women

What does it mean to be a woman? More specifically, what does it mean to be a woman who is a Christ follower? These are the questions that were posed at today's women's forum put on by Imago Dei women.
The following is the stereotypical list of characteristics for males and females:
Male Characteristics (stereotypes):

• acts as a leader
• aggressive
• ambitious
• analytical
• assertive
• athletic
• competitive
• defends own beliefs
• dominant
• forceful
• leadership abilities
• independent
• individualistic
• self-reliant
• self-sufficient
• makes decisions easily
• strong personality
• willing to take a stand
• willing to take risks

Female Characteristics (stereotypes):

• Affectionate
• Cheerful
• childlike
• compassionate
• does not use harsh language
• eager to soothe hurt feelings
• feminine
• flatterable
• gentle
• gullible
• loves children
• loyal
• sensitive to the needs of others
• shy
• soft-spoken
• sympathetic
• tender
• understanding
• warm
• yielding

We discussed how we fit or didn't fit into these characteristics. My conclusion was that God is the great Artist and he handcrafted each individual with the stereotypical male and female characteristics. We can't be put into a box. Those of you who know me well, know that I don't like it when others try to label me or put me in a box.

Heather, our pastor to women, spoke on a few women from Scripture. One that stood out was Esther. She was born a Jew and changed her Hebrew name Hadassah to Esther. God uses unlikely people for his works. Esther did what was against the Persian law in order to save her people from exile. Esther 4:14 says

Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as
this?

As women and as broken people, we have our insecurities. We need to trust God like Esther to use us even through our brokenness for such a time as this. Our world is a place of hurt and the church can come together to help bring true hope and true joy into people's lives.

Sauvie Island Half Marathon!!!

So, after 3ish months of training, I ran my first half marathon yesterday! 13.1 miles baby!

2 hours, 5 min, 11 sec... :o) It was a perfect overcast day and in the lower 60s!

Now I sport a shirt, a plastice medal (huh?) & achy, sore legs! Yipppppeeee!!!

Community Garden

We planted strawberries, green bell peppers, pablano peppers, tomatoes, oregano & other spices in our NEW community garden! It's the brand new Hazelwood Garden on NE 117th & Holladay. Not only is the garden fun but the community aspect is awesome! We've met 3 couples just this evening who have neighboring gardens!

half marathon

So, yes! I'm getting excited! My first ever half marathon is less than a month away. Training has gone very well so far. I'll be doing a 13 miler later this week. I'm looking forward to the adventure. The half marathon is on Sauvie Island on July 4th at 7am!

alone

Yesterday I arrived at a student's home to teach their piano lessons (a brother & sister). When I arrived, the 9 year old boy answered the door. I asked him if he was taking his lesson before his older sister. He said, "Yes. My mom & sister will be back in 30 minutes." So I asked him if he was all alone. He said, "Nope. The cat's here!"
So CUTE!!!

Teaching a 5 year old boy how to sing!

Tonight I was teaching a 5 year old boy how to sing. It was his second voice lesson. We were coloring the anatomy of the organs/body parts that aid in singing. I asked him to color the diaphragm. He responded, "OK. But first the body needs a penis!" I tried my best to keep him on task but before I could get control of the situation, the penis was drawn! I guess he wanted the skeleton to be a boy just like him! Oh the joys of teaching!!!

The homeless are God's creations too

On Sunday night we had the privilege of teaming up with a group from New Song Church to prepare a meal for the homeless and serve it. Our Imago Dei home community helped the New Song team this past Sunday. The experience was beyond belief. 350 homeless men & women were fed under the Burnside Bridge. They were so VERY grateful. It was rewarding for us to finally be able to do what our hearts had desired for so long. As we were cleaning up and packing the serving tables back in the vans, I watched as the men & women laid down to go to bed with just a sleeping bag or even just a blanket on a very cold Portland night. I wished we could have done more.