poker, theology, the sky, and the man I will cherish... (reasons for elation and hope)

What a lovely day, week, break... Some thoughts to serve as an outlet for the overwhelming enthusiasm for life I feel:

Poker is fun! I played for the first time and did very well. Yeah! And I was complimented by the guy who I was head to head with for the last few rounds who admired my courage. Though I did eventually lose all my winnings.

Friends from home are special, we realized tonight that most of us have been friends for 10 years!

Thinking about summer travels...

Thinking about writing books. Especially in partnership with my wonderfully imaginitive younger brother who told me he would get back to me on the prospect of working together. haha

I loooove books and theology!!!! Julian Norwich's "Revelations of Divine Love" as well as Joan Chittister's "In Search of Belief" and "Called to Question" are staring me down currently begging to be read. I must take a break from my literary love affair with Mr. Lewis to listen to the words and stories of my Christian mothers and sisters.... Dorothy Day, Mother Theresa, Joan Chittister, Julian of Norwich, Joan of Arc, Madeleine L'Engle, Simone Weil, Corrie ten Boom, etc. These women have so much to offer the body and so do the men of course. I just hope more protestant women will rise up as leaders in theology and elsewhere because most of the leading female theologians come from the Catholic tradition. Hmmm protestants....

Nature is amazing. I love the sky the most I think... I forced my brother to look at the sunset this evening despite his protest that he would "go blind" because it was absolutely breath-taking--the sky was on fire with orange and an amazing dusty gold pink. And on these cold windy nights the sky and the moon have been so clear!

My relationship history... well I like to call it a comedy of errors; some of it is hilarious because it is so ridiculous and all of it is riddled with mistakes, small and monumental. That is not why I am enthusiastic about life, it is just that I know how faithful and wonderful God is and that despite the past he has someone who will exceed my expectations! And when I imagine the "man of my dreams," I imagine a man with dazzling intelligence who loves theology, beauty, and academia in general. Someone who passionately loves and obeys God. Someone who I greatly respect and admire for his mind and his character. Who I can discuss complex concepts with and be challenged, learn, and even debate. I want to learn from him and I hope he will be able to learn from me. Who has a rich, full personality with layers, someone 3-dimensional. He must understand just "being", having the ability to just sit with me without words. Who makes me laugh and helps me not be too serious. Who is adventurous and will travel with me through the world and through life. This man I will cherish and love passionately for my whole life and he will love me with open arms and an open heart.


So maybe I gush sometimes...