Windows and Widows

Through Fairytales and shattered dreams
broken, derelict, ripping at the seams
I see my soiled life as it is -
far from Prince Charming's wish

- but aren't we all just
broken people?
fallen tears, which must
crowd under steeple

Past stained glass windows
there are stained, glass widows
:are windows worth more than widows?

Windows nowadays run about $300 a pane
but colored sand won't heal their pain
how do windows help widows?

Sure our glass is prettier
than a widow's mass
(with only water and stale bread)
we continue to feast on our dead (Messiah)
Because He's sure not alive
when I can't meet her eye
,hear her plea for safe shelter
we lock doors so none can enter
"Let's protect our windows,
(and reject our widows)"

When the orphans cry
dowse their tears real fast
cause wood organs die
with wet tears from the past

Widows and orphans; how can I ever love the least
while worrying we've not enough food for our feast

Let us fast till all can feast!

Harrowing Spring Break Adventures in Pittsburgh

That's a collage of some happenings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - the take-off and landing spot of our road-trip. Amanda, our CouchSurfing host was unique; she wrote a song in French with accordion and guitar parts, so I helped her out by (trying) to play the guitar part as she chummed along on the accordion and sang. It's fun to play with an accordionist - do it if you ever get the chance!

Pittsburgh is also where we were drawn into an Indian art gallery for a "Landmark reform" which is an extension of the Hare Krishna religious movement (Americanized that would be the Krishna Consciousness movement. I believe the workshop leader, David, thought we were going to stay. They told us about all the lives this "higher consciousness" has changed. There came a point for me to choose to proclaim Christ or to remain silent. Not of my own bravery I spoke up; "When you speak of harboring forgiveness and how this workshop would help, we - or at least I - already forgive, because we serve someone who asks us to forgive." ...6 hours later... "Hi ladies, how was your day?" It was David, in his vehicle, driving by just as we were worn out as could be. He gave us a ride home (how many Christians would stop to inquire about the days of someone they had just met, someone who had turned down their evangelistic attempts, and take them to a home out of their way, at their own expense????) and showed us Pittsburgh from the side of a mountain - stunning.

Amongst other things, the car ride brought up conversation of how David's wife of 22 years was a product of an arranged marriage. I confessed that I had told my grandparents, when I was 14, that I wanted them to arrange a marriage for me. What kind of a kid thinks like that? Perhaps my own folly is clear to me at times. He was taken aback when the others voiced some similar opinions. I wonder how most American young adults feel about arranged marriage...?

Well, I'll write about our Spring Break trip in chunks of the cities. Next up: New York City.

Lent is upon me!

A few months ago I was excited at the thought of Lent. And then I forgot about it. Until this week... Last year I deleted my facebook, stopped initiating things with guys, and spent 40 minutes a day in the Word. This year I think that prayer definitely needs to be a focus - prayer is so powerful and I'm not taking advantage of that. That means at least 5-10 minute minimum in prayer a day. I know that sounds measly - but I'd rather have a "measly" commitment than none at all, or one I can't keep. I really grew from the 40 minutes of scripture a day, but I think I will commit to reading the Bible daily and journaling/writing about a verse or two that stuck out to me. And memorizing - that's important, so I'm going to memorize Romans 8 - it has 38 verses. A verse a day keeps the devil at bay? I don't know about that but it certainly slows my sinful thoughts in their tracks!

I feel like I should give something up, since that is the traditional Lenten thing. So, I will give up 1 meal a week, and pray or serve during that time.

1.) 5-10 minutes of prayer
2.) Daily Bible reading + journal entry
3.) Memorize Romans 8
4.) Fast one meal a week and devote the time to God

Hold me accountable - ask me my verse for the day if you see me, or what God's been teaching me in His Word.

What are others giving up or adding for Lent?