Asianifications

Most days, I feel very different from most people here and stick out like a sore thumb. I'm very aware of my "American"-ness, my "other"-ness, my tallness, my left-handedness (new writing teacher drew attention to it yet again today), my ginger-ness, whatever you'd like to call it. But sometimes I laugh when I notice ways in which I've become more "Asianified" since I've been here (going on a year now...crazy)!

1. I like hot water.
You say, "Yeah, I like hot water too...it's great for showers, and boiling spaghetti." No, I mean I like drinking hot water. I really don't mind when they give it to me at restaurants and massage places. Not when it's hot outside, no, that's torture. But in the winter? YES PLEASE. And in the summer, room temperature without ice is just fine!

I teased another American lady this past winter when she said she loved sitting with a big mug of hot water in her hands and sipping it to warm up...and then 2 days later I found myself doing the same thing. Sometimes you just don't want any more caffeine for the day, or you realize you're cold AND dehydrated...so drinking hot water is the perfect solution!

2. My squatting proficiency is growing.
Don't worry, there's nothing gross about what I'm about to say. I have notoriously short Achilles tendons, even for an American. I remember when my growth spurt happened and my heels started hurting because my tendons hadn't stretched as fast as I had grown, and I had to do these special stretches everyday. I would have never had that problem if I'd grown up over here! I've noticed that little by little, my heels are able to get closer to the floor, making it much easier to balance on a squatty potty. Will they ever touch the floor, like so many people's effortlessly do? Possibly not, but I'm making progress!

3. I have actually used a parasol a couple of times.
Not too often, but some! Not because I care too much about keeping my skin "bai bai de" (trust me, that takes absolutely no effort), but because sometimes when that sun is beating down, a parasol just makes sense! (Note: my "parasol" is actually my umbrella...but it does the trick).

4. I drive like a local.
I don't honk as much as some, that's true. But I have noticed my electric bike driving is pretty assertive, and also that I pretty much never use my rear view mirrors. You say, "Becky, that's dangerous!" Over here, not really. Actually, it's safer to constantly keep your eye in front of you and to the sides and trust people behind you to adjust accordingly. People here pretty much just look in front of them, and you are expected to watch what's in front of you and honk if you're about to crash in to somebody who's in your way. They then are expected to listen to your honk and move, and if they don't move then you keep honking, and that's the way it goes. Unfortunately, this even goes for cars backing out of spaces. They often don't look behind them and just expect the oncoming electric bike traffic to stop. And stop we do, because we know somebody has to be looking.

5. I am constantly discovering new uses for chopsticks.
Seriously, who knew they could be so useful? With chopsticks, you don't need spatulas, tongs, stirring spoons, real locks on public bathroom doors, or even real plumbing equipment (kind of a joke on that last one, although friends have told me that plumbers have literally fixed their toilets with chopsticks before. And I have most definitely seen a chopstick stuck through a public toilet lock). I use chopsticks to whip my scrambled eggs, stir my coffee, flip my bacon...The uses are limitless!

6. I like tea more than coffee.
Hahahaaaaa, just kidding! I really had you there for a second, didn't I?

Although I do love both.

Probably too much.

Really enjoying that imported Starbucks Autumn Blend right now.

7. I don't accept compliments.
I was never that good at accepting compliments in the States, and people would often get on to me for it...but luckily that means I fit in well here! Here, it's more polite to disagree if someone compliments you than to say "Thank you." So if someone gives me a compliment, I usually wave my hand dismissively and say, "Oh no, I'm not good" or something along those lines.

Now, if I ever have a child and raise her over here, I will NEVER culturally adjust to saying, "Oh no, my daughter's so ugly!" or "Oh no, she's actually very stupid!" ...but that's another thing entirely. :-D

8. I make weird comments.
A couple months ago, some American friends visited and ordered dog at a restaurant so they could experience some special "local cuisine."

When I heard about this, my objection was not to the fact that they were eating dog (and donkey, by the way). Here's what I actually said:

"They're eating dog? But it's summer!"

(Note: only people who have been to this area will get that one. Dog meat is supposed to warm you up and therefore is traditionally eaten in the winter. My objection was the same one a local person would make!)

9. I most definitely had my first dream in Chinese a couple nights ago.
Although, during the whole dream I felt like I was struggling to make people understand me, and I kept having to repeat myself. Still, that counts, right?! :-D

Interestingly, this is not the first time I've noticed myself making cultural adjustments. After moving to Texas, I still remember when my "I" sound started to come out more like "ah", the moment I started liking Dr. Pepper, hearing "like white on rice" for the first time, the first time I ate brisket (and dove, and quail, and other delicious things), and the moment I began to like Mexican food other than quesadillas. I guess it's kinda true what they say about Texas being a whole other country. :) So maybe this wonderful place over here isn't so different after all!

My Favorite Pinterest Recipes (so far)!

Yes, this is an unabashedly girly post. With unabashedly INCREDIBLE recipes.

Believe it or not, I have actually MADE many of the recipes I've pinned on Pinterest. Some of them multiple times. Some fit in the category of "Eh, pretty good, but I won't make it again," others fit in the category of "Glory-hallelujah-this-is-a-go-to-recipe!!" Since none of these recipes were, in fact, invented by me, there is absolutely no point in keeping them a secret. I want to spread the deliciousness, so I thought I would share some of my favorite ones with you, in approximate order of the number of times I've made them!

1. Best Salsa Ever


Recipe here: http://www.mountainmamacooks.com/2012/01/quick-and-easy-salsa/

It would be an absolute CRIME not to share this with you. Everyone loves it. Seriously. It's the perfect, easy salsa. The only way in which I deviate from the recipe is that I use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned ones; we can't get canned over here, and as it is I have to ask sweet people to send me Ro-tel from the States. The good news is, though, that if you can't get Ro-tel in your region, just chop up some tomatoes and green peppers and it makes a fine substitute. As it is, I substitute whatever green pepper we can get around here that looks like a jalapeno for the real thing! Really, what makes this recipe are the honey and the cumin. Cumin gives it that extra something something, and honey helps it blend to a great texture in the blender. Edit: After realizing our lemon had gone bad and making this salsa for the first time without lemon, I have to revise these statements and say that the fresh LEMON JUICE is what makes this recipe. It's not the same without it.

2. Nutella Mug Cake

http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/03/15/nutella-mug-cake/

Okay, this dessert keeps Rachel and me ALIVE in winter. When it's been one of those days when your hands are frozen even through your gloves, and you slip in your rain boots and your butt is soaked the rest of the day even through your long johns, and your language teacher basically tells you you will NEVER get that 3rd tone right, this is a little cup of comfort. Eat this while watching an episode of Friends; it makes it even better. SO easy to make too, seriously takes about 15 minutes total, gathering ingredients and cooking time included. Some people say the calorie count is pretty high, but I say calorie count shmalorie count! Too delicious to care! Also, Rachel and I split it between two mugs, which makes it not quite as ridiculous. Don't forget the chocolate syrup on top though. Mm-mmmmm.

3. Nutella Donut Muffins

http://usmasala.blogspot.com/2012/05/nutella-filled-baked-donut-muffins.html

Yes, Nutella again. I don't know why you're surprised. (Nutella is another thing we have to get imported, by the way). We have made these a ridiculous amount of times recently. They're just so good and easy. The cinnamon smell really fills the house while they're baking! And I love any muffin or cake with a wonderful surprise filling in the middle!

4. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

http://annies-eats.com/2010/10/08/pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins/

These are the most amazing things. My mouth is watering just thinking about them, and I'm tempted to bump them up to number one RIGHT NOW just to make sure as many people see these as possible. By the way, the site in general is great. Annie's Eats is one of my favorite cooking blogs. So imagine, you've got this wonderful pumpkin pie-ish taste on the outside, with a lightly crispy cinnamon streusel topping, and warm creamy cream cheese in the middle. It is absolutely ridiculous. They're a little more work than your run-of-the-mill muffins, but TOTALLY WORTH IT.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

http://www.chiquitabananas.com/Banana-Recipes/Creamy-Peanut-Butter-Banana-Smoothie-recipe.aspx

I am a huge fan of the heavenly combination of peanut butter and banana. I make peanut butter banana oatmeal many mornings; if I'm about to do some kind of intense workout I will spread peanut butter on a banana and eat that; and now I make this smoothie. It's super easy and very nutritious. I usually half the recipe, and it's perfect for just me. I also just use plain yogurt with a splash of vanilla since I haven't found vanilla yogurt here yet. The texture is great: perfectly smooth, creamy, and thick. Yesterday morning I experimented with adding some oatmeal and I seriously wasn't even hungry until dinner. This is one powerful smoothie, my friends.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-taco-soup/

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm the one who originally pinned this, but it was repinned 15 times so I don't think I'm crazy! We made this one day when we had friends' kids over in the winter, and they absolutely loved it. I paired it with some cornbread and it was a great meal. I didn't have beer, so I just used some extra water, and we also used kidney beans instead of black beans. It's so easy and tastes wonderful.

7. Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

http://pinchofyum.com/carrot-cake-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting

Carrot: goood. Cupcakes: goood. Cream cheese frosting: GOOOOD. What Joey would have said if he'd tasted these. Simple and delicious. This again comes from one of my favorite blogs, and the girl who writes it has a great personality that makes her posts really fun to read. Over here, I'm always searching for recipes that both my American and local friends will like, and this is one of them! It's not ridiculously sweet but has a perfect balance of flavors.

8. Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad

http://southernfood.about.com/od/chickensalads/r/r81002g.htm

Okay, I originally pinned this one too, but my friends and I all loved this! I just love the combo of the apple and cranberries, and the curry powder really adds something special. I left out the red onion; I'm not a huge fan of onions except when they're caramelized.

9. Self-Saucing Ginger Pudding

http://thestonesoup.com/blog/2010/06/9-things-you-should-know-about-ginger-with-self-saucing-ginger-puddings-5-ingredients-simple-baking/

I had a really bad cold in the winter, and this pudding was unbelievably comforting. I didn't have ramekins, so I just put the whole thing in a round baking dish and spooned warm gingery buttery goodness right out of the dish as I watched TV, like the bachelorette that I am. It was wonderful. The only recommendation I have is to make sure and chop the ginger REALLY FINE. Since I was sick, I was a little lazy with my chopping, so there were moments when I would take a bite and hear a "kst!" and a little too much ginger would flood my mouth. We've recently acquired a cheese grater, so maybe if I try it again now I wouldn't have the same problem. Just as an extra plus, this webpage also has some cool facts to know about ginger! Good news if you like it: ginger's really healthy!

"Dad in China"

Most people get their dad a tie or maybe a shirt or some novelty item for his birthday.

I, on the other hand, make comics! I thought it would be funny to imagine my dad in various situations in China.

Note in advance: Not everything in the comic applies *everywhere* in China or any other part of East Asia (I'm pretty sure nothing applies everywhere in such a large, diverse place), but it draws from my personal experience in a smaller city. I hope it makes you smile. :)

Click on the image to see it!

Adventure with Eggplant

Eggplant. An egg that grows on a plant. A plant that lays eggs.

No?

Well, does it at least look like an egg?

It's bright purple.

Bright purple...so maybe an Easter egg?

Except it's long and skinny, at least over here. And even in the States it's more squash-shaped.

Oh well, who cares why it's called eggplant? Actually, it's quite pretty. In a world where things don't rot, I would add some to my Christmas tree hulu garland. It's delicious too. Eggplant is one of our favorite things to eat over here, and I eat it almost everyday. One of my absolute favorite dishes is one that has ground pork or beef and eggplant over rice. Mmm-mmm-mmm.

So the other day, I bought two for about 30 cents and decided to cook it for the first time! I actually made an Indian dish - eggplant curry. Not entirely authentic because I don't have garam masala, but it turned out pretty delish, and I had the satisfaction of knowing everything in there was good for me! I even made my own fresh ginger-garlic paste (note: DO NOT touch that stuff with your bare fingers, you will be smelling it for hours even after washing them). If you want the recipe, look up eggplant curry on allrecipes.com and it should come up. I was really proud that it was edible because it was my first time to cook eggplant and also my first time to cook Indian (unless you count rajmah, which is basically like chili, just with Indian spices...that's some good stuff too).

Here's a picture of the final product.

Depending on how much you like Indian food, that may or may not look appetizing to you, but it was a pretty good lunch! Eggplant: conquered. Now that we have obtained chili-garlic sauce and oyster sauce, my next eggplant attempt will be our favorite local ground-pork-eggplant dish. Yay!

Becky's Top 5 Funny Bible Verses

top10films.co.uk

Sometimes when I am reading the Bible to gain wisdom, insight, conviction, etc., I also gain some laughter. Here are a few verses that crack me up, in no particular order.

1. Proverbs 25:16

If you find honey, eat just enough--too much of it, and you will vomit.


Actually, it's funnier in the King James version: 
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.


Wise words, wise words.

2. Proverbs 27:14

If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.


Yes. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.

3. Proverbs 25:17

Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house--too much of you, and he will hate you.


'Nuff said.

4. Numbers 22:30

The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" "No," he said.


("No?" That's it? I would've jumped off that donkey and been like OMG A TALKING DONKEY!!!)

Again, funnier in King James:

And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.

And he said, Nay. That's funny just by itself. 

Especially since he's talking to a donkey and not a horse...I mean, come on. It should be "And he said, Bray."

5. Acts 2:15

This one needs some background info. So after the Holy Spirit makes it raaaaain (fire, that is), the apostles start speaking in a bunch of different languages they don't know in front of tons of people. Crazy stuff. Since everyone in the crowd knows these aren't ridiculously educated men who just happen to know every language in the known world, they say, "They have had too much wine!" in 2:13. (Seriously, get me some of that wine if it can make me talk in a language I don't know...it would be a lot of help while living overseas!) Peter, of course, gets up and corrects them, but in what way? Does he give a sermon on the sinfulness of being drunk? Does he get offended at the thought that such holy men of God could possibly be drunk? Here's how he reasons: 

"These men are not drunk... It's only nine in the morning!"

Can't argue with that.

Honorable Mention

Another one that didn't make the top five but that is definitely an honorable mention is Acts 20:9, in which  Paul rambles on for so long that a young guy named Eutychus actually falls asleep on the windowsill and then falls out and dies. Don't worry, Paul raises him back to life afterwards. No big deal. But parents who really don't want their kids to fall asleep in church should definitely read them this for a bedtime story!

Discovering My Own Culture

I remember being in Japan a few years ago and having many hilarious stories of cultural mishaps by the end of the summer. There was that time I walked into a dressing room with my shoes on, another time when I wore the bathroom shoes out in the rest of the house, and that other time when my best friend had to put on a huge baggy t-shirt in the bathhouse because she had tattoos.

I remember often thinking, "Gee, I'm glad America doesn't have a whole lot of rules for politeness. I'm glad we're a 'low-context' culture." We are low-context, indeed, once you're IN that context. However, now that I'm living overseas in a vastly different culture, I am realizing that we DO have many standards of politeness and cultural "do's" and "don't"s. Being the American that I am, I had just considered them "common sense" before.

Living in another country, I have made a lot of adjustments to my behavior and responses to things, and I've tried my best to become what I need to become. But if someone over here were to ask me what's appropriate to do in American culture, these would be some of my "rules" for interacting with an American (or, who knows, perhaps just this American):

Rules for Interacting with Americans 

1.) Don't ask how much we paid for something. Now this rule needs some qualifications. I remember close friends asking how much I paid for my apartment in west campus, just so they could figure out where they wanted to live and scope out the price ranges. But here, the conversation goes something more like this:

"How much do you pay for your apartment?"
(Depending on my mood, I might say "not too much" and change the subject, or if I'm feeling just really dumb, I might actually tell them. One of three reactions follows)
a.) Ohhh, that is much too expensive.
b.) With furniture included? (No.) Ohhh, you pay too much.
c.) ...For a year? (No.) A MONTH?! Ohhhh, you pay too much.

Not to mention, this might not be from a close friend; this might be from a guy I've just met.

So, judging by my own inner reactions (don't worry, outwardly I'm polite, if perhaps a little short), I think that in the States it is more appropriate to not comment, or to say "What a good deal!" You're probably safest if you just don't ask in the first place and say something more like, "What a lovely apartment!" and just leave it at that.

2.) Precisely define the time you plan to come over.

When dealing with an American, it's usually not polite to say, "I will come over sometime Sunday," but never say the time. Then, it's really not polite to send them a text message at 7 p.m. saying, "Where are you? I am at your apartment!" because they might be, oh I don't know, at a restaurant? Usually just saying the day you will come over, without the time, is not acceptable...especially if you want them to actually be there when you arrive at the door. Also, it's not a good idea to randomly show up at 10 p.m. with a bunch of friends they don't know. Americans like their schedules...and their privacy.

3.) Allow us to use our left hand.

So first of all, I think this definitely stems from a deeper cultural difference. In the United States, we focus on allowing someone to be the individual they were born to be. So if someone begins to use their left hand from an early age, we encourage it. However, over here, the emphasis is on what is convenient for the group as a whole. What is convenient is to have everyone write right-handed from an early age. This way, there is no need for left-handed desks, scissors, or elbow-bumping at the table. Supposedly this also allows for more uniform writing. 

Anyway, here are some actual responses I have had when people find out I am left-handed:

a.) You use chopsticks/write with your LEFT hand! (exclamation and shock)

b.) You must be very clever! (So if lefties are clever, why do you make us change?)

c.) You cannot write characters with your left hand! You will never be able to write them correctly!

d.) *Takes pen out of my hand as though I am five years old and puts it in my right hand and forces me to write characters that way*

e.) Why are so many westerners left-handed?

I have made many left-handed friends here, surprisingly. I mean, none of them use their left hand to write, but a few have told me that they started out writing with their left hand before they had to change. I was playing tennis the other day and talking with my doubles partner to figure out which side we would each be on. When I told him I was left-handed, I assumed that would settle the question, but he promptly said, "Me too!" Good for him, keeping his left-handedness intact, even if only in sports. He must be very clever!

I will probably think of more later, so I'm sure there will be a Part 2 to this. I would love to hear about any things you've discovered about your own culture through being in another one!

Hulu Mian

So a couple weekends ago, I went fruit-and-vegetable picking. See my awesome hat:

I had lots of fun. Got tons of little oranges, some starfruit, cilantro, peanuts, a pumpkin...

and a calabash. Also known as a hulu, or a bottle gourd.

Wait, what?

I know.

Here's what they look like. Totally awesome, right? One of the farmers cuts one off the vine before I can say anything. I'm like the proverbial LOLCat: "I has a gourd...what I do wif it?"

My first thought was, I wish I had a vine of miniatures to string around my Christmas tree.

Then I considered turning Rastafarian when I discovered they often make bottles or instruments out of the calabash...until I realized it takes more than 6 months to dry one out. Not worth it.

So finally I decided to cook it. I found a very imprecise recipe for hulu mian, or calabash noodle soup. I thought, well, this sounds good. So I gathered all the ingredients and began to carve:

As you can see, it was a bit...stubborn. My poor little knife was not up to the task. Think how difficult it would be to carve and scoop out a pumpkin if it was not nice and round and open. That's how this was.

BRAAAAAAAAAINS

The smell, taste and texture were a lot like a potato. Tons of seeds in the middle like a pumpkin though! I didn't taste it raw because these are sometimes toxic when uncooked.

So basically I scooped out the gourd (which took FOREVER) and cut it into small strips, mixed some pork, soy sauce, corn starch, and chicken broth together and made some noodles, and this was the result:

Not bad! Nice on a cold day. But WAY too much trouble. It's much easier to just use a good old potato. Fun adventure though!

*Note: This is not about to become a cooking blog, but I thought this would be an interesting experience to share. Haha!

Cultural Training and Virginia Adventures

As many of you know, I have spent the past month doing cultural training in Virginia. There are many people here who are preparing to go to many different countries, so I have had diverse "cultural experiences," not just having to do with Asia (and I guess the earthquake today could count as one!).

First of all, this state is beautiful! Here is a view right outside where I'm staying:

Gorgeous, right? Virginia is so green! I'm hoping that some of the rain will make its way to Texas too. Also, I'm really enjoying the wild "Christmas trees" everywhere. I wish I could be here during Christmas time so I could decorate them.

In addition, there are TONS of cicadas here. Cicadas are sometimes called "locusts" in the south, but real locusts are in fact nasty giant grasshoppers. What we often call a locust (a big bug that sheds its shell) is actually a cicada. We've been finding shells all over the place, and when they emerge they're a really bright green! It's fascinating to watch them turn brown again within a matter of minutes once they emerge. Here's a nasty close-up picture for you:

This fella was trying to get into the door one night. He didn't succeed, but it was crazy watching him try. He was making so much noise banging against the windows, I seriously thought someone was knocking outside! I've also seen a giant moth the size of my fist. THAT was disgusting. Can you imagine squishing him? He had a big hairy body in between inches-long brown wings. *shudder*

In addition to some of nature's less desirable creatures, I have also seen some really cute ones! There are lots of chipmunks here, and it's fun to watch them scamper around. I also saw a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, the other day, but alas, he dove into his hole before I could get a good look at him. Here is a picture of his abode though:

And did I mention that in addition to all this lovely scenery, I have actually been broadening my global perspective? Why yes indeed! So far, I have learned songs in Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, Ilocano, Burmese, Bahasa, and Hindi, and I have a lot more learning ahead. This week I am learning about Africa. In addition, I have eaten borscht for the first time (which was delicious!! I could eat it a lot more often), and also some food with meatballs and this salsa-like stuff that you use bread to pick up (not sure which region of the world it was from), and yesterday I had some really authentic-tasting Indian food! I also had to eat it with naan as opposed to a fork, and when that was gone I had to use my right hand to eat the rest! I think my hand still smells a bit like Indian spices even after multiple washings, but it's okay because it was so good.

And now, for the final cultural experience. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there is a squatty potty here:

The water pressure is a little too high, so I have to run away immediately after I flush it so the water doesn't shoot out at me! But you know, I have to get used to all different kinds of toilet experiences. I remember when I was in Tokyo, they had western-style toilets that if you hit a wrong button would shoot a jet of water...um..."upwards."

I think it really says something about the types of people who are here that every time I'm in the bathroom, the squatty is the first one to be occupied! People really want to broaden their horizons and are very open to new (maybe even uncomfortable to a western mind) experiences. 

I've also gone rock climbing! It was only my second time, so I'm not very good at it yet, but it was really fun! I will leave you with a couple of epic pictures that my friend Sara took, to give you the illusion that I am actually an awesome rock climber:

Wake Up.

"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:14

I have been meditating on this verse for a long time. Thankfully, it is not just a command to us; it is also a promise for others:

"Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!" Isaiah 26:19

Jesus has awakened me, and I am thankful. But I want the other dead to live as well, to wake up and embrace the lives they have been given rather than live in fear. Why do we have so many dead people walking around?

How many people I know who have resigned themselves to occupations they don't like, to hating work and then drinking alcohol to forget work and then drinking coffee in the morning to stay alive for work. Students hate school and yet let it master them, being anxious and jealous, never feeling smart enough or good enough, and putting down fellow students to make themselves feel better. Americans eat well, drink well, and work hard, and yet are starving.

What is wrong with us? Have we no hope? We only have 80-something years to live if we're lucky, and we're spending it like this? And all too often, if we do quit school and go off to "find ourselves" or "truly live," we only end up in poverty, drinking all the time to forget our actual lives. Why are we so dead, and how do we resurrect ourselves?

I thought about how to best sum this up. Of course, Jesus is the one who conquered death, who raises us from the dead, and who will grant us eternal and abundant life. But what is it about Jesus that makes his promises so eternal and steadfast? Faith, Hope, and Love. It's no coincidence that "faith, hope, and love abide (1 Corinthians 13:13)." What does "abide" mean? It can also be translated as "remain" or "will last forever." Haha! I think we have found our definition of LIFE! We need to put ourselves in situations where faith is necessary, hope is possible, and love is a choice. Life must be so uncertain that we have to live by faith. We must be working so much for change that we allow ourselves to hope again. And we must surround ourselves with people we choose to love, not people we are genetically predisposed to love or people who are exactly like us. This is how to come alive.

We'll just take a hypothetical person. She graduated in the top 10% and now studies at UT, where she feels mediocre because she is no longer "the smart girl" in class. She's only average here. So she joins a sorority trying to find belonging and meaning, but instead only feels more insecure as she tries to fit the mold of a beautiful, successful, intelligent, "all-around" kind of girl. She is enslaved to comparing herself to others. Then she graduates to work in a PR firm, where she still fails to find meaning because she spends her day helping a corrupt client gloss over its human rights violations. At the end of the day she goes out for drinks with her girlfriends, laughing unnaturally, telling herself she is living the good life but wishing she could meet just one decent guy at these bars she frequents who won't just abandon her. She's too scared to leave the country or to even talk to people who are different from her (not to mention her friends would think she is weird). And she wonders...is this the American Dream?

Let's take that same girl and instill her with faith, hope, and love. Going to UT is still really hard, and she fights the urge to feel that she's worth nothing compared to the many successful friends she's made. But rather than giving into the temptation of self-hatred, she decides to have faith that she has a purpose here and hope that she will fulfill it. She realizes that she can study her hardest and there will still always be people who seem more intelligent than her...but then, when she looks at Jesus and at what He values instead of what the world values, she begins to look at her hands rather than her body or even brain. She puts these hands to use loving people, using her communications skills to teach English to refugee families and hanging out with unloved people on the streets. She finds peace with who she is, and therefore continues to have peace when she graduates and looks toward her uncertain future in a struggling job market. Although she ends up waiting a while to find a job and endures many moments of feeling she has failed her parents, God, and herself, she eventually begins doing PR work for a local nonprofit that helps the homeless. She still hasn't found the love of her life or, for that matter, her dream job, but is resting in God's promises and learning that his love is more than enough. She is now studying a foreign language and dreams of ending poverty in that area of the world.

Is her life any easier? Not by a long shot. But is it more abundant? Does it have eternal significance? You bet. The first version of this girl was deadened and saddened, while the second version was awakened to her true calling and purpose.

What's sad is, some of you will read this and then go away thinking it doesn't apply to you. "Well, I AM one of the few who is called to be rich and comfortable" or "That sounds nice, but being idealistic gets you nowhere." When Jesus says he has come that we may have LIFE and have it to the full, what does he say before that? "The enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). The lives of Americans are being stolen and destroyed, and quite successfully. We're perpetuating the enemy's deceit and theft through the paths we encourage our children to take and the lies we continue to tell ourselves - namely, that comfort and security will bring us the abundant life. They never have and never will.

I have to add one more thing here, along the lines of comfort and security. If God has told you to do something and you haven't obeyed because you "love your family too much," you are flat-out sinning...not to mention missing the abundant life God has for you. Whether you are close to your mother and father and don't want to leave them, or whether you want to "protect" your children by raising them in the United States rather than, say, Uganda, it is still sin if God has tugged your heart elsewhere. We are commanded to love others above ourselves, and we are to honor our father and mother and care for our children - these things are true. But Jesus says very straightforwardly, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37). And he means it. Probably when you have said these excuses to fellow Christians in our culture, you have been met with understanding smiles and nods: of course you should feel that way and it is only natural and of course God can't expect you to put your kids in danger. But disobeying God is far worse than taking your kids to Africa.

That said, God certainly does not want you to abandon your family in their time of need. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." If you have a child, it is your top priority to provide for him or her, and if you have elderly parents whose health is failing, likewise. Although there are many who have been called to go and yet stay, there are also some who are itching to change the world but in the process neglect the responsibilities God has already given them. Remember what Jesus says in Luke 16:10: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." Be a faithful steward of what you have now, and trust that if God has given you dreams he will fulfill them in his timing and as your faith grows.

If you do not yet have a family and are waiting to obey God until he provides you with a husband or wife to comfort you, this too is a sin that betrays a lack of faith in the sufficiency and providence of Christ. Luke 16:10 also applies to you. And there is a second part to those two verse at the top that I want you to notice: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." "...You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!" When God wakes us up from our safe and comfortable lives and sends us on uneasy journeys that require faith, hope and love that can only come from him, He also shines on us and gives us joy. He provides everything. When I think of the phrase "shine on you," I think of the sun with its warmth, happiness, and comfort. If Christ shines on us, it is as if he turns his face to us in approval, and his blessings come down just like rays from the sun. And when we awake, we then sing for joy because Jesus fills us with such abundant life that we are about to burst with blessing.

So believe his promises, and ask him right now what waking from your sleep and rising from the dead mean for you. You may need to simply notice someone you ignore on the street each day, you may need to change jobs, or you may even need to move your entire family overseas. Are you living the abundant life?

Becky's Top 10 Ads of the 45th Superbowl

Another Superbowl has come and gone. Personally, I thought the halftime show was awesome, and if you don't like dancers in glowing suits dancing around with boxes on their heads, we should reconsider our friendship. And anytime Usher comes out and dances, it's a win.
Also, I have to congratulate Green Bay: not only did they win, but they seemed like a really nice bunch of guys *cue sexual harassment scandal that will miraculously emerge tomorrow*. No, but seriously. I'm happy for them.

On with the commercials!

First, the awards for the WORST of the WORST: I'm not sure what's more horrible, GoDaddy with its perennial pathetic attempts at getting anyone to care about its "scandalous" commercials that *gasp* can't be shown on TV, or Groupon with a commercial that could NOT have been in worse taste. I've been a big fan of Groupon, but lately some of their decisions have had me wondering. This, however, will not prevent me from using the two outstanding Groupons I have to Olivia and Zhi Tea. Or from buying more. But I digress.

Now for a couple of Honorable Mentions: Budweiser's "Tiny Dancer" commercial. It was cute, it made me laugh a bit, but it was too predictable to make it into the Top 10. You always have to love the Clydesdales though, and tough cowboys singing badly.

Also, Best Buy: Ozzy and Bieber. If only for the way Ozzy says "What's a Beeba?"

On with the Top 10!

10. Pepsi: Can Thrower

Because the music fits perfectly with the tone, you always have to laugh at a guy having to eat a fruit cup instead of fries, and you always have to laugh at things hitting people and then the throwers having the "walk away" reaction.

9. Coke: Border Crossing

Because of the poofball on the one guy's head. And because Coke must always beat Pepsi. Always.

8. Doritos: Finger Licking

Because of the deafening "ewwww!" squeals when this commercial came on. And because it's a crime not to lick your fingers.

7. Bridgestone: Reply All

When HAVEN'T we all had a moment like this? If only we had Bridgestone...

6. Chevy: Lassie Truck

A reference to Lassie ties in perfectly with Chevy's "Chevy Runs Deep" campaign as it tries to make itself distinctly American and home-y. And they managed to be clever with it, not just syrupy. They even made me say "awww" about a truck. Not sure I've ever expressed that particular sentiment before.

5. Doritos: Pug

Okay, here's where we start getting into all of the animals and kids. Because, if you've taken John Murphy's ADV318J class, you know those always win. (and the Lassie truck was a nice transition). But seriously, it's hilarious how tiny the pug is compared to the door and guy. Take THAT, would-be animal abuser.

4. Bridgestone: Beaver

This beaver was so freakishly adorable. Who wouldn't want a friend like that?

3. Doritos: House Sitting

Well, this is the one non-animal or kid exception to my top 5. And it has a fish and a cute old person, so it kinda counts. Oh the joy of the unexpected.

2. Volkswagen: Black Beetle

Again, love the music. Love the whole concept. And I have a soft spot for the car itself.

1. Volkswagen: Darth Vader Kid

If Darth Vader were in Apples to Apples, he would be my Trump Card. What's that, Helen Keller?

Seriously though, even though I would have immediately bumped any commercial containing Darth Vader to the top, this one truly deserved it. Star Wars, cute kid, loving family...what more could anyone ask for?

So Volkswagen basically wins the day, with Doritos and Bridgestone next in line. And I want a blue Bug named Betty more than ever. No offense to my current Ford Focus, Pedro. He's actually rather beetle-shaped anyway, so he'll do.

Survey of Character Strengths

My roomie is taking a "Positive Psychology" class (awesome new branch, right? I definitely prefer it to the Freudian stuff). Anyway, she showed me this cool test called "Survey of Character Strengths." You should take it! Apparently your Top Five are supposed to be "Signature Strengths" that you should find opportunities to use more often. I pretty much agree with my Top 5, although there are some strengths (like Enthusiasm) that ranked surprisingly low. Maybe I'm good at faking enthusiasm? Haha.

Here's the link to the site: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/default.aspx

Your Top Strength
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Your Second Strength
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.
Your Third Strength
Perspective (wisdom) Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.
Your Fourth Strength
Curiosity and interest in the world You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Your Fifth Strength
Love of learning You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Happy Father's Day

Click to see it! Enjoy!