"faker! faker! pants on fire!"

I've been pondering this idea of what it means to be an active, growing Christian. The thoughts have been stirred because it's our topic in youth group for the next few weeks. It's very difficult for me to communicate what it means to be a passionate Christian without sounding methodical. For example, there is no formula that generates an instant good Christian. 7 days of Bible reading + 2 church activities + 14 prayers + 1 small group + 2 retreats a year = 1 really passionate Christian. Wrong answer. While i do agree that many of these things are important, I don't think it necessarily reflects a change on the inside because many of the so-called "fruits" of being a Christian can easily be faked and often times forced upon a person. We would hope and pray that something would click and a genuine love for God would develop after all the rituals, but more and more I am seeing a generation of youth who have grown up in Christian homes- sheltered in their little Christian worlds- and all they have become is expert fakers! How that must break the Lord's heart! After He gave everything for us, we slap Him in the face by turning our Christian self on & off with a careless flip of the switch.

It's like that parable about the sower. "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop..." Matthew 13:3-8

Lord, may your regeneration process be invited and spur change in our hearts so that we may truly be seen as passionate Christian people. Root out the sin of hypocrisy. Amen

familiar footprints

Saturday night was my past before the train wreck. Except for new and improved. It was me and 3 of the remaining local 'Bou girls caught up in conversation and coffee. Four beautiful women that God has created in His image with unique talents and passions. Our lives have gone in very different directions, but our conversation never seems to be void of relevance. Each of our hearts have grown deeper in our faith as we each continue to overcome challenges.
It was so surreal. It made me miss college and wish things had been different. To be lost and dim for a whole year & then some... tragic. i hate wasted time, but i value the life lessons. In the words of the late, great Pastor Ken: "a dichotomy".

Sunday night was Praise and Prayer at church to prepare for Passion week. It was very moving to be in that atmosphere with so many others who are declaring their love and gratefulness and unworthiness for what Christ did for all on the cross and after the grave.

After that I was able to spend time with Liz. We ended up at the ambiguous "guys house" to play the newest and best interactive video game.... R O C K B A N D. let me just say that it was one of the most riveting and exciting video games to date. It definitely one-up'd Guitar Hero 1-3 (sorry Luke). You get to pick your band spot and feel multi-talented (bass, drums, guitar, or vocal). A great way to mix up the house parties. Or get self-induced whiplash....again.

the ides of march

Great Big Sigh.

It has been a while since I wrote anything of real substance. I guess there isn't much that lends itself writing worthy. There has just been alot of adult things to deal with lately. I'm starting to handle it better. I have also officially started to settle into the reality of working days. My body has started to adjust to the new sleep schedule, though I try to deviate from the normal patterns of sleep (just because I can) on the weekends.

Last weekend I had a HOT TUB PARTY at my house for my 11th and 12th grade SMASH group. It was very fun to host! We took a dip and then I prepared peanut butter cookies and hot chocolate for the girls before they headed off in different directions. I am getting more "into" hosting...it gives me an excuse to bake and to deep clean my little 2 room lower flat.

I also had my first visit to the chiropractor this week. My boss at work recommended the place and it has been a very good experience! Dr. Josh is very kind and considerate of my health needs and income. For the first time in 9 months, I can sit in a chair for long amounts of time without aching. After he showed me the damage in my neck, I laughed and said, "I guess all those concerts didn't help my neck." Self-induced whiplash. Oops... but totally worth it. I had to get my wild side out somehow. ;-)

I am starting to more seriously consider a change of scenery in a couple years. I daydream about how fun it would be to just pick-up and move somewhere different for a fresh perspective on life. Maybe get away from the constant locations and reminders of my college days. For now, I enjoy the sense of familiarity (and I LOVE the Twin Cities) but eventually I might want to try someplace new. Embarking on this adventure would obviously be more fun with a spouse...but if he's going to take so long to find me then I guess I'll have to prayerfully consider what kinds of adventures I am meant to have solo.

Tonight I am meeting up with Angela and a Chipotle burrito. Two great things put together. Lovely.

comedy with the kiddies

"One thing kids like is to be tricked. For instance, I was going to take my nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old burned-out warehouse. "Oh no," I said, "Disneyland burned
down." He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a pretty good joke. I
started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but it was getting pretty late."

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy

365 1/4 days in this year

A successful encounter with 2008's LEAP DAY.

No, I did not leap like a frog...or kiss any for that matter.

The only ingredients you need include:

- One outfit you feel great in...

mine included red high heels with a matching necklace

- Your own personalized Angela

- A delicious dinner

- The Happy Gnome in your neighborhood

The Happy Gnome- I love this name!

They have various gnome garden statues scattered throughout the interior of the restaurant and pub. Very fun. :-)