We're not friends anymore...but seriously, we're not

There are a few things in life that I think are just absurd. One of those is excessive amounts of facebook friends. Let's be honest, you don't actually care about your 2,400 "friends" cyber lives. Honestly, I judge you if you have more than 1,000. Statistically, one can only keep up with 150 people at a time, so I allow for 850 superfluous relationships. That's plenty. Anymore than that and we all know everything we need to know about you.
So, anytime I start to approach the dreaded 1,000 mark, I immediately decide to declutter my FB life and defriend as many people as I can. At first I was worried that this would hurt people's feelings, but chances are the defriendee hasn't interacted with me in at least 3.5 years when we decided to take the plunge and be buddies in the first place.
Today, I will begin this defriending process and, frankly, I'm looking forward to a little less newsfeed clutter. See you on FB (or maybe not...)

ps-you may or may not get immediately unfriended if you put up pictures of your ultrasound. Seeing a fetus in the womb is just FB inappropriate.

Teenagers do more than homework

I've written about why I hate that I have a Georgia "G" on my debit card before. Awkward conversations with strangers equals uncomfortable, so I like to avoid them at all costs. However, today I had a great conversation started by the good ol' debit card. It went like this:
cashier: "wow, you all have had some really crappy* years"
me: "yes we have...and its embarrassing"
cashier: (random info on why he knows about UGA football) "so what's the answer?"
me: "I think we may need to get rid of Coach Richt, which frankly breaks my heart"
cashier: "You should call the alumni association and make it happen."

You know why this conversation was acceptable? Because he didn't give me some lame "let's argue about our team rivalries, even though we don't know one another" banter, nor did he give me a disapproving look or try to convert me. He said it like it was.

Anyhow, all that got me thinking about my interactions with strangers. And here's what I concluded. I was glad the man didn't ask me what my job was. I never really know what to say. When I tell people I work in youth ministry, they don't really have a category for what that looks like and I'm always met with the same question which I really don't know how to answer: "So, you like help them with their homework?" What I am supposed to say to that? I mean I guess sometimes I do help kids with their homework, but not that often and it doesn't even begin to encompass the purpose of my job.

The problem really isn't peoples' perception of my job. They don't understand my job because they don't understand teenagers. Do people really think that what makes up the majority of students' lives is struggling with their homework? It doesn't. Not even close. It's sad to me that adults are so distanced from teenagers that they can't wrap their minds around what plagues their hearts.

I've always struggled with the gap between adults and teenagers. They have so much in common. I find that more and more as I get older. It's not just adults that have idols. It's all humanity. It's not just teenagers that struggle with submission to authority. It's all humanity. Teenagers need the life lessons of grown ups. They need to see a picture of what it looks like to make it out of growing pains, braces and awkward dances. They need to begin to understand that all of life is about "growing up" and even those who are adults are still learning what that means. They need to see that maturity is less about a number on a driver's license and more about relying on the Lord. But I would argue that adults need students, too. They need to be reminded of passion and idealism and ideas. They need to see enjoyment of life and the wisdom that comes from living a life of practical dependence (when was the last time you had to ask to use your mom's car and got a reply of "I'll drop you off?").

They're is so much to learn and the gap just seems to be widening. I'm thankful for the church, because she seems to have caught on to this problem and is seeking to find a way to fill the gap. I hope that we, the church, will set an example for the world in this, because our students are talented and smart and loving others in a bold way. How beautiful it would be to invest in that, rather than simply "helping them with homework."

*he didn't say crappy...he used the s-torpedo, but I'm a Southern gal and just couldn't bring myself to put it in type (even though I have little problem saying it in real life**)
**in appropriate settings with its appropriate use

Dear Melaina

Dear Melaina (and Karen),

You are the only person who reads my blog, so to you I apologize for all the grammatical errors in my posts. I reread a few old posts today and they are quite difficult. Generally, I am a bit of a grammar Nazi, however, when I write on here I never proofread and I write like I think. This usually means that I end up meshing two sentences in my head and the product causes me to use the wrong words at the wrong time. I will try to do better.

You are a sweet friend and a significantly more dedicated (and, thus, more successful) blogger than I.

With much love,

Sara

Lightening Strikes

I learned about God's sovereignty when I was entering my sophomore year of high school. A close friend of mine was struck by lightening and died the following day. How, at 15, do you reconcile a tragedy that insurance companies file under an "act of God" and God's goodness? After the visitation I remember I just got real quiet. I'm sure over the next few days I did speak something, but nothing of importance. I was just trying to find the Lord in all of it. It wasn't until a few years later that I really ever talked about my confusion with the situation and how it had left me frustrated and confused about God's character. I had just decided that He could do what He wanted and that I got no say in it. It was a faithless and loveless resignation. As the Lord worked on me, He showed me His goodness and kindness. Because of His Son and His grace, I can honestly say that I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. God has been faithful to reveal His character to me and I have truly come to love His Sovereignty, not just resign to it.

With all that said, lightening has become this symbol in my life. It represents things that I don't understand and wish could have happened another way. It stands for the things in my life that I struggle to submit to. Because, hey, God's sovereignty is good, but my willingness to always embrace and wholeheartedly submit to it is not always so good. To be honest my heart is wicked in many, many ways.

In my life right now there is a lot of lightening. It's not even as though my life is falling apart, it's not. I love my life right now. But I look at the last few years and where I am now and, frankly, I just don't understand. I don't get it. I don't know what God is doing or where He is taking me. So, I've resorting to Philippians 4...think about whatever is true. I have to remind myself of basic truths: Jesus is King of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is greater than the expectations of this world. I am deeply loved by the King and He is for me. God has a good plan for my life and the lives of others. He makes us all willing and ready to serve Him...etc, etc.

See, I'm thankful for the Truth. Because when lightening strikes and I'm scared and confused, there is something to hold onto. Something bigger than my fear and a world that spins chaotically out of control. There's Jesus. Jesus who loves me and cares for my fragile heart so tenderly. And it's during the lightening that my faith grows.

Introverts Unite

A few weeks ago I was in Target. As I was checking out, the Target lady asked why I was buying approximately 1,200 lbs of Christmas Cookies. I told her I worked with Jhi and SHi girls and they like sugar (most times I hate talking to people in these situations, so I give as little information as possible as to avoid follow up questions). She asked if I was a teacher, which is a common assumption when I give my preconceived answer. I told her that I worked at a church and when she kept inquiring we found out that we go to the same church. The following Sunday I sat with her. She is delightful and my new friend. I met her husband today and they are the sweetest couple. They are probably in their 60's and I really am so thankful for them. Today as we were walking out of service, Jeanne and I were discussing that we are both introverted, but in jobs where we have to talk to people a lot. Also, out jobs give us unconventional hours. We decided to get coffee soon. I'm so looking forward to it.

This has to be what a fellowship of believers looks like. How exciting to find a friend in the most random of places and know that God ordains all interactions. I feel so blessed that she wants to spend time with me and encourage me, especially in a season of life where I have transitioned and am far from all the older women who pour into my life. I am very grateful for a community of believers that seek one another out. There is a deep sweetness to that. I love the church.

Want

What do you do with your want? I talked about this about a month ago in a high school Sunday School class. My prideful heart thought it was for the students. Turns out since that 1am writing session I haven't been able to move away from this. We want things. We desire things. From new clothes to new jobs to relationships to free time. Fill in your own blank. What do you want? And what do you do with that desire? Scripture tells us not to be greedy, but it doesn't tell us to squelch our desires. It tells us to take them to the Lord. To ask Him for things and He answers. I love that about Him.

Sometimes I'm not sure what to do with my want though. I want to be able to lean into it and for it to draw me to my Father, but if I am honest sometimes it just makes me anxious and confused. I look at my life right now (and its a life I'm thankful for) and I have no idea how it makes any sense, especially given the things that I am striving for and that I want right now. I believe that it takes faith to take my desires to the Lord, to trust Him with them. But its difficult, because it means I'm not in control and I might not get what I want. That isn't my favorite idea, but it draws me back to a Father who is the giver of good gifts.

So what do you do? What is the answer? If you remember the parable about the three men who were given money, for a long time I related to the third servant. He buried the money and took no risk. He moved out of carefulness, not faith. I like rules and boundaries. I like cautious, but sometimes risk isn't risk, its faith. That's what I'm learning, to trust God with my want and step in faith.

I may not get the things I want. That will be really difficult. I may not understand the direction God is taking me right now or what is coming down the turnpike, but I can enjoy where He has me now and trust that He is teaching me about Himself and showing me His love. I was listening to Kari Jobe's I Know That You Are For Me earlier today. The song talks about how God is for us. He is not fighting against us. The chorus is a reminder that sometimes the circumstances of our life may only be to remind us who God is and that is not only enough, but good. I know that God is for me and very much at work. I know He loves me and, although I still very much learning to believe this, I can trust Him with my desire and want.

Silence and Hallelujahs

Sometimes I just don't have anything to say. I know I'm female and supposed to be capable of about a billion words an hour, but every now and then I just get quiet. And not the introverted quiet where I am actually processing through a ton of things, my mind just stills and my heart is peaceful and I really have nothing to say. Today is one of those days. My guess is that it is this way because of the past couple of months and, more specifically, the last two weeks. In these two weeks, I have been able to process through so much information, thoughts and emotions.

Last week I sat at the kitchen table of a woman I respect greatly. In the mere 20 minutes I was sitting there with her, I spilled out my whole heart. Not just the pieces and tidbits that I share on occasion with others, but every hope and fear. Things I really desire and questions I am normally too afraid to ask. And because she has this uncanny ability for silence to speak volumes, I kept talking until I think every bit of who I am was in tangible pieces on the dark wood tabletop. And so, we sorted through them.

I've thought a lot about that conversation and the experiences of the past 3 months. I see the Lord working in so many ways around me-He is clearly weaving His work all around in the lives of people around me. He is showing me so much of His redemption and the new creations He has made. I am left awestruck at how I see God's work in some of the people and families I am privileged to know. And so I am left with a curiosity that drives me more than I know how to share. What else is God doing? How is He using me? How is He sanctifying me? What is He calling me and others to do? Things that I thought were dead in me are being awakened to life again. Although they are good things, frankly, I'm not sure how to deal with it. I had become very comfortable with them being "gone."

But God seems to have different plans to work in my heart and show me how His love and His plan are better than my own. He truly knows what I need to be whole. I pray that I will cling to that in the future as He continues to sanctify me and make my heart more like His Son's.

There are so many things I am thankful for right now. So many ways that God is making my heart playful and renewed. It reminds me of why I named this blog "hallelujah." It's what I want to be the overflow of my heart. That at the end of everyday I will sing "hallelujah."

I am certain that there will be much struggle in the days to come. I am certain that my emotions are about to be catapulted from detached to very much engaged. I am certain that the next few months will not be what I view as easy. I am also certain that God is at work. That His goodness is where I stand. So, at the end of today, with grateful silence in my head, my heart says a confident hallelujah.

"...in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..." Is 30:15

When it all goes wrong

Have you ever just been really wrong about something? Like flat wrong? It seems as of late, I'm just wrong...a lot. I can't seem to get anything right. I'm not trying to sound pathetic...just factual. In many areas of my life, I'm just off. I think God is humbling me in a lot ways. For far too long I've been able to control how I feel, how I respond, what I think. Turns out that I can't get a grip on any of those things lately. The bad news is that I'm a rotten, wretched sinner. The great news is that Jesus is my Rock. It's lovely to know that when my life is spinning in a way I'm not capable of handling, my hope is in an unwavering Savior. It's not in my location or my job or a relationship. It's so much stronger than that. You see, if my hope was in my job or a person, it would be shallow and counterfeit. I would have no hope. But because of God's grace, my hope is so much better and so much more real that I could have imagined. The best part about being a mess and knowing how incapable I am, is that Jesus is all the more sweet.

When I quit my job a few months ago, I was certain (like I knew, but I told people that I didn't know so they would think I was holy) about where I was going. Everything lined up. It made sense. All the goals I wanted to accomplish could be accomplished there. I had friends, it was an ideal location, great job-one that would allow my heart to heal...I even had a place to live. I was ready to go. Oh, except that that's not where God ended up leading me. As a matter of fact, I was a shoe in for the job, but I never even heard back from them. I was dead wrong. I ended up in a place unexpected. One that is pushing my heart to be more like Christ's. One that is showing me the depths of my sin and the Savior whose love, mercy and grace far exceeds those depths. One where sanctification is good and difficult. One where I am wrong a lot and need Jesus more and more.

I don't think I've ever been more thankful to be so wrong.

What is the measure of life?

I've been taking my high school girls through Ecclesiastes. It's intense to say the least. Last week we talked about how enjoyment and happiness is a poor measure of life. It's completely inaccurate. And I stand by that. However, I think that I struggle with the other extreme tending to believe that if something is difficult then it is out of God's plan for me. How awful is that? God is a good God and in the Word it says that He gives good things. I believe that God is the giver of good-both happiness and struggle. They are both important. God says that He comes to give the abundant life and that would mean a whole spectrum of experiences. Why do I measure my life by the struggle and run away from the enjoyable then? Why do I think that my life is more "godly" if it is marked by significant struggle. I believe that God restores and redeems. He binds up the broken and heals the sick. Granted, I will suffer. But I was made to rejoice as well. Is it possible that my cynical heart keeps me from the joy that God gives. I do love boundaries and control, but I think that I keep myself closed off from the freedom that God gives by loving and enjoying Him. There's some irony here, too, because I have fun. Its just that I think I miss the richness of life because I think more of suffering than rejoicing. Theologically that just doesn't seem right. It should be a balance. Submitting to God's plan day to day whatever that may look like. There is after all a time to mourn and a time to rejoice.

He has made you brave

The last few months have been quite the whirlwind and I've remained fairly tight lipped about all of it. I had been wondering if it was time to leave the life I had in Florida seriously since the spring. But it was too difficult to fathom. Although there were many things that were difficult, I don't think that life is about avoidance of trial and so I prayed for endurance and sanctification. Yet, as the summer went on it became more and more clear that something had to give. Turns out it was me. I was petrified as I was starting to pray over senior high camp. There was a position open in a great city, with a good church, and I had friends there. I was excited about the possibility, yet frightened of change and hurt and I hate quitting anything. But sometimes the race is over and it is foolish to keep running. That's the advice I was given by a wise friend. She was right.

The following weekend proved to me that it was time to move on and so the following week while at junior high camp, I committed to praying through the idea and seeking God's peace and wisdom. That's where I was met with the message of God's strength and provision. The worship leader shared a story of how his daughter was afraid of the ocean and the waves and he reminded her that her father was stronger than all that was coming her way. It is the same with our heavenly Father. He is bigger and stronger than the waves of life that come all too quickly. The ones we can't see or prepare for. The ones that take us by surprise. The ones that are scary and knock us down. And because of who He is, we can trust and step out in faith.

It was at this time that I started reading a book about God's will for our life. It's premise is that God's will for lives is sanctification. To be more like Him. For our hearts to be made more like Jesus'. With every scripture I read, it called me to examine my heart. Was I becoming more like Christ or not? Honestly, I was becoming more fearful, more timid. I was hiding more and speaking truth less. I was shutting down completely. That's not who God made me to be. And I long to be more like Christ. I don't want to shutter in fear, but rather cling to the gospel that makes me confident in the Lord. And so I concluded that it was time to

pursue being who God calls, rather than just doing what God calls.

Quitting my job and life as I knew it, with no idea where I was going, was one of the scariest things I have ever done. But God put an assurance in my heart and in the hearts of those who surrounded me. For that I am thankful. This is where I first started thinking about the phrase, "He has made you brave." For it is the Lord who gives me courage. Any of you who know me know that I am consumed by fear. I really struggle with it. But through Jesus, I am made brave. I am so thankful for this courage. His unwavering love that secures my heart. Not only did I need it to leave, but I need it to begin again. 

how long does it take to pack up an office?

...turns out about an hour if you have help loading your car.

I'm preparing to leave Florida and am so grateful for all the ways I see the Lord working. It has been a packed two years-full of sweetness,victories and struggle. This mountain/lake girl conquered the beach. My hippy side meshed with my classic, fresh out of gap side. I came to believe in God as my Comfort and He showed me how to pray again. I learned that I am not the protector of my heart and that because He is, I can continually open my heart. I learned to live with people. I have painted more and forced myself to stop being a baby and finally play bar chords. I started playing cello again (albeit poorly).
Right now I am so thankful for God's directional will in my life and that even though I don't know where I am headed, I can step out in faith and adventure knowing that being obedient to Him is what matters most. He is my Keeper and the Provider of all things. That is where I stand.
It is more than slightly overwhelming not to know where one will be in a month (or how they will get all there stuff there...does anyone know how to pull a trailer? b/c I don't), but there is something exciting about knowing that God knows what is best for my heart and that all things work together for my salvation. That means not just my justification, but daily. So I look forward to this part of my sanctification. What is it that will make my heart more like Jesus'. I think I'm about to find out.

To Blog or Not to Blog

I haven't updated in forever. I'm thinking maybe I should start back. Any thoughts? On one hand I like writing. On the other, it is a lot of energy to be witty. Input is welcome.

While I have your attention...here's a list:

1.) Read Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung. You'll be glad you did.

2.) I want a Mac

3.) Friday Night Lights is my new favorite show. Can I marry Matt Saracen please?

4.) Want to know what I'm thankful for? Well, for one, I have interesting friends. Please ask me about the phone conversation I had today or about any of friends. They are well accomplished and talented. When people speak poorly of 20-somethings...I wonder who they are talking about, because the ones I know are kicking butt and taking names all while loving others really well.

5.) Lists are fun.

All Grown Up

Last night I was able to see some friends of mine from high school play a show at Jax Beach. It was really fun. It got me thinking on the way home about that particular time in my life. There were about 8 of us that spent a lot of time together. I was telling two of the boys last night that one of the things about growing up in a small town that I am thankful for is that we are all really creative. We learned to be self entertaining. We can take an afternoon with nothing to do and turn it into a great game or an epic adventure. (please ask me about my high school days sometime, the stories are endless and hilarious) And from that thought I starting thinking about all of us and almost all of us are living our dreams-some are rock stars, one is a missionary, one is a world traveler, one is a wife and mom, I'm doing youth ministry. I think that it is really rare that all of us, under 30, have accomplished this. And not only that, but we have been doing it for awhile.

I'm just really thankful for that and encouraged by this group of people that I was able to grow up with. That is all.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you've imagined" -Thoreau

restful Monday's and the age old question

This weekend I was sick. I don't get sick very often and I have never been sick like this. It wasn't a "I'm going to vomit on you" or even a runny nose sick. It was sharp pain, please cut out my sinuses sick. I had zero energy and in general was pretty grumpy. You know its bad when a 14 yr old tells you look awful. The sad part was that it was true. Also, my house was full of teenage girls. Which overall wasn't a bad thing, b/c I got some quality time with my students. However, what I didn't get was rest on my days off. All that to say, I took Monday off. After a slow morning and lunch with a friend, me and my favorite Wilkening girls (by favorite I mean youngest) headed over to the lake to hang out on the dock. It was beautiful. We read, slept, danced and I painted a little. It's amazing what two hours of peace and a little sun can do for your soul. Check facebook for pictures. And its scenery like that that makes me thankful for Florida...which doesn't happen often.

Also, I've been thinking a lot about life lately. That's not abnormal for me, I think too much. However, I keep coming back to where is my life heading. What does God have in store for me. I see my life going in two very different directions right now. Both involve building community and aiming to love people like Christ loves, but one is in a different country and the other is here. One involves minimalism, the other "normalcy." Both terrify me, but in a good way.

some thoughts

I would like to get back into updating this blog a little more often. I used to be good at it, then I stopped writing b/c it has an emotional toll and I wasn't willing to pay that. However, writing is fun and I miss doing it and for all 5 (6, including my mother) people who actually read this deal-I'm sure reading about the lizard escapade is getting a little old.

I've never wanted this space to be something where I pour my heart out, let's be honest, I've never been that vulnerable and sharing my heart with the world via blogger just seems unwise. However, I do want it to be a place where I am honest about life whether that be humor, sarcasm, or grievances. And I would like to start using this forum to do that again.

The last few months has been a time of growth for me. The Lord has revealed a lot to me and has begun to restore things that I thought were lost. I hope that it makes me better able to love those around me and to live the abundant life that God has promised. With all that said, all these things have required that I re-evaluate my goals. So I thought I would share some of those with you. Any thoughts are much appreciated. :)

1.) read The Brothers Karamozov (the book just sits on my shelf, mocking my intelligence)

2.) paint more, learn actual technique

3.) learn to play either banjo or drums

4.) brush up on piano and cello

5.) get a tan

6.) learn more about JAX

7.) places to visit in 2010: Austin, Seattle, Mobile, lakehouse

8.) convince my brother not to move to the other side of the country (at least attempt)

9.) learn Greek

10.) learn to solve a rubiks cube

11.) beat Adam Langley at stratego

...I was going to try to end on a good solid number, but I like to leave you all wanting more, so 11 it is.

p.s. If you were a Christian rapper, what would your name be? I'm going with 'lil princess (being that Sara means princess)

Know Any Lizard Catchers?

There's a lizard in my house. I hate lizards. They're disgusting (well, the wild ones are...pet ones are cute). It's just sitting by the sliding glass door. I was going to open the door and scurry it on out, but it's sitting next to the lock and he'll just move and go away and I will be able to hear him in walls as I sleep.
So this is what I have learned...I have to get married. Right now. I am shrinking my long list of husband requirements down to one: keep lizards out of my house. That's all I need.*^ So first man at my door with a ring and proof he can keep out lizards is the winner.
Please hurry.

*ok, you need to love Jesus
^and take out the trash

Vacation Ramblings

I'm hanging out in Raleigh, NC today. Great city and I absolutely feel like I conquered it. Ask me about my quest (and success) to find breakfast and, then, batteries. You'll be proud of me. After my nap, I really wanted to play guitar, but mine are at home. Thus, I headed to guitar center. The one here is probably my favorite of all time, chiefly because the guy who helped me is my new best friend. We talked for quite awhile. He had gauges in his ears and an awesome beard. Normally, gauges freak me out, but not on Jon. He showed me a bunch of guitars and let me play the ones that are super expensive even though he knew I wasn't going to buy one. He told me about playing a show at Murray Hill a few months ago which I thought was cool given that it is JAX and he's from Raleigh. Overall great experience.
I was a left babbling a little when he asked immediately if I wanted a guitar for playing at church. That was his first thought about my playing. I spent the next hour that I was there picking on a Taylor and wondering what about me screams "church girl." I'm not sure its necessarily a bad thing, I just don't know what his basis for it was. I wanted to ask, but I only have so much courage and I have used up all my reserves this past week. Is it something I wear (b/c non-christians were jeans, purple pullovers and pearl earrings, too)? Was it that I have a sugary sweet, 10 year old sounding voice that only speaks in pleases and thank yous and I smile a lot (b/c non-christians have manners, too)? Was it the I heart Jesus and you should too tattoo on my forehead? I'm just not sure. I didn't think that one could tell just by looking at someone, but maybe they should and maybe I should think about the presence I give b/c I have no clue what happened today. I plan to start watching people and the presence they have and maybe I will figure out what gave me away.


p.s. kidding about the tattoo

Why I Hate Church Signs

The worst church signs are the ones with some stupid cutesy saying on them. My favorite-"fight truth decay...read the bible." Stupid. Well, I thought these were the worst until I was driving home yesterday. This is what the sign read-"Happy Mothers Day! Mothers are special, that's why God made sure we all got one." Harmless at first and I am all for celebrating moms, but what about those people who don't have a relationship with their moms. What about orphans or adopted children. I know what the sign means and all. I even understand that the cleverness of it is that someone had to birth us, so we all have moms. But there is an underlying meaning that says if you don't have a mom active in your life, then God didn't make sure you had one. It says that God didn't care enough to put a mom in your life. Well that is horrible theology. To imply that God isn't just as active in your life if you don't have a mom. I had to fight the urge to run into the church's office and beat everyone in the office with a bouquet of mother's day flowers, fortunately I realized that it was after 5pm so everyone was gone.
I just wish that church's would think before they advertise something to the world. We send so many messages to people, even if they aren't what we meant to and those messages can do a lot of harm.

If ever I have made a mistake...

...that's right, I admit it. I made a huge mistake. At the time it seemed like a great idea, clever even. But, alas, it has turned into quite a nuisance. "What am I talking about?" you ask. I decided to get a UGA themed debit card. See, I had to get a new debit card and the options were stupid blue Bank of America card that a trillion people have or something a little more personalized. And being that I have a strong need for individuality I decided to get a red debit card with the Georgia "G" on it. In my head I was thinking "what could be better? I love the dawgs and the world needs to know it." So I got the UGA card.
Here's the problem-I use my debit card at least a trillion times a week (don't freak out mom, me saying "a trillion" is hyperbole...not an accurate picture of my spending habits...I don't need a talk on financial responsibility). And about 1/2 a trillion times, the person making my transaction feels the need to comment on the card. Now I know that Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, but he doesn't say that I have to talk to everyone I see and sometimes I just don't want to talk to you Old Navy checkout lady. I just don't...give me my clothes and let me be. But now they see a way into conversation and that way is the Georgia "G." I mean what am I supposed to say? "Yeah, I'm an alumna and probably the only one that never went to a band party" or "Yeah, my team is better than your" and, then poke them in the eye? I don't know...It is awkward and I don't like it.
So here are your lessons...get over your need for individuality and get the normal bank card-trust me no one says a word to you about it. Or if you are one of the many who are employed by a business who accepts debit cards, don't comment on the card. I know you think that a personalized card says of its owner "hey, talk to me about my card b/c I took extra time picking it out", but it doesn't say that and if you aren't careful you will get poked in the eye and that isn't fun.

ridiculous bumper stickers

I have never really understood bumper stickers. I can buy into sports teams or even bands, but the ones that have a lot of writing and pack a punch of personal belief really kind of chap me. I saw one the other day that was especially annoying. It was sticker that ran along the entire back window of an SUV. It read impeachobama (it also had a website, but I refuse to post it). I voted for McCain. It's cool for you to know that. I tend to have republican ideals...whatever. But to impeach someone is a big deal. Why in the world would someone not only think it was okay to impeach a president without proper reason, but to plaster that on your car for 100's of others to see...really its just stupidity. So this is my declaration: people, be cautious of what you put on your car. We are the ones that have to look at it. I don't care about your "honor roll kid" or your "kid that beat up the honor roll kid". If "Jesus is your co-pilot", I don't want to be your friend. If you have a pink "University of Florida Girl" slapped across your silver Honda Civic, I automatically want to run you off the road. Please, just make good decisions. If you need some help on deciding what is bumper appropriate I am more than willing to tell you.