Laundry Time

(Picture taken before SVC Pumpkin Fest, 2008)

I'm not fond of chores. But I'd rather do the laundry than the bathroom. Sorting the clothes into appropriate piles is easy to handle. Actually, that's kind of how my mind works anyway. Dark colors, light colors, whites, permanent press, delicates, towels - everything gets "classified," and we handle each pile of clothes differently. Length of cycle time varies, type or amount of detergent changes depending on the size of the load or type of fabric. To each, the process may be slightly different, but the desired result is the same - a clean set of clothes.

Alot of times, we don't want to do the laundry or don't have the time, so we let it just sit for awhile - longer than usual. Instead of dealing with the stench, we'll go out and buy or try something new. Eventually that gets soiled as well, and there it goes - on top of that pile that continues to grow ... more soiled clothes on top of the others as time goes by.

Isn't that how we handle life sometimes? We classify events and situations into categories and handle each one a little bit differently, according to the special needs surrounding that circumstance. There are times, however, we don't want to deal with a certain "pile" though, and it continues to sit there, more soiled events on top of the others.

What's in this pile of dirty laundry we sometimes neglect? Rejection from a loved one, bitterness about overbearing relationships, pain from the death of a child or the death of dream, a sanctimonious attitude toward a draining friend, hatred for an offensive brother, denial about our behaviors that feel out of control, anger about a spouse's extra marital affair, or maybe the fear from the thoughts of possibly having one? You add to the list ...

Left unattended - the piles of clothes just get bigger and bigger, and it takes longer and longer to sort through. Let's face it ... we've all got some proverbial laundry to do.  So why do we ignore it, bury it, and think it's best left unattended?  It only makes for a more difficult task in the long run. So before the "un-aired" pile of emotional laundry turns in to emotional baggage, we've got to block out some time ... some laundry time ... with the only One who can help us sort through all of our stuff and help us come clean.  

Cast your cares upon Him for he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7

The Challenge of The Waterline

"The depth of a soul is not measured by what appears on the surface."  ~ Unknown

Some just don't wanna go there.

I dare you.

De Nile River

I have to confess. I used to think I was white.  

Even though I was born in the Philippines, we moved to the United States when I was just one.  My dad was in the Navy, and we lived primarily in the East Coast ~ Maryland, Connecticut, Washington DC, and Virginia.

I think I was one of three Filipinos in the entire school my freshman year of high school, and either there were even fewer of us in my junior high and elementary schools, or I just wasn't as aware of my being different back then.  

My parents never taught me the language, Tagalog, for fear I'd have trouble learning English.  And they never spoke the language outside of the home, except with relatives in their homes. 

Thankfully, I was never the brunt of discrimination or prejudice.  

When my dad retired from the Navy in 1983, we left the East Coast and moved to Vallejo where, as a 10th grader, I think I experienced culture shock.  With so many other Filipinos around me, and then them  speaking "the language" to each other in public, I was just appalled.

 So ... while I have since recovered, there began my denial.  And reading Pati's book, "The Oracles," once again reminded me to value of both the pains and joys of life.

In her book, she vivifies this clash of cultures that's not at all restricted to the Filipino's.  But more than just talking about the conflict, she helps us to embrace generational and cultural differences, also leading us to find value in both the joys and pains of our upbringing. 

I've read "The Oracles" and had the privilege of hearing her do a book reading at SF State last night.  I bought the book for one of my pastors who said (and I quote with permission), "This redneck honkey really enjoyed her book."  :-)

I hope you'll pick it up and read it too. 

You can listen to Pati read excerpts of her book by clicking here.

"Fireproof"

It's not just entertaining, it's life changing. Married or not, I hope you'll go see it. But go soon, because it won't be in the theaters long.

Quietus

Jesus posed this question to his disciples, "Who do you say I am?"

This week, I've been with a friend whose husband passed away at the age of 57. We sat together in the hospital room during his last days where I witnessed the tender moments of a wife saying farewell to her love of 33 years. I had to divert my attention at times, feeling as though I were eavesdropping on her most intimate thoughts. We went to the mortuary the following day where vital stats were transcribed onto forms and items were selected for her husband's interment. And just yesterday, I caught glimpses of his life and personality as our Pastor conversed with her in preparing for his memorial service.

What one word describes him best?
What were his hobbies and passions?
What were his pet peeves or quirks?
What was the funniest thing he ever said?
What were your last moments with him like?
How did he influence others to be a better person?
What did he teach you about God?
When you see his picture, what will you remember most?
Is there a particular scripture that was his favorite?
What do you want people to walk away with when the memorial service is over?

Needless to say, it's been a heavy week. But more than contemplating my own mortality, it's caused me to take a long, thoughtful look at my life and how I'm living it today. How would someone answer those questions of me? Who would they say I am?

In John 10:30, Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." And in John 14:9, he said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." As a follower of Christ, can I say the same thing? Is my life a reflection of Christ's? Does my life point to God the Father?

This is my ultimate life challenge.

Which Superhero Am I?

Turns out I'm Supergirl. Take the quiz and tell me which one you are!

You are Supergirl

Supergirl 76% Wonder Woman 71% Superman 70% Iron Man 65% Green Lantern 60% Spider-Man 55% Robin 53% Batman 45% Hulk 45% The Flash 40% Catwoman 30%

Lean, muscular and feminine. Honest and a defender of the innocent.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...