Monday, March 28, 2005
Author's Note
The following poem is one I wrote last spring around this time. I came across the Martin Luther quote on a calendar, and as I pondered all the parallels between the new life of spring and the new life Easter symbolizes, I began to wonder what it would be like to celebrate Easter in the southern hemisphere--when it marks not the new birth of flowers and trees and warmth, but their death. I did a little reading about Easter Island, off the coast of South America, one of the most isolated places on the planet. And this poem was born. Enjoy.
Easter Island
"Our Lord writes the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." --Martin Luther
When Easter greets them, not in tulips or daffodils
but in changing colors, can they see
past the diminishing days and falling
temperatures? Can they imagine
buds on trees when there are none--
when their ancestors have long since
extinguished palm trees for the triumphal
entry of massive statues,
moai maneuvered to prominent posts
along the coastline--when they have
no hope of reading the resurrection
promise even in crimsons and burnt oranges,
when no trees are there to shed graveclothes?
When the coming of Easter announces the fall,
do they praise the Fall that brought them
this season, praise the God who allows
darkness, that they may see death
and know life?
When Easter arrives in the midst of autumn,
they don't get teased by sunny
barefoot weather, then slapped by a cold front;
theirs is a constant, predictable dying.
They wear warm clothes, celebrate new life
and watch the sun distance himself
from their land so distant from all
neighbors--no one to meet
them at the tomb and tell them
He is risen.
After Good Friday, they wait--
not three days, but what must seem
like an eternity--
for spring to come.
When Easter greets them, not in tulips or daffodils
but in changing colors, can they see
past the diminishing days and falling
temperatures? Can they imagine
buds on trees when there are none--
when their ancestors have long since
extinguished palm trees for the triumphal
entry of massive statues,
moai maneuvered to prominent posts
along the coastline--when they have
no hope of reading the resurrection
promise even in crimsons and burnt oranges,
when no trees are there to shed graveclothes?
When the coming of Easter announces the fall,
do they praise the Fall that brought them
this season, praise the God who allows
darkness, that they may see death
and know life?
When Easter arrives in the midst of autumn,
they don't get teased by sunny
barefoot weather, then slapped by a cold front;
theirs is a constant, predictable dying.
They wear warm clothes, celebrate new life
and watch the sun distance himself
from their land so distant from all
neighbors--no one to meet
them at the tomb and tell them
He is risen.
After Good Friday, they wait--
not three days, but what must seem
like an eternity--
for spring to come.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
The Countdown...
We are officially down to double digits!!!! As of today, the wedding is in 99 days and counting...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Mariiiaaaaa...my bridesmaid, a girl named Mariaaa...
The very lovely Maria White! Hadn't seen her in six months, but she was in Marion for a visit and came up to Fort Wayne to meet me for breakfast at Panera yesterday. (mmm...cinnamon crunch bagel...) So good to see her and catch up a bit! We're simultaneously planning weddings--she'll be a bridesmaid in my July 2 wedding, and then I (as a MARRIED WOMAN!!) will be a bridesmaid in her July 31 wedding!
Happy Birthday to Me
I turned 23 on Friday...I have to say, it was not the best birthday I've ever had. At least at first. It did have some high points. But it started with a dentist appointment that was not fun (long story) and then it felt like the only people who remembered my birthday were Steve and my parents. I don't know why birthdays are such a big deal to me, but whether people close to me remember my birthday really makes or breaks my day. So I was in a funk for a good part of the day. Then, I had been craving a pizza sub from our local pizza shop (they have the best subs ever)...so I got one for supper and it was the worst one I've had from there in ages :(
On the bright side: I got a few cards in the mail, my "third grandma" brought me flowers, Steve came home for spring break, and Kaleb and Denise stopped by to bring me a gift. Then on Saturday, my dad made homemade ice cream, and a few more people remembered. Some wonderful chorale buddies called and left the chorale rendition of "happy birthday" on my voicemail...it was so horrendously off-key that I LOVED it. Definitely made me smile--thanks guys :)
In honor of my attempts to become more domestic and my upcoming marriage...Kaleb and Denise got me this apron for my birthday :)
On the bright side: I got a few cards in the mail, my "third grandma" brought me flowers, Steve came home for spring break, and Kaleb and Denise stopped by to bring me a gift. Then on Saturday, my dad made homemade ice cream, and a few more people remembered. Some wonderful chorale buddies called and left the chorale rendition of "happy birthday" on my voicemail...it was so horrendously off-key that I LOVED it. Definitely made me smile--thanks guys :)
In honor of my attempts to become more domestic and my upcoming marriage...Kaleb and Denise got me this apron for my birthday :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Wedding Registries
So I never posted about the experience of registering for wedding gifts, which Steve and I did a couple of weeks ago. Now I don't have to, because a picture is worth a thousand words. Here is a link to the blog of a friend of mine from school, who got engaged in the CO Rockies about three weeks after I did, and who's getting married this spring. The picture and the caption made me laugh out loud--it really says it all. Thanks Jess :)
http://striding.blogspot.com/2005/03/mark-and-i-spent-saturday-registering.html
http://striding.blogspot.com/2005/03/mark-and-i-spent-saturday-registering.html
Monday, March 14, 2005
Don't Invite Yourself?
When you were little, did your mom ever tell you, "Don't invite yourself over to your friend's house!" I know mine did. Yet I had to laugh because that's what I did this weekend, and it was fabulous :)
One of my best friends in the world, Jill Graham, lives almost three hours away from me, so I don't get to see her all that often. Whenever I'm going to be in her area, as I am every few months or so (for one, I pass right by if I'm going down to visit Steve), I usually call her and see if I can visit. She and her husband have an extra guest bedroom, so it's easy for me to stay there--and I always end up inviting myself because Jill has no idea when I'll be in the area.
Sometimes I feel kind of funny calling/emailing her and being like, "Hey Jill, I'm coming to Dayton, do you have plans? Can I come stay with you?" But we always have such a good time and it works out so well--these God-appointments where she just happens to be free, and not only is she always a blessing to me, but I get to bless her too. I'm just glad she's hospitable! :)
I stayed with Jill Saturday night and she took me out for an early birthday present to Bravo, just the two of us! Whoo hoo! It is my favorite restaurant...I have to go out on a limb and say I think it is better Italian than Olive Garden...Jill and I eat there pretty much every time I visit :) She is such a wonderful woman of God and I had a great time...I am so thankful for her friendship and blessed by her!! Who says inviting yourself over can't be a great thing??
Jill and me with her adorable cocker spaniel, Libby.
One of my best friends in the world, Jill Graham, lives almost three hours away from me, so I don't get to see her all that often. Whenever I'm going to be in her area, as I am every few months or so (for one, I pass right by if I'm going down to visit Steve), I usually call her and see if I can visit. She and her husband have an extra guest bedroom, so it's easy for me to stay there--and I always end up inviting myself because Jill has no idea when I'll be in the area.
Sometimes I feel kind of funny calling/emailing her and being like, "Hey Jill, I'm coming to Dayton, do you have plans? Can I come stay with you?" But we always have such a good time and it works out so well--these God-appointments where she just happens to be free, and not only is she always a blessing to me, but I get to bless her too. I'm just glad she's hospitable! :)
I stayed with Jill Saturday night and she took me out for an early birthday present to Bravo, just the two of us! Whoo hoo! It is my favorite restaurant...I have to go out on a limb and say I think it is better Italian than Olive Garden...Jill and I eat there pretty much every time I visit :) She is such a wonderful woman of God and I had a great time...I am so thankful for her friendship and blessed by her!! Who says inviting yourself over can't be a great thing??
Jill and me with her adorable cocker spaniel, Libby.
You're Never Too Old for a Tea Party
Mom, Aunt Judy, me and Grandma June. Grandma's birthday is six days after mine, so the four of us went to this historical house for a formal tea. It was fun, even if I hate tea and the food was weird :)
Eyesore with Redeeming Qualities?
I pass this giant statue of Jesus' torso on my way down to see Steve on I-75. It's really gaudy...makes you wonder, "what were they thinking?!" (Unfortunately I don't have a photo to post here) Just ran across this little snippet from Charisma magazine about it...interesting...
It's made out of fiberglass and styrofoam and stands 42' high--but like I said, it's just the torso--his legs are apparently underground. Weird. Here's an excerpt from a random blog:
The church says "One of the reasons Solid Rock exists is to let people know that God loves them. What greater symbol than the King of Kings for people who drive by and see it there's hope? Whatever circumstances they're in, they'll see that there's hope for them...We want them to see it as they're passing and it bring thoughts of comfort just as they're passing" The State police, on the other hand, encourage motorists not to look at it, as they worry about rubberneckers causing accidents as they pay homage at 65 miles per hour.
I know this is old news, was just thinking about it this weekend and then when I randomly ran across this stuff online, thought I'd post.
It's made out of fiberglass and styrofoam and stands 42' high--but like I said, it's just the torso--his legs are apparently underground. Weird. Here's an excerpt from a random blog:
The church says "One of the reasons Solid Rock exists is to let people know that God loves them. What greater symbol than the King of Kings for people who drive by and see it there's hope? Whatever circumstances they're in, they'll see that there's hope for them...We want them to see it as they're passing and it bring thoughts of comfort just as they're passing" The State police, on the other hand, encourage motorists not to look at it, as they worry about rubberneckers causing accidents as they pay homage at 65 miles per hour.
I know this is old news, was just thinking about it this weekend and then when I randomly ran across this stuff online, thought I'd post.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Denver Baby!!
So it's official...four weeks from today I will be in Denver!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!
I have never been a spontaneous person. (In fact, a little indecisiveness about this trip is costing me $20 in a fare increase, blah.) But after a phone conversation with my beloved mentor, Diane, on Wednesday, we began planning whether I might be able to make a trip this spring. She can't come to the wedding, but wanted to spend some one-on-one time together in person before then. The more we talked, the more it made sense for me to go out there, because for me to fly out to Denver means I get to see not only her, but her precious children, plus Natalie, the Vermilyas and their fun and adorable kids, the entire Kingdom Building Ministries staff...ah, the thought of going to their morning staff prayer time again once...if only Kathryn makes it out there by then, it will be perfect. (Pray for her! Or better yet, sign up to support her! :) Click here for details...)
I figure, when else in my life am I going to have the freedom and flexibility to just pick up and go like this...and after the wedding, who knows when will be the next time I'll ever get to see these beloved people! Really this is even better than Diane coming to the wedding, because we'll actually get to spend a lot of quality time together.
Anyway, the plans have come together...KBM's travel agent found a great deal out of Fort Wayne, which is unheard of but very convenient for me, and my ticket has been booked! I cannot wait to see all these people who have been such a wonderful part of my life...and, Diane and I are going to take a weekend retreat somewhere, maybe to Estes Park, which is BADLY NEEDED given the current state of my spiritual life. I need the time with God...and the time with Diane will be so sweet. He has truly blessed me by putting her in my life! Oh, God is good, I am so excited!
I have never been a spontaneous person. (In fact, a little indecisiveness about this trip is costing me $20 in a fare increase, blah.) But after a phone conversation with my beloved mentor, Diane, on Wednesday, we began planning whether I might be able to make a trip this spring. She can't come to the wedding, but wanted to spend some one-on-one time together in person before then. The more we talked, the more it made sense for me to go out there, because for me to fly out to Denver means I get to see not only her, but her precious children, plus Natalie, the Vermilyas and their fun and adorable kids, the entire Kingdom Building Ministries staff...ah, the thought of going to their morning staff prayer time again once...if only Kathryn makes it out there by then, it will be perfect. (Pray for her! Or better yet, sign up to support her! :) Click here for details...)
I figure, when else in my life am I going to have the freedom and flexibility to just pick up and go like this...and after the wedding, who knows when will be the next time I'll ever get to see these beloved people! Really this is even better than Diane coming to the wedding, because we'll actually get to spend a lot of quality time together.
Anyway, the plans have come together...KBM's travel agent found a great deal out of Fort Wayne, which is unheard of but very convenient for me, and my ticket has been booked! I cannot wait to see all these people who have been such a wonderful part of my life...and, Diane and I are going to take a weekend retreat somewhere, maybe to Estes Park, which is BADLY NEEDED given the current state of my spiritual life. I need the time with God...and the time with Diane will be so sweet. He has truly blessed me by putting her in my life! Oh, God is good, I am so excited!
Monday, March 07, 2005
Fat Burning Dance Party
So I was getting a little bored with my workout routine (though I'm proud to say after two months I have kept my New Years resolution and am still working out five times a week!!)...I ordered this new video, Crunch's Fat Burning Dance Party.
Wow. I thought I was an okay dancer from my show choir days--not that I was Broadway dancer material, but I picked up the routines fast enough...um...yeah...As I stumbled through the salsa, funk, and retro choreography, at one point I had to stop because I was laughing so hard at myself. Yes, I was even attempting to do hip-hop...
So if you need a good laugh, just imagine me in my basement, getting down with my bad self as the instructor yells, "Own it!"..."Hit me!"..."Holla!"
Wow. I thought I was an okay dancer from my show choir days--not that I was Broadway dancer material, but I picked up the routines fast enough...um...yeah...As I stumbled through the salsa, funk, and retro choreography, at one point I had to stop because I was laughing so hard at myself. Yes, I was even attempting to do hip-hop...
So if you need a good laugh, just imagine me in my basement, getting down with my bad self as the instructor yells, "Own it!"..."Hit me!"..."Holla!"
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Undeserving
It's rare that I come back to something I've written with a few months or years of perspective and still like what I once thought/hoped was a masterpiece. But I pulled out IWU's literary magazine from 2003 and ran across this poem...it struck me how much of myself I buried between these lines... (unfortunately the spacing is off because I can't figure out how to make Blogger recognize my tabs. I gave up trying to mess with it...comment if you can tell me how!)
He has come to our house today,
worn out and weary
from the teaching
and the healing
and the praying
All he wants is a hot meal, a place
to wash his feet, to rest for a minute
and this is exactly what my sister can give him.
She bustles about—setting the table, tidying
(messes I’ve made),
stirring soup, baking bread
—and I want, truly I wish I could
help her. My stomach knots a little
when she turns, and I see the resentment in her eyes.
But the last time I tried, the bread tasted like soap, I tracked
dust all around the table and spilled
vegetables, expensive ones that we had to throw
to the dogs. So I sit at his feet and bite my lip,
sure that I’m in someone’s way.
Dinner will be perfect
under Martha’s direction, and our guest
must wish for a moment of peace.
He appreciates her so much,
and me—instead of contributing
to make him comfortable, welcome,
I become just one more who’s following him around,
until suddenly he stops, and looks
down to me with warm eyes and a reassuring smile
that says I accidentally ended up
right where I’m supposed to be.
I am speechless, because instead of
thanking my sister for the bread and the soft place to rest,
he gently scolds her
and tells her that all her bustle is
unnecessary, that instead I chose
well, and he is pleased
with me.
My gaze shifts
downward, not ready to accept
the kind words of praise,
sure that when he leaves,
Martha will be back in the kitchen
working, not saying a word
but splashing the dishwater in spots all over the dirt floor,
replacing pots on the shelves with extra ferocity.
He has come to our house today,
worn out and weary
from the teaching
and the healing
and the praying
All he wants is a hot meal, a place
to wash his feet, to rest for a minute
and this is exactly what my sister can give him.
She bustles about—setting the table, tidying
(messes I’ve made),
stirring soup, baking bread
—and I want, truly I wish I could
help her. My stomach knots a little
when she turns, and I see the resentment in her eyes.
But the last time I tried, the bread tasted like soap, I tracked
dust all around the table and spilled
vegetables, expensive ones that we had to throw
to the dogs. So I sit at his feet and bite my lip,
sure that I’m in someone’s way.
Dinner will be perfect
under Martha’s direction, and our guest
must wish for a moment of peace.
He appreciates her so much,
and me—instead of contributing
to make him comfortable, welcome,
I become just one more who’s following him around,
until suddenly he stops, and looks
down to me with warm eyes and a reassuring smile
that says I accidentally ended up
right where I’m supposed to be.
I am speechless, because instead of
thanking my sister for the bread and the soft place to rest,
he gently scolds her
and tells her that all her bustle is
unnecessary, that instead I chose
well, and he is pleased
with me.
My gaze shifts
downward, not ready to accept
the kind words of praise,
sure that when he leaves,
Martha will be back in the kitchen
working, not saying a word
but splashing the dishwater in spots all over the dirt floor,
replacing pots on the shelves with extra ferocity.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
How Are You?
I'm really tired of trying to think of creative ways to answer this question--ways that don't require me to lie, but also 1) don't dump TMI on people who don't actually want to know how I am; 2) don't sound pathetic and whiny or evoke pity.
My typical response involves a hesitation as I ponder what to say and whether to lie and give them the feel-good answer. Then something like:
"Eh."
"Hanging in there."
"I'm okay, and you?"
"Well, I've been better."
My typical response involves a hesitation as I ponder what to say and whether to lie and give them the feel-good answer. Then something like:
"Eh."
"Hanging in there."
"I'm okay, and you?"
"Well, I've been better."
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