On My Mind

So I've been berated by my two fans for not updating. Here's a brief synopsis of..well, everything:

1. Olympics - I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics. Aimee and I grew up watching Bob Costas and cheering for the Americans. I love being patriotic. This year was no exception as my patriotism/ultra competitiveness tuned in to NBC for as much Olympic coverage I could make myself stay up for. The great moments for me were the obvious wins from Lukin and Phelps, and more. But this year, several aspects of the Games grated me and here they are:

A. The Chinese. My perspective of China as host of the Games is summed up in the story of the girl from the opening games who was replaced because she was ugly. The emphasis for the Chinese was obviously on perception. But what of the underbelly? Shooting chemicals into clouds to change the weather, restricting traffic prior to the opening ceremony to reduce emissions, the questionable age of the gymnasts, etc. There was no doubt awe over the vision and execution of the opening ceremony, as well as beauty in the newly constructed Olympic arenas ( I mean, the Cube was amazing). But at what sacrifice?

B. Note to NBC: You can't call something live when I've already heard the results.

2. Between work, school, other work, Josh, church, and family I'm barely getting enough air. To balance that though, I've never been so sure that this is where God wants me.

3. I have the notion in my head that I want to compete in a mini-triathalon (no people, I am not jumping on the Jennifer Lopez fan bandwagon. I was planning on it before her). But I've realized that I need to learn how to swim through the deep end of a pool and not feel like I'm drowning in order to take this seriously. So, I've taken up swimming. I still don't know if I can do it. We'll see. Sidenote: if anyone knows how to swim the backstroke in a straight line, I would appreciate a helpful tip.

4. There's nothing more hilarious than being in an Ethics class with a bunch of Christians who are trying to not be the stereotypical Christian. I wonder sometimes, as I'm sitting there, if the Christian culture is trying sooo hard to be secular cool, that we've lost the beauty of being a Christ follower. What are we called to do in this life? "Here is the conclusion of the matter, Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12: 13

5. I just finished a financial biblical study from Crown Financial Ministries. It was amazing. It gives you a whole new perspective on money and the purpose of it. It also helps you to budget, prioritize, get out of debt, and live free. If you need this, go to www.crown.org to see how you can get a study going. If you're local to Venice Church, Marion Yumori is jotting down interested parties for her next class. It's only 10 ppl max per class so get your name on that list!

6. For those of you who are aware of the impending loss of my right arm... Josh is currently working in a lab that is producing new technology for prosthetic limbs. Coincidence?? I think not.

7. I read an article by J. Lee Grady about the Florida movement with Todd Bentley. I was so impressed that I will scan it in when I can and post it. Stay tuned.