Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Lent


At the start of the season I had a whole blog written delving into the history behind it and why people fast during it. I realized I didn't understand how Lent became what it is or how it came to be. And then I left it. It’s sitting there, in drafts waiting to be used. But it seemed off, something was missing from it. 

On Tuesday I learned what that was missing, Hot Crossed Buns. Yes, as in the rhyme. Hot Crossed Buns are made during the season of Lent; the cross in the title refers to the cross of frosting on the buns. The Buns themselves should be eaten fresh and are oddly dense. (At least the one I had was). They are DELICIOUS! I shared one on Tuesday with Leila, as we discussed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Ok, ok, maybe we only really talked about life, but the others are a part of that).

And that’s what I was missing. With all my well meaning fervor and desire to learn, I’d missed the simplicity, closeness and joy that can come even when figuring out difficult stuff. Lent is a time to head to a bakery, order a pastry and cup of coco and just chill with God. Give Him the down low on your life, listen He tells you how much He loves you and challenges and comforts you.  

Maybe someday I’ll post the rest of what I learned about lent. But for now I’ll stick with the Hot Cross Bun and frosting. 


Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Last Shall be First?

Welp, no one's gonna try calling me Speedy or Flash any time soon. (Not that that was ever a remote possibility). Today my 16 year-old sister whupped me running. I am proud of her, yet semi mortified.

Really can't say I'm surprised. I've detest running. As a kid I didn't mind so much, but I was terrible at it. I think I was the only kid in baseball who's parents yelled from the stands "Toes Nicole, toes" as I plodded toward first. Pitchers never had to worry about me stealing when I was on base because, a) I was never on base, and b) the coach would have been mad to have me steal.

Still being reminded my lack of athletic ability is a bit bitter. Maybe this will inspire me to greatness. Get me up an out, able to climb mountains in an afternoon and leap giant gulches that make other gulp. Ah who am I kidding, when it comes down to improving/developing my running or athletic ablilites, my sloth record has consitantly proven, I don't really care.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Flashbacks

I was perusing some old journal entries. Apparently the following entry was written June 3, 2008 in the middle of the night.

"I saw a book in a Christian bookstore ad for a book called Keeping Your Faith in College. I want a book called Keeping Your Faith After You've Graduated From College and Moved Back In with Your Parents Because You Have No Purpose or Direction for What's Next. 
  
I know I'd read it. Especially if it was funny."

Ah, that Cardoza sense of humor. What would I do without you?




Friday, February 8, 2013

Muller It Up

Special thanks to the Jewell's for giving me a ride and a bed.

I’m back! And this is going to be a looong post. You may want the hours of your life back after reading, so if you don’t have time that’s ok. For everyone else, well, just know I have a strict time no refund policy.

It’s time for the answer, to what you've all been asking, “how was DISNEYLAND?!”

Let me just say, the magical kingdom lived up to its name. A train and two buses later my giant green backpacking bag and I met up with my family outside of Disneyland at I-Hop. (May I just say this is a fantastic way to walk through Southern CA, almost as good as hiking through Milan Italy.) The driver of my second bus asked if I was a “world traveler”. I responded “some days”.


Disneyland itself was fantastic. It was the first time I’d ever been to the CA Adventure half, (it was a parking lot the first time I went, and the second we only had one day) may I just say Cars is fantastic! I would highly recommend it. We did and saw a lot that day, in both parks. I've always maintained that keeping up with my Mother should be an Olympic sport. I still maintain that, however because they had already had three day’s magical experience Mom was more “mellow”. Heidi only had to jog to keep up a couple times.

I also decided to try to lose a glove. The irony was Mary had warned me to put my camera away so I wouldn’t drop it on the ride. I told her not to worry so much and then promptly lost my glove. Yeah…thankfully they found it, so Leila, don’t worry I still have my gloves from Peru; somewhere.

Other highlights were the classics like Pirates, Peter Pan, Soaring over CA, Star Tours, the Aladdin show, World of Color and of course Indiana Jones. Did you know my Mother has never seen the boulder at the very end? She misses it every single time. I now understand why I missed it the first time I was on it two-three years ago. (Don’t worry; I've seen it every time since then).

It was a great bonding trip.  The next day we spent half a day at the park before heading out. Of course that was the day the weather was warm rather than cold and windy, but hey whatcha gonna do.

Since then life’s taken a twist. Yes, something in my life has changed, no I haven’t moved. Before I get to that though, a fishing trip.

There once was a lad who was stealing tax money from his father by the time he was 10. As a teen he was a smoking, lying, gambling thief. (No I have not taken this up. That’s not the twist). His father finally had enough and sent him to divinity school where he eventually became a Christian. He gave up his less savory habits and decided to become a missionary.

He ended up at a parish in England. While there he gave up his salary feeling that it made people give out of obligation instead of a willing heart. He also did away with the renting of pews. Instead he placed a box in the back of the church believing God would provide what was necessary. He got into the practice of bringing his problems before God and never asked anyone for anything, even later when he and his wife were running five orphanages.

There are many stories about George Muller’s answered prayers. Perhaps the best known revolves around the orphan home. One morning everyone sat down and gave thanks for breakfast although  there was no food in the house. As they finished a baker knocked on the door with fresh bread for everyone and a milk man dropped in with fresh milk because his cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. (One of my personal favorites involves a ship and fog).

Muller trusted God to meet and supply his needs. He expected it, and over and over again God took care of things.

The twist: A bit ago, I accepted a part time job at the Church, giving up my job at ACE. Many would call me a fool to leave a full time job with benefits for part time hours. But I think it’s where I’m being led and I’m excited to give it a go. (“Being led”: Christianese for I think God wants me to do this. Often makes little sense. Sometimes said in confidence, sometimes said as in I hope I’m right. Is also often used as an excuse to get out of difficult or unpleasant situations. Distinction between the two is a fine line).

I am not George Muller. I do not have that amount of faith, I wish I did, but I don’t. I don’t think this switch is necessarily going to be easy. I've got a lot to learn and I’ll probably need to find a second job. But I can’t help but think it’s time to Muller It Up, pray and actually trust God to take care of things. It’ll be an adventure, and if I keep my eyes open for the 10 cent miracles, I’m pretty sure I’ll be blown away.
Oh and for the record, I will not appreciate my own words repeated back to me when in times of doubt or frustration. Just wanted to make sure that was noted.

Oh, right, what am I going to be doing at Church you ask? I am going to continue working with the kids. I know, I know, may the Lord have mercy on all our souls.