Dream Come True

Today marks a significant day in my life. I have finally been able to put up photos at a local cafe to be on display! I've talked about doing something like this for a while, but the opportunity came when my Aunt asked me if I would like to join her as Artist(s) of the month at my cousin's cafe/restaurant. So now if you would like to see the photos that I have put up, you can go to Jewel and the Beanstalk located on Somerville St. in Manchester. I'm excited because this opens up another venue for me to be able to make money and share art.

I have been sick since I last wrote about it, and it has been no fun. Then again, when is being sick fun? (I suppose if it were back in the day when I had school and then I wouldn't have to go to school cause I was sick, that would be fun)

My spiritual life as of late has been fairly dry, but persevering. I don't know if that makes much sense, but I will try and explain. My prayer life and Bible reading have been fairly non-existent. Yet I have been reading a book called Messy Spirituality (which I believe I have mentioned already) and it has been offering a few challenging things for me. It talks alot about grace and not being so "narrow-minded" to not allow those who aren't "perfect" Christians to be in the church and be fellow believers. I do not have a problem with that part. However, it seems like it offers something like a "careless" Christianity where there is no reverence for the holy. They definitely do have a reverence for God, but I guess it's challenging me in what I define as holy things. For instance, the author was giving a reference to when a woman in his church forgot that she was doing the Scripture reading for the day and swore in the middle of church. Was it funny? I suppose, but the line of profane/sacred is what gets me. I know God forgives and won't hold what the lady said as a reason for her not to get into heaven, but I'm also a believer of "out of the mouth the heart speaks." Is there room for stuff like that in church? I don't know. I find that I am being met by grace more and more and I realize the faithfulness of God compared to my desparate attempt to hold on for one more day.

And with that, I bid you adieu.

More diatribes about the cold

Yes my friends. It is still rather cold in this northern state. In recent times it has snowed like 12 inches. I also learned of something new that happens in Concord that I don't think happens in Manchester. See, I went to go to work at about 11:30 in the evening. I turned on a road only to discover that the snow was in the middle of the road! Apparently the snow removal people put it all in the middle of the road and then come by and pick it up and ship it somewhere. Well, me and my little Honda had to maneuver around all this snow. Then, as I was going down the "lane" provided, I was met with a bulldozer type looking thing and a very large snow removal truck. I could not get out of the lane because I was blocked on both sides with snow. So I proceeded slowly and found a sidestreet. However, that was blocked with another truck and more snow! I tell you, Concord is a tricky city to live in. Eventually, I did get by the trucks, however my normal 3 minute commute was up to 7 minutes. What a travesty.

The Christmas festivities have already begun. I went to my first party this past weekend. It was our staff party for work and it was alot of fun. Probably a little too much fun for some people, but eh, oh well. Since going home that night, my sinuses have taken control of my life, and it looks like I am sick, AGAIN! Two times in one year. That hardly ever happens. It's probably because of this crazy schedule that I work. Anyway, back to partying. This weekend my Bible study has its party, Sunday is a family from church's party, and then next week is the Big Day!

I had another Kansas City moment today at church. We had to move our service from the sanctuary to the gym to conserve on heating costs because we are going to be moving out of this building and into our new one soon. So with that, there aren't alot of channels to plug instruments into. I offered to play the djembe (no one knows that I play) and then what do you know, I was singing and playing again. It was interesting, and brought back memories. Especially of the time that the djembe fell from the stand cause as I was playing today, it totally fell. I was so embarrassed. Now you see it, now you don't. Thankfully, I have a humorous side and can take it.

I think that's all for now. I'm going to drink my fluids and move on to.... something.

It's so freakin cold!

Welp. The winter season seems to be upon us in full force. So far, the majority of the snow has managed to stay away, but the cold has definitely found a way to stick around. I think I wore a scarf all day today, except for when I was sleeping.

Band practice was interesting tonight. I played djembe and sang. It was a blast from the past... see no one at my church knows that I play the djembe (well until now) And it's not like I was hiding it or anything, it's just that I've always played guitar or piano. So this week ladies and gentlemen you can see me playing the lovely hand percussion instrument known as the djembe. OOOH! Alisha, remember when you and Sada were throwing things at me to percuss with? Haha, that was a fun night. Awww. Good times.

I've been reading this book called Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli and it's pretty good. I haven't uncovered anything earth shattering yet, but it's been a good reminder that God accepts us even before we ever think about accepting Him. I hope to finish the book tomorrow and give you a better synopsis to decide whether or not you want to read it. So far, I say read it.

ttfn

Once again blogging is remembered

Thanks to a friend, I have once again remembered that I have a blog. See, I do have an online journal, but it's not this one, so I keep forgetting to update this one as well (as probably noticed from my most recent update in April). Since graduating from college, I have been blessed with a great job as a residential counselor with Child and Family Services Group Home. Three days a week I work overnights (12am to 8am) and then a 16 hour day on saturday. (FITN has definitely prepared me for those overnights!... must see the sun) It is right up my alley having worked with teenagers through the youthgroup most of my life. The kids are usually great and make me laugh alot. Each day is unpredictable!
I also have moved out of my parent's house and rent an apartment from my brother who lives upstairs from me with his wife and kids. It's nice to still have family near by, but also have my independence. I have a roommate who is fabulous... we do have our little misunderstandings, but so far it's been a good experience and kind of reminds me of being at school again. I also have a cat named Chloe who likes to act dumb and sleep in the wierdest positions. She makes me laugh :) At least she no longer keeps me up at night (or during the day) whenever I happen to be sleeping.
I am very excited about Christmas and my friend Christina coming out from NY in January to visit. I got my first Christmas tree as an apartment renter and it is beautiful. The best part about it is that it is real! No more fake Christmas tree for me!

I suppose that's enough of an update for now. Until later.