Thursday, November 29, 2007
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Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday quote collection
“Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm."
--Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet, critic and philosopher
“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one."
--James A. Froude, English historian
“Well, you've got to take the bitter with the better."
--Jane Ace, radio personality
“Doubt is the beginning, not the end, of wisdom."
--George Iles, author
--Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet, critic and philosopher
“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one."
--James A. Froude, English historian
“Well, you've got to take the bitter with the better."
--Jane Ace, radio personality
“Doubt is the beginning, not the end, of wisdom."
--George Iles, author
Thursday, November 15, 2007
God's plan
Someone asked Henry Blackaby, “How do I know God’s will for my life?”
He turned the question around. “What’s God’s plan and what role does He want you to play?”
God’s not developing 2.6 billion plans and sitting around waiting for us to ask for our individual plan. God is doing something massive and He has a part for us to play.
He wants for us to surrender. Jesus never did anything apart from His Father’s will.
He turned the question around. “What’s God’s plan and what role does He want you to play?”
God’s not developing 2.6 billion plans and sitting around waiting for us to ask for our individual plan. God is doing something massive and He has a part for us to play.
He wants for us to surrender. Jesus never did anything apart from His Father’s will.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Time-tested truth
Last week when I was at the Air Force Academy, I decided to stop by the Cadet Chapel since I'd never been inside. It's worth the trip!Though many churches and cathedrals are much older than this structure, I got a sense that so much history has passed by those angular walls.
In related news, 5/30 reports, "For the first time, the Pentagon approved a motion picture to be filmed at the Air Force Academy."
Wanting to soak in the reality that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I walked in the chapel (don't worry, it's allowed!), sat down on a pew, and picked up a hymnal.
This passage is the one that jumped out at me:
"I hide Your Word within my heart to keep me safe from sin. For where your truth is in control, no lie can inter in." --Claire Cloninger
I'm reminded once again, "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." (Psalm 33:4)
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Power of positive thinking in the pool
Yesterday as I slipped on my swimsuit to prepare for an aquatic workout, I bemoaned an apparent extra bit of pudge. All the more reason to get back in the pool, I thought.
As I entered the pool deck, my former swimming coach spotted me.
After “hello,” his first words were “Have you lost weight?”
I said, “No, actually I was just thinking I had gained some.”
He replied, “Well, it must just be muscle.”
Then he’d asked if I’d competed in the most recent triathlon.
He encouraged me to do the next one, saying, “You’re going to win!”
Though I thought most of his words were flattery, (I suppose it doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme; gaining a little winter weight is inevitable—though I won’t know for sure since I don’t weigh myself. And, it’s not likely I would win a tri since my swimming is so weak I need lessons!).
However, I certainly did swim longer and faster as a result of the power of positive thinking imparted by a kindly coach.
I remembered the hope that I can use my words to genuinely encourage others. And, I got to practice the principle right away. The gentleman swimming in the lane next to me started gasping for air and came back to the edge of the pool.
He said, “I psyched myself out.”
I affirmed that even swimming is a matter of the mind and told him he could do it (since it was apparent he could swim).
Simple enough—not profound words, but they proved helpful.
Positive thinking may not keep you afloat, but it can provide some power in the paddles!
As I entered the pool deck, my former swimming coach spotted me.
After “hello,” his first words were “Have you lost weight?”
I said, “No, actually I was just thinking I had gained some.”
He replied, “Well, it must just be muscle.”
Then he’d asked if I’d competed in the most recent triathlon.
He encouraged me to do the next one, saying, “You’re going to win!”
Though I thought most of his words were flattery, (I suppose it doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme; gaining a little winter weight is inevitable—though I won’t know for sure since I don’t weigh myself. And, it’s not likely I would win a tri since my swimming is so weak I need lessons!).However, I certainly did swim longer and faster as a result of the power of positive thinking imparted by a kindly coach.
I remembered the hope that I can use my words to genuinely encourage others. And, I got to practice the principle right away. The gentleman swimming in the lane next to me started gasping for air and came back to the edge of the pool.
He said, “I psyched myself out.”
I affirmed that even swimming is a matter of the mind and told him he could do it (since it was apparent he could swim).
Simple enough—not profound words, but they proved helpful.
Positive thinking may not keep you afloat, but it can provide some power in the paddles!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Friday quote collection
“Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response."
--Mildred Barthel, author
“Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others."
--Jonathan Winters, comedian, author and artist
“Paradise is here or nowhere: You must take your joy with you, or you will never find it."
--O.S. Marden, founder of Success Magazine
“Doing nothing is very hard to do ... you never know when you're finished."
--Leslie Nielsen, Canadian-American actor
“No wise man ever wished to be younger."
--Jonathan Swift, Irish satirist, journalist and author
“What we need is to love without getting tired."
--Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian
“The best is yet to be."
--Robert Browning, British poet and playwright
“Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing."
--Harriet Braiker, psychologist and writer
“Silence can be as different as sounds."
--Elizabeth Bowen, Anglo-Irish writer
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means."
--Albert Einstein, German-born Swiss-American physicist
Agree? Disagree?
--Mildred Barthel, author
“Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others."
--Jonathan Winters, comedian, author and artist
“Paradise is here or nowhere: You must take your joy with you, or you will never find it."
--O.S. Marden, founder of Success Magazine
“Doing nothing is very hard to do ... you never know when you're finished."
--Leslie Nielsen, Canadian-American actor
“No wise man ever wished to be younger."
--Jonathan Swift, Irish satirist, journalist and author
“What we need is to love without getting tired."
--Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian
“The best is yet to be."
--Robert Browning, British poet and playwright
“Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing."
--Harriet Braiker, psychologist and writer
“Silence can be as different as sounds."
--Elizabeth Bowen, Anglo-Irish writer
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means."
--Albert Einstein, German-born Swiss-American physicist
Agree? Disagree?
Thursday, November 01, 2007
2007 in review
My mom is amazing about sending Christmas letters every year. She asked me to recap my year in third person for her family letter. It's difficult to put a full year into a few words (and there are still two months left)!
Carrie celebrated her January birthday in Breckenridge, CO by snow-sculpture gazing and cross-country skiing with dear friends. These friends and church community continue to enrich her life greatly.
Easter was spent in Glenwood Springs, a new favorite place, with fabulous friend Katie [click for pics] .
Early summer took Carrie to Spokane, WA for cousin Nellie’s Gonzaga graduation [click for pics] and to Pasadena, CA for dear friend Nadia’s Fuller Seminary graduation. Afterward, the two celebrated by skydiving for the first time [click for pics] !
Later in the summer, Carrie (with the help of hard-working parents) moved out of her apartment and into the spacious basement of a lovely home in Monument (north of Colorado Springs).
If you're a blogger reading this, I tag (challenge) you to do the same--sum up your year in fewer than 300 words.
Thankful for life and limbs intact after a car accident in December 2006, Carrie started out the year fresh with a newer Subaru purchased in Montana. Joe (dad) graciously drove the car to Colorado and took the bus home so Carrie could use her return flight. [click for pic: car and dog pictured]
Carrie celebrated her January birthday in Breckenridge, CO by snow-sculpture gazing and cross-country skiing with dear friends. These friends and church community continue to enrich her life greatly.Easter was spent in Glenwood Springs, a new favorite place, with fabulous friend Katie [click for pics] .
Early summer took Carrie to Spokane, WA for cousin Nellie’s Gonzaga graduation [click for pics] and to Pasadena, CA for dear friend Nadia’s Fuller Seminary graduation. Afterward, the two celebrated by skydiving for the first time [click for pics] !
Later in the summer, Carrie (with the help of hard-working parents) moved out of her apartment and into the spacious basement of a lovely home in Monument (north of Colorado Springs). Athletic adventures for Carrie included swimming lessons in the spring, a sprint triathlon in the summer, several great hikes, and running the VA Beach Rock N’ Roll half-marathon to raise money and awareness for Children’s HopeChest.
Carrie’s work as an editor took her to Indianapolis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Chicago this year. She felt grateful to still have her job after the company laid off half her department—a bigger loss than she's expected.
Carrie also mourned the death of a mentor [click for pic: Sheryl] a dear coworker, grandpa, plus her 14-year old dog Chewy and 20-year old horse BZ.
In the midst of loss, Carrie found hope in the One who gives and takes away. She celebrated love at cousin Bell's wedding [click for pics], with long-enduring friends, and rejoiced in a new relationship. God is good--all the time.
Carrie’s work as an editor took her to Indianapolis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Chicago this year. She felt grateful to still have her job after the company laid off half her department—a bigger loss than she's expected.
In the midst of loss, Carrie found hope in the One who gives and takes away. She celebrated love at cousin Bell's wedding [click for pics], with long-enduring friends, and rejoiced in a new relationship. God is good--all the time.
Remembering Grandpa
It’s been almost a month since my grandpa’s memorial service. Though I wasn’t intentionally avoiding this post, it’s been easier not to think on it. Life is busy and has many distractions, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop and remember.
Later in the day we made our way out to the little church in Clancy, which is where grandpa attended since he’d been living in the nearby nursing home.
When Pastor Uda started reading my Grandpa’s stories (dictated years ago), I started crying, which took my by surprise because I’d held it together up until then.
I felt joyful to be celebrating his life and freedom from pain, and yet the magnitude of the fullness of his life struck me. There was so much there that we didn’t know or remember when we saw his failing old body.
He had been a striking young man, a hulk of a guy who set throwing records and played college football, and had his choice of women.
Yet he chose my Grandma LaVaughn (who was already married when they first met). Their story of falling in love, her leaving her alcoholic first husband, and marrying right before Herb shipped off to war is a remarkable one. She nursed him back to health after he came back with one eye missing and much more wounded than that.
For Herb’s 89th birthday my mom had a video made of his legacy, which they showed at the memorial. It was a beautiful testimony to a full life.
My cousin Nellie represented the grandkids by speaking about how he was always our biggest fan. He attended every sporting event he could, and got as involved as he could—even if it meant driving his van right up on the cross-country course.
How many 80-something grandparents e-mail their grandkids? Nellie said she got a priceless e-mail from him that read: “Nellie, I seem to have lost your e-mail address. (Yet somehow he managed to get this e-mail to her) Can you send it to me?”
His grandkids were his pride and joy and he told everyone everything we were up to—giving us superstar status.
At the reception the other grandkids shared impromptu how his life had affected us. Bell stood up and said it was an honor to have him as a part of their special event.
I agreed and said it was part of his amazing story that only God could have written.
No other event would have gotten us all together at once. Every good story has conflict and tension, and the overcoming of it. Grandpa displayed being an overcomer his whole life. He learned from his hardships and taught us to be life-long learners as well. I think one of the crowning accomplishments of his life was that he saw all five grandkids graduate from college. Not even death could keep grandpa down. Now he’s in heaven reunited with loved ones and his legacy lives on in each of us (as I wrote before, but think it’s worth remembering).
I share some thoughts from my journal, dated Oct. 7:
There are so many positive impressions and good memories of yesterday’s memorial service for Grandpa Herb, it will be difficult to remember and record them all.
The day started out as mom and I worked out at the Park Plaza Hotel gym, then walked down Last Chance Gulch. The historic buildings and old brick kilns took us back in history. Mom and I kept walking until we reached a Mount Helena City Park trail head and decided to explore that. We ended up hiking where the snow met the mountain, and we climbed above the city to overlook a beautiful valley glowing with fall trees and snowcapped mountains behind brick buildings enduring another season. I wished I’d had my camera, but some moments I suppose you can’t capture completely.
I think we rejoiced that the day had arrived to remember and celebrate Grandpa’s loving and full life.
After we retrieved Olin, we ate breakfast at the Park Avenue bakery. The warmth of the ovens and coffee easing the chill from outside, we reminisced about Grandpa’s favorite days hauling wood with his old pickup in Rimini.
There are so many positive impressions and good memories of yesterday’s memorial service for Grandpa Herb, it will be difficult to remember and record them all.
The day started out as mom and I worked out at the Park Plaza Hotel gym, then walked down Last Chance Gulch. The historic buildings and old brick kilns took us back in history. Mom and I kept walking until we reached a Mount Helena City Park trail head and decided to explore that. We ended up hiking where the snow met the mountain, and we climbed above the city to overlook a beautiful valley glowing with fall trees and snowcapped mountains behind brick buildings enduring another season. I wished I’d had my camera, but some moments I suppose you can’t capture completely.
I think we rejoiced that the day had arrived to remember and celebrate Grandpa’s loving and full life.
After we retrieved Olin, we ate breakfast at the Park Avenue bakery. The warmth of the ovens and coffee easing the chill from outside, we reminisced about Grandpa’s favorite days hauling wood with his old pickup in Rimini.
Later in the day we made our way out to the little church in Clancy, which is where grandpa attended since he’d been living in the nearby nursing home.When Pastor Uda started reading my Grandpa’s stories (dictated years ago), I started crying, which took my by surprise because I’d held it together up until then.
I felt joyful to be celebrating his life and freedom from pain, and yet the magnitude of the fullness of his life struck me. There was so much there that we didn’t know or remember when we saw his failing old body.
He had been a striking young man, a hulk of a guy who set throwing records and played college football, and had his choice of women.
Yet he chose my Grandma LaVaughn (who was already married when they first met). Their story of falling in love, her leaving her alcoholic first husband, and marrying right before Herb shipped off to war is a remarkable one. She nursed him back to health after he came back with one eye missing and much more wounded than that.
For Herb’s 89th birthday my mom had a video made of his legacy, which they showed at the memorial. It was a beautiful testimony to a full life.
My cousin Nellie represented the grandkids by speaking about how he was always our biggest fan. He attended every sporting event he could, and got as involved as he could—even if it meant driving his van right up on the cross-country course.
How many 80-something grandparents e-mail their grandkids? Nellie said she got a priceless e-mail from him that read: “Nellie, I seem to have lost your e-mail address. (Yet somehow he managed to get this e-mail to her) Can you send it to me?”
His grandkids were his pride and joy and he told everyone everything we were up to—giving us superstar status.
At the reception the other grandkids shared impromptu how his life had affected us. Bell stood up and said it was an honor to have him as a part of their special event.I agreed and said it was part of his amazing story that only God could have written.
No other event would have gotten us all together at once. Every good story has conflict and tension, and the overcoming of it. Grandpa displayed being an overcomer his whole life. He learned from his hardships and taught us to be life-long learners as well. I think one of the crowning accomplishments of his life was that he saw all five grandkids graduate from college. Not even death could keep grandpa down. Now he’s in heaven reunited with loved ones and his legacy lives on in each of us (as I wrote before, but think it’s worth remembering).
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Montana recreation
Woohoo! Blogger added a video feature.
When I was in Montana earlier in October, my dad took me for a ride in the motorcycle sidecar.
Mom meant to take a picture, but made it a video. I think it's funny to watch, but beware--you might get motion sickness.
The night I arrived in Montana my mom and I went for a walk in the horse pasture. I then decided to go run on a smoother surface--the road. Mom warned (as all good mothers should even if their children are nearly 30, "Watch for cars." I saw only one in all 20+ minutes on the road.
Also on the road in Montana, one can ride a motorcycle 125 mph (this is a hypothetical experience of course)!
Mountain biking with my brother on the road and off (into a knee-deep river for him), also brought much enjoyment.
Finally, the family (including aunt and cousins on my dad's side) experienced a beautiful mountain hike. Though windy, it was about a picturesque as this part of the country gets.
More wedding photos
Isabell's photographer, Leo Chen, did an amazing job . This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it.
To see more photos on his web site, click here.
To see more photos on his web site, click here.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The bridesmaids wore black
But we didn’t know someone would die at the rehearsal dinner.
We arrived in good spirits after dressing up for the occasion. My mom told me that grandpa said as far as he was concerned this dinner was the main event of the weekend.
My cousin Bell would soon be marrying Mark in the cathedral where she was raised—her childhood dream. We sported our slippers since shoes weren’t allowed on the hardwood floors of the rustic yet immaculate lodge/bed & breakfast. I said hello to people I hadn’t seen in months, including my grandpa.
With him in a wheelchair with one eye and one hand and limited hearing, it makes it harder to keep in touch. The last time we’d talked was Sept . 9, Grandparent’s Day. I called to tell him I love and appreciate him. You never know when the last time you’ll speak with someone will be.
Seventy people filled the Elkhorn Lodge for the rehearsal dinner Friday night. We sat at white linen-covered tables overlooking the big blue Montana sky and prominent mountains.
We came to celebrate love and new beginnings. Filet mignon and halibut graced our plates; champagne filled glasses clinking to toast the just-about married couple.
And then he choked.
I didn’t know what was going on with my grandpa at the next table until they wheeled him aside and started performing the Heimlich. Then they wheeled him past me, his head slumped over, face turning purple.
The priest stood up and said a prayer, said they’d called 911.
People stood up and gave tribute to Herb and talked about the “greatest generation.” Others proclaimed a new generation—Mark and Bell will make history of their own. Grandpa Herb’s legacy of love and service remains in each of us as we go forward.
We celebrated love and new beginnings. A couple to be joined together forever and a war-weary soul ready for eternal glory.
Grandpa Herb would have turned 90 on Oct. 8, 2007. We will celebrate him with a memorial on that weekend. Click here to read his obituary.
We arrived in good spirits after dressing up for the occasion. My mom told me that grandpa said as far as he was concerned this dinner was the main event of the weekend.
My cousin Bell would soon be marrying Mark in the cathedral where she was raised—her childhood dream. We sported our slippers since shoes weren’t allowed on the hardwood floors of the rustic yet immaculate lodge/bed & breakfast. I said hello to people I hadn’t seen in months, including my grandpa.
With him in a wheelchair with one eye and one hand and limited hearing, it makes it harder to keep in touch. The last time we’d talked was Sept . 9, Grandparent’s Day. I called to tell him I love and appreciate him. You never know when the last time you’ll speak with someone will be.
Seventy people filled the Elkhorn Lodge for the rehearsal dinner Friday night. We sat at white linen-covered tables overlooking the big blue Montana sky and prominent mountains.
We came to celebrate love and new beginnings. Filet mignon and halibut graced our plates; champagne filled glasses clinking to toast the just-about married couple.
And then he choked.
I didn’t know what was going on with my grandpa at the next table until they wheeled him aside and started performing the Heimlich. Then they wheeled him past me, his head slumped over, face turning purple.
The priest stood up and said a prayer, said they’d called 911.
But it was too late. There was nothing any of the medical professionals in the room could have done.
They laid him down by the buffet line behind the fireplace. And we couldn’t believe this was happening. Why here? Why now?
They laid him down by the buffet line behind the fireplace. And we couldn’t believe this was happening. Why here? Why now?
The cousins huddled, held each other, and cried.
My mom, grandpa Herb’s only surviving child, cried too. But her hope rose above the chaos and confusion. She reminded us this happened for a reason. When else would we all be together at one time?
And what a blessing to die quickly rather than fight slow, painful illness. He is in a better place now with no more suffering. We even laughed a little that no one would be forgetting this event.
My mom, grandpa Herb’s only surviving child, cried too. But her hope rose above the chaos and confusion. She reminded us this happened for a reason. When else would we all be together at one time?
And what a blessing to die quickly rather than fight slow, painful illness. He is in a better place now with no more suffering. We even laughed a little that no one would be forgetting this event.
People stood up and gave tribute to Herb and talked about the “greatest generation.” Others proclaimed a new generation—Mark and Bell will make history of their own. Grandpa Herb’s legacy of love and service remains in each of us as we go forward.
We celebrated love and new beginnings. A couple to be joined together forever and a war-weary soul ready for eternal glory.
Grandpa Herb would have turned 90 on Oct. 8, 2007. We will celebrate him with a memorial on that weekend. Click here to read his obituary.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
My favorite season
Thank God it's September!
Fall is my favorite season and I'm thankful to be able to enjoy it with quality company.
Joel and I enjoyed a spectacular but windy mtn bike ride Friday, after inaugurating my new bike rack with two bikes. 
My car will again don two bikes when Katie and I leave for Wyoming/Montana tomorrow.
More pictures to come!
Fall is my favorite season and I'm thankful to be able to enjoy it with quality company.
Joel and I enjoyed a spectacular but windy mtn bike ride Friday, after inaugurating my new bike rack with two bikes. 
My car will again don two bikes when Katie and I leave for Wyoming/Montana tomorrow.
More pictures to come!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Run for One
We did it!
A great big THANK YOU to those of you who helped me accomplish this goal.
I completed the Run for One and finished the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Sept. 2, 2007. I felt like it was the best race I'd ever run.
It wasn't my fastest time (1:42), but it was better than I'd expected (1:48). It worked out to be about 8.3 minute miles (for 13 miles). And the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself was remarkable and irreplaceable.
For race results, click the medals (credit: rnrhalf.com photo gallery). My bib #6209.
For photos of me running, click this photo (credit: rnrhalf.com photo gallery).
Our hotel was right on the beach, and I enjoyed some down-time after a very hectic week (layoffs at work).
Our coach, Lisa Rainsberger (Boston marathon winner), with me and other runners for one-rs.
"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:2
A great big THANK YOU to those of you who helped me accomplish this goal.
I completed the Run for One and finished the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Sept. 2, 2007. I felt like it was the best race I'd ever run.
It wasn't my fastest time (1:42), but it was better than I'd expected (1:48). It worked out to be about 8.3 minute miles (for 13 miles). And the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself was remarkable and irreplaceable.
For race results, click the medals (credit: rnrhalf.com photo gallery). My bib #6209.
For photos of me running, click this photo (credit: rnrhalf.com photo gallery).
Our hotel was right on the beach, and I enjoyed some down-time after a very hectic week (layoffs at work).
Our coach, Lisa Rainsberger (Boston marathon winner), with me and other runners for one-rs."Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:2
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Saying "Yes" to God
I started reading this book and God's been testing me on it.
For example, yesterday I was buying lunch at Whole Foods. For some reason, I decided to get an extra $5 cash, though I hardly ever carry cash. "I might need it for something," I thought.
I walked out to my car and heard a man asking a woman for money so he could fill up the gas can in his hand, and something about his mom and Wal-Mart.
She abruptly said "No" and walked away.
He then came up and asked me and I gave him the $5 bill. Now, I don't know what he actually did with it and whether his story was truthful. But I suppose that's not for me to decide.
God calls each of us to respond to his nods.
I'm not blogging about this to pat myself on the back (Remember, it's not about me!). Instead, I'm proclaiming a public challenge for myself and others. Next time I might actually give with a spirit of love, rather than guilt. Next time may I take a few moments to actually hear a man's story, ask his name, and give him an encouraging word as well.
Next time, may I say "Yes" to God.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Friday Quote Collection: part 1
Today I bring you a random collection of quotes I like. Which is your favorite?
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." --Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer
"It takes 20 years of hard work to become an overnight success." --Diana Rankin, writer and public speaker
"Experience is the name everyone gives to his mistakes." --Oscar Wilde,Irish playwright, novelist and poet
"It is never too late -- in fiction or in life -- to revise." --Nancy Thayer,novelist
"You can't hold a man down without staying down with him." --Booker T. Washington, educator and author
"I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention." --Diane Sawyer, TV journalist
"How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy." --Paul Sweeney, author
"When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy." --Samuel Goldwyn, film producer
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." --Jack London, writer
"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.'" --Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." --Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, writer and speaker
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." --Peter F. Drucker, writer, professor and consultant
"It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it." --Albert Einstein, German-born Swiss-American physicist
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." --Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer
"It takes 20 years of hard work to become an overnight success." --Diana Rankin, writer and public speaker
"Experience is the name everyone gives to his mistakes." --Oscar Wilde,Irish playwright, novelist and poet
"It is never too late -- in fiction or in life -- to revise." --Nancy Thayer,novelist
"You can't hold a man down without staying down with him." --Booker T. Washington, educator and author
"I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention." --Diane Sawyer, TV journalist
"How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy." --Paul Sweeney, author
"When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy." --Samuel Goldwyn, film producer
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." --Jack London, writer
"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.'" --Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." --Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, writer and speaker
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." --Peter F. Drucker, writer, professor and consultant
"It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it." --Albert Einstein, German-born Swiss-American physicist
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Devil Came on Horseback
Last night a friend and I attended the Windrider Forum to see documentary film, The Devil Came on Horseback.Former US Marine Captain Brian Steidle was hired to monitor a ceasefire in the Darfur region of Western Sudan.
Communicating to loved ones back home in 2004, he wrote:
"I'm afraid that we will be hearing about Sudan for a long time to come."
While the tragedy continues (it’s already claimed 400,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million people over the past few years), it’s surprising how little it’s being talked about, and how many people don’t know what’s going on there. I confess I’d been ignorant about it until now.
The stunning documentary follows Steidle, armed only with a camera, pen and paper, as he joins the African Union as a military observer in the heart of the conflicts—an area inaccessible to journalists. There he directly witnesses and documents the brutal, systematic annihilation of black African Sudanese by the Arab militia group, the Janjaweed. Certain that if only the West knew of these atrocities they would be compelled to act, Steidle returns home to America with over a thousand explicit photographs and begins an impassioned awareness campaign.
The Devil Came on Horseback is a deeply affecting story of one man's life-changing transition from witness to activist and comes as a pressing reminder that the Darfur genocide continues to this day—and something must be done to stop it.
It’s hard to know what to do with such a huge crisis. I’d suggest first seeing the film and learning more about the situation. Click here for more.
Then, decide what your role is in preventing this genocide from continuing.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
“More Different” Small Town Sunday
Inspired by KLerch’s “Small Town Sunday” posts, I’ve decided to follow suit with one (or maybe more to come) of my own, since I’ve recently moved to small town Monument, up the road 17 miles from Colorado Springs.For years I’ve been actively involved in a contemporary community—a majority of whom are twentysomethings—which meets on Sunday nights. While I plan to remain committed there, I think it’s beneficial to experience something different once in a while.
My venture today brought me to Saint Matthias Episcopal Church, a small brick building with a red door and windows overlooking Pikes Peak. (I would have taken pictures, but I can’t find my camera’s battery charger!)I chose this one because of its location, only half a mile from the house, and a desire to experience more of a liturgical tradition. But this morning as I started to get ready, I hesitated, started talking myself out of it.
“There are a lot of other things I could be doing,” I reasoned in my head. Really, I was a little nervous. What should I wear? What will this place be like? Will I stick out? Will people stare at me and treat me like an outsider?
It takes a lot of courage, I realized, to walk into a new church by yourself. Because I felt afraid was all the more reason to go. And as I walked to the church (how fun is that, to not have to drive?), the sun shining down on a beautiful day, I started to get excited for this new experience.
I was greeted at the door with a smile and a 16-page bulletin/program/whatchacallit.
I sat down on the wooden pew and observed my surroundings. The walls made of rich-looking wood, each stained glass window featuring a saint. Joining me on the pew, a white-haired man who held his bulletin/program/whatchacallit right in front of his face, next to his nose, so he could read it. Half-a-dozen other elderly couples, and just as many middle-aged, some teenagers, and a gaggle of children.
Today happened to be children’s Sunday, so the Reverend sported a brightly colored sash, and invited the kiddos up for an interactive sermon about rules and rewards.
He asked, “Who makes the rules?”One enthusiastic child piped up, “Our teachers, our mothers, and Jesus!” The colorful Rev. told the children there are lots and lots of rules in the Bible and they agreed, “Sometimes they don’t seem very fun.”
Referencing our reading from Deuteronomy 30:9-14, “For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you…when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments,” the Rev. said there are rewards to following the rules.
Another reward, referring to Luke 10:25-37, he said, is eternal life. “But you little people don’t worry about that. You don’t think about that until you’re 50.”
He added that Jesus said there are too many rules, so many we can’t keep track of them all, and the greatest command is to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and the second like it, love your neighbor.
Love God and love people—seems simple enough. Though adult life introduces many complexities of living out the God-glorifying life, I would probably be better off if I could keep that top-of-mind as a personal mission.
There was no other sermon to the congregation. The service proceeded with liturgy—recitation of the Nicene Creed, prayers of the people (including 44 by name) hymns, a prayer of confession, offering, and communion.
There’s something about that kind of ordered service that draws me into worship that a contemporary service doesn’t. There’s a sense of reverential awe. The organ playing and the congregation singing “Be Thou My Vision” almost sent me to tears, as did reading out loud Psalm 25:6: “Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions.”
God is the same amazing Savior in this church as He is in all the other churches I’ve been in. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is God whether I acknowledge and obey Him, or not. And yet, because He is God, I want His rules and give thanks for His rewards.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Skydiving
“The life of faith has to do with extraordinary experience; the life of faith has to do with ordinary experience. Neither cancels out the other; neither takes precedence over the other…The life of faith has to do with the glories of discovering far more in life than we ever dreamed of; the life of faith has to do with doggedly putting one flat foot in front of the other, wondering what the point of it all is. Neither cancels out the other; neither takes precedence over the other.” –Eugene Peterson, The Message Remix, Wisdom intro
Faith is often likened to taking a flying leap—something like jumping out of an airplane and hoping your parachute inflates. I like this quote by Eugene Peterson because it illustrates that faith also happens in the three hours you’re waiting to get in the airplane, and it happens after you come down from the thrill of the ride.
I went skydiving for the first time Sunday, June 10, to celebrate my best friend Nadia’s graduation. Words do little for me to describe the AMAZING experience, so here are some photos.
Nadia and I get excited to jump.
Ready or not, here I go!
Grabbing my photographer's hand so she could spin us around. 
Watching Nadia land.
Do I look happy and windblown?
Faith is often likened to taking a flying leap—something like jumping out of an airplane and hoping your parachute inflates. I like this quote by Eugene Peterson because it illustrates that faith also happens in the three hours you’re waiting to get in the airplane, and it happens after you come down from the thrill of the ride.
I went skydiving for the first time Sunday, June 10, to celebrate my best friend Nadia’s graduation. Words do little for me to describe the AMAZING experience, so here are some photos.
Nadia and I get excited to jump.
Still excited as I load the plane with my instructor, Adi.
Nadia heads out with her photographer.
Ready or not, here I go!Grabbing my photographer's hand so she could spin us around. 
There goes the parachute.
Watching Nadia land. Do I look happy and windblown?Tuesday, June 05, 2007
It's official: I'm running for one!
I just did one of the more scary things in my life: I asked people for money.
After prayerful consideration, I've decided to participate in Children's HopeChest's Run for One program. (For more background info. I blogged about it here.)
I sent out an e-mail to the staff at my workplace asking them to consider donating. I'll be asking many more people in the future and praying hard for God to provide.
I’ve committed to personally raise $4,000 for Children’s HopeChest, in order to run the September 2, 2007 half-marathon in Virginia Beach and more importantly, raise funds for an orphan.
I’ve run a marathon and several half-marathons before, but I’ve never raised any significant amount of support. So, this is several thousand steps of faith for me. I pray God will show up in big and unexpected ways!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Outside Canon City
Shelf Road: check it out for a variety of exhilerating climbs.
Red Canyon Park: after our bike ride, Katie and Becca enjoy the mixture of sun and rain.
Sun+rain=beautiful rainbows.
Amazingly, this rainbow was not visible with sunglasses.
Amazingly, this rainbow was not visible with sunglasses.
Tip for life #1: If you want to see a rainbow (hope), take off your glasses (dark-colored, negative perspective).
Tip #2: Never lick a cactus popsicle.
Tip #3: If you're in Canon City, definitely check out the stunning scenery at Red Canyon and take a couple friends.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Family reflections
My only living grandparent is 89 years old and he’s seen five grand-children graduate from college: my brother Olin, me, my cousins Bell, Herb, and now Nellie.
It’s been years since all of us have been together. Though we grew up only hours apart (a short distance in Montana terms), now we’re spread out by states and restricted by the bounds of adult responsibility. Work often prevents Christmastime travel, and group visits become fewer and farther between. None of us knows if the next time we all gather will be a happy or sad event—a wedding or a funeral.
But we were happy Mother’s Day weekend, excited for Nellie to start her new job in Alaska after graduation. Before I came back to Colorado I got to visit Herb’s apartment in Seattle. He showed me videos from 1986 he recently converted to DVD.
On screen I saw the five cousins out in the woods roasting hot dogs. Olin, the oldest, at 8 years, tended the fire, poking it, gazing deeply into its blaze, oblivious to the rest of us. Nellie, the youngest, at 1, sat with a bare bottom sucking her thumb on her mom’s lap.
Pictures help remind us of memories, but they don’t capture the way our younger selves moved, talked, related, and reacted. Now, 21 years later, it was amazing to see how we still have the same facial expressions and mannerisms (although we’ve decreased the likelihood of picking certain body parts in public).
We are still the children we were—sometimes expectant, sometimes reluctant, we bicker, we get excited, we try, we fail, we cry, we try again. We grow up to be bigger versions of ourselves. I still want the same things—to belong, to feel safe, and to be known and loved.
Uncle Monte asked “Who’s this?” when he pointed the camera at us. I said seriously behind my blonde scraggled hair falling in front of my face: “I’m Carrie Jo, and this is Bell.” She said with a big toothy grin, “Daddy, you know who I am!”
Yes, he knows, but he wants to hear it from us.
Back then I would tell my name, where I lived, what I liked do. But I did not know then who I would be today, and I still don’t know who I will be tomorrow or what will happen in another 10 or 20 years.
Though unknowing is a vulnerable position, I don’t think I’d move into knowing if I could. As we glance back at the past, may we remember that our Creator knows who we are, and we can trust Him to help us write a good story that’s so much fun to look back and see—whether it’s at age 89 or 29.
It’s been years since all of us have been together. Though we grew up only hours apart (a short distance in Montana terms), now we’re spread out by states and restricted by the bounds of adult responsibility. Work often prevents Christmastime travel, and group visits become fewer and farther between. None of us knows if the next time we all gather will be a happy or sad event—a wedding or a funeral.
But we were happy Mother’s Day weekend, excited for Nellie to start her new job in Alaska after graduation. Before I came back to Colorado I got to visit Herb’s apartment in Seattle. He showed me videos from 1986 he recently converted to DVD.
On screen I saw the five cousins out in the woods roasting hot dogs. Olin, the oldest, at 8 years, tended the fire, poking it, gazing deeply into its blaze, oblivious to the rest of us. Nellie, the youngest, at 1, sat with a bare bottom sucking her thumb on her mom’s lap.
Pictures help remind us of memories, but they don’t capture the way our younger selves moved, talked, related, and reacted. Now, 21 years later, it was amazing to see how we still have the same facial expressions and mannerisms (although we’ve decreased the likelihood of picking certain body parts in public).
We are still the children we were—sometimes expectant, sometimes reluctant, we bicker, we get excited, we try, we fail, we cry, we try again. We grow up to be bigger versions of ourselves. I still want the same things—to belong, to feel safe, and to be known and loved.
Uncle Monte asked “Who’s this?” when he pointed the camera at us. I said seriously behind my blonde scraggled hair falling in front of my face: “I’m Carrie Jo, and this is Bell.” She said with a big toothy grin, “Daddy, you know who I am!”
Yes, he knows, but he wants to hear it from us.
Back then I would tell my name, where I lived, what I liked do. But I did not know then who I would be today, and I still don’t know who I will be tomorrow or what will happen in another 10 or 20 years.
Though unknowing is a vulnerable position, I don’t think I’d move into knowing if I could. As we glance back at the past, may we remember that our Creator knows who we are, and we can trust Him to help us write a good story that’s so much fun to look back and see—whether it’s at age 89 or 29.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
8 Random Things
I didn’t know there would be so much tagging involved with blogging. It’s fun though.
I’ve always liked tag. Thanks Tiffany.
The rules of this game:
Each person starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their eight things and post the rules. At the end of your blog, tag eight people and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.
I’ve always liked tag. Thanks Tiffany.
The rules of this game:
Each person starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their eight things and post the rules. At the end of your blog, tag eight people and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.
So, here are 8 random things about me. (It’s funny that my blog’s name is It’s NOT About Me. Just keep in mind it’s God who’s weaving together the seemingly random details of my life.)
1. Montana is my birthplace and was home until I went to college in Spokane, WA. Even though I feel very at home in Colorado, I will always call MT “home.” Boating on the Missouri River is a favorite activity when visiting my parents.
2. When I was younger I wanted to be an architect and interior designer, or an equestrian. I traveled to England after I graduated from high school to shadow a professional, which opened my eyes to the positives of a career in journalism. Now instead of horses, I ride bikes and sit on inanimate sheep statues.
3. My dream job since college has been to work for Brio magazine for teen girls. I thought freelancing for them would be a good in. Then I thought Focus on the Family Institute would be a good in. Neither of these have landed me a job, but I’m thankful for these experiences. God has me where I am for a reason (I just don’t quite know what it is!)
4. My first car was a Buick Century, which I bought with money I made from selling my cow. Seriously! When it broke down (the car, not the cow) I got a Buick Skylark. It had this weird quirk where it would stall at a stop light and lurch through intersections. The paint started chipping, so we peeled it all off thinking we’d paint it some day. My dad fixed the engine and still drives the unpainted car. (It actually doesn’t look too bad). I got fed up with it and acquired my first car payment in 2003 for a 1999 Subaru Outback. I loved that car for its functionality and versatility. I payed it off and it kept me safe in a bad accident, but was totaled in Dec. 2006. Now I have Jade.
5. I like to test the limits, push the boundaries, try new things, and be adventurous. A goal in this arena is to go skydiving this year.
6. I love photography and camping and would like to do both more often. Photo credits: KLerch
7. I’ve hiked three fourtneeners in the four years I’ve lived here: Uncomagre, Elbert, and Pikes Peak (which I’ve hiked three times—each of which was miserable, yet memorable).
8. Sprint triathlons are super-fun and I’m training for some this summer.
Photo credit: Jennifer Janis
1. Montana is my birthplace and was home until I went to college in Spokane, WA. Even though I feel very at home in Colorado, I will always call MT “home.” Boating on the Missouri River is a favorite activity when visiting my parents.
2. When I was younger I wanted to be an architect and interior designer, or an equestrian. I traveled to England after I graduated from high school to shadow a professional, which opened my eyes to the positives of a career in journalism. Now instead of horses, I ride bikes and sit on inanimate sheep statues.
3. My dream job since college has been to work for Brio magazine for teen girls. I thought freelancing for them would be a good in. Then I thought Focus on the Family Institute would be a good in. Neither of these have landed me a job, but I’m thankful for these experiences. God has me where I am for a reason (I just don’t quite know what it is!)
4. My first car was a Buick Century, which I bought with money I made from selling my cow. Seriously! When it broke down (the car, not the cow) I got a Buick Skylark. It had this weird quirk where it would stall at a stop light and lurch through intersections. The paint started chipping, so we peeled it all off thinking we’d paint it some day. My dad fixed the engine and still drives the unpainted car. (It actually doesn’t look too bad). I got fed up with it and acquired my first car payment in 2003 for a 1999 Subaru Outback. I loved that car for its functionality and versatility. I payed it off and it kept me safe in a bad accident, but was totaled in Dec. 2006. Now I have Jade.
5. I like to test the limits, push the boundaries, try new things, and be adventurous. A goal in this arena is to go skydiving this year.
6. I love photography and camping and would like to do both more often. Photo credits: KLerch
7. I’ve hiked three fourtneeners in the four years I’ve lived here: Uncomagre, Elbert, and Pikes Peak (which I’ve hiked three times—each of which was miserable, yet memorable).
8. Sprint triathlons are super-fun and I’m training for some this summer.
Photo credit: Jennifer Janis
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