity that I have had in the last 10 years. Jonathans heart is vulnerable, he is not sure about heaven or hell, and he is hurt by almost everyone around him. Jonathan will say that being homeless is the best and the worst thing that has ever happened to him, he wonders if God has abandoned the people on the streets. Please pray for Jonathan.

Silas: Imagine a 70 year old white man with a tattered cowboy hat, a flannel shirt (red checkered) and tan pants and you have silas. I have met both of these men because they stay at the mens shelter and have to work in the kitchen with me on the weekends. Silas cannot read, he lost that ability after years of drug use caused a stroke and a hemorrhage and I believe there was an operation. Before this happened Silas loved to read the Puritans (seriously!) We bonded over the favorite book "a bruised reed." Silas had Robbie another gay male read him a chapter a night. Recently I found a bunch of old John Piper tapes among others and some men chipped in and bought him a tape player for him to listen to some solid theology. I have never seen an old man so happy. Now that I am thinking of it, if any of you have any old tapes (the sermons are free online available for download) and you would like to bless some others like Silas give me a shout out. Anyway, Silas has a troubled past, lives with 4 other veterans, has little to no Christian community and truly teaches me that "A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench;. He will faithfully bring forth justice." Isaiah 42:3

and last Nikki. Nikki has been a prostitute and a crack addict for 18 years, and she, with her first breath will tell you that the Lord sustains her and she has been clean for 4 days. She was clean for 2 weeks but then she used. Just imagine, it took my breath away to think of this. She has used crack/cocaine everyday for 18 years, she has been without it for 4 days. Nikki brings me joy. I have never seen her not smile or heard her complain. It also doesn't hurt that she tells me that I am beautiful daily. This woman talks loudly, speaks about Christ more joyfully that I have ever heard. Nikki does have believers in her life, her pastor and his wife visits her every other day, they pick her up, take her to church and they are proud of her. I love this woman and I know that this one, if she falls, has the power to break my heart.

I guess I just decided to post this random tirade because, Jesus loves the poor. He aches for the broken and I am realizing just how busy I have been trying to clean myself up for him and others. So run to him friends... find rest for your weary souls and stop trying to be someone else. I am going to leave you with lyrics to a song that sums up the problem of prostitution better than I could ever put into words, may it bring us to our knees in prayer:
What would you do
If your son was at home
Crying all alone on the bedroom floor
'Cause he's hungry?
And the only way to feed him
Is to sleep wit' a man
For a little bit of money
And his Daddy's gone somewhere
Smokin' rock now
In and out of lock down
I ain't got a job now
So for you this is just a good time
But for me this is what I call life

don't worry, I am aware that because this is a serious post I will get no response but I hope that is not the case. Comment, how else will I know anyone else has an opinion!

no paragraphs

My blog seems religiously against obeying my command to put into place paragraphs so no comments on the post! I tried, maybe my blog has joined a cult. JESUS LOVES PARAGRAPHS.

You know what I miss...

BREATHING OUT OF BOTH NOSTRILS. I have been laid up with the flu/cold. I am not quite sure which it is, I would describe my symptoms but I would still like to keep some of you as friends.
What does everyone else do when they are sick, because really, I am quite sure my teenage years really affected how I want to act today. I want to preface this by saying I really am sick and I actually did spend the day 85% in bed and 5% eating popsicles and 10% cleaning my room. Alas, I digress. When I was a child I tried everything to get out of going to school. I am trying to write as honestly as possible knowing that my parents and sister read this blog, but it is time, I am cleaning out my closet.
The art of skipping school is a time honored tradition, I consider myself quite skilled at said art. It worked to my benefit to have had two parents that work. My father traveled a lot, so to make my illness believable I would begin my slight complaining by stating that I felt kind of ill, but I could handle it a few days before dad had a trip planned. I had to know that mom needed to to be at work so as you can imagine, this took quite a lot of planning. After confirming their absence I would plan out my day. It involved obscene amounts of tav, movies, books and candy. I liked to refer to them as "mental health" days. I really don't think I was fooling anyone but lets let me pretend eh?
As a teen coming of age during Ferris Buellers Day Off how could I not micromanage my day. This was before cell phones so don't count me out yet. My father would call on occasion but you could just tell him you were asleep, you see he loved us and therefore believed us. My mother was a whole different ball-game. Connie (madre) would call at "random" intervels, the only way to bypass this was to feign an interest in work and learn her schedule. She was a teacher so asking about classes were your best bet. Once you had that down you had to assume she would call around lunch time (11:10) and you needed to be available around 1:40 also, so about 11:00 and 1:35 I would cough until my throat was raw so when I picked up the phone I wasn't exactly lying. You see, I was in pain.
So I didn't gain 45lbs from the candy I would grab my bike and ride the mile and a half to the local convenience store and then ride around for another couple miles, but not long enough for my absence to be missed or for the incredibly freakish suburban neighborhood watch to kick it. Connie had spies you see, our elderly neighbor Doris and the neighbors in the back yard...all on her payroll doing her bidding. Doris had a weak spot, she had migraines and pulled her shades down, I exploited this to all it was worth (I loved Doris like a grandmother by the way, but you have to do what you have to do.) Anyway, it worked best to get this energy out of the way early so you were available to take the calls, but if not you could always call and explain that you didn't feel well and just wanted to tell someone who cared, that usually works but you run the risk of her rushing home. After the energy is exhausted you have the rest of the day to relax and forget all about that test.
How I loved these lessons of life. I view these tips as necessary for a generation dependent on technology, go simple, works every time. I hope you all are well and enjoying breathing out of your nose and mouth, I will join you in your relief in a few days.
Ps: I love you Mom and Dad and I am sure you always knew when I was lying but thanks for giving your kid a much needed break in the year. And if you post anying mean I will bring out the big guns... I ain't scared

Ichthyophobia/throwing blows

For all of you doubters, I TOLD YOU IT WAS REAL. To find an impressive name for your petty fears, go to aboutphobias.com A fear of fish, granted I will give you that it is called the "unspoken" fear. And I do find it hysterical that of course my fear is put into the category of "an intense fear that poses no actual threat." Of course it it. Now, I am scared of only a few things but I do not enjoy the many things and here is a random smattering:
Fish, snakes, mullets, animals dressed as humans, pigeons, oh...ohhh people who go trick or treating a day AFTER halloween (who do you think you are, you only get 1 day of free candy!) when people call sandwiches "sammiches," southern pronunciation, keannu reeves and his crazy eyebrows and I think, I am pretty annoyed by those who see that I am only 5'1'' and stand in front of me in a concert. That is just not neighborly of you.
I realize that this post may give you the impression that I am not in a good mood today, actually that is very untrue. I was just surfing the world wide web and I found out that my annoyances are quite inline with the average urban hipster, and I ask you, who does not like to find their nitch.
Since this is my blog I would also like to take a moment and apologize to the United States Postal Service (an open letter)
To who it may concern:
I am sure this is a simple case of karma retribution that all my mail has been lost lately, dating back to the time when I blamed you for my laziness in sending in bills. I can deal with that, after all, fair is fair. And I suppose to really get back on the right foot I shouldn't say you lost "all" my mail. After all, to be fair I should specify that you only seem to lose the mail that has any significance. Really, I noticed that my request for a J. Crew catalog processed fine as did my request slightly bitter letter involving Taco Bell. But, when it comes to birthday cards, bills, student loan payments you seem to be at a standstill. Forgive me a moment while I address the internet, (See post : MaryBeth, I suck) Internet, I sent my sister a check, it just got returned to me. Back to you postal employee, you see my sister whose birthday I forgot recently moved. I did put the new address on the envelope. Granted, I forgot the Unit J part. Would it have been that hard for your employee to walk up and notice that Mary Beth Goltz lives at unit J? I know you have comfy uniforms now, I saw project runway, get down with your drawstring pants and please deliver my mail. While I am at it, my roommate is starting to not trust me to mail things! I mailed rent, it was missing, I mailed a car lease copy, it "fell off the back of the truck" ext. I suppose I should thank you though, thanks to my near refusal to use your services I have 4 stars by my ebay name because I don't send checks, I only use paypal. They think I am fiscally responsible. I am sorry for my rant, but it must be heard. I hope you (individually) are well and that we can get past this. I am ready, just tell me where to send a box of cookies (they will be ordered through and paid for via...the internet.)
love,
Karla

Part Deux

I just got back from running (I think I have been inspired by the sisters marathon.) For the first time I actually enjoyed it. There was a certain freedom that came, save for the sweat that occasionally pooled in my eyes and made me cry. My breathing was constant and deliberate and simply focused. While I ran, (I walked some) I thought about my response to the Boyd sermon. I finally feel ready.
I want to begin by asking what is the one thing that you want to hear Christ say to you, besides "Well done..." Really, what do I want to hear from Christ? I want words that are balm of Giliad to my soul. I want to never doubt. I want to realize that all the hypocricy in the church that makes me want to leave is not him, it was never him, it was just imperfect humans doing what we thought was right. What I really want to hear from Christ is that he loves me, that I can never push him away no matter how hard I run. While I cognitively understand that I will be standing before a all loving God, but how often I distance him. Meaning, I claim Christianity, often Republican, always American as a label. I have forgotten what it means to be a daughter of the Prince of Peace.
During my time in India they asked us not to call ourselves Christians because of the negative ramifications of the word. Many of the people we met thought of America as a Christian institution, and they associated America with Britney Spears and Madonna. Our hearts melted when we saw someone who had never heard the true gospel of Christ and those lies that they bought into were dispelled with the true gospel. Often I get so tied up in debating theological nuances (often important ones!) that I forget where my anchor is tied. Scott Anderson actually brought up most of the points I was going to, so I will exbound on what he has written in the comments section of the first Boyd posting.
I do agree with much of what Greg was speaking of. Listening to the first part of this sermon series on the podcast during his prayer he seemed to know something was stirring he kept asking for intersessors. Lets take a moment and speak of the last presidential election, I am going to give my views and I realize that this was such a hot button topic that people still don't speak of who they voted for unless they enjoyed the tar and feathering. My name is Karla Rae D'Agosta and I voted for George W. Bush. Do I regret it, no. I have NO clue what it is to be that man. I do not believe that he is happy about the war, I believe he is a humble, prayerful man who has a job that I do not envy. He is a sinful man who needs prayer as we all do.
What do you do, really!? All we fed is this line, if you are a Christian you vote for Republican. Republican party+against abortion and gay marriage=Christian vote. The same way it is almost always said that the Democrat party is for the inner city and tax breaks. Which implies that the Democrats are for the slaughtering of innocent lives and all for the alternative lifestyle marriages and Republicans hate the poor and view them as a wast of funds. Absolutely insane. Our founding fathers began with a good idea (constitution) and they realized that it relied on strong morals to make this country work. I cannot be sure, I need to research this more, but the majority of them were not believers correct? Why does it suprise us when the actions of our country don't line up with the bible! America is under this false idea that we are God's chosen ones on the earth, I believe because we have mercifully been without any major (I am talking Tsunami and Rowandan and Sudan levels here) battles on American soil. This thinking is killing us, and Boyd is right to point out where our citizenship resides and the cross is big enough and God is supreme enough to welcome us all. Alas, I digress.
I, as a believer in Jesus Christ consider myself a citizen of Heaven first, and a resident of America. I pray for my nation and those we are at war against. I love the unborn and pray feverishly for the mothers and the children. I pray that people are released from the bonds of homosexuality and find freedom as all of us under bondage need freedom and a propitiation for our sin. As believers, our religious views will slam up against our political views, Not every pastor we meet preaches the bible and so to think that our president /party will encompass our specific beliefs is silly. Let this sermon series, let our Lord inspire us, rather than to fight to take up a path of peace. Follow our Lord and not look for cues from our culture.
And...I am done. For now. Wait, come on Greg...homosexuality is not ideal! What! Don't back down now, 1,000 members just left, you preached from the bible, stand up. Thats all, its just that one sentance REALLY rubbed me the wrong way.

Mary Beth, I suck

To my dear sister...
So, I am guessing it does not matter to you that I called the day before your birthday and the day after. It is amazing how forgetful I can be. Ok so, the check and the card went off in the mail today and like dad says "Cash covers a multitude of sins in this family."
Unbelievable, really! I call grandma and grandpa every week now, even on vetrens day and I can't remember your birthday, come on self, buck up. It is the same day for 24 years now. I suppose that now the title of einstein can now be mine. I am sorry, I suck. Well good thing you are in marathon training and can take your frustration out on the road or something. I love you.
karla
To everyone else,
crazy busy, lack of carbs is making me dizzy I think. Actually I have been trying to find time to actually listen to the Boyd sermon and not just post off of that article. I might have to do the later. I will say that Donald Miller and Derek Web have a interesting pod cast on exactly this subject (Is America a Christian nation.) All you need to do is type in Donald Miller under podcasts and it is cast 2. Stay tuned, I will write soon.
By the way, Scott, you found my blog! Welcome, it was great to see you posted and are not one of what I like to refer to as "lurkers." I am guessing Liz told you. Way to go Liz, I need all the recruiting I can get.
See ya'll in 54 days. Are any of you going to the conference?

Greg Boyd

1,000 of Greg Boyds estimated 5,000 member church walked out on his sermon titled "The Cross and the Sword." What is your reaction to this? Should the United States still be declared a "Christian nation" should we steer clear of the political right? Namely, just because someone says they are a christian and say they are against abortion should they get our vote? This article stirred a lot of emotions in me, I want to get a discussion going before I post my reaction. What do you think? http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/disowning-conservative-politics-is/20060729195809990004?ncid=NWS00010000000001

Kyrie Eleison

Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me.

I feel often times like I could give Paul (apostle) a solid run for his money in the whole "chief of sinners" catagory. I am horrified at how quickly I believe Satans lies. I look for earthly validation to tell me that I am good enough. I am torn between the desire to write about my sin in depth, be transparent and expell it from what seems to be the depths of my soul. Then again, I am aware though that this is the internet...it is not fun to boadcast your depths for the whole world.
I am noticing lately how I look at sin, not as something that is waging a eternal war for my soul and has the power to send me to hell away from my savior. Rather, I see it as something to indulge in, feel bad about for a time, and then when I think I can get away from it do it again. This is a war for my soul!! Christian, WAKE UP. Sleeper, awake! I feel fast bound in sin and lazy in my fighting. Last night which should have been a wonderful night out with friends, I found myself sulking, frusterated and angry. Instead of falling before my father, I allowed the indulgence believing that this is fine...and totally justifiable. "the heart is sick, who can understand it..."
May we as believers of grace find grace and mercy for what we seek in our Saviors side, may we fight the fight of faith knowing that there is an eternal weight of Glory at stake. May we trust that he will provide for all our needs when it is for his Glory and our best, and most of all...may we never forget that we have a great highpriest who is sympathetic with our desire and a Spirit who interceeds on our behalf. Lord, this is true, help us to believe it.
I was singing this song today in the car on the way to church and then we ended up singing it there, let the words wash over you and bring true repentance and grace in the side of our Lord.

Thy mercy my God is the theme of my song,
the joy of my heart, and the boast of my tongue.
Thy free grace alone from the first to the last,
has won my affection adn bound my soul fast.

Without thy sweet mercy I could not live here.
Sin would reduce me to utter despair.
But through thy free goofnesss my spirits revive,
and he that first made me still keeps me alive.

Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart.
Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart.
Dissolved by the goodness I fall to the ground
and weep for the praise of the mercy I've found.

Great father of mercies! Thy goodness I own.
And the covenant love of thy crucified Son.
All praise to the Spirit whose whisper deving,
seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine!

before you get a new roommate

I found this while "surfing" the world wide web yesterday. Coming from someone who has had OVER 20 roommates in her short life span (27 years) this seems like the process I am going to put my next one through. Although, for the time being, I am quite pleased living with the Kaybs. But, dear God...I was laughing out loud. Enjoy. Signs that you are not my new roommate

Its that time of year again

The time is fast approaching, the Desiring God conference is afoot and that means 7 days in Mpls. 7 days spent drinking Caribou apple blasts, walking around lakes, enjoying non 100+ temps, listening to favorite pastors and seeing friends. I have a little calander at work with the count down. So, while I am going to Mpls to relax my younger sister is going to be there the same weekend to run the twin cities marathon. I am shocked we are related. Who in their right mind would want to run 26 miles is beyond me. My thought on the subject can best be summed up by remembering a conversation I had with my friend Aber about a year and a half ago. I had asked him and his wife Molly to go hiking, he paused, asked me if we could drive where we were planning on hiking to. I told him that this was possible, yes. He then proclaimed something along the lines of, well then why would we walk if we can get there faster driving. I do not want to give off the incorrect view of Aber, he and Molly are trim, attractive people, and generally enjoy the outdoors. I think he was tired, anyway he perked up after he was told of the old time ice cream "Shoppe" in "town." Alas, I digress. My sister runs, I don't, and I am very proud of her and can't wait to see her crossing the finish line lathered up in icy hot smelling like a sweaty old man.
So, the question remains...houseguest anyone? I know bethlehem will be asking you to host families and the benefit of me is, only one small girl with a rental car. Looking forward to seeing all of you.
Sorry there has been an extreme lack of posting. I just had a review at work (Got me a raise!), parents were in town (it was so wonderful to have them!!!) and just life has been really busy. Hope everyone is well.

Animal Magnetism

Derek and I had an "incident" yesterday. Derek is my scooter, for questions I refer you to the fine cinematic masterpiece Zoolander. Anyway, Derek y Karla were out scoping the hood, (this is the point where you imagine me, the bike helmet ext... ) I turned around a corner on 48th street and I saw a 5 year old kid in the middle of the road. Now, I am no good at guessing kids ages for all I know he could have been 2 or 10. I digress, a small being none the less. Now, I am a solid block away from him and I went to go around him. This involves me shifting some body weight, and a look accross my face kind of like Michael Jordan (before he became the baseball player) when he had talent and played for the Bulls, when he is making a jump shot. Only on a 5'1'' white girl...with a helmet. Seriously, tongue out the whole nine yards. Here is this kid and as I am getting closer you can see the realization of "Oh my God, this spaz is coming right at me." He stood his ground, I unintentionally stood mine. As I got closer and closer I yelled in a voice TOTALLY unlike my own "Kid, get out of the way!!!" I voice raised about 3 octives. Maybe I don't need voice lessons to expand my range, apparently fear is a powerful motivator. All of this to say, kid is fine, Derek is still in recovery and me, I am taking turning lessons.
Today, I found a $80 Ann Taylor scarf in a recycle bin at work, it TOTALLY made working on the birthday worth it.

Craziest week ever

Tomorrow is my birthday. If any of you (hint hint...) are intown on Friday night say...7pm ish we are celebrating my new age at Emerys (Matt and Kristed, S and S have all details.) It is a bring your own dead animal to grill and your own beverage adult or kiddie. Good ol southern fun.
On to the good stuff. The parental units are ariving in town on Thursday. If anyone has been here and can offer anything for them to do aside of "Hey, there is downtown, yes it certainly is an impressive block and a half radius" let me know. We are doing the Ruby falls, Rock city thing.
Hope everyone is well, will write more when not frazzled!! Oh, I did lose my ebay auction for a great anthropologie shirt. I had it for 10 (a 60$ value) and someone swooped in in the last 4 (4!!) minutes and upped my bid. It ruined my day till I remembered that I had a laptop. I am so easily amused it is scary.

speechless

It has been a crazy week. We had visitors from MN (Dennis and Margie Haack the writers of Ransom Fellowship) my parents are comming next week and then you know, life. Sorry for the lack of posts but there will be a TON of them soon. Why you ask? Because I have been GIVEN a apple I book laptop. I am in shock. My wonderful friends Matt and Holly Tomlinson called the other day and offered to send me their laptop and a I Pod. The computer is 3 years old the the IPod 2. Really, it caused me to worship.
I was talking to Kayb (roommate) and we were just stunned by Gods goodness. A laptop is something I have wanted for a VERY long time. I have often thought about going into more debt to get one but that didn't seem smart at all if I was still looking into the mission field. An Ipod was a distant dream that I simply wanted. For no good reason, I wanted it...badly. The Lord, who is kind beyond measure in all circumstances no only provides for our needs but also for our wants. I am thankful that I have a high priest who allows me tell him my desires. Although I must say, I NEVER thought God could do this. Really...2,000 of electronical equipment?!?!? I couldn't say "thank you" enough, I was speachless.
When I moved to TN it was a general chorus of "why?" I was the ringleader of my chorus. If you are planning on going to the mission field you do not leave my old church. It has a amazing missions program with rigorus and necessary training headed up by someone that has all my respect. They are one of the top 10 missionary sending churches in the USA and the preaching...it is hard to beat. But when God calls you to go, you feel like you get no rest untill you follow that call. He has shown me more about my sin, depravity, lonliness and his all abundant sufficiency and grace that frankly, I am more in love with him than ever. So, thank you my Lord and my God that you have not forgotten me. I am in awe of your majesty.
oh, Liz, send me your email. I have some news (internet...I don't think we are there yet.)

Petrified Glee

Are any of you aware of the look a puppy gives you after you throw them into the swimming pool with encouraging noises of excitement? It is a look that can most closely be identified with the look on my face when I ride my new scooter. It is hysterical. Because I am "special" I have not broken down (or won my ebay auction) and gotten a motorcycle helmet so I am using a bike helmet. I am one step, and not a small one away from needing stickers on it and having to tell strangers that "yes, I am a big girl. I do have a lisence and no, it is not revoked. I AM BEING ECONOMICAL." I just tell myself ... 85 miles to the gallon, you get great millage, you are cute and do not die. Basically the don't die part comes into play on turns. Simply put, I suck. I have no concept you see at "leaning into" turns. I am scared, I am a wuss. I am a petrified wuss on a 35 mph scooter in VOLS orange with a bike helmet. OH Good sweet lord, I am a dork.
Another note involving my geekiness. I will be in attendance at the 2006 Desiring God conference in Mpls MN the last week of Sept. The topic is God and postmodern culture, we get to hear speakers of such caliber as Tim Keller, John Piper and Mark Driscoll. I am really looking forward to this event! It will be great to see friends and hear these pastors whom I very much admire. Hopefully I can organize a TN chapter and make a trek up there. Hope you all are well, I will post again after my first scooter accident, should be soon.

Trauma

Today a group of 18 teenagers ranging from 11-15 came to the kitchen under my watch. Let me preface this post by saying how tired I am! I didn't know listening that many people at once could be so tiring! Well I took 5 girls and had them do various activities, pulling cans, making sandwiches ext... They were the "cheerleader" types, all perfectly friendly and willing to do whatever I asked but you could tell there was something a brewin under the surface. At the same time these girls were here a mother daughter team that comes every week (I love them) arrived and the daughter (Jen) was immediately incensed at the cheerleaders. They didn't say a mean word to her, but she was looking for reasons to hate them. I started talking to her and realized how much she gets picked on by this same group every day. It was amazing. Her anger transported me back to junior high, I had never been so miserable. Yet, highschool came and you move on. I am just wondering in my 5 minute break, what was your highschool experience like? How would you deal with the demons that plagued you. Gotta tell you, Jen is going to need therapy.

VOLS vs VOLES

Who would win in a fist fight? the question begs an answer, the VOLE or a VOLS?

Unbelievable

This post will be especially loved by Liz and Molly.
It is incredible and totally believable if you are as sports stupid as myself. So, I ordered the scooter and it is orange and cream. See the post on the scooter and plug in orange where the lime green is and you will understand what I mean. SO, I was at church talking to a new girl I met. We were discussing the safety hazards of the scooter because our pastor had broken his wrist falling off of his. (Since I WILL hurt myself, this is guaranteed, I will post pictures of my injures.) She asked me what color it was, I said "orange and cream, kind of like a creamcicle." She replied "Yeah, or like the Tennessee VOLES, you know the football team." OH. MY. GOSH. My face just paled in horror. Now, in addition to living in TN I apparently support them in all things sports related and to show my support, I HAVE PAINTED IT ON MY SCOOTER. Here is hoping that the VOLES scooter will stop all the rednecks who speed from indulging in their desire to put a point value on the girl in the scooter and take me out.

Gettin out of the bizznas

Oh the stupidity of people when they fly. Having worked for 2 different airlines a total of almost 4 years does not make me exempt. It is almost as though I get temporary amnesia. "Sure! I have no problem paying 8$ for a sandwich which consists of 2 slices of bread and your pawltry turkey, AND I get to bring it on the plane!! Sweet." Or how about, I am sorry, I know I am 3 hours early for my flight, but WHY is it not up on the board? I am ashamed at my stupidity, yet at the moment I would like to think I am better than these people...Why Amercians should not be allowed to travel.
More than half of the stuff I post is a direct rip off from Joshua Blankenship. There I said it, I will say it again, I ain't scared. Actually, I am. Your moustache is out of control! Moustache May/blankenstache

Finally

Some may say "its about bloody time." To those, "yes...yes it is."
Now, those who are talking about the amount of time this has taken are the same that will point out the obvious problems with the scanner.
I DO NOT have tinted glasses. Lets just clear the air on that one. And the photo looks better in person, but in general, no complaints. Happy, kind of like a clam.

Really...really?

I was in blogosphere, trotting along, dare I say it...Almost merrily. I came to Joshuas blog where he had managed to find a web site hosting to folks protesting the Divinci code. The American Society of Tradions, Family and Defense
wish to make it easier for you to find a protest nearest to your location. Now, I am willing to admit I know almost nothing about the book or movie. I know that it proclaims that Jesus slept with Mary M. and that resulted in a child, and some sort of secret crazy catholic offshoot ext. I don't believe that the following will be a popular opinion but I am posting it now. I already have a hard time with the fact that I believe in a triune God, a virgin birth and a salvation by a God man. I do know that I love this Christ, Jesus and the Holy Trinity and my doubts are swept away when ever I get a glimpse of his holiness in worship. These doubts are not what I want to focus on. Basically I just don't find it worth my time right now to read it. I would read it if a friend of mine who was questioning the faith asked me to though. Anyway. You really think a protest is going to stop people? I would go over just to see what the commotion is all about. I don't think you will see me waving my picket sign for this one. Although you never know, I also said I would never move to the deep south, look where that landed me.

Part one

this is how I often view sin. It is not pretty, I am scared to let Christ be the propitiation for my sin, to let the Godman take my place and to find him infinatly sweeter than the fleeting moment of pleasure that sin offers. This is part one of a section of the "Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis my favorite author.

"I saw coming towards us a Ghost who carried something on his shoulder. Like all the Ghosts, he was unsubstantial, but they differed from one another as smokes differ. Some had been whitish; this one was dark and oily. What sat on his shoulder was a little red lizard, and it was twitching its tail like a whip and whispering things in his ear. As we caught sight of him he turned his head to the reptile with a snarl of impatience. "shut up, I tell you!" he said. It wagged its tail and continued to whisper to him. He ceased snarling, and presently began to smile. Then he turned and started to limp westard, away from the mountains. "off so soon?" said a voice. The speaker was more or less human in shape but larger than a man, and so bright that I could hardly look at him. His presence smote on my eyes and on my body too like the morning sun at the beginning of a tyrannous summer day. "Yes. I'm off," said the Ghost. "Thanks for all your hospitality. But it's no good, you see. I told this little chap," (here he indicated the lizard), "that he'd have to be quiet if he came-which he insisted on doing. Of course his stuff won't do here; I realise that. But he won't stop. I shall just have to go home."
"Would you like me to make him quiet? Said the flaming Spirit-an angel, as I now understood.
"Of course I would," said the Ghost.
"Then I will kill him," said the Angel, taking a step forward.
"Oh-ah-look out! You're burning me. Keep away," said the Ghost, retreating.
"Don't you want him killed?"
"You didn't say anything about killing him at first. I hardly meant to bother you with anything so drastic as that."
"It's the only way," said the Angel, whose burning hands were now very close to the lizard. "Shall I kill it?"
"Well, that's a further question. I'm quite open to consider it, but it's a new point, isn't it? I mean, for the moment I was only thinking about silencing it because up here-will, it's so damned embarrassing."
"May I kill it?"
"well, there's time to discuss that later."
"There is no time. May I kill it?"
"Please, I never meant to be such a nuisance. Please-really-don't bother. Look! It's gone to sleep of its own accord. I am sure it'll be all right now. Thanks ever so much."
"May I kill it?"
"Honestly, I don't thing there's the slightest necessity for that. I'm sure I shall be able to keep it in order not. I whink the gradual process would be far better than killing it."
"The gradual process is of no use at all."
"Don't you think so? Well, I'll think over what you've said very carefully. I honestly will. In fact I'd let you kill it now, but as a matter of fact I'm not feeling frightfully wee today. It would be silly to do it now. I'd need to be in good health for the operation. Some other day, perhaps.

Jesus=straight white dude?

The otherday I went into a Christian bookstore and I was gazing at the merchandise aisle. There was one shirt that said "modest is hottest" yet another pair of socks with crosses up the ankle. What are we doing! Really, what are we as a community doing? Would Jesus be offended as to what we have made him? Would he (as many churches suggest) hang out with upper middle class straight white folk? Where would he be found. I am realizing over and over that instead of having our culture come under the authority of Christ we are trying to bend him to our culture. What makes me most angry is that the "idea" of Christian that we have thought up frankly...sucks. We individualize the gospel, and as Gary so eloquently put it "we treat God as a spiritual fitness trainer" using discipleship and mentoring to uplift me to be my "Christian best."
I want to pray the way Colossians 4:2-6 commands: "Pray for us, that God may open a door for our message.." God open the door for your word to flow forth to the Nations, may they not be diluted by what we want you to be, but let your authority, power, goodness and mercy transform lives. Christ may our conversations be full of grace, may those we encounter know to whom we belong.
I will unpack this further, just wanted to throw out some of the ideas mulling in the head. I am so thankful that my old church and the new one have a solid kingdom mentality where the gospel is not self focused but on Christ.
Also, these verses have found new sweetness as he has been restoring the joy of my Salvation again.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from your presence, take not your Spirit from me
restore unto me the joy of my salvation, uphold me with your Spirit." Ps 51

Quotes from the Monk

I walked into the Monks office today and saw this quote. I love it except the word excuse, I am still pondering what I would put in its place.
"The praises of the sick and broken
excuse the silence of the healthy and whole."

happiness on the web

Here are a few videos/random things to keep you occupied on this dreary day in TN and on other more...good days elsewhere, enjoy, I know I did.
Afro Ninja (I DID IT!!! I FINALLY LEARNED HOW TO LINK.) Thank you Peter Schaefer whoever you are!)
Notes to Self The elusive Joshua Blankenship
Fruitful waste of time Thanks to Matt Donovan I spent my lunch hour making my likeness in a South Park character.
StarWars Triumph the Insult Comic Dog visits the folk waiting in line for the "new" movie. I laughed for about a week straight at different intonations and intervals.

Also, I got a promotion. Now, my job titles are the following. "Assistant director of the Chattanooga Community Kitchen" and "Coordinator of Womens Shelter." You however, can call me Karla.

Cheese is my Kryptonite

I knew it. I always knew it, I am lactose intolerant. While I am stating this fact I must also bring up that I am not intolerant to lactose I am hostile towards it. It HURTS me, bring on the world of soy dream, soy cream(an oxymoron), and the like. Please you must refrain on posting about the loss of pizza and cheesy items, I love milk and I might tear up.
Things that have happened since I posted last (you remember basically a millennium ago.)
I worked 74 hours last week alone. I stayed at a women's shelter volunteering and hearing their stories. They were incredible. In reality it was a week in which I learned more about drugs, their forms and pricing than I ever needed to. The Lord sustained each day and really, grace is sufficient unto the day.
The Lord sold my car. Seriously. I am not usually one who attributes everything to "The Lord" (to be said in a breathy voice to catch my drift(although maybe I should be, discuss amongst yourselves.)) You see, it has been rather rainy lately around here. I have been thinking more and more about the useless Saturn taking up the grass in our backyard. I decided to sell, by decided I mean that I thought about it and then proceeded to do nothing. This man Keith came by yesterday to build us another bathroom in the house and noticed it in the backyard. Keith inquired as to if it was for sale, "yep" he got in response. So, 3 hours later Keith brought his friends a lovely Russian couple and 24 hours later the car was sold. The car which has a broken headgasket, needs a clutch and new front brakes and dings sold for $950. They knew what was wrong when they bought it, I aint frontin.
Today I went on the web to look for motorized scooters (Yes, I am that cool) and I found one for $899 that if delivered to my door already assembled would set me back 1,059. Sign me up. What do you think?

Community Kitchen

The Job.
I am now employed by the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. I don't really feel like writing the basics of my job, I more want to write about the things that happened today. Alas without the background info it would be useless or at least you would not get to see the contrast of amazing spiritual light with the corruption of what Satan can do with minds and bodies in the grips of addiction without the background.
I love my job. Each day I get to come to work and see dedicated brothers and sisters in the Lord laboring to transform minds, emotions and physical circumstances for the Glory of Jesus. My official job title is "Assistant director of the Community Kitchen." A fancy word for cook, fight breaker upper, receptionist and sometime therapist. It is amazing that I have found a job that strives to restore dignity to the poor. We are lucky to serve them and I am lucky to know them. I know I am being brief on the specifics so feel free to ask questions and I will do my best to answer them.
Now, about the day. I am know daily in contact with 100s of people who have no bed, are mentally ill, who are under bonds of addiction and who know more about the nature of Jesus grace than I could ever grasp. I saw a man today who was jumped last night by another man he shares space with after the man returned strung out on crack. His head was bleeding the police showed up. J's response when asked if he wanted to press charges "Naw man, he didn't know what he was doing, that's not really him, we all get carried away by our demons." Over 300 people humbled themselves to accept help from a 26 year old girl who could only give out a sack dinner. R volunteers 10 hours a day because that's the only way he knows how to stay clean. T cried after a 4 day drug binge about how she is never going to mean anything to anyone and on my way to the library I saw her buying drugs. But I see couples trying to help eachother out of the bonds of addiction, A just got a puppy and to see her laugh, I imagine that is how Jesus looks. To top the day off I got a marriage offer and told that I would always have the best bed in the shelter.
I feel like I could write a book on what I am thankful for. On the very top of that list is that God has chosen to reveal his love of people to me by allowing me to serve.

On a total different note: Hope you all have a wonderful Easter! I missed hope but on Saturday night we had Easter Pad Thai with 11 wonderful folk at S and S. One of the twins (E) put on faux kitten ears and stayed up way past his bed time charming all of us. Then on Sunday K, E, B, H and I hit church and then K cooked an amazing meal. After some downtime K, J and I went to miller park and watched kids in the sprinklers and then watched "Best in Show." Hope your day was filled with family, friendship and adoration of the King.
-Hey, have the just one letter for names gotten annoying yet? They were annoying me while I was writing them, but I am lazy. I will in the future only use them to protect the identity of the clients of the kitchen. By the way if you know of any good jokes I could use them. They eat them up and I am about out.

Jonathan Edwards

Who doesnt like a little Jonathan Edwards? Give it up, yall for Yale is launching a new Jonathan edwards online site with tons of previously unaccessible manuscripts made available. For more go to:
http://edwards.dev.oho.com/
(oh how I wish I new how to link!)
If you are down south and feel like a good time, join the Dead Theologions Society that meets at Erlanger hospital at 6:30am. It's early, but the solid theo and the Greyfriers coffee gets your blood pumping.

Are You Experienced?

I just got back from the DMV of Tennessee, whoop whoop. I have been a bit apprehensive about my relinquishing of the old MN one and really embracing my life as a Southerner but alas, the NEW JOB (more later) requires it.
I am not sure how to write this so that ya'll get the true heaviness of this next statement.
IT. IS. THE. BEST. PHOTO. OF. ME. EVER. TAKEN.
I need to put this on dating cards or something. I am going to scan it on the blog instead of that haggardy white girl photo up in the corner but I am going to need help with that. Fo Sho this makes me look like a 9 on the hotness scale. Seriously, the man behind me in line uttered the phrase "That picture is spectacular, I mean you are pretty, but really..." I left grinning, how often do you leave the DMV grinning? First let me say that the first photo, not so alluring. In fact, I looked spastic and I had a line of people behind me. The fun lady that had the photo that anyone would question anytime I did anything that might press the boundaries of the law did not want to budge and give me a new one. I threw out a line. "Maam, (after looking at her left hand and seeing she was single)I am 26 and single, I need a fighting chance. This was not said in a whinny tone, rather matter of fact. She look it again and it is obvious I am pleased. Enjoy the fruit of my labor my friends...Enjoy. (it will be put up in the next few days.

Eep

That was the noise that just escaped my mouth in the public library. But that noise does in no way extinguish my joy regarding one of my favorite musicians OF ALL TIME comming to the Chatt town. I had convinced myself that moving from Mpls and becoming a sudo-southerner ment that I would no longer be on the pulse of music. Try to refrain from the posts yelling at me that I am an hour and a half away from the mecca known as Nashville.
Have you died of suspence yet? RICHARD BUCKNER, for those of you whom that means nothing to, go out and buy "Bloomed." It is dark, lonely, beautiful and sorrowful. It makes me a more creative person. Also, come fall we are getting a "Costco World Market" I feel certain that these two facts are evident of Gods love for the South.
By the way, I don't know how life is in your neck of the woods, but it has been 75, sunny and clear here. I have taken numerous walks along the bridge, painted a kitchen,worked my magic with some mulch, helped to throw a birthday party for the roommate and lit sparklers...that has been within the past 48 hours. What did you do?

Taking away

The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
For I am the Lord, your comforter, I have called you and I will answer.

Jesus,
My ever present help in times of trouble, thank you for my Savior. I am blessed beyond measure that I have the honor to sit and your feet and weep when I feel tired, weary and finished. Thank you that you are the finisher, that these trials are not hidden from you, nor are they things that I must walk through alone. Thank you that in valleys you do not withhold good things. Lord keep your truths etched into my soul. Let me not forget to whom I belong.
Hold me, for oft I forget.
Also, Praise HIM for the restoration of relationships. For He is good in all things.

Hey if any of you are in the Chatt town and desire to do something with me that involves no money...(ex: planning things that take no money, petty crimes, painting, swimming) just call me up, I have loads of the free time.
I will not be so cryptic tomorrow. I just wanted to say to all 6 of you who read this, pray, then rejoice at the bountiful grace to be found in the beauty of the Lord.

I got tagged

To quote Kevin Cawley "I got tagged and I played along." Enjoy my existence thus far summed up in a delightful yet strenuous quiz.
FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE
1. Golf Corse (I sold beer to old men out of the back of a cart at 15. That's not legal is it?)
2. Target Security (Hysterical, I couldn't have sucked worse.)
3. Coffee shop sherpa. (Many times, many places.)
4. 3 days at Foot Action. (I got fired...)
FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER
1. Better Off Dead
2. Bottle Rocket
3. Cool Hand Luke
4. Addicted to Love (you can't always be cool!)
FOUR CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN:
1. Minneapolis MN
2. Chattanooga TN
3. Midland Mi
4. Omaha NE
FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH
1. Amazing Race (Best if seen with the Hyatts)
2. Lost
3. Gilmore Girls
4. Extreme Makeover Home Edition. (You would have to be made of stone not to cry!)
FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. Cabo San Lucas
2. Rocky Mountains
3. Boundary Waters
4. India
FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY:
1. Molleigh
2. Emery
3. Dooce
4. Kevin

FOUR OF YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:
1. Little T's (hole in the wall mexican that plays punk music that serves amazing Queso.)
2. Matts Bar and Grill (home of the Juicy Lucy. You melt cheese INSIDE the hamburger! God bess this establishment. Also, you can only order 6 things, including beer.)
3. St. Clair Broiler. Great memories, Word to Matt and Holly.
4. Mollys kitchen. (Not a restraunt, a great friend with great Southwestern Pie.)
FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Indian (Butter Chicken.)
2. Kerala Coconut Chicken (Charlotts)
3. Moms pasta
4. Pork Chops (I just love them, ok?)
FOUR SCHOOLS YOU'VE ATTENDED
(Oh so many)
1) Katherine Curren elementary
2) Minneapolis College of Art and Design
3) Concordia University
4)Chalmers Center
PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. Heaven
2. Minneapolis
3. The Wilco concert that is happening in Atl
4. Camping and canoeing (somewhere warm, I don't care where.)

Mecca?

Is the Starbucks a Mecca for the celebrities of ages past? Within the last 6 months I would like to share whom I have met.
Lets see there is Vanilla Ice (Rob Van Winkle.) How do we sum up Rob? Crazy hair, sullen and drinks a vanilla latte. I chuckled to myself, well, if I am honest I chortled and with everyone around me...and...via text msg.
Pauly Shore. awesome...almost made me to happy for words. He busted in and skipped past the line and just ordered coffee. But the best part about my fellow vertically challenged friend? He wore a shirt that said "Pauly world."
Tonight we had the Harlem Globetrotters, they are...in a word...tall. Very, very tall.
Who remembers a little show called the Facts of Life and Living Single? Yes ladies and Gentleman, Kim Fields (Dude, it was Tudie!!!) was in the Starbucks with 2 HUGE body guards. Also a man who I only know as Overton (from Living Single) was with her. All of us were dying to ask if it was a reunion and if the Queen (you know..Queen Latifa) was in the house. We refrained and made her the soy no water no foam chai she requested.

anyway, can't wait to see who shows us next week.

What the crap?

I was just leaving the library frustrated (see post I made not 10 minutes ago) and what catches my gaze? A woman, with (are you ready for this!?) a child and they are held together by what looks to be a glorified leash! HA! He is walking as though this is perfectly normal. Does this activity take place up North or only in the South? Really, the child was Anders age, so Liz I must ask. When Anders is being disagreeable do you put him in a harness and then snap him to a leash? I can only hear the mayors response in my head, but I bet it would be classic.
that's all, just thought you would like to know.

Afro Ninja

Breath, in...out...
My hatred of computers is astounding. I don't understand them. Honestly it is like someone is speaking to me in mandarin Chinese. I would have better luck with them because I can at least read facial expressions!
I don't care that it is a computer that is letting me talk to everyone. I hate them!!
Also, I hate that they have infiltrated movies. It is simply their (see I even have to use the correct spelling of their as IF IT WAS A PERSON) presence in movies that annoys me. They are everywhere. Now, yes, I know I want one. I know I like the use of them. But it is like cats I have decided. For the most part I hate them also. I just do. But I have been around a few that I have enjoyed, they have brought me glimpses of pleasure. So yes, if someone dropped a cat off at my house I would take it. That is how I feel about the computer, I would take one, after all it is better than a kick in the neck.
What started this great rant is the fact that I can't post a link. It is called afro ninja and I actually laughed out loud in a library today when I opened the link. BUT I CANT GET THE LINK TO POST. I am beginning to think I need a computer guru that I can put in my pocket and tinker with this dumb...piece...that and give me compliments. I would like it if the guru could do that also. Anyway, if you are not bored to tears from this already go to google.com and type in Afro ninja. It is worth it I promise.
If ya'll start getting a lot more hand written notes delivered by carrier pigeons don't be shocked.

Come and get it

"Forget your hang-ups and your Puritan guilt and come get everything you've ever wanted" - Hugh Hefner

A girl came into work yesterday wearing a shirt that said "Porn Star" on it. Frequently we see 3 girls come in together trying to outdo one another in their attempt to be "sexy" ie: who can wear the shortest skirts and the lowest tops. My heart breaks for these women! I hear the boys these girls are with talking about girls gone wild, Jenna Jamenson and what club they will hit on spring break, including which girls they want to "hook up with." These girls just stand there, never correcting the boys for fear they will lose them. How did this happen! When did this happen! Have I been so secluded with my life that I have failed to realize that there are girls all around me trying to find identity in thing that are killing them? I have been aware I suppose, I have written the papers on the danger of the pro-anorexia websites, mentored girls, but I don't think I realized how bad it had gotten.
What does it mean to embrace our sexuality?
The other night I was talking to a woman who had just become a believer, she was telling me of her past and how her past life and influences of culture still are a voice in her ear rather than believing that she is bought with precious blood. She was saying how it is still her tendency to wear the tighter, lower shirts to attract even the men whom she knows would be put off by this type of dress. Let me put in another way. She was saying how when she got in the presence of this man (whom is wonderful and loves Jesus) she was suddenly embarrassed by the way she was dressed rather than the feeling of empowering she had when she left the house that morning.
I don't know who I am angry at. I think rather than anger, my impulse is to hug these girls, offer them a sweatshirt(!) and want to tell them, while looking deep into their eyes that there is something so precious in them. That these girls do not need to sell themselves short, our culture already does that. We need to see each other as beloved of the beautiful Christ.
There are a few themes that will be quite prevalent on this blog. Culture and our response as believers to it, starbucks, homeslessness and poverty, India, and I suppose updates on life in general. So these will be continuing thoughts as I am no where near having it figured out. One day, when I actually learn how to use the internet I will probably divide them into categories for easier usage, but alas, I don't know how to use the internet. Basically, it should amaze those of you whom have ever met me that I even have a blog (thanks Emery.) While I am at it, if and when I do figure out this glorified beat box I will post pictures.

Longest post ever

Bryant Myers, author of Walking with the Poor said "(they are) people with whom and among whom God has been working before we even knew they were there."

I feel like I can't turn off my mind tonight. I just finished work, and it's 11:30 pm. Incidently I also just finished the book Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski. It is a book that tells what happens when two men who feel called by God to experience homelessness in America for 4 months. They put their lives on hold with 3 objectives: To better understand the life of the homeless in America, and to see firsthand how the church is responding to their needs. 2) To encourage others to "live out loud" for Christ in whatever ways God is asking them to. 3) To learn personally what it means to depend on Christ for my daily physical needs, and to experience contentment and confidence in Him. Reading this book transported me back to Minneapolis and my time with Urban Homeworks.
Before I moved to Chattanooga I lived in North Minneapolis, before that I lived in the suburbs of Burnsville. I remember telling Cody (Urban Neighbor contact) that I was open to living anywhere, but I didn't really feel like North Minneapolis was for me, besides I didn't really feel..."Called". (Question deeply if you find yourself using that word as a scapegoat.) That year was one of the most eye opening years of my life. I lived with roommates who were (are!) amazing women of God who challenged me daily on what it means to be faithful in the day to day life. The questions were not new, but ones that demanded answers. How do we as believers, as women, respond when you have just finished a 9 hour day, you are hollered at while walking down the street, then 4 energetic boys come knocking at your door wanting to play (or eat all your food) and all you want to do is, sleep. I found my self thinking at times, "I don't have time for this! I have to go to Muslim prayer!" Oh the oxymoron, thy name is Karla. I think we get so busy trying to be a "Christian" that we was not aware that life is passing bye.
How do we not pass bye these opportunities! I don't want my life to pass bye. I want to make a difference, I want for the millions of Dhalits and millions of homeless in NorthAmerica to know the name of Jesus and I want for it to matter. I want for them to matter. I am tired of seeing people pass bye other human beings on the street and pretend they don't exist. I want to long for Jesus to come back to earth. I want to, every time I hear the name of Jesus mentioned smile like it was when I was first saved.

(this post has turned into rambling now, but to much time has gone into it to not post it.)

"As the deer panteth for the water,
so my soul longs after thee.
you alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship thee."

Let him be our inspiration to love each other.
Bye the way, if you are looking for housing that will make a significant difference in your life and others and live in the Minneapolis area, contact Urban Homeworks. They are strongly recommended.

Seriously

"Hi, I want a..." And thus begins my day, now this is fine, but the following must be put on the internet for everyone's entertainment. Someone actually ordered the following drink.
"Triple Viente, 7 pump vanilla, 6 pump sugar free vanilla, 1%, whole milk thick foam, 4 splenda latte."
seriously, that is insanity. How did you even come up with it!? And another thing, 1%...Listen, we have whole milk and non fat. Pretty sure, yep, there is no way I am mixing 1%. I am past the point of being angry with this now I just laugh. Laugh bitterly with some tears.

and another thing,
while you get into a line, please realize that a line is at its essence, something that you enter into with a destination in mind! Most likely my cash register. So, when you have been standing there, twirling your hair or contemplating world domination or whatever it is you do, please, don't look at me like I have just asked you a mathematical theorem when you arrive at your destination. Don't make me guess either. It is not a fun game, it makes me hate you.