Free music - really .....

Check out the new side bar add for free Derek Webb. Literally, this amaxing artist is letting his music "go free" and releasing it for free downloading so others can share it and join in on the conversation..... check it out today. Perhaps it will move your heart.

A Long weekend and a local political plug

Well it has been a long weekend. As the school year rolls around I find myself busy trying to prepare for another year of youth ministry. We had a fabulous day retreat yesterday and the mood coming away felt quite positive. On the flip side, I was at the church until 9pm trying to set up Sunday School rooms for this morning. All in all a great time.

Today I had the wonderful privledge to have lunch with one of my favorite families - the Peacocks. Today was especcially important as I had yet to sit down and listen Emily's story of why she decided to run for circut court judge. Her reply was simple, "she felt that it was something that she was suppossed to do and that not only could she do the job, but that she could do the job better then some of the other options." These are the types of people we need in these positions; both qaulified and confident - as well as seeking 'justice for all'.



Her own words:
"My personal experiences as a parent, daughter and church worker have given me maturity and greater understanding of people. It is important to have the patience and compassion to really listen to people, to be available to them when they communicate and express themselves. This is possible only when we have grown into the ability to appreciate other people. I have grown tolerant as I have grown older and experienced the many ups and downs that life has offered. A judge must accept that his or her role will be to consider the issues of citizens from all aspects of life. The decisions are very important ? they may encompass loss of life or property, and are to be taken seriously, with sensitivity and compassion. I would humbly attempt to always rise to this challenge."

If you are a registered voter - which I highly encourage you to become if you have not already - please consider coming out on or before September 5th to vote for your local reps. The reality is that the country will not change its direction until it changes its leadership - and this does not happen with one big politcal presidental race, but at the local level which influences the upper. Judges are importat figures in our system - vote for those will be fair and just.

You can check out more infromation on Emily Peacock running for Circut Court Judge group #44 at

http://www.peacockforjudge.com/
-or check out the link at my side bar - Emily for Judge 2006

**Get involved. Care about this world and what goes on in it. Vote. Be engaged in the opportunities you have. It comes down to plain and simple caring - Just Care. Check out Emily and those running for local elections today.

Ok - I'll put the soap box away for now.
On another note - Titus seems to be doing better....so we'll cross our fingers and see how the week goes.

I thought I had become a murderer

This is my baby Titus. Currently she is sick and it is a very sad thing. She has some type of mysterious disease that keeps her licking and biting her body. This is very disconcerting and we are waiting to hear back from her test results although they will not be available until next weekend - yikes. In the meantime I am giving her drugs to hopefully help whatever ails her. Today however was a different story. I was told to giver her children's benedryl in hopes to calm her and make her less anxious. No one told me that she woud start to foam and froth at the mouth, in which I -the mom now assumed that I have just killed my cat. Thankfully this was not the case. The vet nurse told me that it was her salvatory glands reacting to the gross taste. Even humans don't like the taste of 'cherry burst' in our mouth when we're merky sickies.

Poor Titus. I'm praying to Jesus and mentioning it to St. Francis- I hope we figure it out soon. Tomorrow we will try an expensive shot and see what that does. Let's keep our fingers crossed. I lover her.
I'll keep you posted.

They should note on the Benedryl box:
Warning: Consumption of Children's Benedryl 'cherry burst' in felines may result in froth and foam at the mouth. Be reassured you are not a killer.

Currently listening to:
"Jenny was a friend of mine" by The Killers (how ironic)

Maybe you're the only one who teaches the bible.....

So today I had a woman, who I assume was a nice woman, tell me that some youth groups don't teach the bible. Now usually I would agree with this statement except that it was in reference to the local youth groups, and pastors, and teachers, and which incidently included myself. I was betting that she had not truly had a conversation with any single teaching bible person at a youth group in the area - yet felt confident to non-chilantly lay that out there. The nerve of this woman, who evidently- is steeped in knowledge of the local ministries in the area - or not.

My frustration with the church comes from those who don't fight for it. I can be so synical about the church and what it does or does not do, but when push comes to shove I still fight for it and what it is supposed to be about and at least, at the minimum, desire to see it work- and not alone but with others - in community- and together for a full and diverse body of Christ seeking to usher in His kingdom. Where I start to get angry is when we don't work for these aims and instead plow ahead with our own narrowed understandings of what "we" want - what "we" think ministry should look like and more important "feel" like - when at the core of it God said - I am that I am. Not I feel like, not I look like - but I am. The church doesn't need to be defended or appologized for and it's our responsibility to strive to make the most of what He is, and He is the great I am.

And for the record, I teach the bible. But they would have only known that if they had asked. They didn't ask, They never do.

Currently listening to: Matt Kearny "Crashing Down"

Home is where the heart as my heart I gave to you.....

Sea Tac International - I'm getting read to head back -last days always feel like last days. Beautiful and full, but so rushed. I don't really want to go back but I suppose that's how it goes - all great things coming to an end. What an incredible time I have had - so good for my mind, body, and soul. I love these people who love me.

Traveling music - reflective and pensive
-Same artist in my head- just a different song.
Check out Sufjan Steven's "To be alone with you" track from Seven Seas.

Some fun travel pics for you - The my fav is Aaron and I at the top of Rainier. It was such a great day.












I think I could live in Seattle for sure. Maybe I will someday.
Content is what I want to be. And that seems a little closer today that it has in a long time. Maybe it's my new shoes?? jk.

Home here I come. I'm ready for you. We breathe in deep, steady our step, and go for broke - because let's face it...that's all I have. It's either all in or nothing. Hallelujah.

My Summer Adventure

So who would have ever thought that vacation would ever feel so good. This is my 13th day of vacation and I am feeling great again. I have traveled the expansion of the country, spent time with amazing people, played great music, ate great food, had good company, conversation, and drinks - and slowly but surely I am starting to feel like myself again.

Currently I am in Yelm Washington visiting my buddy Aaron. He ives at the base of Mt. Rainier - one of the most spectacular sights in the country. She is a beautiful beast - 15,000ft high. Yesterday we hiked to a glacier view about 7,000ft. Even from there is was breathtaking. The flowers are still in the meadows here and the sky is crystal blue and bright. The air so clean and fresh - it is wonderful. My time here has been one of great renewal. God's fingerprint is all around us his presence seems to be everywhere here - it is wonderful.

Another blessing has been seeing my great aunt, uncle, and cousin - such great people who live here nearby. I was so greatful for my time with them and only regret that I had not made more time to spend with them. I see my grandmother in my great aunt and am reminded how wonderful the family I belong to is. I am grateful for such reminders.

Tomorrow I will leave Aaron and head to the last stop on my journey - some wonderful old friends who showed me great kindness for so many years. My next post will most likely be when I am back in Tampa - seeking perserverance and strength to start the journey I promised myself these past 2 weeks. I look forward to finding strength and hope in the memory of this wonderful and blessed pilgrimige.