Olympics Bring Picture of Hope

Monday, August 11, 2008

Russia and Georgia’s recent confrontation has been a scary headline in recent news stories. Russian troops have occupied and taken control of their neighboring country, Georgia. Warnings of more attacks (which could lead to a war between the two countries), have been issued from Russia.

In the midst of all the craziness and violence, the Olympics (of which I am a HUGE fan of) provide a sense of hope for Russia and Georgia and any other countries that could be affected, for this battle to stop short.

In the women’s 10-meter air pistol competition, Russia’s Natalia Paderina took the silver and Georgia’s Nino Salukvadze took bronze. They stood on the medal podium, arms around each other, smiling, and waving to the crowds.

They also kissed each other on the cheeks.

They put their nation’s differences aside, embraced each other, and ultimately showed that they cared for one another in true Olympic spirit.

I think this is such an incredible picture. A picture of hope. A picture of peace. A picture of beauty. A picture of what could hopefully happen.

I think this is what the Olympics is all about (besides the USA kicking France’s butt in the men’s swimming relay after nasty remarks by the French, haha, but that’s another blog entry).

I’m really hoping these two countries can come to some agreement and this picture is giving me that hope.

Enjoy and savor this picture:

6 Reason I Love Visitng with the Avant family

Monday, July 28, 2008

1. I have THE cutest cousins ever and they always give me big, cuddly hugs.

2. I always leave with something cool. Once, a lamp my uncle built for me to put shells in, and most recently, old looking bricks I wanted to use in my room at my new apartment for bookends. They always come through with some crafty item.

3. Amazing food. I’m talking broccoli casserole, macaroni-n-cheese, BBQ ribs, and always a selection of 4-5 desserts. Mmmm

4. I love listening to the crazy, somewhat strange, accents of some family members. One aunt adds –er onto every word. For example, “I put some cheese-er onto the potato-ers to give it a better flavor-er.” I love it.

5. I have some highly-skilled craftsmen in our family. The family comes from a long string of brick masons and two uncles have continued to the tradition along with one of their sons. They create beautiful fireplaces (check out Southern Living for their work which has been featured many times), decks, and houses. Along with that, one of my uncles has recreated his grandparents house completely. He moved it to his lot, fixed the exterior, and then used the family’s actual old furniture to fix the interior. It’s quite a piece of artwork. I love looking at it all. I’ve also learned this is where my love of high rise buildings and cool architecture comes from.

6. Funny stories from my Uncle Buckshot. Yup, that’s his name and can you imagine what kind of stories come out of someone named Buckshot?

I’m sure there is more, those are just a few highlights. Can’t wait until the next little family get-together.

NYC Art

Friday, July 25, 2008

While in New York City in May with my brother, we visited, and spent much time in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). It was packed with some crazy sculptures, furniture, photographs, and artwork. All of which, I loved. I was looking back on some pictures and one piece of art stood out to me more than before. Here it is from a small distance:



You can kind of tell that the entire photograph is made of hundreds of tiny little pictures and symbols. Here are a few parts where I zoomed in a bit so you could see the symbols:




When I first saw it, I remember thinking, wow, that’s pretty cool; I can’t imagine how they did it. But now, I see something else.

Each one of these tiny, seemingly random symbols bands together with the rest to create this giant piece of art. I kind of translated that into our lives.

Sometimes I feel like I’m making no difference in this crazy world we live in (although I have much life left to live). This art allows me to remember that God is looking from a much bigger scale. I may not feel like I’m having any impact, but with all my brothers and sisters in Christ, we most certainly are making something beautiful for God to smile upon. After all, it’s not even about me.

When going on mission trips, I’ve always heard, “we’re just planting the seed. Someone else will water, give it sunshine, etc.” So even though you don’t see the final product, just know someone else is probably working at it too.

Start working with those other “symbols” around you (even though you might not be aware of who they actually are) and make some art.

Poppin' Cells

Monday, June 16, 2008

Watch this video. I cannot wait to try it! Who's in?

Let's do it.

James' Lessons

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

I've been digging into James lately. And let me tell you, I was blown away by the first 18 verses and I just knew it was going to be good. Truth is, I've been reading it for a few weeks and I'm not past 2:13, because there is just so much good stuff in there.

I started reading it after I learned my small group from Rock Hill, which I left for the summer :(, was reading it too. Kelly and Jennica, our leader, are two amazing gals from my group.

A few things I've noticed:
-Be optimistic!

1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an oppurtunity for great joy."

I've been described as an optimistic person (except for with the Braves lately), so it was nice to read this. And I can easily apply it to the health problems with my dad.

-Do not divide loyalty.

1:6 "But when you ask him [for wisdom and guidance], be sure your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."

Wow, strong image. If your loyalty is in the world too, the world is just going to toss you around. I can easily see the consequence, yet it's still a concept that I struggle with. I also think this verse relates to motives behind actions. Why do I ask God or seek God in some certian situations? What are my thoughts behind them?

-Just do it!

1:22-25 "22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.23 For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."

Don't just listen to God's word, do it! This relates back to something I learned while in New Orleans: "Go after it" was a quote we used often. Don't complain, but act on it. Nehemiah didn't just complain about the broken wall, he prayed about it, acted on it, and began to fix it. Listening and talking alone can get us nowhere.

-Care for those in need.

1:27 "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

Refuse to let the world currupt you. Don't divide your loyalty.

Free (and legal) Christian Album

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

I came across this link on Free Christian Music’s blog that advertised a free album, not just one song, but the entire album for free! Woohoo!

So, entire your email and start downloading Wide-eyed and Mystified by Downhere. I was pleasantly surprised. They have a great sound. Here’s a clip of them if you want to to listen to them before you download. Just click here to download.

Enjoy!




(It downloads as a zip file, so just be sure to extract the entire folder just after downloading)

Good for a few laughs

Thursday, May 1, 2008

I’ve been busy studying for my finals this past week or so and it doesn’t end until next Monday. I’m so exhausted after my Public Relations exam and Nutrition exam I had today. Goodness. Let’s just say creating an entire Public Relations plan for the Beaufort Water Festival is not an easy or quick task.

Everyone around campus is itching for summer that is quickly approaching within the next few days! Especially today when the sun finally decided to shine and it was over 70 degrees! Woohoo, except I was stuck inside studying.

Although my head was buried in my notes I did allow myself a quick break with one of my favorite youtube videos. I guarantee it will make you laugh. It’s broken into three 9-minute parts, but each gets funnier and I PROMISE you will laugh. I came across these videos a few months ago but I can’t remember how; You’ve got to see it.

It’s “Brother Barrys” first time preaching…and possibly his last? I’m not sure.
Let me know what you think.

All I have to say is “Plant that seed. Plant that seed. Shamanamana dama ni hiya.”

Oh, and a little shout out to Uncle Buck (Don’t try and take any this stuff he’s preaching….haha).

Click here to watch Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.