So, I had a flight booked for Friday December 19th at 5pm. Impending snowstorm led me to take the advice of lots of people and go to the airport at 4am to try to fly standby. 63 people with the same idea got there before I did. At one point I was as high as #22. Then all the other flights were cancelled except the flight I was originally booked on, so I held out hope. Plane came in, they were cleaning it and then we'd load. If you want to gate check some carry-ons please do that now... still very hopeful, I could smell the Tex-mex food I would be eating for dinner... then "all flights are cancelled" was my reality.
My luggage flew standby to Dallas at 6am so at least I didnt' have to hassle with my giant suitcase on the subway and bus on my way home. I didn't have my snow boots on, just my slip on shoes, because I had expected to leave Boston before the snow came.
Was rebooked for same flight on Sunday, right in time for the next snowstorm to blow through, though promise was not to be as bad. Called Saturday to see what my chances were of getting out early... none, plus I decided to let everyone else sit in the airport again for 12 hours while I stayed home and watched movies. Sunday morning at 10:30 I got an automated message from American Airlines that my flight was again cancelled. So now I'm booked for an East coast adventure on another airline from Boston-Charlotte-Philly-Dallas on Monday. Snow should be gone so I'm cautiously hopeful!
But really, what could I have done differently? Try to fly out on an earlier day? Nope! We had a team of students here and we ended our time together Thursday night with Jars of Clay/Sara Groves Christmas concert.... I couldn't cancel that because I had to get the team to the concert. A good concert it was!
Most people at the airport and the personnel were patient and kind. I did see two college-age people almost come unglued when they arrived after their gates were closed, but the agents were wise and spared all of us from the impending meltdowns by putting them on the planes anyway -- jump seats, toilets, I don't know where they put them, but they were wise to do so. Later, another lady was trying to carry on 4 small suitcases, and after a small meltdown, the personnel just grabbed her luggage and gate checked it anyway. Wisdom on their part again.
I know I couldn't work in an airport for more than a day, I'd surely get fired for yelling back at passengers.
So, this will indeed be a memorable Christmas. Hopefully I'll be dining on TexMex food Monday, or Tuesday for lunch.
After all, Jesus' wasn't born under ideal conditions and created a travel interruption with his own birth, so why should I expect my Christmas to be any different?
Matthew 1:21 and they shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
A Song That's Been in My Head Lately
A very special song to me is "I Will Listen" by Twila Paris, on her "Where I Stand" album.... actually the album title comes from the song. I would love to know the circumstances that led Twila to write the song, but then again, by not knowing, I can apply it to many situations in my own life.
I've been singing the last verse in my head this week, due to some things that are going on. I'm trying to discern the truth of the situation and what my proper response should be. I'm pretty sure the situation the song is based on is a negative one, yet I've been singing this verse as a hopeful prayer of inklings of positive things to come. The first and second line are my favorite.
Here's the last verse:
Could it be that He is only waiting there to see
If I will learn to dream the dreams that He has dreamed for me?
Can't imagine what the future holds, but I've already made my choice
And this is where I stand until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
God is faithful, why do we doubt Him?
I've been singing the last verse in my head this week, due to some things that are going on. I'm trying to discern the truth of the situation and what my proper response should be. I'm pretty sure the situation the song is based on is a negative one, yet I've been singing this verse as a hopeful prayer of inklings of positive things to come. The first and second line are my favorite.
Here's the last verse:
Could it be that He is only waiting there to see
If I will learn to dream the dreams that He has dreamed for me?
Can't imagine what the future holds, but I've already made my choice
And this is where I stand until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice
God is faithful, why do we doubt Him?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
UnChristian? my scorecard
Barna research group leader David Kinnaman has compiled a book of research about what outsiders think of Christianity. This book, UnChristian, has been recommended by many influential people and several people in my world have been reading it, so I did, too, and I thought I'd blog about it here.
Kinnaman describes 6 common criticisms that outsiders have about Christians, and for a few I'm pretty guilty....others, by the grace of God, not so much.
hypocritical -- I don't think so; I try to practice what I preach or not preach it at all.
focused on "get saved" -- I understand the importance of building a relationship and living my faith in practical ways, and, through the relationship, explain that Christ's work in my life is the reason I make such choices
antihomosexual -- this one is a toughy. I'm very much against promoting homosexuality as a valid lifestyle for a believer, and I'm angry at our society for its acceptance, even promoting, the lifestyle in so many ways. do I understand it? no. Is it more complicated than my simple mind can understand. yes. do I desperately want to love the people in my life who are living this lifestyle. yes. do I know how to do that without saying their choice is ok.. no.
sheltered - guilty!- and praising God all the way for it! but perhaps a better word to describe me is naive, not as Kinnaman describes sheltered-- boring, unintelligent, old-fashioned, out of touch with reality. Working with the brilliant at MIT keeps me out of that definition I think. I have to think critically and Biblically and cry out to God frequently for the messy stuff I see in the world. I have made choices in my life that may shelter me from the junk of the world, but most of the credit for my blessed and protected life must go to God. Philippians 4:6-7 comes to mind here..
too political -- after reading this book, and living in New England for 3 years, I can see this differently than if I'd never left Texas. Jerry Falwell doesn't represent who I am, but when my neighbors hear what I do, that's the image that comes to mind. I do think we should fight for our beliefs in politics, but do it in a Christlike manner. My former mentor Larry Goff used to say "you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar".
judgemental -- so guilty!-- perhaps even in writing this blog I'm being judgemental of myself. maybe I'm not judgemental in my actions so much, but my thoughts are often very judgemental. I need to balance that with realizing the grace of God in my life and offering that grace to others.
anyway, UnChristian is an interesting read. Read it slowly and watch the world around you with teachable eyes and heart... and seek to offer grace and salt and light in this dark place.
Kinnaman describes 6 common criticisms that outsiders have about Christians, and for a few I'm pretty guilty....others, by the grace of God, not so much.
hypocritical -- I don't think so; I try to practice what I preach or not preach it at all.
focused on "get saved" -- I understand the importance of building a relationship and living my faith in practical ways, and, through the relationship, explain that Christ's work in my life is the reason I make such choices
antihomosexual -- this one is a toughy. I'm very much against promoting homosexuality as a valid lifestyle for a believer, and I'm angry at our society for its acceptance, even promoting, the lifestyle in so many ways. do I understand it? no. Is it more complicated than my simple mind can understand. yes. do I desperately want to love the people in my life who are living this lifestyle. yes. do I know how to do that without saying their choice is ok.. no.
sheltered - guilty!- and praising God all the way for it! but perhaps a better word to describe me is naive, not as Kinnaman describes sheltered-- boring, unintelligent, old-fashioned, out of touch with reality. Working with the brilliant at MIT keeps me out of that definition I think. I have to think critically and Biblically and cry out to God frequently for the messy stuff I see in the world. I have made choices in my life that may shelter me from the junk of the world, but most of the credit for my blessed and protected life must go to God. Philippians 4:6-7 comes to mind here..
too political -- after reading this book, and living in New England for 3 years, I can see this differently than if I'd never left Texas. Jerry Falwell doesn't represent who I am, but when my neighbors hear what I do, that's the image that comes to mind. I do think we should fight for our beliefs in politics, but do it in a Christlike manner. My former mentor Larry Goff used to say "you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar".
judgemental -- so guilty!-- perhaps even in writing this blog I'm being judgemental of myself. maybe I'm not judgemental in my actions so much, but my thoughts are often very judgemental. I need to balance that with realizing the grace of God in my life and offering that grace to others.
anyway, UnChristian is an interesting read. Read it slowly and watch the world around you with teachable eyes and heart... and seek to offer grace and salt and light in this dark place.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Euphoria
The American Heritage Dictionary defines euphoria as an extreme feeling of happiness or well-being. All of us have different things that give us this emotion. I experienced something I can only describe euphoria a few weeks ago. After I typed out the whole story on Facebook, one wrong button erased it and, with it, erased the euphoria I felt as I recalled the experience. Nevertheless, I decided I'd try to blog it for you again to encourage you to fan into flame the gifts of God given to you, unique you.
I am a host family to some Japanese college gals who are studying in Boston this year. A few weeks ago, we went to Western Massachusetts to see the Boston Symphony in their summer outdoor amphitheater. As we traveled, I was aggravated because the traffic was horrendous and it was just going to take forever.
As we crawled along the interstate, one of the gals asked me what my favorite karaoke songs to sing were in Japan. If you knew me in Japan, you know the answers. I smiled and told them "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone nand "I Cant Fight This Feeling Any Longer" by REO Speedwagon. Being young as they are, they'd never heard these songs, so then I had to sing for them and explain the meaning of the songs. As I was doing this, that feeling of euphoria hit me. No, not about karaoke of sappy love songs, but the joy I get from sharing my life with Japanese gals like them. Maybe it was the nostalgia of memories from Japan, my gals in Kilgore, or even way back to my first Japanese friends in Seattle 15 years ago, but it was a joyful feeling unlike anything I have felt lately.
Japanese people in general are very skeptical of Christianity or religion in general. Though one of the gals went with me to a Japanese church at Easter, their knowledge of Christianity is so little and is so overshadowed by their skepticism. So it was a precious moment for me to be able to explain the story behind "you light up my life". Its not widely known that Debby Boone was not singing about her boyfriend or husband, but was indeed singing about her love for God. As I explained that, it was clear that the girls were listening and considering what I was saying.
Who would have thought that God would use something like traffic and karaoke to provide a moment of euphoria and a Gospel witness as a seed that I know will bear fruit.
The mystery of God's divine direction in our lives and formation of our passions makes me think of the quote by Eric Liddle, the Olympic runner profiled in the movie "Chariots of Fire". He said, "when I run, I feel God's pleasure." I don't ever run anywhere, and if I did I am certain I wouldn't feel any kind of pleasure at all. Perhaps you say the same thing about the idea of spending time with college students or people from another culture. We can't really explain our passions, can we. But what kind of impact could we make in our world if we really did pursue the passions God gives us.
I had hoped to link the songs here on YouTube, but I can't figure out how.. but if I can I'll post them here.
I am a host family to some Japanese college gals who are studying in Boston this year. A few weeks ago, we went to Western Massachusetts to see the Boston Symphony in their summer outdoor amphitheater. As we traveled, I was aggravated because the traffic was horrendous and it was just going to take forever.
As we crawled along the interstate, one of the gals asked me what my favorite karaoke songs to sing were in Japan. If you knew me in Japan, you know the answers. I smiled and told them "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone nand "I Cant Fight This Feeling Any Longer" by REO Speedwagon. Being young as they are, they'd never heard these songs, so then I had to sing for them and explain the meaning of the songs. As I was doing this, that feeling of euphoria hit me. No, not about karaoke of sappy love songs, but the joy I get from sharing my life with Japanese gals like them. Maybe it was the nostalgia of memories from Japan, my gals in Kilgore, or even way back to my first Japanese friends in Seattle 15 years ago, but it was a joyful feeling unlike anything I have felt lately.
Japanese people in general are very skeptical of Christianity or religion in general. Though one of the gals went with me to a Japanese church at Easter, their knowledge of Christianity is so little and is so overshadowed by their skepticism. So it was a precious moment for me to be able to explain the story behind "you light up my life". Its not widely known that Debby Boone was not singing about her boyfriend or husband, but was indeed singing about her love for God. As I explained that, it was clear that the girls were listening and considering what I was saying.
Who would have thought that God would use something like traffic and karaoke to provide a moment of euphoria and a Gospel witness as a seed that I know will bear fruit.
The mystery of God's divine direction in our lives and formation of our passions makes me think of the quote by Eric Liddle, the Olympic runner profiled in the movie "Chariots of Fire". He said, "when I run, I feel God's pleasure." I don't ever run anywhere, and if I did I am certain I wouldn't feel any kind of pleasure at all. Perhaps you say the same thing about the idea of spending time with college students or people from another culture. We can't really explain our passions, can we. But what kind of impact could we make in our world if we really did pursue the passions God gives us.
I had hoped to link the songs here on YouTube, but I can't figure out how.. but if I can I'll post them here.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Explanation of my blog name
Well I guess I'm a little late in entering the blogosphere, but it seems to be more efficient communication method than Facebook notes, so here goes.... I hope you enjoy the journey with me, and that this can become a source of accountability for me for those who choose to read occasionally.
My blog name comes from a Scripture that I cling to in order to keep perspective on my life. Psalm 16:5-6. "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance".
Since I have come to Boston I seem to have aged very rapidly. I know that doesn't make sense at all, but, college students are always 18-22ish, and me, I get older every year. More times than I like to admit, I've been asked if I was a mom of a MIT student. That doesn't make me happy. Sure, my role here is a mom of sorts, yet I guess I shouldn't look like I could be there mom. It was just 5 years ago that I was in Kilgore, and no one ever asked if I was a student's mom.... so how could things change so much in that (short) time?
I love love love what I do... most days anyway. Am I the best at what I do... no way! yet my life changed so much as a college student, and I've been blessed to serve on several campuses and impact so many lives in even small ways. I can't imagine my life if I had done other things or made other choices along the way.
But I've been thinking about it alot lately.... why am I 37 and still living a life focused on the college campus? (yes I did have a wonderful 2 year interlude in the real world of Tokyo). Have I made choices, perhaps wrong ones, that have kept me spinning my wheels when I should have done something else? I really can't imagine what other road I should be traveling down.
I try really hard to not compare my life with other people. I spend time with my friends from high school and college who are so busy parenting their kids, I can wonder "why isn't my life normal like that? how did my life become so different from theirs?"
But then I remember that God truly has opened all the doors along my journey with him, preparing me for each step, burdening me and giving me a passion for each new adventure. The boundary lines HAVE fallen for me in pleasant places, and my delightful inheritance may not include meetings with the local PTA and little league, but it does include students and friends literally from coast (Seattle in 1992) to coast (Boston) and (many now) on the other side of the world.
do I want my life to include little league and PTA someday.. sure! do I wonder, as Pam Tillis sang a long time ago, if I've waited a little bit too long? absolutely! can I imagine which time in my life I want to "back up to" and take a different road so I wouldn't have experienced what I have experienced and all the precious people along the way... no way!
so, I also remember Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". there have definitely been times when my hearts desires changed suddenly or rapidly that can only be attributed to God... .so I will keep looking to Him for my delight.
By the way, I put this post first so I can always have it here to come back to when I get so frustrated about unmet dreams or I'm asked AGAIN if I'm a college student mom.
May you remember that your lot is secure in Christ, and may you see that God's boundaries for your life are leading to a delightful inheritance.
Maybe tomorrow I'll rewrite my post about my fun day with my Japanese gals at the symphony that Facebook ate before I got it posted... sigh!
My blog name comes from a Scripture that I cling to in order to keep perspective on my life. Psalm 16:5-6. "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance".
Since I have come to Boston I seem to have aged very rapidly. I know that doesn't make sense at all, but, college students are always 18-22ish, and me, I get older every year. More times than I like to admit, I've been asked if I was a mom of a MIT student. That doesn't make me happy. Sure, my role here is a mom of sorts, yet I guess I shouldn't look like I could be there mom. It was just 5 years ago that I was in Kilgore, and no one ever asked if I was a student's mom.... so how could things change so much in that (short) time?
I love love love what I do... most days anyway. Am I the best at what I do... no way! yet my life changed so much as a college student, and I've been blessed to serve on several campuses and impact so many lives in even small ways. I can't imagine my life if I had done other things or made other choices along the way.
But I've been thinking about it alot lately.... why am I 37 and still living a life focused on the college campus? (yes I did have a wonderful 2 year interlude in the real world of Tokyo). Have I made choices, perhaps wrong ones, that have kept me spinning my wheels when I should have done something else? I really can't imagine what other road I should be traveling down.
I try really hard to not compare my life with other people. I spend time with my friends from high school and college who are so busy parenting their kids, I can wonder "why isn't my life normal like that? how did my life become so different from theirs?"
But then I remember that God truly has opened all the doors along my journey with him, preparing me for each step, burdening me and giving me a passion for each new adventure. The boundary lines HAVE fallen for me in pleasant places, and my delightful inheritance may not include meetings with the local PTA and little league, but it does include students and friends literally from coast (Seattle in 1992) to coast (Boston) and (many now) on the other side of the world.
do I want my life to include little league and PTA someday.. sure! do I wonder, as Pam Tillis sang a long time ago, if I've waited a little bit too long? absolutely! can I imagine which time in my life I want to "back up to" and take a different road so I wouldn't have experienced what I have experienced and all the precious people along the way... no way!
so, I also remember Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". there have definitely been times when my hearts desires changed suddenly or rapidly that can only be attributed to God... .so I will keep looking to Him for my delight.
By the way, I put this post first so I can always have it here to come back to when I get so frustrated about unmet dreams or I'm asked AGAIN if I'm a college student mom.
May you remember that your lot is secure in Christ, and may you see that God's boundaries for your life are leading to a delightful inheritance.
Maybe tomorrow I'll rewrite my post about my fun day with my Japanese gals at the symphony that Facebook ate before I got it posted... sigh!
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