So as Ash Wednesday has come and gone the whispers of Lent are all around. As I am in my Junior year of college now I've realized Lent has become a trendy thing here in the south. I have many friends observing Lent who are not necessarily Catholic or Protestant or any religion for that matter. These friends are searching for something. Something to hold them accountable for bettering themselves. Not in a selfish, competitive way but in a spiritual way.
When I was little, giving up chocolate seemed like the best thing I could do for Lent. And if I slipped up and had some M&Ms, my mom would say it's OK and tell me to think of something else not as hard. Now that I am (considered) an adult, I know that giving up something during the forty days of Lent is definitely not meant to be easy. Lent is a time of sacrifice. Sacrifice and thanksgiving.
I like to think of Lent as a second chance to attain a New Years' goal in a more foreseeable time-frame. Your sacrifice should be something that gives way to other goals that you've thought of but maybe not necessarily addressed. Like going to bed early. Going to bed early will make you have to be more organized and structured with your use of time. Then you will start to iron out your priorities and maybe cut out some bad habits like Facebooking well into the night. This ripple effect is what Lent is all about. Doing one small, difficult sacrifice that will better your whole self.
I'm giving up TV. I've noticed recently how I turn to the TV to calm me down when I'm stressed out or facing problems I don't want to deal with. Cutting TV out of my life will force me to turn to some other outlet when stressing over something petty. I'm hoping that outlet will be the Lord. But also, not watching TV will force me to find other things to do with my time. Instead of watching Glee, I'll be reading a book, or working out, or even blogging. All of which help me grow and better my whole self.
So I challenge you to find the right thing to give up this Lenten season. Here's another wonderful blog that can help with some ideas.
11.3.11
9.1.11
New Age Dating
As much as it makes me gag, I must agree with a recent New York Times article on long distance relationships in today’s internet world. Reporter, Abigail Moore, gives a glimpse into the lives of multiple college aged couples who are currently in long distance relationships. The article’s concluding theme emphasizes how the internet is influencing relationships.
Now, you may say “Of course it is.” Since online dating sites come up with all kinds of creative new approaches, curiosity leads even the most antagonistic single person to snoop around such services. We see commercials and hear ads for tons of online dating services like eHarmony, Match.com, and PlentyofFish.com every day. But aren’t websites like Facebook and Skype turning into more frequently used dating sites than these others?
As I get older, I am starting to see how technology influences more parts of my life. To witness my four year old nephew become a master of “Angry Birds” is just one example. I know it must be even more exaggerated for older generations. My father always likes to point out how my brother and I never need to read the instructions manual to know how to use a new cell phone. Technology is meant to influence how we learn and expand our capabilities, but now we count romantic relationships among things the internet touches as well.
Email, Facebook, Skype, iChat, and many other services find a following by helping people keep in touch with others. And what we may not realize they are also doing, is helping maintain long distance relationships. A long distance couple determined to beat the odds will rely heavily on these forms of communication.
Skyping for hours instead of making a phone call or writing a piece of snail mail has become the norm for romances. Facebook lets couples chat like they were sitting next to each other and stay updated with pictures. So many technologies like these are lurking into the development of children entering adulthood. As much as Mark Zuckerberg wanted to make an impression on the world with Facebook, or Tony Bates with Skype, I don’t think they realized how they might be changing the dynamic of dating.
Now, you may say “Of course it is.” Since online dating sites come up with all kinds of creative new approaches, curiosity leads even the most antagonistic single person to snoop around such services. We see commercials and hear ads for tons of online dating services like eHarmony, Match.com, and PlentyofFish.com every day. But aren’t websites like Facebook and Skype turning into more frequently used dating sites than these others?
As I get older, I am starting to see how technology influences more parts of my life. To witness my four year old nephew become a master of “Angry Birds” is just one example. I know it must be even more exaggerated for older generations. My father always likes to point out how my brother and I never need to read the instructions manual to know how to use a new cell phone. Technology is meant to influence how we learn and expand our capabilities, but now we count romantic relationships among things the internet touches as well.
Email, Facebook, Skype, iChat, and many other services find a following by helping people keep in touch with others. And what we may not realize they are also doing, is helping maintain long distance relationships. A long distance couple determined to beat the odds will rely heavily on these forms of communication.
Skyping for hours instead of making a phone call or writing a piece of snail mail has become the norm for romances. Facebook lets couples chat like they were sitting next to each other and stay updated with pictures. So many technologies like these are lurking into the development of children entering adulthood. As much as Mark Zuckerberg wanted to make an impression on the world with Facebook, or Tony Bates with Skype, I don’t think they realized how they might be changing the dynamic of dating.
24.11.10
A Daily Prayer
"God dwells within you, as you."
My favorite quote from Eat, Pray, Love.
This had become one of my favorite prayers during the day. Feel free to borrow it for your own mid-day, mid-thought prayer. I ask Him to be in me and it helps to give me the strength and focus I need to get through whatever hardships I might be facing.
My favorite quote from Eat, Pray, Love.
This had become one of my favorite prayers during the day. Feel free to borrow it for your own mid-day, mid-thought prayer. I ask Him to be in me and it helps to give me the strength and focus I need to get through whatever hardships I might be facing.
8.10.10
Revelations
I have had the privilege of being friends with some very amazing people in my life. Ambitious, adventure-thirsty people who never let me lose focus or slack off. Some people like to surround themselves with pretty people or fashionable people. I like to surround myself with ambitious people. Somehow their ideas always seem cooler and their jokes always funnier and then I realize why I like to call them my friends.
I find myself thanking God so often for giving me these wonderful surroundings. I am so lucky to be in my family, in my situation. Going to school. Having all the opportunities I am so lucky to have. I mean, even right now I am in an airplane right now on my way to New York City typing on my MacBook and listening to my iPod. How fortunate am I?
It is becoming more and more apparent how lucky I am. My daily revelations are starting to become habitual (but not in a boring monotonous way). I’ve decided they come with maturity and wisdom… or at least that’s what I hope. That latest revelation comes from my continued involvement in Haiti Outreach and from meeting new people in many different situations. This revelation is soured only by the thought that at one time I thought about giving it all up. Why would someone as lucky as I am ever throw in the towel? Selfishness, cowardice, and fear hold people back from realizing what amazing gifts they have in their lives. Potential, ambition, opportunity are just a few things that get overlooked everyday as gifts. And these overlooked gifts are worth way more than a MacBook or iPod. Harnessing these gifts can make anyone into a successful, truly happy person.
“When I think that I’ve lost my way there are no words left to say, it’s true, God gave me you!” -Dave Barnes
I find myself thanking God so often for giving me these wonderful surroundings. I am so lucky to be in my family, in my situation. Going to school. Having all the opportunities I am so lucky to have. I mean, even right now I am in an airplane right now on my way to New York City typing on my MacBook and listening to my iPod. How fortunate am I?
It is becoming more and more apparent how lucky I am. My daily revelations are starting to become habitual (but not in a boring monotonous way). I’ve decided they come with maturity and wisdom… or at least that’s what I hope. That latest revelation comes from my continued involvement in Haiti Outreach and from meeting new people in many different situations. This revelation is soured only by the thought that at one time I thought about giving it all up. Why would someone as lucky as I am ever throw in the towel? Selfishness, cowardice, and fear hold people back from realizing what amazing gifts they have in their lives. Potential, ambition, opportunity are just a few things that get overlooked everyday as gifts. And these overlooked gifts are worth way more than a MacBook or iPod. Harnessing these gifts can make anyone into a successful, truly happy person.
“When I think that I’ve lost my way there are no words left to say, it’s true, God gave me you!” -Dave Barnes
22.8.10
A Circle of Friends
"In a circle of friends we have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That every orphaned soul will know
And all will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends
If you weep, I will weep with you
If you sing for joy the rest of us will lift our voices too
But no matter what you feel inside there's no need to pretend
That's the way it is in this circle of friends
In a circle of friends
We have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That we'll gather together no matter how the highway bends
I will not lose this circle of friends"
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That every orphaned soul will know
And all will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends
If you weep, I will weep with you
If you sing for joy the rest of us will lift our voices too
But no matter what you feel inside there's no need to pretend
That's the way it is in this circle of friends
In a circle of friends
We have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That we'll gather together no matter how the highway bends
I will not lose this circle of friends"
15.6.10
My New Direction
Blogging is a strange thing. Some share intimate thoughts, some give their opinion on political issues, and some are simply informative. This is obviously a personal blog and yet I haven't shared many personal stories or insights (even though this is only my fourth post). But this weekend I had a bit of a revelation that I would like to share with the few people who read this.
I went back to Knoxville this weekend for a medical benefit I helped with (the proceeds went to the Haiti Outreach Program). The benefit featured Dr. Louise Ivers (from Partners in Health), Dr. Pierre-Marie Medor (Medical Director of St. Michel Hospital in Haiti), and Mr. Billy Stair as guest speakers and Mr. Hallerin Hill as master of ceremonies. Each one gave their personal touch to the same message: Haiti needs us and Boucan Carre needs the St. Michel Clinic.
At one junction between speakers, Hallerin Hill was filling time with his wonderful presence and said something that has stayed with me since. He was talking about a movie, Shine. He summarized the story line for us all and then pointed out a major theme of the movie. Unconditional love. Such a difficult theme to describe and yet Hill did it with easy, graceful words. He said it is like a pitcher you give to someone. But once you have given it, you break off the handle and can never take it back. Unconditional love is something that can never be forced or forged. It is so hard to give away and so easy to take for granted. I could only think of God’s love for me, and all His people. I don’t mean to sound cliché, but it’s true. How can He accept us all for everything that we are, good and bad, and completely, unconditionally love us?
After the dinner and all the speeches, I had the honor of talking to Dr. Ivers personally… well, with a few friends too, but still just a handful of people. Her and her husband’s fearless attitude reminded me of a good friend (I hope you know who you are). It’s these fearless people who are the most successful in whatever they do. They take a crazy idea and say “sure! Let’s do it!” These people inspire me and I am truly grateful to have their influence on my life.
I am definitely not a person who wears my faith on my sleeve. A few of my family members might be that way but this is where I am much different from them. I have always been a religious person; I just like to keep it to myself. But after hearing Hallerin and Dr. Iver’s words I cannot help but feel moved.
Driving home I was listening to a Train song that I’ve heard many times before but this time it was different. It goes…
“When I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright.
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way when you are here.”
Train has never seemed SO true as it did right then.
Love doesn’t come from hookups or liquor’s buzz. Completely 100% unconditional love comes from the one and only. He is there when no one else is. He connected the dots for me and pointed me down the right path. I have never felt so motivated and passionate about something in my entire life. I want to serve others. I want to impact the world in the greatest way I possibly can. Peace corps here I come.
I went back to Knoxville this weekend for a medical benefit I helped with (the proceeds went to the Haiti Outreach Program). The benefit featured Dr. Louise Ivers (from Partners in Health), Dr. Pierre-Marie Medor (Medical Director of St. Michel Hospital in Haiti), and Mr. Billy Stair as guest speakers and Mr. Hallerin Hill as master of ceremonies. Each one gave their personal touch to the same message: Haiti needs us and Boucan Carre needs the St. Michel Clinic.
At one junction between speakers, Hallerin Hill was filling time with his wonderful presence and said something that has stayed with me since. He was talking about a movie, Shine. He summarized the story line for us all and then pointed out a major theme of the movie. Unconditional love. Such a difficult theme to describe and yet Hill did it with easy, graceful words. He said it is like a pitcher you give to someone. But once you have given it, you break off the handle and can never take it back. Unconditional love is something that can never be forced or forged. It is so hard to give away and so easy to take for granted. I could only think of God’s love for me, and all His people. I don’t mean to sound cliché, but it’s true. How can He accept us all for everything that we are, good and bad, and completely, unconditionally love us?
After the dinner and all the speeches, I had the honor of talking to Dr. Ivers personally… well, with a few friends too, but still just a handful of people. Her and her husband’s fearless attitude reminded me of a good friend (I hope you know who you are). It’s these fearless people who are the most successful in whatever they do. They take a crazy idea and say “sure! Let’s do it!” These people inspire me and I am truly grateful to have their influence on my life.
I am definitely not a person who wears my faith on my sleeve. A few of my family members might be that way but this is where I am much different from them. I have always been a religious person; I just like to keep it to myself. But after hearing Hallerin and Dr. Iver’s words I cannot help but feel moved.
Driving home I was listening to a Train song that I’ve heard many times before but this time it was different. It goes…
“When I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright.
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way when you are here.”
Train has never seemed SO true as it did right then.
Love doesn’t come from hookups or liquor’s buzz. Completely 100% unconditional love comes from the one and only. He is there when no one else is. He connected the dots for me and pointed me down the right path. I have never felt so motivated and passionate about something in my entire life. I want to serve others. I want to impact the world in the greatest way I possibly can. Peace corps here I come.
23.5.10
Great Escape
"Thought I could but I just can't wait
Started planning for my great escape
Where I'd live and what I'd leave behind."
-Pat Monahan
One of my best friends in the world is in Costa Rica having the time of her life. It couldn't be a better scenario. She LOVES Spanish and she's speaking it all the time; she LOVES bright colors and shes living in a bright green and orange house; she LOVES taking pictures and what better place to be?! What a lucky girl. Back here at home we're all missing her!
Her adventures make me wonder where I would go if I could go any where in the world... I mean, really. Where would I go? It's like trying to pick which hair on your head is your favorite. There are so many options! Costa Rica, Barcelona, Paris, Zurich, Mulan, Moscow, Sydney, Hong Kong, the Netherlands... that's only a glimps at my list.
I'll let you know when I've finished it. For now, I'll keep listing and missing Haley!
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