Most anything else. Among these things are my friends, Todd Snider, theatre, Five Iron Frenzy, having every episode of The Office (U.S.) on my iPod, and homemade bread (even if every last thing I eat has a cage match with my stomach right now.)
"Ain't we lucky we got 'em? *duhn, duhn* Good Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimes...."
Yeah, that show was cool now and again.
But seriously, here comes a post because there hasn't been one in a while. Go, go gadget bullet point post!
Saw a couple of old friends in the last couple of days. This is a shout out to Zach and Ben, representin' the LV!....What, what. Love those guys. Had some great food with them, and saw a great movie with Ben. Plus, conversations with those guys are the kind of conversations that bring you back to what's important.
The movie I saw with Ben was "Night at the Museum." There's not a man, woman, or child I wouldn't reccomend this movie to. Great story, great action, great thrills, but best of all some great comedy mixed in. Mickey Rooney is now my favorite movie star.
Christmas was good. I stayed here in Mustang, with the folks, and spent a lot of it with my brother's family who also lives here in town. Just a great, relaxing Christmas- something I always look for in a break, and yes, even in a holy day.
I got a 30 GB iPod for Christmas! Woooooo! I'm still in the process of getting my whole CD collection transferred on to it, and it looks like it's gonna fit and have plenty of room left over. So awesome.
Also got a couple of Todd Snyder CD's for Christmas. Attention: Listen to this man's music! GREAT alternative country/folk rock/spiritual/political/humor sort of stuff. You know, the usual.
Speaking of holidays and great music, check out "Happy New Year" and "New Year's Eve" by Todd Snyder and Five Iron Frenzy, respectively. Neither really has anything to do with the holiday in the literal sense, but they're AMAZING songs, and if you listen to them properly, you'll gain the sense of the wonderful new beginnings a new year (like every passing moment) brings.
Since the Grove (the house church I attended) has come to an end and Christams-related services with family have passed, I now have the task of searching for a new church set before me. It's daunting in a way, but exciting at the same time. I think I'll be trying Katherine Fossey's church this Sunday. I have one other church on my list of churches to try (Bridgeway), but I may need to do some research and see what other churches I should experience before "hanging my hat." But who knows, maybe I'll decide one of those first two is the place early on. Here's to finding an active fellowship that will encourage growth!
I am MASSIVELY pumped for what promises to be an epic semester of school. The stress will likely be high, but in mostly positive ways. I do believe I can handle it, but I'm sure it will be a unique experience, what with Regional ACTF, VOW (Valor, Outrage, and Woman), a small student film role, and a grad project that I couldn't possibly be more excited about! What's more is that I'll get to see a few productions I'm very curious about (Outsiders, Children's Hour, APO's Shakespeare Stripped), and a show that...well, I do hate that I won't be able to take part, but if it's half as good as it can be, then I'm gonna love finally watching "Our Town" live (been in it, directed it, read it, seen movies of it, but never seen a production I had nothing to do with.)
Speaking of my grad project, one of the reasons I am massively pumped is because the one and only Diana "Dynomite" Silver (that's probably not on her birth certificate, but it should be) has agreed to stage manage it for me! I'm trying to assemble what I'll call an "A-list" student crew, and even if I don't get anyone else I was hoping for, I'll feel I've accomplished my goal.
AND if any of you OCU students wish to work on my show, you will already be auditioning for it, since the auditions are now being done jointly with the Children's Hour/Our Town auditions. The other two shows will get casting priority (quite understandably), but if you are leaning toward wanting to be in my show (it's a post-modern comedy!), make sure your prepared piece is comedic and shows as many acting choices you can make as possible. And pursue those choices to the hilt! [End of shameless shilling.]
You know who kicks the most butt EVER?
You do. Yes- YOU.
But don't tell the other people who read this. They might get jealous.
In closing, my late Christmas gift to you all. And yes, this is by no means the first time I've posted this- it deserves repeated viewings.
A man entered the bus with both of his front pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful blonde. The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets. Finally, after many such glances from her, he said, "It's golf balls." Nevertheless, the blonde continued to look at him thoughtfully and finally, not being able to contain her curiosity any longer, asked, "Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?"
I recall reading on someone else's xanga not long ago (Katherine? Diana? Can't put my finger on it) that their favorite emotion was laughter through tears.
I suppose I can see why. It's not my favorite (not sure if I have one), but the laughter helps you forget the other. I found myself laughing through tears earlier tonight.
A lot of you know I'm a part of a house church and have been since it started last spring. I've always spoken highly of it, because it has addressed so many of my concerns with the way churches are conducted these days. I loved it because it was simple, authentic, and missional (purposeful)- which is what it set out to be.
Well, tonight, my pastor (also a man I consider a dear friend) let our small gathering know that this particular house church has come to an end. He expressed that he did not regret this church, but he and his wife (essentially the leadership) had been praying, talking, and thinking about it and had decided it was the best thing to do. He asked us (the five of us) if we wanted to say anything. The response was unanimous: thank you.
We wanted him to know that we did not regret it either. I personally told him that I didn't want it to end, but saw this coming and knew it really was the right decision. I had the feeling that this was coming for a while, but particularly tonight. Maybe 30 seconds after I arrived, I heard his daughter say, "Did you tell them Dad?" He responded, "I will later." I knew right then.
We spent the service reading through and discussing the Christmas story, as told in Luke, chapter 2. We then sang old, familiar carols. And the whole time I found it difficult to look anyone in the eye. I knew what would happen if I did. The service was a sweet experience and very much needed in my case (as per usual), but that thought hung over me the whole time. Then he told us. And we responded.
And I cried. Man, I cried. It's not something I'm fond of doing in front of other people, but I couldn't help it. This church has meant more than most anyone can imagine, and it really hurts to see it end. Thankfully, the humor I appreciate from several members of my church (along with the post-service birthday party for our pastor's youngest daughter) soon had me laughing through the tears that wouldn't stop.
It's bittersweet, you know? I loved this church, and these people (what more or less makes the church what it is.) I'm still going to see these people (most, if not all. I hope all.) but I'm losing the worship experience I shared with these people. And that's the harsh part.
Hope this isn't too "emo", as the kids say (they say that, right?), but it's one of those rare moments when I need to get some relatively personal thoughts out.
I think losing a good church is about like losing any good love relationship. Sometimes inevitable or necessary, but it hurts all the same. I know I'll find another, but after having such a good one, it's not fun having to find another because I don't know how long it will take.
This doesn't shake my faith, it only makes me appreciate it more. But there's a time for mourning, all the same.
Much love everybody. Thanks for putting up with the long post. I'll try to be more entertaining next time.
