good news

21 May 2009

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

...such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant.
(2 Corinthians 2:14-17;3:4-6a)

Is this not wonderful news?

still wanting more bike paths...

20 May 2009

Okay, so I just came across this bicycle--

Madsen Cycles Cargo Bikes

Talk about riding self-fueled vehicles in style! I am so excited that my soon-to-be home encourages cycling much more than my home here. My apartment is only 7 minutes from my side of campus by bike. Now that's nice.

Sewing List

19 May 2009

I have too many projects taking up space in my imagination--and closet, since that's where I keep my fabric stash. This list, I might add, does not include my 3 bins of alterations. Thus (I raise my right hand) my goal is to complete one alteration/sew-up every two weeks. And I cannot buy anything that needs to be altered (save hem length, since that's a given for shrimp-sized gals) until I conquer my stash. The End.

Eudora Welty's home

18 May 2009

I spotted these beautiful home pictures on Susana Raab's website, and lo and behold, my two favorite pictures were taken in my favorite Southern author's home, that of Eudora Welty. I do think my kitchen will look like #11 eventually, and my living room? like #12. Go take a peek!

Signing

16 May 2009

I found a most intriguing book when I was shelf-reading (a most un-intriguing task): The New Testament English Version for the Deaf. It was translated directly from the Greek into English that is more compatible with the syntax and thought patterns of the deaf. To illustrate, here is a passage from Romans 3:

But God has a way to make people right without the law. And God has now shown us that new way. The law and the prophets told us about this new way. God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this for all people who believe in Christ. All people are the same. All people have sinned and are not good enough for God's glory. People are made right with God by his grace (kindness). This is a free gift. (21-24)

Notice the short, strong sentences. When I visited Deaf churches a few years ago, I was struck by the strong phrasing and constant repetition used by the preachers as they taught their congregations the Word of God (as a fledgling student of ASL, I was certainly grateful!). Such techniques may sound awkward and elementary in written English, but in signed language, it makes sense and really is beautiful. I appreciate how the editors of this version of the Bible were mindful of that in bridging the two languages.*

*I think that some hearing people assume that sign language is simply English conveyed through gesture; ASL is, however, a completely different language with its own grammar, idioms, dialects (yes, dialects; experienced signers can tell which region a signer is from based on his or her accent). Thus most deaf/Deaf Americans are at least bilingual.

Blog Spot: GrosgrainFabulous

15 May 2009

I found this intriquing blog called Grosgrain, written by a creative gal who describes herself as "an artsy craftsy, penny pinching, party planning, playdating, fashion finding, sci-fi loving, stay at home mommy who always keeps her sewing machine plugged in and loves all things cute!"

Instant connection, particularly with her "artsy crafty, PENNY PINCHING" side. Look back on her site for some fashion inspiration and tutorials on copying expensive ready-made clothes (like some adorable pieces by anthropologie). In addition to her how-tos, she also has many many giveaways, either of pieces she's made or of guest giveaways. I saw this wonderful necklace by Persimmon Jewelry which she's giving away, and I couldn't resist entering. Check it out here:

Persimmon Jewelry Kline Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

10 May 2009

Farewell, long hairs!


getting closer to school...

09 May 2009

The Academic Common Market of VA just informed me that I'm eligible for instate tuition at UNC-CH. What a relief! Now I still need to contact the school and talk over the financial matters with them, but I am happy to know that I'm at least eligible.

Kristen and I are driving down to Chapel Hill on Monday to scope out the area and, most importantly, housing. I'll be so glad to have her guidance, for she's shopped for apartments many a time, and I've never done so. This year I'm only hoping to find some place that's reasonably safe and reasonably close to campus (biking distance, por favor?), but next year I hope to find a nicer, unfurnished apartment that I can set up as my own little nest, filled with the furniture and household items I've been collecting for years now. It will be so nice to use them!

the end of an age

It's official--after 30 years my Dad's retired from the navy into civilian-land. What a moment! We celebrated his career with an afternoon ceremony at Fort Belvoir yesterday, and I must say that it was heart-warming to see all who came up to celebrate with us--My Uncle Keith and Jill even drove up all the way from Georgia! And with the glorified parking lot of Interstate 95, that's no small sacrifice.

I'm always amazed to hear about Dad's work, about the missions he's led and the responsibilities he's had. He doesn't talk about it much at home (with us kids, that is), for when he's home he's home and interested in the goings on here. But I appreciate these moments when I do get to hear a bit of what he's faced and conquered at sea or on shore from those who aren't constrained by modesty to reveal it. The constant refrain during the service and after was that he is a "fine man, principled, hard-working, committed, learned, and responsible, an able leader and mentor." Their casually slipped references and anecdotes hint at what he's accomplished in a way that inspires awe in me--he makes me proud to be his daughter!

my poor reginald

02 May 2009

he's just not...how to say it...interested in honing his fetching skills. With the lovely sunny days, I've been taking him out to play catch but let me say that it's a bit of a struggle which I hope the neighbors haven't witnessed--Reggie keeps his eyes on me when I throw the ball and by the time he's realized I've chucked it, it's hidden in the leaves or grass and he has to "use his nose" (my constant reminder during our sessions) to find the tricky thing. He'll retrieve it happily enough, however, and makes sure to drop the slimy dirt-and-decayed-leaf encrusted sphere into my hands for another round (that is, if some sweet-smelling blooms haven't distracted him, which they have more than once, I'm reluctant to say). But I do groan when the ball lands on the south side of the yard while he's pointed due north, eagerly but erroneously anticipating its final destination.

I should have realized that he's not the catch-and-fetch type when, asking him if he'd like to play this afternoon, I tossed the ball straight up only to hear it clout Mr. Reg on the underlip as it bounced right beneath him. The cheddar helped him forget his throbbing jaw but I did notice his gingerly grasp of the ball from there on after.

Thank goodness he's talented in so many other ways.

animal moments

01 May 2009

I saw a bird flying over the expressway the other day--he was carrying a poor flapping fish in his claws!

And last night as I was driving back from my 2 am shift at the library, I saw a couple of deer scurrying across the road, just flashes of shadow. Apparently they love Regent University, for they are seen practically every night and some have been spotted even by the student union.