Thoughts on Passion
In the spirit of my post from earlier this morning (below), here are some thoughts on passion that I found while working on a devo for Sunday a.m. a few months ago...
No matter what your calling might be, part of the trick of staying passionate is to remember what it was like at the beginning,when something inside you said, “This is it.” ~Kevin Spacey
Passion: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction
“Seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. Why does the writer use these lines? Because we are food for worms lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold, and die…Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you. Their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Carpe Diem. Seize the day boys, Make your lives extraordinary.” Dead Poets Society
“We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman: "O me, o life of the questions of these recurring, of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities filled with the foolish. What good amid these, o me, o life? Answer: that you are here. That life exists, and identity. That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” Dead Poets Society
"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."
— E. M. Forster
Excerpts from “Dreaming in Motivation”
"But back in your mind and deep in your heart, a dream still lies unfulfilled. A dream to start your own business, to be a missionary, to design a clothing line or be an engineer for NASA. These desires define you; you’re consumed with thoughts of them night and day. Coincidence? Annoying obsession? Hardly. Most people figure this out sooner or later, that God has given us each an innate purpose, complemented by our talents, skills, and desires. Some misuse their gifts (or lack thereof), some bury them away, some dabble, and others tap them for everything they’re worth. My guess would be that the average human being uses his gifts enough just to get by, if at all. All of us have dreams, but most of the time we settle for what is more “attainable” or “realistic…”
Who are you? What is it that you consistently love, dream of, and perhaps even pursue on some level or another without even maybe realizing that it might be a fundamental part of the definitive calling on your life?
Life is too short, so do what you love, and more importantly, do it for God, who you should love even more. Begin right where you are. Don’t wait for things to get better, more convenient, ideal, or anything else of the sort. That wouldn’t require faith. That would require change, and change won’t come without even the most basic of faith being put into action.
God didn’t design you to fail. He didn’t mess up. It is no mistake, the person that you are. The passions of your heart, the visions of your mind, the skills of your hands were all uniquely assigned to you as His child.
God has no insignificant plans for you, whether rich or poor, black or white, atheist or Christian. He knew you before you were even formed in your mother’s womb. That’s pretty intimate. Somehow I doubt that your dreams are all that foreign to Him either. In fact, I would bet that He personally authored them, and is only waiting for you to believe plainly enough in that higher reality to live it out."
7.29.2004
"Open the gates, and seize the day"
I've been singing songs from "Newsies" since yesterday. It's a great show, so that's fine with me. I'm well aware that it's a Disney movie, but this song has always been an anthem of sorts for me..."don't be afraid and don't delay." That is the new song of my life. My fears (of failure, of being outcast, of people not liking what I do or not liking my style) have kept me from following the passions of my heart for long enough. I am going to change that. More writing. Look for acting opportunities outside of the SOCC Drama Ministry. Do something positive in the world. Put myself out there and embrace my God-given abilities and gifts.
I like what The Message says about it (Romans 12:6) "Let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't."
Just go ahead and be what we were made to be...I bet it's harder than it sounds...
In an attempt to do just that, I have started another blog. This one is for my writing. Skits, Poems, short stories...fiction, nonfiction...it will all be here now.
I've been singing songs from "Newsies" since yesterday. It's a great show, so that's fine with me. I'm well aware that it's a Disney movie, but this song has always been an anthem of sorts for me..."don't be afraid and don't delay." That is the new song of my life. My fears (of failure, of being outcast, of people not liking what I do or not liking my style) have kept me from following the passions of my heart for long enough. I am going to change that. More writing. Look for acting opportunities outside of the SOCC Drama Ministry. Do something positive in the world. Put myself out there and embrace my God-given abilities and gifts.
I like what The Message says about it (Romans 12:6) "Let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't."
Just go ahead and be what we were made to be...I bet it's harder than it sounds...
In an attempt to do just that, I have started another blog. This one is for my writing. Skits, Poems, short stories...fiction, nonfiction...it will all be here now.
7.28.2004
The Miracle of Friendship
I was reminded of something last night that I have often taken for granted--true friendships are real and rare. I have just a handful of people in my life that I know I can count on when the world comes crashing down; I won't name them here...they know who they are. They are the men and women in my life that have experienced impossible joys and tragic lows and were still able to bring a smile to my face as they wipe away my tears. These are the people that are so genuine, so completely real in who they are that I do not question them. I know that their obsessions with shoes and music and the 80's and books and games and everything else is 100% their identity. I know their faith is real and I know they believe in the power of love and friendship in ways that the world does not understand. These are the people that do nothing but hold my hand and cry with me as I tell a room full of Venezuelan people my testimony. These are the people that make me laugh until my sides hurt and who look at me and see the person I am working to become instead of the person I am currently. They are the people that love the fact that sometimes I talk a million miles a minute and sometimes I have nothing more to say. They are the people that will rub my feet until I fall asleep and then sneak out of the room. They are the people who embrace me and love me and cherish every moment we get to spend together. They are the people that know I hate making decisions but know the exact right thing to say to make me realize I've already made it; just not acknowledged it.
I have people in my life who have come and gone; some have lingered maybe too long, some were a part all too fleetingly...but there is the tried and true, the ones I will still be laughing with when we get to go Home. And that is the miracle of friendship.
I was reminded of something last night that I have often taken for granted--true friendships are real and rare. I have just a handful of people in my life that I know I can count on when the world comes crashing down; I won't name them here...they know who they are. They are the men and women in my life that have experienced impossible joys and tragic lows and were still able to bring a smile to my face as they wipe away my tears. These are the people that are so genuine, so completely real in who they are that I do not question them. I know that their obsessions with shoes and music and the 80's and books and games and everything else is 100% their identity. I know their faith is real and I know they believe in the power of love and friendship in ways that the world does not understand. These are the people that do nothing but hold my hand and cry with me as I tell a room full of Venezuelan people my testimony. These are the people that make me laugh until my sides hurt and who look at me and see the person I am working to become instead of the person I am currently. They are the people that love the fact that sometimes I talk a million miles a minute and sometimes I have nothing more to say. They are the people that will rub my feet until I fall asleep and then sneak out of the room. They are the people who embrace me and love me and cherish every moment we get to spend together. They are the people that know I hate making decisions but know the exact right thing to say to make me realize I've already made it; just not acknowledged it.
I have people in my life who have come and gone; some have lingered maybe too long, some were a part all too fleetingly...but there is the tried and true, the ones I will still be laughing with when we get to go Home. And that is the miracle of friendship.
7.22.2004
It's Alarm/Smoke Detector Testing Day
I just found out that today is the day our sprinklers, alarms, etc get tested. I understand the need for these tests, trust me. We're sitting in a huge facility worth a lot of money and the church has already suffered one fire (in the old building...almost gutted it), but I'll be honest. This is NOT my favorite day of the year. Why, you say? Because to test them, they have to clean out the sprinkler system, which makes it smell like sulfer, rotten eggs, and vomit in here. Then they turn the alarms--the really loud obnoxious alarms--on and off all day testing different systems. So, today is going to be interesting. :)
Not a lot else going on in my world. My family left at the crack of dawn this morning for vacation. It's very strange to know they're on a plane flying to Seattle and I'm still just sitting here. I guess this means I am really a grown up now. I'm excited about New York in October and excited about hearing about their trip, but it will still be kind of strange. Mom did get a cell-hone, though. That's a good thing. Two years ago we went to Washington DC for family vacation. We're on the really under construction Pennsylvania Turnpike (in the left lane) when yeah, the transmission dies in the van. We get it to the other side of the road and lo and behold, there we are. I had my cell, so we were able to call for help, which is a good thing. Otherwise, we would have been screwed. As it was, we sat there in the August heat listening to the semis speed by and inhaling all of those lovely fumes for like 3 hours. I can only imagine what it would have been like had we not been able to find a towing company open on a Sunday and get a rental car. It was nuts. SO yeah, with them driving this car back from Seattle, I feel much better knowing they have some way of communication in the event something rough happens.
Tessa and Korry are getting married in a little more than 48 hours. 3:30 on Saturday to be exact. I'm very excited for them. I adore them both and know they're 'made for each other' as it were. They are going to have a great life and a great support system and I am so glad I will be there to witness it all.
gathering 6:29 begins again in a couple weeks. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Part of me is excited, but part of me isn't. I got so burned out with it last year, I'm not sure I'm ready for it to start up again. I need to figure out how involved I want to be, I guess. That will make a difference. It's a service geared for the post-modern generation, but became a lot like youth group. I know they want to remedy that and make some changes, but I just don't know how possible that is. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, right?
Not a lot else. Just hanging out and trying to stay awake. For some reason I'm exhausted. I think I'm fighting a cold or something. As nuts as the weather has been (inside and out--my office could double for the SOCC morgue somedays), it wouldn't surprise me in the least. And my stomach is making some FREAKY noises :)
I just found out that today is the day our sprinklers, alarms, etc get tested. I understand the need for these tests, trust me. We're sitting in a huge facility worth a lot of money and the church has already suffered one fire (in the old building...almost gutted it), but I'll be honest. This is NOT my favorite day of the year. Why, you say? Because to test them, they have to clean out the sprinkler system, which makes it smell like sulfer, rotten eggs, and vomit in here. Then they turn the alarms--the really loud obnoxious alarms--on and off all day testing different systems. So, today is going to be interesting. :)
Not a lot else going on in my world. My family left at the crack of dawn this morning for vacation. It's very strange to know they're on a plane flying to Seattle and I'm still just sitting here. I guess this means I am really a grown up now. I'm excited about New York in October and excited about hearing about their trip, but it will still be kind of strange. Mom did get a cell-hone, though. That's a good thing. Two years ago we went to Washington DC for family vacation. We're on the really under construction Pennsylvania Turnpike (in the left lane) when yeah, the transmission dies in the van. We get it to the other side of the road and lo and behold, there we are. I had my cell, so we were able to call for help, which is a good thing. Otherwise, we would have been screwed. As it was, we sat there in the August heat listening to the semis speed by and inhaling all of those lovely fumes for like 3 hours. I can only imagine what it would have been like had we not been able to find a towing company open on a Sunday and get a rental car. It was nuts. SO yeah, with them driving this car back from Seattle, I feel much better knowing they have some way of communication in the event something rough happens.
Tessa and Korry are getting married in a little more than 48 hours. 3:30 on Saturday to be exact. I'm very excited for them. I adore them both and know they're 'made for each other' as it were. They are going to have a great life and a great support system and I am so glad I will be there to witness it all.
gathering 6:29 begins again in a couple weeks. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Part of me is excited, but part of me isn't. I got so burned out with it last year, I'm not sure I'm ready for it to start up again. I need to figure out how involved I want to be, I guess. That will make a difference. It's a service geared for the post-modern generation, but became a lot like youth group. I know they want to remedy that and make some changes, but I just don't know how possible that is. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, right?
Not a lot else. Just hanging out and trying to stay awake. For some reason I'm exhausted. I think I'm fighting a cold or something. As nuts as the weather has been (inside and out--my office could double for the SOCC morgue somedays), it wouldn't surprise me in the least. And my stomach is making some FREAKY noises :)
7.20.2004
I love this man...
There are a million little things a person can do to tell you that they love you. For me, Tim did something very special that he may not even realize (at least not until he reads this). My good good friend Annie is getting married in October. October 2, to be exact. In Yarmouth Port/West Dennis Massachusetts. I want nothing more than to be there for her wedding. I haven't seen her in forever, but I love her dearly. Now, going to Cape Cod for the weekend isn't exactly something that is cheap to do. My mom has offered to help out with some money, but it will still cost us a little to get there, and do our thing. He had agreed to go, which already made me really excited. Then, after church 2 Sundays ago, he finds me in the Worship Center and says he has something he wants to show me at his desk...
He'd been doing some research....and had found plane tickets into New York City for under 120 bucks each. So, he had then planned not just the wedding trip, but a great weekend getaway for the 2 of us. New York on Friday, train to Connecticut, pick up the rental car, drive to the Cape. Saturday is driving around the cape (New England in the fall!!) and the wedding. Sunday we'll drive around New England some more. Monday we'll drop the car off and head back into New York. Our plane home leaves that night. I am SOOOO excited and I am so blown away that he cares for me.
The moral of the story: He knew going to annie's wedding was important to me. He knew that I really wanted to have him there...and so he made it happen. He is amazing. July 31 is our 1 year anniversary. It's been the best year of my life.
Tim, if you're reading this, I love you more every moment.
There are a million little things a person can do to tell you that they love you. For me, Tim did something very special that he may not even realize (at least not until he reads this). My good good friend Annie is getting married in October. October 2, to be exact. In Yarmouth Port/West Dennis Massachusetts. I want nothing more than to be there for her wedding. I haven't seen her in forever, but I love her dearly. Now, going to Cape Cod for the weekend isn't exactly something that is cheap to do. My mom has offered to help out with some money, but it will still cost us a little to get there, and do our thing. He had agreed to go, which already made me really excited. Then, after church 2 Sundays ago, he finds me in the Worship Center and says he has something he wants to show me at his desk...
He'd been doing some research....and had found plane tickets into New York City for under 120 bucks each. So, he had then planned not just the wedding trip, but a great weekend getaway for the 2 of us. New York on Friday, train to Connecticut, pick up the rental car, drive to the Cape. Saturday is driving around the cape (New England in the fall!!) and the wedding. Sunday we'll drive around New England some more. Monday we'll drop the car off and head back into New York. Our plane home leaves that night. I am SOOOO excited and I am so blown away that he cares for me.
The moral of the story: He knew going to annie's wedding was important to me. He knew that I really wanted to have him there...and so he made it happen. He is amazing. July 31 is our 1 year anniversary. It's been the best year of my life.
Tim, if you're reading this, I love you more every moment.
7.13.2004
The Strangest Day Ever
Today is already shaping up to be one of the strangest days I've been through in a long time. It seemed to start out normal enough. I woke up late and didn't want to get ready. Anyway, it's approx. 8:49 a.m. and here is what has happened thus far:
~in the shower, I put my face wash in my hair...and yeah...tried to wash my face with my shampoo first.
~the news...two men were arrested in Martinsville yesterday for holding up a convenience store...next to the SHERRIF'S office.
~leaving the apartment this morning was like leaving an episode of "The Truman Show." That's right. First there was the character "Little Old Lady with 'Roids." She was all hunched over and walking so slowly it was almost backwards...with this kind of scary, kind of funny, kind of REALLY disturbing smile on her face. She was followed, at the same speed, by "Middle Eastern Man in really REALLY short Shorts and a big farmer hat." He was, let's see...SCARY :) I know this makes me sound a bit racist, but I assure you that is not the case. Confused, yes. Racist, no. :)
~on Country Club Lane...there was a man with a beard riding a motorcycle...and wearing a black lace bra on the outside of his clothes.
~at the roundabout...a Dodge RAM driving REALLY slow with what appeared to be a 12 year old behind the wheel...and a 2 year old bouncing all over the seats....
~Audrey, the 50 something woman who is our business manager, just karate-chopped a bug on her desk.
So that's been my morning. I feel like I'm in the middle of the children's book "Wacky Wednesday" only it's Tuesday....Thoughts?
Today is already shaping up to be one of the strangest days I've been through in a long time. It seemed to start out normal enough. I woke up late and didn't want to get ready. Anyway, it's approx. 8:49 a.m. and here is what has happened thus far:
~in the shower, I put my face wash in my hair...and yeah...tried to wash my face with my shampoo first.
~the news...two men were arrested in Martinsville yesterday for holding up a convenience store...next to the SHERRIF'S office.
~leaving the apartment this morning was like leaving an episode of "The Truman Show." That's right. First there was the character "Little Old Lady with 'Roids." She was all hunched over and walking so slowly it was almost backwards...with this kind of scary, kind of funny, kind of REALLY disturbing smile on her face. She was followed, at the same speed, by "Middle Eastern Man in really REALLY short Shorts and a big farmer hat." He was, let's see...SCARY :) I know this makes me sound a bit racist, but I assure you that is not the case. Confused, yes. Racist, no. :)
~on Country Club Lane...there was a man with a beard riding a motorcycle...and wearing a black lace bra on the outside of his clothes.
~at the roundabout...a Dodge RAM driving REALLY slow with what appeared to be a 12 year old behind the wheel...and a 2 year old bouncing all over the seats....
~Audrey, the 50 something woman who is our business manager, just karate-chopped a bug on her desk.
So that's been my morning. I feel like I'm in the middle of the children's book "Wacky Wednesday" only it's Tuesday....Thoughts?
7.09.2004
How does someone get this smart??? It's insane. I'd hate to be any of the contestants up against him...although let's be honest, the only time I do really well at Jeopardy is when it's the celebrity or kid weeks....
Sony Pictures Television - JEOPARDY!
Sony Pictures Television - JEOPARDY!
7.08.2004
I Hit A Bird...and Laughed
Okay, I'll admit it...I'm a bit of a bad person. This morning on my way to work I hit a bird. With my car (instead of my hands, if that is what you were thinking). And, did I cry? No. I laughed. And then I called Rene, who also laughed. I know it's bad, but C'MON! The thing has wings. It can FLY. Why did it not get out of the way of my car? I don't know, but there was a thump, then there was a bird tumbling through the air in my rearview mirror. Then there were feathers this morning when I got to work. All in all, it's been an interesting morning. Does it make my cynical that I killed an innocent bird and just laughed? Or would you in the same situation?
Okay, I'll admit it...I'm a bit of a bad person. This morning on my way to work I hit a bird. With my car (instead of my hands, if that is what you were thinking). And, did I cry? No. I laughed. And then I called Rene, who also laughed. I know it's bad, but C'MON! The thing has wings. It can FLY. Why did it not get out of the way of my car? I don't know, but there was a thump, then there was a bird tumbling through the air in my rearview mirror. Then there were feathers this morning when I got to work. All in all, it's been an interesting morning. Does it make my cynical that I killed an innocent bird and just laughed? Or would you in the same situation?
A Gripe
Why in the world is it that I can read like 90% of the Indianapolis Star online, but it's like 6 bucks a month to read the local Bloomington paper? It's the only real source of news in bloomington that is more localized, but honestly...I am NOT going to pay that for the once in awhile that I want to read the paper. I'll just settle for Indy news. It's slightly less biased, anyway.
ANYWAY :)
My little brother, Cameron, is coming down to spend a few days with me next week. Should be fun. I'm excited, just have to figure out what the heck we should do...bowling, miniature golf, games, swimming...who knows. it'll be fun, though. We'll figure it out, i'm sure :)
Not a lot else. Slow week here, I guess. :)
Why in the world is it that I can read like 90% of the Indianapolis Star online, but it's like 6 bucks a month to read the local Bloomington paper? It's the only real source of news in bloomington that is more localized, but honestly...I am NOT going to pay that for the once in awhile that I want to read the paper. I'll just settle for Indy news. It's slightly less biased, anyway.
ANYWAY :)
My little brother, Cameron, is coming down to spend a few days with me next week. Should be fun. I'm excited, just have to figure out what the heck we should do...bowling, miniature golf, games, swimming...who knows. it'll be fun, though. We'll figure it out, i'm sure :)
Not a lot else. Slow week here, I guess. :)
7.02.2004
The Greatest Woman in the World
I would like to take this blog and dedicate it to the greatest woman I have ever met in my life--my mother. She is so many things that I cannot even begin to put them into words, but I would like to try.
She has dreamed my biggest (and silliest) dreams.
No matter what my dreams have been, from wanting to be the first woman president of the moon to an actress, to a writer, to a teacher...no matter what, she has been my strongest supporter. None of my dreams have ever been silly or pointless or unbelievable. She has always believed in me and in them.
She is my strongest supporter.
The world could be stacked against me and she still believes in me. She always, 'has my back' as it were. She trusts me and loves me in those ways that just don't make sense to me. She was at every theater performance, band contest, marching band show, awards night...you name it and she was there. In marching band, I knew she was there by the sound of her whistle. In theatre, she once told me my eyes sparkled on stage, and it stayed with me forever.
She has always been exactly who she is.
I have to look no farther than my mom to see what a person with strong convictions and strong self-image is like. My mother does not hide who she is, and she makes no attempt to change herself to 'fit in' with other people. She's bold and she's funny. She's smart and she's beautiful. She's strong in so many ways, and yet will hold you tenderly if you need it. She will say exactly what she feels and she will give you the best advice in the world. She also knows when to not say anything at all and just let you learn on your own.
She's one of my best friends.
No child could love a mother more. I love to talk to her; to share my struggles and my successes with her. I value her advice and her thoughts about every aspect of my life. I know that she's never farther away than a phone call, and always there when I need her. She loves me enough to let me be a 'grown up' but I will never forget that I will always be her little girl. We can stay up all night laughing or sit and play cards forever. Whatever we do together, whether it's building puzzles, shopping and trying on clothes, or simply going for a walk, it is awesome.
She's my aspiration.
I've said it once and I'll say it again. My mother is the woman I want to be. Hopefully every day I'm turning into her a little more. Her confidence, her poise, her conviction, her love, her beauty...these are the things that I have learned from her.
Mom, I love you. ~Your Little Girl, Emmy
I would like to take this blog and dedicate it to the greatest woman I have ever met in my life--my mother. She is so many things that I cannot even begin to put them into words, but I would like to try.
She has dreamed my biggest (and silliest) dreams.
No matter what my dreams have been, from wanting to be the first woman president of the moon to an actress, to a writer, to a teacher...no matter what, she has been my strongest supporter. None of my dreams have ever been silly or pointless or unbelievable. She has always believed in me and in them.
She is my strongest supporter.
The world could be stacked against me and she still believes in me. She always, 'has my back' as it were. She trusts me and loves me in those ways that just don't make sense to me. She was at every theater performance, band contest, marching band show, awards night...you name it and she was there. In marching band, I knew she was there by the sound of her whistle. In theatre, she once told me my eyes sparkled on stage, and it stayed with me forever.
She has always been exactly who she is.
I have to look no farther than my mom to see what a person with strong convictions and strong self-image is like. My mother does not hide who she is, and she makes no attempt to change herself to 'fit in' with other people. She's bold and she's funny. She's smart and she's beautiful. She's strong in so many ways, and yet will hold you tenderly if you need it. She will say exactly what she feels and she will give you the best advice in the world. She also knows when to not say anything at all and just let you learn on your own.
She's one of my best friends.
No child could love a mother more. I love to talk to her; to share my struggles and my successes with her. I value her advice and her thoughts about every aspect of my life. I know that she's never farther away than a phone call, and always there when I need her. She loves me enough to let me be a 'grown up' but I will never forget that I will always be her little girl. We can stay up all night laughing or sit and play cards forever. Whatever we do together, whether it's building puzzles, shopping and trying on clothes, or simply going for a walk, it is awesome.
She's my aspiration.
I've said it once and I'll say it again. My mother is the woman I want to be. Hopefully every day I'm turning into her a little more. Her confidence, her poise, her conviction, her love, her beauty...these are the things that I have learned from her.
Mom, I love you. ~Your Little Girl, Emmy
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