here i am, once again. have you ever had those mornings when you wake up and have some of your deepest thoughts? some of you are probably thinking i'm crazy right now, that the groggiest time is obviously in the morning... but for reals, after that first hump over i'm-so-tired-i-can't-believe-i-must-get-up, do you have really thought-filled moments? the past two mornings have been like that for me-- and believe me, i've been really tired and not wanting to get up at first!
i was really bothered by our whole reaction to the death of saddam hussein. it saddens me that we chear someone has died. "well he was evil" is not a good enough reason. he was a person, no matter what we know about what he did-- deep down he could have been you or i. Romans 3 tells us "there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith." As Christ followers, we are to see through the evil in people, love them, and preach the good news. i think this is why the death penalty still bothers me. sure, we can try to inflict punishment to bring order, but to condemn people to death-- what gives us that authority? what gives us the authority to say they no longer have a chance to be saved by God's divine grace? In "The Shack" by William Young, the God-figure gives the main character a chance to give ultimate judgement on a man and the main character finds, despite all he desires to do so, he cannot. Such a powerful moment, pick up the book if you haven't yet.
which brings me to another point- people's interpretation on things. Even though the Shack was published under the genre of fiction, i am not afraid to admit i think it actually happened. it could have been placed in the fiction sector so that people were more apt to read it and be challenged by it. This is my take on it. on the other hand, i do not believe the da vinci code has truth and is truly a work fiction as it is classified as. but as i see, some people's take on it could be like my take on the Shack (not per se the same, the story is obviously a novel, but the facts/thoughts/theories woven into it). interesting how that happens, how we can contradict ourselves with our take on things (but we do nonetheless).
one last stance. i am really bothered by the new marshall's ads. Marshall's is a clothing retail store that proclaims designer clothes for cheap prices. their recent tv campaign ads end with "so affordable, you can still shop and not go hungry" -- or something like that. As a person who works with the homeless, I am offended. this nonchalant phrase was obviously written by someone who has NO understanding of what it means to go hungry and be homeless.
and on a pittsburgh news ring, this story happened right after i left giant eagle the other day::
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11137/1147204-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
insert thought here
not that i am ever bored at work (wink wink) and not that this is an excuse for a blog, but until i get around to finishing my next blog and ..as i take a break from work (wink wink) ...
what do you day dream about when you're bored at work? or perhaps need a break from work?
mine has some combination of sunshine/warmth/fresh air, a good book, and cookies/mocha coffee/refreshing drink ... not to mention freedom from a structured work day
bet you have no idea what i'm currently thinking about...
what do you day dream about when you're bored at work? or perhaps need a break from work?
mine has some combination of sunshine/warmth/fresh air, a good book, and cookies/mocha coffee/refreshing drink ... not to mention freedom from a structured work day
bet you have no idea what i'm currently thinking about...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
catholicism
How much do you know about Catholicism?
Before this year, I knew very little about it. I grew up Protestant, more specific Anabaptist, even more specific Brethren in Christ and Mennonite—at least that’s how I see the ladder, maybe someone can correct me on that aspect. (I’m really not found of denomination break downs, always seems to turn political). Two housemates though have been teaching the rest of us little by little about their Catholic traditions. The most notable has been the Catholic Prayer, which we say every so often before dinner.
Bless us, Oh Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord, amen.
When we first started trying it out, a few would somehow accidentally switch to saying the Lord’s prayer, but I think we have a hold of it now. On another note, if I was to throw out my parallel to this prayer, I could tell you the meal prayer our family did growing up.
God is great; God is good; let us thank Him for our food. By His hands, we are fed. Give us Lord our daily bread, amen.
I noticed some of my housemates sing this, but we didn’t growing up. (note: I always thought it was funny that “lettuce” sounds the same as “let us”)
Back on subject. From discussions to actions (like blessing the doorway at Christmas), we have been absorbing Catholicism little by little. To make things clearer and more approachable yet, a housemate did a whole seminar on the basics of Catholicism. Here are some things I gathered.
Liturgy
*Means public works or work done on behalf of the public
*All churches say these uniformly (like different hymns, these are printed in order to have the simultaneous affect)
*It’s a spiritual work- not just entertainment or chanting
*It’s considered an action of Christ, the high priest, and the church
Sacraments
*Signs of grace, instituted by Christ, demonstrated by church
*Signs that are effective—not just symbolic but also active
*Catechism- catholic rule book
*Traditions of Catholicism differs from many churches today because they hold a very strong idea to stick to what Christ instituted, verses churches who institute actions that are of interpretation/ implied in Christ’s teaching
7 sacraments
*Initiation
Baptism- the water represents dying with Christ in it, and then rising in baptism with Him
Confirmation- “age of reason”- also first time receive communion; people choose a saint that they want to emulate, which becomes their confirmation name
Eucharist (communion)
*Healing
Penitence /reconciliation (getting rid of guilt/sin)
Anointing of the sick (last rights)- peace and healing
*At the Service of Communion (Serving)
Holy orders
Marriage
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
*Wisdom - desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory *Understanding - enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith
*Counsel - warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation
*Fortitude - strengthen us to do the will of God in all things
*Knowledge - enable us to discover the will of God in all things
*Piety - love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him
*Fear of the Lord - have a dread of sin and fear of offending God
Mass is the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist
*Communion is offered every single day
*2 parts – liturgy of word and liturgy of Eucharist
Aka sermon from both parts of bible and communion, with worship songs interspersed
Rosary- set of prayers, not a part of the sacraments. Mary is an intercessor. If you pray to her with humility and faith, she will guide you to Christ. It’s a series of prayers but also a reflection on Christ’s life.
4 mysteries-
*joyful (birth) (early life)
*sorrowful (the passion) (before death)
*glorious (the resurrection) (after death)
*illuminist (transfiguration) (added later)
Hail Mary- scripture that describes Mary (mostly Luke), used with the Rosary to ask for Mary to be an intercessor
We also visited a Parish (catholic church, smaller version of a cathedral) and experienced religious art.
This by no means means that I know now about Catholicism, just to put out the disclaimer. So what are your insights about Catholicism? What are your questions?
Before this year, I knew very little about it. I grew up Protestant, more specific Anabaptist, even more specific Brethren in Christ and Mennonite—at least that’s how I see the ladder, maybe someone can correct me on that aspect. (I’m really not found of denomination break downs, always seems to turn political). Two housemates though have been teaching the rest of us little by little about their Catholic traditions. The most notable has been the Catholic Prayer, which we say every so often before dinner.
Bless us, Oh Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord, amen.
When we first started trying it out, a few would somehow accidentally switch to saying the Lord’s prayer, but I think we have a hold of it now. On another note, if I was to throw out my parallel to this prayer, I could tell you the meal prayer our family did growing up.
God is great; God is good; let us thank Him for our food. By His hands, we are fed. Give us Lord our daily bread, amen.
I noticed some of my housemates sing this, but we didn’t growing up. (note: I always thought it was funny that “lettuce” sounds the same as “let us”)
Back on subject. From discussions to actions (like blessing the doorway at Christmas), we have been absorbing Catholicism little by little. To make things clearer and more approachable yet, a housemate did a whole seminar on the basics of Catholicism. Here are some things I gathered.
Liturgy
*Means public works or work done on behalf of the public
*All churches say these uniformly (like different hymns, these are printed in order to have the simultaneous affect)
*It’s a spiritual work- not just entertainment or chanting
*It’s considered an action of Christ, the high priest, and the church
Sacraments
*Signs of grace, instituted by Christ, demonstrated by church
*Signs that are effective—not just symbolic but also active
*Catechism- catholic rule book
*Traditions of Catholicism differs from many churches today because they hold a very strong idea to stick to what Christ instituted, verses churches who institute actions that are of interpretation/ implied in Christ’s teaching
7 sacraments
*Initiation
Baptism- the water represents dying with Christ in it, and then rising in baptism with Him
Confirmation- “age of reason”- also first time receive communion; people choose a saint that they want to emulate, which becomes their confirmation name
Eucharist (communion)
*Healing
Penitence /reconciliation (getting rid of guilt/sin)
Anointing of the sick (last rights)- peace and healing
*At the Service of Communion (Serving)
Holy orders
Marriage
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
*Wisdom - desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory *Understanding - enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith
*Counsel - warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation
*Fortitude - strengthen us to do the will of God in all things
*Knowledge - enable us to discover the will of God in all things
*Piety - love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him
*Fear of the Lord - have a dread of sin and fear of offending God
Mass is the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist
*Communion is offered every single day
*2 parts – liturgy of word and liturgy of Eucharist
Aka sermon from both parts of bible and communion, with worship songs interspersed
Rosary- set of prayers, not a part of the sacraments. Mary is an intercessor. If you pray to her with humility and faith, she will guide you to Christ. It’s a series of prayers but also a reflection on Christ’s life.
4 mysteries-
*joyful (birth) (early life)
*sorrowful (the passion) (before death)
*glorious (the resurrection) (after death)
*illuminist (transfiguration) (added later)
Hail Mary- scripture that describes Mary (mostly Luke), used with the Rosary to ask for Mary to be an intercessor
We also visited a Parish (catholic church, smaller version of a cathedral) and experienced religious art.
This by no means means that I know now about Catholicism, just to put out the disclaimer. So what are your insights about Catholicism? What are your questions?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
check it out
going viral today, PULSE alumn Kate Stoltzfus interviewed current PULSErs to give Pittsburgh yinz' a snapshot of our program. Check it out!
Yinzpiration.com
and then check out the other sweet people she's interviewed!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
MLIA
MLIA - me edition
yesterday i was at the duquesne barnes and noble cafe interviewing someone as part of my research. when i was finished, i heard two girls in the process of an interview. as i looked over at them, one had out paperwork, the other had out a script. hello college class assignment, meet the real world action.
yesterday i was reading a news article about chris brown. as i was reading it, i was thinking "i think this is the guy who sings 'forever'". a few seconds go by and then 'forever' starts playing. creepy, pandora, creepy.
(MLIA - my life is average. check it out online)
yesterday i was at the duquesne barnes and noble cafe interviewing someone as part of my research. when i was finished, i heard two girls in the process of an interview. as i looked over at them, one had out paperwork, the other had out a script. hello college class assignment, meet the real world action.
yesterday i was reading a news article about chris brown. as i was reading it, i was thinking "i think this is the guy who sings 'forever'". a few seconds go by and then 'forever' starts playing. creepy, pandora, creepy.
(MLIA - my life is average. check it out online)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
catching up (3.0)
This last catch-up is about life. (it's like running a marthon to read all these!)
First, my family could use prayer as granddad’s cancer has taken over. Other infections are holding him back right now, but otherwise his personality is not failing. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
I failed in my yoga last week and paid for it this weekend when I realized I was very tight with knots. It’s amazing how much stretching twice a week can change things. I am finding that yoga is helping me be more relaxed.
Today is my sister’s 26th birthday! Cheers for being born!
The past few weekends I have been blessed by my family, shawn’s family, and my friends. It’s good to have people to visit :) All the same, I am really enjoying living in Pitt for the time being. Perhaps a job will open up for me? Please keep this in your prayers and feel free to send any connections my way!
PULSE
One of my housemates got into grad school! Unfortunately, she didn’t get the fellowship, which will affect her decision whether or not to go. Please keep her in your prayers for discernment.
PULSE is interviewing for new PULSERs! Pray for the discernment in that process, both on our end and on the college seniors’ end.
PULSE is also in a process of expanding. (Us) current pulsers are looking into two neighborhoods to possibly expand to. As our part comes together this week, pray that the board is able to move forward with a decision.
At work
I am interviewing A LOT right now, and the women are just flying through the interviews. I hope I can keep up! I am thankful to be in this role, meeting women who are so willing to share their story. I hope the research can truly benefit this homeless population.
I am also taking a major role in organization. Literally organizing. It’s amazing how much paperwork goes around this place. Thankfully I enjoy organizing- so the key has been keeping up with everything.
The policies are almost all updated, which is a blessing.
The agency is still in need of funding, I hope I can still intern here when my research is done. This is still up in the air.
As of March 15th, cold weather season is over and we can no longer house many of our women who have over-stayed their stay. Prayers that they will find homes.
That’s all about me for now! Still missing college life and friends. Still being blessed by shawn and my housemates. Still hoping for warm weather to come and stay. Still looking towards a hopeful future. Cheers.
First, my family could use prayer as granddad’s cancer has taken over. Other infections are holding him back right now, but otherwise his personality is not failing. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
I failed in my yoga last week and paid for it this weekend when I realized I was very tight with knots. It’s amazing how much stretching twice a week can change things. I am finding that yoga is helping me be more relaxed.
Today is my sister’s 26th birthday! Cheers for being born!
The past few weekends I have been blessed by my family, shawn’s family, and my friends. It’s good to have people to visit :) All the same, I am really enjoying living in Pitt for the time being. Perhaps a job will open up for me? Please keep this in your prayers and feel free to send any connections my way!
PULSE
One of my housemates got into grad school! Unfortunately, she didn’t get the fellowship, which will affect her decision whether or not to go. Please keep her in your prayers for discernment.
PULSE is interviewing for new PULSERs! Pray for the discernment in that process, both on our end and on the college seniors’ end.
PULSE is also in a process of expanding. (Us) current pulsers are looking into two neighborhoods to possibly expand to. As our part comes together this week, pray that the board is able to move forward with a decision.
At work
I am interviewing A LOT right now, and the women are just flying through the interviews. I hope I can keep up! I am thankful to be in this role, meeting women who are so willing to share their story. I hope the research can truly benefit this homeless population.
I am also taking a major role in organization. Literally organizing. It’s amazing how much paperwork goes around this place. Thankfully I enjoy organizing- so the key has been keeping up with everything.
The policies are almost all updated, which is a blessing.
The agency is still in need of funding, I hope I can still intern here when my research is done. This is still up in the air.
As of March 15th, cold weather season is over and we can no longer house many of our women who have over-stayed their stay. Prayers that they will find homes.
That’s all about me for now! Still missing college life and friends. Still being blessed by shawn and my housemates. Still hoping for warm weather to come and stay. Still looking towards a hopeful future. Cheers.
catching up (2.0)
I am a sucker for anyone who makes a compelling case about a failing system. I just want to fix and improve and heal. With this being said, I watched “Waiting for Superman”. If you don’t know, this is a documentary on the education system in the states. As our most recent seminar, we watched this and discussed the education here in the states. Simply focusing on our nation, these writers were passionate with a call for reform. Please watch the film if you get a chance, because if anything you can become informed of one group’s opinions.
The film focuses on schools that don’t do much in educating but do a lot in passing-the-buck. There were also problems about teacher burn-outs, professionals content in their tenure, and kids that need more help than just education. So what can be done? Is the system enabling a failing environment?
I’m sure many of you have heard about the “rubber rooms” in NY (click on name to discover more on it). This was the most frustrating and it came out in the news a few years back. it makes one wonder what else is happening…
But anyways, I think the hardest thing is focus. Remembering kids are the focus. Cluing into what the kid’s focus is. Realizing many kids have their focus on dire home environments and are not able therefore to focus on learning. Addressing kids needs holistically. Finding an adequate balance in teaching a classroom and being able to address students individually. And with all this, having passion without burning out. This is a lot to ask and it takes a very special person to become a teacher. I hope no one takes this for granted.
So this is my little blurb. Watch the movie and discuss-- become educated about our education system.
The film focuses on schools that don’t do much in educating but do a lot in passing-the-buck. There were also problems about teacher burn-outs, professionals content in their tenure, and kids that need more help than just education. So what can be done? Is the system enabling a failing environment?
I’m sure many of you have heard about the “rubber rooms” in NY (click on name to discover more on it). This was the most frustrating and it came out in the news a few years back. it makes one wonder what else is happening…
But anyways, I think the hardest thing is focus. Remembering kids are the focus. Cluing into what the kid’s focus is. Realizing many kids have their focus on dire home environments and are not able therefore to focus on learning. Addressing kids needs holistically. Finding an adequate balance in teaching a classroom and being able to address students individually. And with all this, having passion without burning out. This is a lot to ask and it takes a very special person to become a teacher. I hope no one takes this for granted.
So this is my little blurb. Watch the movie and discuss-- become educated about our education system.
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