Peace and Blessings

2008-06-29T20:47:00.004-05:00

Pictures of me...6 months pregnant!!!

I don't feel soooo big in this photo.

I feel huge in this photo! This one was taken in the baby's room.

I'm Pregnant!

2008-06-29T19:41:00.008-05:00

Well, it has been a very long time since my last post! And lots has changed! Quick update...outside of the title info....--I completed my term as a missionary in NYC and moved back to OH--I started, and completed my first semester of Seminary at Methodist Theological School in Ohio--I am pregnant!That is about the gist of it...ok, so some details on the final point...

On February 7th I found out I was pregnant. As most you know, the chances, medically, of this happening were VERY unlikely--ok, like none--so needless to say, I was VERY shocked. Even the staff of the doctor's office, including the docs, were highly shocked. So after laughing through the shock, excitement set in. Shermaine (My boyfriend of the last 4.5 years) and I are excited and preparing to be parents. I have had fun buying furniture for the baby's room, cute clothes, and taking the wonderful "hand-me-downs" given to me by wonderful friends. We have registered at Babies R Us (where I am now working part time!), so if you want to check it out and give me any suggestions, just look it up under my name.

I will take the fall semester off of school, and then after I will probably finish this second master's degree a class or two at a time. Let's face it, I don't need another degree, but I would still really like the knowledge, and it will be a great connection for my work with The UMC. I am living with my parents in Akron, and will remain here for now. My mom will be a great help when the baby comes, and considering how excited she is, I am not sure I will be doing much outside of feeding this baby!

I am now six months along (25 weeks tomorrow to be exact), and feeling much, much better. The first 22 weeks were a bit rough, but I feel great now. We have had a mid-term ultrasound and all is well--baby is on target with weight and growth, YEAH!! The baby is very active, and likes to keep mom up at night, but I love every moment! Before you ask, we are not finding out the baby's gender and we are not sharing any names we have picked out (and yes those are finalized!)

I am going to try and do my best to use this blog to keep everyone up to date on baby progress, so as soon as blogger will let me (technical difficulties tonight), I will post some current pictures of "us". Just as a note, to me the pictures make me look much bigger than I really am, or maybe that is just how I was feeling in them! Thank you in advance for your support and love and prayers. Each of you have touched my life, and I look forward to the ways you will touch this baby!

Peace and blessings,

Lauren

The Pact

2007-04-03T21:31:00.000-05:00

I just got done reading the book, The Pact. It is about three doctors who came from inner-city Newark, NJ and while in high school they made a pact to go to college and then medical school together. They were able to do this through an affirmative action program at Seaton Hall College--proof that affirmative action is necessary until our society will educate all equally. As I am reading the book, all I can think about is all of my friends who were raised in similar or worse situations. Why is it that some young people are able to avoid the suduction of the streets, and others sucome to it? The smartest man I have ever met never graduated from high school and was dead by the age of 22--and you must remember that I have a graduate degree and hang out with people with PhDs. I am a firm believer that nurture (or environment) can overide nature. But I also know, and have witnessed, that positive influences can make all the difference. This book shows how important it is in the life of a child that they be challenged academically, praised for the positive, and provided with positive people to show that negative behavior is not necessary to be successful--give a positive view of what success is. I know I am where I am because I had a dream...to be a social worker (not to mention the stable family and excellent education). It is not always important for the dream to be a vocation, but a young person has to be allowed to dream, and dream big. When the time comes that a kid does not think there is anything to dream of or for, that is when the negative will take over. Unfortunately, if a kid is poor, of color, or lives in a certain neighborhood, society does not give them a chance to dream. Programs like the one the doctors particpated in provided something to dream of. Take a moment and encourage a kid to dream...remind them they can do anything! And then read this book to give you some more inspiration to share with them. Peace and blessings, Lauren

Committed!

2007-04-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I have made the big step, jumped off the cliff, altered my life forever...or at least for the next 3 years. I have sent in my deposit to Methodist Theological School in Ohio. I am offically a Divinity Student! This is exciting, but still a bit scary. Not sure how the bills will get paid, I will buy a car, or how I will tolerate 3 more years of school (I say that like I do not like school), but I am learning to trust more and more that God will provide. Keep me in your prayers as I continue on this journey... Peace and blessings, Lauren

Long Time No Type

2007-03-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Well, once again, it has been a while...and more has happen then you have time to read about. I am going to do my best to give you a wonderful update, and in true Lauren style it will be chronological. Here goes...

9/21/2006--Late in the evening I received a call from my mother that my Uncle Mike, her brother, had been in a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, he did not survive. I returned home to Ohio the next day to be with my family. I can honestly say this has been the hardest death for myself since my father died more than 10 years ago. However, this time in Ohio with my family confirmed for me that I needed to return to Ohio when my term in NYC is complete--so I will be home the end of July. Through this time, I was blessed with being able to spend time with my extended family--to support them and mourn with them--and many friends of my Uncle's. I have attended too many funerals in my short 28+ years, but this was the most moving I have ever been too. There were more than 1,000 persons who came to the calling hours, including a bus load (literally) from my Uncle's work that came from 1 hour away. Almost 50 bikes blocked the entire highway during the processional to the grave site which was over 20 miles away--it was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. It has been a hard 6 months, but a time of growth for me. Here are some pictures...

This is a picture of the line of bikes that processed to the grave site

This picture and a mat were set out at the calling hours for individuals to sign--this particular mat has signatures from the club my family are members at. The picture now hangs on the wall of the club as a tribute to my Uncle Mike.

10/2006--I had the opportunity to attend a Deaconess Discernment event and the bi-annual Convocation for the Deaconess, Home Missioner, and Home Missionary community. For those of you who have not had the chance to hear me go on and on about the Deaconess relationship with the United Methodist Church, here is the information. This is a lifetime lay relationship with the Church (very different from Ordained Deacon) for individuals to be connected to areas of love, justice and service within the denomination. I had been thinking about pursuing this relationship, but through this event it was confirmed that this is where God was calling me. I have completed my application and will hopefully be a certified candidate in the next few months. I am excited about this lifetime connection to the UMC, as well as the connection to a wonderful community with a 120 year history of fighting for justice.

11/2006--It has been a VERY long time since I had seen much of my step-mother, Pat's, family, but in November, I was able to visit and attend my cousin, Jennifer's, baby shower. I flew to Rochester where all of the family lives (at least in the area), and where Pat and her husband, Mike, recently moved to. It was wonderful to see everyone again. Everyone but my step-mother I had not seen in at least 10 years, and many of them I had not seen in 15 years! I plan to go and visit more often, especially now that Pat and Mike are in the area. Again, here are some pics...

Pat, her sister Marcy, and Jennifer and Heather, Marcy's daughters

12/2006--The holidays were very nice and it was good to be home with family for a positive reason. While there, Dana, Stephanie (my sister's) and I went out. There has never been a time when just the three of us went out in Ohio. It was great to just relax and chat. Here is a picture from of them from our fun:

Also in December, the epiphany of what I am going to do next came to me...Seminary! I know this sounds either really crazy or the next logical step. Some days I sit on both sides of this fence. But, after lots of prayer, discussion and even a visit to the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (located near Columbus, OH so Iwill commute there for only a few days per week), I do believe this is where God is calling me next. I need to complete 5 seminary courses for my Deaconess commitment, so in addition to obtaining another Master's degree (of Divinity), I will be able to complete these classes. Though a bit apprehensive--am I ever going to get a "real" job??--this next step feels good, peaceful.

1/2007--I got to have lots more fun with my sister! Dana came out to visit me for her birthday. We had lots of fun shopping, dancing, and even playing in the snow! We went to see the musical, RENT on Broadway (thanks Shermaine!). As usual...here are some pictures...

Dana and I waiting to go into the theatre.

Dana and I out painting the town!

Dana making a snow angel on the sidewalk of my street--she is so silly!

2/2007--On the road again for me...I traveled to California for a week to visit two US-2 missionaries I work with. I flew into San Francisco, spent a day and a half being a tourist, and then traveled two hours north to spend a day with my US-2. As usual, it was great to see where she is working and what she is doing. I then returned to San Francisco for an evening before leaving the next morning to drive down the coast (Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway) to the LA area. The drive was AMAZING! I spent the entire time in awe of the magnificent power of God...it was very difficult to comprehend the ocean and mountain right next to each other. I was able to stop in Santa Barbara and see where my Aunt and Cousin spent so much of their lives. I then went on to Ventura to visit with a good friend, and spend the night with her. The next day I finished my drive down the coast through Malibu and went East to spend a few days with the other US-2 I traveled to see. Again, great to see what my missionary was doing and spend some time with her. Pictures continue to be the way I document my world, so here I will share more...

Lombard Street--the crookedest street in the world

Views of the Pacific Ocean and the Mountains

Present--I am now in the middle of preparing to interview, hire, make placement matches, and finally train our new classes of Young Adult Missionaries at work...so needless to say, my brain is a bit too full right now. My life is pretty much consumed by work! But, Austin and Kylee will be coming to visit me for 5 days in early April so I am very excited about this. I do not have much time left here in NYC, and since most of it is completely planed, it seems even shorter. I am looking forward to being back in Ohio and being able to settle near family. Keep me in your prayers as all of these transitions come up, and I will try to post more often so you can keep up with my crazy life a bit better. Thank you for being a wonderful support!

Peace and blessings, Lauren

Important To Me Series #1--Annie Mae Green

2006-09-06T18:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been inspired by fellow bloggers to start a series in my blogging world. Just to share a bit more about me with my captivated audience, I have decide to do a few posts about those in my life who are important to me--my family and friends. So, I will start with the one closest to me--in proximity that is--my cat, Annie May Green.

Annie was born February 29, 1996. Yes, she and her siblings were leap year kittens. In reality she is only 2.5 years old. As you can see from her beautiful picture, she is gray with long hair. We believe she hails from the Mane Coon species of cats, though I also believe she has some squirrel and lion mixed in. When she lays down, you see a wonderful mane (that she keeps very clean), and when she walks down the stairs you want to sing the song "gray squirrel, gray squirrel, swish you bushy tail". So, hence the other DNA contributors I belief exist within my pretty kitty. She was born to the cat of friends of ours. After her birth we went and picked her out--well actually my parents picked her, I just agreed. Before leaving her mother, and while exploring the world around her in our friends home, she began to attempt to eat flowers in their home called "Sweet Annie's". Our friend began to call her Sweet Annie, and it stuck...sort of. I later tacked on the Mae really just because I liked the way it sounded. The "Sweet" part of her name did not last too long--not because it is just hard to say, but her attitude changed after a certain surgery. Annie became a very special cat...in other words she will attempt to eat you if you do something she does not like (i.e. pet her more than three strokes, not feed her on time, etc.). I really do have the scars to prove this negative behavior. In reality she is a very nice cat...she sleeps with me every night, comforts me when I am sad, greets me at the door when I arrive home. She is just very finicky...she wants what she wants when she wants it, nothing more, nothing less. If you do not do it her way, she will seek blood and find it. The funniest thing is that she is really only snippy with those she knows...never strangers. She also snores when she lays in certain positions...I have no explanation for this trait. Enough negative...she really is a beautiful cat who loves me. Though I am not here all the time and probably do spend too much time away from her, I love to come home and have her greet me. Even when she wakes me up in the middle of the night, I love to know she is there. I know not everyone in this world is a cat lover, but I really do believe in the connection between pet and human. For all of the drama, my cat loves me and I love her. Peace and blessings, Lauren

I Did It!

2006-09-06T18:23:00.000-05:00

Well...I did it! Ok, so not as far as I said before...I cut off the phone (well it will be on the 9th), cut the cable down to just basic (which for everyone not in NYC--that means chanels normal cities get with bunny ears), but I kept the internet. After lots of calls, I finally spoke to someone who, I think, really knew what she was talking about. As I am talking to the representative, she tells me she will take care of everything, silence ensues, and then the next thing I know, no more Charmed! AHAAHAHAHAA!!! This is a very sad day, but at the same time a good day. I plan to read more...maybe my mind will grow...learn something! It feels very liberating! I realized last night that I really do need the internet. I pay all my bills online, upload pictures, download music. This is all stuff I will need to keep up with (especially the bills, but that is the least fun part), so I have down graded the internet but will still have access at home. Well, now that my life is altered forever without my daily dose of Charmed and 90210, I will manage. I did go for my two years as a US-2 without cable...I will do it again! Most important in all of this...I can still watch my General Hosptial! Peace and blessings, Lauren

Just rambling...

2006-08-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I thought that since it had been so long since I had posted I should make up for lost time and post twice in one day. I really do not have much to say, just thought I would give an update of what was new with me. I spent the first two weeks of August in Ohio, visiting family, friends and Shermaine. I got to go to a Roots concert, swimming with Dana, Austin, and Mommy, played lots of games, got to spend time with my Aunt Nancy and Gary, and even got to see my Great Aunts who I do not see often enough. Though I love being in Ohio, it is really hard to come back to NYC. It reminds me how much I miss Ohio and even though there are days when I love NYC, I am beginning to think God is calling back to Ohio when my term here in NYC is complete. Ohio really does just feel like home. I do not know if that is just because that is where I have spent the majority of my life and know the most people, or if that is God's way of making me realize that is where I should be (or is that just me wanting it to be God telling me this...). I am sure my mind will change 1,000 more times before next summer, and I keep asking God to strike me with lightning to tell me what will be next in my life, but as you can see, it has not happen yet. I am not so sure I am so good at this listening to God thing....any suggestions....Ok, so I maybe I am jumping the gun a bit with thinking a year a head of time...I will try to chill out. Beyond me stressing about the years to come, I have had the chance to catch up at work, spend some time with friends, and just relax. I have made the decision to give up my cable, DSL internet, and phone in an effort to save money...not so sure how this will work, but we will see. I am planning on spending more time reading, so I have invested in some books--I guess this kind of defeats the purpose of saving money. Me and the library will be friends soon, but that will limit my book options because I like to write in the books I read...guess I will have to stick to the fiction selection at the library. Speaking of books...You must read Anderson Cooper's book, Dispatches From the Edge. It is amazing! He has a wonderful way of holding systems accountable yet give you the personal side of a story. I have been watching him since I was in middle school when he was on Channel 1, and I still think he is one of the most amazing journalists around....Check it out! I promise to stop rambling now and post something significant soon...though my life is not really settling down anytime soon, I do hope to be more diligent about posting...we will see! Thanks for listening (or should I say reading!) Peace and blessings, Lauren

Pretty pictures from out West!

2006-08-23T17:31:00.000-05:00

View of Rockies from the plane to LA

Sunrise over Mountains in Anchorage, AK

Me in front of the Kodak Theatre--home of the Oscars!

Utah Red Rock canyon--view from plane to LA

Clouds sitting on top of the mountains in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Been Awhile...

2006-07-24T19:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I know is has been a long time...Sorry...I really have been thinking of everyone, but life has gotten away from me. Since my last posting I have had many guests to NYC, hired 8 new US-2 missionaries for the UMC, traveled to Los Angeles, Nome, Alaska, Denver, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ohio, and Michigan, tranistioned the 2004 class of US-2 missionaries out of their time of service, facilitated a seminar for 20 women, and am now training the new US-2 I hired. So, I am now helping this new class set up blogs for themselves, so I thought I better add a post myself. All of my adventures listed above were wonderful. I had a great time, saw beutiful views, visited family, and have had a wonderful time being with all of the US-2s. It was in May that all of the travel occured. In Los Angeles, I attended the Women's Assembly of the UMC where 7000 women from around the world came together for 3 days. The pagentry and connectionalism was wonderful. After this conference, I went to Nome, Denver and Albuquerque to visit US-2s. Nome is beautiful and I completely understand why people move there and stay (granted it was not 30 below when I was there--but it did snow!). The organization the US-2 in Denver works at is amazing! And in Albuquerque I saw the clouds sit on top of the mountains. Ok so it really is the small things in life that make me smile. I attended another conference at the end of May in Michigan where I was able to make some other wonderful connections and present about the work I do. In the midst of all of these adventures there have been some challenges. One of my supervisors, Mark Masters, passed away. His wife Kathleen is my other supervisor. Mark was a UMC missionary and currently serving in NYC at the General Board of Global Ministries. He was traveling in Southeast Asia when he had a cardiac aneurysm. This has been a great loss for his family and for our office. Most recently, one of my missionaries was serving in Lebanon when the violence broke out. He has now arrived safely back in NYC (today) but it has been a long, hard journey. I will rant later about my feelings regaring Isreal and the US... Well now all that is said...I will try my best to update more often. I will post some picutres of my trip so enjoy the pretty views! Peace and blessings, Lauren

The Same Jesus

2006-03-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

I listened to one of my best friends give a "talk" last night at our church's Lenten Service. She talked about how she had sat in the same church, in the same pew, with a friend, and how they had come away with what seems to be a very different understanding of Jesus. She asked how they could hear the same words and hear a very different message--a very different Jesus. This idea of the "same Jesus" is amazing to me. I have attended a United Methodist Church my entire life--the same one from the time I was 8 to 22. I learned about the parables Jesus told, of his birth and resurrection. I learned that Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry--all of those "charity" acts that we as "good Christians" are now suppose to emulate. What was missing was Jesus's commitment to justice--not just charity. Though Jesus did not come to liberate "his people" through becoming a governmental figure, he did come to liberate ALL through the power of love, peace, and justice. How did I sit in Sunday school and church all of those years and miss the most important message of all--Jesus's call for us to live a life of justice? I am not blaming my Sunday school teachers or pastors, I think the church (the body of Christ as a whole--not just one denomination or congregation) has lost this most important message. Many times we do a good job at feeding the poor, but when was the last time we as the body of Christ stood together and advocated for change so that we did not need to feed any of God's children any more? Don't get me wrong, I am not saying this is never done in the church--my own job in the UMC is a great example, but why are some living out this image of the Justice Jesus, and others have missed it all together--are we learning about the "same Jesus"? My best friend stated that she was led to this point in her life because she knows the church has to be held accountable to live out all aspects of Jesus's life--without justice there is no peace or love. I agree with this "calling" and believe we are all here to hold each other accountable to make sure all of God's children, including the least of these, are able to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God. I do not know if you have learned about the same Jesus as I believe in. I can only hope that by living as a child of God, you will see that Jesus in me--the one who walked with the poor, gave of his limited resources to feed thousands, healed the sick on the wrong day of the week, and gave the best example of living a life of love, peace, and justice. Peace and blessings, Lauren

Secret passions

2006-02-26T18:50:00.000-05:00

Well, most of you probably do not know that I have a small obsession with the sport of NASCAR Auto Racing--specifically the Nextel Cup. Yeah, I know there are all these stereotypes that go along with NASCAR fans--and I may even fit some of them. The funny thing is I do not get into anything but the races on Sunday--no car stickers, flags, t-shirts. I guess it really is the sport that is my secret passion. I started to watch the sport in 2000, and then got really sucked in after Dale Earnhardt, Sr., died during the Daytona 500 in 2001. My favorite driver is Dale, Jr., and I get a bit over excited when he is winning. My friends and family laugh at my interest in this sport because it does seem highly uncharacteristic of me...but the excitement of watching 43 cars run in a circle (actually an oval in most cases) at 190 miles per hour is amazing to me. I know it does not sound so great, but once you watch and learn, it is better than anything. To me it is a combination of a soap opera (the continuation of drama each week and between the drivers/teams) and sports--two of my favorite things! I guess I really come by it honestly. I can remember watching the Browns as a child with my mom, and she used to scream at the TV like they could actually hear her. I guess my verbal cheers for Dale, Jr., through the TV is a natural event for me. Well, as I finish watching today's race, I will embrace my inherited exuberance! I hope you find something to be as secretly passionate about. Peace and blessings, Lauren

Peace and Pain

2006-02-17T15:08:00.000-05:00

This week I had the wonderful privilege to view a video about Palestine...Specifically about the wall being put up by the Israeli government on Palestinian land (inside the "Green Line"). Let me preface this by saying my knowledge and understanding is not extensive regarding the issues of this land, and it has only been recently that I have made a diligent effort to seek out information. However, I know pain and suffering when I see it...Especially when it is seen on the faces of those who desire peace. Think for a moment how you would feel if the land your family lived on for generations, that gave you income through farming, you could now not even set foot on just because it was on the other side of a "line"--now a wall. You cannot feed your family and you cannot see your relatives because they live on another side of the wall (this wall is not straight). I would be mad, sad, angry, and ready to fight! But in the faces of those I listened to on this video was a true desire for peace. I wish that one day I can have the same passion for peace. I own a piece of the Berlin Wall from when it fell in 1989. Though I was a pre-teen at the time, I understood the significance of that event, and knowing that peace had prevailed. Have we not learned anything from putting up walls? IT DOES NOT WORK!! Only through love and understanding of one another can true peace come--by breaking down the walls.

Dana' Birthday Photos

2006-02-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

Here are some fun photos from my sister Dana's 30th bithday party. Lots of fun!!!

Life, Friends, and Family

2006-02-03T16:00:00.000-05:00

I continued to be surprised by all of the events of my life. I have spent the last two weeks traveling, celebrating, and mourning. It all began when I traveled back to Ohio to surprise my sister for her 30th birthday. It was a huge surprise to her--my presence and the intricately planned surprise party in her honor. After 48 hours of lots of fun and celebrating, I traveled back to NYC . I had become sick, so I did not work the day after I returned, and that evening I received a telephone call from my mother telling me my grandmother had passed away. Thankfully my Step-father, Mother, and Sisters were able to be with her. For me, this meant another trip back to Ohio the next day--after only being home for about 50 hours. Needless to say, I am still sick, tired, worried about deadlines at work, and my cat was ready to kill me! I was able to stay in Ohio for a week to spend time with my family. Family came in from Texas for the services, and my nephew was one of pallbearers. All went well and the time I was able to spend with family and friends gave me a renewed sense of connection to them all. My life has provided me with the amazing blessing of wonderful family and friends. These individuals are a VERY central point in my life. Many times it is difficult to be so far away from so many--all of my family is in Ohio, and I have friends scattered all of the US. I try to stay connected--at least more than just an email--but so often we all get caught up in our daily lives. One thing I make a point to do daily is talk to my mom--usually while I walk to the bus. This keeps me in touch with what is going on, and after the ups and downs of the last few weeks, this connection remains important. I know that my relationships with my family and friends are different than many others, but I do believe that it is through those I love that I see the best of me. Thanks to all of you who continue to keep me connected to you and provide my life the chance to love, laugh, vent, celebrate, and mourn. Peace and blessings, Lauren

Marching On

2006-01-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share a picture I love...This picture was taken by Harvey Finkle (www.harveyfinkle.com) at the Bushville Tent City in Brooklyn, NY during the week before the 2004 Republican National Convention. The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign organized the tent city and a later unpermitted march of 5,000 through Manhattan on the opening day of the convention. How amazing people are when they organize to be heard...

Fighting for Justice

2006-01-17T21:48:00.000-05:00

I have known since I began this blog that I would post something about the observance of Martin Luther King Day. Many thoughts have come to mind, and my days before and the day of the observance were filled with activities to recognize this man. As I am now sitting down to write this, I have decided not to give a full reflection on my celebrations of this holiday or my views on Dr. King overall (you would be reading into next week), but to only lift up these highlights... Last Thursday I had the opportunity to hear Rev. Jesse Jackson speak at The Interchurch Center--the building where I work. This is the second time since I arrived in NYC that I have heard him speak (who hears Jesse Jackson twice in less than six months--I know I am moving in the right circles!). Though my jury is still out on some of his politics, he gave an good account of the life and passions of MLK and how his work is still relevant today. Rev. Jackson reminded me of a few things...There were 244 years of legal slavery in the US--the oppression has since continued...The Statue of Liberty was not just a gift from France, it was a gift from the abolistionists of France for the emanciaption of slaves in the US. Along with reminding me of these things, he made 2 other points that caught my attention..."Dr. King calls us to history"--it is our responsiblity to learn from our history and remember it so we continue to become better...MLK "was a freedom fighter, not a trophy to be played with once a year"--the work of Dr. King (and sooooo mnay more) has an impact on our DAILY lives that each of us needs to remember, DAILY. My weekend continued to be filled with moments like this...bible study and sermon focusing on Dr. King on Sunday, and a trip to the New York Historical Society "Slavery In New York" exibit on Monday. In all of this, I have reguvinated my passion for the work of Dr. King, but more importantly for the civil rights movement overall. Many years ago I learned that this movement would not have existed if it was not for the countless individuals who risked their lives for the fight for justice. Rev. Jackson is able to speak about these issues today because of all of those walking along side him, as was Dr. King 38 years ago before he was silenced. It is on this holiday that I not only remember Dr. King, but most importantly ALL those who have fought and died. I am sure each of them heard the words "Well done good and faithful servant." Peace and blessings, Lauren

Priorities in the New Year

2006-01-11T22:47:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, I attend the monthly devotions held by the agency I work for. The entire building our agency is located in is invited, and someone different from my agency always leads the devotions. This month my friend and colleague, Kim, was leading. I was completely touched and motivated by Kim’s words, and I asked her if I could share them with you. She agreed on the condition that I place my reflections on the post along with her words. So, the rest of this post is an intermingling of Kim’s words and my thoughts. I pray they touch you, as you will see I have been. Kim described to us how when “we buy new calendars for the coming year, for a fleeting moment, the pages are blank and it looks as though the possibilities for each day are endless. It seems like a fresh start. Like a chance to do new things or a chance to do things in a new way.” This description is so amazing to me, while at the same time hard to grasp. I think I am a pretty organized person…ok, I am a bit anal…but I like to have a specific style of calendar, and I buy it months before the year is to begin. I carry two calendars around for the last couple of months of each year, so that if a meeting or appointment is scheduled, I can be sure to write it in the new calendar. So, really my “new calendar” is already becoming filled when New Year’s Day arrives. However the one thing that is always new is where the calendar starts each time I open it. At the end of the year, there are so many pages that I have to turn to get to that day, but at the start of a new year it is always at the beginning. With Kim’s words, I am reminded that my calendar does not have to be a place where all the possibilities already exist…it is a new beginning where many new possibilities and opportunities can grow. Kim then shared a passage from Isaiah in “The Message, it reads, “Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I’m creating.” Kim expressed how “in the passage in Isaiah, it is very specific as to what God is creating and therefore, that which we should be excited about. This passage speaks of God’s priorities for God’s new creation: -To stop the early death of God’s children and instead provide environments and opportunities for people to live long lives -To break down unjust economic systems and instead enable people to provide for themselves and their families and to have work with dignity -To break down barriers and boundaries and instead build community amongst unlikely groups -To end war and violence and instead have peace with justice.” Kim also expressed how she believes “there remain many challenges in translating these priorities into guiding principles for our daily actions and interactions. The New Year provides an opportunity to pause and examine whether our priorities for the New Year are God’s priorities for the new creation.” I could not agree more…the following examples will convey my reflections on this passage and Kim’s thoughts. Kim gave two examples to show how God’s priorities are not always in line with the priorities of the world, or with us. First, she discussed the recent delegation of high level United Methodists who went to the Philippines to investigate and call for an end to the killings of human rights workers, including clergy, laity, and journalists. This delegation has formally asked the President of the Philippines to intercede on the behalf of those being targeted (read more at http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=3757). Kim had discussed this situation with a friend though email, her friend responded by say the situation was getting worse. Though the day Kim received this email, she had many other emails in her inbox that she could provide easy and concrete responses to, it was this email that made her “reexamine how she will work in 2006, asking what will guide her priorities for answering these emails? Ease of response? Concrete timeline? Or God’s priority of life?” Kim’s second example was of the coal mining accident in West Virginia. She discussed how this weeks “mainstream news coverage of the mining accident talked about the funerals which were taking place around West Virginia. Last week the coverage focused on the erroneous report, which was released announcing that the miners were alive. As we hear the story of the miners, how do we examine what to take from this situation? Will we only acknowledge that this happened or will we ask why it happened? Will we hear the fact that the US Mine and Safety Administration had filed 208 alleged violations against the mining company in the last year? Will we ask questions about our global economic structure, which time after time after time values profit over people? Will we listen to the priorities of the mainstream corporate news media to keep status quo? Or will we let ourselves to be guided by God’s priority for a just economic system?” As I listened to Kim, I was also struck by what priorities will organize my life in 2006, what priorities will be in my calendar…how will I follow God’s priorities for my life…how will I see them, know them? I am one of those people who God needs to strike with lightening to get me to see something. I continue to remind myself that God never guaranteed life would be easy or have concrete answers…only the strength to get through. For my entire life I have been puzzled by the economic system that operates on this planet (ok, so as a child I did not know it was called an “economic system”…but I knew what it meant not to have the same things as others). In the last decade, I have become more and more aware of God’s position on this issue…God did not send Jesus to live and work with the rich and famous, but to stand in solidarity with the poor and oppressed. To ask the hard questions. I believe with all of my being that as a child of God, I am here to serve everyone because every human is a child of God, and if that means asking the hard questions or having an unpopular opinion, than that is the priority God has placed in front of me. Justice is God’s priority. Peace is God’s priority. Those fighting for human rights in the Philippines and those asking why the mining company was still operating with 208 violations are seeking peace and justice in this world. This is why I make these my priorities—because I seek peace and justice for all of God’s children. I can only pray that in 2006 I allow God to create in me the actions that match these priorities, God’s priorities, and I rely on God’s strength to follow through. I am sorry this has been so long, but I felt Kim’s words were so poignant, that I had to share them with you…and Kim (and Barbara!) were right, It was just as important for me, to share with you my reflections. Thank you Kim (and all of you) for being such an inspiration. Peace and blessings, Lauren

2006-01-10T14:37:00.000-05:00

Sunset over Lake Erie

Here I go...

2006-01-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

Well, as many of you know, I have never been a big writer--have never been a journaler, would procrastinate writing school papers--you get the point. However I have recently been introduced to the blog scene by some of the Young Adults I work with, and I am truly inspired. All of their postings give me greater insight into their lives--especially their hearts. So, I have decided to share my thoughts with others in this same way. I cannot say how regularly I will post, or that anything that I do say will make much sense (I am a missionary and we are known for being random!), or that the spelling or grammar will be correct, but what I would like to do is share a piece of me. I hope that my thoughts and feelings will show you my passions in life--what and who I love and live for. "Peace and Blessings" is how I have been signing all correspondence since I became a Young Adult Missionary over four years ago. I do this because in all areas of life, I wish every child of God "Peace"--the deep peace given by God--and "Blessings"--having the needs of life met....May this be communicated with each post of this blog. Peace and blessings, Lauren