Listening for God: Pic #6

 

"What are they doing?", you may ask. Well, believe it or not, we put these eye-covers (scarves and bandanas) on voluntarily. I got to tell my story to the Sr. High class. Mainly, the story I told was the steps I took towards missions. 

This opportunity gave me a reason to look back at how I got over to PNG and who ultimately led me there. I also linked it to how God speaks to us. There are many ways He can get our attention, but I focused on when He steps in and talks directly to us and then how He also puts small directional signs in our way that we (if paying attention) can follow. 

As for what's happening in the picture, its a game. For anyone who knows me or has had me as a teacher, I love making things fun! This game is "Obstacle". I split the participants into two teams. The first team would get blindfolded and wait until the second team was ready. The second team would put obstacles in the floor that the first team needed to avoid. The second team would decide who they would be calling to (within the second team only), but could not say their name. The first group had to figure out who was giving directions for them through all the other directions. It links to how we must listen for God's directions through the other voices of this world. 

One of the students decided we could try to make things harder, so for round two, we made up sounds in place of commonly used directions. I guess, if you're working in a different culture and language than your own, it can have more barriers to what needs to be done.

In any case, I hope they had fun and learned something. I know I did.

A Pirate's Life for Me: Pic #5

 

Its true. I have a pirate flag hanging in my room. At my age, I'm guessing I should be more of a grown-up... but honestly, why? Though I realize that there are times that we all need to show maturity, there are things that are just fun. If we lose such things, then we might as well claim the title of "Stick-In-The-Mud". I, for one, am not ready to claim it just yet.

Let's face it: anyone who has met me knows that I could never be a legit pirate. I'm not up for robbing people, causing others harm, or drinking lots of rum. However, the notion of freedom and adventure really sticks with me.

The life I lead may not always seem to be that of freedom and adventure, but I am blessed to know such things and have them present in my life. I hope you do too. Its also pretty sweet when I get to sit in my room with my brother watching One Piece (about Pirates) and have a flag up in my room. Represent!

"Seek freedom and it will lie stretched out before your eyes. If the endless dream guides your spirit, seize it! Raise your flag and stand tall!" ~ Jolly Rodger (One Piece)

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." ~ 1 Corinthians 3:17

A Twinkling of an Eye: Pic #4

Today, we went on an adventure. Further into the mountains we drove, to see more of the lovely changing colors of Autumn. While we were there, we snapped a few pictures, had some laughs, slid down railing, and had some fun. I had a little help choosing this picture from my sister. Yay!

Three Rock-Stars: Pic #3

I love my church family. They honestly feel like my extended family. Ever since I was 16, I've been at my current church, and though change does happen every now and then, we're all still connected with invisible strings.

Today's picture is of three guys that I love to hear sing and harmonize together. Each of them has been an inspiration to me in some way and has a place in my heart. If I had a "book" of people that ROCK, in my humble opinion, these three would be in it. And thus, this is my picture of the day.

Walking with Rain Drops: Pic #2

The entire day, I've been taking pictures with my mind and wondering if they could be my "picture of the day". There was an orange 1967 Chevy van (with a tire on the front grill) that made me smile and wonder where its destination was. Next, there was a brightly colored leaf that stuck briefly to my car's windshield wiper and then blew away. I could only imagine what a lovely story it could've told about today. But my mom suggested something earlier today and I knew I had to snap a few pictures.

A short time ago while riding with my family, I commented that I would like to walk the linear trail sometime. I'd walked it with friends and family before, but it had been forever ago. I know for sure that I haven't walked it since I left for PNG so it'd definitely been awhile. I've also been trying to encourage my family members to get out and exercise more... as well as myself.

Therefore, it surprised me slightly when my mom said that we should go walking on the linear trail today, rain or shine. I had been looking forward to it for much of the day. It ended up being my mom, my sister, my dog, and I. We wondered if we'd get rained on, and we did. Thankfully, we didn't get drenched.

At one point, my dog saw a squirrel hesitate right in the middle of the path. My dog became still suddenly. Then, slowly, he began to creep towards it (almost like a lion while stalking its prey). It cracked all of us up, and I hope that moment never fades from my mind.

When I got the camera out to take a picture, we all were walking. Posed pictures have their place, but I wanted some action. I took three pictures, but for some reason (though it doesn't show our faces), I liked this one the best. Walks shouldn't be stopped very long to take pictures or living in the moment doesn't really happen. Thus, in a culture that selfies are on the rise, there is a hope in me to walk past pictures of me simply posing (although that may still happen occasionally) and be present wherever I find myself.

Glossed Colors: Photo #1

It had been a little while since I'd picked up my camera. I guess in PNG I felt like it was almost a job to take pictures. If I didn't, how would I have an awesome newsletter every other month? I don't know how many people actually read them, but I enjoyed writing them... and my pictures were great reminders of what I'd been doing throughout each month or two.

Since being back, picture taking has felt "lessened". I take some on my phone, but even then, there aren't too many. Honestly, I haven't blogged much either. I've been thinking through my life a bit lately. I mean, I still don't have a full-time job (though I am getting short-time jobs in which I'm grateful). I have began writing goals and "to-dos" out before each day so I might have more of a reason to get out of bed and stay that way.

I don't know about you, but I need incentives and fun things to look forward to. Even cleaning in order to help out my family will do. I'm usually very motivated when it comes to other people's expectations as well as creative possibilities.

Anyway, many friends of mine have done a photo-a-day kind of thing for a year. Let's just say that I've got some friends who take GORGEOUS photos!!!! When I look at some of my stuff, it looks just okay as compared to their stuff. However, for some reason, the thought has come into my head... and once I grab hold of an idea, its hard to let it go.

So on a day like today, when the rain poured down on the plethora of colors that Autumn so beautifully represents, I couldn't resist. I suppose there's something about rain that makes me want to sip a hot beverage while attempting to capture what I glimpse, breathe in, listen to, and feel and translate them into words that will probably never do it justice. That's where the picture comes in. Perhaps it can contribute to what words lack.

And thus, the picture is what I saw out of a window. It was while my Mom and I went to grab my brother something to eat (before he went off to escort a friend in a parade and the homecoming half-time of our high school's football game). Yes, it was a bit wet, but he looked good (wouldn't let me take a pic) and took an umbrella.

I must preface this challenge I've made in my head first. Each time I put a picture up, I have no obligations as to how short or long my words may be. I look at this as somewhat of a snap-shot journal of each day. Its so easy to get into a routine of simply stating, "this is what I did today... for the record", but I do hope for more.

So, Cheers!! ...to beginnings of trying something new... and seeing how long I keep it going.

Unemployment

There are some that would think that someone without a job has things pretty good. I mean, they don't have to do anything so its like a vacation, right? Well, from my experience, its not. I'm not saying that things are terrible, but after putting in so many applications and being rejected or not hearing anything at all, it becomes frustrating and boring.

For those who I am in contact with every week, I get to hear the same questions asked: do you have a job yet? Have you tried so and so yet? I know they mean well and even those that suggest jobs. I just don't want to hear it any more. I'll find something. Yep, I say this as my funds run away without me really having to do anything. Car insurance and phone bills come in and more money slips out. (Honestly, as a really quick side note: I hate insurance... especially when its required. I know why its there, but I still hate it.)

I don't want you to think that I'm between a rock and a hard place. Not yet anyway... but its coming. Living with my family is nice, but I don't want to be a burden on them either. I have so many ideas of what I'd LOVE to do, but I'd need money to start them off.

In any case, I have faith in God. Through all the years I've lived, He has always blessed me with having whatever is needed to get by. Thus, this experience shows me that this time will be no different. He has still been getting me small, short-term jobs every now and then that help out a bit. I look forward to seeing what He has in store for me. Maybe I'll just be a ho-bo.