My birthday is a month away. I will be 23.
My wedding is 5 months away from this past Sunday.
Weird.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
New Job!
I know, I know... I started my new on Monday, and I still haven't posted about it! I've been bad. But I feel like I haven't even had time to breathe! Monday night we had premarital counseling, Tuesday night a bunch of us went to see Chris and Anne spent the night, Wednesday Anthony and I went out to dinner, and here we are.
But you probably don't care about all of those details. My new job has been great! I've been extremely surprised at how easily I've been able to adjust and fit in. I had someone come in to train me for the first half of my first day, and since then I've been pretty much on my own. It's been slow, too. The director of career services is on vacation this week, so that might be part of the reason I haven't had as much to do. The students aren't here yet either (with the exception of the RA's who come today). But the slower pace has allowed me to learn things and get used to some of the programs they use.
Everyone has been super nice. They have a "women's wednesday" where all the women in the administration building are invited to go out to lunch at Tradewinds. So I went with a group of about 5 other women. It was a lot of fun, though a bit weird to be on the other side of things. It's also been a lot of fun being located between Student Development and R&P. People are always coming in to say hi. Sherry Weldy is hilarious (she's in the office with me), and we have a good time. And, of course, it's great to be near Anthony. We had lunch together today, which is an added bonus.
All this to say that everything has been great, and I think I will really like the job.
I also really like the Olympics! I wish I could watch more, but I've been so busy! I think the women's gymnastics is on tonight, so I want to try and stay up for it. I don't know what it is about the Olympics, but it somehow causes me to want to watch all these sports that I normally pass by any other time. I think Anthony thinks it's a little strange that I get so into it, but he's learning to deal with it ;)
I think that's about all I have for today!
Blessings!
Em
But you probably don't care about all of those details. My new job has been great! I've been extremely surprised at how easily I've been able to adjust and fit in. I had someone come in to train me for the first half of my first day, and since then I've been pretty much on my own. It's been slow, too. The director of career services is on vacation this week, so that might be part of the reason I haven't had as much to do. The students aren't here yet either (with the exception of the RA's who come today). But the slower pace has allowed me to learn things and get used to some of the programs they use.
Everyone has been super nice. They have a "women's wednesday" where all the women in the administration building are invited to go out to lunch at Tradewinds. So I went with a group of about 5 other women. It was a lot of fun, though a bit weird to be on the other side of things. It's also been a lot of fun being located between Student Development and R&P. People are always coming in to say hi. Sherry Weldy is hilarious (she's in the office with me), and we have a good time. And, of course, it's great to be near Anthony. We had lunch together today, which is an added bonus.
All this to say that everything has been great, and I think I will really like the job.
I also really like the Olympics! I wish I could watch more, but I've been so busy! I think the women's gymnastics is on tonight, so I want to try and stay up for it. I don't know what it is about the Olympics, but it somehow causes me to want to watch all these sports that I normally pass by any other time. I think Anthony thinks it's a little strange that I get so into it, but he's learning to deal with it ;)
I think that's about all I have for today!
Blessings!
Em
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
It's been a while
I haven't posted for a while, and even though it's getting late and I should be in bed because I have a full day of work tomorrow, I can't seem to help being on my laptop. I'm not tired yet, and I should be reading and increasing my intellect. Oh well, here I am.
Speaking of reading, I'm almost finished with the Scarlet Letter. I've never read it before, and I decided when I went to the library last week that I should add some classics to my reading list. It's quite the fascinating book, and I'm curious to see how it all ends. Was there truly a world where adultery was treated with such harshness? No grace extended for this particular sin. At least not to the woman. The man is fine, with the exception of his own guilt. Again, I haven't finished yet, so who knows. But to walk around in isolation with the letter "A" embroidered on your clothes... not my idea of fun.
In other news, I finally made it to the beach!! I was so excited! Brett, Anthony, and I went to Silver Beach on Lake Michigan this past Saturday. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Sunny with just enough breeze to take the intensity off the heat. I dozed in the sun, went exploring, and took some walks along the shore line (if you can call it that when it's not an ocean). I was happy.
Our invitations arrived on Monday! Yay! They look great... no typos or anything. So now the massive box is sitting in my room, and some day I will attempt to start assembling them. But we have plenty of time for that.
The other night a group of us watched the movie You've Got Mail. It's one of the better chick flicks, in my humble opinion, but this particular night I couldn't help but judge it a little. It's not You've Got Mail's fault, it was simply the catalyst. I've noticed more recently in chick flicks or romantic books or even TV shows that everything is about the sexual tension leading up to a couple getting together. It's all about the pursuit. Don't get me wrong, this is exciting and important, but there is nothing in the media that focuses on marriage. It's as though the message is being sent out that once you get to the point of marriage, life is boring. The exciting stuff happens before- that's why movies always end with the wedding. Or with the first kiss. But is that true?? I don't think so. At least I hope not... Since when does marriage equal boring. Love doesn't stop at the altar- if anything it begins more deeply than before.
But then again, maybe it does become more boring. I mean, the chase is over, right? Flowers are given less frequently. Dates become relaxing on the couch watching a rented movie. I was reading a book the other day that reported that couple who live together/sleep together before marriage experience a sudden drop off of sex after they get married. It's as if it's lost the excitement. Before it was dangerous or at least more forbidden and adventurous. Now it's legal, and where's the fun in that? Of course, this illustration leads into a whole other realm of the dangers of living together/sleeping together before marriage, and that's not my point here. My point is why do things have to get boring... or why are told, whether explicitly or implicitly, to expect this? Don't get me wrong... there is something to a level of comfort that comes with marriage or engagement that makes it wonderful not to feel like you have to perform. But I still think there should be an even higher standard in marriage. I think it's important to still go on dates- frequently. I think it's important to keep things spontaneous and fun. I think it should be movie worthy, referring to the beginning of this rant. I guess I'm not even sure where I'm going with this other than to say that I think society has the wrong impression and idea of marriage. It's beautiful, and it's sacred, and it's an adventure. Not that I have any experience. I'll let you all know more when I'm actually married.
Ok, not sure where that all came from. Sorry guys. This has suddenly become much longer than expected. I guess I will leave you all with those thoughts. If you think about it, be praying for Anthony this weekend as he embarks on a retreat at a monastery in Three Rivers. He's going just to get away from it all and to spend some time with Jesus. I'm really glad he's going. Life sometimes goes non-stop, and sometimes complete breaks are really needed.
Tis all for tonight!
Em
Speaking of reading, I'm almost finished with the Scarlet Letter. I've never read it before, and I decided when I went to the library last week that I should add some classics to my reading list. It's quite the fascinating book, and I'm curious to see how it all ends. Was there truly a world where adultery was treated with such harshness? No grace extended for this particular sin. At least not to the woman. The man is fine, with the exception of his own guilt. Again, I haven't finished yet, so who knows. But to walk around in isolation with the letter "A" embroidered on your clothes... not my idea of fun.
In other news, I finally made it to the beach!! I was so excited! Brett, Anthony, and I went to Silver Beach on Lake Michigan this past Saturday. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Sunny with just enough breeze to take the intensity off the heat. I dozed in the sun, went exploring, and took some walks along the shore line (if you can call it that when it's not an ocean). I was happy.
Our invitations arrived on Monday! Yay! They look great... no typos or anything. So now the massive box is sitting in my room, and some day I will attempt to start assembling them. But we have plenty of time for that.
The other night a group of us watched the movie You've Got Mail. It's one of the better chick flicks, in my humble opinion, but this particular night I couldn't help but judge it a little. It's not You've Got Mail's fault, it was simply the catalyst. I've noticed more recently in chick flicks or romantic books or even TV shows that everything is about the sexual tension leading up to a couple getting together. It's all about the pursuit. Don't get me wrong, this is exciting and important, but there is nothing in the media that focuses on marriage. It's as though the message is being sent out that once you get to the point of marriage, life is boring. The exciting stuff happens before- that's why movies always end with the wedding. Or with the first kiss. But is that true?? I don't think so. At least I hope not... Since when does marriage equal boring. Love doesn't stop at the altar- if anything it begins more deeply than before.
But then again, maybe it does become more boring. I mean, the chase is over, right? Flowers are given less frequently. Dates become relaxing on the couch watching a rented movie. I was reading a book the other day that reported that couple who live together/sleep together before marriage experience a sudden drop off of sex after they get married. It's as if it's lost the excitement. Before it was dangerous or at least more forbidden and adventurous. Now it's legal, and where's the fun in that? Of course, this illustration leads into a whole other realm of the dangers of living together/sleeping together before marriage, and that's not my point here. My point is why do things have to get boring... or why are told, whether explicitly or implicitly, to expect this? Don't get me wrong... there is something to a level of comfort that comes with marriage or engagement that makes it wonderful not to feel like you have to perform. But I still think there should be an even higher standard in marriage. I think it's important to still go on dates- frequently. I think it's important to keep things spontaneous and fun. I think it should be movie worthy, referring to the beginning of this rant. I guess I'm not even sure where I'm going with this other than to say that I think society has the wrong impression and idea of marriage. It's beautiful, and it's sacred, and it's an adventure. Not that I have any experience. I'll let you all know more when I'm actually married.
Ok, not sure where that all came from. Sorry guys. This has suddenly become much longer than expected. I guess I will leave you all with those thoughts. If you think about it, be praying for Anthony this weekend as he embarks on a retreat at a monastery in Three Rivers. He's going just to get away from it all and to spend some time with Jesus. I'm really glad he's going. Life sometimes goes non-stop, and sometimes complete breaks are really needed.
Tis all for tonight!
Em
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Book Review: Surpised by Hope by N. T. Wright (Part II)
I ran into this recently while helping with the drama at my church's VBS. We came to the story about Jesus' resurrection and asked some questions at the end, supplied by the book. I asked, "Why was Jesus risen from the dead." The kids - as young as 5, as old as 12 - fairly quickly responded, "So we can go to heaven when we die." If I were to ask most adult Christians the same thing (such as these children's parents or Sunday school teachers), they would respond the same way.
But this is logical non-sequitor. Please explain to me how it follows that because Jesus was risen from the dead we now go to heaven when we die. Paul in his letters tells us that Jesus was a firstfruit, a precursor. So wouldn't you suppose that if Jesus was raised from the dead that we too will be raised from the dead?
Well of course, of course, you may answer. That's what heaven is all about. Huh? Since when did heaven contain human bodies. Are they snatched away once a person is put into a grave or once the casket is sealed shut?
Now neither N. T. Wright nor I are out to disprove the existence to heaven or to say that we don't go there when we die. What we are trying to say is that's not the point. To quote Wright,
...the normal Western Christian view [is] that salvation is about 'my relationship with God' in the present and about 'going home to God and finding peace' in the future...Those of us who have know this tradition all our lives...will recognize [t]his summary as being what most Christians believe and, indeed, what most non-Christians assume Christians believe. And, to make the point once more as forcibly as I can, this belief is simply not what the New Testment teaches.I fear that putting such mind-altering stuff into a brief book review might push you away more than pique your interest. For anyone to tell you that Christianity is not about your relationship with God and going to heaven and staying there when you die might just lead you to label that person a heretic. And understandably so. We have been taught all our lives these ideas about having a personal relatinoship with Jesus, escaping earth, going to our mansions prepared for us in heaven. We sing (or write) songs about heaven being our home. "We are citizens of heaven," we may quote from Paul in Phil. 3:20.
And yet we're completely missing the point. So what is the point?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Book Review: Surpised by Hope by N. T. Wright (Part 1)
Each summer since 2006 I read a book that radically shifts or reshapes my worldview. In the summer of 2006 it was A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren. This book informed about postmodernism and the emergent church and the joys within. It was controversial, edgy, it pushed some bounderies...and let God out of the rather small box I had placed Him in.
During the summer of 2007 - my summer in Hawaii - I read Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy. This book let me in on the secret that the Gospel had more to do with just Jesus being my personal Lord and Savior. The Gospel is about the Kingdom of God, about God's current reign on earth, the fact that it's here and now and that we are supposed to be enactors of the prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Where there is pain, let there be strength. Where there is hate, let there be love.
This summer I read N. T. Wright's Surpised by Hope. It was a perfect (seeming) culmination to the previous two. Was the point of salvation really just about going to heaven when I died? Did Jesus really come and die and be resurrected just to insure that I would live with Him forever in heavenly, paradisal bliss?
Nope.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I woke up this morning feeling really sick. Well, actually, I started feel gross last night... sick to my stomach, and kind of achy. I tossed and turned all last night due to chills and aches. And then when I woke up, I could tell that it wasn't any better. I was supposed to work today from 9:30-6. I debated for a while as to what to do. I attempted to get ready, but I was so sick to my stomach that I couldn't stand for too long. I also had a bit of a fever. So, I called in and told Hallmark that I was sick today. I took some tylenol, which helped, and went back to bed.
Suddenly, I heard the doorbell ring, and I knew that my dad wasn't expecting anyone. Who walks in the door, but Anthony!! He was supposed to be at work, but he shifted his schedule around so he could come and be with me! He is so wonderful :) So I think we're going to spend the day being lazy and watching 24. Even though I'm feeling lousy, my heart feels happy.
In other news, we started premarital counseling last night with John Dendiu and his wife, Diane. I think it's going to be really great (if you guys are reading, we really enjoyed it)! It wasn't anything too intense... we mostly talked the whole time about our backgrounds and our story. It will be so good to be challenged and have things to think and talk about. It will also be good to have a couple who we can ask our questions to and who can share their insights.
I officially quit Hallmark yesterday. It's hard to tell how my boss took it... she grew really quiet and didn't say much. I do feel bad that I'm leaving so soon after being hired, but I know that it's for the best. I start my job at Bethel on August 11. I'm excited about it, but a little nervous. I hope I meet their expectations. It's still a bit unreal to me that I now have a full time job. Real life, here I come!
Ok, I should go. Sorry if my writing is hard to understand... I'm still not feeling the best, and I can't seem to write easily.
Adios!
Suddenly, I heard the doorbell ring, and I knew that my dad wasn't expecting anyone. Who walks in the door, but Anthony!! He was supposed to be at work, but he shifted his schedule around so he could come and be with me! He is so wonderful :) So I think we're going to spend the day being lazy and watching 24. Even though I'm feeling lousy, my heart feels happy.
In other news, we started premarital counseling last night with John Dendiu and his wife, Diane. I think it's going to be really great (if you guys are reading, we really enjoyed it)! It wasn't anything too intense... we mostly talked the whole time about our backgrounds and our story. It will be so good to be challenged and have things to think and talk about. It will also be good to have a couple who we can ask our questions to and who can share their insights.
I officially quit Hallmark yesterday. It's hard to tell how my boss took it... she grew really quiet and didn't say much. I do feel bad that I'm leaving so soon after being hired, but I know that it's for the best. I start my job at Bethel on August 11. I'm excited about it, but a little nervous. I hope I meet their expectations. It's still a bit unreal to me that I now have a full time job. Real life, here I come!
Ok, I should go. Sorry if my writing is hard to understand... I'm still not feeling the best, and I can't seem to write easily.
Adios!
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