resolutions

It's the time of year when my mother usually asks us children to re-evaluate and look at last year's resolutions while making new ones. I've decided that this year's resolutions will be more commitments, not just well wishing or things I want to accomplish. So, here goes it (and I'd appreciate some accountability on these this coming year):

- I commit to buying no “new” clothes this year…exceptions: Goodwill shopping, thrift stores, and gifts of clothing

- I commit to becoming more environmentally-friendly: become more aware and educated, reuse glass and plastic bottles, recycle paper products

- I commit to pursuing the dream, whatever form it takes for one solid year: offering the opportunity to others daily, reading and listening to CDs, attending seminars and rallies, etc

- I commit to physical fitness and the health of my body: exercising three or more times per week, running at least 30 minutes per day, eating healthy and drinking three or more bottles of water per day

the holiday

Merry Christmas...Happy Canadian Boxing Day...Happy Hanukkah...Happy Holidays...(__fill in the blank with the festive event you celebrate at this time of year___)

empowerment

I'm Gonna Do It All - Karine Polwart

What ARE you going to do someday? How are you going to change the world??

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. For most on my campus, it is just another day. But for those with HIV/AIDS or those who have been orphaned, it's not just another day. They are most likely grateful for another day of living. For those of us who are educated, it is a day of awareness. It is a day for those of us who know and care to defeat the stigmas fear has created. On Thursday, three of us traveled to Notre Dame for their film festival. There was a little boy named Gao Jun (China) who broke my heart. He was not only orphaned because his parents died from AIDS but he also has the disease. His uncles wouldn't take him because of the stigma and not being able to find spouses. So the little boy was given to another family until he became too sick for them to bear to care for him. AND he is one of the lucky ones. Something in my heart wanted to go over to China and vow to care for that little boy and the hundreds, perhaps thousands, like him. My heart goes out to Gao Jun and the millions like him. You are in my thoughts today.

fear or freedom

"Come to the edge."
"We can't. We're afraid."
"Come to the edge."
"We can't. We will fall!"
"Come to the edge."
And they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.

Guillaume Apollinaire, 1880-1918
French Poet, Philosopher

1st Friday

"Our rule is the works of mercy," said Dorothy Day. "It is the way of sacrifice, worship, a sense of reverence."

The Simple Living group decided to attend 1st Friday at the Catholic Worker. It was mass followed by a time of food and fellowship with other young, and old, activists. I was amazed and so motivated to become a part of this movement. For more information, a link is provided: Catholic Worker.

GLBT history month

For more information, log onto http://www.glbthistorymonth.com

the six

Jena Six refers to a group of six African American teenagers who have been arrested and charged with crimes related to their alleged involvement in the assault of a white teenager in Jena, Louisiana, on December 4, 2006. The incident is one of many racially charged events that have occurred in the town since what has been called a prank involving the "white tree" on the Jena High School campus. Critics of the case, including civil rights leaders Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, have claimed that the arrests and subsequent charges were racially motivated.^[1]

For more information, the following link is provided: Jena 6

If you want to become involved, check out the facebook event being held tomorrow.

the Church

This is my confession...For those who claim to be Christians, is this what you picture when you see the Church? Because in reality, this is what she is:

Tonight, I meet with God to repent my sin. To confess the awful, negative things I have said about your body. Tonight, I make covenant with you oh my God to want and to desire to see her as you do. May I see her mangled body and loose hair as pieces of beauty. May I see her stained and decayed smile as a river of life. May her lumpy saggy bosom be a welcome place to lay my head. May the harm and malice I have heaped on her be forgiven by you, oh my God. May I start this marriage relationship over from this point on, loving her as you do, respecting and adoring her as you do. I commit this to you God. I commit to your Church, your Bride.

simple living

My school's version of simple living, or living intentionally, has commenced. Bryce and I facilitated the first family gathering and meals will begin after the holiday weekend. I believe this will be an interesting and very relational semester. As we continue, I will be sure to update our status.