Adventure is NOT Out There

The title of this post is something I've been contemplating a lot over the past four months or so. I've also contemplated writing about it multiple times and each time I've been distracted by something else. This weekend I sat in silence and tried to hone in on what God had to say to me (rather than tell him everything that's on my mind). I wasn't expecting it, but (of course) He said "Write a blog post. Write the one I've been asking you about for the last four months..."

So here I am.

Have you ever seen the Disney Pixar movie UP? If you have, then you're probably familiar with the popular theme/saying from the movie, "Adventure is Out There!" Like most popular Disney phrases, this saying is plastered all over the internet. But it's not just the saying-- the word ADVENTURE seems to be everywhere now adays. Seriously, look around and I promise you'll start noticing it. The concept of adventure is somewhat a trend in our current culture-- especially for the millenial generation.

Photo  by Emma Bailey

In many ways, that's pretty amazing. It's great to think that so many people are in love with the idea of doing something exciting with the lives they've been given. However, I think the concept of adventure has been terribly distorted in the process. One of my friends and I had a conversation once about how people often watch movies or read books and say "I wish that would happen to me! I wish I was that character! I wish I had that life," or "I wish I could go on an adventure like that." But we don't really want their life, we want the benefits of their life. In each of those movies or books, the main characters usually encounter major problems like near-death experiences, heartbreak, persecution, or other dramatic circumstances. And when people are faced with similar trials in their own life, they definitely don't see it as "an adventure," or at least not the one they wanted...

So knowing this, it would seem that people don't actually want adventure at all. They want mountaintop moments with laughter and smiles without any valleys or even speedbumps. Of course we can all understand this perspective because who doesn't wish that they could live a life that never involved pain? (It's called Heaven.) But most of the adventurous moments I've had in my life always include something going terribly wrong. I think it's important to recognize the "Adventure" that is right before us everyday and learn why it's important to appreciate our moments in the valleys.

Photo by Emma Bailey

If we never experienced tough circumstances ("valley moments") then we would never be able to appreciate it when we are going through great times in life. The reality is that no matter where you are in life, there will always be problems and you can choose to see those problems as the headline of your life, or you can choose to see them on the sidelines as you stand in the middle of the field with your victory trophy. As a Christians, we must remember that the battle has already been won. If we are living on the winning team, then let's act like it! How would your life look differently, if you lived like the battle has already been won?

Many people of this generation seem as though they're always waiting for a big adventure to sweep them off their feet, and then their life will begin. Whether the big adventure is marriage, a "real" job, their dream job, a visit to a foreign country, a certain relationship, or their next big idea coming to life, so many people are waiting for the perfect conditions in order for their life to set sail.

Don't let me squash your dreams. Dreams are important and I believe you should always have them, but don't wait for your dreams to come true in order for your life to have value. And here's why-- no matter what you have, you will never be satisfied with anything but Christ. No matter how much time you spend "getting your life together," it will never be "together" enough. No matter how much stuff you have, you will always want more stuff. And no matter how many adventures you have, there will always be a new or better adventure to be had (and chances are, one of your Facebook friends has already experienced it before you'll get to).

Photo by Emma Bailey

The truth is, every day is a chance for an adventure. If it's raining, dance in it. If you see someone at school that looks like they've had a bad day, talk to them. When you overhear someone talking about their recent divorce, pray for them. If you want to get really adventurous, you might even ask if you could pray WITH them. If the weather is nice and you see a mountain, hike it. When you're given an assignment, accomplish it with gusto. When your $20 bill flys away in the wind, chase it (I've never experienced that, but that's what I'd do if it did happen ;). And when the Lord calls you to do something, do it.

If you spend more and more time listening to Him, however you listen best, then He WILL show up. He will tell you what He wants you to do, and you WILL experience the adventure of living life with Him. Some of the smallest moments that I've mentioned above, can become your biggest adventures when we have God in the midst of it all. And suddenly you'll see that we aren't just waiting for adventure, but living it.

All of this being said, I think it's important that we change our perspective to see that adventure isn't something that's "out there," instead adventure is something that's right here, right now. Adventure is every day, in our most mundane moments, we have the opportunity to live the adventure of a life with Christ. So don't wait for adventure to find you-- just live it.

I find all of this perfectly summarized in one of my favorite Bible verses, Dueteronomy 30:11-14:

This commandement that I'm commanding you today isn't too much for you: it's not out of your reach. It's not on a high mountain-- you don't have to get mountaineers to climb the peak and explain it before you can live it. And it's not across the ocean--you don't have to send sailors out to get it, bring it back, and then explain it before you can live it. NO. The word of God is right here and now-- as near as the tongue in your mouth, as near as the heart in your chest. Just do it!


Live Loved,
        Emma

Seasons change, as do we all.

Well the crazy, wedding-packed season of my life has come to an end! FINALLY! (Love you Shawn, Katie, Hannah, and Andrew...but I am glad to be done with your weddings!)

And now it seems that we have swung fully into yet another crazy season of life, just as I was ready to relax!  I suppose I got to do all my relaxing last semester, when I was sitting at home doing nothing and waiting for my knee to heal.  What is that about "the grass is always greener on the other side?"  I distinctly remember saying to myself that life was too boring back then!  And now, it's too busy?  Such is life, I suppose.

School is in full-swing, I'm working part-time at various jobs, and Emma and I are trying to get our business up and working.  So much to do!  Things are even changing in my church life--I am at a crossroads and have to decide whether to continue as the youth worship leader and try to figure out how to fit it into my schedule, or step down from that and basically not be around the amazing church family I love so much.

Decisions, decisions. 

Amidst it all, I am realizing how much I am NOT in control of my own life.  If it were up to me, I'd be done with school forever (because who needs a college degree? Heh...), I would have a job at a publishing company already part-time, I'd be working at my church and would have many hours to devote to that, and would still have a plethora of time for friends.  Basically, I want to be Superwoman.  Or, Batman.  Yeah, I want to be Batman. 

Even superheroes have their limits, though.  And we can't always get what we want.  I am so prevalently learning that in life right now!  I don't always get what I want!  Wow, that makes me sound like a whiny little kid...but I digress.  What I'm getting at is, it's so cool how God knows what I need and gives me just that, even when I want something else.  I'm constantly reminded of how little I know about what's best, and how much He does.  And oh my goodness, do you guys realize how patient He is with us?  Serious props for being so patient and loving, even though we mess up every single day of our lives.

Anyway!  All around me I can feel a season of change--not just the leaves turning gold and the temperatures dropping, but also change in myself and in my life.  Just a few months ago I was living in a house with my amigos--my two older siblings.  Now I'm in a different house, and it's just me and my parents.  I am practically an only child!  So weird! 

I have no idea what's in store for me in the next season of my life.  Every time I think I know, I find out I'm wrong.  I think I should just stop trying to figure it all out, and let it play out.  Though I am not a person who enjoys immense amounts of change at one time, I am finding that sometimes that will just happen and I have to learn to go with it. 

So that's me right now, learning to adapt to changes and go with the flow wherever God takes me. 

The Underground Battleground: A Prayer Ministry

For anyone who may still be checking up on this blog, first of all let me say thank you.  It's a weird thought to me that these posts go out into the void known as the internet and anyone could read them at any time...mostly, I assume that no one has read, or will read, our posts.  Knowing that some people do is very encouraging to us, especially being that Emma and I are both writers!  Secondly, let me say that we are not intentionally dropping off the face of the [virtual] planet.  It may be some time in between our posts, but we are still planning on keeping this blog going.  For me, at least, it's a great outlet when I want to tell a story or just dump random thoughts somewhere.

So, what is this thing called "The Underground Battleground?"

Being that Emma and I are both very creative people with lots of ideas, and given the title, it should be easy to figure it out.  We are off on a new adventure!  The Underground Battleground is a ministry devoted to (yep, you guessed it) prayer.  The act of prayer is such a unique, beautiful way to communicate with God.  We can do it in the privacy of our own bedrooms when we're all alone, and we can also gather in groups of two's, three's, even thousands, to pray together.  The topic of prayer is very important to both me and Emma, and we felt like there is no really sufficient place that we know of where people can gather for the specific purpose of prayer.

Also, in the Christian culture, there seems to be a sort of unspoken rule when praying...make sure you say things in a certain procession, and for the love of all things good, do NOT make your prayers run too long!  People may fall asleep, or lose interest.  For goodness' sake, we have other things to be doing--we can't just pray for so long.

Well, Emma and I went for a hike/walk with another friend over the summer and at the end, though our friend had to leave early, we decided to stay for a little while and just pray.  We both had things on our hearts, we have been going through some health complications, and in general just felt the need to be filled up and dive into fellowship with each other.  About 45 minutes later, we finally wrapped up and made our way back to the car.  We simply sat under the shade of a tree, talking to God for as long as we felt like, talking about whatever was on our heart and mind.  Neither of us was in a hurry.  It was great.  After that day, we decided that it would be great to d something similar on a regular basis--a long period of time devoted to prayer.  Nothing to distract us, nothing to rush off and do, just sit down and pray for and with one another.

Perhaps an hour isn't exactly a long time, but it is a lot longer than traditional American prayers go for nowadays, I can guarantee that.  We started meeting every Monday evening, from 7 to 8, simply to pray.  Each week we choose a different location, post about it on facebook (and will perhaps post the location here too, just in case anyone who is interested doesn't check facebook), and then get together to pray.  Simple enough!

This prayer group is open to anyone of any age--doesn't matter if you're in kindergarten or a nursing home, all we want to do is get together as the body of Christ and pray alongside one another!  So entire families are welcome; bring your friends, your husband/wife, your kids, your grandparents, your significant other...any and everyone who is interested is welcome.  If you have any further questions, feel free to check out the facebook page here.  Emma and I would love to answer any questions you might have pertaining to this ministry.

Have a great day in the Lord, and we hope to be able to pray with you one day soon!

Technology as a Tool for Exploration

This blogpost is a set of musings that I am posting for a scholarship application. I think the concept is very interesting and I hope it gives you something to think about (if you haven't already).

Question: How do you explore the world through technology?

Technology is everywhere. Even in various third world countries, many people understand the concept of technology, and while many argue that technology is used for evil, it can also be used for exploration. One of the biggest ways I use technology to explore the world around me is through the use of my smart phone, the internet, and cameras. In one day I might use my iPhone to look up words I am unfamiliar with, find the answer to questions I do not know, and learn about people or parts of the world I want to know more about. I am almost guaranteed to take at least one picture per day and I also use these various technological tools on a daily basis, to learn more in my schooling, my creative abilities, and knowledge on how to accomplish physical tasks. By using technology to answer various questions, I am able to make more discoveries about myself, and (in turn) the world. For example, using the internet and websites like Pinterest or Google I am able to get knowledge and inspiration for ideas that help me to create new things-- a form of exploration. Being an artist and photographer, I use these tools often to help learn new skills and improve existing skills so I can explore new techniques. 

Modern-day photography is an art that requires the use of many types of technology. You have to understand how to use the camera itself, photo shop on a computer, organizational software, various internet sites, and multiple hardware systems that help you accomplish your goals in photography. Like most forms of art, photography is a way to explain and explore life. It helps you notice things that many people overlook and seek the beauty in everything. As you seek the beauty in life, and try to see things from a different perspective through a camera lens, you will explore new territories every day.

Another important way to explore the world is through knowledge-- whether it is knowledge found in yourself, or someone else. This is where the internet and smart phones can be very helpful. Before I left for a recent trip to Germany, I was able to use the internet to help me search the area I would be going to and learn about the culture so I could understand more about that part of the world. By virtually exploring Germany before I even got there, I was able to understand the history and culture in a way that helped me better connect to the people. Even without the use of internet, my iPhone helps me explore the world by granting me knowledge as it holds various books and even by allowing me to store/express my own thoughts and ideas in the notes section. I can keep up with people in my household and people across the world by using my phone. Then, I get an inside look at what's going on in the world and have the opportunity to ask questions that make great explorations of all kinds.

Using cameras, smart phones, and the internet are really only a few examples of the technology that is all around us. Technology is everywhere-- and we have the ability to use it for great things on a daily basis. We can use technology to discover so many different things about the world around us if we choose to make the exploration.

--Emma

The mountain

Photo by Laurel Burlew

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the importance our culture places on emotional value.  I was writing in my journal about it and decided to post what I wrote. 
So!  Emotions.  Our culture puts such an emphasis on the way we feel.  TV shows and movies are specifically created in ways that will make us feel a certain way.  We hang out with people because they make us feel good.  We get married and divorced simply because we don't feel a certain way any more.  It's all about the feelings and emotions we're experiencing at this moment...even, I think, in the Christian culture.  It seems as if everyone is wrapped up in wanting to feel like we're in a certain spiritual place with God all the time.  But it's just not so.  Emotions are so wishy-washy.  We will not have only one emotion for our entire lives; they constantly change.
And that's okay.  We were created with emotions, and they live inside of us for a reason.  But the plain and simple fact is that we will not always be on a spiritual high.  We won't always be at the top of the mountain--sometimes we'll be climbing it, sometimes we'll be in a valley down at the bottom, sometimes we'll be trekking back down from the top, and--yes--sometimes we will indeed be at the top.  It's all part of life, and it's all part of our own personal journeys.
Honestly, right now in my life I am not on the mountain top.  Sometimes I am, but at this moment I'm somewhere in the middle.  Does that mean God isn't with me?  No.  Does it mean I don't love him as much as when I am on the mountaintop?  Heck no!  I love Him just as much now as I do when I'm up there, and I am following after Him just as much.  Am I always supposed to be at the top of the mountain?  Nope, and that's totally okay.  It's not a sin.  Love isn't something that is dependent on emotions--quite the opposite.  Love is constant, despite what we may or may not feel at the moment. 
I am on my journey of life, just as everyone on earth is.  I have repented of my sins, accepted Christ into my life, and have dedicated all I am to Him.  My goal for the entirety of my life is to know Him and be known by Him.  I know with certainty that when I pass away on this earth, I will see my Father in heaven and I will forever be with Him, loving a perfect God and worshiping Him.
My emotions along the way will vary from complete joy to utter depression.  I have already tasted both, and I am learning how to navigate through whatever God allows me to go through.  The mountain is ever-present in my life, and I love it when I am at the top and enjoying all the hard work it has taken me to get there.  When I am not at that mountaintop, however, I need not be disappointed.  Life is full of seasons of every sort.  And in each and every one, He is with me.  Not only that, He goes before me!  That means whatever I've got coming at me, whether it's a rock slide or a wild animal hiding behind the bushes, or anything else, He's already ahead of it and I can get through it too. 
Following Christ isn't strictly emotional.  It is an emotional journey, to be sure, but if my faith rested on nothing but my emotions I would not have real faith.  Real faith is following God through thick and thin, no matter what I feel in the moment.
So, what do you think?  Does our culture put too much emphasis on how we feel?  Do we spend too much time wrapped up in our emotions?  Why or why not?

Attack of the Chipmunks: A Satirical Comedy

Attack of the Chipmunks: A Satirical Comedy 

by Michaela Johnson and Laurel Burlew

The year was 1924.  It was a warm summer day on the first of July.  Two 19-year-olds went out for a picnic around noon.  They went looking for an adventure at a nearby forest by the regional lake.

“Perfect day for a picnic, wouldn’t you say?”  Remarked Annalise as they picked out a spot by the stream that fed into the lake. 

“Why yes, Anna dear, we couldn’t have done better with timing.”  Replied Sophia Grace with a smile of contentment.  As they spread out the picnic blanket, the friends unpacked a plethora of snacks and two very chilled iced teas.  It was the perfect start to a tremendous afternoon.  The sound of the rushing water coupled with the ominous clouds created a serene feel to the landscape.  It was the perfect day for an adventure; then again, every day is, but this day the ambiance was perfect.  Yes, this day was the perfect day for an adventure.

They young women set out to spelunk and work up an appetite at a nearby cave at the lakeside.  Upon arrival at their site of exploration, they happened upon a quaint sight: there amongst their finger sandwiches sat an innocent-looking chipmunk. This chipmunk was rather a corpulent looking creature with lineament features.

“Oh, isn’t that the most charming creature?” exclaimed Sophia Grace.

“Why yes; what a refined little thing.”

As Anna spoke those words, the chipmunk looked up from its feast of finger sandwiches and locked eyes onto the girls.  Mesmerized, the girls fondly beheld the captivating sight of the small creature with food half stuffed in its mouth, staring at them. 

“We must have been gone for quite some time,” Annalise laughed; “the little buggar has already finished my crumpets.”

“At least he has not touched our iced tea!”

“Very true, dear, at least we can find solace in that.  But, whatever shall we eat now?  I was so looking forward to our delightful picnic.”

“Well, it would appear that this little nuisance is enjoying our picnic well enough.  It should be taught a lesson in touching homo-sapiens’ foodstuff!”

With that being said, the girls drew near to the varmint, aiming to shoo it away from their delicious lunches—or, at least, what was left of them.  So they started forward in pursuit of it.  As they drew near, the chipmunk became more aware of an imminent threat and stood on his haunches, swallowing the food and eyeing the girls with ferocity. 

Sophia Grace hesitated.  “Dear Annalise, I do believe this creature wishes to louse us up!”

“Do not fret, Sophia Grace, he is but a harmless, unintelligent rodent who knows nothing and wishes us no such ill will.”  With that being said, Annalise proceeded. 

But alas, the creature reared up, ready to strike the intruders of his domain.  Unable to listen to the council of her friend, Annalise was struck by the fierce little chipmunk as he launched himself at her face.  Sophia Grace stood in astonishment at such a vulgar sight—could it be that her friend was being assaulted?

As Sophia Grace rushed forward to the aid of her friend, she was detained by an air strike of acorns being shot down upon her from within the trees.  They pelted down, as if to make a statement.  Sophia Grace dared to look up, and beheld the most peculiar sight.  Dozens—nay, hundreds—of chipmunks prevented her from reaching her friend Annalise.  Annalise, meanwhile, was at the mercy of the villainous chipmunk that took to clawing at her face.  She was barely able to keep it from gouging out her crystal blue eyes, and could not hold on much longer.

Just in time, a handsome dark hobo came to her aid and fearlessly ripped the chipmunk her from face and threw it into the lake.  But no sooner had he saved her from tyranny did he himself find that there were two more, leaping from the treetops and latching themselves onto his legs, to avenge their friend.  This had given Annalise just enough time to rush to her friend, grab her hand, and proceed forward to the lake. 

The hobo trailed behind, limping after beating off the chipmunks—they had bruised and bloodied him badly, but he was a survivor.  He pointed out to the ladies a canoe that rested on the waterside, along the other side of the lake.  The trio dashed off to the canoe as quickly as their tired, bruised legs could carry them.  A rain of acorns followed them, relentlessly hitting them on their heads and shoulders.  War cries of chipmunks young and old rang out through the forest, and the girls knew that this may be their last moment.  But as this thought passed, they reached the canoe and were able to row to the safety of the open waters.

As they took a breath of relief and examined their injuries, they heard the eerie sound of roaring water.  But they were not alarmed at this, for they were more concerned with the physical state they were in.  Poor Annalise was bleeding profusely from cuts she received by the instigator.  Sophia Grace was already showing signs of bruises all over her perfect ivory complexion.  And the brave hobo, who shall not be named for the sake of his safety, could very well have lost a leg from the vicious attacks against him. 

“Listen,” The hobo warned, “I have run into these monstrous creatures before.  What may, on the exterior, appear to be a cute and cuddly chipmunk, is in reality a dangerous and bloodthirsty enemy of us homo-sapiens.  They cannot swim, and so we are safe.  As long as follow this lake to the river head, we shall be spared.”

What the trio did not foresee was that, between the lake and the river lay a waterfall.  This masterpiece of flowing glossy water, though beautiful, was in itself filled with danger.  While the group escaped the attacks from the unknowable chipmunks, they were headed straight in the direction of this powerful flow of water.

The last we saw of these, the hobo was shouting at the top of his lungs, urging the girls to attempt to row away from the waterfall.  But to no avail—they plummeted off the water’s edge into the unknown below.

To be continued…

4 books that should be classics

After having a great conversation with my mentor, I started thinking about something.  There are a number of books that we call "classics" and have become very acclaimed works of literature.  Books every person must reed in junior high, high school, or college.  As an English major, I may even have to read them more than once-- who knows.  But even though I love books, I don't necessarily agree with the books that have been labeled classics.  If I could choose 4 books to title "classics"-- therefore I would recommend them to everyone-- here would be my top 4 (in no particular order)...

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry.  This book is so intriguing and pulls you into its world right away!  It's a story of a young boy named Jonas who has been chosen for a very special but difficult task.  The Giver is written very well and the imagery is great; I can picture every thing and every person in this book vividly, yet it leaves room for the reader's imagination.

2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.  This 1,000 page fantasy book seemed to never have a down moment!  While many classics are incredibly dull and boring, this book was intense and exciting, brimming with adventure.  It focuses on multiple story lines of people who have nothing in common and live on opposite sides of the world-- but, being that Sanderson is the author, you know that every detail is important and things will come together in ways you don't see coming.

3. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I actually debated whether or not to put this one on the list, because it's so overdone now and the book has lost a bit of its charm for me since becoming multiple movies and earning millions (or billions) of dollars.  But reading it the first time was a great experience, because it was unlike many books I had read previously.  The idea of the games being a fight to the death was reminiscent of old gladiator games, and it dealt with a lot of deep societal issues.  It also has some comedic relief, which can be a breath of fresh air.

4. Daniel Deronda by George Eliot.  Daniel Deronda is what I think of as an "almost classic".  This book was written in the 1800's and deals with a lot of the same themes and dramas as classics of the time.  The main character is an Englishman who finds out something about himself that changes the way he views himself and others around him.  There are beautiful women, dictating husbands, love triangles, and ultimately the decision between right and wrong.

So there you have it!  A couple of books I would recommend to be on the classics list.  What are your favorite books, and which ones do you think should be on the classics list? 
Keep being awesome; get out there and read some books!
"The library is my gym!"
~Laurel