Finest of Rewards

Addictions

2009-03-02T21:22:00.002-05:00

Tastes ebb and flow. It is amazing how I don't even recognize my itunes library from just a few short months ago.

Or my bookshelf.

Or my closet.

Sigh.

So with that thought in mind, current addictions are to be documented. They will no doubt be gone tomorrow.

1. I'm late to the party, but have recently discovered the beauty and functionality of these little wonders.

2. This pack seriously helped me battle the one nasty cold of the 2008-2009 winter.

3. I finally drank the Kool Aid and starting watching LOST, though I still don't understand it.

4. Seven for All Mankind started selling petite jeans. I own a pair and wear them to death. Death is required for the parting of these jeans, considering the price point. But worth every saved-up penny.

5. This bottle is the perfect size. It is with me nearly every day.

6. Jack's Mannequin. On repeat.

7. These have made lunch more enjoyable these days.

8. This song from Hillsong induces much jumping and dancing.

And just for kicks, why not go ahead and close out the post with the norm...

Favorite thing today: Believe the hype, it really is that good.

iwantanewmarriage.com

2009-01-27T18:26:00.002-05:00

So NewSpring is beginning a new series on February 8 that will specifically look at marriages and the lies, challenges and attacks from the enemy on marriage today.

Here is the promo for the series. There may or may not be a familiar face in the video, but please look past the images and hear the words. And if you think about it, please pray that a wave of healing will pour through the marriages at NewSpring and beyond!

iWantANewMarriage.com Promo from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

And Adam Kring, producer of the piece is pure genius. Do I seriously get to work with such talented folks? Really....

More at www.iwantanewmarriage.com.

And look at that....

2009-01-11T14:03:00.002-05:00

Oh hey , and guess who is editorializing for the New York Times?

My favorite line....

“Miles Davis never wasted a note, kid — or a word on a fool.”

“Jazz is about the moment you’re in. Being modern’s not about the future, it’s about the present.”

Favorite thing today: This is going to be amazing.

New on the horizon

2009-01-09T08:37:00.002-05:00

Can. Not. Wait.

Favorite thing today: The more I listen to this song, the more I love it. And this video completely rocked my world.

Clean

2009-01-05T21:38:00.000-05:00

I wrote this in January 2007 for my former employer as a website feature for the New Year. My prayer for all of you incredible friends as we roll into 2009....

Clean.

The word “new” is used a lot this time of year. The “new” sweater from grandparents is moved from under the tree to the closet with last year’s seldom worn apparel. Diet programs and gyms are advertising the promise of a “new” physique. A “new” calendar is on the wall and pledges to stick to a “new” budget are on our lips. Millions of us will make similar “new” claims.

But our culture depreciates newness much too quickly. Last year’s new sweater is now just 12 months old but seldom worn and unappreciated. The new computer under the tree? It has been out of date for months now, though just plugged in.

A search on an online biblical concordance found over 260 references to the word “new.” It is a favorite word of David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and countless others.

I like the word too.

There is limitless potential inherit in the new.

We are assured new life in Christ today, whether it is January 1st or May 25th. God’s promise is we can lay down our pride, flesh, cluttered minds, broken bodies and pick up new life.

It is a process. It is not easy. But it is true. And good. And hopeful.

A few nights ago I came in from running. I was hot; my clothes were nasty. When I stepped out of the shower, I did not put on my sweaty gear. I donned clean clothes. Why put on the old, when the new--the clean--was right at my wet feet?

“See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Isaiah 42:9 (NIV)

“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)

May God reveal to our hearts what parts of us need a touch of “new” this year. May we know what Jesus can peel and discard. And may we take His offer of new life in Him—washed, cleaned and covered with perfect blood.

Favorite thing today: Why did I wait until age 29 to read this book?! My favorite line so far "Boys are trying enough to human patience, goodness knows, but girls are infinitely more so." Amen!

Forward

2009-01-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45

Yes, amen.

Jesus, please come. This is Your year. I believe You.

Welcome 2009.

Backwards

2008-12-31T18:03:00.006-05:00

How do you do this?

How in the world does a person remember back to this time last year? It feels like a lifetime ago. In some ways it was.

Oh, 2008. You were good, bad, boring, exciting, unexpected, challenging, exhausting and encouraging. You were the best yet, as I hope I can say about your contemporary 2009.

There is value in perspective, so with this thought in mind, here is a look back at the highlights in my little life.

Because it is not cliche at all to do these sort of list, and no one else has tackled these on their blogs. No. No one.

1. Best Book - Divine Mentor without a doubt changed my life. (Did I mention this list was not cliche?) No hyperbole here. Life changing. It is simple, nothing largely complex, but neither am I. Please give it a shot. Please read. And let me know what you think.

2. Best movie - I join the ranks of Wall-E fans. I was a skeptic at first, but to tell a story with little to no dialogue is genius. Pure genius.

3. Best experience - The Sunday round at The Masters will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was a Ephesians 3:20 moment like none other.

4. Most unexpected moment - Best summed up here.

5. Best Music find - Brooke Fraser, without a doubt

6. Most surprising - The fact this blog even exists is pretty darn surprising to me. And the fact that I twitter. I never thought myself much of a twitterer.

7. Most precious - Natalie had her first child, Margaret. Mandy and Jenni added to their families. As did the Baxters, Parkers and I'm sure others I am leaving out right now. Your children all feel so much like family! It is so hard to believe they were born in 2008. In some ways, it feels like they have always been a part of our little friend family.

8. Best Truth - This verse revolutionized me. For the sake of Your name. For the sake of Your name.

9. Best of the Best - No contest. Thank you, Jesus!

And with this, adieu 2008!

A Recap

2008-12-26T12:06:00.005-05:00

I'm tired. Not from doing too much, but mainly from the lack of activity that has been the last few days. Last time I checked, it is December 26, the day after Christmas. I should be exhausted from cooking, gift-giving, eating and family time. How did I manage to NOT do much these days? Taking a peek into my suitcase, I realized I did not need half of the packed clothes seeing as I have stayed in my pajamas for most of the past two days. Needless to say, this Christmas will be marked as one of the most relaxing ever for me.

Here is a recap:

1. After I had been in town a couple of hours, my mom says to me, "There are Carolina Deli cookies in the cookie jar," to which I promptly spun around and hugged the cookie jar. Really. I hugged the jar. Then I hugged my mama for purchasing a jar full of the best cookies ever tasted. Seriously. Heaven in my mouth. And slightly addicted.

2. Typical Christmas fare in the Thompson house includes broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, ham, ambrosia, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, green beans, potato salad and other goodness. I am sick with gluttony.

3. A small Christmas tragedy occurred when Mama Dot left Mrs. Johnson's Red Velvet cake at her house. Mrs. Johnson is 87. She loves my grandparents and makes us a Red Velvet cake every Christmas. My dad starts talking about the cake in October. No cake for us this year, but with all the aforementioned food, I don't think we needed it--though my dad may have a completely different opinion.

4. My phone stayed on the night stand in the guest room for 3 straight days. If you have tried to call, I apologize, but I am beginning to think that Blackberry is a spawn of Satan. It's been nice to be disconnected from Facebook, Twitter and phone calls.

5. Movies are a Christmas tradition in our house. One or all of us typically get a few DVDs each each. This year, dad got a BluRay player and TONS of DVDs. So we spent Christmas day watching Wall-E, Dark Knight and A Christmas Story. I had every intention of seeing Benjamin Button, but that would have required me changing out of my pajamas and driving to the theater.

6. My grandfather is hilarious without knowing so. In his yearly "funeral speech," he reminded us he may not be here next year and he should be buried extra deep so that Mama Dot could be buried in the same plot--to save money, you know. He also told us we should not have cooked so much food and instead eaten sub sandwiches.

7. Before leaving town, I had the opportunity to pray over the proposed site for the NewSpring Columbia campus. It is astounding to think about what God has planned, the lives that will be changed and how He is furthering His Church. My heart can hardly take it!

Overall it was a Christmas of peace, a gift from Jesus that was sweeter than anything wrapped under the tree. And for that, I am thankful. As I am for you, sweet friends. May you know the peace of God today.

But we see Jesus....

Favorite thing today: Beth Moore is challenging everyone to memorize more scripture in 2009.

Simply Beautiful

2008-12-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

Beautiful friends.

Incredible time.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

A little gift.

All I Want for Christmas from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

I love you all.

But we see Jesus

2008-12-22T09:11:00.004-05:00

I obsess over Christmas cards.

If I send cards that say "Happy Holidays" will people think I've pulled out the Menorah and Star of David. Will "Peace on Earth" work or will my family and friends think I am making some obscure political statement? "Seasons Greetings"? Will a picture of Santa project an overcommercalized celebration? But go ahead and shoot me if the card looks like it walked right out of LifeWay.

I've eaten a plate of sugar cookies to cope with the pressure.

But more than the card itself, I stress over what to say. Simply signing my name seems so impersonal.

So I asked Jesus this year what He wanted to say through the bright, silvery envelope arriving in people's mailbox. And the following will be a preview as most of you who stop by this little corner of cyber-world will be getting a card from me. Now you can skip over the words and admire the non-LifeWay"ness" of the card itself. Kidding. Only kidding.

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus...

We see Jesus.

With all that is unseen and unknown in this life, Christmas is really about making the unattainable, real. The invisible made visible. The King of Glory known.

Not as a tiny baby, but crowed with glory and honor. Not the "Away in a Manger" child. He is crowned with glory and honor. His birth is really about His life. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus tasted death for everyone.

And He showed us the Father.

May our eyes be open this Christmas to Jesus. It is the very thing He came to do.

Merry Christmas.

Favorite thing today: I can't get enough of this song. Nor enough of this Christmas album...

This is happening

2008-12-15T07:24:00.002-05:00

This is happening.

This is happening.

I have to tell myself over and over.

I am stunned.

And excited.

We have no idea how much God is going to rock this place.

Thank you, Jesus, for a front row seat for what's to come.

Jesus, please come....

Favorite thing today: I've had my eye on these ornaments for two years. And also on this set.

She said YES!

2008-12-11T22:36:00.003-05:00

My fantastic roommate just got engaged!

Syd and Adam, you guys are a living testimony to the faithfulness of God. Oh, wow, what He can do with two lives leveraged for His glory! Yes, Jesus!

Thanks Lee! I robbed your twitpic.

Favorite thing today: This site is rocking my world right now. Powerful.

Thanksgiving. A. Few. Words.

2008-11-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

Road Trip. Cola-Town.

Cooking. Cooking. Cooking

Turkey. Mashed Potatoes. Sweet Potatoes. Green Beans. Macaroni and Cheese. Apple-Carmel Pie. Carb Coma.

Family Love. Bonkers.

Nap.

Cowboys. Yay! Texas A&M. Boo.

Haribson. Traffic. Shopping. Boo.

Lunch and Dinner with Kelly. Words from Jesus.

Shopping for Bollman kids. Playing Santa. Woo!

Christmas decorations. Walnut! (long story)

Gamecocks. Boooooooooo!

Congrats Tigers. Wait. Till. Next Year.

Thank. You. Jesus.

Wonderful. Life.

Favorite Thing Today: This album completely changed the way I view Christmas.

Beautiful 05

2008-11-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

Please check out these two incredibly powerful moments from week five of the Beautiful series at NewSpring.

Perry challenged everyone from John 8.

And this happened....

http://www.willrodes.com/blog/2008/11/18/beautiful-05-videos

Let grace, truth and conviction fall.

Ghetto Gospel

2008-11-18T21:10:00.004-05:00

Oh, how this makes me miss home! You Columbia peeps have seen it a million times, but for those who aren't a part of FBC, this is for you!

Yes, I am proud to say this was my home church in Columbia.

And yes, they are hilarious. I should hear you laughing from here.

Enjoy.

Favorite thing today: I'm ordering this shirt from Forever 21. And drooling over this dress from Anthropolgie.

Dear old, unredeemed self

2008-11-08T08:39:00.002-05:00

Dear old, unredeemed self,

You showed up yesterday like a long, lost relative knocking at the door unannounced. And you chose to stay a while.

You look like me. You sound like me. You have the same family.

But you are not me.

In fact, I don't even really like you all that much. Or at all.

But yesterday you took over my life. All my conversations. All my interactions with friends and strangers. All my thoughts.

I could not shake you. You would not leave me alone. I asked you to leave, nicely at first, but you would not budge.

So you asked for it....

You are dead. You have no power. You cannot sustain me. You cannot be trusted. You will not speak louder than the truth, and even if you chose to scream, I will chose not to listen. Your old ashes are no match for the new beauty inside of me. You do not exist any longer.

The same power that conquered death lives in me and I happen to know this terrifies you.

So this serves as notice that if you chose to show up here again, the door will not be open for you. You are not welcome. You cannot stay.

In fact, here's the door. And I'm not asking nicely this time.

If I Marry

2008-11-05T20:00:00.003-05:00

In the midst of a pile of papers I purged while recently packing, I found these words (thanks Kelly--You gave this to me years ago) written by a 17 year old Ruth Bell Graham as she was on the USS McKinley on her way to Wheaton College from her life as a missionary child in China. Wheaton is, of course, where she met Billy, who fits the criteria quite nicely.

It has been around a while, but I pray this will fall on fresh on some ladies today.

If I marry, he must be so tall that when he is on his knees, as one has said, he reaches all the way to heaven. His shoulders must be broad enough to bear the burden of a family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss. Love must be so deep that it takes its stand in Christ, and so wide that it takes the whole lost world in. He must be active enough to save souls. He must be big enough to be gentle and great enough to be thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a child.

Or Psalm 112, all of it...

Favorite Thing today: The new ESV Study Bible is seriously rocking my world. Seriously.

Material for Sacrifice

2008-11-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

It is 6:30 pm. I am sitting in my den, looking out the window at the lake.

Lake Hartwell. Not Lake Murray.

This was not how my Fall was supposed to go.

Most of you faithful, beautiful friends know that I am now a resident of Anderson, South Carolina. I left Sophie, Kim and my family behind and moved last month. There are still things in boxes. My TV is on the floor and not hooked up.

In August, I was planning on co-teaching a Wednesday night Bible study for college students. Genesis is the topic (hope you guys are soaking up the Word!). Fall Retreat was to Kentucky this year. Tailgating was in full swing.

But then God stepped in and blew His spirit wind in the most perfect and disruptive way.

And He changed me.

I love my new job. I love NewSpring Church in a way that I did not think I could. I am so humbled to be a part of the way God is advancing His Kingdom. Humbled that God would look on this, as Brennan Manning would say, "unsteady disciple whose cheese is falling off their cracker," and allow me to be a part of His greater work. So humbled.

I do miss Columbia, my home and safety. But it is, as Elizabeth Elliot has so beautifully phrased, "material for sacrifice." Sometimes we have to let go of something or someone before God can fully use us as He intended.

I prayed for a year that God would wipe the slate of my heart and life clean. It was a prayer that took nearly every ounce of courage in my feeble little heart to pray. I was not even sure how much I meant it. But clean He did. And now He has scripted new challenges, burdens and ministries. All undeserved.

So friends, this is only the beginning for all of us. Our lives are not our own. I pray that you will swim so deep with Jesus today that nothing is too extraordinary.

And you all have a place to stay when you visit Anderson.

Because you will all be coming for a visit.

Favorite Thing today: Because the aforementioned TV is still not hooked up, this site has served up my Biggest Loser, Chuck and The Office fix.

I just had to do it...

2008-10-28T15:31:00.002-04:00

...one more classic from Perry. See the full talk at www.newspring.cc (Beautiful Week 2)

Beautiful_02- Single Guys Outtake from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

I promise I will be back with more updates later, for those of you waiting with bated breath--all two of you.

This is much better stuff any way.

Am I Settling for Crumbs?

2008-10-20T19:26:00.004-04:00

This is an excerpt from NewSpring's service this past Sunday. I cannot begin to tell you how this fell on some woman this Sunday! Some chains were broken, that's for sure!

Beautiful_01 Crumbs Outtake from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

What did you do today?

2008-10-04T21:33:00.008-04:00

This is the definition of incredible....

602 precious people baptized at NewSpring today. And in total NewSpring style, it was a huge party.

Death to life never gets old.

Favorite thing today: I can't help it. I love my church.

Pursuit

2008-09-26T09:14:00.007-04:00

This post from Matt Chandler, pastor of Village Church in Dallas, TX deals largely in the realm of church planting, but one part of the post really captured the heart of my forthcoming move and transition.

"The truth is I didn’t become the pastor of a church in the suburbs of Dallas because I had a grand vision for growing a dynamic, life-transforming, church-planting, Gospel-preaching, God-centered church. I took the position because after a great deal of conversations, prayers and fasting, my wife and I felt it was the direction God, through the Holy Spirit, was leading us. I came to The Village because I thought that by doing so I would get to see more of Him, experience more of Him, sense more of Him, see more of me die, more of my flesh perish, the old man in me lose more power…He is the great end that I am after. He is why. In 1 Timothy 4:10 Paul writes 'For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.' I love that verse. We toil, yes. We strive, yes, but where is our hope? What, or rather, who is the goal? I love preaching the Gospel and I love planting churches but I do those things because in them there is this unbearable weight of His presence. This crushing majesty that makes me want to cry, sing and scream all at the same time."

And this, in short, are the best words to describe why I would leave it all behind. I love NewSpring. I do. But the greater work of God these days is IN me. The work THROUGH me, by the mercy and grace of God, will be an uncontainable outpouring of a heart shaved of pride, selfish ambition and apathy.

And I can't wait...

Favorite thing today: There is nothing in me that can afford these, but I think I literally heard the green/blue pair singing to me from the pages of the JCrew catalogue. These are much more in line with my budget and, in fact, I am wearing them today!

Hookers and Robbers

2008-09-15T21:09:00.002-04:00

Do yourself a huge favor and run right now and download "Hookers and Robbers" from Charlie Hall's new album Bright Sadness.

Cannot. Stop. Listening.

Favorite Thing Today: The brilliance that is Sabrina Ward Harrison. My heart is so happy when I am soaking in her books.

Moving On

2008-09-09T21:30:00.002-04:00

See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

I wish I could take you all back in time through the past two weeks of my life. Tornadic might be the only adjective to do it justice. But when the Spirit wind blows, lives can certainly be stirred and swirled.

I have resigned from my job at the Convention.

Two weeks ago, this was not even a possibility.

In October, I will be starting a brand new, shiny new job at NewSpring Church in Anderson (www.newspring.cc). I will be serving the incredibly talented Ken Wilson (www.avclub.us) and his incredibly talented staff.

There are TONS of details I am intentionally leaving out of this post to spare you the length. But I can certainly assure you that even the smallest part of this story points to God, who sees our greatest needs, who gives good and undeserved gifts to His children and who sovereignly sits on a throne that is never shaken or thwarted.

As I mentioned here, our inheritance is secure in Christ. Our lives are not left to chance. We are heirs.

Oh, and just for the record, I am so excited about this new opportunity, I can hardly stand it!

P.S. - Please go to NewSpring's site and watch the Exodus sermon series (Sept. 7). It will change your life. I promise.

Favorite thing today: Taste Book - Now I can corral all those little recipe clippings from Southern Living.

Delightful Inheritance

2008-09-01T18:52:00.003-04:00

I have been walking around for three days with a tiny note card reading:

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Ps. 16:5 - 6

And hear God speak peace, rest and assurance to you today. In Him, we are heirs to God, joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

Our paths are sure.

Our inheritance set.

A Host of Randomness

2008-08-14T20:26:00.013-04:00

How the date on the post below mocks me.

Since it has been a while and in the spirit of over-sharing, this post will be a host of randomness that will rival America's Got Talent.

Ya'll are all so sweet and many of you have asked about my living situation. After two weeks of moving from renting, to buying and back to renting let me assure you that there was more drama here than any show on the CW. But in the end, we (really mostly my super smart roommate Kim) were able to buy some more time and negotiate with our landlord and will be staying here at least a few more months, which will allow for some breathing room. Thank you Jesus! Something tells me that Dave Ramsey would tremble at the thought of buying a house in a week. I don't know. Just a hunch.

I turned 29 last week which means I will be spending the year with strangers assuming I am a helpless 35 year old who cannot quite bring herself to say the word"thirty." But regardless, it is going to be a good year; I can feel it. Thank you for the birthday wishes. You are way more than I deserve.

Thanks to my overly generous parents, I am the proud owner of this:Oh how my life is now complete! I feel like I have entered into the realm of big-girl cook. Everything before in my kitchen life was just minor league, amateurish. Today, I even cut it on just to hear the hum of the motor. I am taking suggestions/submission for the very first recipe to grace the perfect, stainless steal bowl. This one and this one look promising. Any ideas?

Why are the Olympics so ridiculously addicting? I had to stop myself this week from adjusting my schedule around the games. Even as I type I am watching tiny young ladies bound on apparatuses that look more like playground equipment. Some of the Chinese women/girls look like they still spend time at the playground. I don't care what their passports say, they still wear the same Goody's barrettes I used in the fourth grade. Can't they take a page out of the US team's style guide? They have much more stylish Olympic hair. Oh, I can't get enough. Maybe my addiction has something to do with this post. Even so, someone may or may not have cried earlier this week during this moment (I tried to find the video, but it looks like NBC is being stingy with their coverage). I am a sucker for red, white and blue. And still a week to come. If you cannot find me, I am probably at home in front of the television, wishing I would have toughed out swimming lessons.

I cannot stop listening to needtobreathe. Their newest album The Heat makes me very happy and induces large amounts of really terrible singing.

This was a fun quiz. Although my results came back as "Duchess of Distinction--Your home exudes a predominately masculine feel, but is nonetheless comfortable, with an air of maturity..." But one peek in my closet at the 30 pairs of shoes, one would think otherwise.

And right now I hear the splash of the pool and Michael Phelps is calling...

Favorite thing today: I think it has been proven my love for all things Etsy. And this necklace is so adorable, it just fans the flame.

Ugandan gorillas and Herman the bulldog

2008-08-02T10:18:00.010-04:00

Last night, I got a huge laugh out of this...

This is my side table in the living room and for the record, that is Shape, In Style, National Geographic (or the oober-trendy sounding NatGeo as it is now called), Southern Living and Sport Illustrated.

In the basket beside this table, is a Relevant, Free Times, Skirt, and an Ikea catalogue.

If this doesn't explain the trove of useless knowledge in my head, I'm not quite sure what will.

Did you know that Ugandan mountain gorillas are disappearing by the thousands? Or that Michael Phelps has a bulldog named Herman? Information that will cure all the worlds ills, no doubt.

And, ahem, let me say I do not subscribe to all of these; most of them are given to me by parents who spent the greater part of seventeen years watching me dart from one activity to another and who painfully endured hours of questions/statements like "Are we done in the grocery check-out line? The line is too long! He is going too slow! That lady in front of us has too many things to buy!"

Here kid, read this.

My parents will be nominated for sainthood on the basis of the miracle of teaching me some measure of patience.

Or maybe just fueling a unhealthy obsession with the news of the day....

Favorite thing today: I just discovered this blog. With my lack of cable, this satisfies my need for the Food Network. She has some sass and I love it! Taste Testers, anyone?

Outculture

2008-07-31T15:35:00.004-04:00

Oh, I have so much to tell ya'll.

The fact I have a lot to say is shocking, to say the least, and most of you have moved to edge of your seats in anticipation.

Or you are rolling your eyes.

My bet is on the latter. In any event, before I delve into deep thoughts and updates, I simply wanted to share this post from Joshua Blankenship who is the Creative Director at New Spring Church in Anderson, SC.

Matt Linderman on Outculturing the Competition
You can try to outspend the competition. Or you can try to outculture them. Create a place that makes employees feel special. A place that makes them feel like they’re part of a bigger whole. A place where they continually get to learn and evolve. A place where everyone actually likes each other.
If you create a culture like that, who would want to leave? Plus, you’ll get the best minds out there knocking on your door to get in.— Matt Linderman, excerpted from Pixar’s tightknit culture is its edge

I think Matt hits on something important here. I know for us at NewSpring, it’s essentially impossible to outspend the competition, especially when it comes to skilled professional jobs like designers. We joke about “negotiating your paycut” when you come on staff here. For better or worse, it is what it is — a constraint we work within. We’re a church, and we simply don’t have the resources to “compete” with a company that sells products and makes profits.
But we can outculture them every day of the week. We can offer creative staff permission to fail (big) and have freedom, we can ditch as much bureaucracy as possible and we can push boundaries. Plenty of people work in “dream jobs” that don’t have any of these values.
Besides, after the initial courting process, I don’t worry too much about salary. I mainly think “do I want to go to my job today?” I answer “yes” 99% of the time these days, and I assure you that has nothing to do with my paycheck and everything to do with the culture I walk into everyday.

Favorite thing today: This post from Josh Ridings had me laughing so loud, people in neighboring offices came running. Seriously.

And just for fun, a bonus favorite thing: Some ridiculous stuff coming from Forever 21 these days. I love this sweater in garnet and black (of course) and this jacket. Hmmm, a trip to Charlotte soon?

Rent Control

2008-07-29T07:59:00.003-04:00

Oh, this blogging might be the death of me yet.

I do not live under the guise that millions of you have faithfully check in everyday with bated breath seeing what new nuggets lie here. But for those of you who have peeked in to this little corner of web-world, I do apologize for lack of new material.

And today, I come with little entertainment and actually begging for your help.

Kim and I need a place to live.

The joy of landlords and rent. We found out this weekend that our rent would increase $100 in September...and we swallowed our stomachs. So out we are at the end of August. But the catch is we need to tell our landlord by the end of this week our staying or going plans.

Therefore, my friends, we need to find a place to live by the end of this week.

And contrary to our native popular belief, there are not a lot of places for rent these days.

So I am humbly asking for prayer, prayer, prayer. Provision.

We are asking God to set us the neighborhood in which we can best minister to our neighbors. We are asking for a place where friends, students and random strangers feel comfortable. And we are asking for financial margin in our budgets that God can use the excess how He sees fit.

So what do you say? Will you pray for us? Kim, Sophie and I would be extremely grateful and never taking for granted the awesome power of coming before the throne of God with ANYTHING. It's humbling isn't it? And I never want to take it for granted....

"So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagan run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these thing will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6: 31:34

Kim is calling several properties today. Please pray for her specifically. There is one we found we LOVE and the opportunities would be incredible, but it is extremely out of our price range and nearly a jillion conditions would need to be met, but we are going to throw it out there, just in case and see what God does! We are totally leaning into Him.

Thank you friends...

Favorite thing today: There is something about these pictures that just scream out to me. They might just be hanging in a new house soon....

Much Afraid

2008-07-20T22:44:00.004-04:00

"Shepherd," she said despairingly, "I can't understand this. The guides you gave me say that we must go down there into that desert, turning right away from the High Places altogether. You don't mean that, do you? You can't contradict yourself. Tell them we are not to go there, and show us another way. Make a way for us, Shepherd, as you promised."

He looked at her and answered very gently, "That is the path , Much-Afraid, and you are to go down there."

"Oh no," she cried. "You can't mean it. You said if I would trust you, you would bring me to the High Places, and that path leads right away from them. It contradicts all that you promised."

"No," said the Shepherd, "it is not contradiction, only postponement for the best to become possible."

Much-Afraid felt as though he had stabbed her to the heart. "You mean, " she said incredulously, "you really mean that I am to follow that path down and down and down into that wilderness and then over that desert away from the mountains indefinitely? Why" (and there was a sob of anguish in her voice) "it may be months, even years, before that path leads back to the mountains again. O Shepherd, do you mean it is indefinite postponement?"

He bowed his head silently and Much-Afraid sank on her knees at his feet, almost overwhelmed. He was leading her away from her hearts desire altogether and gave no promise at all as to when he would bring her back. As she looked out over what seemed an endless desert, the only path she could see led farther and farther away from the High Places, and it was all desert.

The he answered very quietly, "Much-Afraid, do you love me enough to accept the postponement and the apparent contradiction of the promise, and to go down there with me into the desert?"

She was still crouching at his feet, sobbing as if her heart would break, but now she looked up through her tears, caught his hand in hers, and said, trembling, "I do love you , you know that I love you. Oh, forgive me because I can't help my tears. I will go down with you into the wilderness, right away from the promise, if you really wish it. Even if you cannot tell me why it has to be, I will go with you, for you know I do love you, and you have the right to choose for me anything that you please."

Hinds' Feet on High Places, Hannah Hurnard

A Conversation

2008-07-16T09:22:00.014-04:00

...on a recent business trip to Anderson

Tony the co-worker: Why is it that some hotels have free breakfast and others do not? I can't stand when hotels don't have free breakfast!

Me: At least there is a Dunkin Donuts down the street.

Tony the co-worker: At least.

Me: How do you get to the school?

Tony the co-worker: Go up this street a little bit and turn left.

Me: Past the Dunkin Donuts?

Tony the co-worker: I think. What time do we need to be there in the morning?

Me: I'm not sure, but I am going to stop by Dunkin Donuts on the way in. Want anything?

Tony the co-worker: No, but you have mentioned Dunkin Donuts four times in three minutes.
Me: Clearly I will be visiting the treadmill this week.

Favorite thing today: This eyeshadow is my absolute new favorite.

She needs no introduction

2008-07-11T10:41:00.003-04:00

It is time you met Sophie.

The introduction was sure to happen sooner or later and let me assure you she will be a frequent contributor to this blog. I will let you decide if this fact is good or bad after you read this post.

Sophie belongs to my roommate Kim, which in a way makes Sophie and I roommates, only Sophie does not pay rent. Think of the most outgoing, extroverted four year old child you could possibly fathom. The incessant questions, approaching strangers in the grocery store and saying things like "mommy didn't take a shower today".... you get the idea.

This is Sophie. Undeniably Sophie. Which, as you can imagine, leads to much hilarity, yelling, chastising and general unexpectedness.

Today, I walked outside and found this on our back steps.

He was scared to death. And rightfully so, as clearly he did not scale the back steps on his own. He undoubtedly rode in the mouth of a canine.

This is only one in a long line of offerings Sophie has brought forth from the depths of the yard. This is the second turtle. There has been a bird, and last month there was some sort of mole/rat creature too mangled to know for sure.

Or maybe I just did not want to look.

It is not enough to chase critters in the yard. No, the offering most be placed on the alter of the back steps. It is pride Sophie seeks. Affirmation for exterminating the yard of such terrible beasts.

Though this little turtle is pretty benign, what Sophie often gets in return for her gifts is often twisted faces and screaming. Which actually are not unusual reactions in our house. Ask Sophie about the time she ran free at the Riverwalk with Kim chasing behind. That is another blog entirely.

So until the next time Sophie "gifts" us, I am still hoping she drops the keys to a new car or tickets to a Mediterranean cruise.

Favorite thing today: Since I am headed out to Charleston today, I will leave you with two of my all time favorite restaurants

And she watched lots of tennis

2008-07-07T21:13:00.005-04:00

Long weekends are nice aren't they? We should do these more often. I spent the day going on and on to my boss about how wonderful long weekends are, how GREAT we all feel when we come back, and we should have every Friday off.

He's not buying it.

Here is a run down on the past few days in no particular order:

On Wednesday, my roommate Kim and displayed our grilling prowess for my parents and brother.
Took in the Columbia Blowfish game against former USC baseball players. So fun. And the USC guys still have it. They brought it! The fireworks afterwards were way fun too.
Finished this book and started this one and this one. All brilliant....
Watched the men and women Wimbleton semifinals
Hit a great sale at Banana Republic. Oh, I do love a good sale!
Had a great, great cookout with long time friends compliments of the Wengers. Andy, bless his heart, cooked an entire pig (because who doesn't love an old fashioned pig picking) and it was unbelievable...and so was Jacque's potato casserole, banana pudding, pasta salad and Texas sheet cake. I ate light.
And with the aforementioned amount of food consumed, I exercised a lot. And am paying for it today.
Watched fireworks, both manmade and God made, at Fort Jackson in the rain with the Bollmans
Sang along with the Boston Pops TV special all by myself in my house.
More Wimbleton...women's finals--the Williams' left it all on the court
Ran on the treadmill while watching Wimbleton. This made me feel better about life and that I could possibly attain the physical status of Serena Williams
Traveled to Spartanburg for Maisie Hickman's baptism. Lots of friends that are more like family
Saw, held, feed lots of babies - Will & Ellie, Ellie & Sam, Maisie, Shawn, Scott & Logan, Katie & Jack
Took in the tennis match of all tennis matches. Some are calling it epic. You possibly heard me yelling at the TV from your house. Roger Federer is still the best that ever played and is the most gracious athlete I have ever seen.
Spent as long as necessary studying scriptures and talking with God. Camped in Hosea and Hebrews.

Baseball, tennis, great food, old and new friends, lots of babies, shopping, reading, running. If every weekend could be this good....

Favorite thing today: this website is so fun! I'm not exactly sure what I will do with all of these, but I just downloaded a ton on my computer.

Summertime

2008-07-03T08:22:00.004-04:00

ooooh, some serious summertime goodness at our house this week...

Favorite thing today: Brooke Fraser's new CD on itunes for $5.99

Barefooted

2008-06-30T20:46:00.008-04:00

Being single lends itself to certain desperation jobs. The I-can't-find-anyone-to-water-my-lawn-but-you-aren't-doing-anything-right? jobs. Or the I-need-someone-to-feed-my-cat-and-get-my-mail jobs.

You know, the really tough things in life.

I have a few regular housesitting gigs in town, and I generally love all of them. Most involve not just sitting in a house, but also watching certain four-legged family members as well. And it being summer, my services are proving to be a hot commodity.

Last week I was in the company of two distinguished dachshunds, Sir Henry and BoBo. Ahem, that's SIR Henry thank you very much. He was knighted by the Queen of England last year in quite a regal ceremony.

And being dachshunds, I spent most of my week with my eyes to the ground so my rear wouldn't end up there as well. But as important as it was to not step on a tiny paw or trip over my over zealous and slightly lonely friends, the biggest lesson learned is one that I am compelled to pass on to you.

Never walk outside barefooted.

NEVER.

After spending what I am sure was a miserable morning inside containing tiny bladders and waiting on the lazy human to roll out of bed at 6 a.m, one of my little friends just simply could not make it beyond the deck to the yard. And I, after showering, putting on makeup and my "work" clothes (read, not my jeans and t-shirts), failed to put on my shoes (because who wants to wear heels any more than she has to, right ladies?) before walking out to feed my friends.

And how does my day start? With a foot full of poo.

I think I said something like "Which one one of you would be responsible for this?" Only I'm pretty sure I screamed and I am pretty sure it woke the neighbors.

This was Sir Henry's response:

I think they were too relieved to care.

Sigh.

Favorite Thing Today: new running shoes

Hi. I'm new here.

2008-06-28T08:01:00.010-04:00

Have you ever noticed how many inaugural blogs begin with something like "I never thought I would be doing this," or "I succumbed to the peer pressure and started one of these things like every other laptop-toting, web savvy, over sharing person in the world"?

Yep. I second that emotion.

I write for a living. I spend my days for better or worse stringing words together. Some days I am terrible at it. Some days I can't wait to get an idea out. You've heard those stories of the moody, Truman Capote-like authors in a fit of writer's block throwing their 100 year old typewriters across the room (because typewriters are the tool of choice for all moody writers--I spend a fortune on typing ribbon).

I get that.

So what would any self-respecting person in my shoes do? Start a blog, of course.

As my marketing hero Seth Godin says, "Ideas are free." Which is not such a bad thing since all of your money and mine are now in our gas tanks. Please know that in this little corner of cyber world, you will get what you paid for.

So here I am. I promise not to editorialize too much. My opinions are worth about as much as it cost me to start this blog. I promise not to be a moody writer. I promise not to throw my typewriter. I won't be writing about my children, as I have not yet had the pleasure. But if any of your kids do something ridiculously hilarious while I am around, it is fair game.

And if you are choosing by some minor miracle to give me a few seconds of your time, I humbly promise not to waste it.

Feel free to stay a while...

Favorite thing today: Wimbleton