Why don't you wear a head covering?

A few weeks ago I went on a spiritual retreat. I needed to get away and have some time, just Jesus and I. I headed out to beautiful Falls Mill for a Sunday, but did not plan very well. I arrived early, around 9:00, to find out that they did not open until 12:30. On to plan B. I started driving and praying that God would show me a place where I could stop and worship Him. I meant a park or rest stop where I would be comfortable in my jeans, sweatshirt, and tennis shoes.

Instead, God sent me to a Mennonite church. Since I'm a member of the Mennonite church, I thought that would be perfect. And it was. Only - this was a traditional Mennonite church. I sat on the women's side, of course, surrounded by women and children with long hair in buns wearing head coverings and simple skirts. The worship service was very simple and traditional. A capela music, only men leading the worship. There were several lessons, which I took notes on. They were just what I needed to hear that day. Also, I showed up on communion day. They only take communion twice a year, it includes public confession and feet washing.

How beautiful to hear individuals stand up and say to the church "I have confessed my sins, should any of my brothers or sisters find something impure with me, I ask that they bring it to my attention. I would like to participate in communion." (that's the best I can remember what was actually said.)

After several reverant prayers and songs, communion, and feet washing, the service ended. Unfortunately, I did not feel that I should stay for the celebration dinner that followed. My fellow believers did offer to make me a plate of food. They were so kind and loving to me, even though I obviously stood out like the terrible burn on my finger right now. I did have the opportunity to explain why I was there, which I'm sure was passed around after I left.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit a Mennonite church, I highly recommend it. I also recommend dressing a little nicer, simpler, than I happened to that day! It was a joyous experience which I am grateful for. Worshiping with other believers and fellow Mennonites was a God-given beginning to my spiritual retreat.

Job Searching

So, I'm in the middle of searching for a "real" job right now. Working at Applebee's as their favorite hostess helps to keep me busy and brings in some money, but I moved here to work with at-risk teens. There aren't many of those at Applebee's, although my coworkers definitely have their issues (don't we all?).

I have sent out only a dozen resumes, and have kind of burnt out the last two weeks. There is a place I want to work for, but I haven't heard back from them yet (and yes, I followed-up). Then there is the place who offered me a job....I should probably pursue that a little more. However, the administrator made it very clear that working there would not be the place for me. Then there's....the third place. A place where I could probably get a job if I chased after it. After visiting the program though, I'm not so sure that it is a program I can support.

Here is where YOU come in. Please leave me a comment and let me know what your opinion is. Should I accept a job because it's a job, and some experience, or should I hold out for something that I can support and be happy doing, even if that doesn't come along quickly?

Moving Woes

I've learned from my friend, Nancy, the benefits of a top-ten list. Here's my first! The top 10 reasons to re-consider moving.

1. Purchasing new auto insurance
2. Changing residency - new Driver's liscense
3. Registering my car in a new state
4. Meeting new people
5. Finding my way around a new city
6. Job search
7. Health insurance
8. Unpacking - or in my case, trying to find what I need that is still in storage
9. Finding a church
10. New budget

It's amazing how much time all of this takes! As a dear friend taught me, just take the list one thing at a time. It will all eventually get done. But if you are considering a move, be prepared to spend lots of time cutting through red tape!

AL/TN update

update 2

My sis in DC

Finally! New Photos!!

Adventure + Decisions

I had quite the adventurous day yesterday. Between an extensive tour of a violin-making shop, an afternoon in a recording studio, and a trip to my next temporary home, I managed to have 3 job interviews. What a day!

So the question of the day is - which is more important: Working for money or working for what I believe in?

This job search process is proving to be a great learning experience. If I get offered all 3 of the jobs, do I take the one that pays me the most or the one that will probably pay me the least but I value the organization more? What if my value judgement turns out to be wrong? It seems that my idea of what I want in a job isn't what others are telling me that I should look into. It's at times like these when I must pass along the wisdom that my dear friend once gave to me.


"If you hear God telling you to do something, and everyone else tells you to do something else, I don't care what they say or how convincing their argument is. You do what you know you need to do. "

Love v. Selfishness

Last weekend, we went to visit my cousin for her 2nd birthday. I'm having trouble uploading the photo, but I'll try again soon.

All last week I worked for a law firm as their secretary. And remembered why I left administrative work. By the end of the week I had sent out 3 more resumes. Now I have 2 job interviews in Nashville! Hopefully those will lead to more interviews and I'll eventually get a job. I'll be in Nashville by early Novemeber. It's been a long transition.

I'm learning a lot about love lately. I'm in this class at church called "motives for living". It's led by a counselor and we're talking about love and selfishness. I'm seeing how selfish I am and ways to change that. Mostly, I'm learning about how to love the unlovable. For me, that means loving people who think they have God figured out, but in my opinion are missing a lot of freedom and life. Then I realize that I'm being selfish/ judgemental in my attitudes toward these people and I'm not any better than they are. This whole life thing is not that easy, is it?