Hug Time

Everytime I sit down to update the old blog, I struggle with the subject of what to write. This is ridiculous, as I am quite certain by now that no one reads this except for me, so it really doesn't matter what I write. But, for some reason, I feel like I should share some insight or wisdom or truth. Thus, the struggle begins. In the end, I always decide to just write whatever I happen to be feeling at the time. So, I begin.

I am a huge fan of the television series, "7th Heaven." I am sure most of you non-existant readers find the show cheesy, if you have ever even watched the program. And, I admit, at first glance the show seems unrealistic. But, if you really watch the show, from the beginning to the present, you will find that it is, in fact, one of the most realistic shows on television. The difference is that the Camdens are a function family; an abnormality in today's TV world. There are so many issues that families, teens, kids, adults, and college students face today that are often glossed over or misinterpreted. What do you do when you find out your kids are experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or sex? What do you do when you lose someone you love? How do you deal with prejudice, violence, and hate? These are scary topics, and it is no wonder that parents often shy away from them. As a camp counselor, I can tell you that these things do affect kids, and they do need to be dealt with.

The Camdens all deal with these issues, and more than I can even begin to describe. Annie and Eric don't have all the answers. In fact, sometimes they have no idea how to handle the situations that arise. But, the key is that they TRY. The show is brilliant to me because it teaches parents how to talk to their kids, and how to deal with situations that arise. Also, ever present throughout the show is the reminder that God is in our lives and that we can and should take all things to Him. And perhaps that is the greatest aspect of the show. It manages to be religious and popular and family-friendly in the midst of shows like "Fear Factor," and "Growing Up Gotti" (By the way, can anyone tell me what the purpose of that show is?) The show is not afraid to deal with delicate issues, and as it goes into its 9th season, it is still finding fresh, new ways to deal with new and old issues. Currently, the characters are dealing with the restraints of foster care, careless sex, teens' self image, Faith, guilt, love, hope, and the joy of new life. I cannot even begin to list all of the topics that have been woven into the story lines, nor will I try.

The real topic of this blog, however, is not the show itself, but an issue that was addressed in a recent episode. I felt, though, that in order for you to understand my blog topic, you should have a little background to the show. Lucy, one of Annie and Eric's children, is starting a class at her dad's church for teen girls where they can openly discuss sex. She is also planning on starting one for the boys, but that's neither here nor there. Lucy is the new associate pastor at the church, and is pregnant herself with her and her husband's first child. Unlike many of Lucy's peers, she decided to wait until marriage before she had sex, and has never regretted it. This is really just more background for you, but don't worry, I am getting to the meat of this post. Eric asks Lucy to give the sermon as a way to introduce her class to the congregation. After struggling for awhile with what to say, she delivers an amazing sermon. The main point of her sermon is that until you learn to really love yourself for who you really are, how can you expect to love others and have them love you; or more specificially, how can you be in an adult relationship? This brings up a powerful message, that I think needs to be spoken. So many teenagers are rushing into relationships and having sex before they even have a chance to grow up and discover who they are. Instead of solving their problems, sex causes them to feel more lost, more vulnerable, and more afraid. Kids need to take the time to learn who they are and what their passions are. If we could teach kids to love themselves, we could prevent so many tragedies from happening. Reading over this blog, I realize that I have no even come close to saying what I wanted to express, but as I have been sitting on this entry for weeks now, I think it best to just post it as it is. I hope that some of my thoughts have come through. God Bless.

Fridays are great days for me. They signal the end to my week, a break from my studying, and the chance to get caught up on chores around the house. Today, after waking up to a beautiful morning with clear skies, warm air, and bright sunshine, I quickly settled into my routine of cleaning everything and anything in the apartment. I am a compulsive cleaner, and I fully acknowledge that when I am bored, stressed, happy, sad, eager, or peaceful I clean. So, today, I started in on the kitchen, quickly cleaning the dishes in the sink, wiping the counters, taking out the trash, disinfecting everything in sight, before heading off to the bathroom. As I started in on the living room, it occurred to me that what I was really doing was beautifying the home I live in. I put up my artwork in my room, rearranged the living room, and put some new touches in the kitchen. All of this was my effort at making our space more comfortable and inviting, and making it a true reflection of the people who live in it. It occurs to me that this is something I strive to do in all things in my life, and not just in my home. So, perhaps this blog entry will be a bit about me, and my personality, and a bit about what I strive for in life.

Ever since I can remember, I have been obsessed with the arts. I am never happier than when I am painting, singing, acting, dancing, or playing my clarinet. I had never thought about it before, but the reason I love them all so much is the promise of hope, joy and love that each of them offers. They give me the opportunity to share with others what I see in them and in life. I am often amazed at how beautiful the world is. I often wonder if others see as much as I do. For those of you who are still in Charlottesville, you should know that you live in one of the most gorgeous settings I have ever seen. Appreciate it while you have it. But, even if you live in the slums of D.C., I can guarantee that there is beauty in the city you live in. It might be that one apartment with the white lace curtains in the windows, and cheery geraniums on the window sill. Or the kids down the street who giggle and call out to each other as they race to see who's fastest. I see all of that, and more. Half the time, I am amazed that I don't explode from sensory overload. But, I can't imagine life without all of this. It would be so bland and one dimensional.

Because I know how beautiful the world can be, I have a deep desire to make it better for those around me. I can think of no greater joy than making other people happy. And perhaps that is why I spend so much time cleaning, and smiling, and sending love notes to the people I care about. I don't know what God's purpose for me is yet, but I do know that showing His love is purpose enough for me. I can't change all the injustices I see in the world. And I can't stop my heart from breaking every time I see children who are hungry or sick, or people who are in pain. But, I do what I can to make someone else's day just a little brighter. And for me, there is no greater reward. So, the next time you are feeling low, take a look out your window, smile, and remember that no matter what, God loves you, and so do I. Namaste.

Let me see, where to begin? Well, I moved into the house in Winchester, and was there for about two days when I realized that Chris was crazy, a huge jerk, and might turn out to be abusive. So, Jessica (my other roommate) and I decided to move out. We found an apartment much closer to campus and moved in on Saturday, the 28th. Jess and I get along great, and we are both much happier not to be living with Chris. Classes started the 30th. So far, I still have one class that's TBA, which is rather frustrating. My other classes are going alright so far. I was thinking about dropping one, but I talked to the professor, and I think it will be okay. I am certainly not afraid of hard work, so I am not too worried.

It was a little rough here in the beginning. In fact, I pretty much hated it and wanted to leave immediately, if not sooner. But, things are looking up, and now that I have friends, an apartment, a cool roommate, and internet, I feel much more settled. The internet thing was a huge problem because my teachers all insist on communicating via email. I am glad we have that settled. And for the record, Adelphia sucks, but the customer service systems help people are nice.

What else can I tell you? I have found that taking your chaplain with you when you graduate college is a wonderful thing. Gary Robbins left Wesley Memorial Church in Charlottesville to become the chaplain at Shenandoah. He has been my guardian angel so far, and I am SOOOO thankful that God let me take him with me. I know he is going to do amazing things here, too, because I've already seen him in action. It's great having a familiar, smiling face around campus. Yeah, I am having issues calling the school campus instead of grounds and the incoming class freshman instead of first years. Guess I'll always be a Wahoo at heart. Well, I should get going. Keep in touch, and know that I love each and every one of you. Muah!