I was watching "You've Got Mail" for probably the millionth time last night. I thought about email and how it's amazing that with that and online billpay and ecards and Facebook and the like, it's amazing the United States Postal Service hasn't been put out of business yet. The price of postage doesn't help.
When I was young, I used to write letters all the time. Of course, this was before the Internet and email existed, so that and the telephone were the preferred methods of long-distance communication. And considering my dad wasn't really big on long distance phone bills, it was probably the only method of long-distance communication for me. I wrote to my summer camp friends. I wrote to the kids I knew from other schools through playing ball and cheerleading. I even wrote to my school friends during the summer when we were separated from each other. Now, it's all I can do to write a grocery list and I haven't sent out real (not virtual) Christmas cards in years.
I guess it's the way it goes with the advancement of technology. Text is starting to replace phone calls...which, of course, we can do from pretty much anywhere thanks to mobile phones. Even email and instant messaging have started taking a backseat to Facebook and MySpace communication. The technology train sometimes moves so fast it makes me a little nauseated.
My thoughts on this started veering toward my parents. They are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on Saturday. I'll write more about that later, for that is a blog that deserves it's own turn in the spotlight. The reason why it's relevant here is that my parents started out knowing each other through letters. When my mom was 15 and my dad was 18 and in the Navy with my uncle, they became pen pals. It wasn't anything serious at first, but grew into something and by the time they met each other three years later, the rest was history. Imagine three years of letter-writing and feeling like you know somebody inside and out and then finally being able to lay your eyes on that person. It's quite romantic, actually.
I guess my point is that I think letters reveal something in you that emails, texts, Facebook messages and even phone calls can't. Because we're putting forth an effort, I think the things we put in a letter are somehow more real, never flippant, always well thought-out. We can type something in an email and hit the send button before we've really thought about what we've just typed. But a letter takes time. There's just something about writing it out, putting it into an envelope, and mailing it that is simple, yet complex, all at the same time. And the thought of it compels me to slow down, to really think about the things I say to other people, to make my communication more personal and make every word count. I think we all feel that way. After all, isn't it funny how even with the ability to communicate with each other more quickly, efficiently and often than ever before, we still love getting mail? (You know, except bills.)
I've been thinking recently about writing a letter to somebody special and writing this blog has encouraged me to not just think about it, but do it. And next year, I'm sending Christmas cards.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Quite the Same
Quite the Same
by Edie Rowland
from I'll Be Home for Christmas, published in 2005 by Xulon Press
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed…” (Luke 2:1). It’s the story everyone knows, and every year, when my mother’s rather large family gets together at Christmastime, one of the children will read it aloud.
These family get-togethers have changed a lot over the years. We once had them on Christmas Eve, but then as individual families grew, we moved the occasion to December 23rd. It used to be when I was young that the grandchildren read the story. Now, the grandchildren have children who read the story. My grandfather isn’t here to celebrate with us anymore, and my grandparents’ house with the big barn out back is no longer the setting for our parties, having been sold years ago. When I was small, everybody bought gifts for everyone, but as the family grew and finances shrunk, we evolved to our current practice – buy presents for the little ones, and the adults each bring a gift to play an always-entertaining gift-giving game.
People have come and gone over the years – due to dating and breakups, marriage and divorce, births and deaths. But one thing has remained the same. Every year, the Bible is opened to Luke chapter 2. And at some point in the evening, in a Linus-esque moment, everyone grows silent in reverence and awe as the gifts are ignored, the food left to get cold, and a child’s stammering voice takes us back to the manger where it all started. Traditions, circumstances, and even people change; however, the reason for our gathering and our celebration remains the same: the Christ child born to set us free.
by Edie Rowland
from I'll Be Home for Christmas, published in 2005 by Xulon Press
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed…” (Luke 2:1). It’s the story everyone knows, and every year, when my mother’s rather large family gets together at Christmastime, one of the children will read it aloud.
These family get-togethers have changed a lot over the years. We once had them on Christmas Eve, but then as individual families grew, we moved the occasion to December 23rd. It used to be when I was young that the grandchildren read the story. Now, the grandchildren have children who read the story. My grandfather isn’t here to celebrate with us anymore, and my grandparents’ house with the big barn out back is no longer the setting for our parties, having been sold years ago. When I was small, everybody bought gifts for everyone, but as the family grew and finances shrunk, we evolved to our current practice – buy presents for the little ones, and the adults each bring a gift to play an always-entertaining gift-giving game.
People have come and gone over the years – due to dating and breakups, marriage and divorce, births and deaths. But one thing has remained the same. Every year, the Bible is opened to Luke chapter 2. And at some point in the evening, in a Linus-esque moment, everyone grows silent in reverence and awe as the gifts are ignored, the food left to get cold, and a child’s stammering voice takes us back to the manger where it all started. Traditions, circumstances, and even people change; however, the reason for our gathering and our celebration remains the same: the Christ child born to set us free.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Final San Diego Blog
I promised a wrap-up to my San Diego trip, so I'll provide that for you and also tell you about the day that followed and the challenges it brought.
Overall, I was excited about how the trip went. There was so much bonding among choir members who barely knew each other before and I think it's going to bring us closer as a group. We saw so many amazing things happen among the people in San Diego as well. I told you all about the server at lunch on Saturday and she came to the concert on Sunday night with who I'm assuming is her friend who is having a hard time and her two children. They had to slip out early, so I didn't get a chance to talk to her, unfortunately. I'm hoping she filled out a contact card for the church. On Sunday morning, the husband of one of our choir members who came on the trip with her led one of the workers at our hotel to the Lord. I told others on our van that all the planning, preparation and traveling was worth it just for that.
I believe we were able, with our canvassing, to bring in people who hadn't heard of the church and are great prospects for them. We even had people who lived near the school where the concerts were held listening on their porches and some even came down to see what it was all about. I was so impressed by what God is doing through Brad and his staff in San Diego. I hope to visit again and be able to stay longer.
I came back to work on Tuesday morning on one of those "mission trip highs" and reality hit me in the face when I found out that there were more cutbacks and layoffs. It makes me a little uncertain for the future, but I refuse to let Satan take away the positive experience of my weekend and replace it with fear and lack of faith. He doesn't like it when we are pumped up about spiritual things and wants to use whatever disappointing circumstances he can to discourage and dishearten us.
I've been reading David's Psalms lately and have been reminded of some wonderful truths about the faithfulness of our God, even in times of trouble. This verse particularly jumped out at me recently: "The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) If the Lord is truly my stronghold, I have nothing to fear. He is constant in a world of chaos, unchanging in times of uncertainty, steadfast in shaky circumstances. In good times and bad, He is our stronghold.
Overall, I was excited about how the trip went. There was so much bonding among choir members who barely knew each other before and I think it's going to bring us closer as a group. We saw so many amazing things happen among the people in San Diego as well. I told you all about the server at lunch on Saturday and she came to the concert on Sunday night with who I'm assuming is her friend who is having a hard time and her two children. They had to slip out early, so I didn't get a chance to talk to her, unfortunately. I'm hoping she filled out a contact card for the church. On Sunday morning, the husband of one of our choir members who came on the trip with her led one of the workers at our hotel to the Lord. I told others on our van that all the planning, preparation and traveling was worth it just for that.
I believe we were able, with our canvassing, to bring in people who hadn't heard of the church and are great prospects for them. We even had people who lived near the school where the concerts were held listening on their porches and some even came down to see what it was all about. I was so impressed by what God is doing through Brad and his staff in San Diego. I hope to visit again and be able to stay longer.
I came back to work on Tuesday morning on one of those "mission trip highs" and reality hit me in the face when I found out that there were more cutbacks and layoffs. It makes me a little uncertain for the future, but I refuse to let Satan take away the positive experience of my weekend and replace it with fear and lack of faith. He doesn't like it when we are pumped up about spiritual things and wants to use whatever disappointing circumstances he can to discourage and dishearten us.
I've been reading David's Psalms lately and have been reminded of some wonderful truths about the faithfulness of our God, even in times of trouble. This verse particularly jumped out at me recently: "The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) If the Lord is truly my stronghold, I have nothing to fear. He is constant in a world of chaos, unchanging in times of uncertainty, steadfast in shaky circumstances. In good times and bad, He is our stronghold.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Church and Free Time
Our last full day was an awesome one, even though the weather cooled off quite a bit. We actually had to wear jackets yesterday! We had worship with Cross Church San Diego at the school where they meet and where our concerts have been. They normally meet indoors, but we had it outdoors on the stage put up for the concerts. Brad, the pastor, preached, of course, and it was an awesome sermon about four who had front-row seats to the birth of Jesus - the angels, the shepherds, Herod, and the innkeeper - and their very different responses.
The church fed us for lunch from El Pollo Loco. (For those of you whose Spanish isn't as advanced as mine - yeah, right! - that means "The Crazy Chicken.") They've been so gracious and hospitable - I'm gonna miss them! We had some free time after lunch, so our van went to Old Town San Diego, which has shopping, and then to Mission Beach to see the Pacific Ocean. It was a great day, we all got the chance to buy some souvenirs, and I got separated from the group about three times. It wasn't as scary as it probably sounds.
Last night was so incredible I can't describe it with words. The seats were almost full, by the end most people were on their feet, and I was so pumped I wanted to come back and do the concert again. I'll write more about the overall experience of this trip in a separate blog, but, in a nutshell, God has moved both in and around me. I'm ready to see my family, friends and pets, but part of me is sad to be leaving and wants to stay.
Thank you all for your prayers and please keep them up as we travel home today. Plane is scheduled to land in Charlotte at 8:30 tonight.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Great Second Day!
Yesterday was an amazing day, for a lot of reasons. We went out yesterday morning and hung flyers for the concerts on doors. It was a great experience, not to mention good cardio. My calves are so sore this morning! We went until we had no flyers left, and all total with Friday night and yesterday, gave out 4000 flyers.
At lunch yesterday, our van group had an awesome experience at TGI Fridays. We had the opportunity to pray for a request from our server for a family she knows that is in need, and were even able to help out the situation. We also invited her to come to our concert tonight and bring the family she asked us to pray for. We're hoping they will be able to come. God used one of our team members to be an incredible influence for Him and it was a great example of what the Lord can do when someone is sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
The weather was beautiful all day yesterday. I don't want to make anybody jealous, but I heard it was cold back home while I was getting sunburned here. We did our sound check on stage with sunglasses on. And there was something ironic about our van group spontaneously singing "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas" in San Diego with the temperature somewhere in the 70's.
The concert last night was amazing. The crowd wasn't huge, but a pretty good one. Everyone seemed to be really into the music - there were a lot of children. There was just something exciting in the atmosphere, and I was so pumped after we left. Truth be known, I didn't feel too confident about my solo, but so many people came up and encouraged me afterward. I love being a part of God's family.
Today we are going to church at Cross Church San Diego and the church is feeding us lunch, which I think is so nice. We have some free time this afternoon, so everyone is looking forward to seeing more of San Diego. Tonight is our second and final concert. I'm excited about it, but a little sad because it means we are going home tomorrow. Bittersweet, to say the least.
Keep us and weather in your prayers. There is possible rain in the forecast, but we know the One Who controls the weather, right?
At lunch yesterday, our van group had an awesome experience at TGI Fridays. We had the opportunity to pray for a request from our server for a family she knows that is in need, and were even able to help out the situation. We also invited her to come to our concert tonight and bring the family she asked us to pray for. We're hoping they will be able to come. God used one of our team members to be an incredible influence for Him and it was a great example of what the Lord can do when someone is sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
The weather was beautiful all day yesterday. I don't want to make anybody jealous, but I heard it was cold back home while I was getting sunburned here. We did our sound check on stage with sunglasses on. And there was something ironic about our van group spontaneously singing "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas" in San Diego with the temperature somewhere in the 70's.
The concert last night was amazing. The crowd wasn't huge, but a pretty good one. Everyone seemed to be really into the music - there were a lot of children. There was just something exciting in the atmosphere, and I was so pumped after we left. Truth be known, I didn't feel too confident about my solo, but so many people came up and encouraged me afterward. I love being a part of God's family.
Today we are going to church at Cross Church San Diego and the church is feeding us lunch, which I think is so nice. We have some free time this afternoon, so everyone is looking forward to seeing more of San Diego. Tonight is our second and final concert. I'm excited about it, but a little sad because it means we are going home tomorrow. Bittersweet, to say the least.
Keep us and weather in your prayers. There is possible rain in the forecast, but we know the One Who controls the weather, right?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Good trip and first day
Hey, everybody! We had a very good trip out even though our flight was about an hour late taking off. We still made it within about 15 or 20 minutes of the planned arrival time. We had a constituency waiting for us when we got off with a big welcome sign. It was great!
I just love my three roommates! And the people I'm in the rental van with as well. We are having such a great time together - laughing, joking, getting lost. Somehow last night we were were trying to get to a neighborhood and ended up at the Taiwanese Lutheran Church. Don't ask.
We met Brad, the pastor here, and a few of his staff members. I'm so excited about helping them. They said they are running about 100 people in their church services, which is amazing considering the short time they've been here. God is doing awesome things here and I'm blessed to be a part of it.
We spent time last night putting flyers about our concerts on doors and caroling for people waiting outside restaurants as Steve, the associate pastor, gave out flyers. People seemed to enjoy it and we even got some applause!
The people here are so friendly! Seriously, their hospitality would rival South Carolinians'. And, in spite of the fact that there is a lot of traffic, the drivers are actually more courteous here. So many of them stopped for our large group to cross streets, even though legally, they didn't have to.
Today, we will be giving out more flyers and getting ready for our first performance tonight. The weather here is beautiful, and I got to eat an In and Out burger last night for the first time in seven years. They are great and if you ever come out to California, you have to have one. The next thing I'm supposed to try is a fish taco, which, from what I hear is a San Diego staple.
Hopefully, now that Barry has generously helped me to figure out how to get on the Internet at the hotel, I can update tonight when we get back. Have a great Saturday, everyone! Miss you all!
I just love my three roommates! And the people I'm in the rental van with as well. We are having such a great time together - laughing, joking, getting lost. Somehow last night we were were trying to get to a neighborhood and ended up at the Taiwanese Lutheran Church. Don't ask.
We met Brad, the pastor here, and a few of his staff members. I'm so excited about helping them. They said they are running about 100 people in their church services, which is amazing considering the short time they've been here. God is doing awesome things here and I'm blessed to be a part of it.
We spent time last night putting flyers about our concerts on doors and caroling for people waiting outside restaurants as Steve, the associate pastor, gave out flyers. People seemed to enjoy it and we even got some applause!
The people here are so friendly! Seriously, their hospitality would rival South Carolinians'. And, in spite of the fact that there is a lot of traffic, the drivers are actually more courteous here. So many of them stopped for our large group to cross streets, even though legally, they didn't have to.
Today, we will be giving out more flyers and getting ready for our first performance tonight. The weather here is beautiful, and I got to eat an In and Out burger last night for the first time in seven years. They are great and if you ever come out to California, you have to have one. The next thing I'm supposed to try is a fish taco, which, from what I hear is a San Diego staple.
Hopefully, now that Barry has generously helped me to figure out how to get on the Internet at the hotel, I can update tonight when we get back. Have a great Saturday, everyone! Miss you all!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Here We Go!!
Today is the day! We are on our way! (I didn't mean for that to rhyme.)
I got out of bed this morning at about 4:30. I'm not really a morning person and have a hard time leaving my house when it's still dark. Something about it doesn't seem right. To me, 5:00 only happens once a day and it's not in the morning. I did discover, however, that there is literally no traffic on the streets of Inman at that time of the morning. Just thought you'd all be interested to know that.
I had to leave Smoltzie at my parents' house and it was so hard. This is the longest I've left him since right after I got him. He looked out the window at me with his sad little face as I pulled away and I wanted to cry. If I keep talking about it, I'm gonna cry now.
So... it's about 8:50am and we're now sitting in Concourse B at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Airport security is so much fun. While holding both my boarding pass and my ID, I had to take off my shoes (of course I wore sneakers, not slip-on shoes), have my quart-sized bag of liquids out, and get out my laptop to put through the scanner. Thankfully, I got through without anything beeping.
I also found out that they (at least US Air) now charge $15 to check a bag. What?? Aren't the prices of tickets enough to cover that? And if somebody carries on a bag instead of checking it, isn't it going to be the same amount of weight on the plane? I started to carry on both my bags instead of checking one, until I realized that my suitcase had liquids that they wouldn't allow me to carry on - you know, really dangerous stuff like full-sized bottles of lotion and face wash. And no more free meals on long flights either. There was a menu passed around on the bus coming up here that had the prices for meals. Seven bucks for fruit and cheese? Glad I brought snacks with me.
I can't tell you how excited I am right now! We have our big group of travelers - like a great big family. I'm anticipating what God is going to do and can't wait to share it with you.
By the way, my fellow travelers say "Hello!" Thanks for your prayers! I'll blog again soon!
I got out of bed this morning at about 4:30. I'm not really a morning person and have a hard time leaving my house when it's still dark. Something about it doesn't seem right. To me, 5:00 only happens once a day and it's not in the morning. I did discover, however, that there is literally no traffic on the streets of Inman at that time of the morning. Just thought you'd all be interested to know that.
I had to leave Smoltzie at my parents' house and it was so hard. This is the longest I've left him since right after I got him. He looked out the window at me with his sad little face as I pulled away and I wanted to cry. If I keep talking about it, I'm gonna cry now.
So... it's about 8:50am and we're now sitting in Concourse B at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Airport security is so much fun. While holding both my boarding pass and my ID, I had to take off my shoes (of course I wore sneakers, not slip-on shoes), have my quart-sized bag of liquids out, and get out my laptop to put through the scanner. Thankfully, I got through without anything beeping.
I also found out that they (at least US Air) now charge $15 to check a bag. What?? Aren't the prices of tickets enough to cover that? And if somebody carries on a bag instead of checking it, isn't it going to be the same amount of weight on the plane? I started to carry on both my bags instead of checking one, until I realized that my suitcase had liquids that they wouldn't allow me to carry on - you know, really dangerous stuff like full-sized bottles of lotion and face wash. And no more free meals on long flights either. There was a menu passed around on the bus coming up here that had the prices for meals. Seven bucks for fruit and cheese? Glad I brought snacks with me.
I can't tell you how excited I am right now! We have our big group of travelers - like a great big family. I'm anticipating what God is going to do and can't wait to share it with you.
By the way, my fellow travelers say "Hello!" Thanks for your prayers! I'll blog again soon!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
California, Here I Come!
First of all, I want to apologize for not updating my blog for a week and a half. It's been pretty crazy... but that's no excuse! I promise I'm going to make up for it this weekend, though.
As most of you know, I'm going to San Diego with my church choir this weekend. We leave tomorrow and will be gone until Monday. I thought that instead of keeping a journal, I would use my blog as a platform to tell you all about the trip and share what God does there. Fortunately, the hotel where we are staying has free wireless internet in the rooms, so I'm packing up my laptop and sharing the journey with you!
So stay tuned... I'll let you know when I update!
Keep us in your prayers!
As most of you know, I'm going to San Diego with my church choir this weekend. We leave tomorrow and will be gone until Monday. I thought that instead of keeping a journal, I would use my blog as a platform to tell you all about the trip and share what God does there. Fortunately, the hotel where we are staying has free wireless internet in the rooms, so I'm packing up my laptop and sharing the journey with you!
So stay tuned... I'll let you know when I update!
Keep us in your prayers!
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