A picture's worth a thousand words...

...but this one leaves me speechless!

Beautiful Love by The Afters

What a beautiful smile...can it stay for awhile?

On this beautiful night, we'll make everything right.

My beautiful love.

Choices and Chess

No matter how many times I looked at the board and traced the place that each opposing piece could move, I was still going to lose either my Knight or my Rook. I could only save one of them. But which one? Once more I ran through all of the moves in my head before I finally made my decision. But was it the right choice? Did it even matter?

I’m learning more and more that a seemingly simple or innocent choice can lead to not so simple or innocent consequences. I didn’t exactly learn that from playing Chess, but from seeing the results of bad decisions made in my life and in the lives of others. There are consequences that can’t be undone. Consequences that hurt more than the people directly involved.

I’ve also realized that just because I don’t think something is a poor decision, other people may. My parents consider tattoos and piercings both bad decisions. However, I don’t. I’ve suffered the consequences of my parent’s disappointment numerous times because we disagree about that issue. There are times when I believe what I’ve done is just fine, but they don’t.

Another thing that I’m realizing, with both chess and choices, is the significance of having someone to “think ahead” with – someone to bounce ideas off of…someone to bring a scattered situation back to reality…someone to laugh at and with you…someone to hear everything being said without judging…someone to spell things out honestly.


“If it scares you to death may that be your lesson…it’s your decision, make it the best one.”
– Relient K



Learning to Live and Love,
andrea

“Loving someone does not simply mean doing things for them; it is much more profound…to love someone is to show to them their beauty, their worth and their importance; it is to understand them.” – Jean Vanier

Be Real

Written April 10, 2010



“I don’t think I feel anything,” I said to a friend after a long conversation.
“You know that’s not possible. You’re feeling things, just not acknowledging them,” was her quaint reply.
“Fine,” I impatiently retorted, “What do I do?”
“Tell God. Write it all out," was the simple response.


Here’s a piece of what I wrote that night:

I feel broken, but You can have all the pieces and arrange them how You want.
I feel discouraged, but You are shaping my dreams.
I feel lost, but You know where I am and You'll never leave me.
I feel scared, but You defeated my greatest enemy and You’re fighting for me.
I feel ashamed, but Your blood bought me and made me a daughter of the King.
I feel confused, but You are aware of my fragmented thoughts and understand them.
I feel scarred, but You gave me a new identity when You redeemed me.
I feel weak, but You are strong in my helplessness.
I feel empty, but You put Your unfading treasure inside me.
I feel rebellious, but Your love sets me free.


God, I can’t see You or feel You and I’m struggling to believe You’re still here. I gave my life to an invisible being and I’m craving Your voice and touch right now. Let me know You’re real. Please.

2nd Year at Moody

Written on May 13th...


It’s my last night in Chicago for the school year and where am I? I’m in my empty dorm room sitting on the window seat journaling and thinking. Seems to be my favorite spot to reflect on everything when I can’t sleep. I love looking out the window and seeing the city. My city. I’m definitely more attached to Chicago now than I was a year ago.

My second year at Moody is over. Finished. Complete. Wow.


Fall Semester…
Cultural Anthropology
Communication Studies
Christianity in Western Culture 1

My two favorite classes were:
Hermeneutics
Race, Poverty, and Social Justice

PCM: Awanas at Park Community Church

Biggest Challenge: Mono. I don’t like sleeping because I never want to miss anything.
Highlight: All the new friends I made from Smith 5 and Culby 19
Favorite Memories: studying on the roof of Noble Tree one afternoon and our BroSis Christmas Party

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Spring Semester…
Philosophy
Interpersonal Communication
Christianity in Western Culture 2

My two favorite classes were:
Photojournalism
History and Theology of Urban Ministry

PCM: Juvenile Detention Center – leading Bible study

Biggest Challenge: having my hard drive crash was a bummer
Highlight: building and strengthening relationships
Favorite Memories: tacky prom and getting lost with Emma numerous times and early morning breakfasts with Jeremy, Ben, and Emma

And, in response to the past blog, “Farewell Whatever You Were”, I did learn some new guitar chords and I took lots of pictures.

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I’m so excited to be going home, but it’s a little bit of a bittersweet feeling this time. I love Chicago and the people here, but I also love Livermore and the people there, as well.

On to summer…lot of sun, beach, reading, hanging with friends, babysitting, worship team practice, writing, guitar playing, a few classes, and sleeping. And who knows? Maybe a few surprises…

Lawmakers: Military could quell Chicago violence

An article from washingtonpost.com


The Associated Press
Sunday, April 25, 2010; 9:46 PM

CHICAGO -- Two Illinois lawmakers say violence has become so rampant in Chicago that the National Guard must be called in to help.

Chicago Democratic Reps. John Fritchey and LaShawn Ford made a public plea to Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday to deploy troops.

The request comes amid a recent surge in violent crime, including a night last week that saw seven people killed and 18 wounded, mostly by gunfire.

Fritchey says Chicago has had 113 homicide victims this year. He says the police department has done a commendable job, but its resources are stretched thin.

Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis says he appreciates the lawmakers' frustration and willingness to help, but doubts the National Guard is the best answer.


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Praying for Chicago.