Favorite Things of the Moment

Quote of the day: "Everybody is someone else's weirdo." - Jerry Seinfeld

Video of the week: House of Sanjaya from "The Soup"

CD of the Week/Year/My Life!: Dave Barnes "Brother, Bring the Sun". If you like guitar like John Mayer, good vocals, and awesome lyrics, Barnes is the best (and he's a Christian who sings about real life!). Even John Mayer likes his music. Check out his Web site.

Lean Cuisine Lunch: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Starbucks Drink: Venti black iced tea with two Splendas

Ride at California Adventure: California Screamin' Rollercoaster featuring the music of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

For a non-daredevil, I LOVE ROLLERCOASTERS! Especially ones that are fast, go upside down and have a lot of drops ... and this one doesn't disappoint. TIP: Ride it a single rider - you can skip an hour's wait in line as long as you don't care who you sit next to.

Beautiful Beach of the Month: Santa Monica Pier - Sadly, I don't have pictures of this, but for a Seattle girl in March, it was nice to see some white sand, a sunset and clear blue water.

Disney Character: Despite my love for Mickey (as you'll see below), I gotta go with Snow White, since I wanted to be her (when I was like 5 ... okay, I also dressed up as SW for a high school tolo and have the pics to prove it!).

People still tell me I look like her (or Betty Boop) and it would be cool to play her at Disneyland ... but I'd like to keep my day job.

Oh Mickey, you're so fine...

The Happiest Place on Earth

Can I just say how much I love Disneyland? I had a chance to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth" and made a few observations on why it's so fantastic.

It's a place where:

• The ordinary becomes magical. Little boys are transformed into pirates and girls become princesses. Garbage is mysteriously missing. Eating lunch is an opportunity to be entertained. Waiting in line is not mundane ... there's music and special effects to keep you waiting in expectation.
  
• People dare to dream. Creativity is celebrated. Even as an adult you wonder, "How'd they do that?!?" Dreams become reality ... and it makes you wonder what's possible in your own life.
  
• The past is celebrated, but change is constant. Disneyland simultaneously celebrates its past and even American cultural history, but it's also progressive, innovative and constantly changing.
  
• Negativity is in the minority. Yes, you'll see two-year-olds having tantrums (they're still two after all!), but Disneyland brings smiles and squeals of excitement to most
  people--from 8 to 80.
  
• Diverse people can come together. Disneyland is beloved by people of all ages, races and nationalities. We saw people from Australia, Asia, Europe and all over North America.

In light of a church series on "The Pursuit of Happiness", I wonder if the Christian community (and churches in general) could learn a few things from Mickey.

After all, shouldn't the Happiest Place on Earth be the place where people connect with God and the wonder of all He is?

Danger: You've Reached the Comfort Zone

"People should get out of their comfort zones on a daily basis. Take up knitting and boxing. It will make you so much more interesting."

- Raymond Lawson, Starbucks customer from Aurora, Illinois

It’s amazing what you can get for $2.67—a mocha and an epiphany (thanks to Starbucks!). The quote above appeared on my coffee cup yesterday morning and it made me think...what am I doing to get out of my comfort zone?

A Bumpy Ride Ahead ...
I should caveat this entry by saying that I'm definitely not a risk-taker by nature. For me, risk-taking probably isn't bungee jumping ... but something like trying the vegetables I've avoided my entire life or different types of ethnic cuisine (cauliflower or curry anyone?).

So what have I done in the last year (or what am I planning to do) to step out of my comfort zone?

• Fly on an airplane and go on a trip all by myself (I did this for the first time last February and survived--L.A. taxi trips and all).
  
• Attend a Greek festival (Did you know they really say, "Opa!"?)
  
• Cook asparagus. This was a major milestone for the one girl on the planet afraid of salad. :)
  
• Go to a rodeo. Yee haw! I ventured to the good old Puyallup Fair this fall with some friends and had a great time watching some people with some serious courage.
  
• Ride a horse. My Little Sister (from Big Brothers, Big Sisters) and I are going horseback riding in April--and I haven't done that since I was about 7.
  
• Make more new friends. By nature, I like to have a few friends that are really close. But it's also cool to have a bigger group of friends that are different from me, that help me learn from or share new experiences with. Making new friends takes time, work and effort--but it's worth it.

Stepping out of my comfort zone isn't really about trying to be more interesting--it's about challenging myself to grow and experience new things. In fact, I think it's that characteristic--that desire to grow and try new things--that makes people interesting.

So try boxing. Take up snowboarding. Or try some asparagus ... you'll be better for it.

Common Law Church?

What's a piece of paper worth? A lot--if it means your heart, your life, your time.

Most Christians would agree with the statement above if it applies to marriage. But what about church membership? If we're attending or participating at a church--does it really matter if we "make it official" and become a church member?

Church Consumers
Of course! If we just attend a church without becoming part of it, it's like a common law marriage. We become users of the church without committing ourselves wholly to it. We consume, instead of creating community. Church becomes "a place I like to hang out" (notice the "I" focus) instead of the center of our lives.

Don't get me wrong--we should enjoy being at church. It should be fun, inspiring and a place where we have friendship with others. Those things are all important. But if that's all church is to us, we miss out on the beauty of belonging to something bigger than ourselves.

The Opportunity to Influence
I think these thoughts struck me this weekend when I was talking with some of my friends about finding church volunteers and some of the qualities we should look for in small group leaders. As we talked, several of us highlighted stories of approaching people to lead and hearing, "I'm too busy" or "Small group is the place where I come to get filled up myself, not lead". These responses break my heart ... because these people are missing out on an incredible opportunity to influence. If Christ gave His life for the church, can't we give 2 hours a month to help lead a small group--or serve in some other way?

The People Who "Get It"
On the flip side, the people who get these principles continue to amaze me. Yesterday, I was at a meeting at our church volunteers--a church of over 5,000 members--and maybe 400 regular volunteers. Some of them hold several jobs and go to school--and somehow manage to volunteer in multiple parts of the church and/or other community organizations. They're busy! They have friends, families and successful careers...but they love church and they love life.

The key? They've dedicated their lives to serving because they've found something worth committing to--and they see the rewards of belonging.

Question: How do those of us who "get it" encourage others to follow our example of belonging and serving?

10 Things Christian Guys Should Know About Dating

Relationships. It was the February theme of our young adults' services at church. It was all practical, informative and inspiring ... but part of me wished someone would have talked to those of us that are single single. You know--not married or dating at all (for the moment). So I came up with my own list of things that I wish Christian guys knew about dating ... and for any guys out there, I'd love to hear your words of wisdom for all of us women.

10 Things Christian Guys Should Know About Dating

1. Be what you want.
It's so simple--but applies to all of us in any type of relationship. If you want someone who's smart and interesting, be smart and interesting yourself. If you want someone who loves God and church, live your faith and be an active part of your church.

2. Make an effort.
Yes, it can be intimidating. But when you're interested in someone, ask them out. It doesn't mean you're getting married ... really (as a sidenote, I think it's important not to date someone when you know for sure you'd never marry them). If you're already dating or married, make an effort to plan dates or special things to make your girlfriend/wife feel special. For most of us, it doesn't have to be expensive ... thoughtful cards, washing the car, etc. make us feel appreciated and valued.

3. Don't be a player.
Christian guys may not sleep around, but they can still be players ... if you're flirting all the time with a girls' friends, she's probably not going to be interested in you. And if you flirt with everyone, how is she supposed to know that you're interested in her at all?

4. Don't say "God told me..." as a tactic to get what you want.
If God talks to you, he's probably talking to us, too. There's not really a great way for Christian women to respond to guys who say "God told me..." if they don't agree ... and some guys have used this line as a tactic to control. Don't feel as if you have to spiritualize your feelings or your own desires. It's okay to be honest and say, "I really like you" or "I don't feel this relationship is working" without using "God told me..." as a fallback caveat.

5. Get a job and love it.
Here's the good news--you don't have to be rich to get a good Christian woman to love you. But we don't want to date slackers either. Get a job you love (or be in training for one at school). We think ambition is attractive, so find a career you like and go for it.

6. Treat the women in your life with respect.
We watch how you treat your moms, sisters, women in authority, women at work ... etc. We see it as an indicator of how we you will treat us.

7. Don't be intimidated by our strength.
There's a perception that good Christian women should be quiet, subservient, meek and mild. But that perception has no basis in the Bible. Yes, women in the Bible are instructed to honor their husbands as the leaders of their homes. But women in the Bible are also strong--Rahab helped God's people conquer a city, Esther saved a nation through her position as a queen, Deborah was a judge. Even the ideal woman in Prov. 31 was resourceful--she's an entrepreneurial businesswoman who buys property and turns it into a vineyard (31:16) and a clothing designer who sells clothes to make profit (31:24). Read more. The point? If your wife or girlfriend is strong, she can be more of a support to you--a partner to walk with you through life.
8. Be confident, not cocky.
Most women don't like passive guys. Be strong and confident in knowing who you are in Christ. But don't act as if you are God's only gift to the planet. Listen to other people and their ideas. Don't talk or think about yourself all the time. Don't act as if it's your way or the highway.

9. Laugh.
In multiple research studies, "a sense of humor" rates high on the qualities that most women are looking for in their relationships.You don't have to be super spiritual all the time. Relax. Smile. Laugh.

10. The most important: Love God with all of your heart.
If you love God, show it. Go to church. Participate in worship. Pray. Read your Bible. Love God and go after His plan for your life.

Question: Any ideas out there for single Christian women?

My Everyday Heroes

I'm not in Kansas anymore ...

It was Friday night. Dark. Raining. I was in the car with my sister heading to a movie. Suddenly we heard a noise that sounded like a loud airplane (which actually wasn't that unusual since we were driving near an airforce base). What was unusual? The noise got louder and louder as I hit the gas. Uh oh.

We pulled off at the nearest exit and the closest parking lot ... which just happened to be a casino (not exactly the place I'd most like to be stranded!). My back tire was steaming and completely flat. And neither of us independent women have ever changed a tire ... it was time for a lesson in humility.

As we fumbled around for my spare tire, jack and the users' manual for my car, a good Samaritan approached and offered to help.

I've never been one of those "damsel in distress" types--but it was sure nice to be rescued. So this post is a celebration of a few of my everyday heroes ... including a kind stranger at the casino ... wherever you are:

1. Captain Elevator - These are people who hold the door for you when you're running late, push the buttons you need when your hands are full or make you laugh on Monday morning when you're tired.

2. Super (Dependable) Man - Cheers to the people you can always count on--to do a good job, keep their promises or make you smile.

3. Wonderful Road Warriors - Thanks to people who drive (at least) the speed limit, let you switch lanes or take a parking spot first when you both get close at the same time.

4. Ms. Marvelous Smile - Kudos to the guys and girls who greet you with kindness--the people who smile, make eye contact, or nod to acknowledge your existence. If they've met you before, they remember your name and make you feel valued as part of a conversation--or introduce you to others.

5. Terrific Team Players - I love being part of teams where everyone helps each other--where you can go to one another for advice or help ... or team members will step in and help you when it's not required. I've had a team member notice I'm busy and offer to help with a project. I've also had someone offer to book my business travel or help with an expense report--even when they don't directly report to me.

What about you? Who are some of your everyday heroes?

Favorite things of the week

I know I'm not Oprah, but I thought you might like to hear some of the cool things going on in my world during the past 7 days:

• Favorite celeb sighting of the week: Nick from "Survivor: Outback". I haven't met very many celebrities, but last Thursday at a fundraising event for Project U (see below), I met Nick from "Survivor: Outback". Nick's a cool guy with an interesting life (he was also a prosecuting attorney on the Watada case).
  
• Favorite fundraiser: Project U at the Melting Pot in Tacoma. Chocolate fondue with strawberries? Supporting a good cause and meeting cool people? How could I say no?


• Favorite Starbucks beverage: Tall, 1 pump sugar-free Cinnamon Dulce, nonfat, no-whip mocha. Whew! What a mouthful ... does that mean I'm high maintenance? Or just an original?


• Favorite celebration: My sister's 25th birthday is today! Congrats, sis, on making it to a quarter century. :)


• Favorite CD of the moment: "Albertine" by Brooke Fraser. Some of you may not be familiar with Brooke, but I was introduced to her music last year by a friend from New Zealand. She also sings on the Hillsong "United We Stand" album ("None But Jesus"). Her CD isn't even available in the States, but I special ordered it because I loved her last one so much.