true Religion

“Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.” –James 1:27 (New Living)

This caught my eye. Lasting Religion huh? To care for orphans and refuse corruption. The dictionaries basic description of “Religion” is –a set of beliefs. Well, it seems to me that a set of beliefs isn’t getting people to far. Religion is a touchy subject. One usually avoided at first meetings, informal acquaintances, and of course – family re-unions. We talk about the separation of Church and state, and “what religion are you?”

“Oh,” we commonly respond, “I am not religious.” Or “I don’t like religion, I like relationship.” Or…

I myself am caught saying these things, being harsh towards a word that is harsh, that people play up, and play down, towards and action that has been wrongly accused and wrongly portrayed. But I will not stick my head up to what it is – to the pureness of God.

The NIV begins it this way, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:…”

I love what Matthew Henry wrote in his commentary “True religion teaches us to do everything as in the presence of God.”

Hmm… so I am to reach out for those who don’t have what they need, this is not a good idea, it is a necessity, it is and absolute. Not a choice, a command. I like this command. I like knowing what lasts.

Pure, Lasting, Faultless

Sensible?

Not but two minutes have passed since the completion of my reading Sense and Sensibility. Some of you know the struggle it was for me to complete this literary masterpiece – but I did finish.

I have had a two day average on book reading this summer, this particular book took me twenty and seven days from start to finish. I have begun this book at least five times over the years, but was never drawn in enough to finish.

Harmony has been talking to me about the elegant writing of Jane Austin and how much I would truly enjoy it if I would simply get past the first few chapters. I got through the first ten and was still struggling, but my mom encouraged me to keep going.

I got through the next 10 chapters and still found myself re-reading pages to try to grasp the previous described events. I had to go ever so slow, not my normal speed reading, and it was somewhat confining to not just whip through the pages with ease.

Sarah was of great comfort to me when I shared my difficulties with her this week, encouraging me again, to finish. That the last third would be the best (that was exactly where I was) and that next time I should choose a book I have not seen the movie too, perhaps Mansfield Park. Very good advise Sarah, I should have followed that from the beginning when my conscious told me that… but I was too cheap to buy something I didn’t own.

The past two days I read more than I have the past 20 combined. I reached the end of the book and it became thrilling. I opted to sit alone, with classical music on, and read it almost out loud, really grasping every word. How much clearer it was then when SpongeBob was not cackling in the background!

Oh how wonderful the ending. Even though I was not able to imagine the faces of the charters because Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant were pictured on the front… I enjoyed it immensely. The writing was sensational, I feel somewhat smarter and have an urge to use large words.

Thank you Jane for this book. I will read Mansfield Park… but for now, I will head back to my beloved Anne, the sixth book should be arriving in my mail box and I checked out seven and eight from the library to finish off the series. My devotion still lies to L. M. Montgomery.

I don't really need my snack

We drove grim faced towards the Library, away from the Movie Theatre that was not showing the free kids movie. Each was sulking somewhat silently in their seat about having to once again go to that big building full of nothing but… books. Nearing a red light I rolled up my window as I most often do when I anticipate stopping next to a Beggar. His sign read: Anything helps, God bless.

“What’s that say?” asked curious “Middle Joy*.” I read it to her.

“Well, why does it say that?” she bequeathed?

“When people don’t have a house to live in, or they don’t have a job, or they they are hungry, they ask for help. That man is probably hungry and so he is standing in a public place asking for money or food.” I replied all while trying to ignore the stare of the cardboard sign 7 feet from my car door.

“Well,” she responded as we turned the corner. “I think we should give him something, do you have lots of money Big Heather? He is probably really hungry… can I give him my snack? I am not really hungry for my snack, I just want my jerky… then can I give him the rest of it?”

“Yes Middle Joy, if you want to give that man your snack, you may do that, lets see what other snacks we have too, ok?” I pulled back around 5 blocks of one-way downtown streets and found myself back where we started. I parked the car next to the curb and took Middle Joy by the hand right up to the gawking, sign holding man.

We exchanged names and shook hands (this is customary for me and all Homeless people I  transverse with. I find it is much more personal than shoving a bag out a window, it shows I am not afraid of them and am interested in who they are when I am able to repeat their name back to them.") I explained to Roger that Middle Joy was wanting to give up her snack for him that day, and he looked humbly honored.

We walked back to the car and Middle Joy took my hand “It sure is better to give than to receive, isn’t it Big Heather? I hope that man doesn’t feel hungry anymore.”

Roger waved and shouted a last “Thank You!” (We heard his words because this time my window was down.) As we neared the Library, Middle joy was the only one of the 4 in the car not chowing  down on her snack. I had to wonder, how much was Roger enjoying his half a baggie full of stale cheese its, broken saltines, princess fruit snacks, cold popcorn and crumpled dollar bill. I would like to believe that he became full… and that the gift given from an un-selfish heart was received with thanks.

*For the sake of Security I have named the family I Nanny for the Joy’s. Middle Joy is representing the middle aged girl.

Obsessed

Tonight I saw the movie Julie & Julia. It was a bi-story line that followed the lives of Julia Child and a girl named Julie who was obsessed with Child and set out to cook all 554 of her recipes and blog about it. I’ll tell you it made me want to cook… and to blog. Considering that I didn’t have the ingredients or facilities in which too cook a French Delicacy… I opted out to simply blog.

 

I understand Julie’s need to obsess… and her desire to blog about it.Even thought she became frustrated at the blogging world and became convinced that no-one but her mother was reading her work… she still wrote. Most days, I think my mom is one of the only ones who reads this thing. I am not setting out on a daring feat, nor am I seeking to gain online attention… but I connect with Julie.

 

I’ve been pretty obsessed with school lately, and the past 3 days, I have talked about Courtni Black… a lot. Courtni is to be my new room mate at Multnomah, and although we don’t meet until Saturday, I feel like I am already getting to know her… and I am pretty darn excited about it. Courtni, if you read this, welcome to my blog… I am sure you will be in here lots with the coming future. Heather and Lauren if you are reading this… I’m sorry for being obsessed and talking of nothing else… would it help if I cooked you something yummy to eat?

The Beach

 

I drove to Florence via the coast route, I think that is Hwy 101? It was really pretty and I am glad that the state has preserved this old highway, I hope they continue to preserve it. I had fun watching all the travelers and tourists and first time Oregon Coasters. The light houses, the sail boats, the sandy kids, the smell of salt water toffee and kettle corn. I’ve always liked the beach, liked looking at it, but I have never wanted to live there. I just don’t think I would enjoy it too much. I like that the coast here is cold, and foggy… I would prefer to be here during a storm than any other day! Being at the beach just reminds me of all the beach trips I have taken….

 

Wilkeson

Today I went to Wilkeson, Washington with my Family. Its in the foothills of Mt. Rainer. A small town, forgotten by most – except for those who have never left. We met Roger Peleski, an 84 year old resident who had lived in the 400 population town his whole life. He mined. He rock Quarried. His house is the city museum. He told us of “Coke” Kilns, railroad tracks, 900 foot mines and his elementary school. I think he wanted someone to listen.

Then, I bought a chest at a garage sale for $25.00. I’ve been looking for one for years now; to put in things like treasures and letters and things valuable to my heart. I am going to work on restoring and sealing it… if I can figure out how. Thank you Aunt Sherry for sacrificing your fingers to put it and my bookshelf in the van.

Highschool Dumbness

I watched a couple dumb high school movies tonight. They were about rejection and discrimination and loners. They singled out on clicks, bullies, victims and victimizers. They were a terribly true display of reality - in an unrealistic way. I just read a book of stories from girls who were involved in being bullied, or were bullies themselves. It was called Odd Girls Speak Out. I've been studying relationships and personality traits and social justice - these ridiculous movies summed it all up for me.

I like the idea of homeschooling. I like that parents are involved in what goes on in their kids lives. I like all of it.

Here I come

I am going to school this fall, and I am pretty excited about it. I never thought I would... go to school that is. I just wasnt something I wanted to do. I liked what I did. After I got back from Asia I realized I could not just keep working and traveling, eventually it would get old.

Harmony was the one who told me to go. She told me why I needed to. Why I would like it. Why I would not like it. She told me also what I would regret if I did not go. Sisters know sisters best. I decided to listen to my sister. Thanks Harmony.

I never realized that by going to school I would be doing so many of the things I have been longing to do : live in Portland, experience drm life, have a large group of friends my age, be closer to Grammy, learn spanish, lead, worship and grow. I am excited for school with a passion I have not felt for many other things. I know this is right. I don't know the answers to all the questions, I don't have it all figured out. But I know it is right.

Thank you Mama for talking to the Financial Aid Lady. Thank you Daddy for jumping on board. Thank you Sarah for giving me the low down on everything Multnomah.

College here I come.