First Kiss.

This made a great ending to my day. I hope you smile, too.

What's my reaction time?

Psalm 86:15
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Seriously, how does he do that?
There are so many times that the Bible mentions the word Anger. This must be a real issue for us mortals. I'm learning about my anger tonight. I'm not an angry person by nature, but there are certain things that really set me off. Then once I'm angry, I'm extremely angry. Although thankfully, it doesn't take long for me to cool down. I just have to talk it out once with one person for 20 minutes or so and I'm good.

I'm angry when someone hurts another person and I see it happen. I'm angry if it's out of my control. I want to say something, to change or fix the situation, but sometimes we just can't do that. I'm angry when someone acts purposefully to hurt another. And once I'm angry - watch out! I'm extremely angry and am not afraid to say something hurtful. How hypocritical.

Luke 6:42
How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

I'm not sure where to draw the line between admitting that I have done something wrong, and pointing out another person's wrongs. Sometimes people just don't know that they've been an idiot. If you don't know, I'd be glad to point it out. However, that won't always help, will it. Just like I had to figure out my stupid mistakes for myself, you'll have to figure out your own. I just wish we could all save each other some heartache by trusting each other enough to be truthful and facilitate great change.

Hebrews 3:12-14 (Darby Translation)

12See, brethren, lest there be in any one of you a wicked heart of unbelief, in turning away from [the] living God. 13But encourage yourselves each day, as long as it is called To-day, that none of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we are become companions of the Christ if indeed we hold the beginning of the assurance firm to the end;

*biblegateway.com

I heart DC

Last week I revisited my old stomping grounds for a LASP reunion. Before I left, I was concerned that I wouldn't return to Nashville. And my first two days in the capital city kept me thinking the same.

Then I remembered, I left DC in pursuit of something it couldn't offer. The south!

My time there was full of incredible conversations. Reuniting with LASP friends gave us time to hear what the others have been doing with their lives in the last 4 years, and encourage one another as we pursue our individual careers and life callings. It didn't hurt that I gave them my "bus tour" of DC and we saw nearly the entire city in one day. That was a great feeling for me, seeing old places that were so important to me. It was as if, stop by stop, I could let them go from my mind. I had been holding on to the city and my community so tightly, that I couldn't move forward in Nashville. Now I know that I love my community there, and they will always be there, but as my dear friend told me before I left "I have community in Nashville, too".

I spent some precious time with my close friends from the city, including my mentor the lovely Margery and my old housies. I even had time to spend with my favorite neighbors, the lady in the Tienda Latina, and to take a photo with my cashier at Safeway!

The conversations reminded me and empowered me to continue pursuing what I came to Nashville to pursue. I am applying for jobs like a mad woman (my best friend is editing my cover letter as I type this), spending quality time with community, attempting to spend more time with family, and loving Jesus. Overall, the trip left me feeling refreshed and motivated.

I'll post pictures once I get them. Thanks for letting me share!