No Clothes For A Year

I'm thinking of giving up buying clothes for awhile, a la Penny in Blue Like Jazz. There is one small problem, however, the matter of my recent weight gain (birth control be damned!) and the fact that I actually need a few pieces of clothing, lest I wander the streets of Charlotte in the buff. So, I am thinking that I will allow myself a new pair of Tom's shoes, a pair or two of jeans and then go on the clothing diet. Are these two caveats reasonable? Am I making excuses? My husband, the resident theologian in the home, says these few things are perfectly okay, and my heart is in the right place. I am a little worried though. I tend to obsess about my image and how I look to others. I am trying to learn that it only matters how I treat others. I have warm coats, comfy beds and a bank account that, although small by American standard, is huge by the world's standards.

On an unrelated note, I am having trouble trusting God these days. I am having trouble finding a job in Charlotte. Pray for me; pray for the peace that passes all understanding.

Surprise, surprise

I am quickly getting to the point where I think it is best to make no concrete plans at all, and just see where you're led. Matt and I are now moving to beautiful, warm, sunny Charlotte instead of Mass. It came out of nowhere, but it is a really good thing for the both of us. And look how pretty our new hometown is at night!

Happy Easter!

I am road-tripping with a girlfriend until Saturday, so I thought I would leave you with a lovely Easter message from Jim Wallis. Use this Sunday as an opportunity to look past the egg hunts and new dresses and meditate upon the risen Christ. Theos ein agape.

The Ringing Bell

One of my favorites, Derek Webb, has a new album releasing on May 1st. However, if you pre-order the CD, you can immediately download the entire thing. And, I must say, it is fantastic, but I really didn't expect anything less. The album also includes a limited edition graphic novel. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. I am rather fond of "A Love That's Stronger Than Our Fear" and "I Wanna Marry You All Over Again."

Reason #9563499437 to Oppose the War

Jim Wallis has posted the text of Rep. John Lewis' speech from the House. A highlight:

And while we are telling our veterans of this war, the elderly, the poor, and the sick that there is no room in the budget for them, the American people have spent over $400 billion on a failed policy. We cannot do more of the same. Mr. Speaker, violence begets violence. It does not lead to peace.

It is certainly worth a read.

community.

Yes, I realize I've just used a evangelical buzz word, but it is something I find myself desiring these days. Matt and I attend two churches. One is the fundie Baptist Church where I grew up and Matt become a Christian. We don't fit in, but we go anyway. Mainly, our Lifemates (young married) class was keeping us there, but we don't even fit there anymore.

The second church is a large nondenominational church where we attend each Tuesday for a twentysomethings group. We occasionally attend on Sundays. We love this church, but find the group clearly defined and no one is very interested in including anyone else. That bothers me a lot. Only 3 or 4 people in the group have ever talked to me, even though they know I'm not a regular member.

So, I'm looking forward to moving to Mass in June. I keep telling myself that if you can't find a tight-knit community with other young couples on campus at a Seminary, you never will.

Right?

when i grow up . . .

I always thought the whole post-college breakdown/adjustment period was something that was totally fabricated for television dramas, but now that I find myself in the thick of it, I'm beginning to believe that it's true. I got married 4 weeks after graduation, and my summer was spent adjusting to married life. But now that I have time to think, I'm not entirely sure what I want to do when I grow up. Sure, there is that whole writing degree, but now I'm not sure what I should do with it. Freelancing? Grant writing? Editing?

On a totally different note, the Wilberforce movie Amazing Grace opens this weekend, and I can't wait to see it. Have no clue who William Wilberforce is? Check out Christianity Today's site for a run down on the movie and the life of the great abolitionist. When you're there, be sure to check out the work of current abolitionists. I recommend reading Terrify No More by Gary Haugen (the president of the D.C.-based International Justice Mission). The book is a insightful introduction to the work of IJM and the worldwide work of abolitionists.