Quirks

It's so funny to me how I'll hear teenagers, psychologists, counselors, etc etc all talk about "finding yourself"...discovering who you are. Though there may be a certain amount of truth to that, I think perhaps we (only speaking for Christians at this point) spend too much time trying to get to know ourselves, that we don't spend enough time just getting to know our Lord. Perhaps there is a way we can do both...appreciate the way God has made us.

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." -Genesis 1:27

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." -1 Corinthians 6:19-20

How amazing to be made in the image and for the joy of a Holy God.

With that, I decided to share some of the things that make me...
Uniquely me.

* My favorite M&Ms are the brown and green ones.

* One characteristic my father gave me was a love for bookstores--new or used (preferably used...character added to every page)

* My mother encouraged my love of music...piano is my 2nd voice.

* I'm 20 and I still don't like mushrooms.

* I like crab, but not shrimp.

* I enjoy the sophisticated and elegant but also the casual and laid-back.

* My favorite memories are with the Obera cousins at Noni and Papa's house or at Christmas cabins.

* I'm a fake artist...sketching on napkins or in journals, but never taking the time to learn how to do it well :)

* I get excited about making an excel spreadsheet.

* I crave two things (not simultaneously): milk chocolate and orange juice.

* When I meet people, I like to find out how they drink their coffee.

* I'm nearly convinced God intended all people to eat while sitting on the floor.

* The best summer Saturday would be: a picnic on the beach or buying fresh foods at the farmer's market and napping in the sunshine.

* Kite flying and archery are amazing.

* My heroes are my grandmothers, Ruth Bruckart, Beverley Obera and Marjorie Cohoon.

* I was born into a family whose history is covered in God's grace.



What makes you uniquely you?

Blessings, dear friends.

Internship Update #3

Make that $1,242.00 :)

Internship Update #2

Just a quick note to let you know...

I am at $1,142 of raising $4,160!

Keep praying! God is providing!!!

Blessings to you all,
Emily

Stone of Remembrance

Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.

One thing I have desired of the LORD
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, "Seek My face,"
My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the LORD will take care of me.

Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD,
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Just for fun...

Summer 2009

Blessings to you all.

Since I've put this link on my missions support letters, I think it's about time I gave a MISSIONS UPDATE (or perhaps just any sort of update). :)

Last summer, I attempted to piece together a trip to fulfill the requirements for my school internship. I tried to go with Every Child Ministries to Ghana to do slave liberation, however, God made it (and continues to make it) abundantly clear to me that it was not His will for that trip to take place.

I'm now a senior at Moody (graduating December 2009) and this is my last summer to do an internship. In truth, I was dreading the process of looking, applying, training, support-raising, and doing an internship again. I felt so embarrassed and upset with the Lord for not doings things MY WAY that I did not begin with an attitude of openness and gratefulness. Both qualities are tremendously important for missions and the Christian life in general.

Let me tell you how God gave constant mercy and grace to me, a sinner with a horridly selfish attitude...

**Without me realizing it, God had used last year's process to train me and show me the responsibilities that needed to be met. I have been more knowledgeable and prepared to step into this experienced because of having tried and failed once already.

**When I had hardly began to look for a new possibility, the doors of ONE agency flew open. The Lord knows how much I love options, but hate decisions. He gave me few options, but only one that obviously fit.

**God is expanding my interests. Though I've always been passionate about ending injustice in terms of slavery and abuse, the last few years of study have intrigued me regarding Muslim culture, religion, and their need for Christ. This opportunity was completely geered toward this aspect in such a way that I can learn by observing and participating in a safe and supervised context.

**One of my greatest fears was that the agency I went with would expect me to do all the inter-cultural work (i.e. visas, plane tickets, contextualizing, understanding the culture and the ministry, etc). SEND International REQUIRES each missionary (short or long term) to go through very detailed training and debriefing for their trips. They desire to provide their members with proper care as their people are experiencing completely different situations that weigh heavily on faith and heart. My time at SEND's training in March was one of the best experiences of my life--studying the Scriptures with other missionaries, receiving help in the media aspects and planning, learning how to support raise and keep donors well-aware of what was going on, and building tremendous friendships.

**I have a very difficult time raising support. I dislike asking others for money. It requires vulnerability and admittance that there is no possible way I can go without the involvement of the church. During training, God impressed on me that I couldn't ask for help because of pride (wanting to do this on my own), and fear (that no one would actually support). After much prayer and convincing by close advisers, I chose to ask for help in my two needs: prayer and finances.

THUS FAR, GOD HAS PROVIDED THROUGH DEAR PEOPLE 5 OF 15 REGULAR PRAYER PARTNERS AND OVER $1,000 OUT OF $4,600!!! WOW. (Keep in mind, letters only went out 2 weeks ago!)

I can't deny His goodness.

For those that have not heard, here are the details of what God has provided for my internship this summer:

Where: Maharlika Village, Metro Manila, Philippines
When: June 8-July 20, 2009
With Whom: SEND International (www.send.org)

More to come later. Thank you for your prayers and your influence on my life.

Peace, blessings, and God's truth be always with you.
Emily

Texas...I never thought I'd like you...

When I was in high school, I would talk with a few of my friends about how much they loved Texas and would never leave and how much I disliked it and would be leaving ASAP. Funny how you change your mind so quickly. Reasons for this change of heart...
* Texas has no negative degree weather...
* People in Texas ARE (in general) more friendly...
* Food portions are bigger...
* They know the importance of Dr. Pepper...
* They have REAL Tex-mex...
* The Alamo Cafe...
* You can drive faster...
* If there's traffic on the highway, there are usually backroads...
* You can wear flip-flops everyday except it's one ice-day...

I concede...Texas IS a good state. :)

A couple of fun pictures...Jesse came to Texas for a week over our spring break where he experience some of the above joys (notice the alamo cafe tortillas).





Enjoy your Saturday!!!

Addicted to sunshine.

It's 60 degrees in Chicago today. The sun is out. It's beautiful. So beautiful and warm...I probably could cry out of joy if I let myself. *sigh*

I'm awful at this blogging thing. I go through short spurts of inspiration and long droughts of writer's block. :P

I came to a realization about myself today--one my step-dad will tell me he's noticed for years (and he's right). When I know what to expect and how things are supposed to go, I'm great. But when things are unknown or shaken up, I get flustered and frustrated. The world caves in.

There is something to be said for that cliche phrase, "Roll with the punches..." I need to learn that.

Founder's Week was amazing. Go to to download the sermons. Crawford Loritts did a series on Rest, Courage, and Restoration...by far my favorite.

I love sun chips. They remind me of days living in California...shopping at Zannato's (sp?) family grocery store where mom would never let us get chips or sweet things because we always got cavities. :)

Alright...there are my random tidbits.

Reading is good for you.

Book Recommendation: The Cross & The Crescent by Phil Parshall

:)

There's a HUGE butterfly above our front door...

I'm glad life keeps moving along. It's not always what I think I want, but it always ends up being good. A lot changes with perspective and a good attitude. I'm hopeful for the semester. It's the beginning of the end for school. I'm excited for the end. But the process will be challenging and stretching.

I hate leaving my family and my church in Texas. I think I'm addicted to them. Despite our flaws, drama, and even mundane-ness at times, I love living life with these people. I will miss them all. I'm convinced that "real life" outside of college should revolve around our families. God put us in them for a reason...immediate ministry from the day we're born.

Pray for me as I return to Moody tonight. I'm looking at a heavy course load and a lot of hours, but the preparation and study of God's word is so valuable. These are my classes...

Classic and Contemporary Ethics
World Religious Systems
Strategic Planning and Research
Systematic Theology I
Early Childrens' Music Ministry
Tropical Diseases
Directed Study--Muslim studies

My PCM (Practical Christian Ministry) is at the SouthAsian Friendship Center. Not sure what I'll be doing yet, but I get to interact weekly with Muslim and Hindu people. I'm hopeful for some "hands on" ministry training for when I'm doing my internship in the Philippines this summer. (more to come on that)

That's all for now, folks. Time to be with the parents in the last couple hours I've got at home.

Blessings!

Jesse: "a gift; wealthy"

Humor

You are quick on your feet, constantly thinking of the random movie quote or funny line. Your humor makes others feel comfortable and welcome around you.

Work Ethic

You do not complain because you have to work. You do your tasks with diligence and efficiency. You expect excellence, first from yourself, and then from those you lead.

Good looks

Your features are dark and defined. Every attribute speaks to God’s marvelous work. You are a FIIIIINE creation. :)

Athletic

You are talented and knowledgeable in nearly every sport…baseball, basketball, football, hockey, bad-mitten, ping-pong, fuse-ball, and more. Though your ability speaks highly of you, your good sportsmanship does more. On and off the court or field, you are self-controlled and encouraging to your teammates. Disappointments affect you, but do not over-rule you.

Leadership

You lead by example. You do not demand of others or parade your authority, but you lead by demonstrating excellence in what you do and how you live. You earn the respect of those that follow you.

Faith

You seek to know the LORD and His truth in every arena of life. You study hard to know what Scripture says and to apply it in your life. You surround yourself with people and situations that will strengthen and deepen your understanding of Christ and you are quick to obey what is true.

Honesty/vulnerability

You are single-faced—you live the same way in all facets of your life. You do not hide your true nature to make an impression, but you are honest and open. You are transparent and vulnerable when needed so that others may learn from your testimony and know you more personally.

Temperament

You are slow to anger. In the heat of the moment, you are self-controlled and even keel, doing your best to calm the situation and seek peace.

Wisdom

You are cautious and thoughtful in your approach to life. Your big decisions, you give time and thought to, making sure that you avoid rashness.

Demeanor
You are respectable and approachable. Others feel comfortable and secure when confiding in you.

Hands

They are rough and strong because they have seen much hard work. They are quick to serve and ready to extend to someone in need.

Consistency

You make it a point to engage beneficial habits for your life…the greatest of these being spending daily time before the LORD and in His word.

Reputation

Your name is respected by others as a trustworthy and upright man.

Conscience/Integrity/Character

You live righteously, acting quickly if you see a hint of sin.

Service

If you see need, you meet it. While helping with the physical lack, you speak to the spiritual as well, encouraging and uplifting others. You serve without being asked or without being thanked.

Courtesy/Thoughtfulness

You continually think of fun creative things to make others feel special.

Tastefulness

In how you dress and in what interests you (except your music taste in Celine Dion) ;)

Generous

Though you don’t throw away money, you are quick to give of your resources to someone in need. You bless others with what you have been given.

Contentment

You work for what you need and plan ahead, but you are never greedy for your own gain.

Strength

You keep yourself fit both physically and spiritually.

Forgiveness

You are quick to seek peace and reconciliation in your relationships. You do not let conflict sit and grow, but deal with it quickly. You forgive when you have been wronged and are quick to admit to your own guilt.

Kindness

You think of those that are unloved. You remember the homeless, giving your time and energy to demonstrate Christ’s likeness to them.

Slow to Speak

You are careful in your choice of words. You do not speak rashly, but as much as possible you give yourself time to consider your address to things.

Happy 23rd Birthday, Jesse!

How to formulate a blog topic.

I go through moments of inspiration. Maybe that's what I should title this blog instead. :) I think it necessary to write about topics that are semi-worthwhile. BUT...when the great discussions of all time do not pop into my head, what other ideas shall I consider? I could...

* Tell you what I had for breakfast.
* Write out my grocery list.
* Elaborate on my very unpractical new year's resolutions.
* Gawk at my nieces and nephews (more than I already do).
* Tell you about my bad habits, like not writing my thank-you notes within a week of Christmas.
* Quote famous people.
* Give you a list of favorites.
* Or write out a fantastic story.

See, I prefer the random and spontaneous over the expected.

************************************************
On another note, I think I have finally decided on a trade, of sorts. I have often toyed with the idea of pursuing nursing, never being extremely all for it, but it has begun to grow on me as of late. My friend, CJ, will claim I'm copying her, which is fine. My mother always said, "Copying is the highest form of flattery." Somehow I stilled never liked being copied...oh well. So yes, the plan as of now is to finish at Moody December 09, take some training the semester prior, then hopefully apply for nursing school through a hospital program. In certain cases, a hospital will pay for your training and you are then committed to work for them for a number of years after you finish, much like the military. We shall see :)

The excellent part about Nursing is it's a guaranteed job anywhere in the world. My interests in international work can be much easily to facilitate with certification in a field like that. So...please pray for direction while I look into schools and programs and don't hesitate to suggest anything you think of.

*************************************************

Lastly, a music recommendation for anyone that needs to update their cds or itunes....look for the Friday Night Lights soundtrack. It's mostly wordless and very relaxing. BEAUTIFUL music. (Compliments to my brother and sister-in-law who bought that for my Christmas gift).

Happy January 3rd!

Go Andrew, it's your birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday, Buddy!!!
Don't grow up too fast! :)
Your auntie loves you!

*Insert witty/symbolic/serious title here*

When it's too hard to come up with a title for your blog, maybe you shouldn't, but I am anyway :)

IT'S THURSDAY!!!
The day when I work my last early shift for the year 2008!
The day I check my school mailbox for the last time in the fall 2008 semester!
The day I am still not fully packed and leaving for TEXAS!!! WOOOOOO!!!!!
It's a good day :)

Every Christmas (for the past 2-3 years, ha) my roommate and two of our best friends (basically roommates) celebrate Christmas together. We hang stockings, which are gradually filled, set up our 2.5 foot Charlie Brown Tree, make hot chocolate and brownies and enjoy each others' company.

Merry Christmas, girls :)

On my walk to work this morning...

...the sky was a brilliant teal color. This cell-phone picture does not do it justice, by any means, but use your imagination :) It was beautiful.

Enjoy the day!

Faithfulness

This post is a mix 'n match of stories from this week...

Post office faith...
Yesterday was my last opportunity to get Christmas packages mailed out to my siblings! Oh what a day... After my 8am final, I grabbed my 4 big packages and my wallet from my room and scuttled to the campus post office. When I got to CPO, I opened my wallet as they weighed the packages, only to find $27 in cash and some change. Now, the cost of mailing A package at Christmas time is about $15 from Chicago. You do the math...4 packages...$27...not enough (mind you, it's a cash only post office). I stood at the counter, wishing/hoping/praying that somehow I wouldn't have to take some of the packages home, trudge out in the snow, find an ATM, withdraw money, and go back to CPO before work at 11am. God likes to laugh with me sometimes. They rang up the bill...$27.21. :D Dingdingding! Packages sent!

Conversations...
A few nights ago, Jesse and I were meeting two of our homeless friends to celebrate Christmas with them. They weren't able to show up, so Jesse and I had dinner together. As we were getting ready to leave, a woman sitting at the table in front of us gets our attention and smiles so calmly :) She asked if we had a few minutes to sit and talk with her, so we did. It was providential that our friends did not show up--we spent the next hour or so talking with this lady, Ava was her name. Her Bible had been open to Genesis. It was one of those texts that had be scribbled over with years of wear, highlighting, special dates, prayers, and sermon notes in the margins. Back and forth, we shared Scriptures of God's faithfulness to the people in the Bible as well as His goodness to us. She is walking through a "dark valley" as the Christianese would term it, but her hope is so strong. Ava is homeless by way of identity theft. It's a very hard situation for her ethically--she's not sure if she should sue those that did this or if God would have her forgive and make due. Please pray for her wisdom and that she would not seek her own revenge.

Real life, real world...
I work for Moody's Customer Service Center and answer phones. These are some true story examples.

Speaking slowly...."Hello...I had called once before to ask for prayer...I need it again. My name's Bernice...I just became a Christian...I have no Christian friends. The man I'm living with is not a good person...a very controlling man. Please pray for me...I have no where else to go." This was from one of my calls yesterday at work. Please pray for her. She was in tears over the phone by the end of our conversation.

A Pakistani gentleman named Habeeb called today. He told me he is a Muslim but he listens to WMBI all the time when he can. "I wish we (Muslims) had people like Moody Bible people in our religion...we need them!" There was a program on the radio a few days ago that was talking about the organization Jihad Watch and some books about Islam from a Christian perspective. He was so excited and wanting to learn what the Bible would have to say about faith. Truth is so appealing, yet so hard for the lost to find. Pray that God would reveal the truth to Habeeb and bring him to salvation.

Thoughts from a silly college student...
I just put Christmas lights up in my cubicle...they twinkle :) I'm happy.

BE BLESSED.
Em

Little bits of winter

In the fall...

my walk to work...

snowing...

the city :)

Merry Christmas :)

So this is Christmas...

I am such a romantic. Have you ever watched all those old black and white Christmas movies where the main character contently crunches through the snow, passing by window displays of toy trains and porcelain dolls...or how about those fabulous (over-dramatic) hallmark movies where tragedy takes hold of a couple's life, they grow apart the days before Christmas, then after decorating their trees alone and realizing their need for each other, they get back together in time for Christmas eve :) *sigh*

Every time I take a walk in the city, I think, "Why can't real life have a soundtrack?" The chorus of violins never seems to take my cues: "Okay, this is a sad moment! Play something depressing!" A taxi honked once, though! ;)

Where are you this Christmas? I've tried to get in my usual reflective mode to evaluate where I've been these last few months--have I learned and if so, what? How have I impacted people? Where do I go from here? I think these questions are good and serve their purpose. Be encouraged to really learn the art of reflection. How can you move forward if you don't know where you've been? God gifts us this gift of memory and a processing mechanism to work through it. Take advantage of such.

As you think through, be mindful and watchful of people near to you--not necessarily just those you know. I read an incredible book last night titled, "Days of Glory, Seasons of Night." The daughter of a famed missionary described her families struggles through life and rejection. Her older sister was an outward example of everything a Christian young woman should be, yet her journals and letters reveal an open wound of a life. She committed suicide at the age of 28, not because she doubted God's love for her, but because her anxieties were so overwhelming that she could not hold her head above them. No one knew of her struggles until after her first failed attempt to take her life. We all have heard that suicide rates rise during the Christmas season, much due to the fact that it's hard for people to be alone during these special times. OPEN YOUR HOME TO THOSE THAT ARE ALONE. No one should dread Christmas or "celebrate" it alone.

Be glad for this season. I know it's hard for non-snowed folks to understand the concept of winter ;) but the idea of a season for things to die off and wash out seems sad. Spring comes soon, though, and new life grows. This is the whole idea: regeneration. God gives us some wonderful visible examples for what He does in our lives.

This morning, Mike Kellogg, one of the famous radio voices of WMBI, is coming to chapel. Every year, one day at the end of school, Mr. Kellogg sits in his big leather chair, the auditorium lights dim, and he reads us Christmas stories :) A room full of young and old adults reverts back to childhood as we listen to stories of snowflakes and Christmas cookies :) Create Christmas traditions in your families...they provide wonderful memories for your kids when they are grown.

Blessings,
Emily

Turkey Day!!!!

Legacy

It's finally turned winter in the city. I'm learning to appreciate the cold, as it makes me that much more grateful for things of warmth: a home, blankets, socks, a hot drink, friends to snuggle with. When I was little, my mom wanted so badly for me to be a "snuggler." She'd make me crawl up on her bed with her for nap-time so she could hug me or make me scratch her arms. I wanted to be an independent brat then so I rarely obliged her and when I did it was out of "have to" circumstances. "SNUGGLE OR YOU CAN'T GO PLAY!" ;) I've always had a great mom...but she certainly has gotten cooler over the years.

Do you ever smell something that brings back memories from years ago? Camp fires, musty books, cedar and pine trees...these remind me of my dad. Our family didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up so instead of flying, we road-tripped for most of our family vacations. We drove to Redlands, California to see my grandparents several times a year. I remember, the final part of the drive was climbing through a forest on one of the mountains. Pine cones would sometimes hit the top of the car and squires would dodge across the road. It always smelled of Christmas with the pine and cedar decorating the slopes. If it was near winter, there would be patches of snow on the tops of trees or in the rock crevices. My dad would get this smile across his face as he rolled down the windows and put his head into the wind. This was home for him.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

College students are an interesting bunch. Young adults all about to begin their "real lives," some single, some starting families. Each one returns to their past for a glance at what has gone before them. Their parents play such a vital role, be that bad or good. Sadly, a great majority look back at broken marriages and families...failed relationships and hurting family members. It's so easy to see the hurt and not beyond.

I have come to grips with the fact that there will be hurt and brokenness in my family's past that will just remain, like a picture framed in someone's house...it just hangs there as something you may see everyday that acts as a reminder for you. But as I look at it and wonder why it's still around, I've realized that healing doesn't come until we can look at those people and situations and see the redeemable elements of them. It's easy for me to pick out flaws in my family, but how little I have sat to think of the good they have taught me...the qualities they have passed on to me.

As we interact with people, I think it's important that we don't judge them for where or what family they've come from, but we should be encouraging them to seek the redeemable things from their past. What is the good of the past if we do not learn from it?

Every day enjoyment...

I love the city. There are times when it is difficult to remember that. It's easy to complain about the smell...sirens...people...crime...cold...business...etc. But I forget all too often its beauty:

The people,
Fall trees,
Church steeples,
Christmas lights,
Cathedral bells,
Crazy sights,
The cool breeze,
Tall buildings,
Snow flurries,
Starbucks,
Kind friends,
Thrift stores,
Rivers,
Parks,
Beaches,
Musicals and plays,
Bookstores galore,
Art galleries,
Ethnic foods,
and so much more.

I don't ever regret moving to the city for college. What a good choice that was. I admire those that plant roots in this constantly-growing and moving place. What a hard place to minister to people. There's a scary oppression that covers this city, but it does not quench God's work throughout. How precious are the prayers of His children to Him.