something good i read and something good i found out today

Daniel 3. And to accompany it:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

Isaiah 43:2

And what did I discover?

Sufjan Stevens. The Tabernacle. Atlanta, GA. November 6th.

Tickets went on sale today.

Do you have those musicians that you simply must see perform live in this life? Sufjan is one of those. I was fortunate enough to see the only other one I really have (so far) last year, that is, Coldplay. And they did not disappoint.

I will be there.

cool beans

I was walking around Books-A-Million tonight and stumbled upon one of those "fun summer reading" tables. I found four things I really wanted to purchase....but didn't.

1. A Rosetta Stone "Learn Spanish" Box Set

Pretty much the moment I arrived in Guatemala, my interest in the Spanish language was reawakened. I just love the sound of it! And, why not be bilingual? It can only help you. I know my experience there would have been even more rich if I wasn't always having to communicate with the people through a translator. Have I made any effort or taken any steps to expand my high school Spanish knowledge base? Well, not yet.

2. "A Very Short Introduction" from Oxford University Press

I have never heard of this book series, but I'm so intrigued. They are these thin little books that provide a thoughtful, reliable introduction to everything from "Film Music" (which really intrigued me!) to "Animal Rights" (hmm..). And they have pretty little covers (though I know we shouldn't judge them by that...). I wanted to buy them all.

3. My Listography

I have seen this book before, and every time, I want to get it. Obviously, I like lists. This notebook gives you the opportunity to record your life in lists. "10 Superpowers you've always wanted", "Nice things you've done for other people", "Favorite Games". I would just love to sit around all day....and list.

4. A brand spanking new copy of The Catcher in the Rye

I've only read it the one time, back in the 10th grade. But I remember loving it (if you don't like it, you're a phony!). It's just a classic, and I think in honor of the recently late J.D. Salinger, it's time for a reread.

year one, down

I graduated from college one year ago today. I can't believe it has been a whole year. I don't feel like I've moved very far (literally, haha). I have lived in my parents' house, month after month. Watched television and eaten meals with my family, night after night. Worked restlessly at a bank, day after day. I don't have a lot of exciting stories from this year.

I know I sound like a brat. Ungrateful, even. And I know I often appear pessimistic.

But I know God is still God, and He is working everywhere, in schools and in friends' lives and in India and in corporate offices, and I am growing in Him. And for that I am thankful, and in that I find rest.

Now if I could just get over myself, and start living out this quote that my friend Sarah shared on her blog not long ago, and that I haven't stopped thinking about since:

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls, and interesting people. Forget yourself. - Henry Miller

And (dare I say it again?) I really, really, want to begin writing at least weekly, if not daily, like my friend Michelle has committed to do.

I read today in Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening that Christ is the "spring of our actions". That really excites me. I am not a "make it happen" type of person. I'm a "watch it happen" person (thus, movie freak). But there has to be some action. And I think action begins when we start obeying. And the Spirit tells us how to obey. I think I don't see action in my life because I am fearful, and lazy, and I resist His beckoning. I'm mostly talking about little things here, like phone calls and preparing my own meals and practicing playing my guitar instead of just staring at it. Through daily obedience, I think God invites us to see the bigger picture, because it takes the focus off of ourselves. So that's what I'm going to try to do.