So I was thinking...

Camp Scrap Logo 4

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:47:57 -0800

Looks like a monogram in the background.

Camp Scrap Logo 3

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:47:25 -0800

The background stuff is blurry to me.

Camp Scrap Logo 2

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:46:51 -0800

This is my other preference...but I don't love it. And I don't like the flowers inside the frame.

Camp Scrap Logo 1

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:46:12 -0800

This is one of my preferences...but I don't love it. And I don't like the flowers inside the frame.

Seemingly Nothing

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:00:23 -0800

So I was thinking that I haven't been thinking much lately. Or at least it would appear that way on the blog. But totally not the case. I've got a few things I'm chewing on, but haven't been ready to put them down "on paper" yet. Never fear. More thoughts to come. What are you thinking about?

Watch for Holes

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:58:11 -0800

So I was thinking about running backs while watching MU whip up on KU. I kept thinking how amazing it was that little Tony Temple was able to twist and turn through so many huge guys. It looked like he was covered in butter or something. But then they showed the replay with the SkyCam and come to find out, Temple could have walked through the holes. It looked like what the play must have looked like on the whiteboard--block here, block there, bingo. A friend commented that it takes a lot of patience to be a good running back...and that's when it hit me that running backs demonstrate what walking with God looks like. You know what I mean, right? You've got the goal in sight, but you know you should be wise and go for the next thing in line--the first down per se--so you start running and SLAM! you're on the ground. "Err, what just happened?" Let's review: I'm headed towards X. To get there I have to do Z. So why did I just get laid out? It's that lesson on God's best and God's best timing. He may have shown you where you're headed, but getting there requires waiting on the holes to open up. Once they do, you can walk right through. Get in a hurry and you'll probably fall on your face. On the flip side, running backs are typically quick. They wait and wait for the opening to come, but they're looking for it and the second it comes, they go. The good ones don't hesitate. While some (like me) are impatient for God's play to develop, others either aren't looking or hesitate too long and miss the opening. Both result in missed opportunities for God's best. How's your running game? Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

Driving Directions

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:30:28 -0700

So I was thinking about directions. A friend of mind and I were heading back to my house and had to detour through the neighborhood. She wasn't completely sure where she was going, so I directing. I told her that she could stay on the current street until she came to my street many stop signs later, but after two she was ready for a change. So she turned, not really knowing where she was going. At the next intersection she looks to me for help and I comply. And thus the game was born of every time we hit a stop sign I would give her the options that would get her closer to my house and she would choose. In what seemed like an hour later, we turn onto my street, laughing all the way. ha ha ha I make some snide comment about how getting home took a lot longer than it had to as we turned in the driveway and then it hit me: that's pretty much how my walk with Christ goes every day. He's already said "whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Is 30:21) I've got options. I can turn right or left and He'll direct. But I could just go straight and probably get there a little quicker. Hmmm...nothing like winding around the neighborhood. I'm sure I'm bound for some twists and turns. I'm a bit too head-strong at times. But thankfully He's directing. Can you hear the voice?

I Will Survive

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:38:28 -0700

So I was thinking about survival guides. Whether it's the army's manual for how to survive in the desert or just the silly game, there's tons of information out there on how to survive things. But have you ever noticed that not all of the advice seems logical? For instance, when faced with a bear, it is recommended that you make yourself as big as possible, hold your hands in the air, and yell "BEAR" as loud as you can. That's supposed to scare the bear away. Great. So now we know what to do when that happens. But what is my instinct? To run. Even if the expert says not to. Which do I choose? Do I trust the expert advice and face the bear? Or do I duck and run? It hit me that I do the same thing with the Bible. The expert has told me how to handle everything. And yet I so often question his expertise and rely on my own instincts. God's way and the world's way are not often the same--and God's way rarely seems "logical." Why is it that we so desire someone to tell us exactly how to handle a situation, but even when they do, we question it. Hmm... Do you trust the ultimate survival guide? Really?

Random Thought

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:50:25 -0700

So I was thinking this post won't exactly be thought provoking for many of you, but it is funny, so follow me. This morning we were discussing China and the control the government has on the people--ie propaganda, censorship, denial of any criticism of or rebellions against the government ever happening, etc etc. For some reason my place of employment kept coming to mind. HA!

Me, Myself, and I

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:39:04 -0700

So I was thinking it was about me. I know, surprising, but apparently at some point this week my perspective changed and everything was all about me! Eeek! A few weeks ago while discussing something with friends, we came to the conclusion that selfishness equals loneliness. Sure, you can do what is best for you all the time, but eventually you'll be the only one left. Who knew the opposite was also true: loneliness equals selfishness. Consider this: is it possible to be lonely without focusing on yourself? Challenge me here if you disagree, but I think the acknowledgment of being lonely or alone means that at some point you have to have looked at yourself to make that determination. And that's where I got out of whack. It was about where I fit in. Where I felt needed. What I could do. What I should do. I, I, I, I. Sheesh! The Bible addresses this. And I've heard the verse before. Even have it on a t-shirt. I just chose to ignore it while I was focusing on myself. But here's what it says: "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Cor. 5:15 (emphasis mine) It never ceases to amaze me how simplistic and black and white the Word really is when we dig in. Could have saved me some emoting this weekend (although I am a girl, so I could blame some of it on hormones!). Either way, it's a good lesson to learn. Hopefully I'll do better next time...because unfortunately, there will probably be some other time in my life when I start focusing on myself. *gasp*

Vegas baby!

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:20:25 -0700

So I was thinking about eloping. In fact, I've been entertaining the fact since my mom passed away. Seemed like a great way to avoid dealing with her not being there nor being able to help plan. She would have been in her element, and I will miss her greatly. Eloping continued to look even better the more weddings I went to and the more brides and families I saw stressed out. Practically speaking, it's a no brainer. Less stress. Cheaper. What's not to love? Then I went to a couple weddings last month and God reminded me of the true purpose of a wedding: to glorify Him. How many opportunities does one get in a lifetime to gather around all of her friends and family and point them to the most amazing love that anyone could experience? Probably two--the other being her funeral. And so I choose to have a wedding. Large or small? Fancy or simple? Traditional or unique? I've got plenty of time to decide. But what I do know is that it will have one purpose--to remind everyone in attendance the real love of my life. The marriage is just a sweet bonus! Some of you married people out there may be thinking that it's easy for me to say this stuff now, and you're right, it is. That's why I'm glad God's teaching me now while I can still think clearly ;) You have my permission to smack me back into place should I get a little love sick.

From where I'm sitting

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:53:20 -0700

So I was thinking the other day about getting married. Not to anyone in particular or any time soon, but just about my desire to be married. I'm not exactly an old maid (in fact some call me "puppy";), but if one more person asks me if I have a boyfriend (meaning "prospect"), my eyes will well up and I will say "I did, but he died last week." Ok, maybe that's mean, but follow me here, I have a point. For some reason, marriage in many people's minds, whether they admit it or not, is some kind of achievement. I'm an over-achiever, so you can imagine my frustration at how seemingly "behind" they make me feel. Thoughts like "how did she get married before me" and "you can't even cook" run through my mind sometimes. Makes me wonder what my problem is. Perhaps we would call this jealousy? And yet I love my life. I've traveled more in the last five years than many people do in a lifetime. I was able to pursue my education without the added responsibility of a husband. I have time to be involved in lots of different activities and ministries. Contrast this with my friend. He married young and has been married for almost 20 years to an incredible wife. Has two adorable kids. He loves his life. And yet he enjoys listening to my stories of all the places I've been and the things I've seen, wishing he had such an opportunity. He is forever encouraging me to not rush this time in my life that I sometimes can't wait to be past. What's the difference? Perspective. Not to be confused with the old adage "the grass is greener on the other side." That's not what it is about. Neither of us would trade what we have. Rather, we remind each other to appreciate it. And that is the beauty of perspective. Here's a shocker: it's Biblical as well! The greatest commandment is love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. If I really did that, how would that change my perspective? If I lived like I truly believe in my heart that God has plans for me and my future (Jeremiah 29:11), would I quit comparing myself to others and be content with the blessings God has given me? I think that's the idea. Does that take away my desire to be married? My friend's desire to travel the world with only a backpack? No. It's not about changing our desires, per se. It's about submitting them to God, his loving plan, and his perspective. Loving him with our all inevitably makes our desires pale in comparison and adjusts our perspective. I realize that I will never be perfect in this area, but I intend to make it my goal to take every thought captive (2 Cor 10:5) and focus on truth. And to be thankful for friends who remind me how good I've got it! How's your perspective?

Are you miss-able?

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:05:42 -0700

So I was thinking about skipping church. Or rather, about a statement made by a coworker that "no one would miss you at [insert mega-church name here] if you skipped a week." Initially, I agreed. I attend a mega-church and it is easy to get lost in the crowd. But then a thought popped into my head: "If you're not missed, why go anyway?" 1 Corinthians 12:12 begins the passage on the body of believers and how everyone has a function. This analogy not only applies to the worldwide body of Christ-followers, but to the church as well...the church being defined as a gathering of believers, not necessarily in a special building. God has gifted each of us with something to bring to the table. A talent. A skill. A thought. A word. Something. Thus if we aren't missed at church, I'd say there is a good chance we're not contributing as we have been instructed. We have got to get past the mindset that church if for us, so we're only hurting ourselves by skipping. Does that mean skipping church is a sin? Depends on your motives... Being "miss-able' has a price. Time. Money. Maybe pride. Don't kid yourself. Being lost in the crowd--any size crowd--is just an excuse. Be miss-able.