Phooling Around

My sister and I have started a photo blog to get some of our pictures out there. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Phooling Around: Perspectives of the world around us.

It's still in the beginning stages, but we are planning to work on it this weekend and have it totally up and running!

A Moment of Music

A Moment of Music
Hot Springs, AR

This is my favorite photo from my Intro to Photography class (although it was the lowest grade I received). There's just something about the musician so wrapped up in his music that he doesn't have a care in the world. Although his face is wrinkled with age and his clothes are slightly disheveled he doesn't have a care in the world because of his music. As Victor Hugo states, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent." There's something about music that we each identify with. We have personal likes and dislikes, and there is music to suit just about every mood a person can encounter. Music can turn your day around. If you listen to something happy and cheerful you can't help but get caught up in the emotion. Or you can listen to something deep and pensive to suite a contemplative mood. As a trumpet player, my favorite thing to play is old hymns. I love to sit in the empty sanctuary at my church, play through some old hymns, and let the music reverberate around me. I can pour my thoughts and my feelings into my music and, as Hugo says so well, express something that I could never put into words. I also love to listen to movie soundtracks while I work or write because of the deep emotion expressed in them. It is so easy to lose oneself in music, to become so wrapped up in the moment that we lose all track of our problems and trials and just cease to be for a moment. Music is my refuge. I can espcape there when my life is being tossed about. Music will always be there, on a computer, on the radio, in the birds singing, playing along in the jukebox in my mind. Music will stand the test of time. Just as the ancient peoples have music, the people of the future will as well...though the style will probably be pretty different from what we know today. Music simply is, was, and will always be...

History Repeating

While reading through some old Hebrew poetry today (and yes, I am a nerd) I began to think about how history repeats itself. The poem I was reading dealt specifically with death and making the most of life while you are young. People have been grappling with this issue since the beginning of mankind. It's something that never changes, each generation has to face the same problems. There's nothing we encounter that someone else hasn't come across in the past. We struggle with our mortality, our family, our jobs, just like folks have for ages. The details change and the combinations of our individual struggels make our experience unique, but we are all united by our challenges. This doesn't trivialize our circumstances but should give us hope. If someone else faced this in the past maybe they made it through, and maybe we can too. We can read about their experiences in their poetry and stories and learn from their mistakes and triumphs. We reap the benefits of their experience, as those who come after us can hopefully learn from us. It never ceases to amaze me that someone who lived 3,000 years before I did, struggled with the same things that I do and wrote poetry that expresses exactly how I feel today. I guess history does repeat itself...

Transitions

I realized yesterday that I finally have life completely on my own. Even though I'm still in college, I just got my first apartment, I have a steady job, and I'm paying my own way though school. Now I'm stuck in that akward transition phase where I'm not an adult, but not a teenager anymore either. I want to grow up and be all on my own, but a big part of me just wants to run home, hug my dad, and never let go. It's the dilema that all students face as they near graduation and the beginning of their new lives, I just didn't expect it all to happen so soon...

Confessions of a Shutterbug

It's amazing how addictive taking photos can be. A couple of months ago I bought a Canon Rebel XT SLR camera, and haven't been able to put it down since. There's just something surreal about capturing that moment in time, and being able to share it with others, or just to have it for myself to look at later and remember. Something about capturing a moment the way you see it, the feelings/emotions you get from it and being able to share that. Everyone looks at a photo and comes away with something different, but there's still a unity that comes from viewing that same photo. Now whenever I see something my mind automatically processes how I'd shoot it if I had my camera. I see a plant growing in the crack of the sidewalk and think "Urban Nature!" or a speed limit sign and exclaim "There's High Contrast!" It's a liberating view of the world. To look at an object as more than it appears, to try to unravel it's story and reveal it to the world. I absolutely hate when I get a photo idea in my head and can't make the camera take the same shot. In my first week of Intro to Photography I've learned more than I ever thought I'd need to know (and there's still two weeks left!). I hate to go anywhere without my camera in hand, because I just know that I'll see something I want to take a picture of. I don't mind trespassing or balancing precariously on a ledge to get the shot. Anything it takes to get that perfect shot, that's what I'll do. Ah, the incurable burden of being a shutterbug...

Crusty Chicken

In honor of moving out of the dorm and into my first apartment, I decided to make a special dinner to celebrate growing up. One of my favorite comedians, Colin Mochrie, is also apperantly a pretty good cook and has recipes on his website, so I decided to make his "Crusty Chicken Breasts with Chopped Salad." I think it is one of my favorite foods ever!! It's simple and cheap to make, is relatively healthy, and tastes amazing!!! I think the best part was preparing a meal totally on my own, in my own place for the first time. I's all grown up! :D

Crusty Chicken Breasts with Chopped Salad
CRUSTY CHICKEN BREASTS:
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs (175 ml)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 ml)
1 tsp. grated lemon rind (5 ml)
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/ 500g)
Pinch each salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (25ml)

SALAD:
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (25ml) or 1/2 tsp (2ml) dried
2 tbsp olive oil (25ml)
1 tbsp each balsamic vinegar and lemon juice (15 ml)
Pinch each salt and pepper
6 cups arugula, trimmed (1.5 L)
4 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion (50 ml)

In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and lemon rind. Pour egg into a second shallow dish.
Sprinkle chicken salt and pepper. Dip each breast into egg, turing to coat; dip into crumb mixture, turning and pressing to coat evenly. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until browned and no longer pink inside.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together basil, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add arugula, tomatoes and onion; toss to coat. Divide salad among plates; top each with chicken.

I added some wonderful oatmeal-butterscotch cookies (given to me by a friend) for dessert, and some Southern Sweet Tea to drink. I would suggest this to anyone on a budget, or in a time crunch.

Thanks to Colin for posting this awesome recipe!

Just One of Those Days...

So...I started writing this post to vent about the "terrible" day I've been having. It's seemed as though nothing was going right, and it's been a long day already. But while running the sound/computer equiptment for a funeral (part of my job at the church), I was really convicted about my "terrible" day. So I deleted what I wrote, and decided to write about some of the good things instead:

1) I am now done with my Fine Arts: Art class.
2) I got to spend some time talking to my grandmother.
3) I got to enjoy the beautiful weather outside.
4) I drove my car to work, with a working AC & radio.
5) I got to come to work. A job that I love dearly.
6) I'm going to get a new phone in the next couple of days :)
7) I got to celebrate life, even in the face of death.
8) I'm going to get to eat a great dinner with friends, and have good fellowship.
9) While packing up my stuff, I reminisced about the awesome year it's been.
10) I am the beloved child of God, and He's watching out for me.

It hasn't been a perfect day...far from it. But today I'm going to view the glass as half-full...it's just one of those days.


Oh, victory in jesus, My saviour forever. He sought me, And he bought me, With his redeeming blood. He loved me, Ere i knew him, And all my love, Is due him. He plunged me to victory, Beneath the, Cleansing flood." - "Victory in Jesus" (an old hymn)

Gosser 408

We're packing up our suite to head home, sorting out whose stuff is whose, and reflecting over the semester. We came into this year not really knowing each other, unsure as to whether or not we'd get along, and have come out as sisters. We've covered three doors with sticky notes, a room in balloons, and a car with streamers. This year hasn't been easy for any of us, we've all had crazy things happen, but we've come through them together. Though we may not have always liked each other, we were always there when the chips were down. Thanks for all the laughs and tears. Gonna miss you guys next year! (But I am looking forward to being able to watch sports again!!!!)

MEOW!!!!!

Blessed Beyond Measure...Even If I Don't Always Remember It

Reading through my previous post I realized just how blessed I have been in my life. Though I lost my Mom at a young age, I am extremely close to the rest of my family. My youngest sister has become like a daughter to me, though she will deny it. My Dad is one of my very best friends, he's given up so much for me to have the life I do. My other sister is probably my best friend in the whole world. Though we are very very different people I can always count on her when the chips are down. We have two amazing dogs who are always good for a cuddle and a look that conveys gentle patience. I have extended family whom I love dearly and get to visit often. I have great mentors who have helped shape and guide me and have provided me with a shoulder to cry on or a swift kick in the pants when it was needed. My friends are numerous and are always there to give me a hug or bail me out when I get into trouble. I've had the oppurtunity to travel to Africa and South America and experience things I never dreamed possible. It's so easy sometimes to concentrate on the negative things in life (a missed childhood, a lost loved one, financial problems, health issues) and miss out on the blessings we recieve each day. I wake up each morning and look forward to going to college classes and getting an education while many in the world will never know this joy. Though I am away from my Dad and sisters, families here have taken me under their wing and have welcomed me with open arms into their homes. I've been blessed with a great job that's teaching me more than I could have ever hoped to consider. None of these are things I have done on my own. They are blessings.

I sometimes feel I'm the only one who's ever lost someone close, or has felt alone, but that is so very far from the truth. Throughout the ages many people have experienced similar situations and some of them have come out as leaders of our world. It all comes down to my perspective. Am I looking at the glass as half-emtpy or half-full? Can I look past the bad to see the overwhelming good waiting on the other side? I am certainly going to try. You see...I have been blessed...so very blessed. Even if I don't always remember it.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Missing My Mom

As Mother's Day nears the thoughts of all turn to how to impress their mothers with candy, cards, gifts, promises of doing chores, or whatever else they think will show their love. For me Mother's Day is a bittersweet day. You see, I lost my mother to kidney cancer almost 13 years ago. I treasure the chance to reflect on her life, and on what a wonderful person and Mom she was to me and my two sisters, but I mourn that I cannot even tell her I love her one last time. As my friends call their mothers to gossip about their new clothes, or the boy that's caught their eye, I can only wonder what that's like. I think in life we take our mothers for granted so very easily, like they will always be there. Not to be depressing, but we never really know how much longer they'll be with us so we should treasure every moment we spend with them. Every phone call, every hug, and especially every "I love you." What I wouldn't give to hear that from my Mom again. Even after 13 years there's not a day that goes by without me thinking of my mother. Though the ache has lessened with time, it seems to be a permanent part of my soul, destined to remain until I see her again. I dearly treausre all the memories I have of my Mom, and there were so many special moments we shared. So, this Mother's Day really take the time to do something special for your Mom. She's the only one you've got. And you never know how much longer you'll have her.

I love you, Mom!!

Thoughts on a Blog

So...in case anyone actually finds and reads this blog!

I'm the kind of person whose mind is constantly running, evaluating, and considering things. I've started this blog as an outlet for the millions of random thoughts that run through my mind each day.

I'm a Christian, so my writings will be from that perspective, but I love learning about other faiths and have many friends of different faiths. Above all, I believe that everyone has the right to believe what he or she wants. I may not always agree with you, but I'll always respect your perspective and what you're saying.

So anyway, I hope my random thoughts make some sense. Please comment with your thoughts/feelings!

It All Comes Down to Faith

I feel as though I’m at the point in my life where I’ll make the decisions which will shape what I’m going to do from here on; where I go, what I study, where I work, what I believe. I know this isn’t true, but I feel as through the weight of my entire life is pressing on my shoulders. I say that I trust in God, but do I really rely on him enough to trust Him with my life…my one life. This is it, there are no do-overs, no mulligans. Can I really give everything over to Him? Am I ready to make it His life instead of mine? Many times in the past I’ve “given it all over to God,” and said that I’d do what He wanted and Go where He called, but was it real? Did I really realize what I was saying and doing? This means giving up everything, every expectation I have for life in order to accept the life God has for me. However, that path looks to be full of trials and temptations. Full of dangers and oppression unknowable to mankind. But, it also promises to be under the watchful eye of my Lord. By resting in Him I can be blessed beyond measure. I can trust that even though I may not see the way through, God can and His hand is guiding me. His plan is in place, and the whole cosmos bows before it. The evil and despair must be faced to see the blessing of hope and peace in the end. Though my faith in Christ may guarantee my eternal resting place, I have to believe there is more to it than that. God didn’t just reveal Himself to me for one decision and then turn mo loose to live life on my own. He called me into an eternal relationship with Him. A relationship in which I have to work. I have to choose to follow God. I have to dedicate my whole life to Him. I must endeavor to make my goals and purposes one with His. Above all I must love Him. As my Father, He shows more love to me in a single moment than I could show to Him in all of eternity. He looks past my faults and loves me for who I am. The broken, wounded sinner I am. If He is willing to do that, surely I can lay down my life for Him. Surely I can trust Him to know what’s best for me. But can I do do it? Can I give up my life for Christ?

I’ve come to a place where all I have ever believed has been called into question. The days of childhood innocence are gone. The Sunday School answers are no longer enough. Where do I go from here? In whom do I rely? The answer is staring me right in the face. My Lord. Through I may be uncertain as to the details of His plan and His calling, I can trust in His grace. Although I can’t discern His Word, I can follow His Spirit. When academia fails, the Spirit conquers. I can rely on God’s presence in my future as I have seen it in my past. Though I may doubt my theological followings I can remain firm in my relationship. I can stand strong in the knowledge of Christ and His love. I can learn to question constructively, to use my doubt to grow. Through my doubt can come faith. By looking beyond the surface I can gain a deeper relationship with my God. Mentors have helped lead me down a path of questioning and contemplation that has broken down my carefully constructed theological walls. They have torn apart my beliefs. They have left me scared and doubtful. Then they helped me build a relationship. No longer am I a child blindly following the faith and beliefs of others. I have been torn apart and put back together again. No more the innocent babe, but now the powerful warrior. I have found a renewed passion and zeal for my God and for life itself. I no longer have all the answers. In fact, my questions seem to grow bigger each day, but so does my faith. It all comes down to faith.