Water

Water...a resource we take for granite far too often. We turn on the facet and expect the water to run. But the day be approaching, earlier than we are ready, for water to be scarce. Water is an intrinsic part of most spiritual beliefs and is central to Christianity. Babylonian mythology states that the gods, and subsequently all beings, arose from the fusion of both salt water (Tiamat) and sweet water (Apsu). The holy books of the Hindus explain that all the inhabitants of the earth emerged from the primordial sea. Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, was born of the sea. At the beginning of the Judeo-Christian story of creation, the spirit of God is described as "stirring above the waters," and later, God creates "a firmament in the midst of the waters to divide the waters" (Genesis 1:1-6). The water and act of baptism is the link between life and purification. All throughout the New Testament God is flowing ceaselessly as the water of life and restoring His people. As Christians we need to protect the purity of water and care for the resources God has given us through sustainability.

This is NOT a republican issue, nor is it solely the democrats responsibility either. This growing world water crisis is a matter of the people. By the year 2025, the population of the world is estimated to increase from 6.4 billion to 8.4 billion. At that time, 3.4 billion people could live in countries where water is scarce. The supply of water is becoming less accessible and those providing it are able to demand more money in return.

There is an opportunity for you to learn more about this. October 2nd at Balboa a documentary called water is being shown at 6:30pm in the Natural Science Museum. It's won multiple awards, including one from Sun Dance. If you are interested in attending, or just the crisis on hand, you can learn more at www.flowthefilm.com.

Other happenings this week... It's spiritual renewal week. So this is the perfect time to be talking about water and it's power. I hope all of you go to the Prayer Path in Brown one night this week and take some time to refocus. I'm praying for each of you!

MY ROOMMATE, BRITTA TURNER, IS PLAYING AT TIME OUT THIS WEEK (AFTER TIMEOUT IN THE PBC). GO CHECK HER OUT. SHE IS AN AMAAAAAZING MUSICIAN AND REALLY HOT TO WATCH!

Time

Two things have been on my heart this weekend... Time and a lack of time. It always fascinates me that we allow ourselves be defined by years, months, days, minutes- chromos, or time defined by the world. We allow ourselves to be embonded by our commitments at certain TIMES of day. At school and work we have deadlines that are TIME imperative. In our extra-circular life we tasks and activities that are TIME intensive. We fill our plates with one activity after another and instead of saying no to new challenges we find ourselves adding more commitments to our ever-ending list. And sometimes these obligations get in the way of the most important part of life- relationships. There is this dynamic contrast of how we define time and God's time. I've always wondered how we separate ourselves from the way the world defines time and allowing God' time to dictate my life instead. We've ALL been here and we will continue to come back to this obstacle in our lives. My challenge to you this week is to question all of your activities and priorities. As we are beginning to fill our plates because of all the new opportunities the new school year presents, take a TIME OUT... and analyze whether you could realistically have the energy and TIME to pour into the relationships in your life if you added this activity.


Progressive Dinner is this Tuesday! PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU'RE COMING or IF YOUR WANT TO HOST A COURSE! 6:00 start in 45F!
Here's what's left:
1) Mocktails- 45A
2) Appetizers- ?
3) Salad-?
4) Entree- 45H
5) Dessert/coffee/tea- 45G

What's Happening this week?
Monday-
Tuesday- Progressive Dinner @ 6:00pm beginning in 45F
Wednesday- Time Out
Thursday-Covenant Group @ 7:00pm in the Flex Lounge
Friday- Women's soccer game @ 4:15pm! Men's Soccer Game @ 6:15pm
Saturday- Volley Ball Game-SPIRIT BELL- vs. Biola 7:00pm in Golden Gymnasium!

(No) Labor Day

I don't know about you girls but the history of our American culture (and many others) fascinates me. I think it has to do something with being able to connect with societies and individuals that lived tens, hundreds, and thousands of years ago. I recently saw Sister Hood of the Traveling Pants (yes I will admit I spent my weekly allotted gas money on a silly girl movie), and one of the main characters, Bridgette, was studying anthropology and archeology in Egypt. She found a skull of an Egyptian woman from thousands of years previous. As she studied the bones, she observed that her death had been the result of unsuccessful childbearing began asking questions and wondering what was daily life like for this woman, what type of mother was she, and what were made her joyful. She felt connected to this woman, despite the gap of generations and living in completely polar societies-she found similarities.

In a similar way, just like Bridgette, the mystery of the unknown makes me search for the answers. Thus, this weekend with the celebration of labor day I began googling the tradition and history behind labor day. I've always wanted to know why this nationally proclaimed holiday is called labor day when all government institutions are not laboring. So for those who also are perplexed by this oxymoron, here is what I discovered...As the Industrial Revolution took hold of the nation during the 1880's, the average individual (including children) worked 12 hour days, seven days a week in order to provide for their families. American unions became more prominent because of the long, terrible working conditions and on September 5th, 1882 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an upaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.


Aren't you glad you just learned THE REST OF THE STORY....)

All you need to know for the Happenings This Week (September 1st- September 7th):
Tuesday- Enjoy your pseudo monday!
Wednesday-Club Fair on caf lane after chapel. Learn about more things to put on your plate!
Thursday- Girls volleyball game 7:00pm
Superhero Bowing 9:00-11:00pm. Look for more communication from ASB
Friday- Last day to add classes for the semester
Men's soccer game 4:00-6:00pm
Sunday- Church and Enjoy your Saabath!


One Final Thing... The progressive dinner is set for Tuesday, September 16th starting at 6:00 pm! Please sign your roommates and you up for hosting a course (appetizers, salad, entree, dessert). Remember the cost is covered by the Flex Budget!

And en-light of dinner parties... the video of the week is all about my two favorite things...creating awkward public situations and dinner parties.


Have a great week girls!