To saying Amen more

Last night, I was remembering my good friend that I met last summer in D.C. We were roommates for 2 months and had an instant connection. But I was always caught off guard by a superlative she used nonchalantly.
AMEN.

She used the word in any conversation when in agreement with the said statement (makes sense since amen does mean "so be it").

Last summer, this was just her "thing", but now I doubt. Why can't I embrace it, too? When blessings come someone's way, why don't we respond more often with "Praise God!" or when in agreement say, "Amen!" instead of "awesome, that's soooo great." Did God really mean for this to be language for special use on Sundays?

It serves as a reminder for the person giving and receiving--a calling to the One that we are actually in agreement.

Praise the LORD, my soul;
   all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
-Psalm 103


Amen! 
Dedicated to Shelby Nirk. 

Lent begins

It's a tradition for me to observe the 40-50 days of fasting and self-denial. I agree with others when they say that observing Lent makes the resurrection and Easter celebration that much sweeter. It's a definite and set time to examine your relationship with Christ, put forth your shortcomings and rely on the Lord to meet them. I'm looking forward to good things happening during this Lent season.

If you're looking for a way to observe Lent, check this out:
http://www.worldvisionacts.org/?q=lent2011_relentless_acts_of_justice

I wanted to leave you with this Franciscan prayer that I was given from World Vision.

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen

How do you observe Lent? 

New Paint

A productive Saturday at its best. I sit on my couch with paint-splattered hands and new set of clothing. My family and I just retouched the paint on our house for the last three hours. Actually, it might have been five, but I've only been on the clock for three. After shaving 6 years off the walls, we sit content and ready for lunch.

Nowadays, I'm happy to do these things-to work with my hands and see a tangible result come out of my time. Mostly because I spend a lot of my time doing nothing now.

Yep. I finally admit it blog friends. I'm an unemployed graduate of a really expensive school.

Don't get me wrong. I'm working on the becoming employed part. I also read and help out where I can.

This isn't easy. I'd rather be using my hands to write than to freshen up the walls. It's hard not to question my abilities or my work. Or my dreams.

Then, I watched 127 Hours (is it bad that I'm easily inspired by a movie?). Those who are down on their luck or losing steam, I recommend this for you! Watching this man's story makes you realize, maybe my life isn't that bad. 


Aron Ralston, experienced canyoneer, had a boulder smash his arm and trap him in Blue John Canyon for five days with limited food or water. There was a point where he had to drink his own urine to keep himself alive. He tried relentlessly to lift the boulder but realized that if he was wanted to live, he had to amputate his arm.

He decided he wanted to live. He still climbs, has a wife and little boy.
So here I am again, counting my blessings. Other than my employment (under construction) my complaints are few. 


Call me Ms. Optimism but I'm putting another layer of paint on my walls and calling it a day. 

Growing

I have this baby that's not actually my baby. Creepy. She's like my niece and she's been in my life for six months. I have the privilege of seeing her about once every month which means she actually recognizes me, greeting me with a priceless smile when we meet. What I can't believe is how how much she's grown in 183 days.


183 DAYS. Look.

 She puts her head up, rolls around, and now eats solid food!! I'm amazed by her and the fact that she's going be a grown woman someday. I hope she'll still play with me then, too.

Stay sweet, little one. 

Carol your heart out.

I haven't kept up with blogging (so sorry) but now that school is over and the only thing I have to do now is find a job--I have time.

With it being the last semester of college and all, the holidays culminated around graduation and not Christmas. But now the graduation hoopla is over with and I came back home to the age old tradition of caroling.

As far as I can remember, Christmas is probably the most celebrated holiday in Kerala. When I was 12, I'd stand at the gate with my family on Christmas Eve and wait for the carolers to come through in a parade with lighted torches singing carols and proclaiming the birth of Christ.

I'm guessing that's where the tradition of our modern day caroling in Texas came from. Our prayer group travels to each others' houses, bringing with them drums and Santa apparel. The family welcomes them with plenty of food and the carolers sing their hearts out.

We're not talking about Silent Night here.

Our Malayalam carols are upbeat, you-can't-help-but-start-dancing praise songs that go on and on and get faster with each verse until you can't possibly sing or clap any faster.

You may not understand the language but surely you can understand the happiness.

Texas winter isn't harsh enough, the lights on the tree aren't bright enough, but the voices of our families and dear ones are shouting our of pure joy and love. This is what makes Christmas feel like Christmas.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.