Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Same Kind of Different As Me

I know that so many of us are busy with work or with school that will start soon, but I want to tell you about this book I have. I actually checked it out from the library and read it in Chicago, but bought it not too long ago so that I would have a copy for myself and to lend to others.

It's "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent. This book was absolutely amazing and is well worth the read. The line on the front of the book (so you'll have some idea what it's about) is, "A modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together." It's a true story and is such an incredible testimony to Christ's healing of man-made division. I realize I sound like an advertisement, but this book was so powerful to me and I'd love to be able to talk about it and process it with more people.

Please, please...if you have even the slightest notion that you might want to read it, borrow it from me. I would love to discuss it with you.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Love in the Mental Health Aisle

So I was in Barnes and Noble tonight looking at books on OCD. It occurred to me how unfortunate it would be for me to meet my husband in the psychology section. What would we tell our children?

"Yes, well he wandered over into the psychology section and saw me holding an OCD workbook. Amazed that I was investigating such a topic and wanting to show how easily he related to me, he whipped out the line, 'You have OCD? Me too.' And we talked about our mental illness over grande frappachinos."

We could look at each other years later and say, "You had me from anxiety."

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Swaying Opinions

So my birthday was great- thanks to everyone who helped make it special!

On a different note, I've been told by more than one person that I have the ability to go just about anywhere and basically thrive. I think God has given me an adventurous spirit. Drop me off in Waco, Chicago, New York with a church I saw on a flier- I'm usually up for the challenge.

I have this amazing ability to adapt to new situations, which is probably why I dislike routine so much. This quality is a good one for ministry as I'm willing to go just about anywhere. Yet, with this ability to adapt I find myself confused over many different philosophies and such.

For instance, when I was in Chicago and taking a social justice class, it all seemed to fit together so perfectly. Then I come back home and talked to a knowledgeable friend who differs on most of those opinions and his argument sounds so valid.

I hear Republican attacks on Democrats and they make so much sense. Then I hear a Democrat viewpoint and I see its merit.

But then again, it is easy to find some research somewhere that will support anything. For instance, I was recently looking at two books published by the same man. One was for Democrats seeking to win arguments with Republicans and the other was for Republicans seeking to win arguments with Democrats. Both books by the same man!

Today my pastor talked about the verses that tell us not to be taken captive by deceptive theologies. While I know that my faith is firmly rooted in God through Jesus Christ, I wonder how many pastors and theologians could convince me of a certain aspect of the faith. For instance, you have those proclaiming the gospel of prosperity and those sounding the horn of living simply. For those of you who know me and the ministry God has given me, you probably know which side of that issue I fall on. But what other issues will I be so easily swayed from side to side?

It is, in fact, my own fault when I'm confused by what I believe because I so often look to myself and to others. I just need to look to Christ. After a week at Caswell with my youth I feel that God is calling me back to a more serious study of his word. Not that I ever stopped reading the Word, but more that for a while I had been reading it out of routine and a sense of obligation. God has been reminding me how fresh and exciting his word is everytime I open my Bible and that it doesn't get old.

So I guess getting more serious about being in the Word and talking with God will clear up some of this swaying of opinion I seem to have. I feel like the Isrealites on the road to the promised land. Why does it sometimes take me so long to get what God has been showing me all along?

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Back from Caswell

So yesterday I got back from a week at Fort Caswell with most of the youth from my church. This was a great experience for many reasons. 1. I got to know the kids a whole lot better. They are crazy. I wouldn't have them any other way. 2. I started looking at my relationship with God in a new light and it's really exciting. Caswell was gorgeous. If you ever get a chance to go- do it!

Also, the day before I left I bought a chair. This is not just any chair. This is a big, comfy arm chair for my room that I can sit in and read or use the computer or watch tv or count the fiber content in a box of cereal. I love this chair.

Church today was exceptionally good. I mean, I love my church but I felt an especially exciting sense of fellowship today and the pastor was really into his sermon. I mean, I'm sure he usually is, but today I especially noticed it.

Just thought I'd update some since it's been a while. I am struggling with some thoughts and issues and stuff, so keep me in your prayers in regards to that. Hope everyone is doing great!

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Dear Tech Support, It Was My Dog

As many of you know, I have lately had a hard time deleting and backspacing on my laptop since those keys, and one other one of which I am not certain which one it is, are missing. How did this happen? My dog decided to bust into my room and use my laptop as a stage. Sound absurd? Here's a little tidbit of the online chat I had with a sales rep. I have cut out the more tech sounding stuff:


Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Thank You for purchasing a Dell product. I can see from our records that you have contacted us for the first time. Let me assure you that i will provide you the best possible support and help resolve any questions you may have."

Rebecca Frederick: "thank you"

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "You are welcome."

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Could you elaborate the issue."

Rebecca Frederick: "some of the keys (3 to be exact) came off my keyboard, and there are a few other loose ones nearby the missing ones"

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "May I know how did this happen?"

Rebecca Frederick: "well....this sounds ridiculous, but I work on my laptop while sitting on the floor. I also have dogs. One day one of my dogs pushed open my door and stepped on my laptop and broke it. I realize this sounds absurd."

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "I see."

Rebecca Frederick: "is my keyboard covered in my 1 year warranty?"

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Rebecca, this kind of damage is not covered under warranty."

Rebecca Frederick: "so for the record, do I sound like a total moron?"

(personal commentary: there was a bit of a pause in response here)

Rebecca Frederick: "ok, you don't have to answer that. is there anyway I can pay to have my laptop serviced?"

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Do not worry, I will give you sales number and the part to replace the keyboard kit."

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Are you experiencing any other issue with system other than keyboard?"

Rebecca Frederick: "no"

Rebecca Frederick: "ok thank you"

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Is there anything else regarding your Dell system that you need help with?"

Rebecca Frederick: "no mam"

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "Are you satisfied with the level of support provided to you on this interaction?"

Rebecca Frederick: "on your part, yes. on the part of it not being covered, not as much."

Agent (Nidhi_105620): "I understand."


Is that not hilarious???

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Pick Your Fountain

Those of you who journeyed through undergrad at Campbell at the same time I did probably remember the infamous fountain campaign.

We are now living in the days of football and convocation centers, but not too long ago the ambitions of Campbell were a lot simpler: a fountain in front of the business school.

You might remember the framed picture set up in one of the entrances to the buisness building. You might remember the jokes made whenever tuition went up, parking tickets were given, or any kind of fee was imposed..."they've gotta pay for the fountain." You also might remember that the planning to finishing phase for this fountain literally took years!

Today I took the kids I watch to Campbell and we walked around and looked at the fountains. First, we visited that well-campaigned-for water spout and then the older, smaller, more pathetic looking fountain.

Which one did my kids enjoy more? At which one did they engage in more splashing and running? You got it.....the old one.

So much for fountain campaigns.

Monday, July 2, 2007

How Much Can You Make?

I recently found this link:

http://www.cbsalary.com/?lr=cbmsn&siteid=cbmsnsl

This site is great! I have been comparing salaries in the Raleigh, NC in various positions. Some of the top: pharmacist, anesthesiologist (I have no idea how to spell it, hence the fact that I will never be one) and dentist.

Sadly, a teacher barely beats out a magician in income.