Wednesday, January 23, 2013

while i don't share your enthusiasm...

most of the things that come out of my mouth originated in a movie.  i don't know why this is.  i don't know why i remember these useless things.  but, for some reason, most of what i see, do, and/or hear reminds me of a line from a movie (or an episode of friends, but we'll save that for another post).

the most recent of these moments came from the movie armageddon.  you know, the one where ben affleck and bruce willis go into outer space.  the scene that came to mind takes place when the guys first learn about the asteroid and what NASA is asking them to do.  owen wilson's character, oscar, is excited, saying that this is history and of course he is in.  steve buscemi's character, rockhound, responds with this...

"while I don't share his enthusiasm, you know me.  beam me up, scotty!"

at the beginning of this year, after months and months of talking about it, my friends and i started a bible study.  the purpose of this group is to not only study the bible together, but to live life...together.  even before the group started, we had talked about wanting to serve people.  we want to find ways to reach out and help those around us.  we want to meet needs, love people, and use our lives to point towards Jesus. 

this past monday we sat and talked about all of the things we want to do and then we put a plan in place to get started.  next week will be our first service project.  the entire room responded with excitement.  my response was much like rockhound's...while i don't share your enthusiasm.

honestly, some of the things we have planned scare me to death.  it's not scary stuff, it's just outside of my comfort zone and that is scary.  my friend tim wisely said something to the affect of, "if it scares you then i think that means you need to do it."  and...i agree...100%.  i know that the things that stretch me are also the things that bring the most growth.  i also know that the projects we have planned are good and right.  that doesn't necessarily make them less scary.

but, like rockhound i'm saying, "beam me up!"  i'm.  all.  in.

there is another scene in the movie when they're getting ready to take off into space and oscar is rambling incessantly.  i can completely relate to oscar in this moment...

"great, i got that excited/scared feeling.  like 98% excited, 2% scared.  or maybe it's more - it could be two - it could be 98% scared, 2% excited."

"Jumping off the cliff is how you feel God's hand underneath you." - Anonymous

Monday, January 14, 2013

my house is a very, very, very fine house...

in november, of 2012, i bought my very first house!  it was the most stressful, emotional, grownup thing i've ever done.  it's something that i had always dreamed of doing.  i started the process several times, only to get overwhelmed and freak out a little bit.  and, if i'm being honest, i thought that no one in their right mind would give me money.  well....someone did.  and, as it turns out, i'm considered to be the "perfect lender."  who knew?

i've been living in the house for about six weeks and i've already made one panicked phone call to my father, fixed a toilet that wasn't flushing right and own power tools.  i would say i'm officially a homeowner.  unpacking and getting settled has been a slow process, but it's getting there.  here are pictures of the rooms that are fit to be seen.  (disclaimer:  the majority of my furniture was free...don't judge)


The Front!  (This pic was taken before it was officially mine.  I say that because those potted plants were the previous owners as I have no green thumb and would surely have killed them by now)
Entry Hall
Kitchen
Dining Room
Living Room

Backyard

Downstairs Bath/Laundry
Guest Bedroom
Guest Bathroom

My Fabulous Closet!  (The only portion of my bedroom that is organized)