Caught Ya!

It is always unsettling when someone calls you on stuff, especially when they speak the truth.

For instance:

Jesus mentored those 12 guys! Remember? The desciples?

Oh Yeah! But that Judas guy doesn't count!

Oh Suzy Bear! What are we going to do with you?

Window...Smelly Cat

I really wish there was a window behind me. I hate not being able to just look outside. Many times I open the front door to the office so that I can feel like a part of the world. Sometimes I really enjoy working by myslef, but usually I am quite lonely. I realize that I am lucky to not have an overbearing boss breathe down my neck, but on the other hand I wish I had a friend to talk to. Penny is great to carry on with, but she is Half Moon Bay and won't be back until tomorrow.

I think stress makes me stink. I'm serious. That may sound strange, but I trully believe it does. I smell gross right now! I feel gross, too. Just greasey.



**Smelly Cat**

(Chorus)
Smelly cat, smelly cat What are they feeding you? Smelly cat, smelly cat It's not your fault

They won't take you to the vet
You're obviously not their favourite pet
You may not be a bed of roses And you're no friend to those with noses

(Repeat Chorus)

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks died last night. She is by far one of the most significant and unlikely American heroes. Today I heard one person say that Rosa Parks inspired not only the Civil Rights Movement, but also the rebellion against Apartheid in South Africa, the revolt in Tiananmen Square and many other uprisings against inequality. She stood up by sitting down. Thank you Ms. Parks.

On a different note, I have taken my first steps to actually serve in my community. Training for the UC Davis Hospice begins in November. I realize that working in a hospice will be difficult, but I also know that these are the people who need Christ ASAP if they don't know Jesus already.

Should I Feel Bad?

A friend of mine from the church I currently attend asked me to fill out a survey that focused on women's ministry. I pondered the questions for a while and waited to answer the questions put forth because I didn't want to answer in the heat of passion (which I've been known to do). However, even though I sat on this survey, I couldn't help but to get extremely upset as I replied to each question.

First off, I get suspicious of anything that is geared toward any particular sex. Sure, chalk it up to my "LIBERALISM", but I for one do not understand why churches insist on separating the sexes so often. I do realize that men and women are very different, but if you continually focus on those differences, a bridge is never built to overcome the huge gap between the sexes. Secondly, I am not fond of mentoring. Let me explain this as simply as I can. If we as Christians are studying the Bible and are communing with Jesus Christ through prayer and worship, why do we need mentors? I view mentors on the same level as Christian self-help-books. Why then did God give us His Word? Now I realize that my exposure to the Local Church (a cult for those of you who don't know) has tainted my view on discipleship and whatnot, but I really must question the authority and the right that one person (who by the way is a sinner just like me) has over another. Last but certainly not least, I am tired of focusing on the inward man. I want to work. I am tired of talking about action. I want to work. Why is it that most churches these days are focused on getting people just by? "Go to church on Sunday. Pray in the morning before you go to work. Read the Bible and set good examples for your kids. Go to this small group and read about Paul" Why not. "Let's be Paul!" How about, "We're going to the AIDS hospice this weekend to serve those who are need!" Instead, churches are screaming, "No gay marriage!" Is this how God called us to be?

At any rate, I answered the questions in a not so nice way, and I do feel bad. But I really wanted to let whoever know that this is not what being Christ's follower is all about. I don't want another study book with half ass answered replies to passionless questions. I WANT TO WORK!

2nd Saturday

So Eric, Lizette, Heath and I went to Sacto's Second Saturday, which I must say is quite a cool event! We started the evening out right by dining at Tapa's and then walked up J and 22nd Street to I and 19th. Then down to about 24th and K maybe. It was good hanging out with someone like Lizette who just knows me. No need for long drawn "get to know you" talks (which I am not blasting). We just get it each other because we grew up very similarly and we've known each other our whole lives. It was tres cool! Heath and Eric were having fun, talking about outreach, Mosaic North (HAHAHAHA) and whatnot.

On Sunday we both realized how lucky we are to have "happen upon" them. We've been blessed and great things are to come - GREAT, GREAT, GREAT THINGS ARE TO COME! I see the Lord's hand in all this and it is truly exciting!

My one and only ADORABLE DAUGHTER

She's the one on the right.

The Birds Go North Again

"Oh, every year hath its winter,
And every year hath its rain--
But a day is always coming
When the birds go north again.

"When new leaves swell in the forest,
And grass springs green on the plain,
And alders' veins turn crimson--
And the birds go north again.

"Oh, every heart hath its sorrow,
And every heart hath its pain--
But a day is always coming
When the birds go north again.

"'Tis the sweetest thing to remember,
If courage be on the wane,
When the cold, dark days are over--
Why, the birds go north again."

The birds do go north again. Lately, I have forgotten that. All I have seen are hopless rains and dreary winters through my mind's eye. Yet, I so often forget in times of despair that it is the rain, the fog, the mist, the doomsday winters that make the grass under my feet green again. I can look forward to emerald springs speckled with Cornflower, Barberry and Larkspur. I have hope. I can live through this winter all because I know what is to come.