Before There Was

     

     So I'm still going strong on my "21 Jumpstreet" marathon. I was obsessed with this show when it first  aired back in the day. And about 5 years back, I got a majority of all the seasons on DVD. This show is like crack to me. Or better yet, it's like being wrapped up in a blanket, next to a fireplace on a cold winter's night.

     I just need seasons 4 and 5 to make my collection complete.

     But I realized a few of the reasons why I love this show so much:

1. This show was pre-internet.
2. This show was pre-cell phones.
3. Solving crime in proper 80s fashion.

     Therefore, a majority of the story lines center around the development and arc of strong characters solving crime as undercover cops in high school, minus the interference of our current (and often times unnecessary) technology. It's fun to see a glimpse of how life was without our current innovations and how we appeared to relate to one another not so long ago...

Wisdom's Knocking:

Take the time to simplify your life.

Adjustment

     Photographer: Lindsay Coleman

     There are days when you hear a piece of news that realigns all the goals and purposes in your life. Instead of forming them in a straight line, it makes the shape of a heart somehow.

     Today, I had this jolt. It was not news that I hadn't heard before, but somehow, I was able to receive it afresh.

     I was in the midst of a huge crowd of people, and I realized with such certainty that I am Loved. And not just like the sun-is-setting-and-it's-the-end-of-a-romantic-movie-type-of love. No. It was much more fierce than that.

     God is moving in my favor. Pause.

     Because the funny thing is, before I got my answer, I had a specific question in mind. And without hesitation, it was answered in such a way that spoke to my heart and confirmed His kind intentions toward me.

     Selah.

     God is truly the kindest one I know.

Wisdom's Knocking:

There is a love that burns throughout eternity and does not fade. And its banquet table is prepared also for today. 

When Rounding Corners, Have Both Eyes Open

Photographer: Ashley Johnson

There are people that you Like. Then there are people that you Like Like.
And when you come across those people that you Like Like, it's usually by accident.
I don't know why that is.

But for me, those that I Like Like have carved out a special place in my heart beyond space and time.
I may not see you for years or months or days, but when we do connect, I realize ever so profoundly that I Like Like you.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Don't try to exert yourself falsely in friendships or relationships, just be yourself.

Boomerang

     Does anyone remember the 1992 movie, Boomerang with Eddie Murphy & Halle Berry? It's still one of my favorite movies because of the comedy and the well written thru-line/theme of the movie: "What goes around, comes around".

     I've recently been thinking about this whole subject of consequences and responsibilities. It seems that many of us want to ignore that there are any consequences for our bad actions, but we will readily accept any and all good consequences from the perceived good decisions that we make. 

     There is something about this theme of Justice that is apart of our human DNA. But Justice is not about revenge, it is truly meant to be a restorative force. Therefore consequences in and of themselves work to bring forth a restoration beyond the situation and circumstance of our undoing.

     And granted there is Grace, which most likely saves us from being completely smote-ed in any given situation. But if we didn't have to wrestle and deal with the consequences of our very actions, how then are we truly learning to love, be responsible, and steward the gift of our own lives?

Wisdom's Knocking:

What goes around, comes around.

He's a Beast

      Photographer: Joel Stephens

     Did I mention that I've activated my dating profile on Plenty of Fish and Christian Mingle? As many of you knew, I had threatened to join a dating site back in May. But I just couldn't do it whole heartedly back then. I still feel a little weird about it now, if you must know. But now, my journey into online dating is just pure comedy. 

     The last profile I just read at the dating site Christian Mingle was actually pretty good, until I looked more closely at this guy's profile pic. He had the word "BEAST" tattooed on the front of his neck. Needless to say, I wasn't actually turned off by it, I just mostly couldn't stop laughing. It was like this moment in time where I just looked around, and said to the air, "Wow. This is my life."

     But, regardless, I find consolation in the fact that there are millions, yes millions of lonely people out there. And here I thought I was being weird, putting my vulnerability out there for all to see. Only to find out that a majority of the world is still "looking".

     While I may be "looking", my frame of mind is in a much better place now than it was back in May. There is such an overwhelming sense of fulfillment that I feel in my own life right now, that anything that adds to it at this point is truly the icing.

Wisdom's Knocking:

They may laugh at you now, but keep on walking and standing tall.