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?