The Resolution for a Girl who Hates Resolutions

So I don't really do New Year's Resolutions.  It's the big national joke that no one keeps any... and I'm no different than anyone else.  Picking an otherwise arbitrary day to list all the things you'd like to change and decide to do it all at once?  It hardly even makes any sense.  All actual decisions for change in my life have sprouted organically after an actual desire to change something specific, not because I pulled some ill-thought idea out of nowhere.

Well, if my pastor just didn't crush my own resolution to not have a resolution.  

(oh yes, the irony almost hurts)

The whole reason I landed at my current church is because I could tell I would be challenged in my faith there.  I know that one of my downfalls is to be complacent in my faith if there isn't anyone to challenge, at least a little.  And, I'm so glad my first impression was right.

Two weeks ago (a week an a half?  who's counting?)  Pastor Ron gave a sermon of faith to start a new sermon series.  He made the analogy of faith as having 4 "levels."  It was cheesy.  And pretty simple.  

But it spoke truth straight into my life, loud and clear.  Basically, God's just not the center of my life, and I'm not seriously committed to growing in my faith.  Agh.  A half a year after leaving InterVarsity, from my community, from a life where I lived for God and was growing in my faith... I've actually taken a step or two backward.

And the challenge of the message?  Commit to growing to the next level of faith this year.  It's so cheesy that I might actually need to rephrase it to hold onto it, but until then my commitment is loud and clear:  I will grow to level 4 in 2011: "Christ-Centered."

Here's the description of Level 4 that separates it from others, as per handy sermon notes:

• Passionate about connecting with Christ on a personal basis most days
• Willing to make significant sacrifices for His kingdom
• Thoughts/concerns about His kingdom dominate most days

So, I have a resolution for the year.  And it's one I'm quite [excited, nervous, happy] about, and one that will actually stick.

So of course I've turned to my arsenal of IV Press books.  To get inspiration and further challenge for growing in my faith I've turned to Faith on the Edge: a book I've attempted to read multiple times but haven't actually made it through.

So here's to the best year ever and the best resolution I've ever had :)

MLK : The Best 12-Hour Work Day

In my office, MLK Day means many things: service, compassion, justice, heroism...

...and a (quite enjoyable) 12-hour+ workday for everyone.

Every year, MLK celebration night at my organization consists of about 3 hours of acts, poems, and songs performed by hundreds of kids from the after school program.  It was adorable and actually quite inspiring to see all those kids relaying what they knew about civil rights and their feelings about it. 

Putting on this great affair for children and parents takes a ton of hands from the staff and AmeriCorps members - people who have been working since 8:30 (or earlier), who are there to make it all happen until the last bit of spilled coffee ad cookie is picked up off the gymnasium floor around 9 pm.  

And no one was grumpy, I didn't hear a singe person complain - in fact, everyone seemed quite pleased to be there - including the entire audience, from what I saw.  Even the parents who came straight from work with hungry kids who hadn't had a chance to have dinner yet.  Even the man I accidentally sent in the wrong direction to a water fountain who spent 10 or so minutes looking for it.  A handful of kids even smiled at me joyfully when I had to turn them away at the refreshment bar because the only hot beverage we had was coffee.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of getting 100s of kids on and off a stage and shuffling 100s of parents and siblings in and out of an auditorium and not having enough refreshments and the iPod dock not working correctly and the translators showing up late... I saw no one who was upset (other than a couple of kids who dropped their cookies, that is).

Isn't that how it should be?  No one taking themselves too seriously, people enjoying being together, seeing kids perform, celebrating some of the richness of our history and the idea that it's not okay to treat anyone wrongly, we should all serve one another, and everyone should be able to be friends.

Above all I think I learned last night that I love, lovelovelove, working with people who are so happy to serve.  Isn't that, afterall, how God intends it?   

We were made free to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13)  :)

What are your plans for MLK Day on Monday?  Consider using your day off to serve someone else.

Goodbye : Hello

Dear 2010,


Thanks for everything.  Really, it's been wonderful.  


You gave me the most wonderful community, saw me graduate, took me to Peru and showed me just how wonderful God really is, gave me the best 1.5 months I've ever had in SB, a new job (ish) that I love, and caught me up with some wonderful old friends.  Oh, how I loved you so.


Even despite the whole passing out in a Peruvian hospital thing, the whole changing my life plans thing, and all the stress around school, graduation, and moving twice, I think you were wonderful.


But I'm moving onto your more attractive younger brother, 2011.  He's just so exciting, and I can't wait for what he has in store for me.


Thanks for the sweet ride,


Lauren



Dear 2011,


I'm so stoked!  I cant wait to pursue my passions, learn how to live my post-college life to the fullest, and grow closer with God.


I just know you'll be epic.


Love,


Lauren