I hear the rain outside as it plops against the houses. Tonight, it’s fall is softly gentle as it descends from the heavens above. Many people dread the constant threat of rain, longing for the warmth of the sunny weather that is so common, But I, I am strangely comforted by the drops’ gentle sounds. Its dreariness has yet to depress me for I find an unique beauty in it’s touch.
The sound of the rain causes my mind to travel to a distant memory. A memory that entails a booming sound and flashing light. Oh, I loved the sound of thunderstorms with their rolling thunder that stretched the skies and the brilliant flashes of light that would quickly follow, illuminating the land for just a brief glimpse. I enjoyed the midnight morning booms that would awaken me from a sound sleep, only to realize I still had hours yet to sleep. With a gentle smile that grew at the thought of such beauty, the rains steady ease would lull me back to sleep.
I am not sure why I have found so much beauty in the grayness of rain. Maybe because I know its Creator. Maybe because I know rain heals the land, prepares the land, and grows the land. The sunshine and warmth would be quite ideal to the cold, wet gray of the passing days, but then I would miss the needed beauty of such a day; making me grateful for the coming sunny days. May that is why I like the rain.
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Herrick Adventure
Another Herrick adventure. They never are easy despite the ease of plans at the beginning of the day. With just an object in mind, a place to find, the adventure begins with our curiousity. With the empty hours of time away from work, my parents and I decided to skip town for the day and discover an unknown place in a very familiar city. We headed to San Francisco to find a Mission.
Built in the late 1700’s, this mission has stood as a place for agriculture and connection for the Indians of the land. Despite the massive destruction of the 1906 earthquake and fires, this mission stood the test of time and still operates today. We knew the crossroad, we knew the exit; we thought we had it made. We thought we would find it quite easily. Wrong!
As I mentioned before, a Herrick adventure are never easy but full of fun. We turned off the freeway full of confidence that we would be able to find the mission without a mishap. I lost count of how many times we took a turn onto a street we thought would lead us to the right street but we had a great time seeing a new section of San Francisco. Finally we decided to head to our favorite spot in the city, Pier 39. We were hungry.
At Pier 39, we walked around the pier, enjoying the smell of the bay and the warmth of the sun. Languages swirled around us as visitors walked around us and I heard the familiar honking of the pier natives, the sea lions.
On our way home, we tried one more time to find the mission after obtaining a city map with a more detailed street names. Still the trip was not without mishaps as we were pushed off onto the freeway from a turning lane but after a few turn-arounds and a determination to find our goal, we pulled up in front of the mission. We found our objective and I can turn a day trip into another Herrick family adventure story.
Built in the late 1700’s, this mission has stood as a place for agriculture and connection for the Indians of the land. Despite the massive destruction of the 1906 earthquake and fires, this mission stood the test of time and still operates today. We knew the crossroad, we knew the exit; we thought we had it made. We thought we would find it quite easily. Wrong!
As I mentioned before, a Herrick adventure are never easy but full of fun. We turned off the freeway full of confidence that we would be able to find the mission without a mishap. I lost count of how many times we took a turn onto a street we thought would lead us to the right street but we had a great time seeing a new section of San Francisco. Finally we decided to head to our favorite spot in the city, Pier 39. We were hungry.
At Pier 39, we walked around the pier, enjoying the smell of the bay and the warmth of the sun. Languages swirled around us as visitors walked around us and I heard the familiar honking of the pier natives, the sea lions.
On our way home, we tried one more time to find the mission after obtaining a city map with a more detailed street names. Still the trip was not without mishaps as we were pushed off onto the freeway from a turning lane but after a few turn-arounds and a determination to find our goal, we pulled up in front of the mission. We found our objective and I can turn a day trip into another Herrick family adventure story.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Valentine's Day.
I used to dread Valentine’s Day because I did not have a date or boyfriend with whom to celebrate. My freshman year of college I once again faced a dateless Valentine’s Day and I was dreading the day. Then God taught me a great lesson that year. It was my choice how I wanted to spend my day. I could wallow in my self-pity or I could live what the day represented. So I choose to have an awesome day and share God’s love with others. So I bought a box of valentine day cards, candy and a bag of suckers. I gave cards to all my floor mates, and throughout the day, I handed out suckers. I ended up getting blessed when my secret sister spoiled me with a huge card, chocolate and sparkling grape juice. Every year since, I have found a way to celebrate the day by loving others.
This Valentine’s Day, I celebrated it as I always do. I gave gifts away. I made a cheesecake for my co-workers at the bank, which they all loved. (The girls complained about the calories but I noticed that they went back for seconds.) I made oatmeal raison cookies for my manager and security guard. (My manager had been sick all week and in a bad mood. The cookies were a big hit!) I made Valentine day cards on my computer and passed it out to my co-workers at both jobs. The results: I had an awesome day to the point where I was laughing so hard I was crying and I got hugs from friends, and smiles from everyone involved. I had fun sharing God’s love to others on this day.
This Valentine’s Day, I celebrated it as I always do. I gave gifts away. I made a cheesecake for my co-workers at the bank, which they all loved. (The girls complained about the calories but I noticed that they went back for seconds.) I made oatmeal raison cookies for my manager and security guard. (My manager had been sick all week and in a bad mood. The cookies were a big hit!) I made Valentine day cards on my computer and passed it out to my co-workers at both jobs. The results: I had an awesome day to the point where I was laughing so hard I was crying and I got hugs from friends, and smiles from everyone involved. I had fun sharing God’s love to others on this day.
Unforgettable.
So this past Tuesday has etched a memory that I will carry with me for quite some time. I attended “The Last Chance” this past Tuesday night and once again served as an altar worker. This one scene I touched my heart so much that I do not ever want to forget. I saw two young girls walking down front. One was crying as she came, coming down to make a public statement of her acceptance of salvation. She had to be around 10 or 11 years old and she wanted Jesus Christ. Those tears undid me. And everything about that night centered on that young girl who is now on the path of living a life with a Saviour who loves her.
Monday, February 11, 2008
An Amazing Night.
Ever have those nights that will be etched in your mind for a long time and may, if you allow it, change your life? Last night was such a night for me. Normally the one behind the scenes putting together the final details to make sure everything runs smoothly, I took a step of faith into a new servant's role that I have often times left for others. It was an amazing experience for me and I cannot wait to do it again.
So what in the world am I writing about? My new home church is conducting the evangelistic outreach program called "The Last Chance." Created by the creators of Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames, this cinematic theatric event is an opportunity to reach people with the truth of heaven and hell and a person's choice of eternity. Several weeks ago the church was requesting volunteers. Normally I would take the service opportunity to run errands or stay behind the scenes but at the suggestion of a new friend, I signed up for the position of altar worker. I will be on the front lines.
Last night I showed up at the church. I did not sit through the program as you might wonder but instead they had the altar workers gather in the prayer chapel and spend the time of the show in prayer and intercession for those in the sanctuary to heed the calling of God and accept his gift of salvation. That hour plus time was so full of God's spirit, voices raised in intercession for the lost in the sanctuary, that I did not want to leave the room.
As we moved to the side doors, waiting for our cue to enter the sanctuary to hand out salvation cards to those who came down front, I was just waiting in anticipation and excitement to see the people who made the decision for Jesus Christ. I stood there praying even then and the slightest noise just seemed to be in interruption to the Spirit of God that had enveloped me.
The moment came and we went in. The aisle ways, the front, the side areas were filled as hundreds of people came down front in response to the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It was an amazing feeling to stand among them, children, youth, adults, fathers with children. I cannot wait until the tomorrow night when I get to go again.
So what in the world am I writing about? My new home church is conducting the evangelistic outreach program called "The Last Chance." Created by the creators of Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames, this cinematic theatric event is an opportunity to reach people with the truth of heaven and hell and a person's choice of eternity. Several weeks ago the church was requesting volunteers. Normally I would take the service opportunity to run errands or stay behind the scenes but at the suggestion of a new friend, I signed up for the position of altar worker. I will be on the front lines.
Last night I showed up at the church. I did not sit through the program as you might wonder but instead they had the altar workers gather in the prayer chapel and spend the time of the show in prayer and intercession for those in the sanctuary to heed the calling of God and accept his gift of salvation. That hour plus time was so full of God's spirit, voices raised in intercession for the lost in the sanctuary, that I did not want to leave the room.
As we moved to the side doors, waiting for our cue to enter the sanctuary to hand out salvation cards to those who came down front, I was just waiting in anticipation and excitement to see the people who made the decision for Jesus Christ. I stood there praying even then and the slightest noise just seemed to be in interruption to the Spirit of God that had enveloped me.
The moment came and we went in. The aisle ways, the front, the side areas were filled as hundreds of people came down front in response to the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It was an amazing feeling to stand among them, children, youth, adults, fathers with children. I cannot wait until the tomorrow night when I get to go again.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
An Update
So life continues to get hectic and busy with all those little details that can seem to sneak up on a person. But for those of you who have been tracking my new journey to California, here is what is going on:
As of today, I am about 98% finished with my application to Fuller Theological Seminary. My test scores are in, my application is in, three references are in, and so are my housing and financial aid applications. I am only missing one more reference which I am following up on to make sure everything has come together. I am not sure when I will receive the final word on my application but it will be in the next month or two.
So beyond that I have been working on my taxes from 2007 so I can apply for financial aid through the government and comply with the tax code of filing taxes. My taxes are going to be so interesting with two state tax forms, six months of self-employment, and four months of regular employment. I will need extra help getting those done.
Plus I have been looking at housing in the area of the school as well as the school housing offers. The school has a studio/loft apartment option that I would really love to get. Plus I have been looking for job opportunities around the area and have been applying even now to see what might open up for me in the coming months. There are a lot of great opportunities, including working at Fuller as well as another known school called Azusa Pacific University.
So with all that going on in my spare time, working my two jobs which my hours vary week to week, and volunteering at my church for their evangelistic outreach for the next two weeks, life has gotten really interesting lately.
But the temps have begun to rise into the 60's, the skies have become blue again, and the sun is shining all around. Life is good and I am loving every minute of it.
As of today, I am about 98% finished with my application to Fuller Theological Seminary. My test scores are in, my application is in, three references are in, and so are my housing and financial aid applications. I am only missing one more reference which I am following up on to make sure everything has come together. I am not sure when I will receive the final word on my application but it will be in the next month or two.
So beyond that I have been working on my taxes from 2007 so I can apply for financial aid through the government and comply with the tax code of filing taxes. My taxes are going to be so interesting with two state tax forms, six months of self-employment, and four months of regular employment. I will need extra help getting those done.
Plus I have been looking at housing in the area of the school as well as the school housing offers. The school has a studio/loft apartment option that I would really love to get. Plus I have been looking for job opportunities around the area and have been applying even now to see what might open up for me in the coming months. There are a lot of great opportunities, including working at Fuller as well as another known school called Azusa Pacific University.
So with all that going on in my spare time, working my two jobs which my hours vary week to week, and volunteering at my church for their evangelistic outreach for the next two weeks, life has gotten really interesting lately.
But the temps have begun to rise into the 60's, the skies have become blue again, and the sun is shining all around. Life is good and I am loving every minute of it.
A Hopeful Romantic
For the past few days, I have been watching this one movie, Syndey White. A modern day adapted version of the old fairy tale Snow White, Syndey White was not a huge blockbuster hit and it is a bit teeny-bobbish in its content, but overall, a really cute movie with a good message. Amanda Bynes plays a college freshman who lacks the refined, elegant graces of the Kappa sorority but brings in a fresh, comic face to the otherwise stuck up Kappas. Somehow through her interactions she has snagged the attention of the BMOC, Tyler Prince. Due to a humiliating experience with the Kappas, Sydney will not have anything to do with the Greeks which Tyler is one of the leading ones. But Tyler is not willing to give up. Thus, the story line leads the watcher to this very scene...
The scene begins in the college library with Sydney studying at a cubicle. She is looking at the names carved on the desk when a red rose is placed on her desk. The guy who placed it there begins to sing a melody. Sydney of course is confused and tells the guy that he has the wrong desk. A few seconds later another rose is placed on her desk, and another guy adds his tune to the first one. This happens two more times until there is a four man harmony humming a melody. Then they begin to sing, "When I See You Smile" with Tyler Prince stepping out from behind a stack of books to serenade Sydney. Sydney asks Tyler if he has lost his mind for him to only answer that no, but that he will keep singing until she agrees to go out with him. She says no, so he begins to sing again which she quickly says yes to shut him up. Although Sydney is embarrassed by the whole scene, she really likes Tyler and enjoys the roses he gave her. Tyler walks away with a confident smile and disappears behind the stack of books from which he came.
For the realist in me, I know that it is only a scene in a movie that these actors were paid to play. Even though at first, I thought the scene was corny and if it happened to me in real life, I would be embarrassed and ducking my head as Sydney did.
But the hopeful romantic in me finds the scene very enduring and my favorite scene in the whole movie.
The scene begins in the college library with Sydney studying at a cubicle. She is looking at the names carved on the desk when a red rose is placed on her desk. The guy who placed it there begins to sing a melody. Sydney of course is confused and tells the guy that he has the wrong desk. A few seconds later another rose is placed on her desk, and another guy adds his tune to the first one. This happens two more times until there is a four man harmony humming a melody. Then they begin to sing, "When I See You Smile" with Tyler Prince stepping out from behind a stack of books to serenade Sydney. Sydney asks Tyler if he has lost his mind for him to only answer that no, but that he will keep singing until she agrees to go out with him. She says no, so he begins to sing again which she quickly says yes to shut him up. Although Sydney is embarrassed by the whole scene, she really likes Tyler and enjoys the roses he gave her. Tyler walks away with a confident smile and disappears behind the stack of books from which he came.
For the realist in me, I know that it is only a scene in a movie that these actors were paid to play. Even though at first, I thought the scene was corny and if it happened to me in real life, I would be embarrassed and ducking my head as Sydney did.
But the hopeful romantic in me finds the scene very enduring and my favorite scene in the whole movie.
Friday, February 01, 2008
The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe
This journey of taking His hand and jumping has taken on many different facets that I am still absorbing all that God is revealing to me.
I first heard this song at The Fuse, the young adults service at Calvary Temple. I thought the house band had written it so I did not search very hard for it, but the words buried deep in my heart even then. Last night I was working my taxes and had worship music going. This song came on from one of my new CD's. I had to put it on repeat for this song, this spirit, this cry pulled at me. I love the imagery of sitting at the feet of God, content, loved and resting against him so I can hear his heartbeat. The intimacy, the closeness, the relationship, His love is so overwhelming but everyday I want to delve into His love. I pray that this song also speaks to your heart.
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