Saturday, September 27, 2008

100th POST!!!!!

HAPPY 100th POST!!!!!

It is with great honor and bitter-sweet parting that I announce that painting galaxies will no longer be in service.

Yes, this is my last post on Blogger.

My new blog can be found here:


please update your Google Readers, blogs, and what not.  

I love twitter!


I really like this little thing called twitter.



Friday, September 26, 2008

Help me out here!

Okay, I am really struggling with this question and I want to get some responses, so please help me out!

Is it Biblical for us to aim to be "relevant" in reaching people or are we trying to take over the Holy Spirit's role of convicting them and inclining their hearts to Jesus?

I see two or three possibilities:
  1. Yes, we need to be relevant in the culture, doing all we can to be "in the world, but not of it" and bringing Jesus to people.
  2. No, we are to preach the word of God and leave the conversions up to the Holy Spirit.  We cannot make Christianity look cool, because the Gospel is offensive and Scripture doesn't show people focusing on relevance.  
  3. Both.  I hate this answer.  It seems to be the easy way out.  I just don't see both possibilities equal.  One has to be more important.  ...I think.... actually i really don't know...That's why I'm asking YOU!
Help me out here... PLEASE!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

It's Christmas in My Office!

Unfortunately, this is NOT what my cubicle looks like, but I wish that it was.  You see, this week I am working ahead on my sermons (for a class and for my sanity during Christmas/graduation/wedding time).  I am listening to lots of Christmas music, drinking peppermint mochas, and diving into the nativity story!  It's loads of fun!  You really ought to take a random day and celebrate Christmas.  It's awesome! 

Monday, September 22, 2008

Hello Autumn!

Today is the first day of Autumn, and I am more than thrilled!  Kaitlin has been gracious enough t listen to all my "Fall" and "Autumn" talk and obsession.  It really is my favorite season, and I am going to write about the great things that make it what it is!

In an attempt to create a holistic fall experience, here are the things you should include in your life:

Music Albums
  1. Fall (Jon Foreman)- This is amazing.  I have posted on his other albums before, but this was the first in the series.  It has a mellow feel and deep lyrics.  
  2. Live in Paris (Diana Krall)- This is by far my absolute favorite fall album.  Jazzy and fun!  I first heard it my senior year of high school and fell in love with Diana's liquid-like voice.  The best song on this live album is by far A Case of You. Listen to it! Also check out Love Scenes, another album by Diana.  
  3. O (Damien Rice)-  A great artsy album!  This is a fall classic in my book.  Damien and his back up singer bring beautiful melodies to the world! 
  4. Poses (Rufus Wainwright)- It just has a great euro-folk vibe that is perfect for this tie of year.
Drinks
  1. Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks!  The ultimate fall drink- nothing can compare to this!  I just can't get enough.  You know that fall is on its way when Starbucks releases this awesome beverage!
  2. Good Earth Tea-  Both sweet and spicy.  So good! 
  3. Chai Tea Latte (or add espresso for a Chai Bomb)-  Another classic.  You can't help but feeling close to others you drink it with.
Food
  1. Pumpkin ANYTHING!  Bread, loaf, cookies, pie, muffins...you name it!
  2. Soup/Stew- so fall-like and cozy.  Makes you feel like home! 
  3. Pies and apple crisps!
Activities
  1. Crunching leaves
  2. Driving in the rain
  3. Reading poetry
  4. Being creative
  5. Deep conversations
  6. Cooking
  7. Museum visits 
  8. Apple Picking
Please add your fall excitement and experiences on the comments! 

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Hmmm...

Wow I really don't blog that much anymore do I?
I could use the "I'm busy" card.
And I really am.
School.
Work.
Wedding plans.
You know...
In fact, I got to run.
More wedding registry stuff.
Crate&Barrel.
Macy's.
Target.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

crazy love.



Francid Chan's new book, "Crazy Love" is a real gem.  I am reminded of the fact that one person's passion really does matter, that it's all about God, and it's all worth it.  This book has breathed a spirit of fresh air into my life and ministry mindset.  I have been blessed by good old Mr. Chan!  Check out the website that goes along with the book: www.crazylovebook.com

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Good Morning, Australia!

So yesterday I went up to LA to film a live interview for Australia's version of "Good Morning America" called "Morning Sunrise."  They interviewed another Biola student and me on sexual/substance abstinence and our community standards at school.  It was a cool opportunity to share our beliefs both personally and corporately (Biola and Evangelicals).  Check out the story here: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/index.html?autoplay_id=9726320#embedded-video-top.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

4 Things I Need More In My Life

  1. Prayer.  I need to talk to God a whole lot more.  Not only that, but I need to just listen to him.  A couple weeks ago I was driving in my car, texting, listening to the radio, and eating fast food.  I remember stopping in that moment of craziness and thinking God, I don't want to forget you in the midst of all these noises and distractions in life.  I can combat the danger of these things taking over my life with prayer.  
  2. God's Word.  I must see the amazing gift of the Bible to us.  I need to be filled with verses so that I can encourage others.  It must be the lens in which I live out the rest of my life, make decisions, and speak to others. 
  3. Wise Counsel.  I was reminded today of the beauty of encouragement by other Christian brothers or sisters.  God uses them to speak to us and point us to Him!  He also gifts others with understanding and wisdom that we cannot always see in our own circumstances.
  4. The Holy Spirit.  I REALLY need the Holy Spirit!  I must be filled. Empowered.  Led.  Encouraged.  I don't put enough emphasis on the Spirit's work in our lives.  People I know who actually listen to the Holy Spirit are the ones who seem to "get life."