Incurably_Abstract's Xanga

Monday, June 16, 2008

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:44:39 GMT

revisitation (of blog) June 16, 2008

No insights or colorful anecdotes for now. My brain is practically slaughtered and I could barely muster the energy to spew out comprehensible information that may be of any worth to you. But then again, that's the case with so many other bloggers... At least I can type. :)

Yours truly is taking two summer classes at her community college, this being Semester #2. Intro to Sociology began in mid-May, and it consists of 6 intensive weeks of mental slavery. But I've actually enjoyed it. U. S. History began today, this being an 8-week course which, I must add, starts at exactly 8:25 AM. No joke.

Add to my intellectual dogpile a new job. Two jobs, technically. My freelance graphic design work allows for a flexible schedule, but it's still work.

That's me right now. I would covet your prayers for survival. :)

Friday, February 15, 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:17:36 GMT

leaving my mark... February 14, 2008

It's been a while!

Lately, classes and homework take up 90% of my time. I enjoy most of the experience, but there are those things I'd rather do without. While I usually come home feeling rather enlightened in some way, there are days I face people who get on my nerves. Some people act like they're still in high school, behaving irresponsibly, not getting work done and disrespecting professors. Ah...but even so, they make life interesting. Besides, when I run my own design firm, I can find some use for them...as my custodial staff. ;) Anyway...

One of the really cool things about going to community college is the diverse student body. It's kind of like being on a bus or a subway in the way that you're stuck with people who are headed in the same direction as you are, though not necessarily to the same destination. Everyone is between the ages of 17 and 60ish, and they come in different colors, with different worldviews, from different backgrounds. I'm becoming acquainted with these people and learning about their experiences, and it's becoming more clear to me that I am exactly where God wants me to be.

I've been wanting to do something...anything...to reach out and make an impact there. After a little while of praying about it, interestingly enough, I met these two girls who invited me to pray with them twice a week! I'm really excited to see what'll happen.

On a different note, I got to see someone get serenaded today, with this being Valentine's Day (in case y'all forgot). A certain husband sent this quartet to sing his wife three love songs and deliver her a red carnation. It was adorable!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:46:14 GMT

sensory overload... January 11, 2008

I have to keep a journal for my English class. This was part of my first entry--

Sensory overload. Those are the words that come to mind when I reflect on my first two days of college. Mornings are bright and bustling with activity-- students running to their next class, or making a mad dash out of the building, friends mingling before and after classes, faculty members mumbling to each other, the tapping of keyboard keys, texting tones sounding off.

And I was taking a quiet stroll through all of this.

I really wasn't nervous. More than anything, I was determined to A) dodge any bullets that may crush my spirits and B) resurrect my inner overachiever. But on another hand, I was also feeling lost and awfully small, which was a bit overwhelming. But such is the spirit of freshmandom. (That's not a word, but if I didn't say so, you'd just assume it is and marvel at my intellect.)

As much as I wanted to, I didn't include that part in parentheses. ;)

Since that time, I finished re-reading Pilgrim's Progress for the third time. This time, I saw it in light of this "new era" in my life. (Doesn't that sound dramatic?) Here I am, Christian, crossing paths with all these people--some are named Worldly Wiseman, many Talkative, some Ignorance, some Legality, etc., all of whom think they're headed to the Celestial City. I talk to whoever seems friendly, but most people keep to themselves, hence the reason for feeling small, and having to ever so tactfully bulldoze their barriers. (I love that word.) Only then can I be a witness.

Christian would've been as strong as a piece of chewed up gum on the ground without his companions, Faithful and Hopeful. Thank God for those companions! I see their smiling faces in the halls, and even simply brushing by lends me a good share of encouragement. (Having them there means that someone can vouch for my sanity.) And at the end of the week, when my brain has exhausted its last ounce of energy, there are those beautiful e-mails and such from friends who simply want to know how my week went.

All that being said probably paints a dreary picture, but it really isn't (anymore). I've had my share of amusing experiences, most of which have to do with my first impressions... Stories shall be available upon request. ;)

Friday, December 28, 2007

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 03:13:43 GMT

getting back up and looking forward. December 27, 2007

I woke up feeling utterly miserable on Christmas Eve, barely surviving the shopping errands we had to run in the morning. When we came home, I checked my temperature, and it was up to 101.7. Later that night, I had gotten up to almost 104. So I kicked off Christmas with a trip to the ER, where I was told I have pharyngitis. (Such inflammation causes these fevers sometimes. I learned something!) I spent the rest of the day in bed, my body temperature fluctuating, no appetite whatsoever, my nose running, my body aching all over, my throat KILLING me, and wishing my head would explode already so I'd be out of my misery. On top of that, I had a medication schedule to follow-- four medicines, each at overlapping four-hour intervals. AND I was all alone in the house.

How was my Christmas? Well, I've had better...

There was the temptation to complain and whine about why this happened to me, naturally. But a thought kept reoccuring to me-- the meaning of Christmas doesn't change.

And 'twas such a profound truth. Whether your Christmas was like that picturesque family huddle around the tree, or if wasn't exactly ideal... the meaning doesn't change. It's politically correct to say, "It's about giving and spending time with family." (And some will add "Santa" to that list.) But no, the raw truth is that the day is about remembering the birth of the man who came to save us from our sins, and transform our lives. We can give and spend time with family at any time of the year. (And don't get me started on Santa. *shudders*)

In the past few years, I've made it a point to pray about God's plan for the new year. And last year, He showed me that 2007 would be difficult. And it has been. But I'm also coming away from it having grown, having been challenged, having discovered who my family is, and realizing, for the millionth time, that God is in control. And He loves me. So I'm looking forward to a brighter new year, Lord willing.

"We love because He first loved us."
1 John 4:19

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Friday, November 16, 2007

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:22:23 GMT

status update November 15, 2007

Jordan is indeed right. It's time for an update. Thanks, J! :)

I seem to have gotten lost in Facebook Land, where I feast with, make tea for, and "defenstrate" friends, battle pirates, throw frisbees, and nominate people for peculiar award titles. My favorite -- "Most likely to encourage my dangerous, drunken escapades." (That honor goes to Mr. Aaron Fahnestock.)

Anyway, I'm headed to Texas on the 20th. I shall be visiting my dad, his wife, and my soon-coming younger sibling, who is currently residing in her uterus. I'm stoked about seeing them and catching up with some old friends, whom we're also spending Thanksgiving with. But it's the travelling part I'm dreading...

Lately, there has been a part of my life in which I am suspended in a state of uncertainty. And as you can probably imagine, it's rather frustrating most of the time. I'm the kind of person who likes to be emotionally prepared for things, to know what's happening. But this not knowing... let me ask you, is ignorance bliss if you know you're ignorant? Especially if it's about something you really want to know? Well... all I can say is, God is really teaching me about trusting Him right now.

So that would be all for now. :) Until next time... whenever that'll be.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 23:15:14 GMT

life... October 20, 2007

...is really really great. And God is so awesome.

Since showing off these pictures is the thing to do right now, here are some pictures from Thursday's Frappuccino Formal. (Yes, it works even if you're not a Facebook user. Even though you really should be.)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10236&l=2c3c4&id=742998160.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:41:21 GMT

a revelation... October 8, 2007

Human nature fascinates (and amuses, and frustrates) me. Perhaps you've already picked up on that.

In inductive Bible study (which is really really awesome... FYI), you're supposed to look for repeated words, ideas, etc., in given passages because they're most likely important. The more I thought about it, I realized that human nature happens to be one of the most repeated, though underappreciated, themes in the whole Bible.

Take this passage in Titus 2 (NASB), for example.

"Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Likewise, urge the young men to be sensible..."

Slightly amusing, if you ask me. ;) (If you really study it, you'll catch on.)

So that was one of many things I came away with from the weekend at YWAM. I'm sorry you losers missed out...

I also learned that there are people in the world who actually have an organized method for playing volleyball. And it doesn't involve breaking through the net and tackling the opposing team. I must say, a nonviolent volleyball game was a new concept to me...

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:33:48 GMT

spectacular attention to detail September 28, 2007

Relationships are mysterious entities to me, which is why I rarely like to write about them and risk appearing ignorant. (Hold your sarcasm...) I'd much rather criticize logos.

But recently, someone got me a book called "The Right Choice," written by none other than my beloved Pastor Bill Stonebraker of Calvary Chapel Honolulu. 'Tis a practical, simply-written study on the book of Ruth, and it dissects the romance between Ruth and Boaz. Interesting stuff.

Anyway, this little story in the book made me laugh... So I thought I'd share it with you (without permission from the author, of course). A woman named Charlene relates the story...

George and I were engaged in a lively conversation when he stopped talking a moment and retrieved his white, no-frills hanky out of his back pocket. Unfolding it, he vigorously blew his nose. I continued to talk without skipping a beat. After several good snorts, he folded the hanky right on the creases again and again, until it was returned to its perfect square. He put it in his right hand and slid it down into his back pocket.

When he looked up at me, I had become mute. My mouth was agape. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and it showed on my face. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Do you always fold your hanky like that after you blow your nose?"

"Yes," he said. "Is that a problem?"

"Maybe," I answered.

"Why?"

"After 20 years of married life," I told him, "I had no idea you folded your hanky back up like that after blowing your nose."

"So?" he asked.

"So? So, I'm sorry to tell you that when I am doing the laundry and find the hanky so neatly folded in your back pocket, I assume it hasn't been used and I simply put it in the drawer without washing it!"

Now it was George's turn to stare with his mouth wide open. But after a couple beats passed, he remarked, "No wonder I always have so much trouble getting my glasses clean..."

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:34:04 GMT

labor day weekend, etc. September 4, 2007

I spent two days in "the Electric City" with my uncle (Dad's brother) and aunt (his wife... duh), and some of her relatives. Some of us checked out a pretty hardcore Italian festival. Pizza, pasta... and bad jazz dancing, by which I was thoroughly entertained. And then Japanese food... Hibachi style... for dinner. They make sushi pizza now.

It was relaxing. But nowadays, I feel kind of lost without having friends with me. Feels like I've spent this whole summer hanging out with people. It's been great. But now, you losers have to go to school... =P

I start in January, I believe. (I'm still debating whether I wish to take this year off.) So if anyone wants to hang out on a school day, you can probably find me reading under a tree. Until winter hits, of course. Then, I'll have to go inside and get a jacket.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:37:14 GMT

anticonformity. August 28, 2007

[ Pictures from Impact/YWAM are up. Click here. ]

radical |radikal| adj.
characterized by departure from tradition; innovative or progressive

Most of us grow up being expected to conform to this mold. People expect you to basically get through school, work, get married, have kids... so the kids can get through school, work, get married, have kids... so they can continue this utterly pointless pattern. I call it The Cycle.

Conventionality--the way things have always been done... it's stable, safe, free of risks.

During our IMPACT outreach at Optimist Park, Jeremy and I came across a young lady, 20, who introduced us to her 18-month old daughter. I gave them both Gospel bracelets and started to explain what it means, when she told me about how her mom used to make her go to Vacation Bible School.

When I asked her how her faith situation is now, she said, "Well, I'd go to church, but I don't have time. I work, go to school, pay the bills... And Sunday is the only day I have to spend with my daughter." After a few moments, she added, "You'll understand when you grow up..."

After that conversation (which ended as she got annoyed and defensive), I thought about how many times people have told me that--"Wait 'til you're grown up... wait 'til you're 'more experienced' in life... You'll see how hard it is."

This "life" they expect me to "experience" is just another name for The Cycle. But the fact is that in Christ, my life is already fulfilled. In a manner of speaking, I'm already dead.

God may give you some pretty insane dreams... and people will laugh. It happens. When you've determined to launch yourself against The Cycle, people will try to tear you down, to knock you back into their cynical reality. It absolutely kills them to see someone rise above them, because they themselves have gotten nowhere in all their "experience."

So, my friends... especially those of you headed back to school... don't put God in a box. Live free and be radical.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2