Business not as usual

I am really enjoying my classes at University of New Orleans. They are thought-provoking in that many of the nonprofit art organizations' problems are very similar to churches' problems. Last night's lecture by my Marketing the Arts teacher was eye-opening.

He started by talking about why marketing and art nonprofit organizations don't traditionally go together:

• Art organization leaders may consciously or subconsciously want only a certain kind of people to enjoy what their organization offers, so they believe that those who are interested will seek them out.

• The artists feel that advertising will cheapen their art or the experience of their art.

However, there was a man named Thomas Hoving, who took over the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in the 1960s, changed how art was no longer just for those elitist art lovers to hoard. He believed that art was for the general public. Unfortunately, not all people have enjoyed an education in the arts or have grown up in an environment where they have learned to appreciate art. So, in order to make the art more approachable, Hoving realized that he was going to have to create a way to explain it to the general public. He went a step further by even making the facade of the museum more of a social, inviting place. Hoving seemed to understand why the general public avoided the art museum.

I see a lot of parallels to the way the church has missed the mark in making itself more approachable. The churches look foreboding or really boring. They should be more of a social space. I still don't understand why protestant churches have a tendency to be boring and ugly (Matt always points out there's usually not enough money to build something nicer, but I always wonder if there's a better alternative than a simple, post-and-lintel, shed-like building). Also, the general public that has not grown up in church, doesn't understand why we do the things that we do. Many church services are so mediocre and boring that I can't blame people for falling asleep in them or avoiding them all together. We can't expect the general public to understand and immediately acclimate to this strange sub-culture we have created! I really don't see a problem with churches advertising their programs. I wish I would see them take advantage of all the great, modern channels for advertisement. Many churches have really old and/or cheesy graphics on their bulletins and mail outs. Many churches haven't realized the significant need for an up-to-date, modern, easy to use website. So many churches have refused to update to the needs of today's society that I wonder will happen to the church population in the future.

My teacher also compared art to religion in that both are desirable because of the intangible experience both generate. Art and religion express the emotions and desires of our souls. I am sad that Protestantism has traditionally stayed away from art. Art, whether it be visual, dance, or theatre, can express what's in your soul. I just love how my soul resonates with others' souls whether it's from a great worship band experience or it's because we are admiring the paintings of Monet.

As I was sitting in class, I started getting excited. I don't know how or when or where, but I want to bring the church into art. I want to see the church stop hiding behind the excuse of being comfortable elitists (maybe a little harsh?) who think people will come to them. Just as people in the arts need to educate the general public, the church needs to reach out to make itself a little less daunting. How do I want to start doing this? Well.... I really enjoy wearing jeans and flip-flops to church...

Hurricane fears

A week of graduate school finished and an evacuation for another hurricane.... Sounds a lot like my husband's story with Katrina. I pray that this amazing city doesn't end up in shambles like it did three years ago.

I did relief work in Mississippi and Louisiana after Katrina. I saw the devastation the hurricane caused. I watched the brave people coming back to their ruined homes to rebuild. But, after a week of hard work, I could pack up and go home.

Three years later, the city is still rebuilding and coming back to life. Houses in the poorer areas are still empty and decaying, but slowly but surely, people have started to return. I still see hundreds of FEMA trailers, blue roofs, and downed trees, but the city seems to have regained its vibrancy.

Now, after working and living in this city for three months, I have started to get to know the people who have bravely faced the rebuilding process. I guess I never really realized that everyone lost everything. My coworkers still tear up when they recall the first time they saw their house after Katrina. My boss is so happy that she, after a couple years of work, has finally moved out of the FEMA trailer and into her home. I get a little emotional now when I think about what another hurricane could do.

The city is doing everything it can to avoid making the same mistakes it did in Katrina. Everything is shutting down even before the Gustav storm hits the Gulf. I definitely don't think it's overreacting to take these steps so early. New Orleans is a fishbowl that is sinking into the Gulf.... yeah, we need to get out.

It's scary to think that I might lose all of the things that Matt and I have started using in our new life together. This is my first hurricane where I feel that there's a lot more at stake. It was never my house or my car or my lifestyle that was going to be effected. But, it helps me to see where my priorities are and how strong my faith is. We will be taken care of. God does not forget His people.

Matt and I are packing up, emptying the fridge, and leaving for Pensacola (yeah... still in the hurricane's path, we know...) as soon as I get off work. Yay for a long weekend. *sarcasm*

Graduate School Experience Begins!

Well, a big chunk of craziness has jumped into my life this week: grad school. I started my classes in Art Administration, and it's been interesting so far!

After my first class, I started to doubt my abilities and purpose in the program. I don't have any experience in the arts, and I don't even know where to begin to start getting experience. It seems that everyone has some sort of "in" into the arts industry, and all I have is some passion for art. What do I want to do? I don't know. Furthermore, I experienced my first dose of slight hostility towards Christians and Christianity. I am not ignorant to the fact that the arts world is not usually accepting of Christians, but I don't think that the reality of it set in until Tuesday. I will be mostly alone in my ardor for God. Will people still like me if they know I'm a Christian? How is this ministry going to be effective? Fear started to consume me!

But, in preparation for all of these emotions, God had been preparing me by leading me to read and listen to Bible stories about people who were fearful and doubtful but still went ahead to do God's will. Moses and Abraham both were fearful and doubtful when God directed them to go and expand God's kingdom. Yet, God was always faithful and patient with them. He provided them the things they needed to have faith and to accomplish His goals. I want to bring God's glory to the arts industry, and I believe He has called me to do that.

God has been faithful in providing for our needs here in New Orleans. I missed being around close friends and felt like an outsider here at the seminary. However, God has introduced us to some really amazing people. I am so thankful that I can say I have felt the satisfaction of being around people to whom I can relate. They have instantly made me feel a part of their group. They have already started to encourage me soooo much!!

Also, I cannot go on without saying how much I enjoy my work at UNO's College of Education. Everyone in the office is wonderful! It is such a pleasant place to work. Things might get a little crazy every now and then, but there is never a lack of laughter!


Well, anyway, we're all praying that Storm Gustav does not glide over to New Orleans. Gosh, I don't know what the city would do if it had another nasty hit by a hurricane. I really hope we don't have to evacuate!


The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. I Thessalonians 5:24

New life with adjustments

I have been married for about two months, and it has been amazing. I love being with my best friend all the time. He loves to take care of me and I love to take care of him. Marriage has definitely been an interesting adjustment: we're different people with different tastes, but we're making it come together! We've really enjoyed our adventures in the vibrant city of New Orleans, and we're looking forward to whatever life is going to bring our way.

The new life hasn't been without its challenges, though. So far, I have been struggling with trying to figure out how to make new friends as a married woman in an unfamiliar place. It's difficult to relate to people whose lives are the seminary. My life is partially the seminary, but I also desire to make a mark on the world outside of its gates. Isn't that one of the points of being in the ministry?

Anyway, Matt and I are also trying to decide in which church to serve. I loved the community-minded, more contemporary feel of Celebration Church. I wonder if I would fit in with that group more? But, we always seem to go back to Metairie Baptist. One of my concerns is having a group of people to whom I can relate and build friendships. Metairie doesn't have a very large young married couples class. Metairie also seems like it doesn't want too much involvement with the community. Maybe things are changing, maybe we're called to that church to help bring it to its next level. I don't know.... we're going to continue to pray about it.

Well, God has also been faithful to provide for us. I thought I wasn't going to be able to go to grad school right away, but He gave me a graduate assistantship in the College of Education. All my tuition is paid for and I have a 20-hour a week job. I'm thrilled that I can start my Art Administration grad program this fall! God directing me into His plan for my life. It's very comforting to know that He's in it all!

That's about it for me as of right now. I'm looking forward to going to Pensacola this weekend. I really want to see my friends before school starts. Things are going to start getting busy very soon!

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor--it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-14

New Orleans living

It's been a full week since I have moved to New Orleans. I can't believe how busy I have been even though I'm unemployed! Boxes to unpack, things to buy (I'm seriously exceeding my income), thank you notes to write, rooms to clean.... the list goes on and hasn't exactly calmed down! I'm grateful for my busyness because gives me a sense of satisfaction when I take care of my home and my husband. Hopefully, I will start a new job at Cafe New Orleans on the seminary campus this week. I really need to start making some money. Bills are coming up....

New Orleans is an interesting place to be. I admit, when in Pensacola, I would sometimes grow anxious about living in a city infamous for crime and strangeness. After a little while, though, I am not quite as afraid. Certainly, there are some places that I will not go by myself, but there are other places to which I feel comfortable traveling.

Additionally, I was concerned about a lack of friends. I came to the seminary fearful that everyone would be either too intellectual to have a real conversation, or too sheltered to know how to have fun, or even too scared of change to welcome someone new. However, I have found a community that is full of love for each other. Everyone has been really nice and helpful. I am really looking forward to making new friends!

Married life has also been great. After being separated for so long, Matt and I are really enjoying being together. It's so wonderful to wake up next to the man I love so much! I love making coffee for us in the morning and bringing lunch to him in the afternoon. It's fun being a newly-wed.

Well, it's off to the cafe to do some paperwork and start my work schedule. I'm so excited that I won't be stuck behind a desk!

Whoa: My crazy fast trek to marriage!

It's been a while since I have written in here. I've been pretty busy with working a lousy job, planning a wedding, getting married, and moving to New Orleans. Now I'm sitting at my desk in my new apartment as I listen to my husband playing a video game (which he actually doesn't spend a lot of time on video games, thank goodness!!).

I've learned a few things in the past six months.

I learned a lot about patience and customer service when I worked at the Center for Sight making appointments for cranky old people. Also, when there's someone at work who gets enjoyment out of letting her unhappiness affect other coworkers, being super sweet back is the best way to get that person off your back. I digress--customer service requires so much patience and knowledge about who and what you are working for.

Additionally, planning a wedding will inevitably lead to tension between family members. I definitely didn't keep a good attitude with my mom, and I am still trying to learn how to deal with two sets of parents that don't understand a lot about communication. Wedding planning is exciting. Move planning, however, is not. During the time of your engagement, you are not just planning a celebration, you setting down some groundwork for your new life.

Now for one of the more humorous lessons learned: how to plan a vacation. Matt and I forgot to book a hotel room for one night during the honeymoon. Fortunately, Disney is so accommodating that the process of checking out and back in to a room was not stressful. Also, one King Size bed meant a handicapped room, which also meant a terrible shower. Furthermore, Disney's Deluxe Dining Plan is entirely too much food.


Anyway, I'm in New Orleans trying to get used to life in a strange city (seriously, this is city is weird). I'm looking forward to starting work in the seminary's cafe and hopefully in a dean's office at University of New Orleans. God has been tremendously generous to us so far. I feel that the next step of my life in His plan is happening right now. Matt is an awesome husband and my very best friend. Life is really exciting right now!

Pictures:
Tara (our amazing photographer)'s blog
All of the pictures from Tara

A Merry Christmas, and Middle-aged woman syndrom

It's been a while since I have been able to write. I have been busy moving, graduating, meeting family, and enjoying the Christmas break. This Christmas has definitely been one of the best in my short life. I have been inducted into two new families. Being engaged has taken my relationships with Matt, family members, and friends to a new level. I feel accepted amongst his family as a new daughter/niece/granddaughter. A new group of people are welcoming me into their social circle: adult women. I also feel slightly awkward as I transition (however slowly over 6 months) out of my (not as active as it once was) college social life. Being able to spend so much time with Matt this past month has slowed the effects of graduation and engagement, but as time continues to move forward, I know I will be forced to face the changes.

In my transition to truly independent adulthood (which won't be completed until June), I have noticed one of my biggest dislikes and fears about adulthood creeping up on me. O God, help me so that I do not become one of those control-freak, discontent, middle-aged women!

Control-freak
I saw this to be especially clear when I helped box up Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in Tally. A middle-aged woman, who is obviously so dedicated to the cause (note of sarcasm) that she came to do the manual labor in her church clothes straight from the service/lunch made sure to direct everyone there on who was to do what and also thrived from our need to ask permission or for instructions. Absurdity!

I notice that a lot of these middle-aged women seem to have some sort of insecurity that drives them to demand control over situations and submission from all who are involved. I believe that it has to do with pride. Their pride is seriously wounded when they are told what to do or have to share the glory of success in execution or creativity. God calls for humility in His people. We cannot do His will successfully when we try to tell Him where we are supposed to go and what we are supposed to do. Only God has absolute control and we will be utterly disappointed with our wrong choices (made from missing the big picture). Furthermore, if we become a dictator over these small activities, we snatch the opportunity for other people to grow and feel satisfaction from hard work. I love this verse "Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies." I Cor. 8:1b.

Discontent
As I spent time with middle-aged women, I heard a lot about buying more Christmas tree decorations on sale and weight-gain. Truly, I did not witness a lot of self-control. These ladies buy more and more crap every year when all the Christmas stuff goes on sale. They have boxes of Christmas decorations, which looks like clutter when displayed. I guess decorating is fun, but not worth it to spend that much money! Furthermore, all the ladies told me that I was so skinny and that I could eat anything I wanted but they were old and weighed too much. I have flab around my core. I have to watch what I eat and exercise (2 disciplines I am trying to learn). When you get older, you gain weight. Period. As long as you are healthy, that's all that matters. Being attractive has a lot to do with confidence and knowing how to style yourself... meaning don't be stuck in the 80s!! Plastic surgery, tummy tucks, face lifts, and collagen injections will work for only so long. When you get old, your body is not going to look like its 30 years old, so sooner rather than later, those treatments will look very unnatural. I hope I can maintain my youthful looks, but I would rather have elegance because that's timeless.

O God, I hope I don't spend my life never being satisfied with anything! I am starting to see how empty that all is. Sure, I want a nice home, or even a nice wedding. But, if I constantly covet so-and-so's wardrobe or whatever, I will miss the satisfaction in my circumstance or in myself. I don't want to waste my time talking only about Victoria Secret's semi-annual sale (even though I know I do). I like this verse: "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Phil. 4:11


I am going to miss Intervarsity in Tally. They showed me that a Christian group can dismiss the "pecking order" and cliques and enjoy a loving community. It was the first time in a long time that I didn't assume some sort of leadership role (sounds cocky...), but I am so happy that I was able to recieve some of the best discipleship I have ever had. It wasn't about being a leader there. It was about being a part of a community. They used to call me to hang out just because they liked me, not because they wanted to disciple me and see where I was spiritually. How refreshing.

Wellllll......... this is a super long post! Haha, I've had all this stuff in me for a while I guess. Now to study for the GMAT.... I promise....