Unexpected Ministry

I love those unexpected ministry opportunities...you know the ones I am talking about; the ones that you can't plan for...the ones that are out of the blue...the ones that only God can place in your life.

Tonight after 701 I had the chance to connect with a new student in our ministry (he is actually a high school student who was pretending to be a jr higher to be with his girlfriend...haha). He came across as one of those tough guys that would not want to talk with someone like me. Initially, he seemed closed off and hard to get through to. Anyway...I offered to give him a ride home with another student and he actually said yes. I was pleasantly surprised. We decided to swing by Starbucks for frappuchinos. It was a cool opportunity to connect with this new student. This was definiety the highlight of my night...maybe even my week. It is situations like this that make me love what I do. Praise the Lord for sweet opportunities!

Ephesians 5:15-17- Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Trust...

Recently I have been thinking about the concept of trust. Do I trust people? Do people trust me? Am I willing to open up to others? Do I need to open up more? What are the benefits of being open? Do the benefits outway the risk?

It can be so difficult to share about your life with others. It can also feel really good. Do I allow myself to be known by others? Does anyone really know me? Why is that so scary?!?!

What are your thoughts?

Great Soundtrack and Great Movie

Recently I have fallen in love with the movie Dan in Real Life and the Soundtrack. I especially like the song To Be Surprised by Sondre Lerche. Actually this Sondre guy did the who soundtrack. It has a good mellow feel to it. Check it out!

I stole this "Book Quiz" from Melissa...

This is me...They say I am "very short and a little furry"...Hmmm.

You're The Hobbit!

by J.R.R. Tolkien

All you wanted was a nice cup of tea when some haggard crazy old man
came into your life and told you it was time to do something with yourself. Now you're
all conflicted about whether to stick with your stay-at-home lifestyle or follow this
crazy person into the wild. While you're very short and a little furry, you seem to be
surrounded by an even greater quantity of short folks lately. Try not to lose your ring,
but keep its value in perspective!


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

My Preppy Party

Awhile back I was deciding between having a Preppy or Gangtsa Theme to celebrate my 28th birthday. Well...As you can see I decided to go with the Preppy.

"So pop that collar and put on those pearls!"

I think it was a pretty big hit. We celebrated my special night with croquet, sparkling cider, and dancing at the Simpson home at Balboa. It was a night to remember!

Keep Breathing

Life is tough. Sometimes I feel like the song by Ingrid Michaelson "Keep Breathing." Basically all she does is keep repeating the same phrase over and over, but I still like it.
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing.
I can relate to this song. Sometimes life is too complicated and overwhelming, so all I can do is focus on my breathing. At the time, it seems to be the only thing I can handle. Do you ever feel like that?

Anyway, I am really into her music right now and I recommend you sample it. Her songs are pretty simple, yet relaxing and sometimes thought-provoking. I have four of her songs on my ipod (Keep Breathing, Breakable, The Way I am, Corner of Your Heart)...I like each of them.

Days Off

Sometimes I feel like I just work work work. After a long stretch of working I find myself longing for a day off. Especially after a hard trip like Camp Surf, I need a day to relax and unwind. Nod your head if you look forward to your days off.

However, recently I have found myself getting bored on my days off. Unless I am hanging out with my friends, I end up just sitting around in my living room watching TV, going on Myspace, or eating junk food. When I am alone I also start worrying about life (I think work and busyness can be a nice distraction from the realities of life). By the end of the day I sense that my day off was a waste and I am left feeling bored, lonely, unrested, and disappointed.

Some would suggest that I need to find more activities to help me relax and revive my soul. I love watching movies or playing games with friends, but what do I do when no one is available? I enjoy art and architecture, but for some reason it seems meaningless now. I think I have lost my sense of dreaming and passion.

Do you ever feel like me when it comes to days off?