existentialism and ginger snaps

classes start one week from today and i am not ready
that is why i have decided to take time off
prepare, reflect and make to-do lists for myself

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i was reading about existentialism
and as i pondered on it i recognized that while
i may enjoy friends-- family--
the sound of the wind in the trees--
or watching the sunrise with a good cup of tea--
i don't think i have ever found meaning in any of those things.
beyond my comprehension is seeing the world and being totally content
with looking and experiencing without a bigger picture in mind---
without a grander story to piece it all together and breath life into it.
this was just on my mind today.

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do you know what else was on my mind today?
my rediscovered passion for richly spiced swedish ginger snaps.

but i couldn't find the meaning of my life
from eating that delectable cookie.



::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::

something you love

it's monday
again

ok, not really feeling grumpy --more like-- i wonder if
today will seem like a monday or will pass in wonderful
fast paced beauty?
slow is only nice when you are
doing something you love.

i have a tour in 5 minutes

can i sign a post like this...

::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::
?

yes.

old ladies and "thongs"

So yesterday I was in the back mail room at work and in walks one of the sweet older ladies who has worked in the admissions office since she was born. (White hair, beige slacks and a cardigan everyday of the year-- the whole nine yards.) She starts talking to me as she makes the morning coffee-- somehow we get on the topic of how the world has changed since she was young. "Even the words are different!" she exclaims "Last year I was talking to my grandkids and it was one of those real cold spots of winter. I said to my grandkids, 'I just don't understand it-- all those IWU kids running around campus in their thongs!' My grandkids said to me 'Grandma, how would you know they are wearing their thongs?' I said to them, 'Well, I see them! They are all running around in them just as plain as day!' My grandkids said back, 'Grandma, they wouldn't be running around with just their thongs!' I kept insisting that they were until my daughter steps in and explained that when I said thong I meant flip-flop and when they said thong they meant that fancy new underwear. I don't want to turn into a grouchy old lady but I even need a translator these days!"

i love older people so much.

::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::

fall feel

it was deliciously cool this morning.
i am excited for the fall.


::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::

soul kisses

I received the nicest compliment today...
someone said I reminded them of a friend that was the epitome of feminine.
that is -- soft yet confident.

i was so flattered.

i feel like genuine compliments are like soul kisses.



"How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing...it is irresistible." -- cs lewis

God make me into a woman after Your heart!

::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::

Billboard in the Sky

Sometimes I ponder on how in the world we are supposed to know who to date and marry.
It cannot be totally based on emotion and neither is it to be based solely on facts-- and how are we to discern what God's will is when we are pulled a million different directions by our feelings and also by facts. I mean is it where the feelings and facts interact and then we get various "fleeces" that we find the will of God?

I always want a sign-- I guess I am like doubting Thomas-- I want to put my hands in the holes and be like-- "Ok, now I'm sure." The will of God is such a thing of both faith and mystery. Steve DeNeff preached a sermon on it a few weeks ago and he talked about it in terms of faith and providence-- providence takes one step (God does something) and then we follow with a step of faith that says "I trust and know You are at work regardless of how I feel or the uncertainty of what lies ahead." For example, there were a few small events that got me to thinking about leading a team to India this coming year-- as I was thinking and praying about it I wanted a sign-- I wanted it to be crystal clear. Instead, I just had this positive feeling about it and finally said "Well, God I am just going to step out in faith and see what You do." Nissa and I both did that and now here we are team leaders-- I get the feeling that I complicate God's will a lot and tear myself into confused shreds with -- "God what do You want me to do?" He has already told us a lot of what we should do-- as we do those things and then seek Him on the uncertain things He does reveal Himself. I desire to be "clear-minded and self controlled so I can pray.." which I am not as I run around in mental circles begging God to give me a billboard in the sky with flashing lights saying "HOPE- _________ is My will. Love, God." God is always in His word and sometimes God is in our thoughts -- feelings -- other people. There is not some magic combination to unlock the will of God which is what it seems I am looking for sometimes.

Wow, that was a lot of thoughts all pouring out at once. Webale (thank you) for listening.

::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::

praying God's word

Sad but true -- I'm just posting because I am bored at work.

I am being tempted to feel anxious about various issues this morning and have recognized once again the power of scripture. I was praying and focusing on my feelings, etc. babbling to God basically and then a verse came to mind and then another.... Then I began telling God Who He is-- not that He doesn't already know! but hey a God that big needs bragged on and sometimes I need reminded!-- and then I felt my anxiety begin to fade... like that song "the things of earth will grow strangely dim..."

claim truth not feelings

ps-- I am reading that book -- Praying God's Word and I think it is going to be really good...

::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::

simple pleasures

Well, finally a new post.
There are so many pleasures in life that I have been able to savor as of late.
They are simple pleasures but wondrous nonetheless.
Like eating my crunch berry cereal outside as the sun made its slow journey higher this morning or hearing a beautiful worship song blasted out of a car as I walked home last night.
I hope you see the beautiful simple pleasures today.

I have been looking at pictures of amazing people we met in Uganda on their blogs and I just want to pack my bag and drop out of school and go anywhere-- some place away from here. Not that I don't like it here-- I do. But God has designed my heart to long for other places and to explore. I am thankful for that.

::ordinary day, Extraordinary God::