The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 5

'Remember' by Trans Siberian Orchestra

I'm not sure I can pick a favorite TSO Christmas song. They each have their own unique flair. But this one seems appropriate as the Christmas season draws to a close. This song is a perfect storm for me - steady beat, choirs, melody and counter-melody and harmony. I always listen and feel satisfied, like I've accomplished something.

It's a good feeling.






Not sure if I'll continue this series. Lord knows, I have enough songs to go years. We'll see what happens.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 4

'Stille Nacht' by Mannheim Steamroller

I like most of MS' stuff to be honest. But this song is just about the most peaceful thing I can think of. It's part of my playlist for Christmas Eve, playing as we read about the birth of Jesus in Luke, preferably by a fire with the flames and tree lights the only light going. The combination of strings and quiet vocals is incredibly calming. And then the ending comes, and it's just that right touch of different for me.

Beautiful.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 3

'Carol of the Bells' by EVERYONE EVER

This is probably my favorite Christmas song ever. I say probably because there are one or two that come pretty close and do occasionally usurp the position. But it's consistently in the top three. I like it because it sounds awesome whether you play it in a major or minor key. It's repetitive without being annoying, and you can find some amazing harmonies. I have about 15 versions of this song in iTunes. I don't think I have a favorite - everyone seems to find a fresh spin on it. I think I like it so much because it's so happy - Christmas is here! How awesome is that?!

(And take some time to check out Pentatonix - they have some really cool stuff!)

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 2

'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays' by *N Sync

I know. Believe me, I know. But this song was probably my first experience of a Christmas song that wasn't actually traditional. It's very happy and upbeat, and it has a decent message. And the harmony! Oh, the harmony!

So shush.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 1

'The Winter's End' by ??????

Obviously, there are about a million utzy songs at Christmas. Christmas oozes with utz. That's the whole point. But over the years, I've found a few Christmas-ish jingles that fall outside the norm but still warm the cockles of one's heart. Which is just weird.

Wouldn't you know, this first song would be a doozy to find a reference for. I'm only 85% certain it's actually called 'The Winter's End,' and I don't remember where I found it. I just know it's pretty and perfect for a snowy afternoon with tree lights twinkling softly.

Listen Music Files - Share Audio - 04 The Winter's End

The Utz Factor, Thanksgiving Edition

'Bonaparte's Retreat/Hoedown' by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

YouTube doesn't have the exact version I wanted. So we're trying this. Hopefully it works. In honor of Thanksgiving, we're visiting my love of fiddles. This song is just happiness. You can't listen to it and not tap your foot.

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.divshare.com/download/24633441-53a

The Utz Factor, Part 7

'Some Nights' by fun.

I realize the majority of my utzy songs are slow and instrumental. This song is not. But I love it just as much as the rest. And not just because the music video is about the Civil War. This song has all the things I love most - strong male vocals, interesting harmonies, great lyrics and a driving beat. This song can get me amped up no matter what mood I'm in. And they actually manage to use auto-tune in a non-annoying manner!

Job asks the tough questions

Like many, I started a Bible reading plan on YouVersion. And like many, I've fallen woefully behind.

So tonight, as I lay in bed unable to sleep, I figured I might as well try to catch up.

I'm on Job 17. First line: "My spirit is broken; my days are extinct; the graveyard is ready for me."

I'm tired of feeling like this. But I don't know how to get out of the rut.

There's probably a reason I got bogged down in Job. I find it a both inspiring and depressing book.

Messy Love and Peace

A lot of things this week have worked to remind me that my life really isn't that bad. I spend way too much time in my head. Not enough time serving others. 

When I became a missionary, I asked God to give me a love for others. I didn't have that before. It's messy to love other people. It hurts. And I've slowly learned how to do it. 

But I don't do it often enough. 

So I have a new challenge. I'll be praying the following prayer (from Francis of Assisi) every day. 

And if there is a way I can love and serve you, please ask. (Because I don't pick up on social cues very well.)

The Peace Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

The Utz Factor, Part 6

'Ljosio' by Olafur Arnalds

I heard this song by way of a fanfiction I was reading. See, I also write stories, and when I write, I use the utzy playlist to find inspiration for certain scenes. This song is for the scene just before the end - remember the past, understanding what it has taught us, and beginning to look toward the future. It's such a light tune, but the counter-melody weighs it down just enough. Also, I'm pretty sure the composer is Icelandic. How cool is that? (Get it?)

The Utz Factor, Part 5

'Still' - Black Hawk Down soundtrack

To this day, I'm not sure if I can explain why I like this movie so much. I can't actually watch it too often. I have a few movies like that. You love them, but it hurts too much to watch them sometimes. Movies like Saving Private Ryan, The Passion of the Christ and Glory. But I think I like this movie because it's one of the most realistic portrayals (in my opinion, and I realize that's not worth much considering I've never been in combat and am not a soldier) of a war zone. Once the shooting starts, everything happens in real time, and you're never quite sure what is going on. This song reminds me that sometimes, there are calm moments in a storm.

(The video cuts off about 7 seconds, not sure why.)

I don't know how to write about my life right now.

I've certainly been talking about it enough. I'm amazed my dad still picks up the phone when he sees me calling. I think Lori only listens now because I'm her Doctor Who supplier. I feel like I'm bringing down the spirits of everyone I talk to.

So I try to be positive. I try to think of things to say.

Except I don't really have a life outside of work. And I don't want to talk about work.

I feel isolated.

Greenwood was supposed to be my gateway to the rest of the world. And for a while, it was. I went places. I did things. With people, even.

And then people started leaving. And because I'm socially awkward and can't approach people unless they've approached me first, I found myself traveling in a never-ending circuit between work, my apartment, Target, and church.

It's stifling.

So I escape. I travel with a squire in fairytale England; a pilot in a galaxy far, far away; a team of serial killer hunters - I go to any world that isn't this one.

Except I can't stay there forever.

And I look at other people, and they are doing things. They have lives. They have purpose.

I don't know what my purpose is. I'm trying to find out.

And now I'm complaining again.

Why would you read this?

The Utz Factor, Part 4

'Valley of the Shadow' - Little Women soundtrack

This is my go-to cry movie. Who knew watching Claire Danes die would make me lose it every time? Seriously, though, this music captures the moment so perfectly. It's sad, but you also know it's what Beth wants so she can stop suffering. But she also knows she's leaving behind a lot of heartache.

I love what music can do to people.

The Utz Factor, Part 3

'Clair de Lune' by Claude Debussy

I love this song. Words cannot describe how much I love this song. The first time it really stuck (though probably not the first time I heard it) was in Ocean's Eleven. It has such a longing feel to it, like someone who has been incandescently happy once and is remembering how amazing it is and knows that even if they are happy now, it can't compare to that one moment. But that's okay, because they've had that moment, and not everyone will get a moment like that. I've posted a couple versions of the song below.

The Utz Factor, Part 2

I actually heard this song for the first time on CSI. It's always had a haunting quality to it, and the lyrics make you want to cry, but it has that driving beat that tells you to keep going.

So, without further ado, 'Running Up That Hill' by Placebo.

Only 27

First, read this.

I had a lot of emotions when I first read this. At first, I did a virtual fist bump - "You go, girl! Preach it! Yeah! Why people be hatin'?"

Then, I got indignant. "Seriously, why do people keep asking this?"

Then, I felt a bit of relief. "Thank the Lord I'm not a firstborn child. Imagine the scrutiny and expectations of my life then!"

All of these emotions are valid. But once I got all the emotional angst out of the way, I started really thinking about the article. I realized I had some pretty deep thoughts.

1. Why, at 27, do people seem to think that I have to have things figured out? As the smart people I watch on television remind me, the brain really isn't fully developed until your mid-20s. So do I not get a few years to get used to the fact that I am now capable of rational thought? That those dreams or decisions I made when I was 16 or 20 are exactly that, the product of a 16-or-20-year-old brain. I don't want the same things I wanted then. Which reminds me...

2. I don't want the same things I wanted then. Because back then, it was me, Jessica, saying I wanted those things. It was the Jessica who let the world inform her of what was expected of her. Just look at TV right now - most characters in television pilots are young. Do they have things worked out? No. But are they ridiculed for this? Yes. They are considered the exception to the rule. Something is always wrong with them, and this has stunted their growth potential. They have daddy issues. They grew up poor. They grew up rich. They are too pretty. Or too ugly, which in Hollywood means they are brunette and wear glasses and weigh more than 100 pounds. (I'm getting off track.) Hollywood told me that I needed to have a steady job I loved, that it was okay to quit jobs I hated, that if I wasn't dating, I would be lonely forever, that I needed a man, that I didn't need a man, that kids can be had and then never seen or heard from again unless they had some cute quirk. And all before I was 30. Because life apparently ends after 30.

3. I have done a horrible job of appreciating the now. One of my favorite philosophers is Bill Watterson. Why? Because he created Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin might be a little hellion sometimes, but he always appreciates what he's doing at the moment. He's realistic about the future, but he also knew he was a kid and should be doing kid things. I have wasted so much time and so many great experiences because I was worried about what came next or how I would deal with something. It's a struggle. One I deal with daily. Especially now. This is not my dream job. But it's the one I'm in right now. I can't keep dreaming of the day I'm not doing this job anymore. Because it's an important job. It'll help a lot of people and bring revenue to OMS. I can't do my best if I'm constantly thinking about what I'd rather be doing.

I feel like we've moved a little further beyond this article. I know I've talked before about how I don't need or want to get married right now. That's still mostly true. I was reminded Monday of how much I need people sometimes. But not just any people. People who understand me and like the things I like. I had a conversation at lunch on Monday about science fiction, the Avengers, modern entertainment, history, books - all the things I love. And I was really only speaking with four people. I was passionate, I was animated - if you'd seen me on Monday, you would never have believed I was an introvert.

That's a discussion for another time.

I wouldn't mind coming home to someone every night. It's hard being on your own all the time.

But I don't know if I want to trade "when are you getting married?" for "when are you going to have kids?" Because the answer to the second question is a lot harder to answer. 

The Utz Factor, Part 1

A dear friend of mine has a blog, and on her blog, she has a segment called 'Sad Song Saturday.' I've hereby adopted this segment, with a few changes. I have a playlist in iTunes called 'Utzy,' and in this playlist are songs that make me feel just that extra bit of emotion. I'm going to share some of these songs with you. I may even explain what it is about them that causes the utz.

The first song is 'Parce Mihi Domine' performed by Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble. I heard it for the first time on a TV show (a bad show, one you should not watch) and loved it. I love chants in general, and the sax layered onto it adds a real mournful quality.

Enjoy.

Radio Who

This is the latest and (probably) my last radio spot for OMS.

I'm ridiculously proud of it. Alecia, our summer intern, wrote the backbone of it because she (rightly so) has a deep and abiding love for Doctor Who. Jason and I have always wanted to do a parody of it, but the timing was off or we couldn't come up with a storyline. So when Alecia wrote this and I knew I was leaving, Jason and I knew we had to record it. I did a bit of rewriting and we tweaked it here and there, reversed roles so I could play the faux-Doctor, and this was the result!

Did I mention I'm ridiculously proud of it?

Incidentally, you can hear more of our radio spots every Sunday night on Freedom 95.9 in the Indianapolis area or streaming online at www.freedom95.us as OMS airs its new radio program, One Mission Stories. You can also catch up with the podcast on www.onemissionsociety.org/radio. These stories come from around the OMS world and give a little more insight into our missionaries. Jason is the host and does a really great job.

Also, if you can list all of the Doctor Who references in the ad above, I'll buy you a Tom Baker scarf. Maybe. You have to get all of them, though!

Dilemmas

So there's been a bit of radio silence here. I'm fully aware of this. I think I've started and stopped more posts in the last few weeks than in the entire time I've had this blog.

First dilemma: I started this blog as a way to talk about my ministry and keep in touch with supporters. I've had other blogs in the past, mostly used to vent and amuse myself. This one actually has a purpose, but since I haven't kept up with the others and don't remember the passwords, I'm pretty much left with this one. Technically, I'm still with OMS, but I'm not being funded anymore. Does it feel awkward for you? Because it does for me. Of course, I've taken creative license with this blog before, so I don't really feel bad about doing it now. And I'll still talk about what I do now. Probably.

Second dilemma: I'm still trying to wrap my head around my change in status. Things happened very quickly, and I had to mentally move from fundingfundingfunding to nolongerwithOMSwhathappensnow to ihavenoideawhatthisjobentailsbutitsajob over the course of about three days. I was literally packing my desk on Friday and unpacking it on Monday (though in a different place). Now that things have settled a little bit, I find myself wishing I'd had some time off in between to really process things. I'm really noticing the distinct lack of mental processing.

Third dilemma: I'm really noticing the distinct lack of mental processing. I don't talk about it much on here because I suffered from the "Missionaries Must Only Present Positive Attitudes in Public" disease for about three years. Only a few people really knew what was going on in my head. But we're airing it in public now. I suffer from severe depression. To the point where just basic functions take a lot out of me, so doing a blog is not even a blip on my radar. I am working on it. Some days are better than others. This past year has been especially difficult. We'll probably address that more later.

Fourth dilemma: I have very little time to write a blog. I will try to write up some stuff and schedule posts, but I make no promises.

So yes, I know I haven't been around. I'm trying to change that. I'll let you know how it goes. 

It was my penultimate day at OMS.

That's weird.

I knew it would happen someday. But things have been happening a little too fast for me to really process. Between finishing up projects at the office and looking for a new job, I've been going a little crazy.

So what else is new?

But we must look forward. I'll still be in Greenwood for a while. I have a temporary job. 

Don't think about what I'm leaving behind. 

The Squire's Tales are Ending

So I'm a reader.

Like, I read a lot.

A. Lot.

Pretty much every day, in fact.

I read a lot of different things. I read magazines because they incorporate a lot of different information into a small space. I read history books because history is awesome. I read commentaries and newspapers and fanfiction and classics andpretty much everything.

But I'm hesitant to read a lot of fiction. I don't immediately rush out to buy the new bestseller. Part of that is my inherent anti-establishment nature. Part of it is because a lot of what is being written these days is crap.

But the biggest reason I hesitate to read fiction is that I don't already know the ending. I get so emotionally invested in stories that a sad, surprise ending can send me into a spiral of despair for days. I have to be careful about what I read. I have to guard my heart.

But I can't just stop reading. Sometimes I have to take that risk.

So now we get to the point.

A few years ago (more like fifteen or so), I started a lovely little series by Gerald Morris. This is one of the best series I've read ever. In my life. I suppose technically they are considered Young Adult, but I really think everyone would enjoy them. It's funny, it's (somewhat) historical, it's smart, and it's moral. The series is based loosely on the story of King Arthur, but each book really focuses on a young man named Terence, the squire of Sir Gawain, and the people he interacts with at court. There are many fantasy elements to the books as well as Terence deals with the Seelie Court and the fairies. They are just so well written, and I have loved each and every book.

Except now I have a problem. There are ten books in this series. I've read nine. The tenth is about to arrive on my doorstep.

And I know how the story of King Arthur ends.

I'm already emotionally invested in these characters' lives. So I can't not read the book.

But it's going to be sad. I know it. You know it. The whole world knows it.

(There's a photo going around the internet with the caption 'Is it possible to have PTSD from books?' The answer is yes.)

So I suppose this is serving as a warning. If I seem more despondent than usual, you know I've read the book.

Of course, as soon as I've finished it, I'm going to have to read the series all over again. Does that count as self-sabotage?

(Seriously, read the books. They are awesome.)

Official

It's officially official.

I'm leaving OMS.

There will be a letter soon, probably without nearly enough explanation. I'll try to explain a little bit on here as I can. The reasons mostly have to do with funding. It's definitely been an interesting time emotionally. I've been very up and down. On the one hand, I'm positive that this is God's will. (In case you were wondering, yes, this is what the fleece was about. No dew.) On the other hand, I literally don't know what comes next. My eyes are open. I just need to keep trusting that God knows what He's doing.

(On a side note, OMS has decided to stop capitalizing God pronouns. I can't quite get out of the habit. We're also using the serial comma now. It's both a blessing and a curse.)

So yeah, that's my life right now.

I would happily accept any ideas.

Totally, Gideon

Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said." And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, "Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew." And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. (Judges 6:36-40 ESV)

I've always liked Gideon. It probably started because of his penchant for breaking things and causing a ruckus. But over time, I think I've grown to understand him more, to relate to him. Gideon was living in a land occupied by the enemy. His own people were ambivalent about God and worshiped idols. Gideon himself has some issues. (I love how Gideon responds to the angel of the Lord in the ESV translations. "Pardon me, my Lord, but...") He's lived with his problems for a while. He's not of a great tribe. He's not happy with what's going on, but when the angel tells him to be a leader, Gideon puts his hand up and says, "Woah. Are you who I think you are? Just sit tight while I make sure. You're not going anywhere, right?"

And then he gets a sign and realizes he's been staring into the face of God. And God says, "Peace, dude. You ain't gonna die."

And all Gideon really wants is peace. He wants to be left alone. So he builds an altar. And he's probably feeling the rush of adrenaline from this experience, so when God tells him to tear down the altars of the idols, he does it. But he's not an idiot. Who starts a rebellion in broad daylight? So he does it at night.

Like that helps. The town went all CSI and totally figured out that Gideon tore down the altars. And then Gideon's dad gets into it, probably because Gideon took the first camel out of town. And Joash is totally cool. "If Baal's a god, let him deal with Gideon." Gideon's name changes. (It meant 'destroyer' before. He probably felt totally inadequate as a child.) (Someday, I need to do a study of all the guys who had their names changed by God. There has to be a really cool reason for it.)

Gideon still has to save Israel. But he's not convinced he's the guy for it. So he does the logical thing. He puts out a fleece with some pretty specific parameters. And God answers. But that first one might have been a fluke. So he says, "Uh, don't be mad. But maybe you could do that again?" And God totally sighs and says, "Really, man?" but answers the second one, too.

Now this raises some interesting questions. Obviously, people don't go putting out physical fleeces (or at least I don't know anyone who has) these days. But to me, it seems like a really brilliant method for solving things. You know that it's God answering and you know what he wants you to do. The problem for a lot of people is that putting out a fleece doesn't show a lot of faith. Especially when you double check your results.

And yet Gideon is totally mentioned in Hebrews in the faith chapter. His weakness was turned to strength. Gideon went on to do something totally cool and amazing. He even has an organization named after him, though the reasons for that are totally not explained on the website. Of course, he had a little problem with fame later on, but we already know nobody's perfect.

All this to say, I don't have a problem with metaphorical fleeces. But they are not to be used lightly. And (this is very important) you have to be willing to accept the answer. Gideon did not believe he could do what he was being asked to do. So he asked for a sign. And I don't think he was all that thrilled with the answer. So he asked again. Same answer. And you really shouldn't ignore God when he tells you the same thing twice. Gideon had to accept that yes, God really did want him to lead Israel to victory against their oppressors. Here's the cool thing about Gideon, though. After he got his answer, he didn't hesitate. God told him that 32,000 men was too many. Gideon didn't question it when God whittled that number down to 300. Gideon was not a Spartan. He knew that without God on their side, 300 guys couldn't fight off an entire army. But he never hesitated. He drove off an army with lamps and trumpets. (And then swords because he didn't stop chasing them for a while. Gideon started living up to his name quite well.)

What had Gideon wanted more than anything when this started? Peace. And after that one fight, Israel had peace for the rest of Gideon's life.

Of course, then his son was a complete ass. But that's another story.

So yeah, I like Gideon. And this week, I'm following his example. After much deliberation, and my father's blessing, the (metaphorical) fleece has been cast. I am assured of an answer by Friday. I know it will be from God. And I will accept the result.

Whom Shall I Fear?

I know I'm posting a lot of music lately, but right now, it's more helpful than words in getting my feelings across. And oddly, it has more to do with lyrics than the emotion evoked.

I'll explain everything soon, I promise.

Skyfall

Stress

I thought I understood stress. I knew how to deal with it, how to avoid it or make it work to my advantage, and how to let others know that I'm going to be slightly prickly for a bit.

I. Know. Nothing.

Okay, I'm dealing. But only just. I'm used to good stress, the desire to accomplish a task and do it well. But lately, it's been one thing after another. Family, work, family, funding, family... (Don't get me wrong - I love my family. But they are often the biggest source of stress.)

My real problem, though, is that I can't do a thing about any of it. Very little of this is in my direct control.

I need to solve a problem.

I need to complete something of significance.

I need to give everything to God.

Why is it so hard to do that?!

Inception Ninjas

I've been spending an inordinate amount of time contemplating the world of "Inception." Do you remember that movie? It came out in 2010 and posited the theory that people could waltz around in their (or others') 'dreams' or subconscious mind, extracting information or planting (incepting) it.

I loved the movie. However, there are a couple of giant plot holes and places where, probably for expediency's sake, they broke the rules of the dream world. For the most part, these are easily fixed, and the resulting world makes for an interesting place.

To date, I have not written fanfiction for this universe. I don't know if I ever will. I haven't felt like writing, lately.

That's pretty much it.

And then I found $5.

(That was for Alecia.)

In other news, we have a new intern. Her name is Alecia. She sits across the wall from me. Sometimes I make my finger puppets stare creepily at her. So she retaliated with ninjas. Ninjas who ride dinosaurs.

We get along just fine.

It's too soon to quit...

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:17, 18 ESV)

Life

Sometimes I don't know how I feel about something until I start writing it down. Makes life difficult, but oh so interesting. 

Hope Where There Is Little

If you haven't checked into our human trafficking prevention ministry, HOPE61, you should. We're trying to prevent things like this: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/18594.

Come See Me!

I will be traveling quite a bit in the next few weeks speaking at churches and making home appointments. If you are available and close to one of the locations, I'd love to see you! Here's the schedule for June:

June 2 morning (10:30am): Cold Springs Church - Fayetteville, PA

June 2 evening (7pm): Fountain UB - Keyser, WV

June 5 evening (6pm): Franklintown UB - Franklintown, PA

June 9 morning (9, 10:30am): Hillsdale UB - Hillsdale, MI

June 23 morning (10:30am): Corunna UB - Corunna, IN

June 26-29: UB National Conference - Fort Wayne, IN

June 30 morning (10:30am): Mount Pleasant UB - Angola, IN

I will also be making one-on-one appointments, so if you're in the area and would like to get coffee or lunch, give me a call. 260.224.4291

And pray for traveling mercies!

Confluence

Definition of CONFLUENCE
1

a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point
2
a : the flowing together of two or more streams
b : the place of meeting of two streams
c : the combined stream formed by conjunction

I've been using this word a lot lately. Trying to figure out how and why things happen is one of the great things about being a historian. But it's also not that fun when what you're trying to figure out hasn't become history, yet. I used to do current event reports, and I hated it because I could never find all the pieces to the puzzle.

Years from now, I will look back on this time with faint remembrance. I will know what led to it. I will know where it, in turn, led. It will be history.

But right now, it's still current events.

Pray-ers

I just sent 33 letters to mission leaders in the UB churches asking for a chance to present my ministry at an event in their church.

If each of these letters results in only $100/month in pledged giving, I will be fully funded.

Pray that the letters and follow-up calls will be well received and that I will have many opportunities to speak to people.

Pray for open hearts.

A Tale of Puppets

In the midst of meetings, editing and the everyday whirlwind, we do still find time for fun.

It started here:

When I first started at OMS, I bought finger puppets because my workspace buddy and I couldn't see each other over the wall. (The dinosaur came later.) So we communicated by puppet. But then she moved, and my puppets and I were lonely for a while. But then James came and the puppets again had a purpose.

Then James moved to an office. And I may have drawn this:

So James moved my finger puppets.

And you don't touch the puppets.

So naturally, I had to respond.

James tried to make nice.

But that just didn't sit well.

 

So I found some allies.

And James didn't take kindly to that.

So I reminded him of his roots.

James graciously conceded. But not before exclaiming, "You murdered me a million years ago?!"

Let's ignore the evolutionary implications of that and just laugh evilly. 

Shepherds

There's an ECC conference on this week for Shepherds and Church Multiplication Facilitators. These men and women travel to certain countries, training and encouraging pastors in evangelism and church planting. Please pray for these brave workers as they are sent out.

You can find out more about these positions on the ECC page.

Struggles

I complain a lot about support raising, and I shouldn't, because it's an important part of ministry and it's biblical.

It's also terrifying for me. Your prayers would be appreciated as I work, by God's grace, to overcome this difficulty.

I love what I do. And I want to keep doing it for as long as God calls me to stay.

People ask, "Why the urgency? Why count every soul?"

Because time is running out. And every soul is precious.

Every time I watch the news, I feel that the end is that much closer.

My prayers are for Boston today.

Thailand Photos, Part 4

After we left Chiang Rai, my mom and I spent some time in Bangkok.

 

 

Our hotel. It was lovely. No, more like brilliant. I'd recommend it.

 

 

A view of the city.

 

The sky train was right across the street, which if you're inclined to use that sort of thing is really convenient. We preferred taxis and personal tours.

 

Cool lights in the hotel.

 

Interesting traffic.

 

Outside the Grand Palace.

 

Trying to get in.

 

The line.

 

If you're ever in Thailand, you'll be able to recognize the temples by their roofs. They all have this design, though often in different colors.

 

Small scale Angkor Wat. Very cool.

 

 

It was a very hot day. I can't begin to tell you.

 

Um... those are demons. Made of precious gems.

 

Lotus blossom.

 

A (possibly illegal) photo of the Emerald Buddha. That is made of jade.

 

A guard outside the residence.

 

King Chulalongkorn's palace. He's the famous one.

 

Another boat ride.

 

Killer fish. (Interesting fact: people are not allowed to fish in front of the temples, so the fish hang out here and wait for bread from unsuspecting tourists.)

 

A little choppy.

 

There are a ton of temples in Thailand. 4,000 in Bangkok, 40,000 in Thailand.

 

A procession of monks. This went on for miles.

Thailand Photos, Part 3

Our trip wasn't all meetings and such. We also got to do some exploring!

 

Recognize the boats? They are in just about every movie shot in South Asia ever.

We took a nice boat ride. (See video.)

 

Along the river. I don't think it's possible to count how many Buddhas are in Thailand.

 

Then we went to an elephant camp. For real.

 

This is what the ground looks like from on top an elephant.

 

I let go of the 'safety' bar long enough for this photo. See the panic in my eyes?

 

13 elephants for our group.

 

Then we saw snakes. From far away.

 

This is actually a really interesting museum about the drug trade in Thailand.

 

Laos. Really.

 

The Golden Triangle.

 

Hindu or Buddhist, it didn't seem to matter the origin. If they think it will help, they enshrine it.

 

 

In case you were wondering how we got on and off the elephant.

 

 

Thailand Photos, Part 2

We were in Thailand mostly for a staff retreat, and we definitely had some nice digs.

 

Our little bungalow.

 

 

My elephant found some friends!

Beautiful flowers!



Leading worship.

 

 

Fun little trees!

 

Team bonding. Yay. :)

 

We also spent some time exploring Chiang Rai.

 

 

I don't know how that little guy stays on the back of that bike.

 

The market.

 

I don't want to know what happens to the dogs for sale.

 

Excellent artists everywhere.

 

And some interesting entertainment.

 

 

Some very interesting food.

 

There was an ark across the street from our villa. It's actually a Chinese church and seminary.