Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Life Lessons from "Pride and Prejudice"



I have a confession: I will never get tired of Pride and Prejudice.


Not because I'm a Meg Ryan-wannabe circa You've Got Mail. Or because I love the male lead character Mr. Darcy (actually, I don't think a personality like his would work for me). And definitely not because I completely identify with Elizabeth Bennet (sort of...sort of Jane...sort of neither).


I think I love Pride and Prejudice (and always will) because it's timeless. And it's funny. Jane Austen writes about characters that seem strangely like people I've actually met. And the book raises themes and issues that still ring true in 2007. Here are a few examples:


  • Family matters. P&P covers a lot of interesting family dynamics--the close bond of sisters Elizabeth and Jane, the domino effects of choices within a family (e.g. Lydia and Kitty's behavior toward military officers, Mrs. Bennet's lack of tact), family expectations (Lady Catherine's hopes for Mr. Darcy's marriage, Caroline Bingley's "protection" of her brother), and more.


  • (Written) words are powerful. Throughout the book, letters prove to be a significant communication tool that shape peoples' attitudes and reveal their true nature. (I won't give away anything in case you haven't read it yet.) But as a writer myself, it's interesting to think about how careful phrasing is important, how people read (and re-read) written pieces and how much written words can have an impact.

    How many of us have read (or re-read) significant notes, cards or letters in our lives? There's something cool about looking at an old high school yearbook, a birthday card from a friend or an encouraging note from a leader ... they can help us remember a moment in our lives and speak to us long after their original delivery.

  • First impressions are important ... but not always accurate. Throughout the book, first impressions shape "prejudices" and preferences that don't always turn out right. Repeatedly the characters have to overcome their initial impressions of others.


  • People need an appropriate balance between self-awareness and consideration of others. Mr. Collins never ceases to crack me up ... he's sort of a mix between Michael and Dwight from "The Office". I think it's because of how unaware he is of himself and how people perceive him--and also because of how much he overflatters (and basically, kisses up non-stop) to people undeserving of such admiration. By no means does the book endorse disrespect--but more genuine human respect, grace and kindness for everyone (versus for example, Mr. Collins' favoritism toward those in high society).

Pride and Prejudice is fun, but it also makes me think about these issues (and more) in my own life. And I'm not an expert--but I think the best things in life--the best people in life--are those that are fun and at the same time, challenge me to be better.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Fun New Restaurant: Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse


It's Saturday night. I order a steak and a dessert with absolutely no guilt because of the prices. Hot date? Nope...dinner with my family at a restaurant pre-opening.


For some reason, my family has all these odd connections to random free stuff ... and this was no exception. We were invited to a pre-opening night party for Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse in Federal Way. We could order anything we wanted off the menu and only had to pay for our soft drinks--cool, huh?

"You're supposed to throw stuff on the floor?!?"
Jimmy Mac's is not fancy, but it's fun. The atmosphere is designed to be like a Texas roadhouse--complete with loud country music and peanut shells on the floor. (I swear that my Dad got so into throwing shells on the floor that he once hit a fellow guest! :) My Mom couldn't bring herself to throw her shells on the floor, so the waiter would sweep them off the table for her.)


The food is BBQ style but much better than Famous Dave's (sorry if you're a superfan!). They also have some healthier options that are really good--I tried some salmon and veggies. But the steak is fantastic...even my Dad (a self-proclaimed steak expert) was impressed. And the prices aren't bad either, especially for lunch.
We had a great time--and so I thought I'd give them some free advertising. :) Jimmy Mac's definitely has a cool casual vibe...and CLG hosts, it might be a fun place to go for a fun night out with your group.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Favorite Things of the Week



CD: The Wreckers - "Stand Still, Look Pretty"


Starbucks beverage: Tall orange mocha frappuccino (dangerously good--tastes like a chocolate orange at Christmas--and should probably be reserved only for holidays and special occassions). :)

Book: "Love and Respect" by Emerson Eggerichs - After three different people recommended this book, I thought I'd check it out. It's an interesting look at how guys and women differ in what they want most from romantic relationships - but I think even single people can find some value in the basic concepts of the book.


Verse: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10)

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Be brilliant.




"It’s undeniable how brilliant you are.
In an unreliable world you shine like a star..."



Do you know you're brilliant? Today I was singing with Mat Kearney in my car and these words (from "Undeniable") struck me.

Not just because they're romantic. But because they reminded me of of how God sees us:


"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." (Philippians 2:14-16).


"Brilliant." It's such a cool word. Doesn't it sound like something you have to say with a polished British or Australian accent? :) What do you think of when you hear "brilliant"? Genius smarts? Diamonds? Bright color? Light so bright it makes you squint?

To be brilliant, something has to be bold. Rare. Stand out. Awe-inspiring remarkable.

So go ahead--be the brilliant star you're designed to be. I dare you.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Verse of the Day

"...But if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."
(Luke 14:11 , The Message)

Monday, June 11, 2007

Father knows best


I have the world's coolest Dad. I know a lot of people may give their dads those "#1 Dad" t-shirts, hats, ties and coffee mugs, but I actually think my Dad is one of the world's best (and yes, I have told him!).

Last year for Father's Day, I bought my dad the book "Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons" (if you're looking for a Father's Day gift, this is a good one!). It's basically a collection of people's stories about their dads. At the front of the book, there's a space for you to write a letter to your own dad, telling him what you appreciate about him. My dad LOVED it!

Anyway, I thought that in his honor, I'd blog about some of the best things I've learned from my Dad (so far) . This list is a good reminder for me and I thought it might inspire you as well:
  • "If you see a need, meet it." This is one of Dad's famous phrases--usually he would say it to my sisters and I to get us to do the dishes, feed the dog or vacuum. :) But it's one of my favorite Dad quotes because it's all about taking responsibility to help others or solve problems--and really applies to any situation at work, home, ministry and relationships.

  • Be generous even when no one's watching. My Dad absolutely loves doing kind things for others anonymously. I can't tell you how many times we've been at restaurants and he's bought dinners anonymously for a soldier in uniform, a young couple with kids ... you name it. We sometimes joke that if Dad won the lottery (which he doesn't play), that the money would be gone in an instant because he would give it all away to bless someone else.

  • Keep life interesting--be spontaneous (sometimes). I am a planner (yes, oldest child syndrome!), but my Dad is totally spontaneous. I can remember being about 12 years old and hearing, "We're going to Disneyland ... tomorrow!" (and no, my parents didn't plan the trip in advance and keep it a secret for a long time--they just planned it very quickly with help from a travel agent). His spontaneity helped me to develop a little more flexibility--even though I still plan and organize a lot. :)

  • Be passionate about what you believe in. I can remember growing up and being in my room quietly reading or chatting with my best friend on the phone and hearing loud shouting coming from the living room. I would walk out to the hallway and look around. No one was angry. No one won the lottery ... it was just Dad cheering on his favorite sports' team! Dad brings that same passionate approach to everything he loves in life--there's nothing ho-hum about how he volunteers, worships God or cares for our family. He puts his heart into it.

  • Real strength requires real humility. Even though he was raised mostly by a single mom, Dad is definitely a guys' guy. He loves sports, action movies and hanging out with his guy friends. But he was never too tough to say "I love you", pick us up from school and cook dinner when Mom had to work late, hold our bags or purses at the mall (he would sometimes offer even when we felt bad asking), or watch a chick flick with Mom and all of us girls once in awhile (he probably knows the lines to "Sleepless in Seattle" better than I do!).
I could probably go on and on forever, but I guess what's probably the best thing about Dad is that he continually does his best to model Christ's love. Whether or not you have a dad like mine, there may be other people in your world who set that example for you--and I think it's important to show appreciation for them--whether they're moms, mentors, coaches, teachers, pastors, bosses or other leaders.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Favorite things of the week...

Starbucks' Beverage: Tall blended strawberry lemonade (not on the menu—but tastes like an Italian ice!)

CD: The Fray “How to Save A Life”

Activity: Hanging out in Olympia with my BFF from Chicago (yay, Devyn!)

Jesus Quote: "...Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." (Luke 5:15 - The Message)

Beauty Splurge: Thermal river rock massage (thanks to a giftcard from a Cali client for www.spafinder.com, this won’t be too much of a splurge for me!)

Church Perk of the Week: Volunteer for Team Church conference (hello, it's going to be amazing!)...and save a bunch on conference registration. PLUS...you get free CDs of the main sessions, admission to the Hillsong United conference and a T-shirt. It's a no-brainer!

Excuse to Go Shopping: "Spread the Red" this weekend at church to build awareness of volunteering at Team Church--and wear red. Speaking of shopping...

Cool (Cheap) Clothes: I might have to check out the new Sarah Jessica Parker fashion line at Steve and Barry’s (at the SuperMall). I’ve never been there, but if it’s good enough for Oprah AND under $20 a piece...

Afternoon: Waterfront + Sun + Friends (from London and T-Town) = What could be cooler?

Friday, June 1, 2007

Group activity ideas?

As a "Big Sister" and small group leader, I try to think of fun things to do around the Seattle/Tacoma area. Here are a few ideas I've come up with ... but let me know if you have more. For any G2 leaders out reading this, I'm trying to think of fun stuff we could do as a young adults' group (yeah, all 100+ of us...) or individual CLGs. I'm especially looking for stuff that's somewhat interactive and (relatively) inexpensive for a group:
  • Visit the EMP (Experience Music Project) at Seattle Centre.


  • Go on a team photo scavenger hunt with a digital/disposable camera (you need a big group to do this one) in a fun area (Pike Place Market, downtown Tacoma, Ruston Way).

  • Bowling

  • Laser tag

  • Pt. Defiance Zoo

  • Miniature golf


  • BBQ and bonfire

  • Game day - Volleyball, bocce ball, Bunko, and/or Frisbee golf

  • Progressive dinner - A few G2 girls planned one of these a few years ago--really fun. It was cool because we were divided into small groups (about 6 people). But at the first location, all the groups were together (maybe about 25 of us) for salad/drinks. At the second place (appetizers), I think two groups were together at each location. At the third location, each small group was on its own for dinner (hosted by parents/church members). And at the last stop, everyone was together again for a bonfire and smores. In one night, you got to hang out in bigger and smaller groups and interact with different people.

  • Rollerblading/rollerskating/ice skating

  • Movie night with some kind of interactive twist (like when we hosted a "Napoleon Dynamite" with a photo booth, costume contest, trivia, etc.)

  • Fundraiser/group mixer: I've gone to things like this for Project U--basically, there's a $5 cover that benefits a non-profit (e.g. Champions Foundation) at a cool restaurant (Melting Pot, Indochine, etc.). Project U will usually reserve a big room or area of the restaurant and people will just hang out for dinner or appetizers.

    If we did something like this for G2, it would be good to have some kind of game (not too cheesy) where people are encouraged to interact with others they don't know.

  • Volunteer or service project: At TWU, all of our small groups had a volunteer day (at least once a year) where we got involved in some kind of service project for the community ... painting a room at a church, helping an elderly person with yardwork, singing at a retirement center, etc. What's cool is that by doing something together, we bonded more as a group and also helped our community.

    With G2 or CLGs, we could potentially do something as a big group or individual small groups--either for ministries at Champions Centre or community organizations.

Any other ideas? Please feel free to comment ...