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Saturday, June 3rd, 2006
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12:27 pm
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| Tuesday, April 11th, 2006
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9:37 am - Easter meal
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For any of you that are in the Dallas area (or can come to the Dallas area) for Easter I want to invite you over for lunch (or dinner or supper or whatever) at my new apartment! Don't be alone, this is the cool place to be :)
It will be at 1:30 pm on Sunday. Post a comment or email me and I will send you directions.
I will be going to Easter service at my church to celebrate Jesus' resurrection and payment for our sins in the evening, so anyone who wants to come with me is invited also (and no getting up early that way too).
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| Thursday, March 30th, 2006
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11:58 am
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Okay, I had NO IDEA it had been over a month since I posted on here. Sorry! I think the whole moving thing messed me up :) And I have another blog that is going to try to be more smart stuff and ministry stuff and this one will be stupid stuff ...
http://www.bethanysundstrom.blogspot.com/
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(comment on this)
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10:18 am
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I think it's been awhile since I posted, anyway ...
Here are my 'love languages' .... it applies to friendships in much the same way as a dating relationship. I pretty much knew all this. I feel bad about the 'receiving gifts' being last because people give me stuff and they are trying to be nice and I just don't care. But it goes the other way too. I personally don't place much value on it, so I don't always remember/realize to get others gifts and I think that upsets people sometimes. I will continue to try and work on that. Anyway ...
The Five Love LanguagesMy primary love language is probably
Quality Time
with a secondary love language being
Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation.
Complete set of results| Quality Time: | | 10 | | Acts of Service: | | 7 | | Words of Affirmation: | | 7 | | Physical Touch: | | 5 | | Receiving Gifts: | | 1 |
Take the quiz
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| Thursday, February 23rd, 2006
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3:11 pm
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I thought I had more email addresses saved than I did, so for anyone I missed on the email, sorry ... but here you go:
I have a website going now at www.bethanysundstrom.com. It includes my support letter, a blog and some other general information about my life lately.
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| Monday, February 20th, 2006
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11:38 am
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Well, most of you know I was in Portland this past weekend for a wedding. It was a nice wedding but I think if you are speaking at the wedding, even if you are one of the leading evangelical leaders in the free world (I really just like saying 'free world') you should know the name of the person getting married, or perhaps because you are one of the greatest communicators currently alive you should know this.
In case you couldn't tell I am in one of my ranting moods. I get like this often I think, but I don't write it out much. I need to though cause well, I am basing most of my ministry goals on my ability to properly explain issues. Besides, my friend in portland said she likes my rants and they are usually good unlike most people's. ha ha.
So I was at a wedding. I posted a month or so ago about finding out three of my closest friends were engaged on the same day. Now, I don't know who all reads this livejournal of mine, so I am not exactly sure my audience. I do think a few of the engaged people read it, but I also think the majority of my audience (yes, you are an audience) are single (is single? whatever I don't want to look it up).
I also had my gospels class this morning, and we got to the passage in Matthew (I think 18 or 19) where Jesus addresses divorce. Here is my seminary educated interpretation: DO NOT DO IT. Well, there is more to it than that, but whatever.
You know how the disciples responded when Jesus told them this? They were like, well then it's better to not get married. That's what Paul, you know, Paul who wrote half the bible (okay, well not exactly, but I LOVE exaggerating), said also. So why do we think everyone has to get married? I don't know.
A few things my professor said this morning I had not really heard before take aim at some of the arguments for marriage. He said that the need to have children was in the Old Testament and that it pertained to the Jewish nation because you were part of the covenant by blood ie, if you were born Jewish. Now that we have the new covenant it is through Christ's blood so it doesn't matter if your parents are Christian or not. So even if no Christians got married and had children we would still be increasing the Kingdom through the conversion of unbelievers (which even children of believing parents are.)
He also said that when God said it is not good for man to be alone that it was more specific to Adam who had absolutely no one there. He was friends with the birds ... I am not sure that argument holds up as well but it's something to think about.
So, it was wonderful in class when they were talking about how it is preferable to be single. But there were only 3 single people in the whole class. I don't understand this. It is, I suppose, because our society puts pressure on us and even the church has overall a warped understanding of the 'need to get married.'
We also talked about church discipline this morning in class. I find the two somewhat related. One thing that has long irritated me is that people do not stand up for what is right and moral. I see it tying over to getting married in at least one way. Along with church discipline it calls for brothers/sisters in Christ to confront one another about issues. Now if you don't think a person should marry someone else say something. I mean, there is a time and place, but all this talking behind peoples backs about how it probably won't work is stupid and wrong. I am as guilty of it as anyone, and maybe I will start changing and tell people (in love hopefully) what I really think of their pending marriages. I mean, do people think these things through? Perhaps, but it is easy to get lost in the details and excitement of it all and not focus on some of the essentials. Have some hard talks with your friends about these issues, don't just jump into it because someone finally will marry you.
Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. I mean, get out of now (while engaged) rather than later. I am personally extra messed up lately because I have also in the past month found out about several people getting divorces. A few are people my age that have been married a very short time. But others are my friends parents that have been married 25-30 years that are now deciding it is over. I know of several of these situations. Either way it messes with your head and really should make you think twice before any marriage commitments.
Also, if I were a pastor (which I don't plan on being so don't all freak out) I would be very hesitant to marry most people. And I think most pastors should be. Your role is ordained by God and it is giving a blessing from God on the marriage. So if you are a pastor (I don't think any pastors read this but perhaps) don't just marry anyone who asks, it is not okay, hold your ground. If you are getting married and looking for a pastor to marry you and one says no, I would VERY seriously look into the reasons and not just go find another pastor or judge down the street.
I suppose I will end with this: My friend who got married this weekend, her Dad has told her since she was little that there are really only two important decisions in life, the first is what to do with Jesus because that determines whether or not you will be in Hell in eternity and the second is who you will marry because that will determine if you are in hell on earth.
current mood:  thoughtful
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| Friday, February 10th, 2006
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6:14 pm - my fun days
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For those of you who haven't heard yet, Luke Wilson (you know, the actor) was in my store today. He has come in before ... that time apparently I didn't realize it was him. Anyway, I knew it was him today and managed to maintain my composure. He came in yesterday but I wasn't there ... I hope he comes in tomorrow so I can confess my love.
The mayor of Dallas, Laura Miller, came in last week too. She used to come in a lot but I haven't seen her for long while. We think Keyshawn Johnson came in quite awhile ago too.
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| Wednesday, February 8th, 2006
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10:31 am
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So, I am sitting here in the school library trying to finish up a paper on a Greek word study. Well, not 'finish up' really but start. I have to go to this internet site and look up words and see how they were used. It's a cool site really, perseus.tufts.edu, it has all kinds of ancient writings and Shakespeare and such. Anyway, it is very SLOW and so I have to waste my time just waiting for it to load. I had to come in to the library, which I hate, to use their software cause I can't afford what I need. I hate the library cause you can't eat, drink or talk. What kind of stupid place is that? So now I am going to starve and maybe not even eat all day. Hopefully I'll have time to get something to eat during class.
I bought a plane ticket to Portland for my friend's wedding next weekend. I am excited and nervous. I always get nervous having to meet/see people I haven't for awhile. Even though I was home for Christmas I really didn't end up seeing that many people.
Okay, so Christians should be nice right? Or at least nicer than other people? Or at least try to be? I have now had several bosses (most here in Texas) that are Christians. And they are actually Christians, as much as someone else can tell. But I have had miserable experiences with all of them. I've found that verbal abuse is rampant. I think it is in the church for the most part too. One of my professors has mentioned how surprised he is about the way we talk to each other on campus here, and that he thinks we should be working to build each other up way more than we do. And I am sure I can't argue with that. We were going through James and it talks about controlling the tongue. I think it's a hard thing to set limits on and that is why there is such a problem. I mean, if someone is murdered there is proof and we can send them to prison. If you say something not nice there usually isn't much proof. And besides everyone does it so no one is going to write up a law that says we have to go to jail when we say mean things. I think this issue should start to be a focus among Christians and society in general. It is just as harmful as some other abuses too.
On another similar note, one of my friends wrote on her livejournal about people using God and Jesus as swear words and never flinching. This also greatly bothers me. I know most people reading this probably do both. Some of it is I wasn't raised around people who ever did that, so I am not as used to it as some. But even still, it is not okay and I think more people need to own up to the fact that they do it and try to focus on changing.
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| Friday, January 20th, 2006
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4:01 pm
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This is so, so .... so something I don't even know where to start. So I will just tell this story:
We have a weekly newsletter at work. Last week I am reading through it and see the title of an article called 'Espresso Dating'. I laughed and told my coworker that initially when I thought it was going to talk about dating, as in going on a date. But obviously it meant dating as in how we keep track of freshness dates and mark the current date on the coffee beans. Well, here you go: http://personals.yahoo.com/espressodating
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(comment on this)
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| Tuesday, January 17th, 2006
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3:54 pm
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Oh yeah, AND I found out yesterday that my good friend from high school that I recently discovered lives in San Antonio got a new job in Seattle and will be moving in a few weeks. So no more Oregon fun in Texas. I was really looking forward to all that and our meetings in Waco and Austin.
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3:42 pm
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It's been awhile since I posted. I've had an interesting week. I found out four of my friends are now engaged. I found out about 3 of them in one day within a few hours. And these aren't just acquaintances, these are people that at some point I have considered either my best friend or very close. I knew that probably two would be engaged soon, but wasn't sure about the other. I also found out yesterday that a very good friend of mine is going to become a father. I know it's the time of my life where many of my friends will get married, but come on, this is a little extreme. I seem to be dealing with it fine, but most likely in denial. Anyway, that is enough of details for now, but if you read this and are my friend (cause I am 'afraid' that others read this) feel free to send me an email or call so I can expand on the intriguing details. Hmmm, how is that for a ploy to get people to talk to me? ha ha, but no, i am serious.
I started classes again yesterday. I enjoy them, I am only studying the New Testament this term so it will be a little intense. It is usually better to take a variety of classes, but hey, when working around a work schedule it's hard. I should be moving soon, I am meeting with someone tonight that I might live with. We will see how that goes.
Oh, Starbucks is going to start promoting movies now. I am trying hard to figure out what this really has to do with coffee, or our cafes or really anything except money. Well, we will see. they do tend to have successes when no one thought they should, so maybe this will be that sort of case. And besides, I have stock in the company now so as a shareholder I should support them. Sure, okay? Huh? yeah, I think so too.
Well, that's it for now. Maybe I'll start posting more now that school is in session and I can't be as lazy.
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| Wednesday, December 28th, 2005
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10:44 am
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Figured I should update this.... My Christmas went fine. Just normal family stuff. My family is very interesting cause we don't get along at all but then we do at the same time. It isn't miserable like some people's families I'm sure, but it's not always all cheery either. I'd say we are probably 'average.' Isn't that fun?
I have had a cold since I got here to Oregon which has not been that fun. It seems most people I know are sick. I haven't seen too many of my friends from here yet, but it's hard with Christmas and them all having jobs to go to and such. Maybe I should try to hook up with some people on myspace. (please know that is a joke, please, please)
I still have to figure out my life when I get back to Texas. The most important thing right now is finding a new place to live. So any roommate solutions out there, let me know. I have a few good leads but am still not sure about anything.
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| Thursday, December 22nd, 2005
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2:17 pm
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This happened at my shopping center. (yes, it's mine cause I own it, oh wait, no I don't, I just work at the Starbucks on the corner)
Driver Killed When Car Slams Into Building
It was far enough down from my work that we didn't get any damage. Ironically I was watching Law & Order last night while this was happening and on the show there was also a car that ran into a building. What does that coincidence mean? I don't know, but I'm sure it means something. Why am I sure? Cause I'm a girl, that's why.
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| Tuesday, December 20th, 2005
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9:37 am
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Hey -- just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be home in PDX Christmas Day and fly back to DFW on New Year's Eve. So please plan your schedules accordingly. Thanks :)
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| Tuesday, December 13th, 2005
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9:25 pm
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Some of y'all may find this more interesting than others. I don't know if I totally agree with the results but it's probably close enough:
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| Wednesday, December 7th, 2005
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11:12 am
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YES! I got out of class for today. Afternoon classes are canceled. And I have a class early tomorrow morning which seems like it will probably be canceled too. AND I do not have to work today or tomorrow. AND if they call I will not answer (okay that is probably not true). This all is great in theory but I also in theory have to get more stuff done right? I still have projects for school I sorta put off cause I figured I wouldn't have class ... gotta get those done ... gotta clean ... gotta get everything done around the house I can think of! And I have to find my christmas decorations. I know I at least have some lights but I do not know where they are, and if I am spending the next 2 days in here I better find them!
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| Sunday, December 4th, 2005
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10:43 pm
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Sorry for all the sports posts, but today was an important sports day:
Strong matchups back up BCS process
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- A perfect championship game, a classic coaching matchup and
Notre Dame.
The Bowl Championship Series couldn't have asked for more -- a glitzy lineup with little for critics to gripe over. Only Oregon has a case to complain, as the Pac-10 has a 10-1 team left out of the marquee bowls for a second straight season.
Go here for full story
See that isn't even me complaining, that is right from the associated press. Besides the fact that if the Rose Bowl wasn't the championship game this year Oregon would have been in the Rose Bowl because USC would have been in whatever was the national game and then Oregon would have got in the Rose Bowl. (At least I am pretty sure since they make this all as complicated as possible.)
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2:14 pm
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Congratulations to the University of Portland's women's soccer team for winning the national championship! They are the only team other than UNC to ever finish the season undefeated. It is their second national championship ... and their second won on Texas soil, first in Austin in 2002 and this year in College Station. (I figured you Texans would need a reason to care about this.)
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12:42 am
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This song is on the soundtrack from one of my favorite movies, and a conversation I just had with a friend reminded me of it:
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'm beggin' you to beg me
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'll shine up my old brown shoes
Put on a brand new shirt
Get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
Feeling all alone without a friend you know you feel like dying
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'm beggin' you to beg me
I'll shine up my old brown shoes
Put on a brand new shirt
Get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
Feeling all alone without a friend you know you feel like dying
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'm beggin' you to beg me
I want you to want me
I want you to want me
I want you to want me
I want you to want me
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| Thursday, December 1st, 2005
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5:35 pm
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So, I'm back in school after two weeks off. I have two more weeks left. Woo hoo! I really do love DTS. The homework gets tedious at times but not very often and I love everything I am studying. It's easy to forget that when you get stressed out and are out of class for a few weeks.
I decided I need to focus on taking things one step at a time instead of just assuming I have to figure everything out right now. I have to figure out a lot of things soon but not all this week.
anyway, I don't think I posted about my long-lost friend meeting. It was great. I had emailed her randomly and found out she lives in San Antonio! I grew up with this girl. I think we were on a softball team together in elementary school, in girl scouts, in band, track and field, etc. I had forgotten several of those things. And how much we had started hanging out at the end of high school. Anyway, we met in Waco even though half the city was closed since it is a college town, we found a Pizza Hut and a Starbucks so it was all good. We just talked and talked. Why can't life always be like that? I mean, I guess we can spend a few hours a day doing chores and such, but then we should just all be able to hang out and spend time with each other. My friend, Carly, and I are so much alike now. I mean, we were before but it is just amazing to me how we are still on such similar life paths. And half way across the country. She's thinking of finding a new job, and I sure hope it is in Dallas.
Okay, off to work and such. I have tomorrow off! Woo hoo. 7 days of work is fun.
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