End of the Spear

Okay, some of my blogging friends have already put in a plug for the movie End of the Spear, out in theaters now. But here is one of my own. GO SEE IT!

It's not "entertaining," per se, but it is important. I'm amazed that this movie was made, let alone playing in mainstream theaters. Based on a true story that began in the 1940's and continues to this day, it is set in the jungle of Ecuador at the Amazon Basin. This movie is about reaching out to be Jesus to others and having a heart that sees beyond the box. It's about forgiveness and grace and mercy. It is a powerfully moving story. It's still stirring my personal thought and introspection and I saw it 3 days ago.

Seriously, hit up the matinee for $6. Part of the proceeds go toward the work being done with indigenous tribes so you're not only getting to see this great story, but you're helping others at the same time. Now...go!

change is in the air...

One of my best pals in the whole wide world is moving this week to pursue an adventure and dream. I'm excited for her to step out in faith, knowing God will guide her. I'm scared for her to step out onto the street, knowing there are more crazies per capita where she's headed. But mostly, I'm proud of her, knowing this is the first of many steps outside the box that has confined -- and in some ways, defined -- her. She is a special individual God put in my path many years ago and I thank him daily for it.

It's hard for me to realize, at times, that people change and grow and move on when I can't see them. Life doesn't stop just because you leave one particular environment. I wish I could bottle up all the smells and tastes and sounds of certain times in my life and store them in a container a little more sturdy than my memory. But I'm thankful for what I can recall. The bits and pieces of my history, trapped in my mind, are the threadwork of an exquisite life quilt, even if I do say so myself.

...After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, a plane ride away...

SPAM!

Do you know what is just as gross as actual Spam, the alleged meat in a can? Comment spam! I've had this blog for well over a year and a half and not once had I gotten spammed in my comments...until today. The most ridiculous part is that the spammer commented on a post back in August of 2004...and it wasn't even related to that post but a post further down the page! If I didn't have my comments emailed to me, I would never have known. It kind of irritates me that my spammer wasn't even remotely intelligent. Unfortunately, this means I am now turning on comment verification. Boo.

a little TLC

Lately, I've been feeling the need for a change in my life. The harsh reality of entering my late 20's has brought with it the additionally harsh reality that I might need a more sophisticated wardrobe. For instance, I should probably not wear a camp t-shirt, jeans, tennies, and a hoodie to work. Yet that is exactly what I have found myself doing the past three days. I used to care about fashion, but I've been so busy with my job that I hardly even notice when I go 4 months without a haircut or that I have a professional image to maintain. (Okay, so really I am just low on clean laundry and I've been sick....but let's stick with the story here, folks.)

TLC is one of my favorite channels. Why? Because it features What Not to Wear, one of my favorite shows. If you've never watched style gurus Stacy London and Clinton Kelly at work, you're missing out.

So what I propose is this: I will continue to wear t-shirts, jeans, and tennies every day for several weeks. You will nominate me for the show, explaining that I never dress appropriately. Stacy and Clinton will come to my rescue with the $5,000 Visa card in hand. I'll get to go shopping in NYC and also get a hair and makeup makeover in the process. (See, it's a brilliant plan.)

Any questions? No? Okay then...get to nominating!