Today I learned what a leek looks like thanks to a helpful produce worker at Vons. Leeks look like green onions on steroids. I also learned what sage and thyme looks like thanks to Susan. Thyme looks like a tree branch with lots of tiny green leaves that could have been part of a bonsai tree. Sage looks like fuzzy leaves. Oh the joys of cooking for Thanksgiving. Who knew it would be so educational.

One of the characteristics that I admire about Erik is that he is not a procrastinator because I have been one all my life. It was important to me marry someone who was opposite of myself in this area. Two procrastinators would never get ANYTHING done. And although our opposite characterics are supposed to complement each other, this area has caused some friction between us. It frustrated Erik that I procrastinate and then can't participate in spontaneous activities. He also feels bad for me because it causes me stress. So we recently had a talk about why I procrastinate and why he doesn't. I have decided that it is better for me to change and have been making an effort to not procrastinate. I feel physically more worn out but I do feel less stressed out.

Today I had to drive to somewhere in Hollywood for an afternoon GATE (gifted and talented education) meeting. My principal asked me to go and I couldn't refuse. When I got there I was told that the meeting was for the GATE coordinators. I had no idea that I was one. No one even asked me. How rude. Anyway this meant that I had to drive to work and then drive to and from the meeting myself. I've been carpooling to work with Erik and haven't driven in almost a year. I also have a tendency to freak out whenever I have to drive to an unfamiliar place in traffic. I realize that I have many irrational fears like this. I almost froze in fear when I woke up this morning. I have gotten into accidents in the past when I had to venture into unfamiliar territory so my nervous just got the better of me. Thankfully no accidents today. Note to self: Don't drink coffee before driving to a new place because it adds to the existing anxiety level.

Billy Graham in Pasadena

Yesterday evening I went to the Rose Bowl to the Billy Graham Crusade. They had three opening bands perform for a little over an hour: Kutless, the Tait band, and Third Day. The stadium was filled to the max which means there were over 100,000 people present. There were many youth group age kids as well as various ethnic groups. They had 25 language translating areas. The videos were geared towards the high school crowd. I really enjoyed singing the two final praise songs by Third Day with the huge crowd. It was pretty noisy so I sang loudly with my whole heart. It felt good to bless and praise God without restraint. Then came the gospel message by Billy Graham. I was struck at how simple his message was, but then again there is nothing complicated about the gospel. He basically said that God loves us and if we are seeking for a purpose or meaning or forgiveness or anything else to come forward and receive Jesus. And come they did, thousands of people streaming onto the field until it was filled. I think some of them were Christians recommitting themselves to God. It was spectacular to witness God's power working. After praying with the people, he told them to read the Bible, pray, and join a Bible believing church: simple and basic.

It made me wonder why I don't feel that my faith walk is simple or basic. Is it just me making things more complicated and difficult than it is? It also made me wonder when was the last time I told someone that God loves them.