Well its been a few days since I've blogged, thanks to my breaking the internet cord when I got home... my parents are thrilled to have me back :). I'm glad though. My blogs were becoming boring, without spirit, and not completely myself. I was dissatisfied with my entries, yet craving to write all the time. A few days off was good- I should do that more.
I am in Bakersfield right now, and in a moment, my mom and I are going to make enchiladas that I can take to school. It should be great.
My time here has flown by. With what I thought to be a week of relaxation, writing, reading, etc... has turned into a whirlwind of meeting wtih people, lunches, coffee dates, baseball games, family time (including a little frisbee action with dad and bro), swim meets, awkward conversations, physical therapy, doctor's appointments (I mean let's get real... I can't come home and not visit Dr. Hamilton and physical therapist Kurt Wingate can I?... only this time it is for my shoulder, not my knee - gosh rock climbing did a number on my shoulder... no good), runs wtih dad, Bible study with mom's group, listening, learning, and teaching. Tomorrow mom and I go down south for some serious mom/daughter bonding. I am in need of that- and I am in need of moments with only my savior. I will write after that. for now... this is an update.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Invisible Children
There has been Genocide in the Sudan for 17 years. Children are abducted from their homes, forced to join the rebel army, trained and brainwashed to kill, and many are killed themselves... at the age of 5-14.
If you haven't heard about Invisible Children, please go here: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
It's a documentary about the genocide taking place as we speak... I watched it last night with Caitlin and I was shocked to say the least. Few know. Few care. The Holocaust took place over the course of a few years and got national attention. The genocide in the Sudan and Ugonda in particular has taken place over 17 years (now 20 I think). You need to watch the DVD if you haven't already. The website will tell you what to do. There is a growing awareness, particulalry of college students, taking place through this DVD. A guy from UCLA saw the DVD and went to Ugonda a few weeks later- He was called. He will be in a war-torn country for a month. Pray for him. His name is Ben and a member of the Christian fraternity at UCLA.
Satan is doing a mess in Africa right now. The Sudan is not the only place with genocide. Rwonda and Liberia are among several others that are plagued with instability, rebel armies, genocide, child abduction, and AIDs... So what do we do about it?
Cait made a point that stuck out to me... "If we know what is going on and do nothing about it, we are, in a sense, condemning them to death." Awareness is key. Watch the DVD, get informed, and pray for God's guidance.
NOTE: This is really not meant to be a guilt-trip or guilt-induced call to action. It just really struck me and I wanted to share this with you... but please check it out. There are some pretty sweet options. If anything, pray... best weapon we have against war.
If you haven't heard about Invisible Children, please go here: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
It's a documentary about the genocide taking place as we speak... I watched it last night with Caitlin and I was shocked to say the least. Few know. Few care. The Holocaust took place over the course of a few years and got national attention. The genocide in the Sudan and Ugonda in particular has taken place over 17 years (now 20 I think). You need to watch the DVD if you haven't already. The website will tell you what to do. There is a growing awareness, particulalry of college students, taking place through this DVD. A guy from UCLA saw the DVD and went to Ugonda a few weeks later- He was called. He will be in a war-torn country for a month. Pray for him. His name is Ben and a member of the Christian fraternity at UCLA.
Satan is doing a mess in Africa right now. The Sudan is not the only place with genocide. Rwonda and Liberia are among several others that are plagued with instability, rebel armies, genocide, child abduction, and AIDs... So what do we do about it?
Cait made a point that stuck out to me... "If we know what is going on and do nothing about it, we are, in a sense, condemning them to death." Awareness is key. Watch the DVD, get informed, and pray for God's guidance.
NOTE: This is really not meant to be a guilt-trip or guilt-induced call to action. It just really struck me and I wanted to share this with you... but please check it out. There are some pretty sweet options. If anything, pray... best weapon we have against war.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Breakfast of Pancakes and Omelettes...
This morning I slept in until 10:30... It was amazing.
My friend Nicolette called me and offered to pick me up for breakfast so we could share our lives with one another. We scooted down Wilshire and enjoyed the craziness of the city only to land in this cute restaurant called "Bread and porridge" (I think, I might have forgot but I know porridge is in there). After a quick decision of sharing 4 blueberry pancakes and an omelette, we started investing in one another's lives... our stories, if you will. There is lots to tell and only a few things were covered, but boy was it good. We talked about relationship stuff, transitioning to UCLA, body image, and painting. We plan to write a book together. It's true! It's funny because I do not feel like I could even be worthy to share my life on paper, but God has just blessed me with an amazing faith journey, and the more I talk to people- I discover that the issues we face are similar... or at least can be easily relateable. Nicolette and I both share a passion for writing and sharing stories, so that's what we're going to do. I'm excited to see how things unfold. If anything, it could just be a fun experience of writing with a friend and discussing the ways that God has intimately interacted in our lives.
So with all this free time thus far, I have filled it with I Love Lucy, painting a picture of Fresno Dome (super hard by the way), a walk to Diddy Reese with Alana, conversation over tea, journaling, sleeping in, breakfast, convo with daddy, and now back to painting while listening to worship music. Aaaah so beautiful. Tonight I work and then Caity-Mac is going to spend the night with me so I can take her to the airport tomorrow... this only means more great conversation, watching the Invisible Children, and another good early breakfast. Live life abundantly
My friend Nicolette called me and offered to pick me up for breakfast so we could share our lives with one another. We scooted down Wilshire and enjoyed the craziness of the city only to land in this cute restaurant called "Bread and porridge" (I think, I might have forgot but I know porridge is in there). After a quick decision of sharing 4 blueberry pancakes and an omelette, we started investing in one another's lives... our stories, if you will. There is lots to tell and only a few things were covered, but boy was it good. We talked about relationship stuff, transitioning to UCLA, body image, and painting. We plan to write a book together. It's true! It's funny because I do not feel like I could even be worthy to share my life on paper, but God has just blessed me with an amazing faith journey, and the more I talk to people- I discover that the issues we face are similar... or at least can be easily relateable. Nicolette and I both share a passion for writing and sharing stories, so that's what we're going to do. I'm excited to see how things unfold. If anything, it could just be a fun experience of writing with a friend and discussing the ways that God has intimately interacted in our lives.
So with all this free time thus far, I have filled it with I Love Lucy, painting a picture of Fresno Dome (super hard by the way), a walk to Diddy Reese with Alana, conversation over tea, journaling, sleeping in, breakfast, convo with daddy, and now back to painting while listening to worship music. Aaaah so beautiful. Tonight I work and then Caity-Mac is going to spend the night with me so I can take her to the airport tomorrow... this only means more great conversation, watching the Invisible Children, and another good early breakfast. Live life abundantly
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Patrick Robert Preston H. Burdette
I've decided to write about important people. I'm sort of sick of writing about myself and to be honest, it's just really cool to write about other people. I figured I'd start with my family. Today, this post is dedicated to my brother, Patrick Robert [Preston H.] Burdette...
Patrick is maybe one of the coolest people I know. Not only that, but he definately has the most amazing hair of anyone I know. Actually, it is usually in the state of tangles and wet, chlorine drenched hair that stands up on its own. Really. It does. Have you seen him? It's only like that because he is turning into a hardcore swimmer who excels in the Inidivual Medley, butterfly, breaststroke, and freestyle (ok that's almost all of them I know). As a 16 year old sophomore, Patrick has continually dropped times and will be one of the fastest on his team this year. Let's face it, he's a stud.
Aside from swimming, Pat's got some other incredible qualities as well. That boy can make me laugh like no other (aside from dad). His wittiness definately attracts many people to him and makes him a blast to hang out with. He's not incredibly loud or up front, but when he does talk... listen up. It's good. Pat is a great friend; he's loyal, considerate, fun, and perceptive. He's sensitive to other's feelings... this might be one of his greatest strengths. I can remember when I was younger and deeply upset about something I would go to my room and cry. Patrick, being who he is would come in, ask if I was ok, comfort me, and then go get mom to make sure I would be alright. Let's be honest, it doesn't get much better than that.
Here's some more stuff about Pat Rob Diz... he's got a fantastic girlfriend names Kristy who is lots of fun to hang out with and incredibly sweet. He treats her well (As far as I can tell... you better be bud), loves her to death, and they pretty much have a great time together. Patrick is pretty cuddly; he always has been though. Ok so we have this great picture of Patrick when he is 3-4 with his little Piglet stuffed animal who he has tucked in next to him underneath its own blanket. It's a really sweet picture, mom and I love to look at it. Pat definately belongs in the Burdette family because he's pretty outdoorsy, loves to ride quads, loves Jesus, and likes to hunt, fish, camp, etc. (whenever we have time at least). He also hates scary movies which definately means he is my brother... Umm he makes fantastic George's Specials (Dewars vanilla ice milk, chocolate syrup, bananas, and walnutes in a milkshake) and will be an excellent breakfast chef someday ;). He drives a cool 94 red Chevy Blazer that totally fits his personality, and he really loves his sister. That's all you need to know about Patrick. He' pretty terrific!
I love you bud!
Patrick is maybe one of the coolest people I know. Not only that, but he definately has the most amazing hair of anyone I know. Actually, it is usually in the state of tangles and wet, chlorine drenched hair that stands up on its own. Really. It does. Have you seen him? It's only like that because he is turning into a hardcore swimmer who excels in the Inidivual Medley, butterfly, breaststroke, and freestyle (ok that's almost all of them I know). As a 16 year old sophomore, Patrick has continually dropped times and will be one of the fastest on his team this year. Let's face it, he's a stud.
Aside from swimming, Pat's got some other incredible qualities as well. That boy can make me laugh like no other (aside from dad). His wittiness definately attracts many people to him and makes him a blast to hang out with. He's not incredibly loud or up front, but when he does talk... listen up. It's good. Pat is a great friend; he's loyal, considerate, fun, and perceptive. He's sensitive to other's feelings... this might be one of his greatest strengths. I can remember when I was younger and deeply upset about something I would go to my room and cry. Patrick, being who he is would come in, ask if I was ok, comfort me, and then go get mom to make sure I would be alright. Let's be honest, it doesn't get much better than that.
Here's some more stuff about Pat Rob Diz... he's got a fantastic girlfriend names Kristy who is lots of fun to hang out with and incredibly sweet. He treats her well (As far as I can tell... you better be bud), loves her to death, and they pretty much have a great time together. Patrick is pretty cuddly; he always has been though. Ok so we have this great picture of Patrick when he is 3-4 with his little Piglet stuffed animal who he has tucked in next to him underneath its own blanket. It's a really sweet picture, mom and I love to look at it. Pat definately belongs in the Burdette family because he's pretty outdoorsy, loves to ride quads, loves Jesus, and likes to hunt, fish, camp, etc. (whenever we have time at least). He also hates scary movies which definately means he is my brother... Umm he makes fantastic George's Specials (Dewars vanilla ice milk, chocolate syrup, bananas, and walnutes in a milkshake) and will be an excellent breakfast chef someday ;). He drives a cool 94 red Chevy Blazer that totally fits his personality, and he really loves his sister. That's all you need to know about Patrick. He' pretty terrific!
I love you bud!
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
It's raining, it's pouring, and I'm really really wet
After a hearty four hour study session with classmates on our "religious environment of the early Christians" class, we decided it would be advantageous of us to get rides back to our apartments because it is freaking pouring rain outside... yes there was thunder, and there was even lightening. Meanwhile, dinner is to be served at Alpha Gamma Omega, the Christian fraternity down the street of which one of my classmates belong. Dinner? Build Your Own Burrito. Yes please. Un Problema... the street has now turned into a river. Pero, es no problema... we will wade it. And that we do. Four of us treck across the Landfair River, allowing ourselves to be thoroughly soaked... to the point of dripping, and then enter the dining hall of AGO (pretend those are greek letters). This is my first time at the Christian fraternity, or at that rate... any fraternity. The bell was rung, people came, we prayed, and we got in a buffet line to make our burritos (hi I'm seeing a lot of resemblence to camp right own). Sat down at tables and had fantastic conversations about REI, Las Vegas, The Wedding Singer, and how much we don't want to take our incredibly hard final tomorrow. After a delicious burrito that was incredibly ginormous, we were served strawberry ice cream pie and that in and of itself was absolutely amazing. Yes, amazing. Now I have just finished my story. I'm still soaked, and basically the purpose of writing this entry was to procrastinate the inevitable study session that is going to happen..... now. Yes, I know you are laughing at the ridiculousness of the entry, but hey... sometimes you just gotta write pointless things ok? Ok. Off to stare at words for a really long time. P.S. Did you know that a guy named Nero started the persecutions of the early Christian church in Rome? He blamed them for the fire that took place in Rome in AD64... Thus a long hatred began in Rome...
Monday, March 21, 2005
Monday of Finals Week
Here we Go....!!!!!
One final down... One in-class final to go, and two papers to write!!!
One final down... One in-class final to go, and two papers to write!!!
Daily Joys
As much as I am thinking of my current struggles... I thought I'd share with you some of my joys of today:
-Pancake Breakfast (complete with blueberry, choc. chip, banana walnut, cool whip, peanut butter, mangos, and strawberries... ooh and a good cup of coffe) with some amazing people
- Conversation with Nicolette on way to church was enlightening and empowering for both
- Church... talked about prayer... struck me. loved it. love Jesus
- BBQ with some Oregonians... great steaks, but I think the best part was roasting marshmellows on the BBQ afterwards. We even used sticks! And guess what? I smelled like a campfire afterward and I can't tell you how happy that made me
- Productive studying
- long Jesus time... but lots of it was sorting through stuff.... hmm more to come
- banana and peanut butter sandwhiches with Jackie
- convo with Cait... always challenges me, revives me, and puts me right back where I should be.
Despite the constant battles that war against my soul, my mind, and my actions as of late... a good day.
More and more convinced that the reality of Jesus as good, but not necessarily safe, is definately true in my life right now. Brewer said today, "If you want a nice, easy life... don't invite Jesus to be a part of it." Funny how nothing makes sense right now except for the concept hope in Jesus. And so I hope...
-Pancake Breakfast (complete with blueberry, choc. chip, banana walnut, cool whip, peanut butter, mangos, and strawberries... ooh and a good cup of coffe) with some amazing people
- Conversation with Nicolette on way to church was enlightening and empowering for both
- Church... talked about prayer... struck me. loved it. love Jesus
- BBQ with some Oregonians... great steaks, but I think the best part was roasting marshmellows on the BBQ afterwards. We even used sticks! And guess what? I smelled like a campfire afterward and I can't tell you how happy that made me
- Productive studying
- long Jesus time... but lots of it was sorting through stuff.... hmm more to come
- banana and peanut butter sandwhiches with Jackie
- convo with Cait... always challenges me, revives me, and puts me right back where I should be.
Despite the constant battles that war against my soul, my mind, and my actions as of late... a good day.
More and more convinced that the reality of Jesus as good, but not necessarily safe, is definately true in my life right now. Brewer said today, "If you want a nice, easy life... don't invite Jesus to be a part of it." Funny how nothing makes sense right now except for the concept hope in Jesus. And so I hope...
Saturday, March 19, 2005
The Process
Just read Tony's blog. It makes a lot of sense to me right now with stuff that's going on.
http://reimaginingcamp.blogspot.com/
http://reimaginingcamp.blogspot.com/
We the Body of Christ
"Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloadersto get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out."
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15, The Message
Do I do this?
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15, The Message
Do I do this?
Questions
Ok I already have questions... How do I put a picture as part of my profile? I can't seem to do it. Also, how to I add other people's blogs to my website? So confused
Trying this for size
Well I really like my xanga; I like the easy posting and accesibility to displaying pictures, etc. However, the commenting is extremely limited... and maybe for my own sake I would love to hear from people who visit my site. I know it happens because people tell me they have visited and I am completely unaware of it.... Anyhow, it just might make life easier if I switch to a blog. So here I am. Let's see how it works!
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