tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53724202011-11-27T19:30:29.794-05:00my thoughts while under constructionmaureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.comBlogger4711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-14282921237504832152010-01-22T12:58:00.000-05:002010-01-22T13:00:12.423-05:00

the start of the new decade made me reflective. so i wrote this post:here are some of my reflections and events over the last decade of my life. overall, i think the take home for me is the understanding that life is hard. i know- pretty revolutionary huh? i think the 90’s i just thought they were hard for * me *. not for you. but i am seeing more clearly that life is hard on either side of

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-81762904673615735522009-10-04T17:33:00.005-04:002009-10-04T19:26:17.700-04:00

just to keep a record of my adventures in gardening:so this season i tried a couple of things from seed. i had very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. i have had little to no time to maintain our allotment but it has been pretty self sustaining and we had regular rain as well.i did peppers, carrots, okra and spinach from seed and directly into the ground. i bought a

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-59337489933700171652009-02-01T13:43:00.004-05:002009-02-01T14:36:42.660-05:00

improv elmo/cookie monster plan b cakewell our baby is two years old. this is an attempt to record my emotion and the events of our day... no blogging comeback by a long shot. we celebrated today w/ family and had a wonderful time. we had dance party to open and conclude our time and at cake in between. it was a cookie monster/elmo hybrid cake. i had no choice but to make it a hybrid when i

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-91888216182944892142008-08-08T12:25:00.002-04:002008-08-08T12:45:33.878-04:00

i may resign my title as a blogger. i'm not heartbroken. just a bit overwhelmed with life. practically. emotionally. my energies are just elsewhere for now and any spare time i do have goes to recouping or trying to find things that feed my soul rather than pass the time. honestly, life has been challenging. but i know the Lord is working in me and changing me. so much of our lives are in

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-85274233561516969942008-05-25T22:01:00.001-04:002008-12-08T17:04:46.208-05:00

my father in law passed away may 12th. we've been scrambling around and trying to prepare for charles' trip to nigeria to bury his daddy. needless to say, we have tried to manage the stress of work, school, baby, house, church and everything else- we have limped through it all! please keep us in your prayers. i wrote a long time ago about the customs involved with burial in charles' region of

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-22959910408970951982008-05-16T00:40:00.001-04:002008-05-16T00:43:29.111-04:00

"the vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for the numerical growth of the Body of Christ in any city, and the continual corporate renewal and revival of the existing churches in a city. nothing else...will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting.": dr. tim keller

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-33445101942602741392008-04-28T20:10:00.001-04:002008-04-28T20:41:32.492-04:00

“the Church is the only organization in the world that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members.”~ archbishop william temple

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-32505806078232683042008-04-15T18:03:00.002-04:002008-04-15T18:05:12.114-04:00

i heard this prayer lately and i have been praying it often."jesus bless you, jesus free you, jesus release you;jesus bless me, jesus free me, jesus release me."

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-85386045294976099762008-04-06T09:42:00.008-04:002008-04-06T10:46:50.206-04:00

i don't really have anything witty or profound to say. updating you via a post on life and its happenings seems like it would take a lot of energy and not cover the complexities of life right now. so a picture post will have to suffice!working the fro with a hcd (hair control devise)swinging and squeeling.nana and laurel's pizza birthday party.easter 2008pastaheadconstance's favorite place in

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-91051734120225095592008-03-11T18:00:00.002-04:002008-12-08T17:04:46.354-05:00

lyndi and constanceNoodles & Co. is spreading the word about their new Clintonville location at 5032 N. High St. (across from Graceland Shopping Mall) by holding an amazing fund-raiser for Thomas Worthington High School. The student council at the school has voted to use these funds to support the Buckley's move to serve in Tanzania.100% of the profits between 4- 9 PM this Wednesday, March 12th

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-70847908461758010002008-03-03T08:25:00.000-05:002008-03-03T08:51:15.242-05:00

two recent and lovely rendezvous with friends made me more aware of how isolated i have felt lately. when i feel isolated, my solution is to put new sheets on the bed, get my favorite newly washed pajamas, stockpile magazines and stay in our room for the night/day. i tried this recently. i thought it sounded like a good way to spend a saturday night. it is a good way to spend a saturday

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-59973103504064055122008-02-24T19:24:00.000-05:002008-02-24T19:25:12.444-05:00

dear february,i'm so over you.signed,maureen

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-81223995997751605392008-02-20T14:08:00.001-05:002008-02-19T19:08:26.703-05:00

"but what of black women?...i most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire."~ w.e.b. du bois

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-51421650902993940632008-02-17T10:21:00.004-05:002008-12-08T17:04:46.528-05:00

important things have come to pass this weekend. a culmination of blood sweat and tears over many many years. read about the journey for kosovo to become independent. this is a beloved part of the world to me. the story of albania and ethnic albanians in the balkans (and beyond) is a story that evangleicals should take to heart! the impact on the muslim world on the lives of albanians is

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-88598566007323920392008-02-07T22:53:00.000-05:002008-02-07T23:03:10.125-05:00

"where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.": frederick douglass

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-12967083299670821532008-02-05T22:00:00.000-05:002008-02-05T20:14:23.413-05:00

i've done this before in different manners- but this year- i just want to post two lists. the first list are things i will work towards this coming year. the second list are things i hope to be true when i'm forty.this year i will turn 35. which basically means that 40 is around the corner (eek!). when i was in may late twenties- i made a list of things i wanted to be true of me and i found

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-18031681641988944802008-02-01T11:42:00.000-05:002008-02-02T10:41:27.743-05:00

since marrying charles, i have become an oprah convert*. i used to snidely discount anything she did said, or anything about her... but she's not all bad. in fact, i officially like oprah.this guest she had one recently is worth listening to. what a perspective! just be glad i didn't forward the forward of the forward that i got this link from...*i doubt i will convert to liking lionel

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-74258306480641520992008-01-24T09:59:00.000-05:002008-01-31T09:05:57.751-05:00

1. darfur. still. again.2. niger- delta conflict. (note: the link is dated- but provides a good overview if you're unfamiliar)3. the presidential race here in the united states.4. what president bush will do in iran.5. investigation of the assignation of former prime minister buhto in pakistan.6. if conversations about trade or economics(with mexico in particular) plump up rather than

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-57575068129524171372008-01-21T22:31:00.000-05:002008-01-21T22:45:06.380-05:00

i am unsure if i just witnessed a tantrum. maybe the fact that i'm asking that q question- answers the question. maybe when you see a tantrum- you just know. back arching, arms flailing and screaming. does this qualify? anyone with kids- please let me know the following:when was the first tantrum you remember?what were the markers?how old was your kid?what did you do?secondly- i've been

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-19156759978512996252008-01-17T21:56:00.000-05:002008-01-17T22:26:07.415-05:00

lentil soupmorning coffeemorning paperconstance's gigglemuga muga w/ charles (which is not a euphemism- it's a sullivanism for rubbing faces)deck screws. i know this one is weird- but i love em! the economistgoing to the movies by myself most any yard work with the exception of mowing the lawn. basically landscaping.89.7 wosu- except i'm disappointed they added npr talk to it. even though i

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-73061694203867331642008-01-16T13:27:00.000-05:002008-01-16T13:38:11.432-05:00

i like lists. i used to be compulsive about lists and now i only stalk people who are compulsive about lists. i have lots and lots of sites bookmarked where i look at people's lists. weird- i know. but true. lists make my world make sense. if i get overwhelmed- i make a list. i used to color coat them- but now i don't. progress not perfection eh? so i'm going to post some lists on here.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-35036034075321419412008-01-14T18:14:00.000-05:002008-01-14T18:08:12.225-05:00

"... a humble self knowledge is a surer way to God than a search after deep learning...": a'Kempis

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-74205416711371410012008-01-03T06:21:00.000-05:002008-01-03T08:41:07.700-05:00

i thought i would catalog the evolution of my thinking and position where politics are concerned.here's my account:this is a snap shot of where i was over ten years ago...between the ages of 19 and 23 i did the following:wore black the day bill clinton was inaugurated. listened to rush limbaugh everyday (for pleasure. without barfing- not the whole five years but many of the five).ask for a

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-79481485573247402902007-12-31T01:18:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:47.905-05:00

highlights, lowlights and middlelights.january:constance.what can i say about constance ebelechukwu? here's a pic that describes what has happened since she arrived:i cannot say how my heart has grown this past year. when i think about my heart in 2006 and what the gift of our daughter's presence has done to my heart in 2007- it seriously seems to me that my heart was teeny tiny and now might

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-18373938268711792582007-12-26T23:27:00.000-05:002007-12-26T23:32:42.852-05:00

i found this hilarious. hope you like it too.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-48008037269923154462007-12-20T10:15:00.000-05:002007-12-20T11:07:59.140-05:00

his smilehis heart for jesushis heart for constancehis heart for mehow he loves his mom.how he loves my mom.how he attempts to use american english idioms.how his first response to nearly any quandary is to pray.that he looks more like 28 than 38.that he has a burden for african americans and respects their experience here in our country(which can be rare in africans).how he is indiscriminate

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-67568708540263575182007-12-15T11:18:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:48.366-05:00

maybe you can relate to this...hold husband responsible to know what i need or want through mind reading and e.s.p.fault husband when and claim it is unromantic when you have to tell him what you want or need.so... i love surprises. but b/c i have a huge affinity and propensity to resentment; as a couple have had to alter some of our strategies in gift giving. basically, i make charles a list

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-43702282519179909352007-12-13T20:02:00.000-05:002007-12-13T13:00:37.046-05:00

we went to a nice potluck event last weekend. the monthly meeting is organized by a group called 'interracial families in friendship'. while most of the families are interracial by adoption; it was still encouraging to see others that had a different family setting than most. i look forward to going again and am excited for the prospect of constance having some playmates that have a different

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-80869732154628459452007-12-06T20:25:00.000-05:002007-12-07T00:16:41.780-05:00

well i've had this job a week and i think it might be the end of me. it gives an immediate solution to the immediate challenge to our cash flow 'issues'- so i know i'm supposed to be grateful. i worked for this woman throughout college- but i'd forgotten how weird cleaning other people's crapola can be. i've also forgotten the interesting and varied demographic that this woman tends to

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-12337964510057854582007-11-27T15:29:00.000-05:002007-11-27T15:55:05.636-05:00

i don't like not having a computer at home. i'm at the library and felt compelled to let you all know that i'm alive. i mean... if anyone still reads this. here's the thing- i have a lot to write about. for starters, i successfully roasted my first thanksgiving turkey.it was also the first time i hosted the festivities. we had another nigerian family over and somehow- that took alot of the

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-60507258150035631812007-11-01T17:37:00.000-04:002007-11-01T20:55:11.646-04:00

we arrived home safely last evening. i will continue to blog about the trip for the coming week at the 2million prayers blog. then will resume to 'normal blogging' here sometime afterwards. just wanted to alert you of our arrival!+++come look at some pics+++

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-67378458091587624872007-10-05T07:33:00.000-04:002007-10-05T10:00:34.634-04:00

i will attempt to keep an account of our time in nigeria on this new blog. i don't know what kind of access to the internet we will have- but my hope is to post throughout our trip!if you're not a central vineyard columbusite- than i will make you aware of agreat adventure blog from our friend john mccollum. he and his son are in southeast asia working to establish more orphanages with asia's

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-50746590559903909082007-09-26T09:42:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:49.200-05:00

here's a summary of our summer. the last two summers seem to have been particularly full and hectic. but i wouldn't trade them for anything.dedicationme, charles, constance (note her rhinestone paton leather shoes), jennifer and my momthis was our highlight of our summer. in early june- we dedicated constance at church. my sister in law who lives in nyc came in and brought felicia (her best

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-8940916497655982442007-09-20T13:17:00.000-04:002007-09-20T13:19:56.348-04:00

Lukewarm acceptance is more bewildering than outright rejection.”: dr. m.l. king

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-51108006509222090892007-09-14T23:07:00.000-04:002007-09-15T00:11:12.958-04:00

i heard about the situation in jena lousiana some time ago. the story; which labeled the case as a hate crime- sticks out in my mind b/c it's not often you hear about hate crimes committed by black people. i have only recently become aware of the context in which this story has unfolded and escalated (thank you chelsea).there will be a prayer vigil wednesday night september 19th from 6pm-7pm at

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-80977103452397356762007-09-10T16:39:00.000-04:002007-09-10T16:51:17.014-04:00

it sobers me that the only coverage accessible to me on general petraeus' testimony is carried on a non american radio program. the whole thing is pretty effed up if you ask me. good thing they didn't cut into guiding light.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-42007906254389743372007-09-07T16:13:00.000-04:002007-09-06T10:59:00.984-04:00

i have been following a story that the columbus dispatch covered about a family from liberia who may be split up b/c of deportation. i thought i would link to the articles.article 1article 2article 3if you're so inclined; write these congress people and ask that they intervene on behalf on sunny and bernice bryant:senator sherrod brownu.s. representative steve chaboti don't know this family- but

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-39317887720391429312007-09-03T09:39:00.000-04:002007-09-03T10:13:26.949-04:00

our dear friend jess emailed charles to participate in this 'meme' phenomena. here is his response........................................RULES:You can only say Yes or No!You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!Tag 5 people to complete the survey!Danced in front of your mirror naked? YesEver told a lie? YesHad feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-20776944304241821442007-08-31T10:26:00.000-04:002007-08-31T10:19:28.505-04:00

"revelation usually begins, by God revealing us to ourselves. only then does God reveal the Divine self to us... coming to know and trust God's love is a life- long process. making this knowledge the foundation of our identity- or better, allowing our identity to be re-formed around this most basic fact of our existence- will also never happen instantly. both lie at the core of the spiritual

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-21885454349664827482007-08-26T12:02:00.000-04:002007-08-27T22:24:54.577-04:00

i thought i'd mention some jobs leads that i am excited about- especially considering that i have not been excited about many job opportunities i've come across...youth development job w/ osu extension at indianolia middle school.community development analyst with the state of ohio.civil rights investigator w/ the state.voter's right investigator w/ the state.'vip desk' concierge for rich

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-65982559437049665352007-08-17T09:52:00.000-04:002007-08-17T09:05:53.349-04:00

i doubt i can tire of this commercial. it will always seem to make me smile.have you discovered fair game? i don't know when it began; but it just became available here in columbus within the last year. i'm hooked! listen to this great parody on the resignation of karl rove.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-56292441299832845332007-08-11T09:01:00.000-04:002007-08-11T07:50:52.953-04:00

my dad died six years ago today. loosing him so progressively and arduously was the most difficult thing i've done to date. his loss has gotten easier- but it surprises me that not a day goes by that i don't think about him. i miss him very much.it blows my mind is that he never got a chance to meet and know charles. he would adore charles. and that's not even to mention constance. he's

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-85202516291126886952007-08-03T21:11:00.000-04:002007-08-03T22:54:40.675-04:00

this book is written by holocaust survivor and psychoanalyst viktor frankl. basically if you read this book- you might think twice about bitching about your lfe. frankl's gift to me is that he leaves the outcome of terrible circumstances to the response of the recipient. maybe it will be a gift to you too. he is a quintessential example of a man who owned his choices in life- namely his

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-53869711936716682592007-07-26T22:28:00.000-04:002007-07-25T22:19:11.295-04:00

"the good news of the gospel is that the longing for home need not be merely nostalgic. home is not just a real or imagined memory. home is also a promise made by God to His people... as much as this is a promise for the future, it is not only for the future...this is a promise that involves the body as well as the soul. the christian community is not a spiritual club; it is a household,

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-5777187867330408782007-07-23T22:07:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:49.729-05:00

prunnersthese are my old school prunners. i love them b/c they are old school. you can disassemble them and oil them all up and clean them.shoesthese are my summer shoes. i wear them mostly in the summer. i bleach them often and it doesn't kill them. i have had them for about fifteen years.mopi have a whole theory on mops as cash cows. it is a whole post in and of itself. no joke. i have

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-52748877914500086822007-07-17T21:37:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:50.452-05:00

here are some links i found that i wanted to post b/c i think they are funny, worthwhile, or both.africa actionwomen changing zimbabwe. listen to npr coverage here.a picture of your pockets.find some junk and make a magazinerude notes from passive aggressive or aggressive aggressive people.public spaces in neighborhoods.ban comic sansthe micah challengeafrica faith and justice networkas for

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-18200781478120648402007-07-10T13:09:00.000-04:002007-07-10T16:37:30.908-04:00

well. i'm thinking about going back to school. this is my annual revisitation of the issue. which got me thinking about other ideas that have come down the pike of my mind over the years. i thought i'd catalog them here...the following are some different things that i have considered pretty seriously over the last five years. some are life direction things (like teaching) and others fall

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-10067506804783595052007-07-06T10:16:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:20:12.107-04:00

"my africa is rich in human resources and dignity, i get insulted when i see only images of our dying, our wars, our Darfur, our AIDS victims... not our doctors, our nurses, our teachers... africa must find it's own saviors: the salvation of africa is in the hands of African women.": iman abdulmajid

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-4190595267708312392007-06-27T13:32:00.001-04:002008-12-08T17:04:50.569-05:00

this edition of vanity fair is wonderful and i hope that many folks are able to get it and hear a more holistic news about africa. charles actually thinks the articles give a fair portrait of the variety of the continent. which for those of you that know charles- that is saying a lot. i guess it doesn't smack of condensation. there's actually pictures of people going to work (gasp). i

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-77566862869288457782007-06-15T23:08:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:21:06.824-04:00

"it is good to learn early enough that suffering and God are not a contradiction but rather a unity, for the idea that God himself is suffering is one that has already been one of the most convincing teachings of Christianity. i think God is nearer to suffering than to happiness, and to find God in this way gives peace and rest and a strong courageous heart." :: dietrich bonhoffer

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-46173442141758972112007-06-14T19:26:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:22:41.688-04:00

"shalom in a special way is the task and burden of the well- off and powerful. they are the ones held accountable for shalom. the prophets persistently criticized and polemicised against those well-off and powerful ones who legitimized their selfish prosperity and deceived themselves into thinking it was permanent. the prophetic vision of shalom stands against all private arrangements, all '

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-12308086052629472072007-06-04T10:55:00.000-04:002007-06-04T11:07:16.654-04:00

this is a link to an article that made me sad. as if the norm for women in the sex industry is home ownership and higher education. as if those 'accomplishments' are even the real issue.pretty sure that america's consciousness has been so dulled by a spirit over sexedness that somehow the life style and seeming upwardly mobile direction of one stripper gives legitimacy to an industry that

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-50559462411142070942007-05-29T12:59:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:50.790-05:00

how did i ever live without you?things i have power washed:: car floor mats: bricks for garden: driveway: walkway: pavers: garden furnitureplease submit other things that i can power wash. i'm looking for excuses. megan power washed her face- so don't submit that as an option b/c needless to say- it did not turn out well. i'd link to the story b/c it was quite funny- but alas- her blog

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-73477451467218487122007-05-22T16:15:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:50.931-05:00

i just gave constance a hickey. can you blame me?

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-75505788936077913132007-05-11T17:11:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:22:59.522-04:00

"everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.": leo tolstoy

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-45483888828093359692007-05-02T19:20:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:28:27.314-04:00

i've been thinking about something lately. lets see if the thought is coherent yet.when i lived in albania; we would regularly pick up short term missions teams at the 'airport'. it was technically an airport b/c planes landed there; but it barely met my criteria for an airport b/c as an american it lacked things i associated w/ airports. namely, a paved runway, some sense of order, and

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-35075348969423549752007-04-26T09:14:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:51.233-05:00

being married to charles has brought to my attention that i don't know how to pray.friday we had a small group of people over to pray for the elections in nigeria (see links below for coverage of the elections). this realization of mine (that i don't know how to pray) was stirred in me at a deeper level friday.charles led the time and would transition everyone through the prayer points.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-58031679845666070562007-04-22T14:32:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:51.388-05:00

jen and constancemy sweet friend jen was in town this past weekend and we hung together. she wanted to eat constance but i told her she was not allowed. she likes new jersey and i think we may visit her when we goto visit my aunt this summer in philly.i will...get outside daily w/ constance. running errands doesn't count. driving to the park to walk does. weather it's in the yard or for a

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-81137990344474106602007-04-19T10:45:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:23:15.689-04:00

"the Dragon is by the side of the road, watching those who pass, beware lest he devour you. we go the Father of souls, but it is necessary to pass by the dragon." ~ st. cyril of jerusalem

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-51929880214152821372007-04-11T21:20:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:51.516-05:00

well if you have not picked up on this- i absolutely love being a mom. i knew that i would like it. but it is way way better than i thought. i am absolutely nuts about constance. shes the kind of baby that i put her down to sleep and i can't wait till she gets up so i can see her again and be together. she is laughing and smiling more and more which is a complete joy. it is amazing how a

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-14307721594290766122007-04-10T09:39:00.000-04:002007-04-26T09:25:13.105-04:00

but i play one on t.v.i know that this list might look incriminating but alas- i'm trying not to care what people think about me. b/c lets face it- people think about me less than i think they think about me...here are movies i've watched since constance arrived. i have canceled our blockbuster membership-but really enjoyed using it while it was cold and we were housebound.accepted: i didn't

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-76014594030862046422007-04-06T09:31:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:23:32.352-04:00

"1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-2484191048548739872007-04-04T20:43:00.000-04:002007-04-10T09:29:45.152-04:00

no impact man (read his FAQ section)and some other links of interest:eat localfixreverend billyboth thought provoking and hard core.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-24125346434367479492007-03-29T08:53:00.000-04:002007-04-10T09:30:54.853-04:00

i seem to sing constance songs w/ a pakistani accent.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-28752145645739355492007-03-16T14:31:00.000-04:002007-04-10T09:31:24.830-04:00

go and sign this petition.genocide continues in darfur and we can do something about it.many a sermon has been preached on the persistent widow- what she was persistent about isn't normally what is admired. she persistently cried out for justice (lk 18).

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-48629894397897163402007-03-12T13:06:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:29:27.424-04:00

the best way to get people to comment on blog is to shamelessly post photos of adorable daughter...

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-58062858300946390242007-03-05T22:53:00.000-05:002007-04-10T09:33:36.736-04:00

bono preaches in his acceptance speech.senegal's democratic elections.kristof on somali stories of hope.free and fair elections in nigeria in april 2007.my husband's website (see button to the right).praying for revival in nigeria that will change the face of africa...just some great stories from a continent pregnant with bright potential.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-76664047867339772222007-02-21T13:51:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:51.708-05:00

well- life is good here. i look at constance throughout the day and think my heart may seriously burst. my uniform designate for this activity is my bathrobe. she sits on my chest and draws these sweet shallow breathes that melt my heart. when she awaken from a milky stupor- she stretches like she's jackie joyner kersey. omg- how she stretches! the intensity in her face amazes me.i have

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-16294775766581261942007-02-09T16:27:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:52.458-05:00

our week has consisted of nursing, changing diapers and staying in our pajamas. we got out to run some errands on tuesday- just charles and i which was nice. our church family has been so kind to deliver meals since we've been home stretching into next week which has been so wonderful. it's so great to serve and be served- to love and be loved. few things are better!saturday was the worse day

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-34939044505751172342007-02-07T12:09:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:53.387-05:00

well- she's here. constance ebelechukwu okonkwo...and so are they. the 'they' that i speak of are the curls. here are some pics to partake of and enjoy. as you can see, she's jaundice. that's a matter of prayer if you pray for us. please pray constance nurses and feeds well so that things resolve themselves. her doc (whom we love) says things are on the right track- so that makes this

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-65455868202466935672007-01-22T19:08:00.000-05:002007-01-22T19:28:14.314-05:00

i read this story in the sunday times and really enjoyed. the right mix of harsh realities and hope.the article is about the fugees- a soccer team of refugees. ironically, immigration services decided that the heart of the bible belt would be a good place to resettle some families. unfortunately, kingdom welcome is not the expereince described in the article. hope you get to read it

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-42132352703112653802007-01-11T20:11:00.000-05:002007-01-11T20:12:14.027-05:00

all i want to eat is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-72563969340995938222007-01-01T11:27:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:53.588-05:00

our first christmas in a house we own!favorite thing that happened in 2006:getting pregnantbiggest suprise of 2006:buying our first home and have it contain some of the specific things we both dreamed of in a home.biggest challenge of 2006:work and managing the stress it has caused.favorite used phrase of 2006:"... make sweet sweet love..."biggest success of 2006:asking for help during my

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-44194689103519682712006-12-28T20:41:00.000-05:002007-07-06T10:24:13.200-04:00

: i have a weakness for all things espinoge.: i want people to think i'm laid back- but i'm actually pretty uptight.: i always play like i hate chains but i love walmart and can't resist the prices.: i did a break job on my fox and lived to tell about it. i consider it a badge of honor for my womanhood.: i've been trying to think of a subtle way to work that into a blog post- but i'm

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-19096592200256925752006-12-16T17:33:00.000-05:002006-12-16T16:48:12.881-05:00

waking myself up from a dead sleep b/c i'm snoring or snorting.preganancy is not for the faint at heart people.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-915538753363640952006-12-10T13:24:00.000-05:002007-07-06T10:31:06.576-04:00

so- we're having a girl. i already mentioned it but it has consumed my thoughts of late.we're excited. but when i think about it too much i get kinda scared. here are some things that i have been thinking about lately.i found some comfort in the thought of having a boy b/c if i had a baby boy i would pass off half my mistakes in raising him with the excuse, 'how am i supposed to know? i'm a

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-3042052209221508342006-12-02T23:43:00.000-05:002007-07-06T10:24:41.438-04:00

i have reached my quota of downer stories about africa. i read a story in a major publication that sent me over the edge. i read these desperatley awful stories and see pictures of kids w/ no shoes and snot on their face and wonder- 'who are these people publishing these stories?' if i read one more i might jump off a cliff.the article today was the relationship between hiv/aids infection and

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-45319539734019945742006-11-14T21:26:00.000-05:002006-11-14T21:33:30.264-05:00

i was going to sit down and write a meaningful post.instead i am posting this adorable picture of maggie and jack sullivan.my husband just arrived home and he's shouting and doing the nigerian version of the flashdance maniac dance b/c he's so happy to be done w/ his vli quarter.can you blame me for dropping everything to enjoy the dance?

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-64803976762379952202006-11-06T22:01:00.000-05:002007-07-06T10:26:02.423-04:00

it is not always about me.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-20638578929273194522006-10-28T22:19:00.001-04:002006-10-28T22:21:11.130-04:00

heartburn...who knew?

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1462072233647541202006-10-10T22:09:00.000-04:002007-07-06T10:26:30.424-04:00

i got some news today that was hard to hear. in fact, i was so upset by the news that my vision was litterally blurred. that's never happened to me before. my immediate response was to find the wrong doer and kick some ass (not that i really could- i just wanted to). the rest of the afternoon i felt queesy and sick with sadness.the news was another story of sin and falleness in life and in

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1160277358611934912006-10-07T22:08:00.000-04:002006-10-10T22:24:24.022-04:00

i have discovered that my voice sounds good under the following conditions:riding home late from dayton after seeing lori and her family.with the car stero on loudlywith my well worn war cd on.it's so great to know every single word of the first band you ever loved.i can sign loudly to this album and be a rock star.i will write soon about how my love affair with prince began in 1995. it

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1158719400383549002006-09-19T22:25:00.000-04:002006-10-10T22:21:46.973-04:00

if i have to go inside a gas station to pay for gas- i want to barf.it's that rotisserre meat that is on those roller things for 15hrs daily. i only like gas stations that smell like bleach.also- if you ever say the word, 'cured meat' to me- i want to barf. infact- if you say it to me- i might barf on you. try it. i'll show you my overactive gag reflex.no joke.typing the word is hard

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1158108082217829952006-09-12T20:14:00.000-04:002006-10-10T22:25:55.171-04:00

i don't know why i do this to myself. i do things knowing that it will only serve to get me wound up. basically- i watched the president speak last night and i'm still thinking about it.within the first minutes he said this:"...On 9/11, our nation saw the face of evil. Yet on that awful day, we also witnessed something distinctly American: ordinary citizens rising to the occasion, and

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1157676060495480592006-09-07T20:23:00.000-04:002006-09-07T20:41:00.613-04:00

hello world. i hope you are well. i am looking forward to autumn coming in full swing. other than that- my thoughts consist mostly about being a mom. which i don't think is the kind of thing that people find interesting to read. but it's the truth- i got baby on the brain. pregnancy has been quite revealing to me. sometimes i think i love it- the intensity the realness of everything. my

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1153792544042306742006-08-15T21:26:00.000-04:002006-10-10T22:24:54.170-04:00

both thought provoking and annoying. if i did one of these today- it would be a good day."just for today i will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. i can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if i felt i had to keep it up for a lifetime.just for today i will be happy. this assumes to be true what abraham lincoln said, that 'most folks are as

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1154879559052727032006-08-06T04:22:00.000-04:002006-10-10T22:22:49.537-04:00

this is a picture of our baby.it is the best picture ever.basically, i am pregnant and have energy to work forty five to sixty hours weekly and sleep. that's it. this is what my life consists of right now. apparently it gets a little bit better during pregnancy and then once the baby comes- life never goes back to the previously defined 'normal'. this a a-ok w/ me. although i say that in

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1153069804263011252006-07-16T12:54:00.000-04:002006-07-16T13:10:04.290-04:00

hello blog world.it's me.maureen.my absense has not been in protest. we just didn't have the computer hooked up. and we moved. and we've been busy. and we've been unpacking. and we've been doing homeowner type things. and we've been overwhelmed.i suffered from a bit of isolationism w/ no phone, computer, or tv for about three weeks. but i think i'm snapping out of it.but life is good.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1149053043826716502006-06-01T22:45:00.000-04:002006-06-01T23:03:57.296-04:00

here's a guide to our may.an early highlight was a sleepover w/ my niece laurel. we did a variety of things. included but not limited to- riding in a red wagon, playing on the playground, eating jeni's ice cream and running alot. i got her gardening gloves and we worked in the yard. she insisted i take numerous pictures of her clucking her tongue- which i tired to explain would be difficult to

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1148701429108443532006-05-26T23:09:00.000-04:002006-05-27T00:43:14.740-04:00

now... that was a good band.the crowded house in this heretofor context is my head.here are the things i have been thinking about and things i wonder what you think about:i'll preface this one by saying that i think about a lot of things that i don't actually do. this is sometimes a very good thing, and sometimes it is a very bad thing. sometimes i wish i could be judged by my intentions and

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1147835082712627282006-05-16T22:37:00.000-04:002006-05-16T23:12:11.313-04:00

nora... eat her w/ spooni have a few things to say tonight.it is a very good thing that phoenix kay has joined the world.i very much look forward to meeting him.i watched two segments of 60 minutes that were very compelling.the first was coverage of andy stern and his efforts to revitalize labor unions in america. it was very interesting. i'd be interested to hear what the readership that are

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1147230896968695892006-05-09T22:59:00.000-04:002006-05-12T23:20:39.856-04:00

this is us...very happy.b/c we found this...this is our new houseit is close to kirsten's. i'm too paranoid to write the address.to say that my life has exceeded my very best expectations and dreams is an understatement. God has been very generous to me. and this would be true even if i didn't have some of the bells and whistles of life.i don't think i could of imagined a time in my life where

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1145832532141514382006-04-23T18:46:00.000-04:002006-05-06T16:27:18.186-04:00

: it seems very gross to me to imagine an organ (like an appendix) being pulled through a tiny laproscopic hole in your abdomen.: i have a new favorite store- urban gardener on high street. me gusto mucho.: i have identified a dilusion of mine. this week, while off work- i was so self concious not being/feeling productive. i compensated by obsessively thinking about the future. this felt

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1144980559627347832006-04-13T22:07:00.000-04:002006-04-13T23:29:10.806-04:00

i found these images of the passion by different african artists.i really like them and hope you do too.bye!

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1144634845123630412006-04-10T08:01:00.000-04:002006-04-10T20:38:44.603-04:00

i know christmas is supposed to be the season to hear the song, 'it's the most wonderful time of the year (i'm hearing the amy grant version by the way in my head. ... not that i hear things in my head). but i definatley think this is the most wonderful time of the year.it is also wonderful b/c my inner lutheran comes out.today's chewable vitamin:"He will shade you with his wings; you will not

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1144558787532116392006-04-09T00:21:00.000-04:002006-04-09T12:36:58.536-04:00

i have a couple of things on my mind that i thought i would share. i had coffee at 10pm and 12.20pm suddenly seems like the perfect time to blog. here are my thoughts and things that might be worthwhile to know...:: i don't get going to church when you're not connected to people at that church. i think this is a good thing that i don't get it. this is not a statement on church perse- more on my

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1143692598115105382006-03-29T22:44:00.000-05:002006-03-29T23:23:18.126-05:00

where to begin...well- i've been working alot lately. that will likely continue through june. we're thinking about buying a house. i dunnon if now's the right time for us to do that or not. my mom and niecy's birthday is tommorrow. i went to see jim wallis last night and that was way good. i went to mark palmer's wake tonight. i went to his first wife's wake too and i didn't even know her.

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1140049210623883162006-03-14T06:19:00.000-05:002006-03-14T01:36:14.050-05:00

today's chewable vitamin:"i am only one, but i am one. i cannot do everything, but i can do something. and because i cannot do everything, i will not refuse to do the something that i can do. what i can do, i should do. And what i should do, by the grace of God, i will do."~ edward everett hale

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1140838148588638442006-02-27T21:27:00.000-05:002006-02-28T22:28:16.643-05:00

on our desktop.read more about this photo and the event here...this photo contains some important people in life okonkwo. president bill clinton who charles hearts. bono who maureen hearts and has brain washed charles to heart by subliminal brain transmission and music playing while asleep. our favorite west african diplomatic kofi. and ofcourse preseident obasanjo from 'the great giant'- nigeria

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372420.post-1140495211465482622006-02-20T22:47:00.000-05:002006-02-24T22:32:40.500-05:00

i am postponing the state of my union until further noticeb/c i don't know what it is...i'll have to get back to you.read the article below. it is a good thing that our presdient is doing. pray he is steadfast even in the face of opposistion. it is from the nytimes.today's chewable vitamin:“there is no short cut to achievement. life requires thorough preparation -- veneer isn't worth anything.”

maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11244836686372328553noreply@blogger.com1