A couple nights ago Kassie decided to make cookies to hand out to people who live in our house, not really our house, but the house we live in. (For those who don't know, our apartment is part of a large house).
Last night we went to deliver the cookies. I believe there are 5 other apartments with current residents in the house. We met one several weeks ago, and he is our landlord. We met two more last night.
The first one is named Emily. She works at Lake Erie College across the street. She calls this place "the Mansion."
The second one is Andrea. We don't know where she works. We interrupted her phone conversation, but she was nice enough to answer the door and introduce herself and stuff.
Both of them seem nice. Hopefully we will get to know them better and also meet our other housemates.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Prayer Walks
As you may or may not know, Kassie and I live right across the street from Lake Erie College, a small liberal arts college.
Just a few facts about the college:
-one of their main focuses is equine studies (horses)
-their football team is just 3 years old, I think
-their marching band just had its first season
-there are somewhere between 1000-2000 people who attend the school
When we came here, especially after finding this apartment, we had the idea of doing some kind of college ministry at LEC. We didn't know if anything like that was already present but from what we heard from people, it seemed like maybe not.
Kassie suggested a few days ago that we go on a prayer walk around the campus. So, we did. We then decided to do it everyday. I likened it to Joshua leading the people around the city of Jericho.
Today was our third day and as we were coming to one of the buildings near the end of the walk (we haven't gone into the buildings, but we take a path around the outside of the campus...we don't really miss anything on the inside of campus because it is so small I am pretty sure there is only one building we don't directly go past) we saw a group of people gathered in the lounge area (there are big windows in the lounge area, actually in many of the buildings on campus). I noticed that one of the girls had a guitar and the people were facing a screen which I saw had the lyrics to "Marvelous Light" by Charlie Hall.
We were encouraged to see that there is apparently some sort of Christian group on campus, and we hope to be able to partner with them in some way, even if it is just that we continue praying for the campus and for that group. Praise God
Just a few facts about the college:
-one of their main focuses is equine studies (horses)
-their football team is just 3 years old, I think
-their marching band just had its first season
-there are somewhere between 1000-2000 people who attend the school
When we came here, especially after finding this apartment, we had the idea of doing some kind of college ministry at LEC. We didn't know if anything like that was already present but from what we heard from people, it seemed like maybe not.
Kassie suggested a few days ago that we go on a prayer walk around the campus. So, we did. We then decided to do it everyday. I likened it to Joshua leading the people around the city of Jericho.
Today was our third day and as we were coming to one of the buildings near the end of the walk (we haven't gone into the buildings, but we take a path around the outside of the campus...we don't really miss anything on the inside of campus because it is so small I am pretty sure there is only one building we don't directly go past) we saw a group of people gathered in the lounge area (there are big windows in the lounge area, actually in many of the buildings on campus). I noticed that one of the girls had a guitar and the people were facing a screen which I saw had the lyrics to "Marvelous Light" by Charlie Hall.
We were encouraged to see that there is apparently some sort of Christian group on campus, and we hope to be able to partner with them in some way, even if it is just that we continue praying for the campus and for that group. Praise God
Friday, January 22, 2010
1984
I guess we go to the library quite a bit. Has anybody read the book 1984? If so what do you think of it? If not, what don't you think of it?
Well, I have heard from several people over several years that it is good, a must read, and have kind of gotten a feeling that I can't be educated if I haven't read it.
A week ago when we were at the library I looked for the book,except I was looking for 1982, and I didn't really search hard and didn't find it. Last night, however, is another story. Well, it is actually just a different part of the same story.
We went for a quick trip right before the library closed because we both had a hankerin'* to watch a movie. As we were leaving we both noticed the "free" cart in the entryway which has books to be given away...at least that's what we assume since they all say "free" on them. And guess which book just happened to be on that cart...no, not Clifford the Big Red Dog...it was 1984. Well, Clifford might have been there too. We didn't really look very long but I took 1984 and started reading it last night.
It seems interesting so far. I am really glad our world/country isn't like the one described so far in the book. I am pretty sure that is how the author wants the reader to feel in order for him to make a point sometime later in the book or maybe a series of points.
The point of the story is, I found 1984 and am reading it, so I will soon be an educated person.
You might be wondering why you just read this. That is a normal feeling, and there is no medical treatment necessary for such a feeling.
On an unrelated but equally important note, Kassie and I beat Mario 3 on Super Mario All Stars last night!
*I don't know where the term hankerin' came from or where it went...maybe people in certain areas still use it regularly. I do know it should always be used with an apostrophe instead of a "g," and it is somewhat enjoyable to say.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Daddy?
This afternoon,we were at the library and I was looking at movies while Kassie was on a computer. There was a little girl, probably about 2 who was with two ladies, one of which I think was her mother.
She was staring at me (the little girl, not the mother) while I was looking at some movies and I would look over and make a weird face at her every once in a while. Then I moved to a different section and her mother (I think) came over to the same section holding the girl who resumed her stare.
I looked over and she (the little girl) said Hi to me so I said Hi back and then she said "Daddy?" Her mom was like What? No. That's not Daddy. Definitely not. You're dreamin'...or something like that. I didn't really know what to say so I just kept looking at movies as they left the area.
She was staring at me (the little girl, not the mother) while I was looking at some movies and I would look over and make a weird face at her every once in a while. Then I moved to a different section and her mother (I think) came over to the same section holding the girl who resumed her stare.
I looked over and she (the little girl) said Hi to me so I said Hi back and then she said "Daddy?" Her mom was like What? No. That's not Daddy. Definitely not. You're dreamin'...or something like that. I didn't really know what to say so I just kept looking at movies as they left the area.
Being lazy and comfortable or waiting?
Lately we havent had a whole lot to do. There are things we need to get done to fully transition into this new life ans such but it doesn't keep us busy throughout the day.
I have been getting a little restless. Yet, I don't really know what to do.
Today I read from My Utmost For His Highest about waiting on God rather than doing your own thing impatiently. "Sweet," I thought, "so I am just supposed to be waiting for whatever God has for me. I should probably be spending time with him and be looking out for opportunities to serve him while I wait, but basically just wait."
Then I proceeded to read part of Vince Alongitalianlastname's book I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T Shirt. Part of what I read today was a chapter on not being lazy or comfortable but dying for ourselves to live for God. "Hmmm," I thought, "maybe I am not supposed to be playing so much Mario, and I should get out and do something instead."
Now, I feel somewhat conflicted. Maybe there is a balance that I am not seeing. Am I supposed to get out and do something, or am I supposed to wait on God? Maybe I am just not supposed to give in to all of my desires, like beating Mario 3 on Super Nintendo or eating a bunch of chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles on top (you may be thinking that sounds too good to be true or too sugary to be good or something like that. nevertheless Kassie decided to make those last night, and then I made a few more).
Maybe I am supposed to be reading God's Word even when I don't feel like it, and praying for Haiti and for my friends and family even when I would rather watch a movie. Maybe what I should be doing is not necessarily what I think of as active, rather it is actively waiting on God, actively spending time with him rather than wasting time on other things, saying "no" to chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles on top (or at least saying No to eating more than one at a time) to treat my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
I have been getting a little restless. Yet, I don't really know what to do.
Today I read from My Utmost For His Highest about waiting on God rather than doing your own thing impatiently. "Sweet," I thought, "so I am just supposed to be waiting for whatever God has for me. I should probably be spending time with him and be looking out for opportunities to serve him while I wait, but basically just wait."
Then I proceeded to read part of Vince Alongitalianlastname's book I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T Shirt. Part of what I read today was a chapter on not being lazy or comfortable but dying for ourselves to live for God. "Hmmm," I thought, "maybe I am not supposed to be playing so much Mario, and I should get out and do something instead."
Now, I feel somewhat conflicted. Maybe there is a balance that I am not seeing. Am I supposed to get out and do something, or am I supposed to wait on God? Maybe I am just not supposed to give in to all of my desires, like beating Mario 3 on Super Nintendo or eating a bunch of chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles on top (you may be thinking that sounds too good to be true or too sugary to be good or something like that. nevertheless Kassie decided to make those last night, and then I made a few more).
Maybe I am supposed to be reading God's Word even when I don't feel like it, and praying for Haiti and for my friends and family even when I would rather watch a movie. Maybe what I should be doing is not necessarily what I think of as active, rather it is actively waiting on God, actively spending time with him rather than wasting time on other things, saying "no" to chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles on top (or at least saying No to eating more than one at a time) to treat my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Review of The Male Factor
I recently joined the WaterBrook Multnomah blogging for books program. By recently, I mean a couple months ago. If you want more information about that, let me know.
My first review for the aforementioned program is about the book The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhahn.
I would like to preface by mentioning that the book is targeted at women, and I am a man (for those of you who didn't know). I hope I am able to give a helpful perspective, but you must realize that some of my perceptions of the book may be very different from the perceptions of those who belong to the target demographic, namely females. Furthermore, it is about the workplace. While I have worked at several places both alongside and as a subordinate to women, I wasn't really able to relate my work experiences to those written about in the book. I think this may be at least partly due to my ignorance to the issues brought up in the book. While these things may have affected me, I did not really think about them. This gives support for the purpose of this book, to educate and raise awareness about issues for women in the workplace.
Now, I want to express my appreciation for certain topics covered in the book. Some specific sections I could relate to especially or think are important for women to read about include the section on emotions, the "Give Me the Conclusion Up Front" section and the section about dress. It was helpful for me, as a man, to understand some differences between men and women. I think it would be helpful for my wife and other married couples or anybody in any male/female relationship to understand certain differences. Shaunti offers some great insight based on much research and experience.
I think many of the topics are good for both men and women to be aware of, and that changes made by women using this information would be helpful both to them and to the men around them.
One thing that is interesting about reading this book as a man is that I was able to realize som of the things that women don't generally realize about men. In other words, as a man, I assume that women think like I think or have a common understanding about things that might not necessarily be true. It is important for me to try to understand their perspective and to help them understand mine rather than making assumptions.
One thing negative I have to say about this book is that in my opinion it is too long. I especially think the beginning part was too long. It seemed like I was reading a formal research document or something. While I think it important for the reader to understand the authority and credibility of the author and information in the book, I think that section could be cut down or at least formatted differently to make it more palatable.
Similarly, I think some of the content areas could be cut down somewhat. However, it may have seemed to me like certain sections had too much explanation because I am a man and already have an understanding of certain things about men that women might need more explanation about.
I also think some of the information that is boring is necessary. For example, I think the author does a good job of explaining herself in a way that is inoffensive to both men and women while much of the content could otherwise be perceived as mean or judgmental.
Finally, I appreciated the Christian reminders at the end of the book which point the focus toward pleasing God rather than ourselves or others.
Overall, I think much of the information is very important and helpful. However, the book itself was difficult for me to get through. I would highly suggest certain sections for various people, but unless a person likes to read textbooks, it might be hard to get through the whole book.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. If you would like to purchase the book you can go to randomhouse.com (http://www.randomhouse.com/).
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
My first review for the aforementioned program is about the book The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhahn.
I would like to preface by mentioning that the book is targeted at women, and I am a man (for those of you who didn't know). I hope I am able to give a helpful perspective, but you must realize that some of my perceptions of the book may be very different from the perceptions of those who belong to the target demographic, namely females. Furthermore, it is about the workplace. While I have worked at several places both alongside and as a subordinate to women, I wasn't really able to relate my work experiences to those written about in the book. I think this may be at least partly due to my ignorance to the issues brought up in the book. While these things may have affected me, I did not really think about them. This gives support for the purpose of this book, to educate and raise awareness about issues for women in the workplace.
Now, I want to express my appreciation for certain topics covered in the book. Some specific sections I could relate to especially or think are important for women to read about include the section on emotions, the "Give Me the Conclusion Up Front" section and the section about dress. It was helpful for me, as a man, to understand some differences between men and women. I think it would be helpful for my wife and other married couples or anybody in any male/female relationship to understand certain differences. Shaunti offers some great insight based on much research and experience.
I think many of the topics are good for both men and women to be aware of, and that changes made by women using this information would be helpful both to them and to the men around them.
One thing that is interesting about reading this book as a man is that I was able to realize som of the things that women don't generally realize about men. In other words, as a man, I assume that women think like I think or have a common understanding about things that might not necessarily be true. It is important for me to try to understand their perspective and to help them understand mine rather than making assumptions.
One thing negative I have to say about this book is that in my opinion it is too long. I especially think the beginning part was too long. It seemed like I was reading a formal research document or something. While I think it important for the reader to understand the authority and credibility of the author and information in the book, I think that section could be cut down or at least formatted differently to make it more palatable.
Similarly, I think some of the content areas could be cut down somewhat. However, it may have seemed to me like certain sections had too much explanation because I am a man and already have an understanding of certain things about men that women might need more explanation about.
I also think some of the information that is boring is necessary. For example, I think the author does a good job of explaining herself in a way that is inoffensive to both men and women while much of the content could otherwise be perceived as mean or judgmental.
Finally, I appreciated the Christian reminders at the end of the book which point the focus toward pleasing God rather than ourselves or others.
Overall, I think much of the information is very important and helpful. However, the book itself was difficult for me to get through. I would highly suggest certain sections for various people, but unless a person likes to read textbooks, it might be hard to get through the whole book.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. If you would like to purchase the book you can go to randomhouse.com (http://www.randomhouse.com/).
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Music, Sports and Wii
I like music, sports and Wii. I also enjoy many other things.
I recently got a new bass guitar for a sweet deal (I can tell you the whole story if you want). Also, my father* is starting to show some interest in learning bass, so I taught him a few things tonight. I will probably be showing Mike (the pastor I will be working with) a few things on the bass too.
*I decided to use Kelsey's asterisk idea, which I guess isn't really hers, but her blog is the one I've seen asterisks used in...now for the reason for the asterisk...I don't usually use the word father. Rather, I call him my dad. However, I have recently begun to like father and mother better than mom or dad. I still use the terms mom and dad most of the time but I like mother and father. I also like the word soda better than pop although I usually use the word "pop" because that is what I am used to. I am not sure what they call it in Northeast Ohio.
I enjoy active things, sports included. Sports has actually become a very broad term. Maybe it has always been a broad term, but sometimes I wonder about whether things are actually sports. I can think of any good example right now but I am sure you can come up with some of your own. Anyway, in the winter I sometimes have a hard time motivating myself to go outside but when I do I usually feel better. In the past week or two i have gone sledding, ice skating, snow shoveling, walking, etc. It's just nice to get out. I also played some sports in a gym with my family...mostly floor hockey, but also a little soccer and then some Dance Praise.
My parents have a Wii and while it is more active than most video game systems, I think I could become addicted in a way that would take away from more important things in life. It has been fun to use while we're here though.
I recently got a new bass guitar for a sweet deal (I can tell you the whole story if you want). Also, my father* is starting to show some interest in learning bass, so I taught him a few things tonight. I will probably be showing Mike (the pastor I will be working with) a few things on the bass too.
*I decided to use Kelsey's asterisk idea, which I guess isn't really hers, but her blog is the one I've seen asterisks used in...now for the reason for the asterisk...I don't usually use the word father. Rather, I call him my dad. However, I have recently begun to like father and mother better than mom or dad. I still use the terms mom and dad most of the time but I like mother and father. I also like the word soda better than pop although I usually use the word "pop" because that is what I am used to. I am not sure what they call it in Northeast Ohio.
I enjoy active things, sports included. Sports has actually become a very broad term. Maybe it has always been a broad term, but sometimes I wonder about whether things are actually sports. I can think of any good example right now but I am sure you can come up with some of your own. Anyway, in the winter I sometimes have a hard time motivating myself to go outside but when I do I usually feel better. In the past week or two i have gone sledding, ice skating, snow shoveling, walking, etc. It's just nice to get out. I also played some sports in a gym with my family...mostly floor hockey, but also a little soccer and then some Dance Praise.
My parents have a Wii and while it is more active than most video game systems, I think I could become addicted in a way that would take away from more important things in life. It has been fun to use while we're here though.
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