What’s your definition of a Christian? Is it broad enough to encompass the drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes, and broken people of the world? Jesus said that he came to heal the sick. Drug addicts are messed up, just the same as liars are messed up, just the same as all humans are messed up. We all need Jesus. We all struggle with personal ways in which sin plays itself out in our lives.

What’s worse? To not do dope or to not love your brother? Why do we kick drug users out of church while quietly ignoring those who aren’t dealing with other, equally destructive sins? Why do we reject the loving, self-sacrificing, giving, encouraging, Jesus-pursuing drug addict but recruit the clean, self-interested, gossiping, loveless churchgoer? (”Under the Overpass,” Mike Yankoski)

(Update from January 2010: Mike Yankoski led devos for my team at work! What an unexpected treat! I tried not to act like a weirdo when I told him which part of his story touched me the most.)

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On a book-related note, I just finished “Waiter Rant” by Steve Dublanica (aka The Waiter). I haven’t logged all the books I’ve read between 1997 and now, but of the books that I did enter into my book journal, only three of them have gotten the full “five flower” rating–and “Waiter Rant” is the latest one. Matt was asking me how I rated my books. For example, would a Jane Austen novel be rated on the same criteria as, say, a Harry Potter book (none of which I logged, by the way)? I guess my only rating system is “How much did I enjoy the book?” And “Waiter Rant” was one that I truly enjoyed.

The writer is the author of waiterrant.net, which I had never visited until today. He anonymously blogged about his experiences as a waiter, and eventually got a book deal. Each chapter in his book has a subtle theme, and all of the anecdotes and musings in that chapter tie back into the theme. His anecdotes are entertaining, touching, and brutally honest. His writing style is clever and humorous. He is able to tie the his waiter experiences and lessons into life in general so that anyone could relate. Each chapter is what I strive for in my blog entries–to weave the current events in my life with a theme so that, in the end, whoever is reading my blog hopefully gets something out of it. (Sure, there will be some straight recaps tucked in there, but for the most part, I’d like to post more than just the “Here’s what I’ve been up to” entries.)

I was immersed in the restaurant industry briefly–and even then, just part-time–but even for people who have never donned the black apron and took meal orders, the book is still an entertaining read.

Is anyone turning 50 this year?

From the Airfare Watchdog website:
China Airlines is offering free flights to those born in 1959. Just fly with a fully paid passenger, sharing the same reservation, and you’re all set. This offer is good for outbound travel between February 20 and April 30, for flights departing from San Fran, Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu, and Vancouver - traveling to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, Delhi and Mainland China. All purchases must be made by March 31.

You know how we tend to say things like, “I’d never live in LA,” or “I’ll never run a marathon or even a half-marathon”? Well, never say never.

Last week’s chapel service got everyone all stirred up, motivated, and excited to participate as an organization in the upcoming Rock n Roll marathon here in Seattle on June 27. (The bright orange jersey was a huge draw for me.) Matt, not being one to get caught up in hype or commit to these types of things, actually showed interest. That was probably the biggest shocker for me–more than my own interest in doing it. We still haven’t registered, but we’re already on Day 2 in our training to run the half-marathon.

I’ve dabbled in running a few times in my life: waking up at 5:30 to run with Queencie before work, or meeting up with Keba to run around Seward Park. But the moments were short-lived because I never enjoyed running, and often felt more pain than exhilaration. I never understood my sister’s attraction to running. I don’t like running, but I wished that I could do it painlessly.

So maybe this will be my chance to move toward that goal. I’m always up for a challenge. I’ve already implemented some tips that have made the past two short runs somewhat enjoyable. (Listening to the “Wicked” soundtrack helps a lot, too.) I’m also excited about running with friends and embarking on a rare opportunity to work toward a goal with Matt.

We don’t have any selfless motives for doing this. We didn’t agree to do this to raise money for a good cause. But, since we’re doing this, we might as well make the option available for people to sponsor us if you feel led. (Check out www.firstgiving.com/mattmelip.) I know many of you already give to World Vision or some other worthy cause, so I don’t plan on broadcasting this via e-mail. If you want to support us in this way, thanks! Otherwise, send your prayers, cheers, and encouraging words our way throughout this process!

Last spring, I took up all the grass in the area in front of our house, and planted a ton of flowers and shrubs. I tried to be strategic about it, but you know what? You can never truly be *done* with the garden. Things can always be moved around, added, or taken out. After watching my garden die back into a barren mess over the winter, my hope is being renewed as signs of life are returning. Bare stems of trees and shrubs are being colored with red and green leaves, telling me “YES–we’re still alive!” Each day, I see a little more growth that shows me that spring is coming…and plenty of work is in store!

One of the fun things about having a garden is the community aspect of it. Plants are so easily transplanted, so you can literally share your garden with other people. The yellow-bloomed coriopsis and purply-green bee balm that took over several areas of the garden came from just one or two transplanted stems from my co-worker. Many of the other flowers are hand-me-downs from my neighbor who moved to Winnipeg. And then there are the fruits and veggies. Last year, several neighbors brought over fruit from their trees, and we handed off some of our tomatoes. I’m excited to grow more tomatoes and perhaps try growing some snap peas. And I’ll be keeping an eye on my neighbor’s Asian pear tree behind our house, too.

Even though a garden requires a lot of work, there is great joy that comes from getting my hands in the dirt and watching life unfold in my front yard. The colors, the textures, scents, and shapes–God sure got creative when He created plants.

I love this quote from U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown:

Let us remember there is a common bond that unites us as human beings across different beliefs, cultures, and nationalities. It is at the core of my convictions, the essence of America’s spirit, and the heart of all faiths. And it must be at the centre of our response to the crisis of today. At their best, our values tell us that we cannot be wholly content while others go without, cannot be fully comfortable while millions go without comfort, cannot be truly happy while others grieve alone.

And this too is true. All of us know that in a recession the wealthiest, the ten most powerful, and the most privileged can find a way through for themselves. So we do not value the wealthy less when we say that our first duty is to help the not so wealthy. We do not value the powerful less when we say that our first responsibility is to help the powerless. And we do not value those who are secure less when we say that our first priority must be to help the insecure. These recent events have forced us all to think anew. And while I have learnt many things, I keep returning to something I first learned in my father’s church as a child. In this most modern of crises I am drawn to the most ancient of truths; wherever there is hardship, wherever there is suffering, we cannot, we will not, pass by on the other side.

Jim Wallis quotes Prime Minister Brown in his column here, which is worth a read, and includes a link to Brown’s full speech.

For the past few summers that we’ve lived in Seattle, summertime always meant sun and outdoor adventures. But most of all, it meant CAMPING! And when I think of camping in Seattle, I think of Carolyn and her husband Jonan. Only a few months after we moved here, we took our first camping trip along with the mutual friends who introduced us. We had so much fun that camping has been an annual tradition with Carolyn, Jonan, and our other two friends since then. Because of Carolyn, I now HAVE to have fruit and chocolate burritos warmed by the campfire every single time we go camping.

They not only are our “camping buddies.” When Matt and I think of our friends here who are extra special to us, Carolyn and Jonan are among them. They are friends we could laugh with, be completely candid with, share our challenges with, and be encouraged by. I’ve loved being able to watch their family grow from two to three, and it’s been such a joy to spend time with their adorable son Grayson.

Carolyn is someone who instantly put you at ease. When she talks to you, she really listens and you can really feel that she cares about what you are saying. She remembers things that I’ve said, and brings them up in future conversations. She’s humorous - in a relaxed, subtle way, honest, extremely considerate, generous, and well-grounded. You know that when she says something, it’s not for the sake of wanting to say something; she really means it, and is deliberate with her words.

In addition to being a loving and caring person, Carolyn is absolutely talented. She’s an amazing photographer, great graphic designer, talented pianist (surprise, surprise - an Asian who plays piano?!), and a bargain hunter (yes, that is a talent). Even her e-mails (and her interview responses below) are well-written, despite what her college TA said (see question #4). And if you try to talk up her talents, you’ll see that she’s extremely humble about them.

I’m excited to introduce Carolyn to you all. I hope you enjoy her comments as much as I did.

1. One goal you’re striving for…To be more honest with myself – to admit my faults.  When I recognize my faults, I can recognize where it has been hindering my relationships and help me understand why I react to certain things.  Also it would allow me to bring these faults before the Lord with the hope that He will give me freedom from it, because I would never want my faults to be passed down to my children.

2. If you could open a store, what would you sell? I would open a little boutique that sells letterpress stationary, cards, invitations, etc.  In the back room would be my letterpress printer and equipment to produce all the pretty prints.  Then I would eventually extend the store to also house a small cafe that accommodates to mothers.  There would be a play area for the children, menu that also serves kids, and a bathroom that definitely has a changing table.

3. What is one of your fail-proof (or nearly fail-proof) ways to get your creative juices flowing? Believe it or not, I go shopping at the mall.  Okay, more like window shopping (unless I find something for a REALLY good deal).  I like to look at the stores’ window fronts to see how things are displayed.  Also, see what seems to be the color palette for the current season’s fashion.  I even pay attention to the tiny details like, shopping bags, clothing labels/tags, the sale signs, store catalogs, etc.  And then I finish it off with a vanilla latte and an Auntie Anne’s pretzel.

4. If you could go back to school and study something different, what would you choose to study and why? Writing.  In high school I had this English teacher (junior and senior year) who frequently gave assignments where we had to write fiction stories.  From that I discovered my love in writing fiction.  However, during freshman year in college my English TA obliterated my assignment.  So I was completely devastated and never wrote again.  When I look back, I wish I didn’t let a measly TA affect me like that.  I would go back to learn the art of writing and hear other students’ ideas, but not let someone else’s opinion of my writing discourage me.  Like visual arts, there are different preferences to writing styles.

5. What characteristic of yourself do you see in Grayson? Since he’s 18 months old, I feel like his full character has yet to be seen.  One thing I do know for sure is that he loves to laugh and engage in humor just like me.

6. What is one main lesson you’ve learned from being a parent? I am not in control.  This is a heavy revelation for someone like me who is such a control freak.  It’s very humbling to come to grips with this truth. My tendency, like all parents, is to shield Grayson from pain (physical and emotional), people who want to do evil, and the faulty ideas of the world.  Basically, if I could put him in a bubble I would. I know I can’t constantly be there for him in each stage of his life.  I have been shown that truly God is in control and is omnipotent.  All I can do is rely on Him.

7. What is one main lesson that you’d like to pass on to Grayson? His purpose in life is to have a love relationship with God.  If he accepts that truth and hold it close to his heart, I know everything else will fall into place.

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I’m actually really content in Washington, so I’m a little uncertain with this question.  I guess I would like to live in Portland because it reminds me of Washington/Seattle. The culture seems laid back and I think the city would be a kid friendly place.  Also, you gotta love the fact that you don’t have to pay sales tax.

9. You’re stranded on an island and you have two books, two albums and two movies with you. Which ones would they be? Two books: Bible and Purpose Driven Life. (Being that I am stranded, I’ll need a lot of assurance.) Two albums: any two of Kohala’s albums.  (They’re an instrumental group from Hawaii.  It’s all island sounding music, so might as well listen to that while stuck on one.)  Two movies: Anne of Green Gables and Pride and Prejudice (BBC version).  (I love these two movies and they are pretty long, which will come in handy since there’s a lot of time on my hands.)

10. Name a book or movie character that you most identify with and why? Amelie Poulain from the French movie Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain.  Her shyness, simplicity, quirkiness, and imagination just remind me of myself.  Also, how she devotes herself to bring happiness to other people, but is unaware of her own desires and needs.  I think I have the tendency of doing that sometimes.

11. Name three “must-have” camping items. Not sure if all of these fall under the category of camping items, but the only time I use these are during camping: headlamp, thermal under pants/top, and corn beef hash.

12. People say couples become more like each other as time passes. What is one aspect of Jonan that you are seeing more and more in yourself? I feel like I’ve taken my role as wife and mother more seriously.  Not that I was never serious – I cherish my roles, but knowing Jonan takes to heart how he is as a husband and father to me and Grayson is inspiring.  I want to better myself so that I can love and care for them the way God wants me to.

13. If you could go back in time and visit yourself in a previous time, when would that be, and what would you tell yourself? I would visit myself in high school.  Like every teenager, I went through an awkward stage while trying to figure out where I belonged in life.  I would tell myself that life goes beyond high school.  Once you graduate, everyone pretty much starts all over again and is on the same level.  You pretty much get a second chance at establishing yourself, and most times people do mature and grow up.

14. The thought that usually pops in your head when you first wake up is…Just ten more minutes, please!