Thanksgiving Reflections December 4, 2009

I started this post on Tuesday and it’s now Friday! Why on earth can I not crank out posts like I used to???

I want to write about Thanksgiving before time slips away and forces me to write a Thanksgiving/Christmas combo post. Would that not be the longest post ever? Ugh, I probably wouldn’t even do it!

Our holiday weekend was one for the record books. I’ve mentioned this before, but my brother works for a TV station in the same town where Jared’s parents live. It’s really hard for him to get time off during the holidays so my parents flew to North Carolina to celebrate with us. It was the first time the four of us were together in a year and a half!

My sister-in-law and her husband arrived Thanksgiving evening so we had both families under one roof. This is probably a recipe for disaster for most people, but for us it was a joyous experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It sort of reminded me of an Indian wedding in the sense that we were stuck together for several days instead of just gathering for a meal and going back to our separate lives. However, I did not share not share a room with thirteen people so I guess the similarities end there.

I ate way too much food. Jared and I rarely overeat, but my MIL really outdid herself with Thanksgiving dinner. We had all the usual favorites, and I’m always curious to know what everyone’s favorite dish is. Mine is usually broccoli casserole or good ‘ole fashioned green beans.

The rest of the weekend was full of wonderful things: Football, cozy fires, Apples to Apples, Black Friday shopping, shooting guns, The Olive Garden, shopping for John’s new apartment, a visit to a Moravian village in Old Salem, listening to my father-in-law preach on Sunday morning, and lots of laughter around the table. I LOVE my family, and it was so wonderful to be with everyone again. Coming back to work on Monday was so tough. I’m not sure if we’ll ever have another holiday like that, but I sure hope so!

As you can see, my father is very dark (he’s a quarter Cherokee), but my brother and I inherited Irish skin.

Bob with the turkey–we had all white meat!

98.3% of our pictures look like this

We’re at Old Salem, a Moravian village, where characters dress in costume. They have churches, shops, bakeries, and all kinds of neat things.

This was taken in a Moravian graveyard. I really enjoy visiting graveyards because they are historical and sobering experiences. John and I listened to ‘Willie McBride’ probably five times later that night. I’m slightly obsessed with that song at the moment.

This picture is a little scary but funny at the same time. We’re crammed into a rental Chrysler and on our way to shop for John’s apartment. Notice he is the king of argyle all of a sudden.

If I’m honest with myself, being thankful is a bit tricky. I am thankful for an incredible husband and family. I am thankful for God’s provision for my physical needs through shelter, food, and employment. I am thankful for good friends who love and challenge me. I am thankful to live in a country with religious freedom. And yet, I’ve met enough orphans and jobless people and persecuted Christians to know how uncertain all of these things are. Knowing that the Lord gives and takes away, to what , or rather whom, will I direct my thanks if He chooses to take?

Recently, our small group discussed how Paul often expressed thanks for fruit in the lives of other Christians. His circumstances  were rarely ideal (although he did learn the secret of being ‘content in plenty and in want’), but he hardly felt great sorrow over this. What truly moved him were spiritual things–of course the cross and resurrection, but also God’s work in fellow believers. This made me realize how much more I need to thank God for the spiritual growth I see in other people. So instead of reflecting on merely earthly blessings (and there are so many), here are some spiritual blessings that make my heart soar with gratitude.

I am thankful that Alicia is trusting the Lord during her struggles with contentment.

I am thankful my parents hold their blessings with an open hand and give so generously to others

I am thankful my parents-in-law have served God’s church for more years than I have been alive

I am thankful my brother is considering a sabbatical from running sound at his church so he can focus on hearing God’s word preached

I am thankful my sister-in-law and her husband want to adopt one day

I am thankful Lindsey is faithfully pouring her life into students at my alma mater

I am thankful Jonathan and Kelley chose to praise and trust God through uncertain circumstances

I am thankful Charity has learned so many lessons about humility through her work

I am thankful Emily is seeking justice for the oppressed

I am thankful Jessica has invested so much into her friends in Japan

I am thankful Christy is sacrifically serving her family

And the list goes on…but you get the idea. God is at work in so many people I know and it makes me glow with thanksgiving! It kind of makes me want to burst into ‘How Firm a Foundation’ or that ‘Good People’ song by Audio Adrenaline.

I won’t do that, but I do encourage all of you out there to make a list similar to mine above (if you haven’t already). It was a great way to take my usual thanksgiving reflections up a notch–definitely a worthy exercise!

Potty Breaks and Walkathons November 23, 2009

I’ve heard a lot of moms say they often crave adult conversation. It always made sense to me, but I never really understood until this month. Jared and I have been teaching three years olds during the morning service at church, and it’s given me great insight into what people with small children talk about on a daily basis. One of my responsibilites is ‘potty break.’ Oh, the depth of conversation that occurs during this time!

One time I took twin girls to the bathroom and one stall was occupied with a mother changing her young daughter. The girl was potty training and had an accident. Without fail, the twins were extremely interested in the situation.

J: (loudly) ‘Did she poop her pants?’

Me: She had an accident, but don’t worry about it. You need to use the bathroom.

C: (walking into the stall to watch the girl being changed) ‘I think she pooped her pants!’

Me: Please get out of there. It’s not polite to walk in when other people are using the bathroom

J&C: ‘BUT SHE POOPED!’

Me: She is learning how to use the bathroom. Do you remember a few months ago when you were learning to use the big potty?

J&C: (shaking heads simultaneously) ‘NO! Only babies poop their pants!’

 

Today I took another girl for an emergency bathroom break. The girls bathroom was occupied so we went to the men’s restroom.

E: (pointing at the urinal) ‘What’s that?’

Me: Umm… that’s what boys use to go to the bathroom.

E: ‘But why?’

Me: Umm…because they just do.

E: ‘Why don’t they use the girl potty?’

Me: Because they use a different potty just like they play with different toys and wear different clothes

E: ‘But why?’

Me: Wash your hands.

As one who spends all day long in adult conversation, I can honestly say that ‘potty break’ has become one of the most refreshing moments of my week. It is hysterical and brings me back to the simple things in life.

Jared and I, along with our good friends, Travis and Jenny, participated in the ‘Help the Homeless’ Walkathon on Saturday. I’ve always thought the extensive homelessness in the DC area is a little embarrassing–how can so many in our nation’s capital live on the streets? We walked on behalf of Jenny’s organization, which is a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

I sort of don’t understand why all these walkathons give you t-shirts, bottled water, and fancy granola packets. Why can’t they just give that money to the homeless?

The walk did provide a beautiful view of the Washington Monument. Afterwards we ate bagels and drank apple cider on the steps of the IRS building. It was a fun day!

That’s really all I have for now. I wanted to get one more post in before the Thanksgiving holiday. My parents are flying to North Carolina so we are spending it with both families together! There should be plenty of fun stories and pictures to come.

Retreats, Philly, and Covetousness November 19, 2009

Again, I have to apologize for the terrible formatting. WordPress is awful. I may be going back to blogger soon!

There is so much to write about before the Thanksgiving craziness begins! Gear up, faithful readers, this will be a long one. First, today is my mom’s birthday! I won’t mention which birthday because she would probably kill me, but it’s definitely a milestone one. Be sure and wish her a Happy Birthday if you know her.

Second, Jared and I had a wonderful opportunity to go on a retreat in the Shenandoah Valley with some college students from The George Washington University. We had an amazing time studying the book of 1 Peter with them.

Since so many of the students are majoring in international affairs, they were very interested in my work in India. I was excited to learn that many of them were considering overseas work after graduation, and have since had more in depth conversations with a couple of girls about my experience. It’s been so much fun to get to know some of the college students in our church better, and I’m thankful that lessons I learned years ago can be helpful to others. Third, we ventured to Philadelphia last weekend with our friends, Greg and Mimi. One thing I love about living in DC is our proximity to so many neat places. We made it to Philly in only two hours. Mimi’s aunt lives there and hosted a wonderful brunch for us, after which we began a day of sightseeing. It was a blast! I had no idea Philly was such a cool city–there was so much to see! And, of course, the company was great too.

Believe it or not the longest line we encountered was while waiting to take pictures with the Rocky statue.

Greg took this of Jared and me walking down the street. I love this picture–it isn’t even posed! We just happen to stare at each other adoringly all the time.

Standing outside Independence Hall where the first Congress and Senate meetings took place. I love the Cinderella carriage behind us!

Hahaha…a giant Ben Franklin head. This made me giggle.

Jared and me outside a Quaker meeting hall. We went inside afterwards and were pretty much prosyletized. I love being prosyletized–it’s so refreshing that someone cares enough to tell you what they believe to be true. The Quakers were also super nice to Native Americans back in the day so gold star for them!

Jared and Greg where Ben Franklin’s house used to be. It burned down in a fire awhile ago.

I got super excited when I saw my old college mascot.

This is what happens when Jared has control of the camera. He thinks he is so artistic and clever.

Greg and I at the top of the Rocky steps. We’re technically jumping but you can’t really tell. I look like I’m doing some kind of cheerleading move.

Greg and Mimi–great friends!

 

 

 

Of course we had to eat cheesesteaks on South Street. They were delicious. Jared loved his even though he is making a ridiculous face. I promise he is actually quite thoughtful and intelligent. I’m not sure why he has to make a mockery out of capturing our memories.

 

 

You rock, Philadelphia!

Moving on…

Suzanne is heading to Jordan this week for Thanksgiving (or rather Eid since they do not celebrate Thanksgiving in Jordan) so we went to Target last night to get some last minute things. I actually had a gift card which I knew I needed to spend on a table cloth for our dining room table (it’s the only new piece of furniture we have so we want to take good care of it). However, once I entered the store I was overwhelmed by all of the merchandise. All of a sudden I needed a new sweater, a scarf, a new bag, and 800 Christimas decorations.  And aren’t gift cards supposed to be for fun stuff anyway? Who buys a table cloth with a gift card?As I perused the Christmas aisle with visions of sparkly pinecones and cranberry candles in my head, I realized it didn’t so much matter what I used my gift card for. The issue was that I walked into the store perfectly content, only to feel dissatisfied and covetous once confronted with with all the things I didn’t have. I am not a trendy person, a shopaholic, or someone who loves to decorate, but I have covetous heart all the same. My nature is prone to want what isn’t mine and it will be that way as long as I’m alive. As I contemplated this, a compelling thought entered my mind: ‘When tempted to covet, give instead.’  It was as clear as a spoken word. I came home around 10:30 PM with a table cloth. I also went through every item of clothing I own creating a pile of things to give away. Jared, who knows that motivation strikes me at weird times, sat on the bed and watched me. He didn’t complain one bit about how it was nearly midnight before we were able to go to sleep. And I was quite happy that all of the clothes, bags, and decorations from Target were still on their respective shelves and not in my closet.It’s not my intention to spew the typical ‘We’ve turned Christmas into a materialistic holiday’ rant. I intend on giving gifts this year (and maybe receiving a few). What I have learned is that I must take the temptation to covet seriously. A covetous heart dishonors the Lord. Sometimes it isn’t enough to walk away and suppress it. Sometimes it needs to be actively destroyed. Sometimes when I want more of something the best remedy is to give away some of what I already have. It’s my way of saying ,’Take that! I don’t need you!’ And that, my friends, can be very liberating. And less you think my compelling thought came from the ghost of Christmas past, I recently read Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders in Acts chapter 20.I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “I am thankful to God for reminding me of what He has already revealed through His Word.

A Season of Work November 4, 2009

I started this blog two days ago and never finished it. Now my pictures are all messed up and I can’t remember what I was trying to post about in the first place. Sigh. I have the creativity of a wet rag these days.

The fall season has not been as relaxing for us as I hoped. Sometimes I wonder if being an adult is synonomous with being tired. I guess I’ve technically been an adult for awhile now, but I’ve never really felt like one until recently. It seems like we’re always running from one thing to the next. Wake up early, go to work, come home and scrounge some dinner, off to class for three hours, and then study on the weekend. This kind of schedule can be very draining, but in the midst of it all I’ve learned some great things about God’s gift of work.

I used to view work as a means to an end, meaning it’s important, it needs to be done, it’s great if you can do something you like, but ultimately real life is lived out in relationships. Some are fortunate enough to have jobs that center around relationships, and therefore, can pay their bills by living life with others. I’ve experienced this sort of vocation before–I’ve had jobs that allowed me to drink chai with people or hang out in coffee shops ‘on the clock.’ But now my work is task oriented and time with people usually has to wait until after 5:30. This can be rather daunting. I am an administrative professional, and no one lives or dies by what I do. Yes, I help my organization and our constituents the best I can, but it often seems like the really meaningful stuff, the eternal stuff, must take place outside of the 8 hours I spend at work each day.

Lately, however, a simple verse in Colossians has impacted my thinking about my work. ‘Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inhertiance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.’

An elder in our church spoke on this verse a couple of weeks ago. He challenged us to not underestimate the value of our work. Not the opportunities it gives us to build relationships or do other things, but the work itself. The very task God has given us at this time to glorify Him. For me, it has been managing a huge conference registration that sometimes makes me want to pull my hair out. I have to admit I’ve often been tempted to grumble, but the words of Colossians continually remind me of the truth. God chose me for this task and I am to do it for Him. My tasks are not simply opportunities to ‘build relationships,’ they in themselves are a service to Christ.

It’s pretty humbling to think of all the people in the world, God chose me to do this work. Why? Because He wanted to. Maybe I sometimes think I could be better used elsewhere, but it doesn’t matter what I think. What I should be thinking is why didn’t God choose someone with a more cheerful and thankful heart? Someone more deserving. But alas, that kind of thinking is futile as well. As Scripture indicates, God rarely chooses the most likely person for anything. That being said, I’ve learned that my work does have life-changing potential. It has revealed so many things to me about the heart of a servant, more so than my relational jobs if you can believe.

I guess I should end this post with a brief fall summary (although fall is still going strong). I did some serious apple picking with my friend, Michelle, a few weeks ago. We went to a farm in Maryland, and I picked 20 pounds of apples, which I then had to haul home on the metro, along with a very large and awkwardly shaped butternut squash. Has anyone ever tried to cut a butternut squash? It was so hard I nearly passed out from exertion. I even had to eat some candy because my blood sugar dropped. We did get a nice velvety soup out of that thing though. I made some homemade biscuits to go along with it and it was yummy!

We also had a birthday party for Jared with some friends, but unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of that. It was great fun, though, and I made pasta with homemade sauce and apple pies. Really, I’ve done so much cooking and baking this month. Beyond what I’ve already mentioned, I made pumpkin apple muffins, homemade cinnamon rolls, white chicken chili, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, and more. Geez. I am making tilapia for the next few days because the last thing we need is a hearty meal. 

We also went down to North Carolina to visit Jared’s parents and grandmother. As usual, it was such a refreshing time for us. I love being there. It’s so nice to sit by the warm fire and watch the military channel. Seriously, Bob, that is my idea of a good weekend.

We didn’t do anything for Halloween. Lame, I know. I wasn’t feeling well and had a big test to study for. I guess if I had to miss one holiday then I’m glad it’s Halloween. Who cares?

I could share more but I think I’ve said enough for one night! Here’s what we have coming up: next weekend we’re going to Shenandoah with a college group from our church, the weekend after that we’re possibly going to Philadelphia, and THEN we are celebrating Thanksgiving in North Carolina with both sets of parents! Can it get anymore exciting?

Here are some Fall pics for you to enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28 Years October 23, 2009

Weary.

That is the best way to describe this week. We’ve endure long days and late nights. Poor Jared is recovering from an illness and hacking up his lungs. We’ve had tests, errands, events, and all the usual stuff that make life what it is. In the midst of it all, I realized I’m more than physically tired. I am weary to the bones.

But something wonderful did happen this week. Jared turned 28. And while, I still fully intend to write about all the things I mentioned in the previous post, here are 28 things that make Jared absolutely wonderful.

1. He loves God and God’s Word
2. He loves me
3. He desires to serve others in our church and community
4. He refuses to spend his life working towards vain and fleeting ambitions
5. He doesn’t care for the spotlight
6. He misses his modest life in Calcutta (although not the heat)
7. He wants to go back to Asia
8. He remembers people’s names
9. He loves my cooking
10. He washes dishes
11. He is frugal with himself but will always be generous with others
12. He thinks I’m hilarious
13. He was smart enough to nearly get a free ride to graduate school
14. He is humble enough that hardly anyone knows that (they do now–haha)
15. He cares nothing for fashion or shiny gadgets
16. He makes faces in all his pictures in an effort to mock conventional photography
17. He likes Richland, Missouri better than Washington, DC (although he likes DC ok)
18. He sings ‘On My Own’ from Les Miserables with me all the time
19. He actually sings really well although he doesn’t believe me when I say that
20. He is patient–he waited a whole year for me and continues to wait for me all the time
21. He prays for his family and friends everyday
22. He’d rather help me with dinner than sit and watch TV while I cook
23. He loves doing manual labor, especially yard work
24. He looks really good in a suit and tie
25. He makes incredible tea for all the guests who come to our home
26. He always does what he says he will
27. He is the first to listen and usually the last to speak
28. He is a faithful friend to me and so many others

I always tell Jared, ‘My life would totally stink if I was married to somebody else.’ He just laughs but I mean it. As we move forward in our married life together I realize more and more that I could not do this with just anybody. Thank goodness my past relationships failed miserably–I shudder to think of what could’ve been. So that’s my advice to all the single ladies out there. Don’t marry a loser. Marry someone like Jared!

  

 

 

 

 

 

Look at him! He’s so cute I can hardly stand it (sorry for the rear-end shot. I don’t take the time to crop pictures).

Dreams and then some October 16, 2009

One of the first questions Jared asks me each morning is, ‘Did you have any dreams last night?’ He never remembers his dreams and I think he finds mine wildly entertaining. I love dreaming, and since mine usually contain elements of my everyday life combined with some bizarre twists, we always have a good laugh about what my mind conjurs up during my sleep.

Since most dreaming occurs during the REM stage right before you wake up, it is not uncommon for me to slip in and out of consciousness during my dreams. Last night, for example, I had a conscious thought that it was the middle of October, and then my unconsciousness took over again and I panickedly realized I hadn’t gone to a single basketball conditioning.

I played basketball in high school and October was conditioning month, translated as ‘run until you puke month.’ The purpose was to get us ready for November practice so we wouldn’t hate our lives. Anyway, in my dream I wasn’t ready for practice so I showed up with my cousin Christy terrified. Upon our arrival we learned we had a game the next day against the Oklahoma State men’s basketball team. I guarded the best player during the game, and I don’t really recall the outcome but I’m assuming we lost. Afterwards, our coach told us practice would be hell the next day, and Christy and I left the gym together lamenting over the fact that we had to practice on Saturdays.

The funny thing is that all of this is stuff that actually happened (I never skipped all the conditionings but I definitely felt terrified the first day of practice) with the exception of playing OSU. Where did that come from? I’m not sure Oklahoma State has even crossed my mind since the one and only time I went to Stillwater back in college. That’s what I love about dreams–they are familiar enough to be your own, but random enough to make bedtime exciting.

I’m considering e-mailing my high school basketball coach and telling him that eight years later he still haunts me. We were even wearing the same orange practice jerseys and gross knee pads. And I’m pretty sure he was wearing the same orange polo he occasionally wore to games. Scary!

As for other things, Jared started a new job at the International Justice Mission this week! He is a part-time accountant and looks so spiffy in his suit and tie. I really want to buy him a sweater vest, but his office is business professional only. Even still we are so thankful and excited about this job. We’ve been enormously blessed with wonderful employment our entire time in DC, and in this time of recession we do not take that for granted. It’s humbling to think on these blessings we do not deserve, and yet God has still deemed fit to give us.

Work has been busy lately for me. I am managing the registration for a large event coming up in February and our early deadline is approaching, which means lots of phone calls and work for me! School is also busy–I have nine tests this semester! Fortunately, I already have three of them under the belt. There’s still been time for fun though. I recently went to a farm set in the year 1771, and last weekend I went apple picking in Maryland. I’ve also been cooking up a storm of fall foods and treats. It surprises everyone in my family, including me, that I like to cook. The sad truth is that I never showed much interest in any domestic tasks until recently. But I guess a late bloomer is better than nothing. Maybe someday I’ll sprout some organizational skills and fashion sense too. One can hope.

Jared and I were able to subsititue teach for some of our friends at church one Sunday night. The kids are learning about different people groups all over the world, and we taught them about the Malay people. I was excited because I’ve actually been to Malaysia, although I didn’t do much except eat Chili’s, visit the Petronas Towers, and sleep in a hostel with roaches. The kids were wild but we still had a blast. I taught them about what it was like to live in Malaysia, and they were especially interested in the section about food. Naturally, when I asked them what they thought people there ate the answers were things like tree bark and jaguar. And then one especially bright young lad said in a rather sarcastic tone, ‘I bet they don’t have Chili’s.’ Awesome. I said, ‘What if I told you that Mrs. James has actually eaten at a Chili’s in Malaysia?’ They were shocked. I completely blew their minds. We did teach them more meaningful things as well, but it was just a funny moment that made the whole experience a little sweeter. I really enjoy teaching kids.

Here’s what you can look forward to as far as this blog is concerned:

Pictures of the events described above (apple picking, 1771 farming, etc)

Detailed description of our upcoming weekend in North Carolina

Thoughts on some wonderful passages I’ve been reading in Acts

Next week will be a busy one, but I do hope to come through on my blog promises. Keep checking!

First Day of October Thoughts October 1, 2009

It’s time to blow a little dust off the old blog. I haven’t quit, but my heart and mind just couldn’t get excited about blogging in the month of September. It’s a new month, however, and I am truly humbled by those who keep asking me to update. Thank you for being interested in reading this thing.

Fall seems to have such an enchanting effect on people. DC is especially crisp and pleasant at the moment–and I swear people are actually nicer than they used to be. I have high hopes of going apple picking and visiting Shenandoah to see all the beautiful colors. We didn’t make it out there last year for some reason.

I can’t help but think of India during this time of year. Of course, most of India knows nothing of fall, but my Himalayan abode was quite the exception. I loved the contrast between the golden trees and snowy mountains. I loved the apple orchard in our backyard. And  I LOVED that we could blaze through trails without needing a permit or having to pay a fee. Ah well… At least I have indoor heating now. Each place has its own gems.

The big thing since my last post is that I got to meet Sawyer Lee.

                 

 

 

 

 

 

He is definitely fond of me, although I am not sure why my eyes are closed while I’m standing up and holding him. That is probably not very safe. Sorry, Christy.

Lately I’ve been quite in tune with my failures. I tend to get frustrated very easily with myself, and this has manifested itself in so many ways. If I make a small mistake at work it will be on my mind for the rest of the day. If I feel that I have offended someone, I will often overcompensate the next time I see them just to give myself peace of mind. Occasionally I freak out and think I’m a terrible wife and that our home should look more like The Pottery Barn, which is completely stupid because no one cares less about home decor than my husband. I even feel enormous pressure to be extroverted at church so I look like a more committed and passionate member. And, well, I just flat out stink at being bubbly. Always have despite some vailiant efforts.

In the midst of these frustrations I often stop and think, “I should pray,” and yet, I rarely feel like praying. I usually decide I will pray later once my attitude is a little bit better. I know this is wrong, but I just feel too unworthy to pray during these times, which means I feel more worthy other times. And that is definitely wrong.

All that to say, I was so blessed when I read this Charles Spurgeon quote during a devotional last week.

Some Christians seem to be accepted in their own experience, at least, that is their apprehension. When their spirit is lively, and their hopes bright, they think God accepts them, for they feel so high, so heavenly minded, so drawn above the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust, they are the victims of the fear that they are no longer accepted. If they could but see that all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do not really depress them in their Father’s sight, but that they stand accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the beloved of God, always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, how much happier they would be, and how much more they would honour the Saviour!

If a quote could change my life, and I’m not sure it can, but if it could…

This might be it. I pray it ministers to you as well.

More later! I need to go meet some of my old co-workers for sushi downtown. I feel so urban sometimes–but I guess I am wearing a camo shirt in the picture above so maybe not so much.

Don’t Stop Believin’… August 28, 2009

My title has nothing to do with what I intend to write about. I’ve just had this song in my head for so many days now, which makes no sense because I haven’t heard it anywhere. I guess Journey is just that powerful.

It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything introspective. For the most part I’m done being personal on my blog, but sometimes it’s nice to let a little of the lesser seen side of yourself shine through as long as it isn’t too embarrassing. And today I’ve been especially thoughtful. For awhile now I’ve been considering going back to school for something healthcare related. This is a big change from the direction I was headed in last year, which was economics. It’s a small leap of faith. I’ve spent most of my evenings this year in science classes. A lot of time and money has been invested without any guarantee I will be successful. This has pressured me into working exceptionally hard at my classes and making sure I’m doing all I can to be a good candidate.

My problem has always been the same: I am over the top. I get consumed with something and will do all that is humanly possible to make it happen. I dream lavishly and completely overestimate what I am able to do. Sometimes this works out to be a relatively good thing, but it usually results in me becoming anxious when I fall short.

Case and point: I recently decided I wanted to volunteer in a hospital. There are a ton of them around here and they all have volunteer programs so it seemed like a good idea. However, it’s quite a bit different from volunteering in India. Apparently you cannot just show up. You have to fill out an extensive application with references, recommendations, background checks, and physicals. You also have to attend information sessions, interviews, and orientations and commit to hundreds of hours… it stresses me out now just thinking about it. As I looked at my schedule I felt daunted–there was just no way. It was a good idea but clearly not for me. I have to go to work. I have class two nights a week. I have a husband and friends and homework. And then there’s Young Lives.

I haven’t talked about Young Lives yet. It’s an organization that reaches out to teen moms. A couple of girls from my church teach parenting classes once a week, and I’ve been helping with childcare during those classes for about a year now. It’s usually a good, but trying time for all of us. We’re short on volunteers, the moms can be hard to connect with, and the kids are often a little on the wild side.  Sometimes I wonder if it even matters–I mean, will it really make a difference if I wipe snotty noses, change diapers, break up fights, and clean up messes for a few hours a week? Isn’t hospital volunteering a better use of my time? It will look better on my resume. It will give me more experience in the field I want to go into.

Tonight was our first night back at Young Lives after the summer break. When I arrived at the rec center I took one look at the crowd and wanted to run in the other directions. Babies and toddlers everywhere! And, as usual, we were understaffed. All I could think about were the diaper explosions that awaited me. Yet once the night started I felt overcome with an immense and surprising joy. I read books with two children on my lap, cleaned up smashed cheerios, chased kids out the door and dragged them back into the room, rocked babies, gave bottles, and yes, cleaned up numerous body fluids. It was crazy and tiring, but I never questioned whether the children deserved anything less than all I had to give. As I watched them laughing, crying, screaming and playing, I couldn’t help but thank God for their lives. Their moms could have chosen not to bring them into the world, but yet there they were running around and full of life. I knew I was in the right place and that my time was well spent.

Tonight I was reminded that there is something more important and more satisfying than being the best candidate. I was reminded that I want to be a faithful person. I want to see my commitments through even when it seems like another option might be of greater benefit. Life should not be solely about reaching my next goal, but about living in a way that is pleasing to God, which often involves being extraordinary in the ordinary and seemingly unnoticed tasks in life. My goals are good, but they are not the reason I exist. And I do not necessarily need to be over the top to achieve them anyway.

Volunteering in a hospital is still a good idea, and I may be able to do it in the spring when my schedule clears up. But for now, I’ll stick with Young Lives.

An outdated post August 22, 2009

*Here’s a post I wrote awhile ago–but it was delayed due to the arrival of baby Sherrer–who now has a name, Sawyer Lee. I also realized that Jared and I were watching Lost at the exact moment Sawyer came into the world. Crazy. Also, while were on this subject I would really appreciate it if someone would take some more pictures of Sawyer and put them on facebook. Thanks!*

We’re back from our long weekend in Missouri, but first I’ll tell you about our beach trip last weekend.

I should explain that Jared and I are not really beach people. I like walking on the beach at night and occasionally splashing in the water, although as soon as a wave knocks me over and salt water goes up my nose I am done. However, after a busy summer we were ready to leave the daily grind and think deep, poetic thoughts–and what better way to do this than stare at the ocean and all of its bigness? So we packed up the car and headed off to Delaware for an overnight getaway.

Delaware was better than I expected. There is not a lot to do, and that is what I love because I’m used to living in places with not a lot to do. We avoided the large beach, Rehoboth, in favor of smaller, local beaches with hardly anyone on them except a couple of families and a dog named Pepper. It was quiet, beautiful and relaxing, and made me glad that I persevered through a whole summer of full time work and school just so I could appreciate it more fully.

I was also able to finish editing a novel our friend, Greg, wrote. Jared and I were both readers and we loved his book so our fingers are crossed that he will get published! I did write some in my journal–I’ve really tried to get back into journaling by hand because, let’s face it, I don’t think of blogging as real writing. It probably could be, but has evolved into more of a hobby for me than an art form. Jared wants me to write a book about growing up in Richland, MO, which would be pretty funny except I’d be too worried about offending someone. I’ve already decided my dad will be named Chip if I do write such a book.

Speaking of Missouri, we headed there on Thursday night in hopes of seeing Christy’s new baby, but he/she decided not to be born during that time . Nonetheless, we had a great time catching up with my family, helping Tim and Christy move, and visiting my home church. My mom and I went shopping in Springfield where I successfully bought Jared the first article of clothing he has not returned since I’ve known him. I, being the horrible photographer that I am, did not take any pictures in MO but I do have some beach pictures below though so please check them out!

Jared got bored and dug a hole.

Still digging. Don’t worry–I made him fill it back up.

The nuclear power plant made the view especially lovely.

Headed out to dinner. We ate at Delaware’s oldest restaurant. At least that’s what they told us.

In between our trips, my in-laws came to visit and brought a full sized couch with them. Furniture normally isn’t that interesting to me, but it has revolutionized our living room. I lied to myself for far too long thinking I was short enough to stretch out comfortably on our loveseat, but no more. We watched our first movie last week lounging on the new couch, The Darjeeling Limited. I don’t know what took us so long to watch it since we both lived in India and Jared went to Darjeeling like a million times. But that’s how it goes with us. Jared likes super hero movies and I like World War Two movies so we usually watch something along those lines. We haven’t even seen Slumdog Millionaire yet. I am so ashamed.

Last but not least we went to watch DC United play Real Madrid! It was so, so cool. I loved the international feel of the game. Everyone was on their feet shouting and cheering, and the game was really close and exciting until the end when Real Madrid, naturally, pulled away. I can’t believe I got to see Ronaldo and Kaka, two of the best players in the world. This was sort of a redemptive moment for us since Jared kind of dissed me the last time I asked him to watch a soccer game. It was the summer before we became a thing, and we were in Thailand during the World Cup. I asked him to stay up and watch a game with me and some friends, but he was too tired. Granted, it was on at 2 AM but still…

Kaka (in white)

Ronaldo (in white)

We had a blast!

Baby Sherrer is here! August 19, 2009

I have so much to catching up to do on this blog, but the most important news is that Christy had her baby! It’s a boy, and as far as I know they are still trying to decide on a name. He was born last night, and I stole this picture from facebook this morning.

He is super precious, and we are thrilled to be an aunt and uncle. Ok, technically we’re first cousins once removed (or something like that), but since Christy is more like a sister than a cousin I am considering myself an aunt!

We were actually in Missouri this past weekend and missed the birth by two days. Imagine that. I guess it’s ok–it’s not like any of this was about me… But still! I’m a little bummed.

More to come…