I remember hearing the sounds of the classic made famous by Frank Sinatra when John and I had gone to Maggiano's last time I visited the city. It was being played on the piano by a man who sang along in that Goulet lounge style. This time, we would hear it while enjoying the sights at the Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday. This time too, it was being played on a banjo?? Yes, it is possible.
Last weekend was a celebration of my birthday. I got to hang out with Janna, Ariel, and of course, John. It felt like a whirlwind of events that I simply don't have time to delve into, but I do want to mention some of them.
For instance, the Lincoln Park Zoo. The initial perk is that it's free (the Shedd might want to borrow this idea.. I'm just sayin), but it is also filled with all sorts of wonderful animals! John and I found ourselves often just staring at the majesty of their every move, and in awe of how powerful those lions, and tigers and bears really are!
Then there was going to EBF again, which I miss so much. Or even joining a couple Northwestern classes--one with John, and another with Janna--and being reminded of how fun going to class actually can be. Yes, I said it! And there was Sunday brunch at Hinman. And walking along Lake Michigan; enjoying a sunrise..
We shared a dinner with Ariel and her beau after the long day at the zoo. That was so much fun to catch up! She's going to graduate next March! When did time fly? Or how about the fact that Janna is graduating this next month!! wow.
I also loved going to Giordano's for dinner on Sunday (my birthday). That pizza is superb, and it was a delight to hang out with John in the city on a much warmer day than my last visit! His family called during this time to sing happy birthday to me. They sang beautifully, and I was reminded of how different they are from my family. The tradition for us, you see, is to sing as off-key and as obnoxious as possible, while what I heard on the other end of the phone was very soothing. No crying babies involved. haha.
Whoa. I'm getting older. :P Pictures in the next post!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
God >
I've read the passage from the book of John several times: He must become greater, I must become less (John 3:30).
I've always read this verse with an emphasis on the last part. That is, I try to do things (how ironic--doing "more") that put me less and less in the limelight, and I feel by doing so, I am obedient. My mom recently told me a story about a woman who looked at the verse that says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, without recognizing that it was Christ who did the work. She kept focusing on the fact that She could do all things, and neglected the rest.
Hearing that has reminded me that I do the same thing. I'm just as guilty. Because the process of becoming less includes making more of Christ instead. I am like an alcoholic who simply quits drinking, but doesn't put something there to replace the anxiety that led to excessively drinking in the first place. While I can take away the problem (I become less), I am not filling myself up with something healthier (Christ becomes greater).
What happens is I become less, while honestly still craving the recognition. I just finished a book where the author was convicted of the pride he felt when told that he was a great, "Our favorite," speaker. In his prayer to thank God afterward, he realized that he was getting the praise that God, and only God, deserved.
I like how the Message puts it: This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.
I had even gotten the order messed up. I thought that if I became less first, then He would naturally become more. The reality is the reverse. When Christ is at the center, and that is my first and foremost aim, then I will automatically become less.
I've always read this verse with an emphasis on the last part. That is, I try to do things (how ironic--doing "more") that put me less and less in the limelight, and I feel by doing so, I am obedient. My mom recently told me a story about a woman who looked at the verse that says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, without recognizing that it was Christ who did the work. She kept focusing on the fact that She could do all things, and neglected the rest.
Hearing that has reminded me that I do the same thing. I'm just as guilty. Because the process of becoming less includes making more of Christ instead. I am like an alcoholic who simply quits drinking, but doesn't put something there to replace the anxiety that led to excessively drinking in the first place. While I can take away the problem (I become less), I am not filling myself up with something healthier (Christ becomes greater).
What happens is I become less, while honestly still craving the recognition. I just finished a book where the author was convicted of the pride he felt when told that he was a great, "Our favorite," speaker. In his prayer to thank God afterward, he realized that he was getting the praise that God, and only God, deserved.
I like how the Message puts it: This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.
I had even gotten the order messed up. I thought that if I became less first, then He would naturally become more. The reality is the reverse. When Christ is at the center, and that is my first and foremost aim, then I will automatically become less.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A little more conversation
This week has been filled with great discussion with students!
It started off with an hour and a half of me sharing about Russia with Lexie. It was wonderful to tell that story with another who loves culture so much. I mean, she is traveling throughout the Middle East this summer!
Last night, I ended up hanging out with Chelsea for about four hours! We shared dinner, played some Wii Boxing and Tennis, as well as played Wii American Idol (that was hilarious). We got into some good conversation in between all of this, and I even got to ask her about what she thinks about church. I loved her honesty, and I loved talking for 2 1/2 straight hours!
This morning, I met with Janelle and Susie for another talk about Russia. I'm glad that I've finished a scrapbook about it (it helps that I had journaled everything, and included knick knacks within the journal--a quicker version of a scrapbook), to use as a visual while I talk. We also prayed for each other before I had to drop them off back home so they could go to school.
Then this afternoon, I got to hang out with Lauren. I have a feeling that if she didn't have to be back at a certain time, we would have talked much longer. We talked about the world--how to make things better. And you must understand that she has an amazing heart for Africa, as well as a father who challenges her to think more critically about the easy answers. It was great to listen to her, and honestly a bit surprising.
I thank God for letting me be involved in the students lives, even in simple ways such as talking.
It started off with an hour and a half of me sharing about Russia with Lexie. It was wonderful to tell that story with another who loves culture so much. I mean, she is traveling throughout the Middle East this summer!
Last night, I ended up hanging out with Chelsea for about four hours! We shared dinner, played some Wii Boxing and Tennis, as well as played Wii American Idol (that was hilarious). We got into some good conversation in between all of this, and I even got to ask her about what she thinks about church. I loved her honesty, and I loved talking for 2 1/2 straight hours!
This morning, I met with Janelle and Susie for another talk about Russia. I'm glad that I've finished a scrapbook about it (it helps that I had journaled everything, and included knick knacks within the journal--a quicker version of a scrapbook), to use as a visual while I talk. We also prayed for each other before I had to drop them off back home so they could go to school.
Then this afternoon, I got to hang out with Lauren. I have a feeling that if she didn't have to be back at a certain time, we would have talked much longer. We talked about the world--how to make things better. And you must understand that she has an amazing heart for Africa, as well as a father who challenges her to think more critically about the easy answers. It was great to listen to her, and honestly a bit surprising.
I thank God for letting me be involved in the students lives, even in simple ways such as talking.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Reason
I had said plans change for a reason.
What it meant was that had I left on an earlier flight, I would not have sat next to Masha. And had I not sat next to Masha, I would have not had the opportunity to share the truth of Jesus with her. That in itself is enough for me to remember that God knows what He's doing.
I will leave this story where it is, because there is just too much to say about everything, and I'm not quite sure where to start yet. I just wanted to give you a quick encouragement before I headed off to work. I promise that the story of my trip is coming soon!
What it meant was that had I left on an earlier flight, I would not have sat next to Masha. And had I not sat next to Masha, I would have not had the opportunity to share the truth of Jesus with her. That in itself is enough for me to remember that God knows what He's doing.
I will leave this story where it is, because there is just too much to say about everything, and I'm not quite sure where to start yet. I just wanted to give you a quick encouragement before I headed off to work. I promise that the story of my trip is coming soon!
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