I finally found a video that perfectly summarizes the things that have been on my mind and heart the past few months. It's a teaser for Hillsong's iHeart Revolution. Take a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NlyZqJhwk
"It's not fair that we can go about consuming every single material option that comes our way while the widow and orphan are stripped of life's basic dignities because they're victims of a conflict that simply isn't theirs."
"It's not fair that there's a generation who are choking on their obesity while, at the same time, there's 30 thousand children who will die today for lack of food."
"It's not fair that we can sit and watch the evening news from the comfort of our living rooms and pity those who live where the storm hit or where the ground shook or where the water rose and simply feel sorry for them and then change the channel while they suffer."
"Who are we to forget the downtrodden or the oppressed or the marginalized while we go about chasing the dream?"
"...because for us to do any more...is actually going to cost us something."
It's just not fair. I could've been born anywhere, into any circumstance. Why did God choose to bless me by allowing me to be born in America with a fantastic and stable family? I could've been born into a starving country in Africa. So why wasn't I? Why are others born into those areas when I don't deserve this blessing any more than they do? It just seems so unfair.
I keep wracking my brain for ideas of things I can do. I feel so limited...but maybe I am my own limitation. I've given away my clothes and offered my time here and there. I've tried to simplify my life many times, and yet I still have enough stuff for four people. There are big things I could do...but they would cost me. And I'm afraid of the sacrifice. I don't want to give up my stuff. I don't want to give away my money. I don't want to be uncomfortable. If I'm not the definition of selfishness, I don't know what is.
I'm going to be praying about this a lot this week..and in weeks to come. And if you have any ideas that you've tried or know of, send them my way.
If you're interested in learning more about all this, check out i-heart.gov. It's got crazy awesome stuff like a simple explanation of the top 20 problems in the world, plus ideas on what you can do right where you are. Maybe you have some ideas that you can't do, but SOMEONE can. Post it and watch it happen!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
We'll Be Young Forever
God has been blessing me so much these past few days. I feel totally overwhelmed by his love and provision, and I just wanted to share it with anyone who's willing to read.
I mentioned on a previous post that I'm refraining from making any material purchases for myself this semester. I have been very successful in following through on that so far. It's been a little difficult at times, but when I really think about it I realize that I don't need any of the things that I've been tempted by recently, and I'm saving lots of money, so it's been awesome.
Anyway, I was thinking the other day that there were some things I was running out of that I don't really need but I would really like to keep buying (aka mascara, lotions, nail polish, etc.) Yes yes, girly things. So I was debating in my head whether or not it would be okay for me to still buy them, but I hadn't come to a decision yet. A few nights later, my aunt and uncle took me out to eat for my birthday. They had brought along a present, and it was a bag FULL of girl things. Nail polish, eyeliner, lotion, body wash, mascara - everything that I had been thinking about! I couldn't believe it! My aunt told me that she and my cousin were reading a web article about the top beauty products for women, so they decided to go out and get me some of the things from the list. So not only did I get what I needed, but I got some LEGIT stuff! I felt like God was clearly saying, "Thank you for being obedient. And see? I will provide for you!" So that was awesome. I'm still smiling about it.
Other things to be happy about: I went downtown with some friends last night for a free country concert held outside to kick off the World Equestrian Games. It was raining when we got there, and we weren't sure it was actually going to happen, but the rain stopped and it was a fantastic concert! So many rednecks singing along to every song, waving their beers in the air and groping their sweethearts. Good times.
One of my roommates coaches a little kids' soccer team, so a couple of us went to watch them play this morning. It was so cute. The kids are all super sassy and cop major attitudes, but you can tell that they love it. Afterward, I experienced my first burger at Five Guys, and then came home and recorded for a while.
And besides all these wonderful things in the past, I have so much to look forward to! Eric and I just cast his play, and we're starting rehearsals this next week. I have A Chorus Line to look forward to in a couple months. I'm going to my first UK game on the 9th. I get to see a lovely friend in a musical next weekend. My dad is coming at the end of next month to do a father/daughter worship service during homecoming weekend. And at the Equestrian Games tomorrow, admission for college students is free!
I feel so incredibly blessed. Life is so good.
I mentioned on a previous post that I'm refraining from making any material purchases for myself this semester. I have been very successful in following through on that so far. It's been a little difficult at times, but when I really think about it I realize that I don't need any of the things that I've been tempted by recently, and I'm saving lots of money, so it's been awesome.
Anyway, I was thinking the other day that there were some things I was running out of that I don't really need but I would really like to keep buying (aka mascara, lotions, nail polish, etc.) Yes yes, girly things. So I was debating in my head whether or not it would be okay for me to still buy them, but I hadn't come to a decision yet. A few nights later, my aunt and uncle took me out to eat for my birthday. They had brought along a present, and it was a bag FULL of girl things. Nail polish, eyeliner, lotion, body wash, mascara - everything that I had been thinking about! I couldn't believe it! My aunt told me that she and my cousin were reading a web article about the top beauty products for women, so they decided to go out and get me some of the things from the list. So not only did I get what I needed, but I got some LEGIT stuff! I felt like God was clearly saying, "Thank you for being obedient. And see? I will provide for you!" So that was awesome. I'm still smiling about it.
Other things to be happy about: I went downtown with some friends last night for a free country concert held outside to kick off the World Equestrian Games. It was raining when we got there, and we weren't sure it was actually going to happen, but the rain stopped and it was a fantastic concert! So many rednecks singing along to every song, waving their beers in the air and groping their sweethearts. Good times.
One of my roommates coaches a little kids' soccer team, so a couple of us went to watch them play this morning. It was so cute. The kids are all super sassy and cop major attitudes, but you can tell that they love it. Afterward, I experienced my first burger at Five Guys, and then came home and recorded for a while.
And besides all these wonderful things in the past, I have so much to look forward to! Eric and I just cast his play, and we're starting rehearsals this next week. I have A Chorus Line to look forward to in a couple months. I'm going to my first UK game on the 9th. I get to see a lovely friend in a musical next weekend. My dad is coming at the end of next month to do a father/daughter worship service during homecoming weekend. And at the Equestrian Games tomorrow, admission for college students is free!
I feel so incredibly blessed. Life is so good.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Promise Not to Promise Anymore
I haven't written a new post in a while, so this will be quite a random conglomeration of thoughts in my head that have been rolling around for the past few weeks.
First.
God has been so faithful in showing me his glory recently. I have experienced so much beauty this week. From nature to new relationships, he is constantly showering me with blessings.
The other night I was watching Planet Earth with some friends, and I was blown away by God's creativity. He formed the whole universe so that everything would work together. I mean, even the tiniest little bugs that seem like they have no purpose are actually the sole reason why another species can exist. Poisonous bacteria for one species is a life-giving substance for another. I'm just overwhelmed by God's details and engineering.
Second.
Something has been irking me lately. I've noticed as I'm walking around campus that the majority of people who pass me purposely avoid looking at me. Even if we're the only two for literally miles around (ok, slight exaggeration), the poor soul will do anything possible to avoid acknowledging my existence. And I can't help but think, "What the crap is up with that?!" I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, and I may not even say hi to you, but I will for sure look up and at least give you a smile.
So I'm wondering...why do so many of us have this habit? I can't say I've never avoided someone. In fact, I used to be a lot more closed off towards strangers. But then I realized that it's completely ridiculous to avoid acknowledging someone when I walk right by them, especially if we're the only two around. The people on this campus are my brothers and sisters in Christ, for goodness sake! I can understand not saying "hi" to every stranger on the city streets...but here? Really? I just don't get this. It's such a small thing. Look up. Look in their eyes. Smile. Say "hi." Four easy steps and you've instantly affirmed to that person that they are worth acknowledging. You're shy, you say? You fear rejection? Suck it up, little sista, cuz it's somethin' you jus gon' have to get over. Do it.
Third.
Let's talk about something positive again, yes? It's the fourth week of school and I'm still having the time of my life. Homework has been an unpleasant invasion, but at least I enjoy the classes I'm taking for the most part. I've just been trekking all over...staying up late every night like a freshman again...and taking advantage of every opportunity before plays and rehearsals take over my life again. It's been so fun. From late night bike rides to midnight water balloon fights (Aldersgate: Because We Can) to stargazing to jumping off cliffs to having "Bad-A" nights to watching hours of Family Guy to playground hopping to many other things that would have never been able to happen if I was busy with theatre stuff. Coffee has become a necessity to my day for the first time ever, and I can't remember the last time I slept for more than 7 hours. But it's totally worth it. I'm excited to get back into the theatre stuff soon, but I've had a great few weeks.
Life is fantastic. Senior year. Big ol' bite.
Fourth.
Monday was my birthday. It was a fantastic day. It started at midnight with a bonfire, and I woke up the next morning to a lovely breakfast prepared by Olivia. My roommate had left a card on my desk, my parent's present was waiting for me in the living room, and Savanah allowed me to wear one of her beautiful dresses. After chapel I received a huge card with a sloth on it through my CPO, and when I got back to my apartment after lunch, Julie had made a ton of red velvet cupcakes that spelled out "Happy 22nd Birthday Janelle!" I went through the rest of my classes and work, and then a very cute boy took me out for dinner at Sal's. And the day came to a fantastic end when I received tickets to see A Chorus Line at the Opera House by an "anonymous" person. I am so thrilled! It was a wonderful birthday.
So all in all, it's been a good few weeks. God is good, screenplays are difficult to write, and Miracle Whip will never be a sufficient substitute for Mayonnaise.
First.
God has been so faithful in showing me his glory recently. I have experienced so much beauty this week. From nature to new relationships, he is constantly showering me with blessings.
The other night I was watching Planet Earth with some friends, and I was blown away by God's creativity. He formed the whole universe so that everything would work together. I mean, even the tiniest little bugs that seem like they have no purpose are actually the sole reason why another species can exist. Poisonous bacteria for one species is a life-giving substance for another. I'm just overwhelmed by God's details and engineering.
Second.
Something has been irking me lately. I've noticed as I'm walking around campus that the majority of people who pass me purposely avoid looking at me. Even if we're the only two for literally miles around (ok, slight exaggeration), the poor soul will do anything possible to avoid acknowledging my existence. And I can't help but think, "What the crap is up with that?!" I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, and I may not even say hi to you, but I will for sure look up and at least give you a smile.
So I'm wondering...why do so many of us have this habit? I can't say I've never avoided someone. In fact, I used to be a lot more closed off towards strangers. But then I realized that it's completely ridiculous to avoid acknowledging someone when I walk right by them, especially if we're the only two around. The people on this campus are my brothers and sisters in Christ, for goodness sake! I can understand not saying "hi" to every stranger on the city streets...but here? Really? I just don't get this. It's such a small thing. Look up. Look in their eyes. Smile. Say "hi." Four easy steps and you've instantly affirmed to that person that they are worth acknowledging. You're shy, you say? You fear rejection? Suck it up, little sista, cuz it's somethin' you jus gon' have to get over. Do it.
Third.
Let's talk about something positive again, yes? It's the fourth week of school and I'm still having the time of my life. Homework has been an unpleasant invasion, but at least I enjoy the classes I'm taking for the most part. I've just been trekking all over...staying up late every night like a freshman again...and taking advantage of every opportunity before plays and rehearsals take over my life again. It's been so fun. From late night bike rides to midnight water balloon fights (Aldersgate: Because We Can) to stargazing to jumping off cliffs to having "Bad-A" nights to watching hours of Family Guy to playground hopping to many other things that would have never been able to happen if I was busy with theatre stuff. Coffee has become a necessity to my day for the first time ever, and I can't remember the last time I slept for more than 7 hours. But it's totally worth it. I'm excited to get back into the theatre stuff soon, but I've had a great few weeks.
Life is fantastic. Senior year. Big ol' bite.
Fourth.
Monday was my birthday. It was a fantastic day. It started at midnight with a bonfire, and I woke up the next morning to a lovely breakfast prepared by Olivia. My roommate had left a card on my desk, my parent's present was waiting for me in the living room, and Savanah allowed me to wear one of her beautiful dresses. After chapel I received a huge card with a sloth on it through my CPO, and when I got back to my apartment after lunch, Julie had made a ton of red velvet cupcakes that spelled out "Happy 22nd Birthday Janelle!" I went through the rest of my classes and work, and then a very cute boy took me out for dinner at Sal's. And the day came to a fantastic end when I received tickets to see A Chorus Line at the Opera House by an "anonymous" person. I am so thrilled! It was a wonderful birthday.
So all in all, it's been a good few weeks. God is good, screenplays are difficult to write, and Miracle Whip will never be a sufficient substitute for Mayonnaise.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Classic New Yorker
I've been obsessed with this song for the past week or two. I just keep coming back to listen to it. Check it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5VZ88uFDbk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5VZ88uFDbk
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Promise Not to Promise Anymore
Life just feels like one big roller coaster right now. It's up one day and down the next. However, I'm thankful to say that it's been more up than down the past few days.
I like lists, so I think I'll make one right now.
Good Things from the Past Few Days:
1. I discovered Habitat for Humanity downtown. I found an awesome clock for our apartment, old Broadway records, and gnomes...because I live in the Gnome Home.
2. My best friend is still here this week, and we've had wonderful times together.
3. I love living with six other girls and just being able to hang out and talk when we're all home. They are so fun! Tonight we dressed ourselves up in a very edgy, over-the-top way and went out for dessert. We stopped at a gas station to take pictures. No one around us knew what to think. I was afraid we were gonna get picked up by some sleaze bags.
4. I went on an epic adventure with my friend, James, the other day. We went looking for a waterfall in the woods and it ended up being huge. We discovered this huge canyon thing and traversed it up and down and all around. Then we splashed around in the river and found a puppy who played with us in the water for a while. It was fantastic! It was very difficult to leave the puppy. We named her Sandwich.
5. I've been able to sit down and have very meaningful conversations with a lot of people lately, and I love that. Deep conversations make my heart happy.
6. I have somehow reverted back to the ways of freshman year (aka: staying up very late...every night...no matter how early I have to get up the next day). Sometimes I'm doing homework, but most of the time I'm just talking to people or playing around. It's tons of fun, and I haven't suffered terribly from lack of sleep...yet. It's so freeing. I'll never grow up.
7. Despite the rough patches I've experienced the past few weeks, I've been able to praise God. It was difficult at first because I was so angry and frustrating, but every day it sinks in more and more that he is protecting me and knows me better than I know myself. How can I keep from praising him?
8. I was sick. I'm getting better.
9. I got my first tattoo. I love it.
10. Last night I spent the night with three good friends at an apartment in town. We bought a bunch of junk food and watched a scary movie, which I was not a fan of. When we woke up, Theresa had made us a breakfast for champions: pancakes with cookie dough, coffee and fruit. A winning combo.
Not So Good Things from the Past Few Days:
1. The musical that was scheduled for this semester got pushed to next semester, and now I don't even know what we'll be doing. I'm rather discouraged because I feel like I have nothing theatre-related to do this semester, though that's not really true. I'll be helping a friend with his directing project, but that's about it. I was really looking forward to the musical. It's my senior year and I feel like it's slipping away and I'm not doing anything. I really hope I can do a lot of stuff next semester besides my own project. I just feel discouraged.
2. I may have made it through Writing for Media last semester without crying, but there is a very good possibility that I will shed a few tears over my Screenwriting class. I have absolutely no idea what I'm writing about. Sheesh. Lord, help me.
3. I'm slowly realizing all the things I wish I had done while I was here. I wish I had been an Ambassador. I wish I had run for some sort of class cabinet position. I wish...well, anyway, watching the freshmen move in was weird. I got to thinking about what I would do differently if I could go back and start over at orientation. I would do a whole lot of things different. But it's also a good thing. I won't keep living in the past. Instead, it encourages me to take a huge bite out of this senior year and squeeze as many things as I possibly can in before it's over. I'm excited.
4. I'm still healing. That's enough about that.
5. My best friend, Theresa, moved to Nashville today. I will miss her terribly, and I'm not quite sure how I'll survive without her for a whole semester. But I plan to visit her at least once.
So all in all, more good than bad. It's going to be a great year.
I like lists, so I think I'll make one right now.
Good Things from the Past Few Days:
1. I discovered Habitat for Humanity downtown. I found an awesome clock for our apartment, old Broadway records, and gnomes...because I live in the Gnome Home.
2. My best friend is still here this week, and we've had wonderful times together.
3. I love living with six other girls and just being able to hang out and talk when we're all home. They are so fun! Tonight we dressed ourselves up in a very edgy, over-the-top way and went out for dessert. We stopped at a gas station to take pictures. No one around us knew what to think. I was afraid we were gonna get picked up by some sleaze bags.
4. I went on an epic adventure with my friend, James, the other day. We went looking for a waterfall in the woods and it ended up being huge. We discovered this huge canyon thing and traversed it up and down and all around. Then we splashed around in the river and found a puppy who played with us in the water for a while. It was fantastic! It was very difficult to leave the puppy. We named her Sandwich.
5. I've been able to sit down and have very meaningful conversations with a lot of people lately, and I love that. Deep conversations make my heart happy.
6. I have somehow reverted back to the ways of freshman year (aka: staying up very late...every night...no matter how early I have to get up the next day). Sometimes I'm doing homework, but most of the time I'm just talking to people or playing around. It's tons of fun, and I haven't suffered terribly from lack of sleep...yet. It's so freeing. I'll never grow up.
7. Despite the rough patches I've experienced the past few weeks, I've been able to praise God. It was difficult at first because I was so angry and frustrating, but every day it sinks in more and more that he is protecting me and knows me better than I know myself. How can I keep from praising him?
8. I was sick. I'm getting better.
9. I got my first tattoo. I love it.
10. Last night I spent the night with three good friends at an apartment in town. We bought a bunch of junk food and watched a scary movie, which I was not a fan of. When we woke up, Theresa had made us a breakfast for champions: pancakes with cookie dough, coffee and fruit. A winning combo.
Not So Good Things from the Past Few Days:
1. The musical that was scheduled for this semester got pushed to next semester, and now I don't even know what we'll be doing. I'm rather discouraged because I feel like I have nothing theatre-related to do this semester, though that's not really true. I'll be helping a friend with his directing project, but that's about it. I was really looking forward to the musical. It's my senior year and I feel like it's slipping away and I'm not doing anything. I really hope I can do a lot of stuff next semester besides my own project. I just feel discouraged.
2. I may have made it through Writing for Media last semester without crying, but there is a very good possibility that I will shed a few tears over my Screenwriting class. I have absolutely no idea what I'm writing about. Sheesh. Lord, help me.
3. I'm slowly realizing all the things I wish I had done while I was here. I wish I had been an Ambassador. I wish I had run for some sort of class cabinet position. I wish...well, anyway, watching the freshmen move in was weird. I got to thinking about what I would do differently if I could go back and start over at orientation. I would do a whole lot of things different. But it's also a good thing. I won't keep living in the past. Instead, it encourages me to take a huge bite out of this senior year and squeeze as many things as I possibly can in before it's over. I'm excited.
4. I'm still healing. That's enough about that.
5. My best friend, Theresa, moved to Nashville today. I will miss her terribly, and I'm not quite sure how I'll survive without her for a whole semester. But I plan to visit her at least once.
So all in all, more good than bad. It's going to be a great year.
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