Today, I had the honor and privilege of sitting in on the Women's Bible Study for Young Adults and Grad Students. It was fantastic, and I wish I had more time to go than just today and next week.
It was a great time to hang out with other grounded women in the Catholic faith, but also to just feel comfortable with being who I am as part of that grounding. I finally felt like I met people with my same views in faith and life. It was awesome to feel that way within a few minutes of me being there. I am glad that everyone was so happy to have me, and even know that I would not be staying long. Sarah also made great Butterscotch muffins, which made me smile!
We were studying the last chapter of the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. As hard as it is to follow the message jumping in, I tried to recall that one busy summer of Scripture study in 2009 and what I remembered about Second Corinthians. The last chapter is sort of a warning in a way, but also a reminder within that warning.
Verses 5 to 10: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, of course, you fail the test. I hope you will discover that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do evil, not that we may appear to have passed the test but that you may do what is right, even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. What we pray for is your improvement. I am writing this while I am away, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in virtue of the authority that the Lord has given me to build up and not to tear down."
I think in this passage I really reflected on three things. The first, is that we must always test ourselves constantly to see how we live with Christ in us, and always strive for that, even though we may seem to fail. The second, is that the truth is always the strongest and will always prevail. If we do anything to prove it otherwise, we only strengthen that truth. The third, is that we all have it within us to build up others or tear them down, and it's important to always try to build them up, just as Paul wants to do. Sometimes tearing down is the only way to rebuild, but as long as it is done with love, then it is okay.
How does that fit into my life? I always want the best for everyone around me. I want to build up as many as possible in the faith, and I want that truth of God's love to prevail in that love. I have to find a balance of building up and tearing down, not only as it applies to others, but in myself. I have to test myself too, to make sure I am walking in the light. It's not easy, but it is what is right.
One fun night of Bible Study with great women, with lot's of hugs, and greetings of comfort (as described in verses 11-13), and one of the many things that I was thankful for this day.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
21/365: St. Louis Cardinals
Last Friday (and Thursday too), the Cardinals made history in baseball. It was pretty epic to be involved, especially not being from here, but to see the excitement. It very much reminded me of VCU going to the Final Four, and how excited the students and the city, and eventually a lot of Virginia was in that situation.
I was very fortunate in my time here to have been given the opportunity to go to four games, and have amazing seats each time. The games were more fun than I would have thought and I think the experience of being in St. Louis and seeing these games made it better. The people of St. Louis are very kind people and very light-hearted. They have great spirit when it comes to life and baseball.
What I admired most about the Cardinals was how they didn't give up. Even in the last moment possible, they were able to pull together as a team and come back.
And several of the players stayed so humble and prayerful throughout all of it. Lance Berkman even commented that he doesn't pray for hits or runs, but he prays for the ability to use his gifts to do the best he can during the game. Several of the players looked up or pointed at the sky after touching home plate, attributing their successes to God. In game 3 when Albert Pujols hit 3 home runs, only the 3rd person to ever do that in the World Series, he said that he did it for the team.
The people of St. Louis went nuts after the game - cars honking, fireworks, music and dancing in the streets - it was fantastic. And tens of thousands showed up to see the parade with all the players. What an amazing time to be in St. Louis.
I am thankful for the generosity of the people who gave me tickets, the excitement of the game, and the humbleness of the players.
I was very fortunate in my time here to have been given the opportunity to go to four games, and have amazing seats each time. The games were more fun than I would have thought and I think the experience of being in St. Louis and seeing these games made it better. The people of St. Louis are very kind people and very light-hearted. They have great spirit when it comes to life and baseball.
What I admired most about the Cardinals was how they didn't give up. Even in the last moment possible, they were able to pull together as a team and come back.
And several of the players stayed so humble and prayerful throughout all of it. Lance Berkman even commented that he doesn't pray for hits or runs, but he prays for the ability to use his gifts to do the best he can during the game. Several of the players looked up or pointed at the sky after touching home plate, attributing their successes to God. In game 3 when Albert Pujols hit 3 home runs, only the 3rd person to ever do that in the World Series, he said that he did it for the team.
The people of St. Louis went nuts after the game - cars honking, fireworks, music and dancing in the streets - it was fantastic. And tens of thousands showed up to see the parade with all the players. What an amazing time to be in St. Louis.
I am thankful for the generosity of the people who gave me tickets, the excitement of the game, and the humbleness of the players.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
20/365: How I Met Your Mother
This post is going to be LEGEN-wait for it-DARY because it is about my favorite show, which is just legendary. How I Met Your Mother and all the awesome jokes and memories I have with it mean a lot to me. I have enjoyed over the years watching it (sometimes in large quantities) with lot's of friends from all over the place. I also can relate to it in an uncanny way as far as the story lines go and the characters are developed. I feel like the show has just fit into my life in the most perfect way possible.
This show also serves as such a great icebreaker for me. It really brought me together with so many people in college, and beyond that it's fans are so widespread and of so many different backgrounds that I have been able to meet lot's of people because of our common love for it. It brought me passion for life and finding happiness. I've gone through the emotions alongside the characters and my friends, as we go through the same motions becoming young adults and facing all the challenges around.
The Season 7 premiere happened, and I was just so excited. My two favorite characters are Barney and Robin. I feel very much like Robin a lot - similarity in seeking approval of our fathers, putting my career ahead of my love life, secretly wanting a deep love, always making dry and sarcastic comments, secretly girly in the strangest aspects, and most of all, always falling for someone that has many complex layers - like Barney.
Barney is just a great character. He is always trying to sleep with dumb women and tries the craziest tricks to get them to sleep with him. He always has silly lines and fun catch phrases, but secretly he is a nice gentleman, dying for a reason to come out, which is love.
That being said, I hope it's Barney and Robin together in the end :)
Lily and Marshall are great characters! Lily is interesting because she always has these random freak-outs through out the season, in which you see her true side. She fears losing love and tries to runaway - something I can relate to. I can imagine Marshall would be my best friend. He is clever, smart, witty, and just really dorky and goofy. His character reminds me of all the best things I love about my best friends.
And lastly, there's Ted. A young, cute, successful guy who is struggling to find love, but so desperately wants it. He has all these nerdy quirks, but he's just a nice guy - like so many out there. Despite all his trials, he still pushes on, feeling the pains that all of us searching for that perfect someone feel. I also like that as a guy, he's not afraid to show his emotions.
I love this show, and I'm so thankful for all the laughter it's brought to my life over the years. I'm thankful if I've gotten to share in it with you reading this.
Here are some of my favorite moments:
Bang Song: http://youtu.be/9d6f9j7gAdY
Barney Praying: http://youtu.be/2DSPUbMFgFQ
Canadian Robin: http://youtu.be/l_PIixlTHfQ
(Ignore the German) Super Date song: http://youtu.be/RBWX7wBCDik?t=48s
Stand By Me: http://youtu.be/CEmhH9aWydo
Marshall Sings (Part 1): http://youtu.be/f3Z1sflBWtA
Marshall Sings (Part 2): http://youtu.be/5WrNUL9FjoU
Running a Bar: http://youtu.be/Gfuie3WxPsU
Slap #2: http://youtu.be/zk20WWY15uc
Cat Funeral: http://youtu.be/srLzP8LYi7Q
Robin Sparkles: http://youtu.be/z8pEzi1E5Og
Robin and Barney Dance from the new Season: http://youtu.be/stYm46El5SY
And of course, my favorite episode - Slapsgiving: http://youtu.be/EUOWWD5eB1Q
This show also serves as such a great icebreaker for me. It really brought me together with so many people in college, and beyond that it's fans are so widespread and of so many different backgrounds that I have been able to meet lot's of people because of our common love for it. It brought me passion for life and finding happiness. I've gone through the emotions alongside the characters and my friends, as we go through the same motions becoming young adults and facing all the challenges around.
The Season 7 premiere happened, and I was just so excited. My two favorite characters are Barney and Robin. I feel very much like Robin a lot - similarity in seeking approval of our fathers, putting my career ahead of my love life, secretly wanting a deep love, always making dry and sarcastic comments, secretly girly in the strangest aspects, and most of all, always falling for someone that has many complex layers - like Barney.
Barney is just a great character. He is always trying to sleep with dumb women and tries the craziest tricks to get them to sleep with him. He always has silly lines and fun catch phrases, but secretly he is a nice gentleman, dying for a reason to come out, which is love.
That being said, I hope it's Barney and Robin together in the end :)
Lily and Marshall are great characters! Lily is interesting because she always has these random freak-outs through out the season, in which you see her true side. She fears losing love and tries to runaway - something I can relate to. I can imagine Marshall would be my best friend. He is clever, smart, witty, and just really dorky and goofy. His character reminds me of all the best things I love about my best friends.
And lastly, there's Ted. A young, cute, successful guy who is struggling to find love, but so desperately wants it. He has all these nerdy quirks, but he's just a nice guy - like so many out there. Despite all his trials, he still pushes on, feeling the pains that all of us searching for that perfect someone feel. I also like that as a guy, he's not afraid to show his emotions.
I love this show, and I'm so thankful for all the laughter it's brought to my life over the years. I'm thankful if I've gotten to share in it with you reading this.
Here are some of my favorite moments:
Bang Song: http://youtu.be/9d6f9j7gAdY
Barney Praying: http://youtu.be/2DSPUbMFgFQ
Canadian Robin: http://youtu.be/l_PIixlTHfQ
(Ignore the German) Super Date song: http://youtu.be/RBWX7wBCDik?t=48s
Stand By Me: http://youtu.be/CEmhH9aWydo
Marshall Sings (Part 1): http://youtu.be/f3Z1sflBWtA
Marshall Sings (Part 2): http://youtu.be/5WrNUL9FjoU
Running a Bar: http://youtu.be/Gfuie3WxPsU
Slap #2: http://youtu.be/zk20WWY15uc
Cat Funeral: http://youtu.be/srLzP8LYi7Q
Robin Sparkles: http://youtu.be/z8pEzi1E5Og
Robin and Barney Dance from the new Season: http://youtu.be/stYm46El5SY
And of course, my favorite episode - Slapsgiving: http://youtu.be/EUOWWD5eB1Q
Monday, September 19, 2011
19/365: Brentwood Starbucks
I've been going to Starbucks in Brentwood more often recently. Now that it's getting cooler, and we are almost to scarf season (which I promise will be an upcoming entry when it's time!), I have had minor cravings for no-water Chai and Pumpkin Spice Lattes :)
Well this weekend I was pretty ill with my allergies, almost to the point of needing to go to the ER. I have been trying to drink something warm to relieve my throat itchiness and discomfort. I was pretty swollen today and decided to go through the drive up window just to get my no-water Chai. Well as I got to the window, I realized I didn't have my wallet.
The guy was about to hand me my drink, but I explained the situation. I said I'd be back in a few minutes to get the drink. He took one look at me and saw how sick I was and said, "You seem like you aren't feeling well, I hope this makes you feel better. You can pay another day."
I thanked him, went home, got my wallet, and came back to pay. He said there was no need to come back, but thanked me anyway.
I'm thankful for this experience, because I think I needed a reminder that humanity isn't as bad as my heart sometimes internalizes it to be. This man was nice enough to give me a free drink, and trust that maybe I would come back and pay for it. He made my day, and I'm pretty sure that the perfectly made drink also made me feel a little better.
Thanks for making my day, Brentwood Starbucks!
Well this weekend I was pretty ill with my allergies, almost to the point of needing to go to the ER. I have been trying to drink something warm to relieve my throat itchiness and discomfort. I was pretty swollen today and decided to go through the drive up window just to get my no-water Chai. Well as I got to the window, I realized I didn't have my wallet.
The guy was about to hand me my drink, but I explained the situation. I said I'd be back in a few minutes to get the drink. He took one look at me and saw how sick I was and said, "You seem like you aren't feeling well, I hope this makes you feel better. You can pay another day."
I thanked him, went home, got my wallet, and came back to pay. He said there was no need to come back, but thanked me anyway.
I'm thankful for this experience, because I think I needed a reminder that humanity isn't as bad as my heart sometimes internalizes it to be. This man was nice enough to give me a free drink, and trust that maybe I would come back and pay for it. He made my day, and I'm pretty sure that the perfectly made drink also made me feel a little better.
Thanks for making my day, Brentwood Starbucks!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
18/365: Unplanned Adventures
Today was one of the craziest fun days of my life. I have been out of my apartment (in dress clothes) for 20 hours. It was a blur and a whirlwind.
It's always the days that you think are going to be ordinary, that turn out to be extraordinary.
I got up this morning and got ready for Mass. I was on for announcements this weekend and was extremely nervous. There were even two special announcements from separate speakers that I had to worry about on the top of my nerves. All went well and I thankfully did not faint, as has happened in the past when I public speak/perform solo.
And so afterwards, I was mingling on the patio, when by random chance I was offered an expensive Cardinal's ticket for a game that began 20 minutes later. I ended up going with Mark (an intern) and Jésus (a past intern and now resident at the CSC) and we pretty much died of laughter the entire time. It was good genuine fun with two great gentleman. The crowd was fun and I just LOVED my first major league game. I danced, cheered, booed, and even had some stadium food. It was fantastic.
After arriving back at the CSC I got to take the Church van to Six Flags to pick up two students who wanted to come home early from Wash U's Freshman Day at the Park so they could go to Freshman Welcome Night at the CSC and then to 9pm Mass. I really got to enjoy the company of two girls, one of which just came back from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia. She also talked about her Steubenville experience over the years. We talked about my experience in RCIA through the ride. It was really cool, because she was so excited about being a part of the CSC.
We got to Welcome Night and all was going smoothly. I was put on the spot all of a sudden to speak publicly about the CSC in front of a crowd, which scared me A LOT. As soon as I was done, I went upstairs to get ready to join the musicians (including a new violinist Katie, a freshman). As soon as I got to the lobby, the entire block's power went out. The CSC was dark about 15 minutes before Mass started. It was a chaotic mess because there were tours going on, and people coming in for Mass with no light, and a completely dark chapel. Somehow, the staff and students pulled off cooling the place down, setting up candles, and setting up for Mass just in the right amount of time.
After that Mass, which was extraordinarily beautiful because it seemed like everyone's heart was really there,I mingled with some students and took some freshman back to the South 40. I came back to see if any help was needed and ended up on an adventure...
Side note: Ever since the How I Met Your Mother Episode, "Nothing Good Happens After 2am," as well as my own personal experiences, I have decided that really - nothing good happens after 2am.
I don't know whether I was proven right or wrong. I had a great time. It started out with - "Hey we're going to Royale for drinks for so-and-so's birthday" turned into let's get more drinks at a different bar and then finally turned into drinks in East St. Louis and me walking into my apartment at sunrise.
Since most of you reading this are not from the area, East St. Louis is so bad, it's actually not in MO, it's in IL across the border.
I won't discuss the details, because the night was like Vegas, but I do have to say that my fellow intern, Mark, can bust a move and I haven't had that much fun in a long time.
All in all, I'm thankful for unplanned adventures.
It's always the days that you think are going to be ordinary, that turn out to be extraordinary.
I got up this morning and got ready for Mass. I was on for announcements this weekend and was extremely nervous. There were even two special announcements from separate speakers that I had to worry about on the top of my nerves. All went well and I thankfully did not faint, as has happened in the past when I public speak/perform solo.
And so afterwards, I was mingling on the patio, when by random chance I was offered an expensive Cardinal's ticket for a game that began 20 minutes later. I ended up going with Mark (an intern) and Jésus (a past intern and now resident at the CSC) and we pretty much died of laughter the entire time. It was good genuine fun with two great gentleman. The crowd was fun and I just LOVED my first major league game. I danced, cheered, booed, and even had some stadium food. It was fantastic.
After arriving back at the CSC I got to take the Church van to Six Flags to pick up two students who wanted to come home early from Wash U's Freshman Day at the Park so they could go to Freshman Welcome Night at the CSC and then to 9pm Mass. I really got to enjoy the company of two girls, one of which just came back from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia. She also talked about her Steubenville experience over the years. We talked about my experience in RCIA through the ride. It was really cool, because she was so excited about being a part of the CSC.
We got to Welcome Night and all was going smoothly. I was put on the spot all of a sudden to speak publicly about the CSC in front of a crowd, which scared me A LOT. As soon as I was done, I went upstairs to get ready to join the musicians (including a new violinist Katie, a freshman). As soon as I got to the lobby, the entire block's power went out. The CSC was dark about 15 minutes before Mass started. It was a chaotic mess because there were tours going on, and people coming in for Mass with no light, and a completely dark chapel. Somehow, the staff and students pulled off cooling the place down, setting up candles, and setting up for Mass just in the right amount of time.
After that Mass, which was extraordinarily beautiful because it seemed like everyone's heart was really there,I mingled with some students and took some freshman back to the South 40. I came back to see if any help was needed and ended up on an adventure...
Side note: Ever since the How I Met Your Mother Episode, "Nothing Good Happens After 2am," as well as my own personal experiences, I have decided that really - nothing good happens after 2am.
I don't know whether I was proven right or wrong. I had a great time. It started out with - "Hey we're going to Royale for drinks for so-and-so's birthday" turned into let's get more drinks at a different bar and then finally turned into drinks in East St. Louis and me walking into my apartment at sunrise.
Since most of you reading this are not from the area, East St. Louis is so bad, it's actually not in MO, it's in IL across the border.
I won't discuss the details, because the night was like Vegas, but I do have to say that my fellow intern, Mark, can bust a move and I haven't had that much fun in a long time.
All in all, I'm thankful for unplanned adventures.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
17/365: New Beginnings and a New Adventure
This past month, I have been blessed with the opportunity to try something new. To start in a new place, live a new life, and make new friends (while still keeping the old).
And I have to say, it's been great, while still full of challenges.
But without these challenges, I cannot grow and experience a new kind of campus ministry and a new way of life here.
It took a serious leap of faith to get me here. Not only dropping my whole life, moving to St. Louis, magically making it in my little car, and going somewhere I had never been before. But just a leap of faith in my own heart with God. This last year was full of so much pain, and finally coming out of all that pain, I wasn't sure where to go. Even though I know in my brain that God never leaves us, I was not quite ready to accept that fact in my heart after being put through months of suffering and pain and hurt. But here I am, standing on the other side, God holding my hand and putting me right where I'm needed.
I remember the first time I ever jumped into a pool from the side. My swimming teacher was ready to catch me, yet I was so scared to make that jump. It made sense in my brain, and logically it worked, but my heart had not caught up. That's what my life has felt like for a year. I felt like I moved from the locker room, to the bench, to dipping my toes in, to finally jumping.
And God caught me, with open arms, just like he does each and every time.
Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall, In the dead of night whenever you call, And please don't fight these hands that are holding you, My hands are holding you.
And now here I am. I've been here almost 4 weeks and I finally jumped. It's come with some difficulties and some hurdles that I am working to jump over, but I am happy. I feel a sense of joy and peace that I haven't felt in a while.
I almost feel like an entirely new person.
And so I am thankful for this new beginning and new adventure.
And I have to say, it's been great, while still full of challenges.
But without these challenges, I cannot grow and experience a new kind of campus ministry and a new way of life here.
It took a serious leap of faith to get me here. Not only dropping my whole life, moving to St. Louis, magically making it in my little car, and going somewhere I had never been before. But just a leap of faith in my own heart with God. This last year was full of so much pain, and finally coming out of all that pain, I wasn't sure where to go. Even though I know in my brain that God never leaves us, I was not quite ready to accept that fact in my heart after being put through months of suffering and pain and hurt. But here I am, standing on the other side, God holding my hand and putting me right where I'm needed.
I remember the first time I ever jumped into a pool from the side. My swimming teacher was ready to catch me, yet I was so scared to make that jump. It made sense in my brain, and logically it worked, but my heart had not caught up. That's what my life has felt like for a year. I felt like I moved from the locker room, to the bench, to dipping my toes in, to finally jumping.
And God caught me, with open arms, just like he does each and every time.
Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall, In the dead of night whenever you call, And please don't fight these hands that are holding you, My hands are holding you.
And now here I am. I've been here almost 4 weeks and I finally jumped. It's come with some difficulties and some hurdles that I am working to jump over, but I am happy. I feel a sense of joy and peace that I haven't felt in a while.
I almost feel like an entirely new person.
And so I am thankful for this new beginning and new adventure.
Hiatus - Returning Back To Life
Hello everyone!
I just wanted to say to all of my faithful readers that I am sorry! I took a hiatus first because of the GRE in June, but then because I traveled/moved so many times in July/August that I couldn't keep up!
Well now that I am settled in and unpacking, I am back in action - ready to take on the world, one day at a time. I have decided, that I am not going to stick to 365 days of the year, rather 365 days of my own time. A life in ministry takes lot's of crazy steps sometimes and each day I may only have a few moments to personally reflect myself. I'd still like to be able to share this experience with others and hopefully inspire others to be more thankful and appreciative of what they have.
The last 2-3 months have really been a learning experience for me in a large way. I had to really learn to trust God more than I ever thought. I had to really learn to give up my own agenda and my own vision for my life, and follow the one that God has for me. It may not look so glamorous in even my eyes at times, but I have everything I need, and even the things that I want will come back when they are needed. I took a little jump (about 900 miles long) to St. Louis, where I'm now overwhelmingly excited to be working as an intern.
I would also like to say that I have learned about a new kind of prayer, one that I really like. It's called the Examen (an Ignatian prayer). Sr. Linda, a campus minister, explained it to us. Since I've been unable to write in this blog for a while, I have been using this prayer every evening before I sleep to help me focus on those things I am most thankful. I love it, because the very first step is saying a prayer of Thanksgiving.
Thank you for reading, and I can't wait to write more in the coming months.
I just wanted to say to all of my faithful readers that I am sorry! I took a hiatus first because of the GRE in June, but then because I traveled/moved so many times in July/August that I couldn't keep up!
Well now that I am settled in and unpacking, I am back in action - ready to take on the world, one day at a time. I have decided, that I am not going to stick to 365 days of the year, rather 365 days of my own time. A life in ministry takes lot's of crazy steps sometimes and each day I may only have a few moments to personally reflect myself. I'd still like to be able to share this experience with others and hopefully inspire others to be more thankful and appreciative of what they have.
The last 2-3 months have really been a learning experience for me in a large way. I had to really learn to trust God more than I ever thought. I had to really learn to give up my own agenda and my own vision for my life, and follow the one that God has for me. It may not look so glamorous in even my eyes at times, but I have everything I need, and even the things that I want will come back when they are needed. I took a little jump (about 900 miles long) to St. Louis, where I'm now overwhelmingly excited to be working as an intern.
I would also like to say that I have learned about a new kind of prayer, one that I really like. It's called the Examen (an Ignatian prayer). Sr. Linda, a campus minister, explained it to us. Since I've been unable to write in this blog for a while, I have been using this prayer every evening before I sleep to help me focus on those things I am most thankful. I love it, because the very first step is saying a prayer of Thanksgiving.
Thank you for reading, and I can't wait to write more in the coming months.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)