Today I feel compelled, no, obligated to tell you about the best show on television--Psych. Although I am a fan of "The Office," I think that Psych has officially beaten it out as my favorite comedy.
This USA Network show centers around Shawn Spencer, who was raised by an overly harsh, intense, challenging cop of a father. Because of this, Shawn has a keen sense of observation and deduction skills. Unfortunately, he is a slacker and doesn't like to operate within the rules. (Did I mention he was a really cute, funny slacker?)
The pilot episode begins with Shawn solving a crime by simply watching the local news. But his tip to the police get him into trouble. Here is a little interchange between Lassiter (the lead detective) and Shawn:
Lassiter: Where were you the night of the last robbery?
Shawn: I was robbing a stereo shop. (laughs) I wasn't. I don't know, I guess I was doing the same thing you were doing: not solving crime.
Lassiter: You're not helping your case here.
Shawn: My case? ...Wait, wait, wait. I'm actually a suspect?
Lassiter: Oh, you're our lead suspect.
Shawn: I gave you the guy!
Lassiter: He had a partner.
Shawn: I have to find that guy too? I'm confused. When do you start chipping in?
To get out of trouble, Shawn pretends to be psychic. This ends up landing him a consulting job with the Santa Barbara Police Department. He drags his best friend, Gus, into this new fake psychic detective agency. Gus is not always a willing participant! :)
Gus: You named your fake detective agency Psych? Why didn't you just call it 'Hey, we're fooling you and the police department; hope we don't make a mistake and somebody dies because of it'?
Shawn: First of all, Gus, that name is entirely too long; it would never fit on the window. And secondly the best way you convince people you're not lying to them is to tell them you are!
I LOVE THIS SHOW! I have season one on DVD and am willing to loan them out. You can also catch episodes online. Watch one and I think you'll be hooked. It is witty, funny, and just plan entertaining. AH! Love it.
Just for fun, here are some of my other favorite quotes. I need a good laugh:
Henry: What about your license?
Shawn: Ahem, my pilot's license? It's out back in the Cessna. Or perhaps you're referring to my license to kill. Revoked. Problems at the Kazakhstan border. I could give you the details, but then I'd have to kill you...which I can't do because my license to kill has been revoked.
-------------
Shawn: Wow... Dad. Tell me you're wearing that shirt because someone has to spot you from space.
Dad: (Rolls eyes)
Shawn: Sorry Dad, this is like a genocide of color. Somewhere a rainbow is weeping.
-------------
Juliet: Shawn, how do you know this?
Shawn: Same way that I know that, as a child, Lassie wanted nothing more than a pony.
Lassiter: Well, come one. Who didn't?
Gus: Anyone who wasn't an eight year old girl.
-------------
Shawn: "Chips say your a cheater-cheater pumpkin-eater"
J.P.: "Is that right"
Shawn: "Yeah"
J.P. "And we're suppose to believe your a psychic or something, if you were a psychic I wouldn't be cleaning your clock right now."
Shawn: "Cleaning my clock, what's that suppose to even mean. What you take time out of your day to clean another man's timepiece and if so that be a bad thing? No I'd be gracious, I'd be like, dude, J.P. thanks for spritzing my watch."
-------------
Gus: Come on Shawn, let's go. This guy wouldn't know a good deal if it bit him in the seat of his Hans Solo action figure pants.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
And the tears, they fall down like rain...washing my eyes to see, Your majesty
A few weeks ago a friend made the comment that crying was not really encouraged in our society, even for women. At first that didn't seem true....I mean women cry all the time. As I thought about it, though, it hit me that she was right. Women do cry....we can't usually help it. However, the act of crying isn't necessarily celebrated or encouraged on the whole for women, and especially not for men.
With new age junk books like "The Secret" or name-it-and-claim-it, positive-thinking-only jargon bombarding us, it is no surprise that tears have lost their place in our emotional repertoire. It's like our culture is shouting, "Express your feelings---but only if they are positive!"
This weekend I have been a mess. I got some time with good friends and talk about my dad in a way that I've not for a while. It opened up a lot of feelings I have simply not allowed myself to feel. I could feel that was close to sobbing at moments, and even today I have cried myself into a headache.
I have always hated to cry in front of people (especially men). There is a vulnerability there that has been deemed "bad" somewhere along the way. I hate not being able to control myself or my emotions. On top of that, you have to cope with other peoples’ judgements, such as, “Isn’t she over that yet? It’s been two months already”; “Why can't she just get back on with life; there is work to do”; or “Feeling bad and crying is such a waste of time”.
I think that this philosophy of no tears, no negative feelings, is one ditch. The other ditch being setting in the house crying for two weeks over a broken teacup while telling the sad story to everyone I knew. There has to be a middle ground.
I think that God wants us to pour out our emotions to Him: "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8). And He also directs us to share our emotions with others: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).
It's raining today. Pouring, really. And all of the low-lying places of Norman are flooding. However, it reminds me of a song's chorus: "Down in the valley, dying of thirst/Down in the valley, it seems that I'm at my worst/My consolation is that you baptize this earth/When I'm down in the valley, valleys fill first"
O God, I know that You want me to release my emotions to You and to others. Give me the opportunity and the courage to do that.
With new age junk books like "The Secret" or name-it-and-claim-it, positive-thinking-only jargon bombarding us, it is no surprise that tears have lost their place in our emotional repertoire. It's like our culture is shouting, "Express your feelings---but only if they are positive!"
This weekend I have been a mess. I got some time with good friends and talk about my dad in a way that I've not for a while. It opened up a lot of feelings I have simply not allowed myself to feel. I could feel that was close to sobbing at moments, and even today I have cried myself into a headache.
I have always hated to cry in front of people (especially men). There is a vulnerability there that has been deemed "bad" somewhere along the way. I hate not being able to control myself or my emotions. On top of that, you have to cope with other peoples’ judgements, such as, “Isn’t she over that yet? It’s been two months already”; “Why can't she just get back on with life; there is work to do”; or “Feeling bad and crying is such a waste of time”.
I think that this philosophy of no tears, no negative feelings, is one ditch. The other ditch being setting in the house crying for two weeks over a broken teacup while telling the sad story to everyone I knew. There has to be a middle ground.
I think that God wants us to pour out our emotions to Him: "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8). And He also directs us to share our emotions with others: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).
It's raining today. Pouring, really. And all of the low-lying places of Norman are flooding. However, it reminds me of a song's chorus: "Down in the valley, dying of thirst/Down in the valley, it seems that I'm at my worst/My consolation is that you baptize this earth/When I'm down in the valley, valleys fill first"
O God, I know that You want me to release my emotions to You and to others. Give me the opportunity and the courage to do that.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
17 Places I'd Want to Visit
Here you go Emily:
(17) Hogwarts: Yes, it is fictional, but there are no rules.
(16) New York City--Statue of Liberty, Broadway Plays, Regis and Kelly--I mean, what else do you need? :)
(15) O, Canada. I think Niagara Falls and Novia Scotia are both places I would enjoy.
(14) Greece-Maybe for the beauty more than anything, but also seeing historical places like Athens, Olympia, and Sparta.
(13) Italy...home of the food I love so. :) Rome, Vatican City, and Venice would all be places to see and experience.
(12) England--Stonehenge specifically.
(11) Australia's Great Barrier Reef, kangaroos, and cool accents!
(10) India intrigues me. I think of it as bright, loud, crowded, complicated, and too culturally intriguing to miss out on.
(09) Russia--seeing Moscow's and St Petersburg's architecture would be amazing.
(08) China--The Forbidden City, The Great wall, Terracotta Warriors, etc.
(07) Egypt...who can beat camels and pyramids?
(06) Germany/Poland--I think to understand fully the evil of Concentration Camps I need to see one in person.
(05) Holland--I'd really like to see Corrie Ten Boom's homestead and just imagine what her life was like....
(04) The Holy Land--This may be cheating by lumping several locals into one, but I would love to see as much as possible!!!
(03) Turkey--I'm thinking of all the random poses Tami would make me do! :) Not to mention Zeke and Kiayah!
(02) Cambodia (during the "winter" preferably)....but no tarantulas Deb!
(01) Kazahstan because I miss my Suby Sue! :)
(17) Hogwarts: Yes, it is fictional, but there are no rules.
(16) New York City--Statue of Liberty, Broadway Plays, Regis and Kelly--I mean, what else do you need? :)
(15) O, Canada. I think Niagara Falls and Novia Scotia are both places I would enjoy.
(14) Greece-Maybe for the beauty more than anything, but also seeing historical places like Athens, Olympia, and Sparta.
(13) Italy...home of the food I love so. :) Rome, Vatican City, and Venice would all be places to see and experience.
(12) England--Stonehenge specifically.
(11) Australia's Great Barrier Reef, kangaroos, and cool accents!
(10) India intrigues me. I think of it as bright, loud, crowded, complicated, and too culturally intriguing to miss out on.
(09) Russia--seeing Moscow's and St Petersburg's architecture would be amazing.
(08) China--The Forbidden City, The Great wall, Terracotta Warriors, etc.
(07) Egypt...who can beat camels and pyramids?
(06) Germany/Poland--I think to understand fully the evil of Concentration Camps I need to see one in person.
(05) Holland--I'd really like to see Corrie Ten Boom's homestead and just imagine what her life was like....
(04) The Holy Land--This may be cheating by lumping several locals into one, but I would love to see as much as possible!!!
(03) Turkey--I'm thinking of all the random poses Tami would make me do! :) Not to mention Zeke and Kiayah!
(02) Cambodia (during the "winter" preferably)....but no tarantulas Deb!
(01) Kazahstan because I miss my Suby Sue! :)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I know I'm no expert, but....
I am no dating expert by any means, but I've made some observations over the years. And just this past week, I have had about half a dozen discussions about dating or relationships.
I know for you married folks, this topic is mute. Hopefully, however, you can sympathize with the plight of all of us still in the throws of singledom.
So I decided to blog on the topic. I know how very popular and controversial it is, and, let's face it, we all like comments.
Words. They mean a lot, but unfortunately men and women speak two different languages it seems. I know, unbelievable, right?
For example, I have come to notice that Christian guys tend to use the term "sister" or "sis" or "friend" with a girl to signal that they are not interested in them romantically. If a guy uses such term, and you happen to like that said guy, this is the kiss of death for any hope of being asked out. (Guys, if this is not correct, feel free to let me know. However, the research I've done so far confirms this hunch.) AND if you are a guy using these terms with a girl you are interested in, you might want to stop. :)
Now, girls are more complicated. (Of course!) Most Christian girls I know are pretty scared of the whole "taking the lead" issue. So we tend to over-correct and give all kinds of wrong signals.
Take the "friend" word for example. If a lady would say (or write) something like "Hey friend! How are you?" it could mean two things. Friend could mean "friend" or it could mean "I don't want to come on too strong and draw attention to the fact that I like you a whole, whole lot, so I am going to call you 'friend' or 'brother' to cover my real feelings although I desperately hope you ask me out."
Sorry, guys, it is true (and probably in that many words TOO).
In our defense, however, I think girls are pretty obvious when they like a guy. Usually, girls can tell just by watching other girls who they like. Over the years, however, it has come to my understanding that guys can't read these signs. We are like an open book that you don't know how to read. I thought about sharing some "reading lessons" with you, but that is for another day.
Back to words. I think there are two short lessons here. Guys: if you want to let a girls know you are not interested you should use often terms like, "friend" "sis" and "sister". Ladies: If you like a boy, never use the term "friend" or "brother" just in case...
I know for you married folks, this topic is mute. Hopefully, however, you can sympathize with the plight of all of us still in the throws of singledom.
So I decided to blog on the topic. I know how very popular and controversial it is, and, let's face it, we all like comments.
Words. They mean a lot, but unfortunately men and women speak two different languages it seems. I know, unbelievable, right?
For example, I have come to notice that Christian guys tend to use the term "sister" or "sis" or "friend" with a girl to signal that they are not interested in them romantically. If a guy uses such term, and you happen to like that said guy, this is the kiss of death for any hope of being asked out. (Guys, if this is not correct, feel free to let me know. However, the research I've done so far confirms this hunch.) AND if you are a guy using these terms with a girl you are interested in, you might want to stop. :)
Now, girls are more complicated. (Of course!) Most Christian girls I know are pretty scared of the whole "taking the lead" issue. So we tend to over-correct and give all kinds of wrong signals.
Take the "friend" word for example. If a lady would say (or write) something like "Hey friend! How are you?" it could mean two things. Friend could mean "friend" or it could mean "I don't want to come on too strong and draw attention to the fact that I like you a whole, whole lot, so I am going to call you 'friend' or 'brother' to cover my real feelings although I desperately hope you ask me out."
Sorry, guys, it is true (and probably in that many words TOO).
In our defense, however, I think girls are pretty obvious when they like a guy. Usually, girls can tell just by watching other girls who they like. Over the years, however, it has come to my understanding that guys can't read these signs. We are like an open book that you don't know how to read. I thought about sharing some "reading lessons" with you, but that is for another day.
Back to words. I think there are two short lessons here. Guys: if you want to let a girls know you are not interested you should use often terms like, "friend" "sis" and "sister". Ladies: If you like a boy, never use the term "friend" or "brother" just in case...
Ask For BIG Things
Make your petition deep, O heart of mine,
Your God can do much more
Than you can ask;
Launch out on the Divine,
Draw from His love-filled store.
Trust Him with everything;
Begin today,
And find the joy that comes
When Jesus has His way!
I have been asking some BIG things of God. Most times my faith is weak. I think, "Why would God want to give that to me?" And I do mean for ME. It is much easier to see why He'd answer BIG prayers of my friends. The lens I see others and the lens I use on myself are different. But I know this is wrong and am trying to correct it.
Anyway, I am trying to ask big things form God and even inviting friends to join in with me. You guys know who you are and what "those" requests are! :)
Here is one of my new favorite verses that I am trying to believe and act upon:
"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purposes for me." Psalm 57:2
Your God can do much more
Than you can ask;
Launch out on the Divine,
Draw from His love-filled store.
Trust Him with everything;
Begin today,
And find the joy that comes
When Jesus has His way!
I have been asking some BIG things of God. Most times my faith is weak. I think, "Why would God want to give that to me?" And I do mean for ME. It is much easier to see why He'd answer BIG prayers of my friends. The lens I see others and the lens I use on myself are different. But I know this is wrong and am trying to correct it.
Anyway, I am trying to ask big things form God and even inviting friends to join in with me. You guys know who you are and what "those" requests are! :)
Here is one of my new favorite verses that I am trying to believe and act upon:
"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purposes for me." Psalm 57:2
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Do not lose heart....
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. . . . So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16, 18).
Thank you, God, that I don't have to strive in my journey, because You have already provided the grace I need to make it. Amen.
Thank you, God, that I don't have to strive in my journey, because You have already provided the grace I need to make it. Amen.
Monday, June 2, 2008
'This is the resting place, let the weary rest:'
To say I have been through a blogging dry spell is an understatement. I haven't written because, for over a year now, I've felt there was nothing worth writing about. But writing is an outlet for me. I think better with my keyboard that a journal and pen. SO here it goes....again.
Since my Dad died 41 days ago, God and I have had a lot of conversations that I've been putting off. Taking with a friend, I mentioned that I felt really abandoned by God over the past year. The song, "Blessed Be the Name" has been an a heart song for me. Lately, though, the chorus has seemed more like "He takes and takes away" more than "He GIVES and takes away." I've been talking to Him about this. And it has helped.
Then the next line gets me. My heart will "CHOOSE" to say "Blessed be the Name." I know (in my head) a lot of good, TRUE stuff. But through this crushing time, I am having to choose what to believe in and act upon. A wise professor once said, "It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Choices matter. Right now I am trying my best to choose to let these hard times to dare me to HOPE. For me HOPE is a scary thing because it has made me a fool too many times. I have to choose between "Don't wish, don't start. Wishing only wounds the heart." and "trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Hopelessness has constricted and withered my heart over this past year. It's rendered God's blessings and grace mute in my life. My dad's death, strangely, has prompted me from this sleep and forced me to run to God for help.
My earthly father was not perfect, but he was a godly man. He pointed me to Jesus and mirrored the Father more than anyone else in my life. And he loved me so much. At his funeral, the preacher called me his "shining star." The void he has left in my life is sometimes overwhelming.
I hate nights now. I dream about my dad almost every night no matter what I try to think of before sleep. Some nights he is sick in my dreams. Some nights he is gone (even in sleep reality wins out). Many nights he is still alive and healthy in my dreams. Those are the hardest.
Last night I dreamed he was alive, healthy, and I was able to go home and see him. Just thinking of it makes tears stream down my face. Dreams like these make the wound open up fresh all over. I can't picture his face in my mind....it's just too hard right now.
A couple weeks ago, one of my best friends gave me a devotional book called "Streams in the Dessert." It's been a life-giver. Today's entry is what I intended to share here.
This is a poem called "Don't be Afraid" b Charles H. Spurgeon based on Matt 14:27:
Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
The storms are raging on God's deep--
God's deep not yours; be still and sleep.
Tonight, my soul be still and sleep;
God's hands will still the Tempter's sweep--
God's hands, not yours; be still and sleep.
Tonight, my soul be still aad sleep;
God's love is strong while night hours creep--
God's love, not yours; be still and sleep.
Tonight, my soul be still and sleep;
God's heaven will comfort those who weep--
God's heaven, not yours; be still and sleep.
For those of you who made it through to the end, thanks. If you think of it, you can pray I can take courage and hope again. Pray I will be still and sleep.
Since my Dad died 41 days ago, God and I have had a lot of conversations that I've been putting off. Taking with a friend, I mentioned that I felt really abandoned by God over the past year. The song, "Blessed Be the Name" has been an a heart song for me. Lately, though, the chorus has seemed more like "He takes and takes away" more than "He GIVES and takes away." I've been talking to Him about this. And it has helped.
Then the next line gets me. My heart will "CHOOSE" to say "Blessed be the Name." I know (in my head) a lot of good, TRUE stuff. But through this crushing time, I am having to choose what to believe in and act upon. A wise professor once said, "It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Choices matter. Right now I am trying my best to choose to let these hard times to dare me to HOPE. For me HOPE is a scary thing because it has made me a fool too many times. I have to choose between "Don't wish, don't start. Wishing only wounds the heart." and "trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Hopelessness has constricted and withered my heart over this past year. It's rendered God's blessings and grace mute in my life. My dad's death, strangely, has prompted me from this sleep and forced me to run to God for help.
My earthly father was not perfect, but he was a godly man. He pointed me to Jesus and mirrored the Father more than anyone else in my life. And he loved me so much. At his funeral, the preacher called me his "shining star." The void he has left in my life is sometimes overwhelming.
I hate nights now. I dream about my dad almost every night no matter what I try to think of before sleep. Some nights he is sick in my dreams. Some nights he is gone (even in sleep reality wins out). Many nights he is still alive and healthy in my dreams. Those are the hardest.
Last night I dreamed he was alive, healthy, and I was able to go home and see him. Just thinking of it makes tears stream down my face. Dreams like these make the wound open up fresh all over. I can't picture his face in my mind....it's just too hard right now.
A couple weeks ago, one of my best friends gave me a devotional book called "Streams in the Dessert." It's been a life-giver. Today's entry is what I intended to share here.
This is a poem called "Don't be Afraid" b Charles H. Spurgeon based on Matt 14:27:
Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
The storms are raging on God's deep--
God's deep not yours; be still and sleep.
Tonight, my soul be still and sleep;
God's hands will still the Tempter's sweep--
God's hands, not yours; be still and sleep.
Tonight, my soul be still aad sleep;
God's love is strong while night hours creep--
God's love, not yours; be still and sleep.
Tonight, my soul be still and sleep;
God's heaven will comfort those who weep--
God's heaven, not yours; be still and sleep.
For those of you who made it through to the end, thanks. If you think of it, you can pray I can take courage and hope again. Pray I will be still and sleep.
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