tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21141506548708566302024-03-14T02:10:35.964-07:00Peaches and PicanteThe adventures of a Georgia girl and a Texas boy in Louisville, KentuckyMegen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-88896424268975711112012-08-11T20:47:00.005-07:002012-08-11T20:47:51.549-07:00OpportunitiesWhen Lizabee graduated from high school in June, there was a particular line in her superintendent's speech that we've quoted (and, okay, mocked) pretty regularly in the Farrow/Boyett household.<br />
The woman, who I'm sure jotted down many well-meaning cliches that could apply equally to all the seniors in all the county high schools graduating that Saturday, said to the class of 2012: "Don't pass up any opportunities. Take every opportunity you're given."<br />
<br />
Well, what a bunch of malarky. We've of course played many scenarios in which the rising college freshman is offered a ride home with a stranger, or the chance to try a "magic" pill (What Opportunites! YES YES YES!) and of course, these scenarios only get <i>funnier</i> each time we reenact them. (I say, if a roofie joke is funny once, it's funny <i>every time</i>.)<br />
<br />
I'm particularly reminded of the superintendent's speech this week though, since, in the past month, I've turned down not one but <i>two</i> (semi-)legitimate "opportunities."<br />
<br />
The first started at the mall when a girl at Cosmo Modeling Agency asked if I'd be interested in setting up an appointment to have headshots made. I told her sure and followed through with it, since there was no money or further commitment involved. After my pictures were taken at the studio the following week, I met with the director who gave me a spot for the <i>five hour</i> photo shoot the following Sunday, and then told me that as long as I could pay $475 up front, I could just pay $50 for the next two years to ensure that my portfolio stayed online.<br />
Now wait, I said this was an opportunity, and it really could have been. I didn't take it, obviously, because it would cost as much as sponsoring two children through <a href="http://compassion.com/">Compassion</a> for the next two years. But there was a time in my life where all I wanted to do was be on stage or in front of a camera. There are still times that I miss acting so much it hurts. And this is the way that lots of local agencies, just like Cosmo, run their business and pay to promote their members. For those who are willing to commit to it, modeling can make some money.<br />
I never, for a second, thought about pursuing this once I found out what it would cost out of pocket, but the greater opportunity here was an appeal to my vanity. It was the chance to be resentful that I <i>couldn't</i> afford to have my pictures featured on Cosmo's website and to question the goodness of my Creator: that he wouldn't make a way for this to work out in my favor. This sounds quite <i>obviously</i> vain and spoiled and prideful, so let me present my second opportunity.<br />
<br />
If not an appeal to my vanity, what then? Oh, right, my academia. Or worse. My love of people, and particularly outcasts.<br />
<br />
I got into University of Louisville's Masters of Arts program for English! Yay!<br />
I did not get a teaching assistantship through the program. I still don't really know why. I really wanted tuition paid for, but more than that, I wanted to work in the writing center doing something I love full time.<br />
<br />
Last week, I applied for a teaching assistantship with the U of L debate team, and I got offered the position without an interview! (Well, okay, first they said they didn't want me. And then they called back and said their first choice flaked so the position was mine. Don't let me fool you.)<br />
So, tuition reimbursement: CHECK!<br />
Small monthly stipend: CHECK!<br />
Working with smart, passionate undergrads: CHECK!<br />
Driving up to eight hours, often through the night: Check?!<br />
Starting THIS MONDAY (two days from now). Check...<br />
Being told, more than once, that the atmosphere may be hostile toward certain demographics (of which I am a member, eg: white and heterosexual). Check Check Check.<br />
<br />
The last one actually made me want to do this more initially. People who have been ignored or mistreated by society? And they need me to prove I can rise above the White Christian Middle Class stereotype?! Well, okay. Sign me up. Let me share unconditional love that offers peace and redemption.<br />
So, why did I turn this second opportunity down too? Because it wasn't my mission field to take on. It turns out, this appeal to my love of academics, social justice, and broken people was not for me. It wouldn't solve money problems. We'd still have to take out a loan for Ben's school, even if mine was paid. It might not solve time problems, since I'd still have to have a second job to cover anything other than living expenses. And honestly, as I sought God's face and his answer, I received a resounding answer: You are called to love the broken and the hurting and the outcast. But not in this way. Let the warning that you'll be lonely and often rejected in this capacity serve to protect you from future hurt and frustration.<br />
<br />
But God, don't you call us to persecution? To rejection for your name's sake? Even to poverty so that we depend more fully and fervently on you? I know that the times I've seen your hand of mercy the clearest are the times when I'm most desperate for your help. And shouldn't I be looking for ways to love people that aren't like me, even when I'm uncomfortable?<br />
<br />
I've got to say, I don't have answers to that. I know that all those things are true of God and of me as a Christian. I have often prayed that I would be ready to face persecution and wouldn't shy away from places where I know I'll be rejected or mocked. But, for whatever reason, God has chosen to keep me from this.<br />
<br />
I suspect it's because he's providing for me right now and isn't done with where I'm at. And that's fine, because I don't think I'm done with it either.<br />
<br />
What the superintendent should have said was: Many opportunities will present themselves. Feel free to be choosy.Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-62208529471674449352012-08-02T07:17:00.001-07:002012-08-02T07:19:32.723-07:00My Family Was Here!(This feels like the last day of calm before a storm that I can't size up.)<br />
<br />
My mama and my Shannon Elizabee were just here! My daddy and my Jessie both needed to be home and I missed them, but it was so sweet to spend real time with two such wonderful women. It's the first time since we've moved here that I could relax with my family without agenda. I got to take them to some of my favorite places: <a href="http://franklinstreetchurch.org/">Franklin Street Church</a> and small group on Sunday, some shops on Bardstown where we got fabulous pictures (not yet uploaded), Queenie's for soul food and Tom + Chee for gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup. We even got in good exercise...as we walked to Heine Bros. Coffee for breakfast and the Comfy Cow for ice cream!<br />
<br />
(Here, my mother would like the reader to know that she ran every single morning and swam and even tried my silly weight machines. And that she didn't eat any ice cream.)<br />
<br />
We discovered lots of new shops, went to see Batman (again), and shopped for curtain material. (Yes, my mother is amazing. My office has brand new curtains. Also, thanks Rachael for the sewing machine.)<br />
<br />
It was actually a perfect way to spend three days, with just enough wandering and resting and enjoying one another without filling up the days too much. Though we did <i>maybe</i> spend too much time in JoAnn Fabrics. Now that they're gone, there's a silence I can actually feel.<br />
<br />
The quiet in my apartment isn't strange like I thought it would be though. It's not a lazing, back to normal quiet. It feels much more like a silent rush. A push from behind, a pull toward an unknown future. It's the silent but startling realization that I have to start making decisions again about things that demand attention. This is August 2nd, and in 19 days, I'll be starting my first grad school class. Ben, who took a summer class this week, will have been back in school for three weeks by then. Mama has a kindergarten team meeting tomorrow. Shan moves to CNU in two weeks. Jess starts her last semester of undergrad. My family, here and states away, moves on.<br />
<br />
The past three days have been such a respite from the things I have to do day-to-day. I have barely thought about work until now. I still don't know reliably how to get to my classes. I'm caught in the uncertainties of money and time and in the midst of it all, where are the plans my Father has laid out for me? The ones he has had since before the world began? Am I fulfilling them with all this dizzying uncertainty?<br />
<br />
I get so sad when family leaves because I want to share all the parts of me with them, but today, it's possible that the sadness has another root as well. As long as the ones I love are close, I can shut out the upcoming uncertainties. I can devote my attention to something other than the stress that I know is impending. I can just stay still with them.<br />
<br />
But the God I love, who is still close to me, is not a God of standing still. He's not a God of staying right where you are, even when you're in the shadow of His wings. He's a caring, sympathetic, comforting God, but He's not sentimental. He doesn't coddle. And He's ready for me to move on. To go forward and figure out what to do next. To keep moving, knowing that He'll keep the storm at bay for as long as He wills before moving with me through any driving rains He's ordained.<br />
<br />
Okay God, thanks for this rest. Let's surge ahead.Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-7269193257148414412012-03-23T10:09:00.000-07:002012-03-23T07:16:07.281-07:00A Car Wreck<br />
Psalm 86:15<br />
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness...<br />
<br />
...Even when I wreck the car.<br />
So, the lights were coming on in my car and kind of blinking and the battery light was on. It sounded like something was beeping, though that might have been the radio. And then, I looked up. And realized I was going 60 toward a stopped car. I swerved, I braked, I left some impressive skid marks on the road. I hit the car in front of me. I busted my head light and my hood and probably my radiator. I made our only car undrivable. Husbands, kiss your wives and thank them for not doing <i>that</i> yesterday!<br />
<br />
Meika, our pit bull, was in the car with me. Neither she nor I nor the other driver, whose name I don't know, were hurt. His car was drivable. He called the police and roadside assistance and probably his insurance and never talked to me except to say that accidents happen and that's why we have insurance. Ben got a ride home from work and they stopped and picked Meika and I up on the way.<br />
<br />
I asked the police officer how to get my ticket. He said, "What ticket?" I said, "Don't you get tickets when you cause accidents?!" He said, "No. That's why they're called accidents." He didn't even make me go to court or driving school. I was a little upset over that.<br />
<br />
I was also upset that Ben wasn't mad. I let him down! I found <i>another </i>way to be late to get him from work and cost him our only mode of transportation. Why didn't he need time away? I knew it didn't change his love for me, but why didn't I at least have to earn back favor?! Why did that bother me so much?<br />
<br />
Because I feel a very deep need to earn what I have. Ben loves me because I'm level-headed and reasonable and frugal. He loves me because I'm charming and cute and silly. I take care of the things that need to be done and love him back. That's favor I feel like I've earned. I deserve his love. When I mess that up, I should do something to make it right again. It can't just continue to be okay. I should have to face the consequences and work back to being okay. That's <i>just</i>!<br />
<br />
But can it be that in reality, Ben loves me just because he does? That he likes all those things about me, but his love isn't earned?<br />
<br />
I got a really clear picture of God's grace last night, after Chris dropped us off at home. I could feel grace in ways my brain could never understand on its own. You'd think it would be relieving, but in fact it was uncomfortable that I couldn't do <i>anything</i> to gain merit. No dinner I could cook, no plans I could make, no excuse I could offer, could make my husband love me more than he already did. His unconditional love made my efforts fruitless. I hope you see the parallel between my meager offerings of "goodness" and Christ's promise of love and salvation.<br />
<br />
And <i>then</i> we started to see God's faithfulness!<br />
God has blessed us already with big weeks at work that mean we'll have some extra money. And Ben's parents felt led to send him a really generous birthday present for something we'd need in the future.<br />
<br />
We emailed our church family and texted and called friends so I could get to work today. Within an hour, I had a ride. Within five more minutes, we had a ride to church on Sunday from another friend.<br />
<br />
Then, Ben's brother-in-law and sister offered us their Trail Blazer. Brian said he'd been praying this week for someone to give it to. He's getting it fixed today so we can have it in a week or so, in case our Escort is too expensive to fix. We couldn't believe it. We were completely overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
This morning while walking the dog, I ran into one of Ben's friends and told him what I'd done. He said they have an extra car, since his wife just had a baby and has been staying home. Just in case we need a loaner.<br />
<br />
I just got off the phone with a new friend from church offering to drive me around tomorrow so I can run errands.<br />
<br />
God, your forgiveness is one thing. It's enough that you're compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. But Oh, my God! You are so quick to take care of us in ways we couldn't have guessed! I did something foolish and you answered it by pouring out your blessing! Father, you amaze me.<br />
<br />
Psalm 86:11<br />
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.<br />BGBoyetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384625916914431123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-68186129500723274262012-03-09T10:01:00.000-08:002012-03-09T10:01:37.568-08:00Like writing to an old friendLet's pick up right where we left off. First, a brief catch-up.<br />
<br />
Ben has started his second semester at Boyce. (And he made Dean's List last semester with a hefty 3.8! I couldn't be more ecstatic!) I'm still working at Brooks Brothers, and actually starting to feel like I understand this commission thing. Hopefully, the next step is to start building my own business within the company and getting to know the Louisville community a little better!<br />
<br />
I'm <i>still</i> <i>waiting</i> to hear back from University of Louisville. I'm being <i>so patient</i>; can't they see that! I have resisted daily temptation to email and ask how much longer. The long hiatus from blogging included taking the GRE, getting a Kentucky Driver's License, and editing many papers to apply for a Master's Degree in English. I also am waiting to hear back about my Teaching Assistantship, so I can work in the U of L writing center and not pay tuition. The end goal is a Ph.D. and a professorship (somewhere).<br />
<br />
Right at this second, I just finished a paper at Southern's Writing Center (come see me for paper help!) and am about to get my hair done again!<br />
<br />
Phew! Good chat. Let's talk again soon!Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-27078795542592311262011-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:002012-08-02T07:39:02.799-07:00Have Mercy on Me, a SinnerTonight my small group leader said something that really resonated with me: "When you hear about someone else's wrongdoing, the fastest way to humility is to say to yourself, 'I'm guilty of that.'" The example she used was adultery, which to the women in my Seminary Wives class sounds absolutely heinous. It probably sounds pretty serious to most people, Christian or not. Our immediate response is, "I could <i>never</i> do that to my husband. I would never be guilty of that."<br />
But what is adultery other than unfaithfulness? And haven't I been unfaithful to my spouse? Not through intimacy with another person, perhaps, but through putting myself or my wants at the top of my priority list? or through refusing to really listen to him because I was angry? Moreover, Christ is called our bridegroom, the husband of the church, precisely because his relationship to his people demonstrates the very tenderness and unconditional, gracious love that should exist within the marriage relationship. How often are we unfaithful to Him, our first love?<br />
So, then we can identify with our brothers and sisters in sin not out of some false sense of modesty. Self-deprication is making ourselves out to be worse than we actually believe we are in order to gain people's praise. We don't identify ourselves as sinners for that reason. Rather, we take a steely look at ourselves and say "I am truly guilty of that wrong. I am literally no better, because that same heart attitude often resides within me. It is only by the grace of an Almighty God that I have been saved from the consequences I deserve."<br />
Imagine being able to stand next to a sister or brother caught in a cycle of wrongdoing and say "I'm guilty of that just like you are, but we are both called to more than this."<br />
Christians, there is no better way to restore a fellow believer than with humility and love. Likewise, there is no better way to create a barrier than to say in our hearts "At least I'm not like that." It is so very dangerous to decide that someone else is beyond hope and help, unworthy of restoration or forgiveness, and certainly less worthy than we are of love. If we are to be thought of as members of the same body, would we then say "My arm is diseased and hurting, so I'll immediately count it as lost"? Of course not! In your own physical body, you would take immediate action. There is nothing more harmful to the body at large than to ignore illness in one part and allow it to spread! You would not waste time in giving your body gentle attention and care, treating it with love and tenderness in the hope of restoring it to full health!<br />
We are called to be a body of healthy believers, without factions, without dissension, without pride. We are called to restore with humility and love, and we cannot be humble without a careful examination of our own stubborn, prideful hearts.Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-266468445530854672011-11-07T19:50:00.000-08:002011-11-07T19:51:27.702-08:00Good ThingsI've been reading a favorite photography blog of mine. And by reading, I mean getting lost in. I had a college acquaintance who started her own photography business and it's blown up. Her pictures are amazing and she has this great flair for business and details. If you want to get lost for a while, read <a href="http://katelynjamesblog.com/">http://katelynjamesblog.com/</a>.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>She also stole an idea from my favorite multi-millionaire of all time, Martha Stewart. So, in the spirit of Katelyn (who will probably never know I wrote this) and Martha, my best friend, I present you with five wonders.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>1. Turning six months old!</div></div><div>October 23 was mine and Ben's half year anniversary! It's hard to believe that at this time last year I was picking out flowers and searching tirelessly for invitations. My bridesmaids all had their shoes, but not their dresses! I'm so glad my wonderful family, fiance and co-workers were all so patient and unbelievably helpful. My mother should stop teaching to become a wedding planner.</div><div><br />
</div><div>2. Finding a church</div><div>I think we've finally settled. I hope. I don't know. Maybe.</div><div>Franklin Street was the second church we went to, invited by our neighbors Lauren and Logan. It's smaller than Clifton, which is our other possibility. It's also pretty quirky. Our Sunday School teacher reads in English out of his Hebrew Bible and likes to dissect the grammar of the prophets. But mannnnnn is it solid. I have never been in a friendlier church. Ever. They are intentional in community and overseas ministry. They practice preaching the gospel to one another (which is crucial. Nothing about Christianity comes naturally to us. We need to continually be reminded of who God is and who we are, or we will quickly begin to add rules on top of the freedom and grace we have!) And they take communion every Sunday! Which leads me to...<br />
<br />
3. Wine!<br />
Because at Franklin Street, we can choose wine or grape juice. And I think that's a really really good idea.<br />
<br />
4. Shrimp Enchiladas<br />
And the husbands who have them waiting for me when I get home from really long work meetings. With NCIS on in the background.<br />
<br />
5. Sisters<br />
I love my sisters. I love nights, like last night, when I get to talk to them about silly things (and really important things like the dream I had about living in Dr. Seuss world). I miss my family pretty dearly and wish that I could go home a lot sooner than...well, I don't know when I'll be home per se. But they'll all come to see me the week after Christmas! I can't wait!<br />
<br />
Look forward to more good things (hopefully posted more than once a month)</div>Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-26194190012602380942011-10-15T20:24:00.000-07:002011-10-15T20:24:45.505-07:00An Afternoon Among Apple Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Tuesday of Fall Break found Ben and I both off from work and studies, and thus in need of adventuring. Because it is really and finally fall, and because it was 85 degrees of <i>amazing</i>, we went across the river to Indiana to <a href="http://www.hubersfarm.com/index.asp">Huber's Farm and Winery</a>.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mt0HMbkeGU/TppEzeKWqGI/AAAAAAAAABY/EYjCF4qpU_8/s1600/2011-10-04_19-10-24_473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mt0HMbkeGU/TppEzeKWqGI/AAAAAAAAABY/EYjCF4qpU_8/s400/2011-10-04_19-10-24_473.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on our apartment from Southern's main campus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Our day at Huber's started by finding a letter from Chico, my cat at my parent's house, to Meika, mine and Ben's pit bull. It read:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dear Meika,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I do not miss you. Go buy some bones.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Love, Chico</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, thanks...Chico....and mostly Mom, for sponsoring our autumnal adventure!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T6RL8OohbM/TppFR8gjlII/AAAAAAAAABg/kAJKRh7xpqM/s1600/2011-10-04_14-59-39_89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T6RL8OohbM/TppFR8gjlII/AAAAAAAAABg/kAJKRh7xpqM/s400/2011-10-04_14-59-39_89.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking among the apple trees after a hayride to the orchard.<br />
The branches were so heavy with round, hard beautiful apples!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtZnWo68CVc/TppGFaN5GTI/AAAAAAAAABo/-YYq2GUXCxk/s1600/2011-10-04_14-38-21_393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtZnWo68CVc/TppGFaN5GTI/AAAAAAAAABo/-YYq2GUXCxk/s400/2011-10-04_14-38-21_393.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could only eat one apple: a hard, tart Nittany.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqx0kwi0xFA/TppGuuNgflI/AAAAAAAAABw/hw8Oe5gm_Cs/s1600/2011-10-04_14-51-56_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqx0kwi0xFA/TppGuuNgflI/AAAAAAAAABw/hw8Oe5gm_Cs/s400/2011-10-04_14-51-56_400.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben, on the other hand, ate four.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh9MWU_P23E/TppG6dqF36I/AAAAAAAAAB4/GA3AaTrLLA8/s1600/2011-10-04_14-51-49_333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh9MWU_P23E/TppG6dqF36I/AAAAAAAAAB4/GA3AaTrLLA8/s400/2011-10-04_14-51-49_333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummmmmm. He looks so happy!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1KgNpyjYJM/TppIZtJ8txI/AAAAAAAAACA/9rxxoW7dWm4/s1600/2011-10-04_15-08-47_510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1KgNpyjYJM/TppIZtJ8txI/AAAAAAAAACA/9rxxoW7dWm4/s400/2011-10-04_15-08-47_510.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, back at the Farmer's Market, there was cider and pumpkin bread for sampling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dM8aXn5e07Q/TppIrxFM_cI/AAAAAAAAACI/SC8LFZ_YeF8/s1600/2011-10-04_16-38-30_381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dM8aXn5e07Q/TppIrxFM_cI/AAAAAAAAACI/SC8LFZ_YeF8/s400/2011-10-04_16-38-30_381.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there were lots and <i>lots </i>of pumpkins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EX5mtajLHmc/TppI9jOfIEI/AAAAAAAAACQ/yBSmBvioFB4/s1600/2011-10-04_15-11-52_791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EX5mtajLHmc/TppI9jOfIEI/AAAAAAAAACQ/yBSmBvioFB4/s400/2011-10-04_15-11-52_791.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream and cheese together at last?! It's like a perfect marriage!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDpZ2767SFI/TppJrbY7e9I/AAAAAAAAACg/QIIhUSjSSnU/s1600/2011-10-04_15-18-28_387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDpZ2767SFI/TppJrbY7e9I/AAAAAAAAACg/QIIhUSjSSnU/s400/2011-10-04_15-18-28_387.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That</i> is pumpkin nut icecream. <br />
It's cold, but it's spicy and cinamonny so it tastes like it should be warm.<br />
So strange. So, so good. Like frozen pie filling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">In between icecream and going home, we found ponds full of giant koi and a heron and some ducks. And I fell asleep in the sunshine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XQJ6XCaPcA/TppM171T6aI/AAAAAAAAACw/AAi8PQFPDn8/s1600/2011-10-04_19-39-37_918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XQJ6XCaPcA/TppM171T6aI/AAAAAAAAACw/AAi8PQFPDn8/s400/2011-10-04_19-39-37_918.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we finished the day with fried apples and sausage: <br />
an homage to fall harvests and the Creator of apple orchards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNazijdc-p8/TppNThKZ9pI/AAAAAAAAAC4/l_S5qCsiC1M/s1600/2011-10-04_15-04-33_583.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNazijdc-p8/TppNThKZ9pI/AAAAAAAAAC4/l_S5qCsiC1M/s400/2011-10-04_15-04-33_583.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-43547966250377822452011-09-08T13:42:00.000-07:002011-09-08T13:50:07.268-07:00Of course, people do go both ways.When I think of today's post, this scene plays in my head:<br />
<br />
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The hunt for gainful employment, which is my role in this Louisville adventure, has had less success thus far than I had hoped, but more success than I had actually anticipated. As of last Friday, I am technically a Red Robin employee. Training should start next week for that. However, Brooks Bros. has also offered me a full-time job. I originally turned them down because I didn't feel comfortable with commission-based selling. I talked again with the GM today, though, and I think that I could make more working for Brooks Bros than waitressing, even with tips. And I could wear my dress clothes....!<br />
<br />
Also, today I had a second interview with the Housing office for a part-time position. It has regular hours, it's on campus, it's a small staff where I'd really be effective serving and not selling...plus, if I can't do writing or publishing I really just want to work on campus. Of course, a part-time job does not pay rent, tuition, and groceries. So, being me, I've devised another part-time job plan too! I talked to the writing center director and she said "I'd love to have you come on-board! I just don't know when." Then today, housing said, "If hired, you could start on the 19th!" and at the writing center she said "Good news! I can bring you on in about 2 months!"<br />
<br />
Well, that's quick turnaround for both of those places, but not for us! Which leads me to the real debacle here: how can I get a quick "best place to work" answer from God? This is something I feel I come up against frequently and I think something that, as Christians, we struggle with almost as much as "what's God's will for my life?" Often we've been stuck in the drylands, where we can't get any response, but now that there are many, I guess the heart question is "Which one is <i>most</i> from God?" The job I have? The job I want more that pays more? The job(s) I want most but don't have yet that won't start yet and might not pay enough?<br />
<br />
Recently someone said that sometimes, God lets us choose between two (or three) equally good options. And then Francis Chan (in <i>Forgotten God</i>) told me that we spend too much time asking "What's God's will for my life?" Instead of "Okay Holy Spirit, what's the plan for the next half hour?" He says we use an uncertainty of God's will as an excuse for inaction.<br />
<br />
Well, that actually doesn't help me too much immediately or practically, but I think it will long-term. Because maybe, as my friend the Scarecrow says, both ways <i>are</i> pretty nice. And maybe, if the one I pick isn't that nice, God will still be willing to take care of what we need and provide something else when we need it!Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-68791608196570614292011-09-07T10:09:00.000-07:002011-09-07T10:33:59.710-07:00A struggle to describe things beyond my understandingI have tried three different ways to write this post and none are really sufficient. Thank you, Lord, that any words I have are weak compared to your reality. Thanks that my vague, dark understanding doesn't weaken who you are!<br />
<br />
<br />
Lately, my scriptural truths have found their best illustrations in my dog. Meika worships two things: her owners and herself. She loves the love we lavish on her. When she can't feel our petting anymore, she looks around at us and nudges us hard with her nose, trying to make us touch her again. She likes to bury her head against us and just accept our attention, revel in it even. She repays us in kind, licking our hands and jeans and faces. Sometimes she licks us without even looking at us, as though out of obligation. And then, content that she has fulfilled her debt, she continues to expect us to pet her and play with her. This is her worship of herself.<br />
One night last week, she sat on Ben's lap with her back to him, head lowered, eyes half-closed, getting her fill. Then, suddenly, she turned her head to look at her master. All her puppy attention focused on him, and once she saw him she had to respond, not out of obligation, but out of grateful affection. She crossed her eyes so that she could continue to look at him as she covered his face in dog kisses. She gave the best she could give, despite her slobber being of no real worth to Ben. When she acknowledged his love for her and how wonderful he was, and she had to respond in love.<br />
<br />
The theme of last week was not actually searching. It was worship, or, as Don Whitney calls it in <i>Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life,</i> "being pre-occupied with God." I spent most of the week being pre-occupied with my own pursuit of God.<br />
<br />
Despite wanting a heart for worship, I went to church sleepy. I raised my hands to Heaven hoping that my actions would refocus the rest of me, but I had to put them down to fight the overwhelming feeling of hypocrisy. I wasn't looking to the face of God. I was thinking about how "spiritually mature" I wanted the people behind me to know I was! I left church feeling really guilty and depressed and bored, none of which are side effects of true worship.<br />
(My friend Jacob laughingly calls the side effects of worship a "God-high," and has explained to me about heightened levels of chemicals in our brains that cause this feeling. I think it's insanely cool that God is so intimately connected to every part of our bodies that he designed chemicals in our brains to help us respond to Him in worship.)<br />
<br />
Fortunately, I had several other opportunities for corporate (or large group) worship last week. Ben and I went to chapel twice and I nearly cried at the joy of seeing hundreds of twenty-somethings who were thrilled to focus on the Holiness of God for an hour. Still, the guilt that had hung around me during church remained. I prayed to worship in spirit and truth. I sang my favorite songs loudly and eagerly, but I continued to worship me and to be distracted knowing that I wasn't truly praising God as He deserved. Surely, I thought, this is not the true worship that the forefathers of my faith have practiced. And then, on Thursday, something changed. It wasn't a state of mind that I figured out. It wasn't any action of mine, lest I should boast. It was more like an invasion, really; a not so hostile takeover. The eyes of my heart (which are not physical body parts, but exist nonetheless) glimpsed something Greater and Holier than themselves. When they fixed on the author of life, I finally stopped mattering. My faithlessness didn't matter, my guilt didn't matter; I could stand pure before the Holy of Holies and know that He had made me worthy to praise Him. And, like the four creatures around His throne in Revelation, I <i>had</i> to praise him. It was the only logical response.<br />
<br />
Because my heart is like a sieve, I couldn't stay there in the presence of the Almighty. I had to couldn't hold on to the knowledge of how wonderful He is. Oh how I long for the time when my heart can be filled to overflowing and not need continual filling. I say with the woman at the well in Samaria "Give me some of the water that will keep me from thirst, Lord, so I won't have to draw water day after day!" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4&version=NIV">John 4</a>)Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-87542989700779242912011-09-02T09:23:00.000-07:002011-09-02T09:23:15.119-07:00The SearchSearching has been the theme of these last two weeks in particular: searching for the right church, searching for the right job, searching for new friends, but always searching.<br />
<br />
On the job front, I have finally given up having the immediate perfect editing or writing job, or any immediate editing or writing job. I think this was prompted by the realization that we'll be out of money by September 20. Instead, I took a clerical test this week to try for an executive secretary job (I got a 90! Thanks Lord for keeping me clear-headed!). I interviewed at housing for front desk work, and I'm due for a third interview at Red Robin today after my personality test at Outback. And Brooks Bros. called yesterday to offer me a position pending an interview.<br />
<br />
Despite not really wanting any of these off-campus jobs (because I want to write and edit and have a career) I am <i style="font-weight: bold;">overwhelmed once again</i> at God's faithfulness to us.<br />
<br />
Also, the communication department says I can freelance for them as soon as I can provide a writing sample. Too bad all my journalism pieces are on a laptop that's been dead since freshman year of college. And the writing center director says I can come work for her as soon as there's enough business! And the woman at American Printing House for the Blind is going to file a restraining order when she hears the number of messages I've left on her voicemail.<br />
Or, maybe, I'll have worn her down enough that she'll interview me, fall madly in love with my charm and stone cold editing skills, and offer me a job on the spot. Eh, Laura Zierer? How's that sound?Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-73523611294012834812011-08-23T22:58:00.000-07:002011-08-23T23:03:39.307-07:00After a First Attempt at SleepHAPPY 112th BIRTHDAY <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Luis_Borges">JORGE LUIS BORGES</a>!<br />
<br />
Ben and I made the mistake of drinking three cups each of a strong Arabian tea at a neighbor's house. It was in tumblers, practically; we didn't think it could be so caffeinated. Now I'm up and getting ready to paint. Whatever time this blog post will say it is, make no mistake: it is 1:48 am, August 24. Oh, well. I, like so many writers before me, most of whom suffered from psychosis, work best at night anyway. Maybe one day I'll give birth to the great American Psychotic novel. Maybe one day I'll give birth to nocturnal animals who won't mind that I stay awake until 2 so that I can't get up to feed them during the daylight hours.<br />
Ben said he would get up to read, but he hasn't. I suspect a ploy to get me out of the bed so he could sleep without me muttering to myself.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I re-sent an application to the American Printing House for the Blind for the Audio Book Editor position. I don't know that they'll see my experience fleshed out in my resume, so I want them just to talk to me. I'll call again Thursday. Not that I'm desperate for employment or anything...<br />
I called another small publisher, Memoria Press, but they aren't hiring writers right now. Tomorrow, I'll go to the Communications Office on campus and see if they're hiring staff writers. That would be a really ideal job, since I wouldn't have to use the car.<br />
<br />
My husband just got up. One of the best thngs about being married is having someone else up at the crazy hours I am. I don't know that we're always co-conspirators, but we're at least poor planners in league. No no no more Arabian tea at 9:30!Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-49132275600279173642011-08-20T10:03:00.000-07:002011-08-20T10:03:15.384-07:00The Fairest FairsBen and I just came back from the farmer's market at Beargrass Christian Church and <i>oh my goodness </i>I cannot wait to take my mother (or Ben's)! Fresh cheeses, loaves from Great Harvest Bread Company, Sunergos coffee (started by Southern students), crepes, breakfast burritos, and fresh tamales! And then of course farmers from Kentucky and Indiana sharing their peaches and herbs and cantalopes and eggplants with us.<br />
<br />
Now all need is a job so I can stock my fridge and my belly! Speaking of which, the Southern Seminary job fair was on Thursday. It produced some interesting results: two companies that have contacted me since and one that I will stay in touch with because they manage employment for a company seeking copywriters.<br />
<br />
Herein lies my quandry: Do I take a job that God provides because I need the money, even if it isn't my dream job? Or do I wait on God to show me something that I'll love and want to do long term? This is the quandry of the young adult world right now; at least all of us who haven't found employers eager to fund our dearest ambitions.<br />
<br />
I think my best find this week has potentially been <a href="http://consuminglouisville.com/">Consuming Louisville</a>, which although very tofu-happy, is the documenting of new meets and eats all over the city. I plan to follow their adventures until I know the city well enough to discover my own.<br />
<br />
And now I'm off to work on a new story while my very studious husband reads oh-so-many chapters of theology.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Megen<br />
<br />
PS: I tried my first Heine Bros (pronounced Hiney) latte on Wednesday. It was good: smooth and not too sweet. But $4.72 is too too much for a medium latte and they spilled it down the side of the cup. And there were no big comfy chairs. I rate it a 6/10.Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-60376656604990363382011-08-16T20:42:00.000-07:002011-08-16T20:42:51.796-07:00Old Friends in a New CityMegen writing!<br />
<br />
Well, the job hunt officially began yesterday. After two years as a behavioral counselor, I think it's time to take a break from kids and counseling and look for a job in my major, though a local private school says I can teach AP European History without a teaching certificate. <i>tempting...</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I've applied on campus, though they only have part-time positions available right now. Today, most interestingly, I sent my resume to the <a href="http://www.aph.org/">American Printing House for the Blind</a> to work as an Audio Book Editor. Basically, I'd work with narrators on pronunciation and flow and then edit the recordings. So, I'm hopeful!<br />
<br />
Today we ate dinner at <a href="http://www.ktsrestaurant.com/index.php3?pageid=7">KT's Restauran</a>t and I had my first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Brown">Kentucky Hot Brown</a>. This was especially cool because we ate with Brian Kettring and his family, who my parents knew the last time I lived in Louisville, as a three-year-old. Their daughter, Emily, was my first best friend and we have many home videos together. She is now married to a seminary student, too! Brian also had some good stories about my dad biking in 80's style tennis shorts. So that image has now been seared into my mind. Thank you sir.<br />
<br />
One of the most surreal things about Louisville has been re-meeting people and places that I've known my whole life. Louisville is home to my earliest childhood memories and yet a totally new city, full of discoveries and promised explorations.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, the goal for tomorrow is to learn to drive these streets without Ben in the car. Pray extra hard for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114150654870856630.post-33939888494178054202011-08-15T12:35:00.000-07:002011-08-23T23:08:15.195-07:00Hey There from Louisville!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Megen writing! I've got four days to cover, but I hate to read long posts, so I'll keep it snappy.<br />
<br />
<div>We've now been in our new apartment for six days and on our own (without my family) since last Friday. Since arriving, there has been no doubt in our minds that this is where we need to be. It has been a little hard not having a job or people that I know yet, but God has even been quick to show me that he's faithful in the unsettled places.<br />
<br />
Here are some snapshots of His loveliness:<br />
Friday<br />
Two weeks ago, my aunt in Georgia told me that Logan and Lauren, the youth intern at her church and his wife, were going to Southern and were looking for housing. Friday afternoon, our next door neighbors moved in so Ben and I went to help. I'd heard someone say "Logan," but thought, <i>No way! </i>Why do I ever "No way" God? Logan asked what part of Georgia I was from, and I immediately knew that this was the couple I had started praying for two weeks ago. God intentionally chose our next door neighbors from my tiny Georgian hometown! Our families live on the same road!<br />
<br />
Saturday<br />
We took our dog to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/louisvillemetro/sets/72157627201228504/">Cherokee Park</a> and walked for an hour in sunshine. One of the best things about Louisville is the parks <i>everywhere</i>. Sometimes I forget I live in a city because of the huge old trees all around us.<br />
<br />
Also Saturday, we had our first Kentucky storm. Sometimes God shows up in sunny days and hikes in the park. Sometimes He shows off his power in a storm that knocks out electricity for half of Louisville and bends billboards over until they fall on gas station roofs...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DGBRqukImrM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
Sunday<br />
One of our callings in Spotsylvania was to be in a specific church filling specific leadership roles. We knew the church he had set out for us even before we left college. It was a joy to be used in those ways. Here, though, there is a new joy: the church hunt! Yesterday, we tried out <a href="http://www.naobc.org/">Ninth and O Baptist</a>. It was full of people who were genuinely interested in where we came from and what God was doing in our lives. We sang hymns and praise choruses and clapped along with a drum set (the drummer was probably older than my dad. It was awesome). In Sunday School, we talked about submission and divorce (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2010&version=NIV">Mark 10</a>). Then we ate with a big group of acquaintances at Culver's, which supposedly has better icecream than DQ. <i>We'll see....</i><br />
But best of all, for me the extrovert, was dinner at a friend's house...even though I still had to cook it! Josh was one of Ben's friends from orientation and is one of the most comfortable people I've ever met. Also, he owns every season of Gilmore Girls. Ben I think I found your best friend...<br />
<br />
And today, Monday, begins the job hunt. Ben just left for class, so I think this is a good time for exploring on my own...</div>Megen and Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13437681920904608176noreply@blogger.com0