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Our day started out with a drive into the great state of Illinois to get some Chick-fil-A breakfast. Most of you think, “Who cares? It’s Chick-fil-A!” But you see, Kansas doesn’t really have them…so any chance we get to eat this glorious nourishment, we do. It is the only food we don’t pray over, as one can tell it has been already abundantly blessed with delicious goodness by the Father.

After that, we walked around the mall and stopped at a fudge and coffee place that had some great cappucino - and a funny trash can sign.

Then, we met up with Lori & Candyce, and ate at a place called Max & Erma’s. And next, on to the Arch!

Since I am afraid of heights and a wee clausterphobic, the arch was a time of many prayers and sweaty palms. But I pulled through okay, only with the support of my friends.



And now we’re waiting for our pizza to be delivered - then we’re hitting the streets of St. Louis to catch some live music and fireworks to ring in the new year!

More later!

 

I’ve been asked to come up with some ideas for stations where people can take communion, which will be set up all around a room. So far, I like the ideas of a “cross” station, where you would focus in on reflecting upon the cross and a station where spouses or friends can serve each other. Any other ideas?

 

So, here we are in St. Louis. We stopped about 45 minutes into the trip to eat at the good ol’ American eatery known as Bob Evans. Nothing really exciting happened on the trip, except we did keep ourselves entertained by going through Crystal’s photo files. Let’s just say there was some REALLY funny stuff in there…Elvis, gypsies…extremely happy dogs. We arrived safely at the Holiday Inn downtown where we checked in. Chris and I got to our room and realized the toilet wasn’t flushing and got that fixed. Other than that, it’s been pretty uneventful. Here are some pictures to entertain you until tomorrow, when we meet up with Lori & Candyce. Adios!

Us leaving from Shawnee, KS

Chris checking out the menu

The waitress asked what was on Crystal’s shirt…”Jesus!!”

A funky picture Crystal took of us being gross

Oh, heaven….Reeses Peanut Butter Sundae…MMMM….

Another funky picture Crystal took of me enjoying the sundae far too much (my teeth do NOT look like that in real life!!!)

The late-night driving shot

Chris resting when we arrive

Chris trying to fix the toilet

 

This weekend, Chris, Crystal and I are going to meet up with Lori & Candyce in St. Louis to hang out! It’ll be a blast.

Of course our hotel has Wi-Fi, and of course I am bringing my camera, so we will post our journeys as soon as we can! Please pray for safety as we drive from KC and they drive from Cinci!

Happy New Year!!!

 

If you’ve watched the news lately, you’ve seen some footage on the fires in Texas. The fires in the South Arlington/Kennedale area of South Ft. Worth are only a mile and a half away from my parents’ house up the highway (the highway mentioned in this photo - Hwy 287). Please keep them in your prayers. I talked to my mom this morning and they weren’t evacuating, but I just heard on the news they are starting to ask more and more people to leave. I also have some friends in that area (I am pretty sure most of them live more in Dallas than Ft. Worth) but my old high school, etc. is out that way.

Thanks!

 

I am so incredibly doped up on cold meds right now, I apologize in advance if this doesn’t make a lot of sense. To give you some sense of how off kilter I am, I was trying to plug in my computer adapter and it took a good three tries to line up the plug with the socket. Anyway…I have mainly been sleeping and watching random sitcoms.

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is a very unhealthy habit of mine. I often compare myself to other girls. If only I could be 20 pounds thinner, my stomach wouldn’t be so squishy, my skin could be perfect (especially now as it’s really dry and flaky due to Old Man Winter), if my clothes could look more put together, my hair not frizz so much, I could cook, be witty and charming, not chew at my hang nails…there are millions of things I wish I could be and whenever I get in this mindset and watch TV, even go out in public, I find myself contrasting these flaws with every single female who walks by and thinking how much better my life would be if I didn’t have to deal with all of these things that I am self conscious about. I know it’s not true, but it’s so easy to give in to that way of thinking.

It’s ironic that when I was in junior high and high school, even my early twenties, I was so much MORE self confident and sure of myself than I am now. Usually it’s the other way around. I wonder why that is.

Anyway, there is no point to this except just to share what has been going on in my fuzzy mind. I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season!

 

I thought I was getting better, but I would have to say the cold hit me full-on today. Can’t complain, really. I only get them maybe once a year, so I know life will go on. But I was wondering if anyone had any of those gross cold remedies that really work, like blending green things with cayanne pepper…that kind of stuff. So far my theraflu has been helping a little with the coughing and making me sleepy…but does anyone have any secret recipes?

 

Please keep me in your prayers — as of yesterday, I have seemed to develop somewhat of a Christmas Cold….nothing too bad….just a lot of sneezing, kleenex and a LOT of coughing (that’s the worst part). But that isn’t gonna ruin my Christmas! :) Thanks for your prayers!

 

I won’t be on here for a few days as our schedule is pretty packed until Monday. I hope everyone out there, no matter where you are, has a Merry Christmas. I’m so thankful for you.

 

Maybe it’s a lack of Christmas Cheer. Maybe it’s a lack of caffeine (I’ve been cutting back)… But recently I’ve had some problems getting into the Christmas spirit.

By “the Christmas Spirit,” I mean the American-November-24th-through-
December-25th-Christmas spirit. Don’t get me wrong; I like buying and making gifts for people. And I definitely like the constant supply of holiday candy and cookies that has been flowing into my office. But as far as feeling more loved, more loving, or more in tune to God in my life. I’m not feeling all too different.

Let me explain…

Earlier this week, I was interviewed for another newspaper about the decision to close the church building on Christmas Sunday. After getting misquoted in the KC Star, I decided to write the statement out and then ask that the reporter send me the article for fact checking before it went to the presses. I got the article from him Tuesday and read over it. Except for putting the wrong attendance number (he put too many), everything seemed to be right. I’ll save you the time of reading the lengthy article, and instead just provide you with part of my quote that has really got me thinking…

“…We believe that worshiping God for what Christ has done for us is constant and continuous and should be celebrated every day.”

Constant.

Continuous.

Every day.

I remember back when we had our Easter services here at Westside. We spent a LOT of time planning, rehearsing and putting together visual elements for this service. Like weeks - compared to days which we typically spend. Same with Christmas. Why do we do that? Why do we put the emphasis on two weekends a year?

I know the answer - how we have more people who are spiritually curious that will come on those two days. And that is true…

But are we, as Christ followers, just as guilty as the secular world in commercializing Christmas? But instead of using Santa and snow men, we use mangers, and candlelight, and angels that we have heard on high. It’s like we treat Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men like distant relatives…we occasionally mention them in passing but really only see them once a year around the holidays. Why do we only sing hymns of our Saviour’s birth one weekend a year? Why isn’t the birth of Christ celebrated more throughout the year? I know we are each personally responsible for our own lives of continuous worship, but as church leaders, aren’t we also responsible for setting that same example to those who worship with us? Based on the way we do things now, what example are we setting?

 

My car is buried in several inches of the latest snow storm to hit Shawnee. It’s also trapped, knowing that any attempt to make it up the snowy hill we live on would be futile.

Just like before…Spinning its wheels…going nowhere.

Today…I feel so trapped.

Trapped…via our apartment lease (no escape until Dec. 31, 2006), the necessity to work a full time job and freelance (me) and a full time job & part time job (Chris) just to make barely enough to scratch by…the never ending pile of medical bills from the last year…and while the air our bodies are breathing is here in the snowy, Pottery Barn landscape of Johnson county, our souls have traveled and remained in the diversity and acceptance of LA, in the peaceful and romantic mountains of Colorado…and our hearts have tossed seeds of hope into the sky, praying the wind will take them across the ocean…so maybe one day they will be springing up life…fruit…in the desperate city of Edinburgh.

God, I feel so much like my car.

Alone and stuck on this hill….spinning my wheels.

Going nowhere.

 

This could be the very minute
I’m aware I’m alive
All these places feel like home

With a name I’d never chosen
I can make my first steps
As a child of 25

You’re the only thing that I love
It scares me more every day
On my knees I think clearer

Goodness I saw it coming
Or at least I’ll claim I did
But in truth I’m lost for words…

(excerpted from Chocolate by Snow Patrol)

 

People have often mentioned to me that I am gifted in the area of discernment. I can often see or feel things that are intangible – sense moods, emotion and can easily distinguish between true and false in situations…in conversations, environments, and attitudes. When someone is feeling “off” or upset, it usually comes across clearly to me, and sometimes without even knowing I can guess why out of seemingly nowhere. It’s a little creepy sometimes, but in a good way.

Also being very “feely” (I’m an INFP) I tend to base a lot of decisions off of how I feel about something rather than logic or common sense. Sometimes it works out great. And other times…well, not so much. Something I constantly ask myself is, “Is this just a feeling or is it the truth?”

Today has been an ultra-sensitive day for some reason. I feel as if I’m swimming in a sea of the unseen – everybody’s thoughts and feelings. There is one area in my life right now where I am feeling extremely insecure based on the way certain people act towards me or respond towards me. I’m feeling inadequate in my talents and gifting. Some things that are happening around me are making my discernment “red” flag go up.

But is it just a feeling? Or is it the truth? Am I being discerning…or am I being deceived? How far can I trust my inclinations?

So…I pray for wisdom. I guess that’s all I can do.

 

Ok, there has been some buzz about a New Years’ Weekend get together in St. Louis…

LET’S DO IT!!!

It’s pretty central to people in the Midwest & Ohio Valley (between 4-6 hours)…so, who’s in? I am thinking for me & Chris, we will drive down and get there late Friday night - meet up with everyone on Saturday and hang out, ring in the New Year together and depart back to our humble abodes Sunday after sleeping in. I’ll look for a hotel and post details about that…

Until then, ARE YOU IN??? (Anyone & everyone is invited no matter where you live! Southwest has some really cheap flights to St. Louis from just about anywhere!)

Update: Looks like downtown/union station is a great place to stay (I was IMing normal looking people from there) - close to great food and nightlife. Hampton Inn looks okay?? There is a piano bar with tables for new years - $100/table…with a few of us it could prove to be reasonable…) Whatever!!! We can just find something when we get there….Thoughts?

Here is a Holiday Inn - http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/stlcc?irs=y
Thoughts?

 

I had a follow up appointment with my neurologist today about all the diagnostic things they’ve been putting my body through for my headaches. They confirmed with KUMed, where I had my angiogram, that I have no vascular malformation (blood vessel problems) or masses (brain tumors). All great news that the bad stuff has been ruled out. After talking about my headache patterns, they think that I have hormonally triggered migraines since most of the time, I am fine except once a month for a few days. And that would make sense because the time I had them for several weeks, I had just come off extensive estrogen therapy, so my hormones were all over the place trying to level out. Now that I’ve been off of it for almost three months, I only get headaches when my estrogen naturally drops. They gave me some interruptive medicine to take should I get a migraine. So, yay! Thanks for all your prayers!

They also got the results of my sleep study - I woke up (brain waves interrupted) 238 times in 7 hours. No wonder I feel tired all the time! They’re trying to get me to do another one (which I don’t really want to do) soon. Now that I’ve taken proactive measures to reduce my stress, I’ve been sleeping okay most of the time.

Another “Yay God” (as we call them on staff) is as of now, we have about 25% already raised and/or commited by people for our Scotland trip! We haven’t even sent out support letters yet - this is just from talking to people or people donating online! We are so incredibly thankful as God begins to pave this path for us! I have been in contact with a few people there through YWAM and Every Nation (other missions organizations) and hope we can all bond together to really make an impact for Christ!

Sorry, there’s not much else to say. I can’t really think of anything to post about except daily life! Have a great Wednesday!

 

Recently, a friend of mine and I were talking in detail about some of the events that have happened in my life in the last few months. It’s nice to have those friends who tell you the truth (yet they do it in a graceful way). I’ll save you the lengthy details, and we’ll just say I am learning that patience is an area in my life I need to really work on. I’m learning to let things go that I normally would have passionately fought for. Sometimes passionately fighting is a waste of energy. Sometimes it’s not. I’m learing to discern when to go to the mattresses.

On the patience side of thing, Chris and I have decided to definitely go to Scotland next fall to help James and the forthcoming Mosaic Edinburgh make an impact on the people of Edinburgh. Being the information-gatherer I am, I have been reading and studying and getting my hands on any and all information I can about the Scottish culture. Did you know underwear is called pants there? And pulp-free orange juice is smooth orange juice? Just a few things I’ve learned.

Anyway, fall 2006 is a long way off - almost a year - and I am ready to go NOW. I love having the hope and the “looking forward to” looming in the future, but I want to throw my clothes in a bag and hop the next flight to NYC then to Edinburgh.

But I know we have a lot to learn, a lot to pray for, and a lot to do before we go. God willing, we will have all our debt (except a car payment) paid off by summer. We have to find people to pray for us, the church plant, James & his family and the people of Edinburgh. We have to raise some money so we can go. Get passports, the list goes on. All these things requiring patience. (Which, by the way, to find out more about the Scotland trip, how to pray for us or how you can help, just click the Scotland Trip button up top.)

Sorry there’s nothing much profound here. Nothing controversial. Just a little bit of life sharing.

 

Chris and I leave early tomorrow morning for the thrills only the thriving city of Great Bend, Kansas can provide. Great Bend is about 4 hours from here. Sadly, I’ve been there once or twice, when Chris’ band played out there. Our friends Todd & Taasha are getting married and Chris is doing the music for the wedding.

On another note, I read a comment made by Dean Sharp on James Petticrew’s site today. It’s a little R-rated, but in a Song of Songs kind of way. I found it to be beautiful and one of the clearest pictures of love I’ve ever read. So, I thought I’d post it. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have a lovely weekend.

It’s all about sex.

Sex is an obsession, a friction, a movement in which lovers both lose and find themselves in one another. The groom initiates, the bride responds and opens herself to him. Sex is complete focus, exposure, and intimacy.

Sex is a metaphor (perhaps the most powerful one in existence) for worship, which is why most love songs are only worship hymns in disguise. And what comes of it? What is the result of the friction and intensity of this symphony? Crescendo. The end result of sexual intimacy is the outflow, the overflow, of the seeds of new life. Sex makes babies. Do we think this is just a coincidence?

Mission is the outflow, the overflow, of becoming infatuated with Him again. I tire of the discussion missing the mark … modern, postmodern, futurist, traditional, emergent … whatever. The ONLY reason the church stops making babies is because we’ve stopped making love to the Bridegroom. That’s the birds and the bees of spiritual reality.

In the ongoing cloning debate, my real question is a completely metaphysical one. I have no doubt that soon we’ll be able to reproduce a human body without sexual biology. I’m just wondering if we’ll discover that we cannot produce a human soul without sexual intimacy. The metaphor is such a primal one, I could be wrong but, I seriously doubt God will be willing to give it up.

Churches also play around with cloning. Despite our new methodologies (spiritual technology, which I love) the church has yet to successfully reproduce the spirit of Christ in bodies that are not born of that intimacy.

And I don’t think we ever will, or should ever want to.

 

SNOW DAY!

Yesterday through this morning, the metro got anywhere between 9-12 inches of snow (we got 12 inches here in Shawnee). Since it’s not icy, I wasn’t expecting our offices to close today, but they did! However, my dear, sweet husband heard the news at 5:30am that his offices are open, and he works 15-20 miles away. I think he is done digging out his car (the drift pretty much covered it from top to bottom on one side) and I hope he’s going to be okay.

Since Chris works farther out, yesterday he took the Rodeo with 4WD, and I took his 1991 BMW which is rear-wheel drive. You take a RWD car and give it to a girl from Texas who lives on a hill and you’ve got trouble. It took me 25 minutes to go up 2 blocks on the hill we live on before I just threw it into reverse to get to where I could drive (slide) it into the driveway. Our apartment complex has gates with spikes (which fortunately were opened) so I was worried I’d impale the car, but I cleared the entry way just fine.

So I’m pretty much snowed in. I doubt I’ll change out of my PJs and fluffy slippers. Time to get some coffee and watch all the suckers on the news who have to travel to work (Sorry, dear…).

(Photo: digging out a car in Midtown KC - Click for more KC Snow Pics; also my cat trying to get some caffiene…has nothing to do with the snow day, but thought it was too cute not to post.)

 

We got to go home early today due to the snow. I’d guess a good 5″ so far and it took me 15 minutes to drive Chris’ rear-wheel drive car up the hill we live on and another 10 to turn left. Dang rear-wheel drive cars! Anyway…

Now that I’ve been home a while, I’ve been reading the almost consistent disdain blogged about by the religious masses on megachurches closing the doors on Christmas Sunday. The church I work for is doing that as well. I’ve read several quotes from the brainiest theologians saying how we’re bowing down to the secular culture and not wanting to inconvenience those who aren’t believers.

I’m sorry, is it just me, or is this not that big of a deal? Would I rather give the community an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus and experience the love of Christ when it’s convenient for them, or ask them to go out of their way to check out something they’re not even sure exists? I do think that as believers, we should sacrifice our needs in order to reach people, but I don’t and wouldn’t force those expecatations on others to sacrifice their Christmas time with family. I am feeling that we are worshipping a specific day instead of celebrating the incarnation of God.

What irritates me about this whole ordeal is the “us-against-them” mentality and sucker punching that is happening! I’m not all for everything megachurches do, but I do try to respect and celebrate that they are doing something for the kingdom of God. It might not be the way I would do something, but who the heck cares when people’s lives are being changed? Why can’t they just peacefully say, “We are glad these churches are offering nontraditional times and means of reaching people for Christ even though we are offering services in a more traditional manner?” Why do they have to be so dramatic about the whole ordeal?

Have services on Christmas or don’t have services on Christmas. Whatever is going to reach your community - Just do it and don’t whine about the way other leaders have decided. Let - it - go!

So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

And I’m going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course.

~Paul, 1st Century missionary

(BTW, this isn’t a post on whether or not you agree/disagree with the churches offering other service times other than Christmas day, although please feel free to share your opinion. What do you think about how, as the body of Christ, we’re handling this?)

 

I’ve added my flickr photo account as a link to the right for your viewing enjoyment…a mixture of my photography, pictures of me and Chris, of friends and places…so, enjoy!

Coming eventually - “Is anything sacred?”

And with that, I leave you with this question…

Are people seeking the sacred?

 

So here we are - a new blog! It is far from complete, but at least there is now a launch pad. Many thanks to Steve Watson for helping me navigate my way around WordPress.

As you can see, I have moved over and catagorized many of my favorite posts over the last year, so please feel free to browse around. Thanks for hanging around and waiting for this in the mean time.

Peace,
Anne