Donna

I met Donna shortly after I arrived at the church I serve. But it is in the last few years that we have really become good friends. Being pretty much the only single people where we work, we formed a bond, and have been a great help and support to each other as we have faced struggles and frustrations with single life and dating. Donna is a very compassionate person with a great sense of humor. And I respect her so much for all the mission work she has done. She has gone to Russia, Nicaragua, Panama, etc. She eagerly goes wherever in the world to tell other people about Jesus, and daily tells children about Jesus in her classroom. She's a pretty incredible person!

9 to 5

I saw this movie first when I was a kid, and have just always loved it. I think it's really funny, and it's a movie I have watched numerous times. Lily Tomlin is my favorite actress in it.

Some lines:

Roz: Here, Violet--you can put this up on the bulletin board.

Violet: Thanks, Roz. I know just where to stick it.

________________________

Violet: I'm not you're wife or your mother, or even your mistress. I am your employee and as such I expect to be treated equally, with a little dignity, and a little respect.

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Franklin Hart (the Boss): They're trying to kill me!

Judy: Why would they want to do a nasty thing like that?

Franklin Hart: I don't know. I'm not such a bad guy.

Judy: You're a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot.

Franklin Hart: So I have a few faults, who doesn't?

________________________

Violet: I'm going to the pen. I'm gonna be locked up for life. I'm going to lose my job.

Judy: Violet, just calm down!

Violet: I'm no fool! I've killed the boss. You think they're not gonna fire me for a thing like that?!

"Spreadin' Rhythm Around" (Lady Bug vs. Lady Day RR Remix)

I hadn't really listened to Billie Holiday music before, but when I heard this remixed version of "Spreadin' Rhythm Around," I totally loved it. It's so fun, and just puts me in a good mood listening to it. I have read some reviews of this remixed and reimagined album, and I guess there are a lot of people who don't think they should remix Billie Holiday songs, and that they messed up a lot of songs by doing it. But even the bad reviews seem to acknowledge that this particular song is done well on the album. Go here to take a listen for yourself:

Sample

Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This verse has been an important one to me for a long time. Back when I was in high school and was stressed out about stuff, I would look at a little card containing this verse pinned to the bulletin board in my room. And it always encouraged me. It reminded me to look outside myself. It reminded me to look to Christ. This verse continues to be very powerful to me, and lately I seem to be surrounded by this verse--it is the theme this year of the school/church I serve, and it just keeps popping up in various places. And it's the perfect verse to be surrounded with at the time I am writing this. I am busy with my full time work in the church and trying to finish work on my Master's. Sometimes I don't know how I can do everything. And then this verse reminds me I can do NOTHING myself. I am weak, I am powerless, I am nothing on my own. But Christ Who died and rose again is strong, and powerful, and is always with me. He conquered sin, death, and the devil. He gives me forgiveness and eternal life. And He gives me His strength daily. I take great comfort in that.

Friday Night Lights (TV Show)

I wouldn't have thought initially this was a show I'd get into. But once I started watching it, I was so engaged by the characters including the high school football players dealing with the struggles in their lives and trying to figure out their various relationships with friends and romantic interests. (Particularly interesting is the character of Jason who becomes paralyzed due to an injury in a football game). And I love the coach's character--he drives the boys hard in playing football, but is always there to guide them and help them as they deal with the challenges of life. His wife too is a great character, and it is interesting to see their marriage--how they together weather conflicts, pressures from others, and various struggles. Great acting, characters, and stories. This show is definitely more than a show about football.

Michal and Family

I met my friend Michal at college (Concordia River Forest). We lived in the same cluster of a dorm and were both there for orientation week (myself as a transfer student and Michal as a freshman). We had good times in college--late night talks, rowdy games of spoons, snow "fights," praying together, laughing together. Michal was a good listener to me, a calming presence when I got stressed out, and from the beginning I always appreciated her wit, intelligence, and humor. One word that has always come to mind when I think of my friend, is sincerity. Michal is one of the most sincere, genuine people I know. Sometimes in the world we live in, that can seem pretty rare. Though life has taken us in different directions, and different states the last several years, I am so thankful we keep in touch, and am so thankful to have been able to spend time with her and her family too. Her husband Sam is a great guy, and her kids Jonah and Seth are amazing. I have enjoyed my times with them so much. It has been cool to see Michal as a wife and mom--I just have so much respect for her in how she juggles everything, and she is such a great mom to those kids. One of the blessings of going to Concordia was to meet fellow Lutherans--people I share a bond of faith with. And I think it's that bond of faith that will keep Michal and I together as friends no matter where each of us is in life.

Heaven on Seven

When I knew I was going to downtown Chicago on my last trip up north, I searched the internet for interesting restaurants to try. Heaven on Seven was one I came across, and when I mentioned it to my friend Abigail who I was meeting downtown, she said we should definitely go. When I visited New Orleans a number of years ago, I enjoyed the food, and this place claims "The Best Louisiana Cookin' Outside of New Orleans." The food was excellent. We had the Shrimp and Andouille Eggrolls with spicy mustard and ginger mango sauce and Asian Slaw for an appetizer. And I had the Angry Chicken Po' Boy Sandwich. I like the atmosphere of the place too--all sorts of Mardi Gras beads, masks, etc on the walls and hanging from the chandeliers and the wall of hot sauces was pretty cool. There are various sauces on each table as well with names like "Ass in Antarctica" "Asbirin" "Slap My Ass and Call Me Sally." I tried as many of the different sauces as I could. Great dining experience, and I hope to go back sometime. http://www.heavenonseven.com/index.html

"Christ Be My Leader"

Christ be my Leader by night as by day;
Safe through the darkness, for He is the way.
Gladly I follow, my future His care,
Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there.

Christ be my Teacher in age as in youth,
Drifting or doubting, for He is the truth.
Grant me to trust Him; though shifting as sand,
Doubt cannot daunt me; in Jesus I stand.

Christ be my Savior in calm as in strife;
Death cannot hold me, for He is the life.
Nor darkness nor doubting nor sin and its stain
Can touch my salvation: with Jesus I reign.

Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith
Tune: Irish; setting: Lutheran Service Book, 2006

This is in my top 5 favorite hymns. I need to be reminded of the words often. I especially love the last verse; it is very comforting and speaks clearly of the only confidence we truly have.

Clue

The movie based on a board game--what a concept! To me, this movie is so fun and silly. Great cast; I especially love Madeline Kahn and Eileen Brennan. Martin Mull is pretty good in this too.

Some dialogue--

Col Mustard: Are you trying to make me look stupid in front of the other guests?
Wadsworth: You don't need any help from me, sir.
Col Mustard: That's right!
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Wadsworth: To make a long story short.
Other Characters: Too late!
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Mr. Green: Let us in! Let us in!
Ms. Scarlet and Col. Mustard: Let us out! Let us out!
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Col. Mustard: I can't take any more scares!
Chandelier falls to the ground and breaks right in back of him.
Col. Mustard: (In high pitched voice) Ahhhh. Falls into chair.
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Mrs. White: Yes, I did it. I killed Yvette. I hated her sooo...much...it, it...the...it...the...flames...flames...flames...on the side of my face...breathing...breathless...heaving breaths...heaving (mumbles on)

Smoking Guns

I love this computer game! Using your mouse, you shoot stuff on the screen. The harder the level, the faster things pop on and off screen. And of course there are "friends" and if you accidentally shoot them, you get points deducted. There are thousands of variations too so it can be different each time you play. It's such a fun game, and one that is good to play as a taking a short break from stuff kind of game. Plus shooting stuff is a good way to get out one's aggressions!

Jean and Gene

Jean and Gene are such dear friends to both my mom and me. Actually, I consider them more like family. They were (and continue to be) members of the church I grew up in, so I've known them for awhile, but it is in the last 6 years or so, that we've really become close. What I have always admired about them is that they live their faith. They are always willing to help anyone in need. Jeannie, I consider a kindred spirit--we are very much alike in how we think about things, how we feel about certain things, how we need resolution to things. Our conversations can run pretty deep talking about the Bible, faith, relationships, etc. And we also laugh a lot together. Gene has a great sense of humor! All of us always have fun in our game playing--whether it's Pit, Sequence, Texas Hold'em, etc. We get so silly and into it. Jean and Gene are such a blessing in my life.

American Idols Live 2007

This was the first year I was into American Idol for the whole season. I enjoyed watching the show, and thought it would be cool to see the Top 10 when they toured. It was a fantastic concert! They each sang a song individually, but throughout the show they sang duets, sang as trios, were in various groupings. I think some of these guys and gals will go far, and there is something exciting to me about seeing people at the start of their career like that. Melinda is my favorite, so I enjoyed seeing her perform. Some of my favorite performances were Melinda and Sanjaya singing "Proud Mary," the girls singing some Motown, Lakisha singing "I Have Always Loved You," Phil in his navy uniform singing "America the Beautiful," Blake singing "You Give Love a Bad Name," and the songs where they all sang together. I enjoyed seeing Gina again too--I think she should have made it a lot farther. It was a great night, and such a great variety of music to appeal to many different people.

Boz Hot Dogs

I always thought this place was called Bozo's but apparently it is Boz (I always thought that face at the end of the logo was supposed to be another "o"). Anyway, there are several Boz hot dogs up in northern Illinois and Indiana. The one I've gone to in Thornton is basically a little shack. But the food is so good. I like to get a hot dog with everything--everything includes relish, mustard, cucumbers, peppers, celery salt, probably other stuff I'm forgetting. And I love the chili boat--that is a tamale with chili over it. And I get cheese and onions on it as well. Delicious food. When I visit my dad he is willing to take me out to eat wherever I want to go, to nice restaurants or whatever. But sometimes I just want my Boz hot dog and chili boat. (It will always be Bozo's to me though). http://www.bozhotdogs.com/index.htm

"Peaceful World" John Mellencamp

Peaceful World
By John Mellencamp
Best Video Codes

I love this song! The first time I heard it on my car radio I thought, "Wow, this is something really cool and different." When they first started playing it on the radio several years ago, if I was in the car and had arrived somewhere and this song was still playing, I would sit there in my car till it was over. I find myself singing it sometimes, and would probably put it somewhere in my top 10 fav. songs. "If you're not part of the future then get out of the way." "Everything's as cool as can be in a peaceful world." Gotta love the Mellencamp!

Listen to a sample or download

Joshua 1:9

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

This is my Confirmation verse, so it has been special to me for a long time. It is such a comfort to know God continually gives us strength and comfort. No matter where I go, no matter what stage of life I enter in to, no matter what my circumstances, the LORD is there with me. I am never alone. What joy and peace flow from this verse! It is a verse I cling to.