Under His Blue Sky

She's Goin' Hollywood

2011-09-05T11:18:00.002-06:00

Gonna miss her. But I also understand why she's doing this. Acting is her passion, and I agree it's necessary for all of us to examine who we really are and what we truly want in life. The outcome is unpredictable, but the Lord will be in the midst of her journey...as He is in all our journeys.

This is an issue in my life. Coming from a background where I wasn't allowed to "just be," I still have challenges getting in touch with desire. Because of this, I have trouble obeying the Word:

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. ~~Psalm 37:3-5

But because of Sarah's example and other wonderful mentors, this is becoming easier. There's no formula, but I do know if I pursue Him wholeheartedly, He will give.

Birthday Retreat

2011-08-27T18:18:00.003-06:00

Today is my birthday, and six weeks ago I was considering celebrating it in New York City. In light of current events, i.e. Hurricane Irene, try to imagine what that would have been like.

The Lord knew back then that I needed to be somewhere else, and for reasons that I couldn't explain, decided to find a quiet getaway in a part of Colorado that I hadn't seen. My internet search brought me to the E Z Yoke Christian Retreat just outside Beulah, Colorado. The property is located by San Isabel National Forest and is owned/operated by a retired couple who used to live in Boulder.

There are 16 beds, including a fireplace, living room, basement, and a huge loft with a library. What's even more hilarious is I just happened to show up on a weekend when no one else was here besides the owners. I had a 8-bedroom house with a kitchen all to myself. Just the heavenly environment an introvert craves.

My first desire was to romp in the outdoors, so I hit a not-so-groomed trail in back of the property. The resident dogs followed me and led me to the their favorite spots. I had a few slips and scratches, no biggie. But when I quit following the dogs, I got lost (spiritual lesson there?). One of the pooches stayed by my side while I struggled back to the main road and to the retreat. For me that was an exhilirating adventure, but for the poor dog a bit confusing, as she wasn't comfortable being on the road. For her trouble I gave her a hug and big bowl of water when we returned. Don't know if she'll ever trust me again for a hike.

The rest of the evening, I meditated, read, and wrote. I don't remember the last time I sat around, resting. It was wonderful asking God to reveal Himself and give me His perspective. It was fun to go back to my life plan and update future possibilities. It was also an opportunity to pray for others, especially my friends on the East Coast who have been hammered by the 5.8 earthquake and now the 85 mph winds and rain.

This has been a true Sabbath in a place that I'd like to return to. Perhaps I'll bring others with me. Or maybe not. What matters is that this has been a wonderful birthday celebration, filled with the presence of God.

Ecuador, Second Time Around

2011-07-03T00:13:00.001-06:00

The first trip was in 2000 and radically different from this one. First time: very little people contact. Second time around: lots and lots, and it felt good. I traveled with a miniscule team: the Vick family, consisting of Tim (dad), Marianne (mom), and Kerra (daughter). Logistically, it was nice. Workwise a bit challenging because it would take more than four people to implement the entire program. Fortunately, the permanent workers filled in the gaps. Before departure, our team put together the content and supplies for a traveling kids' club, a jewelry-making class for adult women, and a financial seminar for men/couples. Since I volunteered to do the childrens' Bible stories, most of my time was spent putting the lessons together.

I created a video of the trip (3 mins. 26 secs.), so please take a look!

My biggest challenge was language. Although I lived in Puerto Rico for seven years as a child and reached fluency, I still had to work hard to prepare. I had forgotten lots of words and was going back and forth between the Bible lessons and Google Translate to remember how to say things. The effort was worth it! I was nervous right before the first time I spoke, but once my mouth opened, the words came. I believe I spoke in tongues, according to the Book of Acts.

The Land - Loja Province is beautiful. Small towns hide in the Andes Mountains under the hot sun. During the flight in, we observed rich green hillsides and an agrarian economy. The cost of living is a fraction of mine and incomes are next to nothing.

The People - Historically, people have been untrusting and occasionally hostile to outsiders. But we did not encounter this. Kids and adults welcomed us with hugs, kisses, and conversation. Many thanks to the workers who have faithfully cared for the communities and won the hearts of many.

The Work - A smattering of churches have sprung throughout the province, and they are growing. But there are towns that still live in spiritual darkness. Even though our team did not encounter open opposition, we've heard there are folks who still slander. My prayer is that the churches will continue to grow in spite of the opposition and that the slanderers will come around.

The Lans' - I've known Mark and Ruth for years, even before they started dating. This was a great reunion because they are doing well, and their two boys, Nathan and Caleb, are adjusting. Nathan, age 6, already speaks the language. Mom and dad are making lots of friends and are initiating ministry.

The Martinez' - This was my first introduction to this family, and all I can say is wow! David and Rocio are seasoned shepherds and teachers. Their ability to care for and disciple people impressed me incredibly. And they are hospitable to the max. As soon as I met them, I felt like I didn't want to leave them. We talked and talked (in Spanish) and fellowshipped. Back in the day when Christians were run out of town with sticks and rocks, the Martinez' were among the persecuted. But that didn't stop them. They've been faithful in ministry for over 20 years.

The Takeaway - Positive progress has been made. The air almost felt lighter as we traveled to various locations in Gonzanamá, Portete, and El Fundo. God is breaking through. I wasn't ready to leave even though my allergies and sinuses behaved badly during most of the trip. But my physical condition didn't overcome my excitement.

2010 In Review

2010-12-30T15:49:00.001-07:00

This year is harder to recap because, well, it doesn't feel like I did much. No missions trips, no big changes in home, work, or church. But then again, there is much to be thankful for. The Lord has demonstrated faithfulness in every area.

Ministry: I've been on the Missions Committee for 16 months, and it has been fun. I don't feel burned out or discouraged even though there are constant areas that need attention. Because of work I'm not always as social with our missionaries as I would like, but relationships are in place and growing. I've learned to use Skype! Also, I am writing some of the text for Missions Emphasis publications again. This year's focus will be iMissions, a.k.a. furthering the news of Jesus through effective use of technology. Steve Saint, founder of i-tec will be our headline speaker, so the house should be packed.

Work: Still have a job! The company focused on executive layoffs and got the numbers, so the rest of us should be okay at least for a while. I don't have plans to leave at this time, but who knows what the Lord will do 2011. No way to predict what I'll be doing.

Creativity: This is probably the area that has changed the most. I started an online freelancing business in July. It was exciting at first, but, lately, the thrill wore off and I haven't posted a blog for at least two months. I've had trouble facing the truth – I have no passion for secular business. Ministry is still what drives me. Sooo, I'm in process of making decisions for 2011. Looks like I will continue investing in church ministry and delving deeper into the BILD series, which is a seminary-level leadership training program. These two commitments require plenty of creativity and energy, and they are activities I've been doing and love.

More creativity: I always get holiday pay between Christmas and New Year's Day, which gives me time to explore projects and hobbies. This year I dusted off a manuscript for a book that I started in Spain. It's a personal memoir and an attempt to look at God's intervention in my life circumstances. Frankly, this has not been easy to write, but the parts where God breaks through make this effort worth the energy. I have no idea what the final form will look like and can't go down that road yet. So far, I've written three chapters with seven more to go. Later, with help from others, we'll see what form the final package will take.

As for favorite books/movies, I don't have much to recommend. I finished Bram Stoker's Dracula on Tuesday and thought it was, well, poor taste (pun intended) and dull. Most of the movies were ho hum, except for the Babies documentary. For 2011, I started Don Quixote (Cervantes) and Kidnapped (Robert Louis Stevenson), but I will only be able to chip away a few pages at a time.

My biggest prayer is to re-start overseas travel in 2011. I had to stop completely since I returned from Spain, and it was the right decision. At the moment, I'm tentative for one summer trip and have a few more weeks before commitment time.

Have a spectacular New Year. Trust in His promises. Remember His goodness. Share His love!

Boulder Tea House | Mark of a Gifted Nation

2010-10-29T19:11:00.001-06:00

From Dushanbe Teahouse, Boulder, CO

If you've never been to the Dushanbe tea house in Bouler, Colorado, I highly recommend. Boulder and Dushanbe are "sister cities." Not sure what that meanns, but it's clear from the above picture that we exchange magnificent art.

The tea house is a full-service restaurant with sculptures and wall trimmings throughout. The food is Boulder-like -- healthy and fru-fru.

I sat next to a small waterfall, so I got to listen to the sound of rushing water. That's one of my favorite sounds because water reminds me of life and freedom under the stars -- an association that came from overnight camping trips.

But, mostly, I loved looking at stuff all over the establishment. Someone in Tajikistan took painstaking effort to mold, carve, and glaze lots of pretty stuff. I trust the artists made money because that's a very poor country. But if they didn't, I hope they gleaned satisfaction because it's always worth it to create.

Which takes me back to an interview with a friend who is a professional painter:

I sincerely believe that everyone is creative and exhibits creativity--there are many different styles and measures of creativity and whether you're a cook, painter, quoter-of-movies, writer, novice cartoonist, organizer of socks by color--whatever--we are creative beings.
~~ Alana Jordan

The Dushanbe Tea House reminds me it's good to share what you create. This is one of the best establishments in Boulder not just because of the food but because it's from the heart of a faraway city.

They gave, and the Good Book says that's good thing.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
~~Acts 20:35

I hope so because I want Dushanbe to be blessed. Correction -- I want the whole country of Tajikistan to be showered with His blessing. They are wonderful, gifted people over there who put me to shame with their diligence and resourcefulness. When I review my pictures of the Boulder Tea House, I think of them.

How to Connect From Afar -- Apostle Style

2010-10-17T20:25:00.000-06:00

Who's the greatest blogger ever? The Apostle Paul, of course. He made full use of every and any means to get the good word out to everyone he could possibly reach. The man went after everyone -- poor, rich, politicians, religious leaders -- with the love and salvation of Jesus.

In celebration of his example, I wrote an ebook on communication. It's mainly for overseas workers who aren't comfortable with using the internet. Since Paul used all means, including face-to-face contact, letter writing, sending other leaders, I focused on today's most popular internet tools:

* email newsletters
* blogs
* videos
* social media

How important is it for missionaries to connect with friends, family, and senders back home? Absolutely crucial. The more the better.

Click the buy button below and get my ebook, Creative Online Connections: Staying In Touch While Serving Overseas. It's only $7.

Picture of Contentment a.k.a Love My Hair

2010-10-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

This video has me rolling on the floor with laughter but not just because it's cute. It's also the story of my life. I've worn every style. How did they know?

This is also a reminder to enjoy what God has given. I don't always like my hair or even love it. But God must like it or He wouldn't have made it. I'm going to make this my hymn of grateful praise this week.

Beginning Stages

2010-09-27T05:54:00.001-06:00

My friend, Alana Jordan, is a professional painter. She creates displays for pizza places and other businesses. Her commercial art is done in obedience to God’s call, and she shares some of the challenges of her journey:

When I first started painting, after years of avoiding it, I was terrified to paint on canvas. It felt so permanent! Now, I celebrate layers! My "mistakes" have turned into my favorite paintings and best lessons. So I would say through prayer and simply holding onto at least the idea that I was an artist, I have made and am in the process of making my passion a business. I still give myself the permission to be a beginner, which is so freeing.

So true. Beauty emerges through layers. Perfection is borne from imperfection. Alana encourages me to remain a beginner. We are beginners at something in life, even skills we’ve been doing for years. I can perform a task over and over and still find a “no matter how…I can still….” Is that unhealthy perfectionism? I don’t think so. It’s about being human, and we humans will never reach the pinnacle.

* No matter how much I write, I can still misplace a comma.
* No matter how much I drive, I still have a blind spot.
* No matter how often I fry an omelet, I can still burn it.
* No matter how many times I offend people and apologize, I can still offend them.
* No matter how often I overcome prayerlessness, I still enter phases when I don’t want to pray.
* No matter how many times I read the Bible, there’s always something new to learn.

The cycle never ends in art or in life. We succeed and then fail. We learn and re-learn. We have no justification for pride or arrogance because our abilities come from Him:

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
~~ Psalm 18:32

Humility is recognizing our “beginner state” in the midst of proficiency. No matter how much we mature, we’re still imperfect. We still have to come to Christ as little children, poised to receive correction. This is how we progress toward perfection.

3 Magical Steps for On-the-Wall Creativity

2010-09-19T07:11:00.036-06:00

I've been talking to friends about creativity, and they are sharing fascinating tidbits about their art lives. For example, Barb, a former college classmate, paints. Her work is beautiful.

I love to paint Trompe L'Oeil murals (www.trompe-l-oeil-art.com). When my children were small I painted a lot of murals in their schools and around the county. I made a little money painting murals, shirts, ties and eggs.

I assumed she was doing it fulltime but learned about the obstacle that prevents her:

I now have carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis in my hands so it is difficult to paint large murals anymore for other people because I may be able to paint 2 hours or I may only be able to paint 15 minutes.

I feel a bit of inner reproof when I read her testimony because my excuse for not writing is that I only have 15 minutes. I mean, what can I accomplish with such a small chunk of time? To repent from that mentality, I will write this blog post in 15 minutes. Not just because Barb inspires me, but also I have beans on the stove that will burn if I don't attend to them.

And since Barb doesn't have a studio, here's where she paints:

I am only painting murals in my own house where it doesn't matter if I paint for just a few minutes, or take several months. I have considered it more of a hobby than a business, but with the economy the way it is I believe I will have to supplement my income with oil canvas paintings.

My other excuse for not writing is I don't have a fancy office. Just a family room with non-ergonomic equipment. Poor me.

I have also started a doorway on a wall in my living room which will give the illusion of being able to step through it onto a veranda overlooking the Mediterranean sea and the coastline of a village.

Don't you wish you could go to her house when she's finished? I'm going to make her send me a picture of that mural so I can post it here later.

The lessons I have learned about creativity are these:

1) Do what you can. Do not whine about what you can't do.
2) Work in small increments. Less results in more in the long run.
3) Make use of the limited resources at hand. That's probably all you need.

My time's up. Barb has given me the framework for greater productivity. How about you? How do you create in the midst of your life?

Celebrating Hard Work Through a Mural

2010-09-06T11:56:00.001-06:00

The ceiling mural in the Rockefeller Center has been a favorite since college days. When I visit Manhattan, I have enter NBC Studios and walk the full circle in the lobby to review every detail. I don't know how the artist created this effect, but no matter where you stand you see the working men in different stances. Start here:

From New York City 2009

And as you walk either direction, this figure appears to shift his body weight from one leg to the other:

From New York City 2009

The motion is fluid. It's magic! The guy looks like Hercules, and he makes his load seem light but, as you can imagine, it isn't. This mural inspires me to work harder for God, church, and country. It's a tribute to the American labor force and the goodness of work. This is a day to be thankful for whatever livelihood you have. Work isn't always easy, but it provides for food, shelter, and recreation. Without work, we would live on the streets and shrivel from discouragement. Happy Labor Day 2010!

Remembering Immigrant Children of Spain

2010-08-16T21:00:00.000-06:00

How long does it take to fully process a missions trip? A few weeks? Months? A lifetime? I'd say at least two years because I just now finished a four-minute video on part of the 2008 trip. I didn't get tons of footage, and here's the content I collected about Rainbows of Hope:

Many people groups all over the world called Spain the Nirvana of the Spanish-speaking universe. When I visited Ecuador in 2000, thousands of residents emmigrated illegally in the hopes of defeating poverty and finding a better life for their kids. Sadly, the opposite proved true. Most immigrants either found no work or low-paying positions. They moved into housing projects and worked two or three jobs to make ends meet in Spain's high-cost economy.

Today, the unemployment rate is much higher -- 25 percent -- and the competition for jobs has increased. I don't know the current state of affairs for immigrants, but I do know the issue is still volatile. The plight of immigrant children in Spain is one deserving the attention given by the adults featured in this video.

Since the taping of this footage, a number of teenagers have made important decisions for their lives. They have chosen salvation through Christ and are growing. They are finding support for their challenging lifestyles and spreading their new joy to their families and friends.

I haven't heard news about those two little boys who danced for me, but I hope they will be dancing for eternity if they haven't started already.

Healthcare Chart Makes It All Clear

2010-08-02T06:19:00.000-06:00

The old cliche "a picture is worth 1,000 words" takes on fresh meaning when applied to our nation's new healthcare system. Kudos to the Joint Economic Committee for doing the work of laying out these details. They also provide a link to the PDF for your careful study.

From Under His Blue Sky

A picture is now worth 1,000 plus pages of government legislation. Try finding Waldo in this maze.

What is a SEO Writer?

2010-07-25T17:16:00.002-06:00

Several friends have asked me what the SEO in Cronista SEO Writer stands for. Simply, it stands for search engine optimization, which is crucial when writing articles online. SEO has become one of the hottest technologies on the Internet, because it helps businesses increase their customer base by bringing added Internet traffic. My interest in SEO began two years ago while writing online articles for ezinearticles.com. I noticed some articles got many hits while others didn’t, and the reason had to do with specific words in the text. These words are called keywords and with them one can attract many more readers. When you enter a word or phrase into a search text box, you are looking for websites associated with those words. When many searchers enter the same keywords, those become popular keywords, also known as primary keywords.

Finding primary keywords requires research over time. You start with what you hear from customers and keep investigating. Since most business people don't have time to do keyword research, that's where I come in. SEO writers are responsible to write web content that is rich with keywords. The text has to read smoothly and contain the most important information at the top. The toughest trick of all is to ensure the keywords appear natural in the text, lest the search engines find the awkwardness and penalize the website.

Any kind of writing is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. You have to figure out what sentences go where and how they should be constructed. Web content writers carry the added responsibility of optimizing a website, which means making the web page easy to find through search. Already, I've discovered that once you publish a keyword-rich article, one still has to go back to track and trend the searches people are doing. Most business owners do not have time to continually update their content to keep it at the top of the search engine, and, once again, there is a need for writers with those skills.

Changed My Mind |This Blog Stays | New Website is Live

2010-07-23T20:55:00.001-06:00

Someone with tech savvy convinced me to keep this blog. Frankly, I'm relieved because I thought I needed to drop this site for the sake of the new one. Not so. Yay!

However, a redesign was in order. This template allows me to keep the old title, Under His Blue Sky, and incorporate the new logo.

The business site went live today, and I feel blessed to have found a great web developer. I'd been wanting a custom Wordpress site because of the fabulous web content management system. I got my training this morning and was blown away by the added features. Check it out. CronistaSEOWriter is here!

Graduation Attitude

2010-05-22T19:50:00.002-06:00

Graduation Cake
Originally uploaded by lisa_stevens

This is the peak of the grad party season. Question is: are we loving it? I love seeing the grads so happy. I also love hearing their thoughts about the future. They are not worried about the economy or whether they will find a career. They are happy to enter the world of change.

How I miss that innocence. Just this morning I was struggling with the idea of making life changes. Not that any are forced on me. But the day will come. I will have to transition from what's true today to something else -- something potentially scary if I allow it to be.

But the grads are reminding me to smile at the future. Yes, life will change whether it be new livelihood, home, marital status (not an aspiration), perhaps even health. But it will be okay. The Proverbs 31 woman smiled at the future. I will choose the same. How about you?

Out of gas yet?

2010-04-27T18:06:00.001-06:00

By the year 2000, if present trends continue, we will be using up crude oil at such a rate…that there won’t be any more crude oil. You’ll drive up to the pump and say, `Fill ‘er up, buddy,’ and he’ll say, `I am very sorry, there isn’t any.’”

Ecologist Kenneth Watt at the inaugural Earth Day in 1970

HT to The Foundry for this busted ancient prophecy. Ten years past this deadline, my biggest problem occurs when I go to the cheap station on Broadway. Lately, the pump seems to choke on credit cards, and I keep having to go in to ask the cashier to clear the previous user.

So the problem is not lack of petrol, just the Green Technology used to get it. Not the America I signed up for.

Haiti 2010: Under His Sky, Too

2010-04-17T13:56:00.000-06:00

Different pattern, same God.
~~Gloria Noelliste, Denver Seminary

This morning's Salt and Light seminar at Denver Seminary was filled with reality and hope. The critical incident team that traveled to Haiti, including several licensed Christian couselors, a chaplain, and the Director of the Grounds Institute of Public Ethics, reported on their March 2010 trip. Their collective conclusion was that the Haitians are rebuilding their country. Our role is to support them in their effort, not to judge or take over lest we short-circuit the process.

The goal of this team: "Care for Wounded Healers" by listening and helping them process their pain. So many Haitian medical professionals and clergy are caring for the masses while they grieve their own losses. Post-trauma is pandemic, and many people have been afraid to sleep or worship indoors for fear of aftershock. Many of the nation's leaders ask the same questions we would ask: "Did this earthquake happen because we are cursed?" and "Is God good?"

The good news communicated by this team is the answer to the first question is no, and answer to the second is yes. By reinvigorating a group of several hundred national leaders, hundreds of thousands of Haitians are doing more than fixing things -- they are experiencing inner restoration, i.e. their hearts and minds are understanding the Lord in a fresh way.

In the face of disaster, our only hope is to draw near to Him. The patterns of the sky and circumstances we face may differ across the globe, but no matter where we are, He is still God. By all means, let's keep praying for that tiny nation but with the realization that many are embracing truth and hope.

Another request came at the end of seminar: The rainy season is coming and with it concerns about increase in disease. Pray for the medical teams in Haiti who may be dealing with additional challenges.

Otherness in the Age of Self-promotion

2010-04-12T05:57:00.000-06:00

For exultation comes from neither the east
Nor the west nor from the south
But God is the judge
He puts down one
And exalts another
~~Psalm 75:6-7

How many times have you seen an article or blog on self-promotion? If you read a lot, you've seen that advice scores of times. "You can't afford to be modest." "Self-promotion the only way to grow your career."

And yet I cringe every time I read such content. And often that advice turns out to be false, especially this last year with changes to way search engines work.

Now, so they say, the best way to increase traffic to your blog or web site is through lots of other-oriented content. Too much self-promotion turns people off.

Well, the latest talk is late, especially in view of the above verse. Otherness has been around a while. The people who attract me most are the ones who want to put others before themselves. And, apparently, the Lord sees that as a good thing, too. He is the promoter and the advancer. The Great Builder of all, including our lives and businesses. He doesn't promote in our time -- only His.

Quote of the Week

2010-04-08T20:21:00.001-06:00

Waiting for consensus is a fast track to mediocrity.
~~Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk on Twitter)

Just when I thought there was nothing to learn from Hollywood, along comes this bit of wisdom. This is my reminder to be clear about what I believe and be willing to stand up. I'm not always comfortable with extremism, but the idea of living a bland life feels worse.

It's Friday. Sunday's coming.

2010-04-02T15:49:00.002-06:00

Memory From a Roommate

2010-02-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

One of the my college roommates solved a mystery this morning.

Right before graduation each year, the seniors and juniors participated in a "passing of the baton" ceremony where each senior shares a verse with a junior and gives a charge for the future. Years ago, I forgot what I said.

On Facebook, my longest running roommie brought it all back:

Hey Lisa, I was thinking yesterday about the scripture you gave me my junior year---Jer. 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE..." I just wanted you to know that these verses have been my life mantra. Thank you, my friend. I love you!

I had forgotten it was her that I charged. Until this morning, all I could remember was I was so discouraged about the future that I broke down and cried in front of 600 teachers and students. I didn't even believe that verse for my life.

Happily, though, today I can say He has fulfilled that verse and many others over the last 30 years. He was faithful even through my doubt. And I'm so glad He was faithful in my roommie's life, too. Here's what I said back to her:

You have blessed me this morning. Over the years, I couldn't remember the verse or who I gave it to. So glad it was you! That's a wonderful verse because it's not pie in the sky -- we truly have hope. You're welcome. Hugs in His name.

First Sunday After the Earthquake

2010-01-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

The New York Times ran an article about church services in Haiti this morning. Faith rises from the rubble. No doubt a stronger faith than six days ago.

Voice scratchy, eyes bloodshot, arms raised to the sky, the Rev. Joseph Lejeune urged the hungry, injured and grieving Haitians who gathered round to close their eyes and elevate their beings up and out of the fetid Champ de Mars square where they now scrambled to survive.

"Think of our new village here as the home of Jesus Christ, not the scene of a disaster,” he called out over a loudspeaker. “Life is not a disaster. Life is joy! You don’t have food? Nourish yourself with the Lord. You don’t have water? Drink in the spirit.”

Avatar: So Spectacular It's Depressing

2010-01-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I decided not to see James Cameron film, Avatar, because: 1) people say the FX don't make up for the weak story and 2) the political message rehashes the same liberal mythology about the Iraq war, i.e. white Western imperialism.

Now I have another reason.

CNN published an article about the emotional effect of the film. It seems many folks are experiencing post-entertainment depression because they miss the planet Pandora and long to find such a home where they can live permanently.

Does this sound like an inner spritual need? Don't we all long for heaven? Eventually, I will be in a place that surpasses anything James Cameron can conjure on the big screen. There are times I feel blue because I'm not there now, but the day is coming.

51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ~~I Corinthians 15:51-53

Brit Hume's Advice to Tiger Woods

2010-01-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

There is considerable over buzz Mr. Hume's message to Tiger Woods, which was delivered over Fox News:

Many are offended over the flat-out boldness. I mean, how dare the man tell Tiger to give up his religion to embrace the Christian faith? Mr. Hume uttered these words with reckless abandon...or perhaps another way of expressing it...with passion and a desire to help.

Frankly, I find his admonition refreshing. His openess distantly reminds me of Nathan who confronted King David over the adultery issue. The result of that reproof was David's immediate sorrow over the wrongdoing. Today we read David's heart in Psalm 51:1-6 and know that we can turn and receive forgiveness and hope.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [a] ;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Twelve Memories from My True Love

2009-12-15T20:11:00.024-07:00

There are many more blessed moments that God sent this decade, but here are the ones I captured photographically. From my front door to the other side of the Atlantic, He was faithful to encourage and strengthen with the "little" things.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a red squirrel in my oak tree. This little guy's been scampering through my back yard for at least eight years.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two French films. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, as well as Flight of the Red Balloon touched my heart in different ways.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave me to me three ladies dancing. The women of Sierra Leone know how to cook and worship. They provided a festive night of celebration during our 2009 Missions Emphasis.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four high-school grads. My two years as high school Bible study leader weren't always easy, but now that these women are graduating from college, getting married, and serving Him, I feel proud.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five kind girls. After my 2008 car accident, I panicked because I didn't know how I would get my house ready for a renter. These friends and more came over to fix, install, and clean. My heart still overflows with gratitude.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six snowball flowers. I've lived in Denver over 20 years and had never been to Hudson Gardens until recently.

On the seventh day Christmas, my true love gave to me seven angels prancing. So the church choir thinks they can dance? They are right.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight tourists boating. Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain has no equal for relaxation in the middle of a busy city.

Nine green figs. The Basque country of Northern Spain offers many delights on their hiking trails.

Ten cardboard jails. The crafts of immigrant children in Torrejon taught a lesson from Isaiah 62 about the One who frees captives from spiritual prison.

Eleven stalks of corn. During orientation in Pennsylvation for the Spain trip, we had an afternoon to frolic by a corn field. Later, this picture would become the theme for one of my favorite verses: "Pray the Lord of harvest would send laborers into the field."

Twelve spanish palms. Images involving water, including fountains, draw me. Spain had more than enough to bless my soul.

To summarize....
Twelve Spanish palms
Eleven stalks of corn
Ten cardboard prisons
Nine green figs
Eight tourists boating
Seven angels prancing
Six snowball flowers
FIVE KIND FRIENDS!!!!!!
Four high-school grads
Three ladies dancing
Two French films
And a red squirrel in my oak treeeeeeeeeeee...

Thank you, Lord, for another decade filled with lessons and laughter.

The General - 1926: Movie Review

2009-11-14T18:16:00.005-07:00

According to some movie critics, Buster Keaton was a better actor than Chaplin. After watching The General this evening, I can't argue. This 1926 silent film classic is filled with action, adventure, family-friendly romance, comedy, and a story that twists and turns in unpredictable but satisfying directions. Keaton wrote, directed, and starred in this hour-long film about a train engineer who is turned down for combat duty in the Civil War. As a result of his rejection, Annabelle Lee, his true love, rejects him, too. Through a comedy of errors, Keaton's character ends up in the middle of a crucial situation and uses his expertise to become an accidental hero.

By comparison, Charlie Chaplin's physical humor is quaint and overly corny at times. Keaton's athletic ability brings a better balance between tension and humor. The General is great family film because it appeals to Mom, Dad, and all the kids...and all the single women who like light romance with courageous moments from the heroine. Check it out for Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

Sowell on Excessive Introspection

2009-11-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

There is no point dwelling on all the foolish mistakes we have made in our lives. For one thing, it can be very time-consuming.

~~Thomas Sowell

Thanks to Our Veterans

2009-11-11T18:48:00.002-07:00

HT to Carri on Facebook for this wonderful quote:

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
-- Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

I was in a gathering earlier today where a guest speaker took a moment to honor people in the room. He asked all vets to stand, and I was shocked because there were folks in the room that I have known for six years who have not mentioned this part of their lives. What a wonderful revelation to learn of ones who have served and possibly fought for freedom. To them and so many others who have given of themselves, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Happy Birthday, Sesame Street

2009-11-10T19:41:00.006-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

TV network pubs have boasted about long-lasting dramas -- Gunsmoke for 19 years and Law and Order, which will probably make it to a 20th season in 2012. They overlooked shows that have endured longer, like Sesame Street. I thank the Lord for the genius of the late Jim Henson, creator of a kids' show that has lasted 40 years. And it has attracted more than kids. From the start, the Muppets charmed the hearts of folks from ages 1 to 100.

Latinos have loved Sesame Street since its debut in 1969 because it was one of the first shows to feature actors of all ages and races getting along and co-existing on the city streets. The scripts were often bi-lingual, a treat for many immigrants who still had not learned English. I liked the show because of Cookie Monster and The Count.

When my mother's employer, Aspira of Philadelphia, asked staff, family, and friends to participate in a weekend promotion of the show during the summer of 1970, Mom signed us up. Scores of us Puerto Rican Americans paraded in the streets of West Philly alongside a truck decorated with images from the show. The bi-lingual, pre-recorded message boomed through the loudspeaker, inviting kids to watch Sesame Street at whatever time it aired. That was the most fun I had during the nine months of living in the ghetto, and it felt great to do something that might help kids with their reading and language skills

The Husband Song

2009-10-19T22:08:00.004-06:00

An interesting take on family values:

Confession of a Hollywood Legend

2009-10-16T18:58:00.004-06:00

Alfred Hitchcock via last.fm

The man who made some of scariest movies in the 1950s confesses his own fear:

I'm scared of policemen. I never drive a car on the theory that if you don't drive a car you can't get a ticket....
I'm scared stiff of anything that is to do with the law.

~~ Alfred Hitchcock, 1973 interview with Tom Snyder on the Tomorrow show

A Cousin's Prayer

2009-10-14T20:13:00.004-06:00

by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour Books (2009)
Paperback, 304 pages

There's something about the Amish. Their simplicity. Work ethic. Devotion to Christ.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who's noticed. The number one selling genre in Christian fiction is Amish lit. It seems many do not get enough of their stories. Having read my first Amish novel this week, I understand why. The author helped me experience the charm, wit, and strength of this people group.

This is a simple coming of age story about a young Amish girl, Katie, whose fiance was killed in a vehicle accident the previous year. She is overcome with grief that translates into fear when she returns to her home town where he died. Her panic attacks confuse her family and friends and even spark rumors of a possible secret pregnancy. To find healing and relationship, she must 1) face her fear and 2) face Jesus and make a crucial decision.

By page 3, I want Katie to find love again but first she must battle depression and nausea. She wants no man, including Freeman, who is drawn to her but has a few flaws that scare her away. Even worse there is a gossipy, controlling rival, Eunice, who spreads innuendo all over town to keep them apart. The level of tension is light, but my desire for that happy ending drives me to the end.

Image via Wikipedia

William Safire, 1930 - 2009

2009-09-27T21:21:00.003-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

In my library is a 1980 book called William Safire On Language, and it has remained on my list of books that I would grab if the house caught fire. On Language was the name of the weekly New York Times column where Safire wrote essays about grammar, syntax, and usage of the English language. I have re-read portions many times. Here's his partial list of his never-say-neverism:

Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.
Don't use no double negatives.
Use the semicolon properly, always use it where it is appropriate, and never where it isn't.
Reserve the apostrophe for it's proper use and omit it when its not needed.
Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.

His audience was well educated and responded even to small details. In his essay on coffee idioms, Safire reported a statistic on daily coffee consumption on a winter's day. Someone challenged him:

Dear Mr. Safire....By the way, do Americans really drink 460 million cups a day? Even if half the country consumes coffee that would be four and a half cups per person each day. Does our country seem that awake to you?

Many complain that English is complex, inconsistent, and mysterious. William Safire turned the challenge into playtime.

Bad Sentences by Dan Brown

2009-09-22T19:20:00.010-06:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Some folks say negative advertising is as good a positive advertising but not always. Check out this article in last week's Telegraph.co.uk. Tom Chivers has identified the 20 worst sentences in Dan Brown's books, including The Da Vinci Code and, current release, The Lost Symbol. Would you be caught dead or alive with text like this in your New York Times bestseller?

Captain Bezu Fache carried himself like an angry ox, with his wide shoulders thrown back and his chin tucked hard into his chest. His dark hair was slicked back with oil, accentuating an arrow-like widow's peak that divided his jutting brow and preceded him like the prow of a battleship. As he advanced, his dark eyes seemed to scorch the earth before him, radiating a fiery clarity that forecast his reputation for unblinking severity in all matters.

HT to Dr. Gene Veith.

Finally, A Visit With Lady Liberty

2009-09-10T19:53:00.006-06:00

After all the zillions of times I've visited Manhattan, I just made it to the Statue of Liberty two days ago. She was looking mighty fine on the overcast harbour, majestic and serene. I successfully held back tears, but my heart is stilled warmed by what she represents. Many passengers spoke other languages besides English, but the place went dead silent as we approached the island. We photographed her excessively, just like the Oscars. Their fascination made me wonder. I know why I care -- it's my country. But why do they travel from the ends of the earth to see her? I believe they are also drawn to the concept for which she stands.

Return of Jason Blair

2009-08-23T18:23:00.004-06:00

Jason Blair was the New York Times journalist who went down in infamy in 2003 for fabricating and plaigarizing news stories. Today, he is a life coach, and, apparently, quite successful. What I didn't know is that he is bi-polar. In his practice, Blair specializes in helping people with mental and mood disorders, and, according to the counseling group that contracts him, has a knack for this type of work.

He's been at it for two years, and time will tell whether his life is a positive object lesson. If he is finally making right choices, this is quite a comeback.

Aspen are evil

2009-08-23T18:00:00.056-06:00

Original post date: October 11, 2007

Besides a trip to Ethiopia this summer, the other exciting event was the restoration of my back yard. It was bad...really bad. It was overrun with aspen suckers...really bad aspen suckers. Like these:

From Under His Blue Sky

And what are aspen suckers?

They're weeds...not real weeds. They are trees that act like weeds. They invade yards all over Colorado, and they start growing as soon as one of your neighbors plants a young aspen their yard.

Friends who are aspen lovers said, "Lisa, they are free trees. Let them grow! Accept them as a gift."

That advice sounded good until trees starting popping up between the boards on the deck. Imagine Colorado aspen breaking through wood like Sigourney Weaver's alien breaking out of its victims entrails. (Sorry, bad analogy.)

From Under His Blue Sky

Homeowners associations across Denver are starting to crack down on these leafy godzillas because once they start, they are nearly impossible to control. Unlike most trees, their root systems run horizontal, and they rip apart weed barriers. If you pull them while still alive, you've just created three more with deeper, tougher root systems. Before long, they become indestructible.

Thanks to a professional landscaper, the yard was exorcised, making 2007 a good year for having a back yard. I even planted a few perennial bushes.

From Under His Blue Sky

However, the war on aspen rages on. I will never be able to slack off from this year-round procedure:

1. Walk the entire yard to spot tiny aspen shoots. They spring right through the weed barrier.
2. Never, never, never pull them no matter how tempting.
3. Pour a tiny amount of white vinegar on them.
4. Check them in a day or two to make sure they're dead. If they're still clinging to life, repeat white vinegar treatment. That usually finishes them.

My heavenly back yard will only stay heavenly with constant care. The bad news is when snow covers the yard, the suckers will still spring up, leaving me with larger plants to kill ...and I will kill them, I promise.

Next year, more to come on this battle. Meanwhile, I thank God for my back yard. It's restful, healthy, spiritually invigorating, and currently free from the stranglehold of those evil aspen.

From Under His Blue Sky

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July 8, 2009: After two years of relative calm, they're back and the vinegar isn't controlling them anymore. Am pulling my hair out. Per advice of knowledgeable neighbor, I will assassinate them with pricey weed killer.

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August 23, 2009: This nightmare is under control. The pricey weed killer, called Sucker Stopper, has brought me a "volunteer free" existence. When suckers rise up, I paint the leaves using a small foam brush, let the sun bake 'em, and by the end of the day the little devils turn crispy brown.

I only use vinegar on young shoots that pop through the xeriscaping.

From Under His Blue Sky

The Hamster Revolution

2009-08-18T19:10:00.006-06:00

Cover via Amazon

Time to stop complaining about email fatique. The Hamster Revolution, by Mike Song, Vicki Halsey, and Tim Burress, contains stress-reducing tips, and the ones I've started using this week are:

1. Creating a template: The most wonderful emails get to the point and end quickly. The template in the book can be tailored for personal use, and, already, I've used it several times.

2. Joining the AAAAA (The American Association Against Acronym Abuse): No matter how commonly known I think an acronym is, someone will eventually get confused. Now I spell them out.

3. Avoiding excessive punctuation: This is one of my big sins -- writing a sentence with too many exclamation points!!!!!!

4. Writing clear subject lines: Not only does a vague subject frustrate, it bores, and confuses.

5. Matching the subject lines to the content: From now on, I promise that when I hit the reply or forward button to start a new topic, I will also write a new subject line. Always.

Peace in the Midst of Pain

2009-08-02T18:49:00.003-06:00

Eventually, everyone feels physical pain, mostly temporary and not debilitating, but the kind of pain described in this book is another matter. Alice McGhee takes us into her life in such a way that we almost experience the pain that she has endured from fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease. And not only does her journey include the physical aspects of suffering but also the emotional ones. The terror of almost dying in a car accident. The stress of watching a loved one pass into the afterlife. We have all been through parts or all of her life.

But the book isn't just about pain. It is about how pain can squelch the human spirit and how the Spirit of God can bring balance and restoration. This peace that she describes has little or nothing to do with feeling good or getting delivered from the affliction, rather, it's the true peace that transcends circumstances.

Peace in the Midst of Pain is also about hope. Her raw honesty does not overwhelm because she also shares stories from the Bible, lyrics from favorite hymns, and personal lessons that have brought her the strength that it takes to make it. Each chapter is very short, appropriate for a quick read or a month's worth of daily devotions.

Following Jesus Into College and Beyond

2009-07-22T18:28:00.007-06:00

Several years ago, I served as a Bible study co-leader for high school girls. The toughest challenge was finding good curriculum for that age group. If this book had existed back then, it would have made the final months easier. Co-leader, Bess, and I struggled to find relevant content and ended up writing most of our own. Following Jesus Into College and Beyond, by Jeff Baxter, would have fit the bill and saved time in our busy schedules.

The book belongs in the young adult (YA), non-fiction category, but anyone can read it and benefit. The three major sections: "Who Am I?", "Do My Decisions Matter?", and "Where Do I Fit?" are questions everyone asks. However, it's wonderful to see a book that answers them for teens and twentysomethings. And if they can get answers while still in school, those answers could save them a world of hurt and confusion later in life.

If I had 10 copies of this book, there are many ways I would use them. Here are 10 possibilities:

1. A small group student Bible study.
2. Gifts for high school or college graduates.
3. Encouraging 10 families to read together after supper.
4. Parent training class.
5. Adult book club.
6. Gifts for pastors and youth pastors.
7. Gifts for family counselors.
8. Gifts for overseas missionaries for their kids or nationals.
9. Youth leader training.
10. Raffle at a neighborhood block party.

Doing Your Part...

2009-07-09T17:51:00.002-06:00

Thanks to First Things for raising my awareness of this desperate need:

The Cook Speaks Out For Freedom

2009-07-03T15:00:00.001-06:00

Image by wallyg via Flickr

That giant bell with the crack down the side was called the State House Bell until the abolitionist movement came along. Around 1830, black slaves called it The Liberty Bell because they had not reaped the benefits of the American Revolution but were as interested in freedom as their liberated, white brothers.

Below is sonnet written by a professional cook who decided to speak his mind. These words are posted in Independence Square, a few yards from the Liberty Bell. It's impossible to walk by this little known piece of history without stopping. H. R. H. Moore did not know his poem would be seen by zillions of tourists in the future and might not have cared. All he wanted was freedom.

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The Liberty Bell
by H. R. H. Moore

Ring loud that hallowed Bell!
Ring it long, ring it long;
Through the wide world let it tell
That freedom's strong

That the whole world shall be free --
The mighty crowd, the mighty crowd --
That the proud shall bend the knee,
The haughty proud.

Ring, ring the mighty bell,
In the storm, in the storm!
Brothers! It shall herald well
Fair freedom's form

Ring it southward, till its voice
For slavery toll, for slavery toll;
And freedom's wakening touch rejoice
Both limb and soul.

Ring it o'er the Negro's grave!
Ring it deep, ring it deep;
Its tones are sacred to the slave,
In freedom's sleep

Ring it, till its startling tones
Thrill young and old, young and old;
Till despots tremble on their thrones,
And their blood run cold

Ring it, till the slave be free,
Wherever chained, wherever chained;
Till universal liberty
Four aye be gained.

Ring it, till the young arise
To freedom's fight, to freedom's fight;
Spring gladly toward the kindling skies,
All clothed in light

Ring it, till the bonds of sect
Be torn away, be torn away;
Till every man as God's elect,
Kneel down to pray.

Ring it, till the world have heard,
And felt at length, and felt at length
Kill every living soul be stirred,
And clothed with strength.
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While I do plan to celebrate freedom on this Fourth of July holiday, I will also remember that throughout history in various parts of the world, there have always been oppressed peoples. Those who have courage will cry for justice. Those who have ears to hear will respond.

I wish everyone a happy Independence Day and hope we will learn from our past and allow our souls to be stirred. Let freedom ring.

Saying No To Tyranny

2009-07-02T18:19:00.002-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

Last week, the nation of Honduras made freedom look easy. Details from Hacer.com:

What happened in Honduras was not a standard coup. The Supreme Court ordered the army to remove [Manuel] Zelaya from office. The Congress, albeit after his detention and exile, voted unanimously for his removal and confirmed his constitutionally mandated successor to fill the remainder of his term in office.

Prior to his exile, Zelaya had insisted on a referendum to allow for his reelection in direct violation of the Honduran constitution. In other words, he set out to perpetuate himself in office. Roger Noriega, a former Bush administration official and a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, puts it clearly: “Zelaya brushed aside every other institution of the state in insisting on a referendum that would benefit his selfish interests.”

Of course, we know it is not always this way. Others have tried and failed. Still others have had no resources to even start a quest.

Which is why it is good to give thanks and celebrate freedom in its various forms. Freedom to pursue a better life is good. Freedom of worship is even better. Or how about freedom from oppression, physical or spiritual? These are gifts from God.

In a day or two, I will begin celebrating my Independence Day. But before, during, and after all that, I will celebrate the tiny nation of Honduras that has been threatened with dictatorship for years. They said, "No," to tyranny and won. You don't suppose we might learn from their example?

Pro-life Art

2009-07-01T18:43:00.005-06:00

Awwwww! Sometimes art can be more than beautiful, as exemplified by this Ph.D. project at the London Royal College of Art.

Brazilian student Jorge Lopes has pioneered the conversion of data from ultrasound and MRI scans into life-size plaster models of living embryos using a method called rapid prototyping. 'It’s amazing to see the faces of the mothers. They can see the full scale of their baby, really understand the size of it,' said Dr Lopes.

I'm trying to imagine being pregnant and holding a life-sized model of the baby in my womb. Kudos to pro-life art.

Atheist Bus Gets Christian Escort

2009-06-22T07:00:00.002-06:00

Image by Atheist Bus Canada via Flickr

Remember the news headlines about atheist busses touring Europe? On the side, "There is probably no God" displays.

In recent days, the atheist bus in German has had a shadow -- a Christian bus showing this response: "And if he really does exist ..."

Assistnews, a web site written by professional Christian writers, describes the spectacle that has drawn much press coverage:

The Christian initiative under the auspices of Campus Crusade for Christ made it clear from the start that hostile confrontation was not their intention. They talked to the organizers of the atheist campaign before the tour began.

Both sides welcomed the opportunity for an exchange of ideas. Despite the opposing messages atheists and Christians often helped one another. Christians took pizza and cake to the atheists. And when their bus was covered in dirt, Christians helped wash the vehicle.

I applaud Campus Crusade for their wise approach. The intellectualism of Europe creates a hunger that can be satisfied through healthy debate such as this.

When Teens Write

2009-06-14T15:55:00.005-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

Teenagers in my circle of friends have been writing fiction stories. Two of them have sent samples for critique, and the common thread between them is dark content. They remind me of the popularity of novels like Eragon and the rest of the Inheritance Trilogy that were started when the author, Christopher Paolini, was a teenager. He had no problem facing the concept of good vs. evil.

Their stories focus on issues that occur in nightmares, such as demon possession, cutting, drunkeness, and even murder. I was especially surprised to read two bloody scenes written by a girl who is the sweetest, gentlest student I have ever met. The other student posted her first chapter on Facebook and received praise from fellow students that resembled some version of, "This is amazing!!! You have to write the rest!!!! OMG!!!!"

The eventual goal of both plots is for the main character to help friends in desperate trouble through the power of prayer and friendship. And you would think these teens come from the 'hood or dysfunctional families. On the contrary. Both of them come from stable, Christian families, and there is no doubt their parents know what they're writing.

Their hard work encourages me, not because of all the future money they might make as freelancers, but because they care. They are not in denial in spite of their stable family situations. So often the stereotype of teenagers is they only think about food, dating, and movies. Yes, they do care about those things, but they also care about what's happening in the world and see the pain in the hearts of their peers. They want to do something and believe redemptive storytelling can help.

The lesson here is that realness is a key characteristic in great fiction writing, including the young adult genre. The Bible does not pull back from dark stories, i.e. the book of Judges and even the crucifixion of Jesus. It is necessary to look at pain, suffering, and death to bring the truth to the forefront. Only then can we understand the hope and beauty of ultimate solutions.

I'm excited to see upcoming chapters of my friends' books. They won't need to become as famous or wealthy as Paolini to write a story that can impact the life of even one at-risk high schooler.

Taylor Swift Meets Coldplay

2009-06-07T14:57:00.004-06:00

Not much of a Taylor Swift fan nor Coldplay. However, put the two together and you get something beautiful. That's what creativity is about occasionally.

HT to my friend Janna on Facebook.

Mysteries of Garden 2009

2009-05-26T04:00:00.005-06:00

One of my pet peeves on other peoples' blogs is incessant posting of pictures from their garden....which makes me a hypocrite today. Before two years ago, I grew nothing except aloe vera. Today, I stand amazed that the nameless wilflowers and the lilac have arrived. It's like giving birth to twins. Finally, I understand the obsession. I did nothing except plant and water...and while away on the European adventure, I didn't even do that. But here they are. They remind me of what my late aunt used to refer to: "The Mystery of Life." For her, that concept was nebulous. She did not believe in the Biblical story, therefore, had no explanation for where stuff originated. She seemed to enjoy the mystery.

I believe God created life, and I still see it as a mystery. How did He get the DNA strands to work? What keeps the human heart pumping? How does it all work together so well? And the flowers in my garden...how do they bloom even when I neglect them?

I do promise: 1) I will never post more than two pictures per blog, and 2) I will write something to go with the pictures. Those are still pet peeves, and I refuse to perpetrate those crimes...we'll see how long those promises last.
No, really, the priority is the writing...for now. The pictures are secondary until I purchase a real camera, i.e. SLR, and start taking hoity toity pictures that you see on postcards. No doubt, gobs of money will follow, and that will be another mystery.

Today, though, I will gawk at the lilac bush and the nameless wildflowers. In a few weeks, the sunflowers threaten to bloom for the first time since transplanting them from a neighbor's yard (with her permission, of course). Then I will marvel at their resurrection, which I did not think possible. It's one thing to be dead for three days like Jesus and come back. It's another to be dead for two years. More to come.

Walter Williams on Race Talk Nonsense

2009-05-13T19:28:00.005-06:00

Understatement of the Century: Not all black people agree on the issue of racism, and a growing number of them, including this blogger, have grown tired of the National Racial Pity Party. What kind of party is this? It's the "Whoa is me because I'm black and disenfranchised in a white-dominated society."

Dr. Walter Williams is one of my favorite essayists since the 1980s, and, by the way, he's black. For as long as I've been reading his weekly column, he has shared the good news that there's no need for self pity or reverse racism or affirmative action or any other race card that politicians like to play to win votes. Read his latest blog called Race Talk.

Race talk often portrays black Americans as downtrodden and deserving of white people's help and sympathy. That vision is an insult of major proportions. As a group, black Americans have made some of the greatest gains, over the highest hurdles, in the shortest span of time than any other racial group in mankind's history. This unprecedented progress can be seen through several measures. If one were to total black earnings, and consider black Americans a separate nation, he would find that in 2005 black Americans earned $644 billion, making them the world's 16th richest nation -- that is just behind Australia but ahead of Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. Black Americans are, and have been, chief executives of some of the world's largest and richest cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. It was a black American, Gen. Colin Powell, appointed Joint Chief of Staff in October 1989, who headed the world's mightiest military and later became U.S. Secretary of State, and was succeeded by Condoleezza Rice, another black American. Black Americans are among the world's most famous personalities and a few are among the richest. Most blacks are not poor but middle class.

I am just as offended over race talk. Several years ago, I was in a group of individuals who were all African Americans and all huffy over white people. One of them said, "The white man's in control of everything. Ain't nothing you can do about it." Nonsense! The person who made this statement was the owner of one of the most successful hair salons in Denver. If the White Man had been trying to undermine his success, you saw no evidence from the crowd of people lining up for a hair cut.

I celebrate the progress of the Civil Rights movement and praise those who worked for equality in the 50s and 60s. I also say it's time to recognize the fruit of their labor. We're farther along than some would care to admit.

One Mother's Unique Love

2009-05-10T13:36:00.005-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

For some unexplained reason, I am thinking about Mary, mother of Jesus. I was wondering how easy or difficult it might have been to raise the Son of God with the awareness that He was no ordinary child. How much of Isaiah 53 did she understand?

3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

She most likely, as many Jews, did not yet understand the future meaning of that passage. Of course, after seeing Him nailed to cross, she got it right then or soon thereafter.

I'm not sure I could watch my own child die, but I would want to be there to let him know of my undying love. I would want to hold him in my arms and give him strength while easing his suffering.

But she could not do that. All she could do was watch as He bled in pain and said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." She watched Him die, and then she grieved His death. Three days later, she celebrated His resurrection.

I want to believe Mary magnified the Lord all the days of her life each time she recollected this portion of her role as mother. Using the audible voice of an angel, God called her to that role, and she humbly accepted. Through it all, she endured pain and joy, fear and victory for 34 years (Jesus' life span starting in the womb). She enjoyed a privilege no other woman could have -- not just loving Him as Savior but also as her son.

I want to wish all my friends who are moms, "Happy Mother's Day." As you consider the deep love you have for your children, may your souls magnify the Lord. Give thanks for your blessed calling of motherhood.

Interview with Spritzer Telescope

2009-05-06T20:04:00.003-06:00

The Hubble telescope is way cool, but Spritzer is my hero. Its infrared capabilities bring in some of the my favorite space pictures, including the now famous planet nursery.

Another reason I like to track telescope activity is because astronomers are looking for interesting things like 1) other earth-like planets and 2) the edge of our universe. So far, they have found neither, as Spritzer "tells" us in this fun article:

Interviewer: You seem to really like planets.

Spitzer: Well, you know, I wasn't even originally designed to see exoplanets! It was a complete surprise to me that I had this amazing ability. I can tell you that I do, and always will, have a thing for planetary disks. Because I have infrared eyes, I can see the warm and dusty planetary materials that swirl in disks around young stars. I can also see older disks littered with the remnants of planets. In fact, I've probably looked at thousands of disks so far. What's been fun is finding them around all sorts of oddball stars, such as those that are dead, doubled up as twins and even as small as planets. Bottom line is that the process of growing planets seems to happen quite easily all over the galaxy, and perhaps the universe.

Interviewer: Does that mean aliens could be everywhere?

Spitzer: I can't really give you a good answer for that. Yes, the studies of disks are showing us that rocky planets are common, but we don't know if the planets could have life. Also, keep in mind that, as of now, nobody has detected any planets that are just like Earth. These would be rocky worlds around stars like our sun that have the right temperature for lakes and oceans. That job will most likely fall to NASA's Kepler mission, which will begin hunting for them soon.

These mysteries are a God-thing. He gives us stuff we can't fully explain, analyze, or measure, so we know He's able to surpass our understanding. I like that about Him.

Newton's Law and the New York Times

2009-04-27T17:55:00.003-06:00

Newton 's Third Law of Motion states: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

If that's true, I wonder about the impact of the impending collapse of the New York Times. According to Rich Tucker's latest blog:

With more than $1 billion in debt already on the books, only $46 million in cash reserves as of October, and no clear way to tap into the capital markets (the company’s debt was recently reduced to junk status), the paper’s future doesn’t look good,” wrote Michael Hirschorn in The Atlantic’s January-February issue. “Regardless of what happens over the next few months, The Times is destined for significant and traumatic change.” Further, “At some point soon -- sooner than most of us think -- the print edition, and with it The Times as we know it, will no longer exist.

What will life be like? For decades, the New York Times has served as "America's Teleprompter." Now that possible bankruptcy looms, I can't help but wonder about our future. How will TV network news know what to report? Where will Bono publish his op ed pieces? How will I know what books are national bestsellers? What will become of our nation?

When I posed these questions on Facebook, one of my journalist friends suggested, "Twitter will tell us everything we need to know." She wasn't too far from wrong. If and when the Grey Lady dies, the media will continue doing what it's been doing -- evolve into various new species like Twitter, and woe to us if we swallow every rumor we read there.

As Newton's Third Law continues taking effect, I wish for this: people thinking more independently. Instead of running to the biased opinions of the media elite, I wish we would read non-glitzy, well-research news sources and form convictions based on factual data. Will that happen? Not as long as we love entertainment more truth.

Spring "Rain" in Colorado

2009-04-18T10:33:00.004-06:00

The blessing continues. This picture is from the first of three storms that have blanketed the state in the last few weeks. Today's storm isn't nearly as scenic because the flakes are fat and slushy, and that's a good thing because the flakes have been raining down for the last 36 hours. Nevertheless, the weather is welcome. My grass likes it, too. And since my sprinkler system is broken, I am grateful for the free watering.

I would be remiss if I didn't give credit to the One who sent this snow:

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. --Psalm 63:2

Dr. Wicked's Cure for Writer's Block

2009-02-07T00:51:00.005-07:00

This tool is hard on the back, but it does increase productivity.

The 3-month journey to Spain yielded lots of ideas and scattered notes for magazine articles. Using this tool, I wrote 5 first-drafts, each in 60 minutes or less.

Here's the badge of honor:

	932

31

lab.drwicked.com

If you're looking for a cure for writer's block, travel to the Dr. Wicked's site and become a kamikazi writer today.

Palm Trees Go To Church

2008-11-16T10:54:00.021-07:00

In September, the work began to create a palm tree that would go to Calvario Church for their monthly kids' program. Those trees were created in a renovated basement. Friday night, the fruit of that labor went on display for the kids. They overshadowed the events in royal fashion, as any palm tree would, with added benefit of being portable. At evening's end, the volunteers disassembled and stored it in a back room until next month. I felt proud to have been a part of their creation.

What a night of frolic and creativity. The little ones came from the surrounding neighborhood, including many nationalities. They ranged from ages 4 to 12, and the older teens from the other group that I visited last month helped with the crafts. The efforts to assist provided tender moments that prove teenagers can display leadership when you let them. The goal of the project was to build a cardboard jail with a prisoner inside. One might ask, "what's the purpose of such a craft in a church setting?" Look carefully inside the jail. On the wall, you will see hieroglyphics that might clarify the mystery.

This craft took a couple of hours. The kids painted the walls, and, while the paint dried, they played relays. After game time, the kids returned to the tables to assemble the structures. They ended up with many different looks.

After three hours of creativity and games, the kids were ready for a nutritious American snack called hot dogs with ketchup and mustard. They devoured their portions and greeted their parents with joyful faces around 8:30 p.m.

No doubt the mums and dads were wowed by the cardboard jails and elated mood of their offspring. This neighborhood has appreciated this youth outreach since its creation three years ago because it has provided a place for kids to have fun without the temptation to join gangs. Also, this outreach has brought much joy and love not just to the recipients but also the providers of the service.

Top Ten Ugliest Buildings

2008-11-14T14:49:00.006-07:00

Twenty fours ago, I walked by and took a picture of these buildings. If it could be said that Madrid has a skyline, this is it. There are no other skyscrapers, and you can see these from miles away. Today, Yahoo published a list of the Top 10 Ugliest Buildings in the World. These structures are number 6.

Torres de Colon; Madrid, Spain. Like a set of giant salt-and-pepper shakers, these matching towers loom over the city to the dissatisfaction of many area residents. The buildings are also known as "El Enchufe" or "The Plug" for the plug-like structure that holds them together.

Do you agree with Yahoo's assessment? Since I live here for two more weeks as a lowly tourist, I plead the fifth.

Thank You, Veterans

2008-11-11T06:36:00.004-07:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

HT to The Black Five

Yes! Spanish Sunset

2008-11-08T11:48:00.004-07:00

Stoked am I. Got the shot I've been dying for.

I can go home now!

The next goal in my fledgling career as a photographer is Hawkquest -- I want a bird in flight.

Thinking About Home

2008-11-07T03:19:00.011-07:00

Many thanks to David K. for this picture, which I rescaled for the banner above.

The houses in the Basque country are called caserios and are an important part of the heritage of the Basque people. Each house remains within the family line, as it is passed from generation to generation. Every caserio has a name, and people often refer to the owner by that name. The square footage of most appears to be larger than 3,000 square feet.

I keep returning to this picture, thinking about the concept of home and how much we long for a place that is permanently our own -- a pristine mansion, nestled on a hillside where there is no war or illness. A place that no one can confiscate or destroy.

Reading 2 Peter chapter 3 provided a sobering moment this morning because it contains a description of the last days. One wonders whether that stuff will happen later...or now. Regardless, verse 13 brings a comforting thought:

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

What a time that will be, when I will have my caserio and live with my Jesus in Glory. No suffering. No confusion. No more politics.

Change I'd Like to See in America

2008-11-05T04:58:00.008-07:00

My struggle for the last few months has been whether to say anything about U.S. politics or yesterday's election. The decision was to say nothing and stay focused on the current assignment. However, yesterday, on Jeff Overstreet's blog, I saw a video that expresses my view much better than I ever could. Hat tip to Looking Closer and John Piper for bringing a healthy perspective to the debate.

May God Bless America, and may we give thanks in all circumstances no matter who is president.

Taste of the Spanish South

2008-11-03T10:16:00.021-07:00

Snow. Beach. Palm trees. What do these have to do with the latest mini trip? I saw all three on the same day, and that's a new thang. During the long bus ride down, we drove past a ridge that turned into Mt. "Something or Other," and that's where the snow was. Upon arriving in the city, I saw the other two. The beach looked like a jagged California coast. The palm trees didn't look like they belonged because the temperature was way less than tropical -- about 50 degrees F. Nevertheless, they were there, and, according to various hosts, were transplanted from Africa. The locals seem proud of their immigrant trees, as demonstrated in this picture. This part of the city is like the San Antonio River Walk with manmade pools instead of a river.

I witnessed yet again a radically different climate, geography, and culture. This is the first place I've been where one hears more foreign languages than Spanish. On the bus, I heard Arabic. In town, there was U.S. English. Other places, something that sounded like Eastern Europe. There was Western dress and then I saw hundreds of traditional outfits from abroad.

I was invited to observe and photograph a children's program. My friends, Margaret and Gloria, started this Saturday night event about eight months ago, and the kids showed radical commitment. We arrived at the storefront in pouring rain believing no one would show. We were incorrect. Six young'uns bounced in promptly at 6 p.m. with enthusiastic attitudes. They knew they were in for fun, and, sure enough, they got it. Songs, games, puzzles, crafts, and a 5-minute DVD about Jesus as the Good Shepherd thrilled their spirits.

And here they are, Gloria and Margaret. My hosts and the designers of kids' curriculum. During time off, they showed me downtown Almería and introduced me to one of Spain's famous delights -- churros. See the picture at the top of the right column to see them. Normally, you dip them in thick, hot chocolate, but we decided to skip the chocolate. Quite good without, actually. I was able to get a clear understanding of the carefully crafted pastry to grease ratio.

This is my last overnight trip for the DVD project. There are a few more folks to interview, but those will require only day trips. By mid-November, a very rough draft will receive comments from the team, and I will incorporate and revise for final submission at the end of November.

It's mind boggling to think this journey is 66% complete with 26 days to go. Those days will fly because of the deadline and the upcoming 5-day vacation in Italy.

Future Leaders

2008-10-25T14:44:00.008-06:00

Teenagers are the same all over the world: show them unconditional friendship and a good time at the foos table, and they blossom. Welcome to game night at Calvario Church where Aqui Cabemos Todos (Room for All of Us) or A.C.T. meets. At peak time, there were at least fifty kids in the room playing ping pong, foosball, darts, and air hockey.

This is a brother/sister pair, Gustavo and Vanessa, and they are part of the smaller group of students who attend the homework help sessions three days a week. Without question, they are some of the leaders. Gustavo broke up a few heated moments between the boys, and Vanessa microwaved pieces slices for everyone.

These next two guys also attend the homework group.

This ham bone is Bogdan. He has found true peace and joy through this youth program, and I watched him closely throughout the evening. One wonders what kind of future he will have. His energy and sense of humor make him one of the most charismatic of the bunch.

And then there's Gabi. His name is almost a play on words, as he loves to converse with everyone. Tonight, I saw the competitive fire in his eye, which God can use in many positive ways.

Oops, how'd she get in? She's no teenager, and she certainly was a handful. I can't pronouce her name yet, but I'll always remember our bookreading session. I started reading to her, but she took over and started telling me a story about the pictures. That version was more exciting so I let her go on and on.

Northern Spain

2008-10-22T03:00:00.002-06:00

The Basque country is a land of green, rolling hills and meditative moments.

Children and adults preserve its ancient dances and customs.

Although most people live in upstairs flats, they still garden.

The Basque people attach mythology and legend to many of its Roman monuments.

Spain is a world leader in natural resources, such as coal and metals. This processing plant lives in the coastal city of Gijón in Asturias province.

Tourists come to northern Spain to enjoy beaches, boating, and surfing.

Others come to sit around and do as little as possible.

Meet the Roommate

2008-10-22T02:00:00.003-06:00

I'm allergic to 95% of all cats and get excited when I encounter one in the other %5. Here´s Timmy, and he is one of those rare felines. I lived in the Nieuwburg´s house with him for seven days in Gijón. I looked into his eyes. He played with my hair. We became friends for life.

Lessons One Can Only Learn in Transit

2008-10-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

Some things you learn beforehand; others you learn on the road. At WEC orientation, the staff warned us to remain flexible in all circumstances. We didn't argue because we didn´t know what was coming. Now that I'm back from a 15-day road trip, I can say I had to bend it like Gumby. Some lessons:

1. Plan your budget and bring twice as much. This is Europe. Things cost more. Duh.

2. Bring an umbrella to rain country. Windbreaker hoods are lame in a storm where the water is coming down so fast it´s flooding your boots and blocking your vision. Broad coverage is everything.

3. Pack two complete outfits, not one and a half. Two shirts and one pair of trousers didn't work. Should have been two shirts, two pairs of trousers.

4. Always, always, always bring the camera. I witnessed a spectacular sunset at San Lorenzo beach but had no digital technology to record it. Kicking myself I am.

5. Take walks. Introverts need alone time, and that's hard while meeting 30 people in 15 days. Many thanks to my hosts for allowing decompression time.

6. Remember Hannah Montana is your friend. Host gifts are fun to give, and it was awesome giving HM bubble gum to the teen girls in the households where I stayed. Miley rocks because her stuff is cheap and small for a small suitcase.

7. In everything, give thanks not because you feel good all the time but because the small stuff is worth it. The beauty of northern Spain, the new friends, and the sunset that didn't get photographed made the journey one of the most memorable of my life.

The Wonder of Segovia

2008-10-05T11:12:00.026-06:00

After spending a good part of Friday at the computer, the brain flickered to the off position, and the soul said, "Take a break." Also, I was in Rainbows flat by myself because the one roommate moved out on Wednesday and the other one spent the night somewhere else for a bachelorette party. There might have been a tinge of homesickness in that mix, too. The best way to cope was to do something interesting, and a trip to Segovia or Toledo seemed like two excellent options. Both cities were about an hour by bus from Madrid. Both had scenery, so I didn't care which I visited.

I ended up in Segovia, and now I care. That is such an amazing little place.

Historians have no idea when it was built but it might have around when Jesus walked the earth. The evidence of its oldness is in this picture -- this is the Aqueduct, and it was built by the ancient Romans. The mathematical precision of its layout is enough to draws crowds, but there's one more important detail -- no binding substance to keep it together. In other words, there's no cement. The monument is stable in the same way a Lego structure is stable. Imagine what would happen if an earthquake hit. On second thought, don't imagine that.

Two hours was more than enough time to catch the priorities, and all I had to do was follow the crowd. From the bus station, I entered Avenida de Fernandez Ladreda, and the scenery gradually shifted from modern to ancient times. After gawking over the Aqueduct for a while, I restarted the tour on Calle [Street] de Cervantes, which was narrow and covered with exclusive shops and restaurants. That street emptied into another large plaza where this cathedral stood. Unfortunately, I was too cheap to pay the 3 € ($5 U.S.), so I missed the spectacular insides. Besides, outside architecture is what interests me.

After walking to the end and seeing a pretty castle, which I also did not enter, and looking into some very nice souvenir shops, I returned the same way and noticed Casa de Picos, which translated means "House of Peaks." In case you didn't believe someone could design a building this way, here's the proof. This used to be somebody's home, but today it is a school for the arts. What better place to live out an artist's dream -- inside a building that's beautiful to some, bizarre to others, and the architect probably didn't care what anyone thought.

On the bus ride home, I sat next to a young gal, Monica, who is a student at this school. She talked about how much she loves to draw. Later, she said she might take acting classes, too. We discussed books, music, and the need for beauty. I told her I'm a writer, and she wanted to know if I was famous and what books I had written so she could read them. She didn't seem disappointed when I explained that I'm nobody with just a couple of magazine clips and lot of dreams of doing more once I return from España. However, that conversation convicted me that I must do my best work on this DVD project, not to become famous but because He is worthy. When I return home, I already sense He has more writing projects, and those will have to be done in the evenings after my full-time job. That will not be easy, but He will be worthy of that effort, too.

I returned to the flat about 10 p.m., and Karen had just returned from her 30-hour party. We shared our days, and I felt healed from the Friday angst. I am ready to fly to the Basque Country.

The Role of Art

2008-10-01T03:05:00.009-06:00

Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. ---Exodus 31:1-3

What if you were strolling down the street, turned your head to the left, and saw this:

This is the Alcalá Monument at Independence Plaza, and, like almost all monuments in Spain, it sits in the middle of a plaza or a traffic circle. There are many more such giant sculptures all over the city and the country. There's no telling how much suffering and sacrifice went into the creation of this 6-story-high, 2-block long wonder, but the millions of visitors per year who see it would say the suffering was worth it.

I wrestle with the issue of art because I love art. I adore independent films, museums, planetariums (they so rock), botanical gardens, classical music, and even interesting graffiti. Beauty attracts.

However, I wonder what classifies as overindulgence, and, frankly, every Christian must grapple with this question. When that struggle comes along, I go back to one of my favorite Bible characters -- Bezalel -- who spent megahours creating the artifacts of the Tabernacle. The furniture, candlesticks, woodwork, curtains...even the gold loops that held the curtains were the product of painstaking, detailed, backbreaking work. Did it take him months or years to make that stuff? I don't know but who cares. All that matters is the job took more time than most of us would invest.

However, God said what Bezalel did was good. Let's hope so because God was the One who "commissioned" Bezalel. The result was the nation of Israel had a place to worship that was more than a portable box -- the Tabernacle was monument to God's glory.

Spain is a country of art lovers, and regardless of the source of the art, they go on and on with festivals, exhibits, concerts, lecture series, and education. This national obsession is our first clue that humans need to feed their souls with beauty. When I got sick with the flu, my heart felt even worse because I had to miss the all-night festival called Noche Buena (White Night). Next week, while visiting the north country, I'll miss a literature festival in Alcalá, a film festival in Madrid, and who knows what else. However, I promise I will catch something in November -- promise. Understanding this passion gives me a clue to relating to this culture. Many Spanish love las bellas artes. They also love it when foreigners take an interest in this aspect of their culture.

By the way, these last three pics are Parque Retiro, which has now become one of my favorite places. It's like Central Park on steroids but also like the Disney Magic Kingdom on anesthesia. It's too far to walk, but if you do you'll think you've hiked Narnia or The Shire. Rowing a boat on this manmade lake is probably not cheap, but it sure looks fun. While taking this picture, a musician played romantic, Italian music on an accordion. Children laughed. Ducks swam. Look at what art can do!

And in the center of the park, sits this odd structure called The Crystal Palace. Technically, it's a museum, and guess where the art is. That's right -- it's the marble floor. Look again and see water in the indentations. I waited for a tourist to walk in and demonstrate, but no one did, so I did but had no friend to take the picture. You remove your shoes/socks and walk on the wet marble. The experience is supposed to soothe your spirit and enlighten your mind somehow. Maybe, maybe not, but my tired, sore feet loved the break. Actually, I did learn something: The need for rest via quietness and simplicity.

What is the clear answer for the role of art in the world? I still don't know. I need it, as do most humans, but the arts don't replace the higher priorities, such as corporate worship and Christian service. But this statement has to be true -- God creates beauty and inspires us to do the same.

When He says it's time to create, let the artist follow His bidding. We will all reap the blessing.

Craft Day

2008-09-30T01:00:00.003-06:00

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. ---Proverbs 12:25

Yesterday, we enjoyed a change of pace at Rainbows flat. Spain field leaders, Steve and Coralie Preston, stopped with lunch and a scrapbooking box. After a meal of baked chicken and salad, the we unloaded the box on the table to make birthday cards. This is the 2nd or 3rd craft session in the last 18 months, so it's a new tradition, and one that gives opportunity for girl talk while cutting and pasting.

Including couples, singles, and kids, there are about fifty birthdays, and Coralie loves to send well wishes to everyone. There were no rules for how to make the card, so three of us, Karen (roommate), Coralie, and I, applied our personal styles to each card. Also, we applied our gifts at different rates of speed. Karen, who moves like lightning in every area of her life, completed about 25 cards. I tend to live like a tortoise and only completed four cards. Mind you I had a few interruptions while Sjaak worked on my computer, but without the interruptions I would have finished about three more.

Coralie focused mainly on "guy" cards, Karen created "girl" cards, and I hopped back and forth between both, including one child's card. By 7 p.m., Coralie, who is pregnant with her first child got tired, and I volunteered to keep the box and make a few more cards until the end of the week -- the least I could do to make up for abandoning the task several times.

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
ADDENDUM, October 2, 2008

On Monday night, this was the last effort before my brain quit:

The next night, the brain came back fresh. This time Vicky was home, so we added more creations targeted for kids and teens.

Actually, Vicky says this is the card she wants for her birthday. I'll send word to Margaret, this year's card sender.

Day in the Life...

2008-09-29T11:02:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday, I spent the day with a fellow female single missionary, Gladys Livingstone. She lives in Alcalá. Her full-time contract position as an English teacher allows her to meet residents of every age and occupation. Originally from Ireland, she's been a school teacher all her life and has loved transferring her professional experience to other parts of the world.

One of the activities I have enjoyed the most is walking around with people I meet, and that day I got to tag along while Gladys ran some high-priority errands. The day started quite chilly, and we enjoyed a late breakfast at the University of Alcalá cafe -- my first exposure to Spanish tortillas, a quiche-style combination of egg and potato. Once the temperature warmed, we enjoyed an outdoor trek across the city. Paperwork at a couple of government office, buying snacks for an evening get-together, and a drive across town for lunch.

Gladys loves the arts, which is exciting for me. Before I go, we talked about hitting her favorite jazz cafe in Madrid. There is an arts festival in Alcalá in November, and I will return for that. It's comforting to know I can have a little home away from home in the form of some favorite activities.

Single women missionaries fascinate me because I wonder where they find the ability to survive. Loneliness can be a challenge, but Gladys has been at the international thing for a while and truly loves it. She has many friends, including native residents. She has a great roommate and a lots of church fellowship. There's lots to learn from her about finding the right kind of space.

Onsite With Insight

2008-09-28T08:30:00.001-06:00

Some of the best advice for this trip has come from a total stranger -- British journalist, David Whitley. He just started his blog, 1001 Travel Writer Tips, and it's been exciting to follow his daily tips from the day he started. The best tip has been instruction on how to do roundup articles, i.e. creating top ten lists. For example, what are the top ten restaurants, hotels, or theatres? To fulfill the objective of this trip, I've wondered what are the top ten spiritual needs of Spain. Answers to that question came this week while wandering around with local missionaries. As we talked and observed the surroundings of their respective cities, I was able to add items to my notebook.

So the strategy is this: to get a feel for a locale, walk around, observe, ask questions, and take notes in a pocket-sized notebook. And that's what I've started doing this weekend. I call it the insight-from-onsite method. On Friday, I trudged upmteen million paces across Madrid. Was it worth the sore feet? Absolutely. I saw wealth, poverty, happiness, sadness, stress, peace, etc., etc., etc. I asked questions that I researched on the internet later.

While Mr. Whitley gathers his ideas from ex-pat pubs and James Bond movies, I will interview ex-pats at church, chat with healthcare providers who work on my whiplash, and watch the local news. Whatever it takes, right?

Aliveness from Proverbs

2008-09-25T11:01:00.005-06:00

No matter how many times one reads the Bible, one can still connect in fresh ways. This month I'm reading Proverbs, and it's like opening this book for the first time. Ideas that were vaguely interesting are now crucial. I can't wait to open a new chapter each morning to find new "ahas." There are answers for almost everything -- how to approach challenging people, avoiding pride, loving God more than money, loving wisdom, working as hard as the ant, etc., etc., etc. It's all there.

I'm not sure yet, but I think this may be a foundational verse for this trip:

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. ---Proverbs 19:23

In spite of all the challenges that come, it is still possible to experience vibrancy. Whether it happens depends of fearing God. Think about it -- happiness doesn't come from manipulating God, rather, from trembling at His majesty.

Joys of Mediterranean Cooking

2008-09-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

Of the overseas trips I've taken, this one has been easier in one big area: language. How wonderful it has been to read signs and ask for directions without a translator. No need for escorts. No need for translation during church. No need for hand signals to ask simple questions like, "Where is the bus station?"

However, there has been one challenge: reading recipes. Although I lived in Puerto Rico for seven years and became a fluent speaker, I did not cook nor did I read ingredients on packaging. Kids under 12 usually don't. Consequently, I never learned the Spanish words for "paprika" or "sage."

And I never thought about this until last week. WEC-Spain folks love meals with their staff meetings, so would I prepare lunch for eight people by 2:30 p.m. on September 22.

"Be glad to. No problem."

The first sentence was true. The second sentence turned out to be a lie.

Yes, at the flat there are cook books in English, but many U.S. ingredients are not available. Basic stuff, like sour cream and evaporated milk. One rarely sees celery. And try finding American cheese -- you won't.

The best solution seemed to be local recipes, so I bought a magazine at the supermarket. The front cover promised easy, economical recipes, which turned out to be accurate. However, I spent hours reading and re-reading paragraphs to figure out the ingredients and instructions. You'd think I would ask a roommate or look up words in the dictionary, but the discovery process became a game...like solving a jigsaw puzzle.

After a few days of struggle, the menu took shape: chicken-rice casserole, potato patties, french bread, and dessert below.

Here's the recipe for Plum Torte. Ingredients can be substituted with gluten-free products. Measurements are metric over here, but many U.S. measuring cups do have both and quantities don't have to be exact. Try this at your next pot luck and watch the delight on peoples' faces:

Graham (in Spain, Maria) crackers, 350 g
Butter, softened, 200 g
Cream cheese, plain, 1/2 kg
1 Egg
Sugar, 110 g
Red plums, 350 g
Flour, 40 g

1. Prepare crust: Crush the crackers into power form. Add to a bowl. Add 150 g of the butter and combine with hands until thoroughly blended.
2. Press the crust mixture into a shallow, medium-sized, rectancular baking dish. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
3. In a blender, combine cream cheese, 80g of the sugar, and the egg.

Note: Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rest of the sugar, and butter. Work with your hands until blended. Set aside.
5. Wash the plums and dry. Slice 6 sections per plum.
6. Get crust from refrigerator. Add cream cheese filling to crust. Arrange sliced plums on top. Sprinkle with flour/sugar crumb mix.
7. Bake 35 minutes. Watch carefully.
8. Cool. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours before serving.

Looking at Spain's Immigration Issue

2008-09-23T00:28:00.010-06:00

As an American, I see immigration as a hot topic. Back home we argue over what we believe is the right approach. The Bible seems to say we are to treat "visitors" with kindness, not contempt. But then what do we do when the influx impacts our economy? When the added masses of people sneak in illegally and raise the crime rate, insurance premiums, and cost of goods and services, am I to change my attitude from positive to negative?

These questions are even hotter in Spain. The frustration flows deep. The amount of air time devoted to this issue is much greater here than in the United States. I see the issue on television, read headlines in newspapers, and stumble into frequent conversations.

One of my new friends shared the history: ten years ago, Spain was the place for a better job, higher income, and a chance for better quality of living. When mass immigration began, the government set no guidelines. Millions came from every corner of every continent on earth. The last three weeks, I have met people from Eastern Europe, Africa, South and Central America.

But Spain's economy has taken blows, as has every nation on earth. Unemployment is up, and one study predicts this country is about to have the highest rate of unemployment in Europe by the end of next year. Many immigrants are no better off economically and all feel the sting of resentment from native residents.

Last Friday, the Spanish government announced a plan to motivate large numbers of ex-patriates to move back to their countries by paying them 40% of their unemployment benefit up front and sending the rest of the money after relocation.

As a tourist, I will not live here long enough to fully understand the issue or see the results of last week's decision. But, already, I have connected with the hurt. I've sensed the disappointment of some who came for affluence and, instead, ended up in low-income housing with barely enough money to buy groceries. I've met ex-patriate teenagers with parents who work long hours, leaving them with little motivation to do homework and do well in school. I even met a divorced mom who had to leave her country without her daughter, which I'm told is a common occurrence.

Are there opportunities to show compassion in Spain? You bet. There are millions of frustrated, lonely people who are far from their homes and in need of friendship. They come from many tribes, speak other languages, struggle with the cultural differences, and lack purpose for living. They are looking for answers.

And the crisis affects more than immigrants. One can sense frustration from everyone because of the current economy, few jobs, and an uncertain future. The Spanish want answers, too.

First Sunrise in Spain

2008-09-17T00:18:00.005-06:00

This morning was my first view of the dawn since arriving. Back home, I see these more often, but, as mentioned in previous blogs, I've been trying to live as the people around me, i.e. late nights and meals. This morning, though, it was nice to return to the former lifestyle. There´s something about the early part of the day. God seems to speak in unique ways -- an unscientific theory, but very real on a personal level. I had four hours of calm to sit at the computer and work on the project, and I probably got more done than I would have later in the day.

It was also a time to sense His presence and meditate on His truth.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
---Psalm 143:8

The rest of the day has been mundane on the surface. I bought q-tips and a head band at the discount store. I waited for a few callbacks that didn't happen and figured out what to cook for Monday's staff meeting. But, also, it was a day to reflect on this morning's meditative time. Looking up at His blue sky has, once again, filled the deepest needs of my soul.

Blessing From a Basement

2008-09-16T11:42:00.014-06:00

Now that school is back in session, my friends are busily preparing this year´s tropical theme for the youth program at Calvario. In the video, Sjaak Regoord and Karen Morris (my other roommate) are crafting a template for a palm frond. Later, Karen and I created three of 10 palms that will go on display in the church the first week of October. I won´t see the finished product until I return from the north country in late October.

The workshop is across the street in the basement of Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Rainbows of Hope, a WEC children´s outreach, rents the room and renovated it for storage and construction projects. Sjaak is a handyman genius who can fix and set up almost anything. The set design came from his imagination this morning. Before he started, he said, "I've never made a palm tree before," as though it would be difficult. Within the hour, he figured out how to make the trees from wire, a large paper roll, construction paper, and cardboard.

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ADDENDUM, 19 September 2008

I'm getting more excited. We made all the leaves, and here's the installment of the first palm frond into the burlap trunk.

Sunday in Madrid

2008-09-14T11:58:00.010-06:00

This morning, I took the bus into Madrid to worship at Iglesia Amistad (Friendship Church). Similar to last week´s church, the worship style was contemporary and oriented toward younger adults, in fact, we sang several songs in Spanish that I normally sing in English back home. The demographics were international -- individuals from many South American countries and a few Americans. The Americans spoke perfect Spanish, but when I asked were they were from, I heard Atlanta and Chattanooga.

The sermon was a good one from Acts 16:9-10, but my brain was elsewhere, thinking about the remaining 10 weeks and how to make them productive. That´s plenty of time to collect lots of pictures and video, but only if I remain alert. I will not create the final product but need to gather as much footage as possible for a professional videographer yet to be chosen. After the service, Vicky and I ran an errand together (Buying birthday gifts for a missionary birthday tomorrow -- hush, hush.) and once again said goobye for the day. She went to visit some of the girls she knows from the Crisis Pregnancy Center, and I continued exploring Plaza Mayor and beyond.

Today was a great day -- a dry, sunny 70 degrees Farenheit -- which is like Denver. The streets were packed with tourists and performing artists. Passers-by threw coins into their violin cases and hats. A pair of puppeteers showed off their Beatle marionettes, which I heard later are a popular act on the plaza. Did I videotape? Yes, but they turned out awful. I´m a writer, not a camcorder lady, but it was a good day to make mistakes and see a bit of improvement by the day´s end.

I walked out of Plaza Mayor to Sabatini Gardens and caught this pic:

You see architecture and landscaping like this all over the city, which is why I still recommend Madrid as a place to visit. Some people say this is the ugliest city in Spain. If that´s the case, I can´t wait to see the rest. Until then, I´ve been having a great time viewing the "hideousness."

A few more blocks took me to the Royal Palace, which was closed for a private event. My outside pictures didn´t look that hot, so I walked to the next building, Cathedral of St. Maria La Real de la Almudena. The inside was amazing -- the stained glass, murals, sculptures, ceilings, and floors sparkled. Even more amazing, tourists were allowed to take flash photography. It felt weird to do that, but I must say the artistry was unforgettable. Here´s my first half-okay video of the day:

In summary it was a great day to enjoy the outdoors and continue the journalistic journey. Goal for Week Three: Lots more video, sound files, and better pictures. Also, time to start thinking about writing a high-level content outline based on what I´ve heard from missionaries.

Transportation Challenges

2008-09-13T09:10:00.011-06:00

Finally, my first real stressor is coming to the surface. After a small mishap this evening, I realized I'm worn out by public transportation. The non-stop dealing with planes, trains, busses, and automobiles has fried my brain. Here´s a list of transportation events since the day I left home:

1. Plane: When I arrived at the airport and tried to use the automated check-in machine, my reservation did not show up. I asked the ticket agent for help, and she couldn´t find me either. I paid for my ticket through Travelocity and had a confirmation number, but that fact made no difference. Simply, Delta had no record of my flight or of me. They told me to go to Frontier. I went to Frontier, and they couldn´t find me either. They insisted I visit Continental. By now, I was wondering if I was going anywhere. The Continental agent said as little as possible. At first, she couldn´t find my reservation but did find the flight. Without further explanation, she gave me a boarding pass and a baggage check. "Ma'am, you may proceed to the gate. Enjoy your flight." An explanation would have been nice, but I was too shaky at that moment.

2. Train: Upon arriving in Philadelphia, I lugged my three bags from the baggage claim up a narrow escalator (big mistake because of lack of space) and down a tiny elevator (better but still cramped) to the track. Philly trains are not designed for a person with three bags, and when I momentarily left them in the aisle to figure out a way of getting them into the seat, the conductor screamed, "Get those bags out of the aisle right now." I screamed back, "I working it." Actually, I had no idea how to leverage the weight, and a kind gentleman noticed my dilemma and hoisted my bags into the long seat. More decompression time needed for the next hour.

3. Bus: To save money, I rode the Chinatown bus to Manhattan to visit a friend. Hey, it was $20, a far cry from the $200 plus I would have paid Amtrak for a bit more comfort. If I had to do it over, I would still have taken this option, but I will never forget yet another bout of panic when, on the way back to WEC, I got lost and couldn´t find the street. I walked very fast for 90 minutes before encountering the vaguely familiar intersection. By then my shoulders were plenty stiff from pulling my little bag.

4. Bus fares: Back home, I use quarters to pay the fare. In Spain I deal with 2 euros, 1 euro, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 2 cents, and 1 cent. And, to boot, fares are weird amounts like 1,63. Who has time to count that? Today is the first day I knew the fare in advance and could count the change at home and dump in my pocket for quick access.

5. Bus stops: In the States, you know where to get off because you see street signs or clear markings at the station. Not so here. Knowing where to get off is pure tribal knowledge. And every stop looks alike.

6. Subway (catching a connection): At first, everything looked exactly like the New York City system, which is cake. But after riding by myself, I discovered it´s not 100% like NYC. In the States, you stay right where you are to catch a connecting train. In Madrid, you go upstairs and walk to a new track. I stood 30 minutes before figuring that out. Also, the doors do not open automatically -- you press a button. As I stood at the door expecting it to sense my presence, the lady on the other side hit button to send the hint. Thank goodness Spaniards are used to foreigners.

7. Last but not least, finding a house: At home, when someone tells me they live at 2880 Nueva Street, Apt. 2F, I look for a building marked 2880. Here, I found the street, but none of the buildings had a number. I simply walked half a block, randomly picked two doors and noticed one of them offered 2F as a option. I rang the doorbell, and someone let me in. Thankfully, they were the right people.

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Tonight I hit the wall. Originally, I was scheduled to return to Madrid to meet another missionary, but inadvertently (or perhaps subconsciously) missed the bus. I was relieved, actually, because that trip required following a fresh set of complicated instructions. Time for a break. I will run errands in Torrejon and stay close to home.

And the excitement will rev up again soon. The WEC team is hoping I can visit not just the north of Spain but also the south. That means four provinces instead of three: The Basque, Asturias, Valencia, and Almeria. If I had to do that tonight, I couldn´t. In three weeks, however, it will be time for more excitement on the road.

Discoveries in Alcalá de Henares

2008-09-11T12:32:00.011-06:00

Most people understand Alcalá to be an international historic landmark because of the massive amounts of medieval architecture. Only a 15-minute drive from my home in Torrejón, this city is smaller and much more upscale. The main street, Calle Mayor, is lined with bar/restaurants, exclusive boutiques, and souvenir shops. The ornate buildings and cobblestone streets created wonderful ambience. However, at the Cervantes Museum, I found this:

Of all things, I did not expect to find the man of my dreams. The other guy got jealous, but I think we can all agree that Don Quixote is a better pick than sidekick, Sancho Panza. :-)

Also, I happened to spot four Men In Black at the registration building at the University of Alcalá. No doubt, one of them was Will Smith disguised as a white Spaniard. On the surface, this is a popular campus for students wanting to study abroad and missionaries who want to study Spanish, but I believe I have found the secret MIB headquarters, as well.

Aside from all that, I had a great visit with Steve and Eun Suk Kynoch. They have completed one year of Spanish training at Univ. of Alcalá and are getting ready to move to their permanent home in Asturias. Since they've been buried in homework, they didn´t know too much about me, so we got acquainted and discussed their upcoming relocation. When I join them in mid-October, I hope to see the little villages in the mountains where life is rustic and rainy.

Journey to the Center of Spain

2008-09-10T12:06:00.014-06:00

Madrid is the geographic center of Spain, and this little tile in the middle of Plaza Mayor is the precise point. Next to the tile is one of my roommates and transportation mentor, Vicky from the UK. She arrived three months ago is way ahead of me in her understanding of public transportation. However, after various verbal and written instructions, she sent me off like a mother eagle pushing babies out of the nest. Not to get rid of me -- I needed to get home earlier. When she comes home at midnight, I´ll be there (hopefully not awake) as proof that her instructions were excellent.

Earlier, I joined Vicky for her bi-weekly commitment at a center for mothers of small children. The government donated the building, and a network of churches set up a collection point for clothes, non-perishable food, toys, and diapers. By appointment, low-income moms came in all morning to gather their monthly ration. The other volunteers called in sick, so I suspended the journalist role to help with distribution. Mothers came in with their precious babies for milk, baby formula, milkshakes, pasta, rice, and cookies. We did what we could to make the little ones smile while we selected clothing according to their size.

The women were friendly and most were Muslim. Vicky invited each one to an upcoming weekend retreat. They needed to get permission from the husbands but were hoping to come, as this would be a great break from their routines. I could sense a bit of loneliness from several, so I know a getaway would provide rest and refreshment. If you think of it, say a prayer on their behalf.

After lunch, I set off for what was supposed to be a short run by a few tourist attractions. What I discovered is that Madrid is like New York City in many ways, including the distances you walk. The packed streets were filled with the sounds of many languages, tour guides, busses, and camera wielders. I walked from Plaza Mayor to Paseo del Prado, which was beautiful.

Eventually, I reached the famous Prado Art Museum. Admission is free between 6 and 9 p.m., but that would have been a 3.5 hour wait -- decided to return another time. Meanwhile, I thought I´d get acquainted with this lady just outside. Not to sound paranoid, but when they stare like this, I stare back to let them know I´m not afraid.

Behind the Prado, I found Madrid´s version of Central Park: Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat). It´s not nearly as long but without question is better designed. The endless collection of trails, fountains, benches, statues, and cafes invites all to stay not just the afternoon but all day and night.

By 4 p.m., I realized I meant to be home at that time. Furthermore, I had no idea how to get to the bus station. Eventually, I took the path shown below that lead to a map of the city. After studying it, I thought, goodness, I´m really, really far. Better start walking. Eventually, I found a subway entrance but, instead of zipping across town, got lost trying to find the right subway. After many wrong turns and one last confusing effort to catch the 5 p.m. bus to Torrejon, I arrived home at 6 p.m. It was nice to get out of ¨lost mode¨ and eat dinner.

Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

-- Psalm 25:4-5

Surprises Already...

2008-09-06T12:42:00.009-06:00

Week one of the Spain journey is complete and loaded with unexpected circumstances. Not that I would expect to see what I´ve seen before -- that would be naive. But the difference between a quick, two-week trip and a three-month venture is huge. You see and feel more. The biggest lesson overall is that when you sign up, you don´t know what you´re getting into no matter how much research and training you acquire. The only way out is through, and one simply has to go. Here are a few points:

1. The change in the computer keyboard is not the biggest shock. Translated: the stuff you know is coming is no big deal. In fact, I like the European keyboard because can type ? and ¿...or how about Ñ just for fun? Perhaps I´ll write a paragraph in Spanish before it´s over.

2. I promise I haven´t stooped to any displays of Ugly Americanism, but I´m amazed at the little moments when I´ve thought, ¨This isn´t the what I expected.¨ For example, I expected to be busier -- I´m not because my field supervisor suggested taking it easy the first week. At first I didn´t think that would be necessary, but it´s been more than necessary -- I had no choice but to slow down with the onset of the flu. And I guess this adjustment time is typical -- one of my roommates share similar physical challenges when she arrived three months ago.

3. Also, I expected the city to be louder and more hectic. Actually, Madrid and surrounding areas like Torrejon (where I´m living) is like a graveyard. During the summer, businesses close and people leave. Why? Probably because it´s too hot, but no one really knows. Now I know why they didn´t want me to come until now. The city wakes up when school starts next week.

4. Next misconception: there would be no Africans. Ha! There are zillions of immigrants from Africa´s only Spanish-speaking nation, Equatorial Guinea. Everywhere I´ve seen women wearing those awesome braids and twists. In downtown Torrejon, there is a section of EqG businesses, and if you think I´m not visiting those, you are mistaken. That will always be the most fascinating continent.

5. Here´s a silly one: that Spanish trout would taste like U.S. trout. I was told ¨trucha¨ is trout, but if it is trout, it is a different kind. I fried the little guy and ate him quickly because I was hungry. Afterward, I realized how salty and fishy he was, as though caught in the ocean instead of a river. Furthermore, I´m not sure I liked him. Next time, it´s salmon, and it better be according to expectations. :)

Chillin´ at Rainbow Flats

2008-09-04T05:42:00.007-06:00

My field supervisor, Mija Regoord, encouraged me to rest and slowly work into the task at hand. Surely she must have known what would happen last night. At the end of my visit to Calvario Church, I started feeling crummy. Later that feeling turned into a full-blown sinus infection (haven´t had one of those for at least three years), and I couldn´t get out of bed this morning. Happily, I brought the right herbs for such an occasion, and the situation is beginning to turn. Methinks the intense activity of the last eight months finally caught up.

Shortly, I´ll rise up, fix some lunch, pull laundry out of the Dutch washer (yes, I had to get a lesson to use it), call my DVD supervisor, and return to bed to complete the healing process.

All the while, I´ll be rejoicing that I´m finally releasing the tension of the pre-field experience. My immune system will bounce back, stronger than ever, and I´ll be ready to start the travel. Those are my plans, anyway. We´ll see what He has in mind. My only responsibility is to praise Him:

Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary,
praise Him in his mighty heavens
Praise Him for his acts of power
praise Him for His surpassing greatness
Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet
praise Him with harp and lyre
praise Him with tamborine and dancing
praise him withe strings and flute
praise Him with the clash of cymbals
praise Him with resounding cymbals
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

-- Psalm 150

Hey, I´m feeling better already.

Kids of Torrejón

2008-09-04T05:24:00.005-06:00

Sorry this pic´s dark, but it points to good news: a USB port is in my home, Rainbows Flat, therefore, I can begin the journalistic work. Last night, one of my roommies, Karen, took me with her to Iglesia Evangelica Calvario (Evangelical Church of Calvary) to observe the children´s ministry. One of the members developed a heart for kids on the street who have nothing to do and were becoming involved in gangs and other problems. With time and patience, about nine junior/senior highers have joined the church family and are growing. Last night, leaders Karen and Luis showed a portion of the old classic, Greatest Story Ever Told, starring Max Von Sydow (Jesus). They explained to the kids about the Sanhedrin, the Saducees, The Passover, and how Jesus´ voluntary sacrifice has made a difference in their lives. They had tons of questions, many difficult, but they did understand what they were watching.

Saying Goodbye to New Friends

2008-08-27T18:45:00.013-06:00

The tough activity for today was saying farewell to new friends. Alyson left at 10:30 a.m. for Chad. Kathy and Harold drove home after lunch to return to their kids and finish raising support. They're going to South Africa in November. Becky drove back to Allentown and will leave for The Gambia in early September. Tomorrow morning, Sherry starts her journey to Albania. And on Monday, me and Alana (Italy) hit the road.

We exchanged e-mails and blog sites so we can stay in touch, but I wish we were going to the same place. One good thing is I will debrief with Alana and Sherry in December because we're returning the same week.

It's impossible to explain how eight people could knit hearts so quickly, but I suppose there's no need to explain. Common passions, goals, and emotions will be remembered for the rest of our lives.

I have nothing but praise this week's orientation. The content was better than expectations. There were many ideas that I've never considered and suggestions that saved future frustrations. We covered topics, such as culture shock, language learning, church planting, suffering, adapting to a new culture, safety, health, and guarding our hearts. I will bring back lots of materials and notes for STMs back home.

Birthday Blessings

2008-08-27T18:34:00.004-06:00

Someone asked me how I felt about being here on birthday. I told her it was fine because the best birthday gift is going on a missions trip. Even better is when brand new friends that you just met last week celebrate it with you. At midnight, I was asleep, and my roommate pronounced a birthday blessing over me in our room. I believe this is why I slept so well. Next, I arrived in The Upper Room (our classroom) this morning at 8 a.m. sharp to balloons, streamers, and a round of "Surprise! Happy Birthday." Next, we officially concluded our orientation with laying on of hands and prayer for each WEC Trekker. When it was my turn, I received more b-day blessings. At lunch, they surprised me again with cake and ice cream. I checked my Facebook to discover a zillion birthday wishes on my wall. At supper, one of the WEC staffers called for the birthday song, and everyone in the room sang beautifully.

Birthday blessings don't get any better than this.

Seeing the Bell

2008-08-24T20:26:00.012-06:00

Perhaps you didn't know this, but the Liberty Bell has sprouted legs (if you don't know what I mean, examine this picture closely for proof). All kidding aside, the Trekkers took the afternoon off to sightee Philly. We hung out at Independence Square to get a tour of the inside of the building and then see the bell. The history of bell is woven throughout the story of our nation. Something I didn't know is the black abolitionists finally named it the "Liberty" Bell. Recognizing the contradiction between the institution of slavery and the cause for freedom embodied in the American Revolution, they called for equal status.

Here's part of a poem displayed in the exhibit. This is written by H.R.H. Moore, was George Washington's cook:

Ring that Hallowed bell
Ring it long, ring it long
Through the wide world let it tell
That freedom's strong

That the whole world shall be free
The mighty crowd, the mighty crowd
That the proud shall bend the knee
The haughty proud, the haughty proud

Ring it o'er the negro's grave
Ring it deep, ring it deep
Its tones are sacred to the slave
In freedom's sleep

In the midst of our packed schedule, this was a welcome break. We enjoyed re-learning the history of our nation and reflecting on its spiritual implications for the whole world.

...and now back to the classes and the assignments. I'll feel like I've gotten a degree in short-term missions by Wednesday....and that's a good thing. The preparation is like none I've experienced. I hope to bring back lots of great info for the home church.

Understanding cross-cultural teams

2008-08-21T19:54:00.002-06:00

In today's training, Susan Sutton, WEC director, talked to us about the dynamics of international teams. I already knew I'd be working with volunteers from all over the world, and it was great to receive instruction. Cross cultural teams are wonderful because they eliminate the perception that one country is taking over. All of us will room with and work alongside Christians from everywhere -- Australia, North Korea, Singapore, Romania, etc. We will not just be entering a new host culture, we will also deal with varying cultures within our work groups.

This is a good thing because cross-cultural teams enjoy fresh ideas and creativity from all over the world. They also dispel the concern that one country is coming to take over.

However, international teams also have to deal with communication issues, not to mention varying world views and customs. Much humility, patience, and love is needed.

I am excited to give this a try. The thought of making friends from the far corners of the earth is one of my personal goals for this trip.

Here is WEC's vision statement regarding this subject:

We are united through our oneness in Christ. This is expressed through our acceptance of, love for, and submission to, one another. WEC International is a fellowship of God's people drawn from various backgrounds. We believe our oneness in Christ makes it possible for us to live and work together as brothers and sisters; therefore, we make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. In the ultimate sense we recognize only one Head -- our Lord Jesus Christ; only one Church -- those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth; and only one nationality -- citizens of the heavenly Kingdom. We therefore refuse national, ethnic, denominational or other prejudices in the life and appointments of WEC International.

How's that for a right view of diversity?

WEC International: The Castle

2008-08-19T14:07:00.014-06:00

WEC (World Evangelism Crusade) International has been around a while, but I'd never heard of it until late December. When I filled out a profile on finishers.org, we found each other and, after several telephone interviews, decided to apply. This picture is what they call "The Castle," and you can see why. I'm on the second floor, and the other 7 short-term missionaries are arriving tonight to join me there. Tomorrow we start orientation at 7 a.m.

The entire campus, which seems to span at least 10 acres, has many buildings, including permanent apartments, guest dorms, offices, volleyball, pool, and lots of green open space. Missionaries on furlough are here, and I had a great chat with a couple who are based in Thailand. It's hot and muggy here, but not too hot like the Caribbean -- I can manage this weather just fine.

Orientation is August 20 - 27, and then I will have four free days before departing for Spain. During the off time, I'll catch a bus in Philadephia to New York City to visit Dr. Mina Perry. She owns a condo on the upper west side just a block from Central Park and Harlem.

After that, it will be time to board British Airways at 6 p.m. on September 1!

Fashion Feedback

2008-08-13T21:37:00.000-06:00

I had lunch with a co-worker today. She visited Spain a few years ago and showed me her pictures. Naturally, I was wowed by the cathedrals and castles. The lush hillsides and bridges were beautiful, too.

I was also fascinated by the fashion feedback she got from the locals.

[Paraphrased:] "You Americans stick out like a sore thumb because you wear bright colors. Why do you like red so much?"

That comment confused me because I have always associated the color red with Spain. Why? I don't know. Perhaps because of the red color of the matador's cape or those lovely red outfits you see on flamenco dancers. Are those images nothing more than a public relations gimmick with no basis in reality? If so, it's time for a case of disappointment-orama.

I wasn't going to bring red layers anyway, but I was contemplating a bright, multi-colored skirt. Forget that. The black/brown concept will be easier to coordinate and hopefully avert the "sore thumb" syndrome.

Moving Forward With Whiplash

2008-08-12T21:04:00.002-06:00

I'm republishing this blog because of my whiplash. Yes, I feel much better but feel fearful about the remaining limitations. Self-care will be an essential activity while on mission in Spain. Thankfully, dear friends have shared a gentle reminder that the power of God has nothing to do with physical ability.

Hat tip to Jim Lapinski for this video.

Madrid: Center for the Arts

2008-08-07T19:15:00.008-06:00

People wonder why I like New York City. What's not to like? It is the U.S. showcase for the arts: museums, planetarium, zoo (yes this is art), Broadway, off-Broadway, libraries, ballet, opera, symphony, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Gimbel's store windows at Christmastime, on and on and on.

Madrid is another place with a lot of that stuff, and, today, I'm excited to learn the city has a ginormous library. One that could provide research material for the DVD, as well as hours of hypnotic browsing through the stacks.

(Photo from Britannica.com) Many people say you have to leave Madrid to find the beauty of the country, and I suspect they missed a few things. For example, do they not like libraries? The National Library of Spain is a superlibrary. It's got 6 million books and 110,000 magazine titles. Per the official web site, the city's mission is to preserve for the world the archetypal repository of information about Hispanic culture. That's bookworm heaven.

Wisdom from Os Guiness

2008-08-05T22:20:00.002-06:00

I downloaded a short talk by Os Guiness a month ago and continue to listen to it over and over. Guiness is an Anglican speaker/writer. He shares this great quote from a comrade whose name eludes spelling. However, here's the quote:

He who marries the spirit of the age soon becomes a widower.

Brunch With Chicks

2008-08-03T19:18:00.012-06:00

The "to do" list went on hold Saturday morning for a special event: Party at Sterne Park in the historic section of Littleton. The picnic shelter sits by a small lake with ducks and fish and posh landscaping. Ten of us, familiar faces and new, sat at the table to eat fruit, muffins, and quiche. The Egg and I was never this good.

I thought I'd take the opportunity to practice my new-found photography skills (perhaps skills is too advanced a word right now), as well as use the microphone and digital tape recorder. The blessing was not only did I get to take pictures and interview one of the ladies, I even got a free lesson in lighting and camera operation from Nadean. Not only did I enjoy meeting and talking to her, I ticked off on more item off the to do list, which was get coaching on camera operation. God is good that way.

In addition to the fellowship and networking, I also conducted a 60-second interview with Becky Eppinger, who moved to Taiwan last year. Alas, though, the recording did not turn out. Apparently, someone plugged in the microphone and forgot to turn it on. That girl should be whipped.

In spite of the error, the interview went well. I was fascinated with Becky's story of how she ended up in Taiwan. How crazy is this: she did an internet search and found this agency. The agency liked her, offered her a position, and asked, "Can you be here is two weeks?"

Her answer was yes, and in that time packed her house, found a renter, and raised a large sum of money for initial expenses. Shame on me for ever complaining about lack of time! When she talked to another missionary friend about financial limitations, the response was (paraphrase), "I never let money get in the way or stop me from going. If it looks like the money isn't there, I still go and let God work things out."

After arriving a year ago, Becky moved into a paid position much quicker than expected. Her view is that her stay is Taiwan is not just a job -- it is ministry.

"I get to share Jesus with someone almost everyday -- on the subway, at the store, everywhere."

Becky is my missionary hero of the month because of her faith, enthusiasm, love for Jesus, and for people. She inspired me to stop worrying about the details and cling to the vision.

And I learned how easy it is to mess up a recorded interview! I will have to remember yesterday's snafu while in Spain lest I return to Madrid with no audio, which would result in a slight feeling of embarrassment.

The Basque Country: Nation Within a Nation

2008-07-29T19:30:00.011-06:00

Internet surfing reveals historical intensity regarding this region. The Basque Country is exactly that -- an independent community, and many of its citizens desire a separate identity from Spain.

Here's a description from the WEC Spain web site:

Geographically “País Vasco” (the Basque Country) is located on the northern coast of Spain, next to the French border. But its significance to most locals has more to do with people than with geography: along with part of south-western France it is the homeland of the Basque people, an ancient race of mysterious origins, who have largely maintained their cultural identity despite attempts by the Spanish and French over the centuries to integrate them into their societies. The at times brutal repression of Basque-ness by successive Spanish governments has generated a backlash of strong anti-Spain feelings in many Basques, seen at its most extreme in the violence of the terrorist group ETA.

For more info on the ETA, click here.

Compare this aspect of Spanish history to U.S. history. When the Confederacy broke from the Union, President Lincoln foresaw the consequences and took strong action. Our Civil War was bloody and seemingly long at the time, but the fruit resulted in national unity within our borders. One wonders what our nation would be like had that war ended differently or not at all.

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There is more information on the people than the scenery and for good reason. The Basques are one of the oldest in-tact people groups in Europe. Their origin is unknown and their culture is complex and rich. The video below a bit long (9 minutes), but please enjoy. For me, this is a treasure chest of pre-field research. For you, I hope it's inspiration for prayer and perhaps a future visit.

Asturias, Home of Reconquest

2008-07-23T21:21:00.010-06:00

I promised myself I would go to bed early, and, already, that promise is riding the edge. However, I did want to post a picture of another destination during the October tour. This is Asturias province, just to the right of Galicia and a smaller piece of real estate. What I've learned so far is that this is one of the key locations that reveal the spiritual history of Spain. Let's look at the city of Covadonga.

From Our Lady of Covadonga:

The Muslim invasion of Spain from Africa began in 711 and the beginning of the reconquest of Spain began from here in Covadonga in 722 with the victory of Don Pelayo and his army. The name Covadonga, comes from two words, cueva meaning “cave” and donga meaning “deep”, so it means “deep cave.” According to legend, Don Pelayo, received the breath of the Virgin who appeared before the Christian soldiers in the historic battle of 722. After the victory, the cave in which the soldiers had taken refuge was converted into a place of Christian worship and King Alphonso I built the first chapel here. Tradition has it that even before the battle this cave had been dedicated to Our Lady.

Here is the entrance to the Cave of Covadonga. (Hat Tip to Travels With Tim blog for this picture.)

Glimpse of Galicia

2008-07-16T21:33:00.000-06:00

This is where I'm going during my upcoming missions trip. Don't you feel sorry for me? Okay, not totally accurate.

This is Las Islas Cies and is ranked one of the top 10 beaches in the world...and I'm not going there. However, I will be in the province that owns this island -- Galicia. Interesting factoid: provinces are called principalities, which is an interesting designation from a Biblical standpoint.

I learned last night that this region, in the farthest northwestern corner of Spain, resembles the hillside of Scotland and is , in fact, a region with Celtic descendants. However, this demographic does not include much in the way of Christianity. In this province and the ones next door, Asturias and Basque, evangelical churches are almost non-existent.

In the midst of the beauty, I envision this as a dry and thirty land -- one where external attractiveness covers emptiness. Just like this ancient Roman bridge below, the goal is to build bridges from peoples' hearts to God's heart.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.... -- Colossians 1:16

Mercy/Grace Day

2008-07-12T21:50:00.000-06:00

Today was a work day, not just because a bunch of people wanted to get together but because they wanted to show mercy. This writer is still recovering from whiplash, and while it might have been possible to get a few things done, there was no way to get enough done. So dear friends poured into my small house to make things happen.

Happen they did! Two new sets of blinds, a ceiling fan, bathroom lights, reorganized closet, dusting, scrubbing, storing, sorting. All in Jesus' Name to facilitate the renting of my property while I'm gone. The place is 95% ready for show, and what's left will be easy.

From the start, I knew I wouldn't be able to do much. Even though my healing process is going well, housework is not a good idea right now. So what's a tough, single, self-sufficient woman to do? Cry and receive help when it's offered. After that, it's also good to give thanks and rejoice.

It's comforting to know that no one in the room gave selfishly. They labored because they love God, which, in turn, caused them to love unconditionally. These folks are my family. Not blood relatives. The bond goes much deeper. These are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and that's a permanent bond that will go beyond this life. We suffer and work together now. Later, we will worship and celebrate for eternity, so I may as well get comfortable with their company.

Receiving help without being able to join in or do much in return isn't difficult if you're humble. However, I had difficulty. "This is not the Western way," says the voice in my head. "Pay a stranger to do this, so you don't feel guilty." Funny how the human heart wants to earn everything, whether it is an organized home or a ticket to heaven. "If only I could do something, then I would feel like I deserved this treatment."

As usual, God sits in the heavens and laughs in a Fatherly way. "My daughter, when will you start believing I love you? This is why I've allowed you go through a light, momentary affliction....I want you to experience My showers of blessing. This is the preparation you need for this upcoming Spain thing."

And there were other serendipitous benefits, too. A few short conversations resulted in a lot of networking. Since many in the group are also working toward the mission field, tips and information got shared -- and just in time, too. I'll be calling a few folks later on to continue some discussions.

Many, many thanks to Terry and Nancy Todd for organizing, recruiting, and feeding the gang: Jim, Sue, Shanna Lapinski; Julie Padilla, Jean Ehman, Wendy (and son) Tuey, and dear Anita Wherry (I'm so glad you stayed the afternoon, girlfriend.). They worked hard and joyfully. We had a great morning of productivity and community, not to mention a life-changing lesson about receiving grace, i.e. unmerited favor from loving friends and a much more loving God.

Wal-Mart for the Holidays

2008-07-10T22:24:00.000-06:00

The criticisms against Wal-Mart are unfounded. It's a wonderful place. Not just for bargains but also for fellowship and surprise birthday parties. On the Fourth of July, the Lapinskis plotted to surprise Mom, Sue, for her fiftieth. For starters, her birthday was in March. Next, the family was driving home from a week-long vacation in the mountains.

Perfect time for a prank.

Mom and two daughters entered Wal-Mart as a last stop before returning home. About 30 of us were milling around. One by one, the birthday girl saw us, and after about 15 familiar faces showed up, the store was filled with loud laughter. The rest of us rushed in, and we sang "Happy Birthday." The entire store suspended operations to watch.

Afterward, we went to the Lapinski home for a live band and food. Surprise parties are tough to execute. Hats off to this family for creative thinking and planning.

Dara Torres is Mah Girl

2008-07-04T19:57:00.000-06:00

I love it when sports figures give spiritual lessons.

In a world where people rule out older athletes from elite international sports, we now have a 41-year-old who just qualified for her fifth Olympics.

Swimmer, Dara Torres, won the 100-meter U.S. trials...not second or third...she beat the younger babes for first place. And her 2-year-old daughter, Tessa, was watching.

Such a feat sounds like a miracle or a case of cheating (it's not). This is one sport where muscle does not necessarily win at the end of the day. The secret to speed and protection from injury is hydrodynamics. Translated, good technique.

The best swimmers are ones who learn to position their bodies straight in the water. Achieving perfect position, which takes years of practice, happens when the swimmer shifts his/her body weight over the lungs. The lungs act as a natural buoy that cause the effect known as "riding high in the water." In some circles, the coaching advice is to "lean on your buoy." In this manner, there is less drag and stress on the arms while achieving sensational speed.

Leaning has other applications, too:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight --Proverbs 3:5,6

Successful Christian living isn't about effort; it's about trusting Him while letting Him take us down the lane. Sure, we need to make healthy choices, but we won't win the race without His help. This is good news because leaning on Him removes burdens we were not designed to carry.

Let Freedom in Christ Ring

2008-07-03T18:01:00.001-06:00

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ---Galatians 5:1

The book of Galatians contains discussion about avoiding false teaching because it is enslaving. Performing deeds, however nobel, to find God's favor is always a mistake. All we need do is trust in His offer of salvation by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives.

And since freedom is never free, it's healthy to remember that Jesus paid the ultimate price for us -- His life.

U.S. history provides a similar example. Our ancestors sacrificed life and limb to gain freedom from tyranny. Funny how the warning in Galatians 5:1 seems to apply to our current national situation. We will lose the freedom we have if we get enticed by the falsely advertised benefits of oversized, controlling government. Trusting in a human institution to take care of our needs and make us happy will result in slavery. One wonders how much longer we have as a free nation -- maybe we've lost it already and don't know it.

We may be helpless to solve the outward crisis, but we are able to do something about our freedom in Christ. No matter what kind of government we have, we can still say no to spiritual slavery, which comes by trusting in outward rituals or humans who teach "slick, new" ideas.

As we devour hot dogs and watch fireworks, let us also set aside time to evaluate freedom's true meaning, according to Galatians. Freedom does not come from circumcision or any human institution. Rather, freedom comes from dependence on Jesus Christ for forgiveness and new life. After He sets us free, we truly live.

Happy Independence Day! May it be a day of total dependence on Him.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days

2008-06-30T21:13:00.001-06:00

The long wait to see this movie on DVD ended last Friday. The waiting was not for light entertainment. Rather, it was for a slice of truth, however grisly.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days (Content warning: This film contains female frontal nudity, language. Not rated by the MPAA, but would most likely be rated R.) was last year's winner at the Cannes Film Festival because of its shocking realness. Is the film anti-abortion? Not deliberately, according to writer/director, Christian Mungiu. But watching the climax scene can turn almost anyone from pro-choice to pro-life. Theatre audiences all over the world have uttered collective gasps at the sight of a dead, aborted fetus, and it wasn't a quick shot. It was long, grievous look at what would have been a human being had he/she been allowed to live past 4 months, 3 week, and 2 days in the womb.

The film is brilliant in many ways -- direction, acting, cinematography. The story is gripping whether you know the plot or not. It is also a reflection of the darkness of the Communist regime of the 1980s under Ceausescu, who outlawed abortion for sport, not morality. And the immoral response consisted of a multitude of women who flocked to back alleys and hotel rooms for illegal abortions.

The story is about two college roomates, Gabita (Laura Vasiliu) and Otilia (Anamaria Marinca). Gabita is pregnant, and somehow talks her friend into helping her terminate the child's life. There is no hero, but the story's point of view is through Otilia's eyes as accomplice and enabler. For whatever reason, Otilia helps by borrowing money, booking the hotel room, even meeting the abortionist to confirm the appointment...and way too much more.

Throughout the story, Otilia keeps asking questions of Gabita: Why didn't you book the hotel room? Why did Ramona recommend this @#*& abortion doctor? Why did you lie to the doctor about the length of your pregnancy?

But there's a higher question to ask of Otilia: Why did you go to extreme lengths to help your spacey, self-absorbed, lying friend? There is a hint that might explain why in conversations between Otilia and her egotistical boyfriend, but it doesn't fully shed light. All we know is she had to see the task through, including disposing of the fetus. It is her dysfunctionality that drives the story to its end.

This film isn't about the rightness or wrongness of abortion, but one must certainly come away with the horrifying wrongness of killing a baby in the womb. 4 months is more about relationships or the lack of such. Some characters are shallow, others misguided, indifferent, and still others are vicious. Each in their own way seem to contribute to the criminal act.

4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days is a must-see but not for entertainment. It is to be seen for its portrayal of cold-heartedness and naivete. There's very little preachiness, but a lot of message.

For more, see New York Times movie review.