The People I Love: Steven & Christine Bailey

One of the many passions in my life is music, so it wasn’t surprising to most when I decided to start promoting my favorite musicians. It was through this that I met Christine, initially via email. In 2005, I went to see Tara Leigh play a show here in Dallas, and immediately recognized Christine from across the room. Not wanting to be obnoxious, and fearing that she wouldn’t remember me, I didn’t say anything at that point.

But a few messages exchanged on MySpace and a few nights hanging out lead to a fast friendship. I’d even go so far as to say that she and her wonderful husband Steven were my ONLY friends in Dallas post-him.  They loved me at a time when I did not feel at all lovable.
I was immediately drawn to their zeal for the Savior, and it is through my friendship with the Baileys that I began to learn the definition of real community. I am encouraged for their love of people, and their desire to live out the Gospel with those that they love.

I live in their former apartment! It was important to us all that it “stay in the family,” and I scored.

Steven is outgoing, boisterous, and absolutely hilarious. Christine is reflective, expressive, and easy to talk to. They compliment one another perfectly. They live their lives as healthfully and naturally as they possibly can. I love sharing the newest finds and recipes with them. They are both outrageously amazing cooks. I am SO jealous of their mad skills. They are passionate for missions. Steven works for a company that sends youth groups on mission trips all over the world. Christine is the coordinator for an organization that seeks to feed, clothe, educate, medicate, and share the Gospel with Africa.

Things that Remind Me of Christine:

• Music. Period.
• Dead Poets Society
• Corn Fluffs
• Vera
• “Sell All My Things” by Rosie Thomas
• 1 Corinthians 3:17 (true freedom)
• Wednesday mornings (we need to start that up again!)

Things That Remind Me of Steven:

• Coffee
• Fire pits
• “Geek in the Pink” by Jason Mraz
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Deep-Fried anything
• Men walking on the side of the road (I’ll never forget that story…)
• “How come you neva asked my parents?!”

Next: George & Kasey

The People I Love: Steven & Christine Bailey

One of the many passions in my life is music, so it wasn’t surprising to most when I decided to start promoting my favorite musicians. It was through this that I met Christine, initially via email. In 2005, I went to see Tara Leigh play a show here in Dallas, and immediately recognized Christine from across the room. Not wanting to be obnoxious, and fearing that she wouldn’t remember me, I didn’t say anything at that point.

But a few messages exchanged on MySpace and a few nights hanging out lead to a fast friendship. I’d even go so far as to say that she and her wonderful husband Steven were my ONLY friends in Dallas post-him.  They loved me at a time when I did not feel at all lovable.
I was immediately drawn to their zeal for the Savior, and it is through my friendship with the Baileys that I began to learn the definition of real community. I am encouraged for their love of people, and their desire to live out the Gospel with those that they love.

I live in their former apartment! It was important to us all that it “stay in the family,” and I scored.

Steven is outgoing, boisterous, and absolutely hilarious. Christine is reflective, expressive, and easy to talk to. They compliment one another perfectly. They live their lives as healthfully and naturally as they possibly can. I love sharing the newest finds and recipes with them. They are both outrageously amazing cooks. I am SO jealous of their mad skills. They are passionate for missions. Steven works for a company that sends youth groups on mission trips all over the world. Christine is the coordinator for an organization that seeks to feed, clothe, educate, medicate, and share the Gospel with Africa.

Things that Remind Me of Christine:

• Music. Period.
• Dead Poets Society
• Corn Fluffs
• Vera
• “Sell All My Things” by Rosie Thomas
• 1 Corinthians 3:17 (true freedom)
• Wednesday mornings (we need to start that up again!)

Things That Remind Me of Steven:

• Coffee
• Fire pits
• “Geek in the Pink” by Jason Mraz
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Deep-Fried anything
• Men walking on the side of the road (I’ll never forget that story…)
• “How come you neva asked my parents?!”

Next: George & Kasey

The People I Love: Christina

After returning to south Texas from Lubbock in early 2004, I was on the hunt for a church home.  My friend Daniel invited me to visit his church in San Marcos one Sunday morning as he preached the sermon.  I was excited to accept his invitation, and while I was there, I was blessed enough to meet a handful of people who would impact my life in wonderful ways, including his younger sister, Christina.

After many nights of salsa dancing, conversations over fru-fru coffee at Mochas and Javas, floats on the San Marcos River, and professing the undying love for UT employees’ hair, I think we pretty much decided that we were friends.

Christina was married in a (very) private ceremony last year, and then we all got to celebrate with she and Steven last summer.  It was incredible to see her falling in love and settling down after the heartbreak we’d all seen her experience.

Christina, along with a handful of other wonderful ladies and I created what we now call the Feral Female Fantastico: a three day, two night camping excursion we enjoy once a year.   It is on these trips that we get the opportunity to bare our souls over s’mores and coffee, and laugh until we can’t breathe while floating down the Guadalupe.

The thing I think I appreciate most about my friendship with Chris is her ability to be just who God made her to be– brokenness and all– and to encourage the same honesty from each of us.  She shows me that Jesus is truly the lover of our souls… even when we feel so unlovable.

Christina loves coffee and good folky music.  She loves her husband and her scaredy-cat dog Tim.  She’s a water baby, and a heck of a seamstress.  She’s mellow, and has an instant calming effect on those around her.  She’s strong and independent, but not afraid to lean on those who love her when necessary. She’s a great dancer, and lovingly cares for the car I hold so dear– Sabrina the Wunder Volvo.  Oh yes.
Things That Remind Me of Christina:

• Thunder & Lightening (Ooooh!  Look at the thunder!)
• School Buses
• Salsa music
• Calamari
• “The Littlest Bird” by The Be Good Tanyas (I love you so dearly, I love you so clearly)
• Zima (especially when donated to the man who can’t start his own campfire)
• Psalm 77:18

Next: Christine

The People I Love: Aaron

With Amber, came an equally shy, tow-headed little green-eyed boy named Aaron. He had this funny way of speaking, due to persistent ear infections as an infant, and he called Amber “Am-bear.” He sounded like a little Frenchman. When he was 5, he came home from kindergarten and completely fell to pieces. It was February 14, and he was heartbroken because he didn’t have a valentine. When I offered to be his valentine, he was thrilled, and just like that– his heart was mended. He’s had mine ever since.

His sarcastic and dry sense of humor keeps me on my toes, but keeps me laughing until my ribs are sore. You never know when he’s going to knock you off of your high horse with a smart quip. He is kind, and thoughtful, and considers the impact of his words and actions toward others very carefully. He is the smartest of us all, albeit in a very literal kind of way.

I witnessed his high school graduation just this past weekend, and like myself, I don’t think he could wait to walk across the stage and get the heck out of Dodge. He has big dreams for his future, and I’m praying he doesn’t act as foolishly as his oldest sister, and squander these dreams. His smile is as big as Texas, and he continues to be my valentine.

Aaron is infatuated with super heroes, and loves animals. He once literally turned green when we explained what had to die to provide him with a happy meal, and then lived as a vegetarian (in MY family) for several years. He drives a rebuilt Ford muscle car, and wants to give it to his son one day. He loves rock music, and although is kind of a loner, loves his friends and especially his family. He takes incredible care of his sisters, and isn’t short of affection for them. He’ll be studying engineering in college beginning this fall, and he works at a movie theater that he hates, but refuses to quit because he doesn’t want to abandon his friend who just got a job there.

Things that remind me of Aaron:

• Valentine’s Day
• Batman (the character)
• Power Rangers
• Doing the dishes on Wednesday nights. Alone.
• “Be My Escape” by Relient K (because I hope you always seek Him to be your escape)
• Romans 8:18-39 (Your future is sealed in Christ- obey His word, love His people, share His story. This is what makes you successful, even when times are hard. He was, is, and will be the ultimate Hero.)
• Robert Frost

Next: Christina

The People I Love: Amber

In 1993, I gained a sister by adoption, named Amber.  She was so shy that she refused to speak to any of us, and instead sat silently, staring back as though we were aliens.  You’d NEVER believe that story now.  Now, she’s by far the most outgoing person I’ve ever met– always a smile and a conversation to start with the person next to her in line at the grocery store, and there are no such things as strangers anymore.

Amber loves Jesus in an incredibly joyous way.  I teased her just this past weekend, as she lead the worship service at her church, she smiled so big that I was reminded of the Kool Aid Man.  But as she smiled and sang and lifted her eyes to the heavens, I was both encouraged and a little bit jealous.  Her joy reminds me that my salvation is GOOD NEWS.

You see, Amber knows she’s a sinner saved by grace, and understands the importance of calling her sin what it is, but because of that, she smiles.  Because of that forgiveness, she rejoices. 

Amber loves green.  She loves people, especially her friends.  She loves music.  She’s learning to play the piano.  I’ve nicknamed her Bueller, and she answers to it.  She is comfortable in her own skin.  She loves sports.  She loves children, and will be a teacher in a few years.  She’s incredibly intelligent, but not proud.  She’s humble and sweet and so many other things which I envy.

She is a s’more artist.  She gets really cranky when she’s tired or hungry, and just stay away when she’s both.

Things That Remind Me of Amber:

• Over-sized tea cups
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
• “Smile” by Flickerstick
• Strings of beads
• Frank Sinatra
• Nehemiah 8:10

Next: Aaron

The People I Love Series

I spend a lot of time writing about myself, which I suppose makes sense because this is my blog. However, I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by incredible people that inspire me in so many ways, and most importantly, who continually point me toward Christ.

It would be impossible for this list to be comprehensive, but I’m going to do my best to give you a snap shot of some of the most important people under the age of 40 in my life, in alphabetical order.
Enjoy!

I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it.

Today is a great day.

Despite my feeling horrible, it is all that I can do to control the (good) anxiety and excitement welling up within me. Today I received incredible news, that in reality, may only be this exciting to me. Today, Caedmons’ new lineup was formally released. Now, there were rumors, but there is nothing like the excitement to actually see this in real life:

Yes, Derek has rejoined the band, and Caedmon’s is releasing their first album after finally getting out from under their contract with Essential Records. Welcome to INO, y’all! At INO, they’ll be able to exercise their freedom to create good music without interference from the label, in my understanding.
This much we already knew:

Overdressed will drop August 28, 2007.

I have personal ties to this band… and so much of my life’s soundtrack includes their art, both as individuals and as a group.

Pass the word!

Canvas Bags = Excellent Grocery Bags = Happy Landfills

While I was in San Antonio last weekend, I mentioned my desire to begin using canvas shopping bags rather than plastic, and I asked her to keep an eye out for some less than the $10 I’d pay at Whole Foods.  The conversation was short, and took place on Thursday at some point.  Then, as we wandered through HEB in search of yummy ice cream on Friday evening, we came across very large (about twice as big as your typical canvas book bag) canvas bags for sale– particularly for the purpose of carrying groceries.  I was skeptical when buying them, as they weren’t marked with a price, but when we scanned one, I was excited to find that they were less than $4!  So, I loaded up with about five of them.
Tonight was the first time I’d had the occasion to use one of my bags.  I wandered into my Walmart Neighborhood Market with one in hand.  I gathered some bathroom  items, some bread, the veggies needed to make Avocado Salad for my Sunday School social on Saturday, and other sundry items.

In your typical plastic grocery bags, I’d have walked out with about four or five bags, and struggling to keep my hand from falling off for lack of blood flow.  Tonight, I did not completely fill up one of my bags, and it was amazingly easy to carry.  It honestly felt lighter than my purse. It is usually quite the chore to to drag my grocery bags up my stairs and into my place.  Tonight, it was no sweat… literally.

I am sold.

I don’t doubt Your plan; I only doubt my will to stand, holding Your hand

The morning greeted me with anxiousness and frustration.  After hanging out with my pastor’s wife last night, I fell asleep on the couch– far from the obnoxiousness of my alarm clock.  When my eyes jerked open at 8:05, my heart was immediately pounding and I began flying around the room trying to find which laundry basket held my black blouse and dark grey pants.  At the same time that I located them, I was leaving a message for my boss letting him know I’d be late (duh!), threw the clothes into the dryer and began the cycle to fluff and “iron” them, and then raced into the bathroom to freshen up.  I jumped into the shower, feverishly washed all but my hair, jumped out, and proceeded to get ready for the day.  I rushed Willie out to potty, and then rushed him back in… I thought about how he must have been frustrated with the lack of exploratory sniffing allowed today.  I pulled into my building’s parking lot at about 8:35.  Miracles to happen.

But something strange happened to me as I crossed the threshold from the office corridor into our suite.  I was immediately overcome with a different sort of anxiousness.  Annoyance.  Anger.  Rage.  I don’t know where it came from.  I walked through the door of my office looking for a fight.  I’m not really sure what triggered the defensive (or probably more accurate offensive) attitude, but it was coming on strong.

I could tell that someone had been at my desk, as my phone status was set to “Out of Office”.  At first I thought that my boss had set it so that he could tell when I’d made it in.  Nope.  He hadn’t even heard my message yet about being late.  My attention immediately turned to a coworker who is particularly hostile and nosey, but I did not say or do anything other than reset my phone status and begin working. I couldn’t help but be distracted by the thick sense of anger floating in the air.

I don’t know why I react so strongly.  At times like these, my face gets hot and my stomach is aflutter.  My teeth and fists clinch.  My heart beats faster, and I’m on the warpath, if only in my head.  It’s as though I need to be angry. But what am I angry about?  Is it the coworker with whom I don’t click?  More appropriately, is it the fact that the coworker reminds me so much of myself that I cannot force my eyes away from the tragedy?

I am constantly having to remind myself that these things are brought to my attention for sanctification’s sake.  I am a horribly unloving and hateful being, and yet our gracious Father granted mercy anyway.  That is so hard to accept on a daily basis.  He is constant and true.  I am fickle and a liar.  I pray that He holds fast to me, because my anger and frustration doom me to doing all that I can to pry myself from His hands.

Blogathon 2007

Yep, it’s that time again!  Blogathon 2007 will be July 28th.
This year, I will be blogging for the family of Dustin Salter.  Keep checking back for updates!