INFJ?

I took a personality test for the whim of it. I got INFJ. Apparently I'm in the 1% of people, which makes it the rarest. Reading about it, it's pretty much how I am, with the exception of a some things. Just a fun thing I guess. Just a few updates in my life:

- Christmas is coming up and I'm very happy to be going to Tallahassee where it's a bit more chilly
- I'm a pretty sentimental person
- I spent the day on Thursday at Briana's house and hung out with her, Ashley, and her siblings. After hours of throwing the kids around, and watching the strength and warmth of her mom, I realized how much I missed my sister and how much I want to be a good mom
- I love Kate Winslet
- My room and car are in shambles and it's driving me nuts
- I want a floor to ceiling bookshelf, loaded with books, and a space carved out for my desk
- I want a nook that can be used for reading
- I'm reading Jane Eyre. It's quickly becoming my favorite book
- I keep getting closer to graduation and it keeps scaring me more and more
- Ace Christmas party was tonight. It was fun
- I'm in desperate need of new clothes
- Cooking makes me feel comfortable. I like comfortable
- I don't think what a degree is is as important as whatever it is you do with your life
- My mom made a mistake at work and when they didn't tell her she did a great job that day, she started to tear up. I realized how much I'm like my mother at that point.
- I almost cried during Agnus Dei at the Calvary Christmas show. It was that beautiful
- I get intimidated easily
- Telling someone how I really feel, whether positive or negative, is one of the hardest things. Is that common?
- I'm always trying to improve myself, without God, this venture is futile.
- Christmas music is the best
- "Iris, if you were a melody...I used only the good notes"

Easy Love?

What happened to the days when boys and girls were easy? You know, when a guy liked you, he sent you a note and then you firmly made your decision right then and there and that was the end of it. Or maybe he utilized his friends to find out if you liked him. However he did it, it was pretty cut and dry.
And what about the other way around? It used to be so easy to ward off someone who was interested in you but you weren't. "I'm not allowed to date," "I'm too young," "You're too old." It was a little more cut and dry, albeit still awkward, but not as grey.
Now! Aye now it's so much more difficult. Now if you're seen talking to a guy, oh well then you MUST be interested in them. And if you, oh I don't know, hold eye contact with a guy when you're having a conversation, which is proper etiquette by the way, well then they assume that you are interested in them even though nothing else about your body language will give you that signal. And trying to figure out of someone is saying something and then you think they're saying one thing when in fact they are saying something else entirely without uttering a single word!

::sigh::

I'm pretty sure I'm scared of growing up.

Updates...

Just some small updates in my life:

-I helped pick out the decor for Jamie's wedding reception today. It's going to be beautiful.

-Arranged the songs that I'll be singing for the Six78 Christmas Party. Mark Bennett is going to be playing guitar for it so it should sound pretty rad.

-Saw Jessica Huber for the first time since she moved. She looked stunning. I was very happy to see her.

-Finished my music business research project. That class has turned out to be one of the more difficult classes I've taken.

-Rented "He's just not that into you" again from the red box thing. A: I'm liking red box more and more. B: "He's just not that into you" is a good movie.

-Went on an epic frog hunt in my living room last night. Apparently he liked my windowsill instead of the outside world. Needless to say, there was a lot of screeching from me and jumping from the frog.

-I filled up my tank with gas and watched my money go down the drain. I also avoided the eye contact of the creepy gas station attendants who work at EVERY gas station you ever go to.

-Came one step closer to submitting my application to Student Life to work there this summer. It's complete, I just need the gusto to submit it.

-I missed horses today and wish I could be around them all the time.

-I sighed as my boss read me my schedule for this week. 12 hours...

-I smiled really big at all the pictures from Nick's birthday party. High schoolers make me smile a lot.

-One day closer to graduating.

-Jesus is the sweetest and His grace amazes me daily, especially when I fail at my part of the relationship. Somehow He always knows how to pick me up.

Softball and cell phones

I went to the boy's softball game tonight. They wiped the other team, D-nuts? T-nuts? (either way, horrible name) clean with a 20-4 score. Go victory boys! I got to see friends that I don't see all that often.

Today was a pretty great day. I had off from work so after going to a brief stint of school, I went to Walmart. Tried something new today. That red-box dvd thing? Pretty cool. I can we what all the fuss is about. Rented some dvd's, came home, watched them ,worked out, and enjoyed a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendys (favorite). Then I enjoyed the rest of the day in my room, hanging out, reading, sleeping. All around a good day.

Also, I've been enjoying mobil uploads. I think it's a fun way to show things that are interesting to me when they are happening. My new phone and its picture taking abilities are swell and I enjoy posting them on facebook.

Meteor shower tonight, actually right now. I think I'll head outside to watch that one for a little bit.

An Adult?

I went to Jamie's bridal shower today. It was lovely and of course she looked perfect. Traditional bridal games were played including a surprise visit from the groom. I'm so excited for them and can't wait to see her walk down the aisle, though I'm sure Mark is a little more. I've got good ideas brewing for when my bridal shower comes...
I'm almost done with school. I realized after stressing about registering for my spring semester that this was the last time I was going to register at FAU for my bachelors. It kind of freaks me out. I've been hit with the reality that once I graduate from college, I'm going to be an adult. I'm an adult now, but once I graduate, I'll have a bachelor's degree and will have to move onto to bigger things. No more working part time jobs and living in the now. Now it's time for getting a real job, using my degree, and putting money away for my future.
I'm now at that point where I have crossed the threshhold of being considered one of the youth. At a meeting at church the other day which included many high schoolers, Mike asked for all the adults to stay afterwards so he could talk to them. This included me. It was weird. Of course I knew I was an adult up to that point, and I had been called a leader many times, but it was the first time that I was referred to as an adult, among the parents that were there, and not just a youth leader.
The kids treat me that same way that I treated adult youth leaders when I was in high school. You know, when one of them walked up to the circle that you were in with your friends and automatically, everyone gets a little hushed and straightens up a little, especially the guys. Suddenly they watch what they're saying, afraid that I'm going to pass some kind of condemnation on them. And I just keep thinking, "What? Is there a pastor around? Why is everyone so quiet?" And then I realize that its me. How can I be an adult? Wasn't I just in high school, standing around in a circle with my friends, laughing about some dirty joke that this kid told in English class while also mocking the teacher? It makes me laugh that that is where I'm at now. And pretty soon it's going to happen to them.....
I hope God can use me in their lives somehow, even if it is as an adult. I really do care about those kids a lot. Otherwise, I don't think I would spend my time on them.


It's a weird place to be at. God is good.

Are you there God? It's me, Amy

I've been in a slump lately and I don't really know why. I have theories, though none are conclusive as of yet. It's not even a slump I can describe. It's this feeling of having absolutely no motivation to do anything yet wanting to get everything done.

I haven't been truly happy in a while. It's like in the span of about 5 weeks, everything about my life changed, and I think it's rocked me a little bit. I've changed how I think about a lot of things. I'm contemplating the fact that in the Spring of 2010, I will be a college graduate and therefore will have to grow up. I'm also a little excited with the fact that, if I wanted to, I could live anywhere and I wouldn't be tied down here by anything (aside from family). No excuses. No fantastic job (although I love working at ACE), no school, no boyfriend. None. That excites me a little bit. It excites me that, if I wanted to, I could live. Will I be doing anything about that? Probably not. I'm not comfortable with change. I prefer to stay complacent, which is maybe why I've gotten to where I am right now.

I'm mulling a few things over in my head. Things that will change one of the stable things in my life. Once again, I lean too much on what others say rather that what God says. I want to care about what God says, but at this point, I've got nothing. Just conflicting feelings and prayers that feel like they've hit a wall.

And yes, I know He's always listening and hears me. And yes, I know His plan is best. And yes, I've prayed about it. But how can I follow what He wants me to do if I can't hear His voice?



I feel like I've asked that question before...

1 Peter 1:7...

I went and looked at all my past blog posts and I realized that I have about 4 saved blogs that I never published, probably because I was attempting to write when really nothing was coming out.
I have something to write about. It's about faith. This seems like of ironic, seeing as I am T-minus 4 weeks away from going to middle school summer camp who's theme is "Faith Factor."
This has been such an immense year of growth for me, spiritually, mentally, and in the way I relate to people.

I just got back from high school camp, which I had also attended a year ago. It was at this point that I realized how much God has stretched me and has begun to mold me. It's like I finally woke up and realized that God really does have a bigger plan for my life than anything I could ever come up with. The point where I had this revelation was actually before camp even got underway; it was on the bus on the way up. Our bus was extra slow because of an engine problem, and also, for whatever reason, the air conditioning was malfunctioning, and basically we sat on a very hot bus, 2 to a seat, for 4 1/2 hours. During this time, especially since I was sitting in the very last row, I had to listen to 4 hours of complaining from a variety of students. Needless to say, by the time we got off the highway, I was already exhausted. However, I didn't snap at anyone and tried to stay as pleasant as possible. In fact, when I felt myself getting to that point, God put a song in my heart and I just started to sing, because I knew that I had to praise God for every situation I'm in, rather good or bad. I was just as hot, hungry, annoyed, and tired as every other student on that bus, yet I managed to control my emotions (with God's help).
When we finally arrived at camp and stepped off the bus, I looked around at all the chaos that Garfield and the Liquid Staff had to put up with and instead of thinking of myself and how things were not going properly, I was filled with compassion. Odd, I know. What a weird situation to feel compassion at? Nonetheless, I had compassion, not only for the staff, but also for the students. I just started praying, asking God to fill all their hearts with His joy, because I knew at that time, there wasn't any other person who could bring these people joy like Jesus can.
This was at the point that I realized how selfish I had been last year, and how much God was just living in me and not through me. I try to think that I stayed as positive as possible during camp, aside from the 4 hour window on the last day when I was so disappointed with myself, especially since I had messed up my ankle.

Bringing this all back to faith, I've come up with a new definition of it, as it applies to my life. Faith isn't just saying that you believe in something, and it's also not just a religion. You see, I had faith last year, but just because I knew I had to; because I wouldn't be a Christian if I said I didn't have faith. But having faith is so much more than just saying that God will work it out. It's truly believing that He will; it's letting go completely and being entirely vulnerable with the One who knows you like no one else does. It's handing over the reigns and saying that you just can't do it anymore, and allowing Him to chip away the things that weigh you down so that you can become that person that He sees every day. It's realizing that you are good enough, that you matter enough for God to take an interest in your life, not because He's God, but because He truly LOVES you. And I don't just mean loves like is said between husband and wife in passing; I mean love as in He is absolutely, 100% crazy about you and wants nothing more than for you to give yourself over to Him so that He can use you.

I couldn't be used by God until I gave that all over to Him. It wasn't until I laid flat on my face before God and told Him that He wins, that there is nothing left of me, and that Satan would no longer have a foothold in my life. It wasn't until I realized that everything I was doing was for other people. It was because I was so concerned with not screwing up not failing, that I had forgotten the reason why I was doing those things in the first place. My significance is not found my performance, it's found in His arms. It's found in the One who picks me up and carries me to His secret place, in His pavilion in His tabernacle; it's found in the One who meet me where I am, amongst my filth and sin, and tells me that I'm beautiful.

Though my faith is tested so many times, and often, I fail, I can pick myself up again because I know that my satisfaction is not found in my performance, but in the knowledge that Christ loves me, and that it is through fire that gold is purified. "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold; though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."1 Peter 1:7

Proverbs 31?

I get nervous trying to live up to Proverbs 31. Even though I'm not a wife yet, I still need to strive to become a good one later in life. I can't become a Proverbs 31 wife but God can always grow me into a virtuous wife. God changes the heart and is always in the process of growing and stretching me. He's in control, not me.

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

So there was this idea...

Since school is over, I will be spending Wednesday taking pictures, until I have to go to work. I've got this fantastic idea that I stole from a Martha Stewart magazine (guilty, yes). I intend on taking some pictures of pretty stuff (don't know exactly what that will entail), and then I want to blow them up on canvases, probably 12x16, and hang them on my wall. Probably something like this.
I also intend upon embarking on a creative venture this summer...I need change. If I can't physically go somewhere, I want my environment to change. I want to change my room around. I like pale colors and dark wood. Something soft, and artistic. Simple. Something with these colors...
ok, I think the purple is a little too pink, but you get the idea. Clean lines, creative ideas, PICTURES, SMILES. Especially since that's pretty much what inspires me. :)

Come on...

You know what I can't stand? It's when a teacher makes you write an opinion paper on something that is not your opinion. For instance, I am forced to agree with classic feminists on the subject of the torture of the Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. "In what ways has gendered violence been justified by perpetrators in Abu Ghraib and by Islamic and Christian Funamentalists?"
Suddenly, Christian Fundamantalists are responsible for the justification of the torture of the Abu Ghraib prisoners? Thats a bunch of crap. Suddenly, I am supposed to give reasons as to why Christian Fundamentalists are responsible for the justification of these crimes, when that's really not what I believe at all. It's like they assume that just because I am taking a feminist class, I am a feminist and that I agree with everything that is written in my book and am prepared to write about it. I know that I can BS all of it, but it is still is not right that I am forced to write on something with which I do not agree on. I guess that's the definition of a liberal college.

21 candles

It has been 21 years since I was born. I can't say that I have a wealth of knowledge to impart on those that are younger than me, mainly because I have yet to experience enough to be worthy to give advice. This year, I entered a university, said goodbye to a few friends, welcomed a few new ones, was considered a drama teacher, finally found out that God really DOES have a better plan that I do, lost 5 pounds, gained back 10, read the entire bible, and most of all I found out that my identity is not found in the thoughts and opinions of others, but in how Christ sees me...which ultimately means that I am beautiful.

I hesitate to say that these are words of wisdom:

1. Make sure you give at least 45 minutes when travelling to FAU in the morning
2. Don't be shy
3. People generally are open to what you have to say
4. Learn to stand up for yourself and have your own voice
5. Never be afraid to try something new (as long as it's safe)
6. People are not nice
7. Politics are important, whether you choose to believe that or not
8. Even if you may not believe it, they ARE watching you
9. When all else fails...sing
10. People will ALWAYS surprise you
11. Radio is out there for more than playing music
12. Facebook is a great way to connect with people
13. Someone is always listening
14. Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow
15. If you smile, things go over better
16. Empire waist is one of the most flattering styles for anyone
17. You haven't lived until you've had a Bemis omelet
18. Let people help you
19. Broaden your comfort zone
20. Challenge yourself CONSTANTLY
21. Just be

Neutering Christianity?

I've noticed in increasing popularity, the growing trend of "neutering" the Christian faith. Yea, I said neuter.

I lead the middle school drama team at my church. Each week, I challenge the girls to take what their reading and dig deeper. I feel like it falls on deaf ears even though Christ says that His word never falls on deaf ears. I ask them about their devotions and what Christ has taught them about it. Each week, I get the same response, "Yea, I read it but like, I don't see how it like applies to me" or the ever increasing "Yea, and, it told me like how we should like, love God more and like talk more about it." I hang my head.

How do you teach middle school girls to make Christianity their own faith when they are always being taught the "safe" side of Christianity? I feel like I fight against those Christians who teach the Joel Osteen "name it and claim it" and "life is great if you just believe" mentality. Didn't Christ say that we must suffer for him? How can anyone possibly suffer for Christ when they can't hear God speaking to them through His word because they don't know how to listen?

These thoughts come to the front of my mind because at our meeting on Monday, I spoke about palm sunday and read Matthew 21 which talks of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. I also read Luke 19:40 "But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” They had no idea what this meant! "I don't get it! I mean, how can rocks cry out?" Again...I hang my head in defeat. Why is it necessary to spell out every part of the bible for these girls? Is it because they havent made their religion their own yet or is it because they are always spoon fed the word of God and not made responsible for reading and intepreting and applying His word in their OWN life?

Why is there this increasing popularity of watering down and spoon feeding Christianity?

These are a few of my favorite things

Here is my list of Top 10 favorite things in the world. They're in no particular order.

1. Sunday afternoon naps when I get home from church
2. The bargain section of Barnes and Noble where I can get a novel for $5. It's particularly exciting when I can find a new author to read. If I were to piggyback on this one, I would have to say trying a new author is one of my favorite things.
3. Perfume in all the right places
4. Unwrapping a new cd or dvd
5. Writing for the fun of it
6. The perfect pair of jeans that make you look just right
7. Isaiah 41:10
8. Wearing my grandmothers jewelry, particularly her pearls
9. The smell of fresh laundry
10. My mom's cooking
11. *here's an extra: Black and White photography and Coldplay

"Slavery Still Exists" Local Action Project Collage

The joy of the Lord is my strength

If I said that this week has been interesting, would I sound too cliche? Well then, I guess it would be better to say that this week has been thought provoking. Do you ever get so consumed with life and your schedule that you forget to really live and breath? Happens to me all the time, perhaps too much.
Last week was rough on me because I had found that I had not spent a consistent amount of time in the throne-room of my Jesus. Hebrews 12:29 says that God is our consuming fire. He is our everything. If I don't talk to him in a week, its like being brought away from his love, which is something that I don't think I could really handle. I was really run-down and tired. I was on Spring Break, and yet I didn't feel very relaxed. My heart wasn't fixed on the Lord.
What I found odd is that this week, I went back to school, went back to the mundane, and yet, it was anything but mundane. It was like the Lord kept saying to me, "Here I am."
He was so sweet to me, after I had spent such a long time pushing away from him. God kept showing me little things that would make me happy. For instance, I went to Walmart and had some pictures printed out to put in some frames in the Boca High School room. The guy was very nice to me and helped me however he could (which in and of itself is something to be said). Anyway, he handed me the envelope with the pictures and the minute I looked at them, I got the biggest grin on my face, and he said to me that he must have done a good job if I was smiling that big.
I had seen those pictures so many times, but it was like, by seeing them on actual paper, it's like they came to life and the personalities and lives of the kids I loved so much were captured by a picture that I took. It brought me so much joy.
There were countless things that happened this week that reminded me of how excited I used to get in the little things in life (like someone paying for my dinner, or seeing the look in a high schooler's eyes when I told them that I had went to their play and they were marvelous).
I want that feeling all the time. I want to remember to be content in the little things as much as in the big things.

hey God.....thanks.....

Passions?

I like taking pictures. I don't consider myself a photographer. I don't ever want to accept money for taking pictures for people. Because for me, it's not a job, it's a hobby. I'm not that good, but if somebody is blessed by a picture that I took, knowing that they are blessed by it is enough for me.

I was at the gym yesterday and after the class, my mom and I did some weight stuff. The instructor for the class was talking to a lady and her (presumably) husband. Well since they were right behind me, I decided to do some slight eavesdropping. They were talking of their jobs and I overheard something that made me sad. The husband is a photographer. Naturally, my ears perked. However, he revealed that he no longer likes taking pictures, that it's just a job to him and he doesn't enjoy his work anymore. I got so sad for him. If you are making money while taking pictures of beautiful (and sometimes quite the contrary) things, then why wouldn't you be happy with your job? If you are a photographer but no longer enjoy taking pictures of things, then you should no longer be a photographer.

I was recently turned onto an AMAZING photographer by the name of Jessica Claire (thanks Jess!). Anyway, through reading her blogs, I realized that this woman was born to take pictures for people. Every time she posts pictures from an event or a wedding, she gets so excited. She comments on all her pictures and talks about each and every couple in such an exuberant way. When she takes engagement pictures for people, she always comments that she cannot wait for their wedding day when she gets to shoot for their wedding.

That woman is passionate about her work. Try and be passionate about your work, your school, anything you do. Deuteronomy 30:9 says "The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good. For the Lord will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers."

I have to constantly remember that any work that I do, I should do fully for the Lord, no matter how meager or low that work may be.

Midterms=Stress

I can honestly say that even though writing papers is hectic...I seriously prefer it to in-class essays. I'm so much better with words when I am able to think things through, edit, and really formulate my argument and my sentences.
In class essays are so stressful. What is he going to ask? What am I going to write on? What if I don't remember everything and I can't write?!
But then I really think that in-class essays test your real knowledge of the information. It tests your ability to quickly recall information and write on it in a fluid, cohesive manner.

This weekend was the worst weekend I've had in a while. I did not leave my house since Friday say for going to school and work. I did not shower, I lived in my pajamas, I smelled. My hair stood on it own and constantly argued with me. Bobby pins were used to shove things in place. I felt like junk and had a constant migraine that no amount of ibuprofen could subside.

I finished the bear at 6:40pm on Sunday evening. Just enough time to soak in the tub and head out to celebrate a friend's birthday.

No matter what I endured this weekend to write this paper...I still prefer it to in-class essays.

Reading List...

So I'm reading this book "Do Hard Things" written by two 19 year old kids. It's pretty inspirational. Of course, I'm no longer a teenager but that does not mean that I can't inflict change.
In the beginning of the book, the boys describe how their father slammed a large pile of books in front of their face in the beginning of their 16th summer. He said, "read it before the summer it done." it seemed daunting yet not impossible. These were substantial books, some I have read, many I have not. It got me thinking...when was the last time I read a substantial book? I'm not talking Harry Potter or another fictional book (which i do love by the way), I'm talking about substantial books that would get me thinking, or the classics that I had so vehemently ignored when I was in high school.

Therefore, I am putting together a reading list. Books that I want to read before I die. I want to start in the summer because that seems to be the only time when I will HAVE time to read. Please let me know of any if you so think. I'll begin with some of the ones that these boys read during their 16th summer:

The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris
Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Green
Blog by Hugh Hewitt
The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

New Freckles??

The weirdest thing has been happening to me over the past couple months. I continue to find new freckles popping up on various odd parts of my body. For instance, I now have a small, light freckly on the knuckle of my left ring finger. I also have a freckle on my right second toe. There are three new freckles that form a line across my back, which oddly enough, is in the same place where my sister had a line of freckles. Maybe they really are angel kisses.

I did some cooking tonight. I made spaghetti for boca's high school friday night fellowship. It was pretty fantastic. I miss spending time in the kitchen, especially when my mom is in there cooking and I can bounce ideas of her. Have I mentioned how amazing she is? I'm pretty sure that I could talk about how awesome she is all the time. Anyway, the pasta turned out great and the kids liked it which made me happy. I'm really starting to fall in love with the high school ministry at Boca. These kids are so fantstic, even if they are a little competive. I'm starting to find out what makes certain ones tick, and which ones that I know will do AMAZING things for Christ. What amazes me even more is the idea that God has given me an opportunity to interact with them. They touch my heart.

I saw Confessions of a Shopaholic tonight. I was presently surprised. It was enjoyable to watch and actually quite clean. Isla Fisher is rapidly becoming an actor that I enjoy to watch.

The Bible cut down to size?

For my religious experience class, one of the assignments is to respond analytically to things that I have read, listened to, or watched that have anything to do with experiencing religion. I came across this article written by Albert Mohler. He writes about Martin Hinton, a British minister, who cut the bible down to size because he felt that the bible was "too intimidating for modern readers." He cut it down so that it is able to be read in just under 100 minutes.

At first I was amazed that someone would do this, but then I started thinking about what the reaction would be if this trend became more popular. What if churches in America started adopting this idea that they could cut down the bible down to a modern, easy to use text? How would you respond to this?

Also, in studying for this class, we covered a chapter on sacred scriptures. I learned of the Sikh religion which holds its sacred text, called the Guru, as divine and holy. They treat their text as if it was alive and living. They house it in a personal tabernacle on a special cushion placed in the middle of the room. It is awakened and put to sleep each day and anyone who wants to read it must wash their entire body and place a covering over their head, as to not disturb the guru.
Do we treat the bible like this? Not to say that we must place the bible on an elaborate cushion in a special tabernacle, but how have we lost respect for what the word of God is? The Arabs spend hours a day studying the Qu'ran and it honestly makes me shameful when I can't even find 30 minutes a day to spend some time with my Lord.

The article got me thinking. If you want to read it, here's the link.
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=292

So far this year

I feel like at the beginning of each month, its good for me to take an account of everything that has happened to me so far this year.

Up to date, I have spent approximately:
3,450 minutes at school
900 minutes driving to school
2,640 minutes at work
1,200 minutes on a treadmill- results are yet to be seen
3,600 minutes reading
120 minutes fishing
60 minutes shooting archery
1,740 minutes at church
8 tanks of gas- that's 2 tanks a week

Things I have accomplished or realized:
- Today was the first day I finished ALL of my assigned reading material for my Sex and Gender in American Culture class
- I have been radically affected by Christ
- I still have no idea what God's will for my life is
- I've discovered that I have more will-power than I thought I did
- I can shoot a tight group of arrows at 25 yards
- I have yet to catch a fish while fishing by myself
- I took a fantastic photograph
- I found a new place to take pictures at
- I cannot keep my room clean for more than 10 days
- I like kiwis
- Roses are not my favorite flower
- I have made very little money
- I hate gardening
- I've grown attached to 3 smelly kids
- I've spent more time at home than with friends
- I have begun to develop a style of singing
- I created goals for myself
- I have seen no movies in the movie theater since the dark knight
- I have extended my vocabulary
- I will never take a class at FAU Davie again
- My parents are amazing-this isn't a new realization
- I realized that every time I listen to Viva La Vida, I smile real big
- Even though I complain about it, I really do love summer camp