Some flicks I'm looking forward to......

So, this movie is coming to the Magnolia on September 15. I just discovered it on Crowder's xanga, and I've spent some time reading up on it this morning. In some ways, it's like the junior real-life version of the movie Saved! Here's a link to an interesting article with the filmmakers. http://www.lokifilms.com/site/JCpress/press_3.html Apparently at this camp, they bring in George W. Bush stand up figures to teach kids that Christians vote Republican and models of fetuses to introduce kids to the pro-life agenda. This is a must see, at least for me. It sounds like a nightmare, but I want to hold my opinions until the film debuts.

Also debuting on September 15........

Mr. Braff was on Letterman last night, and he was witty, charming, and adorable in that completely sexy and authentic way that no one else can do quite as well. I'm continually impressed by Zach Braff. If the down to earth people of our generation got together to elect a posterboy, he would win hands down. Guys think he is hilarious and brilliant, and girls just want to stay in bed and listen to music with him all day. At least, Lindsay and I do. I just don't get the whole Mandy Moore thing. You want him to be with someone who feels more like one of us, and she doesn't seem to fit the bill. Maybe he had the same feeling, and that's why they aren't together anymore. Who knows?

The soundtrack is amazing. Almost as good as Garden State, and one day I may even like it more. I haven't bought it yet because I've been taking Braff's musical advice for so long (or maybe that was really Josh Brewer's) that I have most of those songs on other cd's, but I'd definitely going to get it whenever I have cash for such things. If you want to preview it you can check out http://www.lastkissmovie.com/ or myspace, of course.

According to an August 14, post on Zach's myspace page, he's doing a promotional tour next week, and Dallas is one of the stops. I'm googling everyday to try to figure out where he'll be. I cannot think of a better way for a single, beautiful, and unemployed 26 year old female to spend her time rather than stalking the likes of Zach Braff. (other than trying to find gainful employment, obviously) And I don't mean stalk in a weird way. He's one of those celebrities that you really want to meet and have a personal memory with because his art and his stories speak to you on such a personal level.

Two weeks from Friday! I can hardly wait. Raise your hand if you are in for a double feature.

Venting

As of August 11, I have two degrees from two really good schools. I made very good grades at each one. I go to interviews and people recognize this. They also compliment me on what a great personality I have. I leave feeling like they are absolutely in love with me, and a part of me knows that they are.

Three weeks out from graduation, and all I've gotten is rejection. I'm sorry. I'm not generally a negative person, but I need to scream and bitch for a bit. You can stop reading now if you feel like it. I completely understand, and I know you and and the other 95% of the world have much bigger problems on your hands.

Here's the thing. I've finally come to the point in my life that I really believe in myself. I still can't fully explain, but somehow it sort of magically happened over the course of the summer. Maybe it's because I've been on a few dates. Maybe it's because people at Journey continually pointed out the fact that I have pastoral gifts and they gave me the opportunity to really use them. Maybe it's because I'm living on my own and doing my best to fend for myself all the while realizing that I'm truly an adult now. Regardless, from where I presently sit, I feel as if I have a lot to offer the world. I've always had this wide-eyed optimism that I could spend my life loving people and talking about Jesus, and somehow or another, I'd be paid for it. Not an exorbitent amount. I definitely never expected to be rich. In fact, I've pretty much envisioned myself scraping by but being perfectly happy because I was doing what I loved to do.

That dream is still very real to me, but it's not as peachy these days. I want to love people and talk about Jesus more than ever, but I'm not sure I'll ever be paid for that. In fact, I've really begun to question whether or not we should be paying people for ministry. This is mainly thanks to Shane Claiborne who constantly reminds me that the New Testament church used its offering to help the poor rather than pay salaries. Paul was bi-vocational, and he wouldn't except compensation for his ministry. Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting we suddenly send all of our pastors to the unemployment line, but it's just something I'm questioning in light of some of the things I'm learning. It's not as easy as I'm making it sound. I understand that, but the idea is some consulation to me in light of the fact there are no churches beating down my door and offering me a sweet benefits package.

The problem is, no one seems to want to offer me any kind of sustainable paycheck these days. I'm sending out resumes right and left, and the non-profits both said thanks but no. I'm not sure that I can live on what I'd make selling coffee or books. Sitting behind a desk all day staring at papers is about the most depressing thing I can possibly think of doing. I just to make a difference in the world and be able to pay my bills. Is that so hard?

Pray for me. Doesn't it usually take people months to find a job after they graduate?

Tomorrow, I promise to write something happier. Bitchin' really isn't me.

I hope that Little Miss Sunshine comes to a theater near you. I laughed until I cried. I wish I could afford to go see it everyday. Wacoans, it is definitely worth the road trip to the Big D. (besides, I need to see you!) It's been one of the bright spots of the most boring two weeks ever. No job, no more dates, and I've come down with something. It stinks, but the movie is great.

Hello Again

For some reason, I haven't been in a blogging mood lately. It's been ages since I've ranted about anything, and even a few weeks since I gave you an update. So here are some of the main events from the past few weeks. They sure do span the emotional gamut.

1. We finished up Plan B in women's group. Here's a picture of the celebratory cake. How fun is that? Up next....Peace like a River. We begin next week. Thanks to Craig for the suggestion.

2. I went back to UBC a few Sundays ago for the baptism that should have happened in October. It was emotional to say the least. Jen and Kyle's dad baptized Karen. Tears, community, sadness, beauty, and joy came full circle that day. I think it was very healing for us all.

3. On August 6, I preached at Journey. It was my last official week as intern and mentee. Several folks from Waco came up for it, and that was really sweet of them. It was great to have my two worlds collide. Journey gave me an incredible gift. I told them that my three years in Waco helped me to believe in church but my past three months in Dallas with them taught me to believe in myself. Maybe I'll blog more about that later, but don't hold your breath. Like I said my blogging energies are way down these days.

4. I FINISHED SCHOOL FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's so weird not buying school supplies and gearing back up for a new year. It's a good feeling, but a little scary and unfamiliar.

5. This week, I have two second interviews with non-profits here in Dallas. I'm confident that something is about to work out. I'll be sure to keep you posted.