words of wisdom

Christians often talk about God's will like it's the rare and elusive
Blue-Tailed Eastern Moon Moth that might suddenly flit out of the forest the
moment they set their nets down, and escape them forever.

We wish God would just speak audibly to us. "Go to art school and become an
Abstract Expressionist," "Move to Mozambique," or "Marry Lou Lou." We want signs
in the sky or in the grease stain on the driveway.

But if we pray and trust him, God promises to guide us.

-- excerpt from Mark Altrogge's post: Discovering God's Deep, Dark, Mysterious Will @ The Blazing Center

These ones have also been helpful:
Overcoming the Paralysis of Indecision
What If I Don't Feel Peace?

So thankful for these reminders. I forget way too easily & start to let anxiety set in.

something I'm learning

This quotation really just captures it all. I've never ever been so outwardly busy before (I always say that, yeah. This time it's TRUE! Yeah, I always say that too).
Inwardly, however, there is quietness... for which I am so grateful.
But I know there can be much more, because I am not spending at all enough time in prayer these days. Long way to go, Carmen...

"The quest for a contemplative life can actually be self-absorbed, focused on my quiet and me. If we love people and have the power to help, then we are going to be busy. Learning to pray doesn't offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart. In the midst of outer busyness we can develop an inner quiet. Because we are less hectic on the inside, we have a greater capacity to love...and thus to be busy, which in turn drives us even more into a life of prayer. By spending time with our Father in prayer, we integrate our lives with his, with what he is doing in us. Our lives become more coherent. They feel calmer, more ordered, even in the midst of confusion and pressure."
- Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life

[HT: Josh Harris]

rotf...lol [literally]

Sometimes being here feels just like back at home.... like an afternoon spent decorating my [class]room with friends (thanks guys - cut down 3/4 of my prep time!!), sharing dinner with more good company at Smokey Joe's, followed by 2 rounds of bowling at an old-school alley (Glashan days, anyone?). And just like back at home, my bowling is nothing to envy (to put it mildly). This time, however, someone actually gave me a few how-to lessons. Unfortunately, I only remembered to coordinate everything well a few times and the others were all losses. Also unfortunately, this individual's style (will remain unnamed for the sanctity of dignity), while mind-bogglingly intense, did not always have the desired effect.
Anyway, in the end the other two members of our team totally pulled through and we're expecting some free ice cream any day now!! :D

I am SO thankful for the gift of laughter. I think lots of people were staring at our gang in that crowded alley. But I hope we were communicating well what it means to live a life that permeates joy. Even when things don't always go your way...

My amazing housemate has put together this memorable video collage.