It's just me and Daisy tonight.
I had to choose to go drinking or to go home. I picked home. I'm 21 and I don't think that drinking in moderation is bad, but drunkenness is a sin. No question about it. As I was leaving, I just kept telling myself, "That's not where a Christian writer needs to be." And as I walked to my car, I got more and more mad that I had chosen a profession that didn't allow me to be in situations like that. I can't be. I'll lose credibility as a writer. I'll have unending doubt as I tell young girls to not date disrespectful boys when I'll tolerate it all the time on the basis that, "it's not really them because they're drunk."
Tonight it's just me and Daisy. I'm going to read a book about football to get ready for my new internship and get scared by Criminal Minds. It'll be worth it one day...you just wait and see.
-jg
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Lily among thorns.
It’s rare that I find a book I agree with. To date, I’ve never found a book about Christian women that I agree with…until now. I just finished Set-Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy and while I don’t agree with everything, I do love some parts of this book.
Here are some of my favorite quotations from the book:
“Set-Apart femininity blends the classic womanly grace and dignity of Audrey Hepburn with the sacrificial, poured-out-for-Christ lifestyle of Amy Carmichael.”
“The preoccupations of young women don’t seem to change much from generation to generation. But in every generation, there seem to be a few who make other choices.” –Elisabeth Elliot. (If you know me well at all, you know I absolutely love Elisabeth Elliot).
“But we must ask ourselves this question-what kind of guys are we seeking to attract? Do we really want to win the heart of a self-focused man who is only interested in our worldly allure and sex appeal? Or do we want to win the heart of a man who has been captured by Jesus Christ, a guy who sees the priceless value of a woman who shines with His spectacular radiant loveliness?”
“If you desire a beautiful, lasting, God-written love story, hold out for a guy who values the things that your heavenly Prince values.”
On college campuses across this country, it is regarded as ‘healthy’ for a young woman to be able to completely shut off her emotions and have mindless sex with any random guy she meets, not caring at all if he ever calls her again. But once upon a time, feminine dignity was carefully protected. Womanly mystery was held in high esteem. And gallant men counted it a privilege to tenderly win and woo their lady-love’s heart.”
“Too many young women are afraid to rise up with confidence and walk firmly in their commitments. The nurturing, caring side of them doesn’t like hurting people’s feelings, so they end up leaving a door open for a guy when it should be nicely but firmly shut in his face.”
“As a single woman, rather than putting life on hold until you get married, orient your life around joyfully serving others. As you practice becoming the servant of all, serving your husband will come naturally in marriage, and you will gain greater blessings than you could ever imagine.”
“If you pour out yourself for the hungry and satisfy the desires of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom shall be as the noonday. Here, I think, lies the answer to the barrenness of a single life, or of a life that might otherwise be selfish or lonely. It is the answer, I have found, to depression as well. You yourself will be given light in exchange for pouring yourself out, you yourself will get guidance, the satisfaction of your longings, and strength when you pour yourself out when you make the satisfaction of somebody else’s desire your own concern.” –Elisabeth Elliot.
“The world is absolutely flooded with those who are destitute of daily food and clothes. About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. That’s one person every three and a half seconds. In Latin America and Africa, countless children are addicted to inhalants as a means of deadening their senses to their bodies’ desperate cries for food. In Liberia thousands of pregnant women and young children pound rocks all day long on the side of a mountain and in the hot sun just to get one bowl of watery rise. These people have a claim on your life. They have a claim on my life. They are a priority to Christ and therefore must become a priority to us. If we are so preoccupied with self that we will not show the practical, life-changing, hope-giving love of Christ to them, our faith is dead.”
Other parts of this book dealt with matters such as “being a lily among thorns,” waiting for the boy to initiate a relationship and maintaining your feminine mystique.
Given, it didn’t really teach me anything new, but I loved so much to hear someone else say what I’ve been thinking for so long now. It was like calling an old friend to hear her say, “You’re right.” But, you know, in the end, I guess that’s all I want. I want to get to heaven and have Jesus say, “you were right.”
Here are some of my favorite quotations from the book:
“Set-Apart femininity blends the classic womanly grace and dignity of Audrey Hepburn with the sacrificial, poured-out-for-Christ lifestyle of Amy Carmichael.”
“The preoccupations of young women don’t seem to change much from generation to generation. But in every generation, there seem to be a few who make other choices.” –Elisabeth Elliot. (If you know me well at all, you know I absolutely love Elisabeth Elliot).
“But we must ask ourselves this question-what kind of guys are we seeking to attract? Do we really want to win the heart of a self-focused man who is only interested in our worldly allure and sex appeal? Or do we want to win the heart of a man who has been captured by Jesus Christ, a guy who sees the priceless value of a woman who shines with His spectacular radiant loveliness?”
“If you desire a beautiful, lasting, God-written love story, hold out for a guy who values the things that your heavenly Prince values.”
On college campuses across this country, it is regarded as ‘healthy’ for a young woman to be able to completely shut off her emotions and have mindless sex with any random guy she meets, not caring at all if he ever calls her again. But once upon a time, feminine dignity was carefully protected. Womanly mystery was held in high esteem. And gallant men counted it a privilege to tenderly win and woo their lady-love’s heart.”
“Too many young women are afraid to rise up with confidence and walk firmly in their commitments. The nurturing, caring side of them doesn’t like hurting people’s feelings, so they end up leaving a door open for a guy when it should be nicely but firmly shut in his face.”
“As a single woman, rather than putting life on hold until you get married, orient your life around joyfully serving others. As you practice becoming the servant of all, serving your husband will come naturally in marriage, and you will gain greater blessings than you could ever imagine.”
“If you pour out yourself for the hungry and satisfy the desires of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom shall be as the noonday. Here, I think, lies the answer to the barrenness of a single life, or of a life that might otherwise be selfish or lonely. It is the answer, I have found, to depression as well. You yourself will be given light in exchange for pouring yourself out, you yourself will get guidance, the satisfaction of your longings, and strength when you pour yourself out when you make the satisfaction of somebody else’s desire your own concern.” –Elisabeth Elliot.
“The world is absolutely flooded with those who are destitute of daily food and clothes. About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. That’s one person every three and a half seconds. In Latin America and Africa, countless children are addicted to inhalants as a means of deadening their senses to their bodies’ desperate cries for food. In Liberia thousands of pregnant women and young children pound rocks all day long on the side of a mountain and in the hot sun just to get one bowl of watery rise. These people have a claim on your life. They have a claim on my life. They are a priority to Christ and therefore must become a priority to us. If we are so preoccupied with self that we will not show the practical, life-changing, hope-giving love of Christ to them, our faith is dead.”
Other parts of this book dealt with matters such as “being a lily among thorns,” waiting for the boy to initiate a relationship and maintaining your feminine mystique.
Given, it didn’t really teach me anything new, but I loved so much to hear someone else say what I’ve been thinking for so long now. It was like calling an old friend to hear her say, “You’re right.” But, you know, in the end, I guess that’s all I want. I want to get to heaven and have Jesus say, “you were right.”
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wholesome
Sometimes I get obsessed with an idea. Not like girls are "obsessed" with the Jonas Brothers, but like really obsessed. I think about it all the time. I want to know everything about this idea. My previous obsession was the phrase "no turning back, no turning back" from the song "I have decided to follow Jesus." These days the obsession is just one word, one single concept that I have decided is something I want to have: wholesomeness.
I had to figure out what it meant to be wholesome before I could be a girl that was known for wholesomeness.
Webster's said:
Wholesome–adjective
OK, I can work with that. I think Webster leaves out that to be wholesome, you have to be God-fearing. I think that it extends beyond well-being and into the ability to empathize and sympathize with all kinds of different people.
My grandmother is one of the most wholesome people I know and where I began to think that wholesomeness meant being able to put yourself in others' positions. When I talk to her, it's like she's a really wise college student. When my mom talks to her, it's like she's a mother of a 21 year old in 2009. It's amazing. Wholesome.
Another thing I think wholesomeness includes is strength. How can you be beneficial if you're falling apart? D.H. Lawrence once wrote, "We've go to live no matter how many skies have fallen."
In Panama, or actually any Hispanic country, there are these women. They're older, grandmothers probably, but they cook for you. When you go to them, they feed you. They feed you so much food that you're probably dying by the end of dinner. They cook over an open flame and get so hot that you have to feel bad. You didn't ask for dinner- they insisted that you sit and stay and eat. Then you look in their eyes and see pure joy. It's crazy to think that feeding strangers can give people joy, but these women are so happy to serve you. Wholesome.
I liked that the definition said "wholesome environment." It's easy in college to start stuff. Call an ex boyfriend, start drama. It's fun when you're bored. I think part of being wholesome (and mature for that matter) is being a peacemaker.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." Matthew 5:9
My daddy is a peacemaker. No matter who I have a problem with and who I have shot my mouth off to, Daddy can always fix it. Sometimes I let my 21 year old redheaded temper get in the way. Then, I need Daddy. Wholesome.
This doesn't solve my problem. Having a definition does not mean I will automatically inherit all these traits tonight. It does, however, give me something to work for. After all, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back...no turning back.
I had to figure out what it meant to be wholesome before I could be a girl that was known for wholesomeness.
Webster's said:
Wholesome–adjective
| 1. | conducive to moral or general well-being; salutary; beneficial: wholesome recreation; wholesome environment. |
OK, I can work with that. I think Webster leaves out that to be wholesome, you have to be God-fearing. I think that it extends beyond well-being and into the ability to empathize and sympathize with all kinds of different people.
My grandmother is one of the most wholesome people I know and where I began to think that wholesomeness meant being able to put yourself in others' positions. When I talk to her, it's like she's a really wise college student. When my mom talks to her, it's like she's a mother of a 21 year old in 2009. It's amazing. Wholesome.
Another thing I think wholesomeness includes is strength. How can you be beneficial if you're falling apart? D.H. Lawrence once wrote, "We've go to live no matter how many skies have fallen."
In Panama, or actually any Hispanic country, there are these women. They're older, grandmothers probably, but they cook for you. When you go to them, they feed you. They feed you so much food that you're probably dying by the end of dinner. They cook over an open flame and get so hot that you have to feel bad. You didn't ask for dinner- they insisted that you sit and stay and eat. Then you look in their eyes and see pure joy. It's crazy to think that feeding strangers can give people joy, but these women are so happy to serve you. Wholesome.
I liked that the definition said "wholesome environment." It's easy in college to start stuff. Call an ex boyfriend, start drama. It's fun when you're bored. I think part of being wholesome (and mature for that matter) is being a peacemaker.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." Matthew 5:9
My daddy is a peacemaker. No matter who I have a problem with and who I have shot my mouth off to, Daddy can always fix it. Sometimes I let my 21 year old redheaded temper get in the way. Then, I need Daddy. Wholesome.
This doesn't solve my problem. Having a definition does not mean I will automatically inherit all these traits tonight. It does, however, give me something to work for. After all, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back...no turning back.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bad news.
I was going to write a post about bad news. It's been a particularly horrible week in the news. The headlines are grim. Our President isn't doing our country justice. Babies are dying of rat bites and 14 year olds are getting accused with rape.
Then I saw this.
It's Lilly. She has 5 legs. Her 5th leg has 6 toes. Until now, she hasn't been able to lay down, walk or sit comfortably. She was owned by a freak-show.
Someone paid $4,000 for Lilly and another $2,000 for her surgery. Lilly is expected to live a long, healthy life.
Are you heart-warmed yet? Because you should be.
If Lilly can make it, then so can we.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Speak the truth but ride a fast horse.
I just finished reading What I Know Now, a compilation of letters written by famous women to their younger self. One of them said "Speak the truth but ride a fast horse," and I just loved that.
So it makes me wonder- what would I tell myself? I'm only 21, so I'm far from being wise.
Here goes:
I'd tell my 4 year old self not to call the call the "Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please hang up and try again" woman "That d*** lady" to my mom. That spanking hurt. You'll remember it 17 years from now.
When you're 5 and Daddy has to take you out of church for talking, don't come back in and tell mom "Daddy told me to tell you he spanked me" when he really took you across the street and bought you candy.
Learn math in first grade. You'll be behind until high school if you don't.
In 2nd grade, keep being nice to that mentally handicapped kid. This will be the first of many, many times you pull for the underdog. Just don't get too attached. You're going to be heartbroken for the rest of your life because you can't save people.
Oh, and also about 2nd grade-throw those dresses away. The red, yellow and blue ones? Yea. Those. Throw them away. You'll end up wearing them in every single picture for almost a year.
Amber Tucker doesn't beat you up at Space Camp, so stop worrying.
Be more outgoing in middle school. Be nice to the nerdy kids. Be nice to the freaks. You're not mean, but your not nice to them either. Keeya will make more money than you ever dreamed of. Be nice to the kid with one hand that likes you.
In 8th grade you'll have a teacher that threatens to fail you because you won't argue pro-choice in a classroom debate. You don't argue it and you make your first B ever. Good call. She wasn't very nice.
On those 3 mission trips to Houston- love every minute. This is the beginning of a lifetime of mission trips. Take a second when you're holding Mireya, the 3 year old little Mexican girl, to memorize the way it feels. It's about 110 degrees and you're on a bus without air conditioning. She has fallen asleep in your lap. It's the exact moment that you fall in love with little Hispanic babies. That mission trip high never leaves you.
Listen to Kari more. She's right about people. You're too infatuated to see it, so just listen to her.
Be a good role model for the girls at dance. You looked up to them, so make sure you're someone they can look up to.
The years you danced with LS will be the best ones of your life. Work harder and appreciate your teachers more. They'll teach you some of the best lessons that you'll take with you the rest of your life. They'll give you your work ethic and good posture.
Listen to the kid that sits in front of you in homeroom more. He turns out to be a really neat person. To date he's still the only person who can recite almost any Edgar Allen Poe poem.
When that guy dumps you for being a good girl and immediately goes out with another not-so-good girl DO NOT tell the whole school that was the reason. Yes, it's true. That is why he picked her over you. He told you that, but it's going to be classier if you just keep that to yourself.
Pay more attention in AP Econ. And bring a jacket, dummy, that classroom was freezing!
Remember that time you and Kari got stuck in a tornado and decided to drive through the storm to get to a show you had to do that night? Yea. Don't do that. It was dangerous!
Enjoy ever minute you're on stage. Even after you think you're too mature to dance around in sparkles, you'll miss the days of entertaining everyone.
Get to know the Mayfair girls better.
Enjoy the City of Children more. You end up frustrated because you can't understand the orphans because they speak Spanish, but don't give up. Hug them and love them like that's all that matters. You're there as a missionary, so stop acting like a child. You don't think they need you--and they kinda don't. So, take it in. Use this time to realize that these kids aren't wanted by anyone and realize how blessed you are to have 2 loving parents that are still married. Besides, this is when you decide to learn Spanish. That will help you a little later in Panama.
Don't regret going to UAH. You learned you didn't want to be a nurse there. You also learned you didn't want to get married in college there. Don't regret hanging out with those guys, either. They kept you entertained and made you think a lot. Also, this is when you first discover A.W. Tozer, David Jeremiah, Max Lucado, Elisabeth and Jim Elliot, and Watchman Nee. Each one of these writers will change the way you look at things and bring you a little closer to the Father. Remember that time you decided to go to the projects and give out money to the homeless by yourself? Yea. Don't do that. It was dangerous..and stupid.
Be careful during your first semester at UA. You're too skinny. Everyone keeps saying it's because your homesick, but don't listen to them. They'll find the fibromyaligia later and know that homesickness had nothing to do with it.
Use the Pensacola mission trip to get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a good opportunity, so don't miss out.
Your snap decision to go to the Darien Rainforest will be the best you've made so far. This trip will change your life. You'll see Indians that have never seen white people. You'll hold babies that won't make it through the night. One day while you're down there, you hold a little baby for 11 hours. You wash her face off because she produces too much glucose and the bees are attracted to the sweet smell of her skin. You'll never see her again because she dies that night. But, even while you're holding her, you know that was going to happen. This is what God looks like. Don't forget it.
Have more guts during your time at the Crimson White. You have ethical questions about some of the things they do. Stand up for it. You almost quit when they print g-d in the newspaper. I still can't make a judgment call about that one. You'll learn so much there, but you should have said something about that.
Still, be nice to the weird kids in college. Especially that girl in your JN 100, 311 and 415 classes. She doesn't live to see graduation.
Have more patience with the second Panama team. They mean well. This is the first time you'll ever get to really use your Spanish, so don't be so scared. The calling was to serve, not to have perfect Spanish grammar.
So, you make it to 21 and 4 months at least. Don't lose sight of what's important. When you first got to college, you made 2 Timothy 4:7 your mantra- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I hope I'm wiser at 42.
So it makes me wonder- what would I tell myself? I'm only 21, so I'm far from being wise.
Here goes:
I'd tell my 4 year old self not to call the call the "Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please hang up and try again" woman "That d*** lady" to my mom. That spanking hurt. You'll remember it 17 years from now.
When you're 5 and Daddy has to take you out of church for talking, don't come back in and tell mom "Daddy told me to tell you he spanked me" when he really took you across the street and bought you candy.
Learn math in first grade. You'll be behind until high school if you don't.
In 2nd grade, keep being nice to that mentally handicapped kid. This will be the first of many, many times you pull for the underdog. Just don't get too attached. You're going to be heartbroken for the rest of your life because you can't save people.
Oh, and also about 2nd grade-throw those dresses away. The red, yellow and blue ones? Yea. Those. Throw them away. You'll end up wearing them in every single picture for almost a year.
Amber Tucker doesn't beat you up at Space Camp, so stop worrying.
Be more outgoing in middle school. Be nice to the nerdy kids. Be nice to the freaks. You're not mean, but your not nice to them either. Keeya will make more money than you ever dreamed of. Be nice to the kid with one hand that likes you.
In 8th grade you'll have a teacher that threatens to fail you because you won't argue pro-choice in a classroom debate. You don't argue it and you make your first B ever. Good call. She wasn't very nice.
On those 3 mission trips to Houston- love every minute. This is the beginning of a lifetime of mission trips. Take a second when you're holding Mireya, the 3 year old little Mexican girl, to memorize the way it feels. It's about 110 degrees and you're on a bus without air conditioning. She has fallen asleep in your lap. It's the exact moment that you fall in love with little Hispanic babies. That mission trip high never leaves you.
Listen to Kari more. She's right about people. You're too infatuated to see it, so just listen to her.
Be a good role model for the girls at dance. You looked up to them, so make sure you're someone they can look up to.
The years you danced with LS will be the best ones of your life. Work harder and appreciate your teachers more. They'll teach you some of the best lessons that you'll take with you the rest of your life. They'll give you your work ethic and good posture.
Listen to the kid that sits in front of you in homeroom more. He turns out to be a really neat person. To date he's still the only person who can recite almost any Edgar Allen Poe poem.
When that guy dumps you for being a good girl and immediately goes out with another not-so-good girl DO NOT tell the whole school that was the reason. Yes, it's true. That is why he picked her over you. He told you that, but it's going to be classier if you just keep that to yourself.
Pay more attention in AP Econ. And bring a jacket, dummy, that classroom was freezing!
Remember that time you and Kari got stuck in a tornado and decided to drive through the storm to get to a show you had to do that night? Yea. Don't do that. It was dangerous!
Enjoy ever minute you're on stage. Even after you think you're too mature to dance around in sparkles, you'll miss the days of entertaining everyone.
Get to know the Mayfair girls better.
Enjoy the City of Children more. You end up frustrated because you can't understand the orphans because they speak Spanish, but don't give up. Hug them and love them like that's all that matters. You're there as a missionary, so stop acting like a child. You don't think they need you--and they kinda don't. So, take it in. Use this time to realize that these kids aren't wanted by anyone and realize how blessed you are to have 2 loving parents that are still married. Besides, this is when you decide to learn Spanish. That will help you a little later in Panama.
Don't regret going to UAH. You learned you didn't want to be a nurse there. You also learned you didn't want to get married in college there. Don't regret hanging out with those guys, either. They kept you entertained and made you think a lot. Also, this is when you first discover A.W. Tozer, David Jeremiah, Max Lucado, Elisabeth and Jim Elliot, and Watchman Nee. Each one of these writers will change the way you look at things and bring you a little closer to the Father. Remember that time you decided to go to the projects and give out money to the homeless by yourself? Yea. Don't do that. It was dangerous..and stupid.
Be careful during your first semester at UA. You're too skinny. Everyone keeps saying it's because your homesick, but don't listen to them. They'll find the fibromyaligia later and know that homesickness had nothing to do with it.
Use the Pensacola mission trip to get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a good opportunity, so don't miss out.
Your snap decision to go to the Darien Rainforest will be the best you've made so far. This trip will change your life. You'll see Indians that have never seen white people. You'll hold babies that won't make it through the night. One day while you're down there, you hold a little baby for 11 hours. You wash her face off because she produces too much glucose and the bees are attracted to the sweet smell of her skin. You'll never see her again because she dies that night. But, even while you're holding her, you know that was going to happen. This is what God looks like. Don't forget it.
Have more guts during your time at the Crimson White. You have ethical questions about some of the things they do. Stand up for it. You almost quit when they print g-d in the newspaper. I still can't make a judgment call about that one. You'll learn so much there, but you should have said something about that.
Still, be nice to the weird kids in college. Especially that girl in your JN 100, 311 and 415 classes. She doesn't live to see graduation.
Have more patience with the second Panama team. They mean well. This is the first time you'll ever get to really use your Spanish, so don't be so scared. The calling was to serve, not to have perfect Spanish grammar.
So, you make it to 21 and 4 months at least. Don't lose sight of what's important. When you first got to college, you made 2 Timothy 4:7 your mantra- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I hope I'm wiser at 42.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
These boots were made for walking.
I've been packing up the apartment all day.
I have 5 pairs of unworn cowboy boots.
Actually, the breakdown of apartment contents is like so:
59 sundresses. Not winter dresses, sundresses.
76 pairs of shoes (only 3 of which were flip flops)
5 pairs of cowboy boots
6 denim skirts
12 pairs of jeans
45 post it notes
3 tennis rackets (I don't play tennis)
3 full books of stamps (apparently I don't mail either)
17 belts
11 pea coats
27 solid white t shirts, oh they really like me.
41 camisoles
That equals 13 of the large moving boxes, 12 under the bed boxes, one packed-full garment bag, 3 mesh laundry bags, and 3 laundry baskets full. PLUS whatever is still in my chest of drawers and all my hanging clothes (a double door closet with a double bar full)
Goodness.
But as I pack all of this up, I can't help but look back on how much I've done in college. I mean, this apartment is the only place I've ever lived outside of my house.
There's the Express skirt and heels I wore on my first day of my Tuscaloosa News internship where I had to run so far in the rain for my first story on the one millionth CrimsonRide rider.
An assortment of cocktail dresses I've worn to banquets during my "I'm only going to date soon-to-be-rich buisnessmen" phase. The parties were fun, but the conversation was terribly boring.
The completely safe blue polo dress that everyone has.
My fail-proof outfit of black top, jeans, black stilettos (those BCBG ones that everyone got in 2005. I've had them resoled twice, but they were completely worth it) and pearls. This outfit hangs together all the time in case I need it in a hurry.
A mola that was handmade for me in the middle of the Darien Rainforest by a Kuna indian woman. Reminder from the best trip of my life. It still smells like Panama. I love to see it every morning hanging in my closet.
A black strapless dress that Reba would say "was known for teaching lessons."
The J. Crew skirt I wore to my Crimson White interview. You never go wrong with J.Crew. Mark my words. Never.
A pair of brown hotpants and a brown/pink sports bra that I used to wear to competition classes.
The Coach wallet and bag that sweet Ms. Parsons brought be back from the China Olympics after I helped her for a semester with ASPA.
A child's yellow Dickies button-down that I got from Johnny in Playona. He ran a little store where he sold clothes that US Missionaries had brought down. It was his only source of income, but he gave us these so we wouldn't get bitten by redbugs in the jungle. Precious.
The free people stuff from when I went through my "I want to be the lead singer of A Fine Frenzy" phase. You know, the pretty red headed Swedish girl that sings "Goodbye my almost lover.."
I wonder what I'll be packing up in 3 more years? And who will be helping me? And where will I be moving? Will my dreams work out? Will I move to Nashville and marry a cowboy? (I already have the outfit).
It's today for which we're responsible. God still owns tomorrow.- Elisabeth Elliot
-jg
I have 5 pairs of unworn cowboy boots.
Actually, the breakdown of apartment contents is like so:
59 sundresses. Not winter dresses, sundresses.
76 pairs of shoes (only 3 of which were flip flops)
5 pairs of cowboy boots
6 denim skirts
12 pairs of jeans
45 post it notes
3 tennis rackets (I don't play tennis)
3 full books of stamps (apparently I don't mail either)
17 belts
11 pea coats
27 solid white t shirts, oh they really like me.
41 camisoles
That equals 13 of the large moving boxes, 12 under the bed boxes, one packed-full garment bag, 3 mesh laundry bags, and 3 laundry baskets full. PLUS whatever is still in my chest of drawers and all my hanging clothes (a double door closet with a double bar full)
Goodness.
But as I pack all of this up, I can't help but look back on how much I've done in college. I mean, this apartment is the only place I've ever lived outside of my house.
There's the Express skirt and heels I wore on my first day of my Tuscaloosa News internship where I had to run so far in the rain for my first story on the one millionth CrimsonRide rider.
An assortment of cocktail dresses I've worn to banquets during my "I'm only going to date soon-to-be-rich buisnessmen" phase. The parties were fun, but the conversation was terribly boring.
The completely safe blue polo dress that everyone has.
My fail-proof outfit of black top, jeans, black stilettos (those BCBG ones that everyone got in 2005. I've had them resoled twice, but they were completely worth it) and pearls. This outfit hangs together all the time in case I need it in a hurry.
A mola that was handmade for me in the middle of the Darien Rainforest by a Kuna indian woman. Reminder from the best trip of my life. It still smells like Panama. I love to see it every morning hanging in my closet.
A black strapless dress that Reba would say "was known for teaching lessons."
The J. Crew skirt I wore to my Crimson White interview. You never go wrong with J.Crew. Mark my words. Never.
A pair of brown hotpants and a brown/pink sports bra that I used to wear to competition classes.
The Coach wallet and bag that sweet Ms. Parsons brought be back from the China Olympics after I helped her for a semester with ASPA.
A child's yellow Dickies button-down that I got from Johnny in Playona. He ran a little store where he sold clothes that US Missionaries had brought down. It was his only source of income, but he gave us these so we wouldn't get bitten by redbugs in the jungle. Precious.
The free people stuff from when I went through my "I want to be the lead singer of A Fine Frenzy" phase. You know, the pretty red headed Swedish girl that sings "Goodbye my almost lover.."
I wonder what I'll be packing up in 3 more years? And who will be helping me? And where will I be moving? Will my dreams work out? Will I move to Nashville and marry a cowboy? (I already have the outfit).
It's today for which we're responsible. God still owns tomorrow.- Elisabeth Elliot
-jg
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Dump trucks.
Today, I was walking Daisy up the back stairs of my apartment. If you know Daisy, you know she's a little "special." Honestly, I think she's mentally handicapped. It's a lot like living with a handicapped child, but I just love her so much.
Well, today Daisy wanted to watch the dump trucks drive from our apartment complex to the road. I fought her and fought her yelling "I don't have time for this." I was mad and she was stubborn. The sad thing is that I wasn't really that busy. It was a perfect day and I had ample time before I had to be at work.
So, I gave in. For about 15 minutes, we sat on the back stairs and watched the dump trucks drive into and out of University Village.
I'm not usually a "stop and smell the roses" person, but I think I'll try to take a little more time to pause from now on. Like C.S. Lewis said in Surprised by Joy, "It is not settled happiness that glorifies the past, but momentary joy."
Today, Daisy and I had a little momentary joy.
God is good and the blessings outweigh the problems these days.
Who could ask for more?
Grace and Peace,
jg
Well, today Daisy wanted to watch the dump trucks drive from our apartment complex to the road. I fought her and fought her yelling "I don't have time for this." I was mad and she was stubborn. The sad thing is that I wasn't really that busy. It was a perfect day and I had ample time before I had to be at work.
So, I gave in. For about 15 minutes, we sat on the back stairs and watched the dump trucks drive into and out of University Village.
I'm not usually a "stop and smell the roses" person, but I think I'll try to take a little more time to pause from now on. Like C.S. Lewis said in Surprised by Joy, "It is not settled happiness that glorifies the past, but momentary joy."
Today, Daisy and I had a little momentary joy.
God is good and the blessings outweigh the problems these days.
Who could ask for more?
Grace and Peace,
jg
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