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.)
Monday, November 06, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
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.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
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. :)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
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
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
Thursday, September 28, 2006
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
-this is the best thing I have been sent in a year (apart from the laptop). Shout out to Gus
Monday, September 25, 2006
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?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
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.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
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.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
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?
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?
Thursday, September 14, 2006
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.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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
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
Thursday, August 17, 2006
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
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
Friday, August 04, 2006
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
