Justice September 24, 2009

How can I continue to live my life the way that I have now that I know of so many if the injustices in the world? There are people, adults and children, living through things that I could never imagine. Everything that I do affects so many other people. The clothes I wear, the food I eat, and the electronics I use could all be supporting slavery in our world. There are over 27 million slaves in the world today… Half of them are children.

I have to take a stand and do things differently. My friends may not like it, my job may not like it, my child may not like it but I have to do something. I will not change the whole world but I can change mine.

Creative project for Essentials Blue February 14, 2009

For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

I have done a slide show for my creative project. I have tried to use photographs to represent the themes from this course. I definitely could use something like this at our church.

God has called us. All humankind have been called by beauty, justice, love shared in relationships, and spirituality. He then provided a way for us to join him. He is our Savior, King, Creator, and purest example of true relationships through the Trinity. We are now a part of his great story. His Kingdom is available to us. We join in the story as sub creators, his image bearers, community builders, and we continue the story as salvific storytellers.

My slide show is best viewed at 8-10 seconds between images. I wish that I had some music to accompany it. I hope you enjoy. All photographs were taken by me, my husband, or a close friend.

Click here for THE GREAT STORY

My Thoughts on the Echoes of God (Essentials Blue) January 16, 2009

For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt

Since I am not a worship leader or a musician of any kind, this course is kind of difficult for me. I cannot relate to some of the things talked about. But the basic theology teachings are wonderful. I have loved Simply Christian by N.T. Wright. I usually have a hard time reading nonfiction books but this one has not been too difficult for me.

I really love the way N.T. Wright wrote about the four echoes. I definitely sense them in my life. I recently took leadership of our justice ministry at church. Justice touches my heart in a way that makes me feel alive. I want to see the world changed to be the way it was intended to be and to see myself as an integral part of the transformation.

I have always,  since I was a young child, sensed the echo of spirituality in my life. I have believed in God longer than my parents have been followers of Jesus. I have always prayed and believed that God was with me at all times.

As I said in my discussion question answer, I am constantly surrounded with the importance of relationships as a psychiatric nurse. I think that we truly need others in our lives more than we know. I have struggled with this all my life but God has recently brought some great people into my life.

The creation and beauty of God put a smile on my face. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been is the coast of Oregon. I can think back to those times or look at photographs and instantly feel like I am being swept away into another world. I felt so much peace when I was there that my heart longs to go back. When standing in that beauty (or any other beauty) I feel God so near. I love to connect with beautiful things. Sometimes a painting or design can fill my heart with joy. I also really love the beauty that I see in people. God has done so many great things with us humans. It is amazing to think that we are made in God’s image.

I am astounded by the thought that God loves us so much that he not only gives us one echo of himself but many.

the first… January 9, 2009

i have always wanted to do this.  but i have never felt like i have good things to say. i don’t think i care about that any more. i have started this blog mostly for a course i am taking but i want to use it to write my thoughts as well.

today has been tough. i opened my mouth when i probably shouldn’t have. my intent was good but my approach was very bad. nothing that i said was understood correctly and i feel like that is only going to cause more problems. i love this person greatly but i don’t think she will ever believe that again.

i wish that i could paint pictures of my thoughts so that everyone could understand. i often fail with words. maybe one day pictures will come that atleast show a small piece of my mind.