Life Lessons 2010

This year has been one of refining my heart, mind and life. Just when I would feel I had things figured out, and when I thought I was living out the truths I believed, God would reveal the humanity of my soul to me and take me to a new level- He’s deepened my understanding of so many truths, and shown me so many ways my heart has needed changing. I so desperately needed to write it all out, not only for my sake of processing it, but also to hopefully share with others the journey he’s taking me on. Here is the beginning…


1. Identity

My identity is in Christ. Or so I thought. Throughout 2010, however, certain things have quickly been obliterated from my life. I moved from the apartment in downtown Salt Lake City, the location I had always “identified” myself with. I became jobless and no longer a student. My car hit a railroad tie (lying in the middle of the road!) and I was without my car for a bit, dependant on the mercy of my parent’s goodwill.) My computer has struggled and nearly died, my camera was broken, my phone was a mess, I was financially destitute, and I moved three times in four months, no longer able to identify even a place to call home. I am a soul who finds great comfort and security in how my life is ordered, what is mine and unfortunately, having an identity in the “things” and “interests” most important to me. (Camera, quality phone, being known for my high taste in film, beverage, food, etc.) I don’t think I even fully realized what was happening—it wasn’t apparent until they were all taken away and I began to struggle without those things. Then I realized, I hadn’t fully been placing my identity in Christ, but my identity was in Christ—and all those “things.” The worst part yet is that I foolishly tend to look down on people who find their identity in things I don’t value. (Husband, kids, money, status, job, house, etc.)

I can look back now and see where I was slipping into an identity as a University of Utah student, or even worse, a watered down version of a hipster, or as a food and drink snob, as a cynic—you get the picture. I don’t necessarily see anything wrong with liking or enjoying aspects of any of that. But my life was becoming defined by it, instead of allowing Christ and his Word to define me. And that’s the dangerous path I never again want to even glance down.

Slowly, but surely, over the last few months God’s been using the instances of the unknown, (no job, no home, no financial security) as well as stripping me of any earthly identity, to reveal these truths to me. I’ve also been listening to Matt Chandler sermons on Colossians, and yesterday one hit home. (Excited to hear what he says about Colossians 3;23!) I was really tracking with him, when he was talking about Colossians 2:6-8, and how we need to be rooted in Christ and find our identity in him. It’s been a refining and sometimes painful process for sure, but the last few months have been a beautiful time of truly letting go of it all, and through seeking him daily, sometimes hourly, I find myself back to where I was nine years ago, grounded in him, not the things of this earth. I feel 17 Again. But in a humbling, grateful way. My identity is more in Christ now then ever before, and my heart is happy. Glory!

Ireland, Day 4

Sunday June 13, 2010

This morning (which feels like so, so long ago) began early. 6 am wake up, in order to meet at the hotel in Dublin at 7:45. Once there, we packed up and drove off, with much fewer driving incidents than the day before. However, it was still rather terrifying at times. I tried to sleep in the backseat, but the driving was so jerky, and we kept hitting the curb, so I was on edge most of the way to Portrush.

We stopped at McDonald's for breakfast (John’s idea) where a kind employee stopped working for a bit to drive and lead us to the Causeway Coast Vineyard Church. (This is the Church where the amazing worship leader/songwriter, Kathryn Scott, leads worship.) It was different for me to be at a new Church in such a large group- I’m used to visiting Churches by myself, making easy to meet people. But in a group of seven, I think other people were intimidated to come up to us, and I didn’t really try to approach anyone. Essentially, I blew my chances of finding a lovely young Irish lad. Shoot. We were semi-announced, however, and one girl (originally from the Anaheim Vineyard, of all places) connected with us. Her name is Sydney. She was great. We’re facebook friends. :) We headed out shortly after the service, to finish the journey to the coastal town of Portrush.

We checked into the Bed and Breakfast, (they didn’t have any hostels here.) and exchanged our money for Northern Ireland Pounds. (They’re part of the UK up here, but had their own special pounds, and not the Bank of England pounds.) Afterward, we went on a very long and backtracking trip to find some ruined castle. We didn’t have very good directions in the first place, and the signposts didn’t help much either. Thanks to the Moore’s stubbornness, we eventually found it.

This was where it truly began to feel like Ireland—the Ireland I had always dreamed of. It was gorgeous, green, fantastic flowers, the deep blue coast, and of course, castle ruins. I was happy. It also inspired me for the idea of a future trip with Mary Kate. I’d love to go back and take more time with photography, and she can paint/draw explore as well. It’d be super cool!

We went to dinner at the Ramore Restaurant, it was recommended by Rick Steves and by the locals. It was in the marina, so by the boats. (I LOVE boats!) Afterward, we walked down to the harbour, where I got some fun photos and watched some boys doing flips off the bridge. Awesome. I was in an introspective mood, so I lagged behind to photograph while the others walked on ahead. We stopped at a pub and a cafe where we got some drinks, then headed back to the B&B. Although still semi-light out, and not very late, we all turned in. At this point a few had allergies and I was still sick, so the energy level was low. We were keeping ourselves very busy, as well, so I think we were pretty worn out.

Ireland, Day 3

This morning we skipped breaky at the hostel so we could all have it together in a small cafe. (Jacob and Monira and John and Betty were usually staying in the same hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Daniel, Elizabeth and I were staying in hostels.) After a bit of confusion on where to meet and what time, we were finally all at the same corner. The decision of where to eat had to be made, so I looked across the street and said, "how about there?" Turns out it was an Italian place that served a "full Irish breakfast." (Hey, we have obscure combinations in the USA, as well!) Full Irish Breakfast I got the whole thing, and everyone else got a "mini". (As it sounds, just smaller than the full.)

Next, we headed to the Kilmainham Gao, the famous jail where they held political prisoners during the troubles. A lot of famous movies have been filmed here, as well. (Such as The Italian Job, Michael Collins, and a U2 music video.) We took a tour. It was very interesting, but I kept getting sidetracked by listening to the tour guide's perfect Irish accent. He looked like he could be from an early 1900's film, with the old-school cardigan and everything. Hmm. Maybe that was staged!) But anyway, I really like Ireland (you think?) and their political history, so I really enjoyed it.

Then we walked over to the Guinness Storehouse. (YIPPPPPPPEEEEEEEE!) We toured, ate, and drank. 'Twas good. (All of this was done by walking, so tho it doesn't sound like that much, it took a lot of time to walk from place to place.) Finally, a few of us walked to the museum for a bit, but by that point I was fully toured out. Not much of a fan of museums in the first place, but I was getting sick this day so my head was about to Asplode.

Lastly, we went to pick up the rental cars. We took a taxi to get there. Then...we drove back. Crazy, scary, hilarious, stressful and nearly deadly of a time. (Well, ok, not quite "deadly". But it felt like we were going to die.) In John's and Daniel's defense, I don't think I could have done better. I would probably frozen and been hit. But driving on the left side of the road definitely takes some getting used to. It took a bit longer to get back to their hotel than we had planned. Just a bit...

We got back in time, however, to watch Doctor Who in real time on the BBC 2! Normally we watch it on Megavideo the day after it airs. BUT, given the fact that we were in (or close to) UK territory, we were able to watch it when it aired. I was pleased. Then we headed out for dinner, pretty sure we hit up a local pub. I found my new favourite drink, berry cider. Regular cider is ok. But berry...is. A. Maze. ING!!! I even got Elizabeth to try it, and she rather enjoyed it. We went to another pub for some live music later, which was super neat.

The best part of the day was when we left the Guinness Storehouse, and I walked by some guy dressed in advertisements for the Guinness Storehouse, ringing a bell and standing on a box. As I walked past, I yelled, "spaghet!" He kinda turned to me, then yelled, "spaghet!" and clanged his bell. It was HILARIOUS, and Elizabeth and I got a good laugh. Usually people look at me like I'm crazy (which I'm not debating) and don't respond. Ha.

The Jail.

the courtyard, where prisoners were executed

The group, walking. John and Betty were speed walkers, so they were far, far ahead.

Guinness Storehouse time!

From the top of the factory.

Waiting at the car rental shop.

John driving on the left side of the road...

Ireland: Day 2

So I've been a bit remiss about actually blogging. My apologies. Here's what happened on day two of the Ireland trip:

6-11-10

I was awoken by Liz (Elizabeth Moore) this morning after a fantastic sleep with Tylenol PM. She and Daniel had arrived on time about 8:30 am. (At this point, with all our delayed flights, "on time" was becoming extinct.) I got up, officially on Irish time and fully rested, got ready, and headed into the hostel breaky room for food. PG Tips was there, awaiting me. I was very content. We met up at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. I was less than impressed, except the Long Room, which was a huge library and resembled the DC Library of Congress. (Probably older, though?) After, I bought some earrings. Surprise, surprise. Then we headed out to meet up for the "Walking Tour." It lasted three hours, and was actually very interesting and informative. At the end, we went for lunch in a pub with the tour guide, Brenden. It was tasty, fun, and the world cup was on. Next we split up and went back to the hostel/hotel and napped. Then Dan and I headed out to see Jacob and Monira and we went to a pub for bee, then found a shop for dinner/snacks. Not a terribly eventful ending to the day, but we definitely got to see a lot of the city, and all by walking!

Dublin Castle

Monira, taking pictures during our Walking Tour.

Apparently this hotel is across the street from where U2 used to practice. they tried to go into the hotel for a pint, but the management wouldn't let them. so Bono, being Bono, told them that someday he'd come back and buy it. Guess who owns the Clarence Hotel?

where U2 used to practice.

Famous Irish musicians are forever immortalized here.

Wall of Fame.

street where the wall of fame is.

gorgeous!

View of McConnell Bridge and street.

Ireland is famous for Woollen goods.

"Abigail's" ! Look, Abi!

Scones and Cappuccino's for dinner. yum!

Monira enjoying REAL food.

Ireland, Day 1

I'm going to blog about my Ireland and England trip, one day at a time. I journaled while I was there, so I would be able to remember the key points and blog later. Enjoy!

Day One: June 10th, 2010.


I flew into Dublin alone, via Salt Lake and JFK. My flight was delayed, and last I heard, the Moore's was as well, but they were hoping to arrive around the same time. So the plan was to meet at "The Meeting Place" in the airport in Dublin. However, upon arrival, no one was around to meet me, and their flight didn't show up in the arrivals. I asked at the desk, didn't get any help, waited around a bit, even tried to text Jacob, but no luck. I realized now it would have been smart to have Jacob and Monira's hotel name, but too late. Luckily Elizabeth had given me directions to our hostel, so I asked at the info desk on buses, and headed outside to catch the bus to the Dublin City Center. I checked into the hostel, checked my email, and found that the Moore's flight had been canceled and they'd be arriving the next morning. So I proceeded to call Jacob and Monira's hotel and connect with them.

We met up, and headed out for a walk around the town. We had a pretty laid back time of it, just walking around, looking for a good pub to eat in.

the first night there!
The one we finally landed on had amazing Irish stew with lamb.

Seriously fantastic. Of course we had Guinness with it. :) Next, we went walking again, and found an interesting Cathedral, and some great architecture to take photos of. We also stopped at H&M (they have a LOT in Ireland and England!) to look for a jumper for me, but no luck. Lastly, we stopped for coffee and desserts. They were so exquisite looking, and oh so tasty!


By this time I was thoroughly exhausted, so they walked me back to the hostel and I went to bed. Thus ending day one of our trip. :)

("To Let" means "To Rent")