tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157298062011-11-18T13:52:55.006-05:00"Once upon a blog...."J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-41415263891147812032011-09-16T16:13:00.000-05:002011-09-16T16:13:54.387-05:00

It's less than two weeks before Switchfoot, my favorite band of all time, releases their new album, Vice Verses.  From what I've heard, read, and gleaned, I'm pretty sure I'll be playing it non-stop the moment I own it.  And yeah, I'll probably blog about it too. Over the years, I've made no secret of the fact that their lyrics speak to me and hit me where I am.  I have a whole playlist of songs

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-87927449235394008112011-07-26T23:31:00.000-05:002011-07-26T23:31:39.514-05:00

Anyone interested in reading the first 1200 words of the novel I've been working on for the last seven years or so???   This is what I'm submitting to the next level of weBook's page-to-fame contest, where people vote on whether what you have written makes you want it elevated, so you can read more...maybe even see it get published. I'd love to know what you think, so I can gauge whether or not

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-76732124110858386122011-05-10T21:01:00.000-05:002011-05-10T21:01:16.431-05:00

Dear American Church: If you want to know why your attendance is dropping, I’d love to tell you, at least from my own personal experience.  Because I’m pretty close to walking out on you myself. Here’s the thing.  I’ve been a Christian since I was very young.  I’ve been going to church all my life.  And now here I am in my early thirties, and I’m about to throw in the towel.  If I hadn’t had an

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-44249397422665143902011-04-03T17:11:00.000-05:002011-04-03T17:11:49.810-05:00

I know I haven't written anything in a while...I've been working on some other novelish projects as well as watching copious amounts of television and finally, getting a new job. But that is not what I'm writing to tell you about.  I'm having a bit of a geek-out moment because last night I found out I won this little writing contest.  It's just a little competition on an author's website, but

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-90238698678418364522011-02-13T01:16:00.000-05:002011-02-13T01:16:52.001-05:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-59696944193070812752011-01-24T02:38:00.000-05:002011-01-24T02:38:38.023-05:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-19403869408257209342010-12-31T17:43:00.002-05:002010-12-31T20:34:58.416-05:00

Or, It was a Helluva Year, Wasn’t It? Well, it’s the end of one year and the beginning of another.  Whenever I get to the end of December, I start to feel weird—restless, introspective, and vaguely unsatisfied.  Lots of people get reflective and zealous about the New Year, and I am prone to self-reflection throughout the year, so the New Year is like a double dose.  I look back on the year and

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-87293198758353839512010-11-29T22:37:00.000-05:002010-11-29T22:37:31.778-05:00

Three states in one year...that's got to be something of a record, even for a Richards.  Here I am, back in Washington state (but in a new town, Federal Way) and living with my parents again.  But this time I have the whole downstairs to myself.  Also, we are staying in this nice house for several months until next summer, by which hopefully I will be on my way to Ireland--Lord willing, if I

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-79787928154803700912010-11-09T15:02:00.000-05:002011-09-14T14:47:52.525-05:00

If you want to know the truth, it's been a rough year for me.  And my family.  Not because of huge, disastrous events and misfortunes.  It's nothing huge or traumatic, but without going into detail--for me, it's been a year of feeling mostly displaced and under strain.  No, it hasn't been all darkness and gloom; there have been bright spots.  Like the camp I worked at over the summer & the kids I

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-8031286678240826762010-11-03T14:06:00.001-05:002010-11-03T21:41:05.604-05:00

So, I may be something of a TV addict, but the fact is, I have to watch most of my shows through the internet.  I have a television, but I don't get any channels on it, not even basic networks.  I'm not up on the latest commercials (boohoo) or news tidbits. So when I remembered hearing about a show featuring Melissa McCarthy, who I love from her Samantha Who? and "Gilmore Girl" roles, I decided

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-27785762335030688672010-10-22T14:06:00.001-05:002010-10-22T20:43:23.188-05:00

As I write this, I am in between my two jobs for the day and on my twelfth straight day of working.  Thankfully, I have the whole weekend off, but if I am loopy & have bad grammar in this post, at least you'll know why.  I just wanted to bring some extra attention to this really cool story that in the midst of all my other craziness I was able to be a part of.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-41232457476110803162010-10-06T12:08:00.001-05:002010-10-06T21:27:25.994-05:00

Or, Further Thoughts on Grace & Love This week's episode of Glee centered around religion and spirituality, which  naturally caught my attention even more than a typical episode.  My heartstrings got tugged in a lot of conflicting directions as the characters wrestled with faith and their differing beliefs.  Glee didn't go out of its way to answer any big theological questions or to raise one

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-12874889212835481172010-10-03T19:27:00.001-05:002010-10-03T21:48:05.676-05:00

This morning, I was all set to write a really angry post.  I mean, I had my soapbox all dusted and ready.  I was working on a title, and I even had a subtitle ready. (Something scathing, too, like "Silence, Ye Brood of Vipers.") I mean, it's been one of those weeks.  Just by reading articles and posting links, I have gotten into some interesting discussions/arguments.  And if anything, it has

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-70415936674676478822010-09-18T23:32:00.001-05:002010-09-19T16:25:19.635-05:00

In C. S. Lewis' book "The Magician's Nephew" he describes how Narnia first came to be, and who the first people from our world were to see it.  But before the main characters Diggory and Polly get there, they travel to an in-between place, which Lewis called 'The Wood Between the Worlds.'  In that place, both children find themselves drowsy and forgetful.  They lose all sense of who they are,

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-59489733798926491282010-08-01T19:34:00.000-05:002010-08-01T19:34:44.669-05:00

By now many of my few but faithful readers will likely have heard the news that I have been accepted as a missionary to Ireland with World Harvest Mission.  This was the result of not only a long application process and years of interest, but a recent trip to Philadelphia for a conference at WHM headquarters called "A&O" week. A&O stands for "Assessment and Orientation."  The first half of the

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-57433284585600802332010-07-14T01:02:00.001-05:002010-08-28T21:12:23.915-05:00

Okay.  So.  I realize I touched on this topic on my blog a few weeks back (and I've written on it before), but I think I need to revisit the subject.  I hate to beat a dead horse, but sometimes I get going on a topic and I just can't quit.  Apparently, according to an inventory I took tonight, it's partly because of my secondary spiritual gift of exhortation. So, here is what I would like to

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-44553390594975126072010-05-21T13:15:00.001-05:002010-05-21T13:21:26.968-05:00

In my life, in my thirty one years, I’ve seen a lot of change.  Perhaps not as much as someone who lived thirty years before me, but enough all the same. I’m not just talking about changes in technology and society, either.  God knows there have been many of those—the changes to computers alone in my lifetime have been drastic and unpredictable.  There have been changes in music and literature

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-90172566833153132932010-05-13T11:45:00.002-05:002010-08-28T21:13:24.295-05:00

Remember the movie "My Cousin Vinny"? My family and I love that movie; it's got some bad language, but it's hilarious. One scene in particular cracks me up: Marisa Tomei's character rants about her "ticking biological clock." It's funny, right? Until it happens to YOU. Now, I knew biological changes happen to all of us throughout life.  But the idea of a biological clock inside women that

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1877885019928700362010-04-28T11:21:00.001-05:002010-04-28T13:51:01.579-05:00

Um, so, the other night I had a dream about someone reading and reviewing my first book, "Found Phoebe."  This person liked it immensely, which left me with a warm fuzzy long after the dream ended.  But when I got up, It got me thinking, whatever happened to Phoebe?  I haven't looked at her story in ages.  I've been so preoccupied with other projects, and oh, yeah, life issues, like moving and

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-86788405681355575722010-04-20T13:20:00.001-05:002010-08-28T21:16:01.512-05:00

SO, I got sucked into this tumblr thing...but now I feel sort of disloyal to blogger, where I got my blogging start. Eventually, I will have to find a way to divide the content.  Perhaps this one will be more about my writing, and tumblr will be about life & thoughts in general.  I haven't decided yet.  We'll see! Any thoughts, suggestions, etc? Does anyone actually still read this?

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-76390118908210337032010-03-06T14:36:00.007-05:002010-03-06T16:04:39.906-05:00

So, I realize I'm a bit late to be getting on the Avatar train, and as such, probably someone else has addressed this and potentially done a far better job than I will. Still, Story is kind of my life; and though I've been immersed in a great number of stories over the last two months, I feel that Avatar provides a unique opportunity to engage in some story analyzation. Which, if you know me,

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-41492866297062074552010-01-11T23:25:00.000-05:002010-01-12T00:26:10.667-05:00

It’s a new year. We are less than two weeks in, and since it’s been a good long while since I blogged, I thought now was a good time to catch up. December was a crazy and stressful month for me, so I didn’t get around to blogging any of my thoughts then.But my schedule’s pretty wide open at the moment, so here I go.So far in 2010, I have:• Moved to a new state• Read five books• Watched season 2

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-69658878233165293242009-10-19T11:37:00.006-05:002010-08-28T21:17:56.174-05:00

So what's been going on? Um...work. Lots and lots of work. I've read some good books lately, too. C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy (I'm on the third one now, "That Hideous Strength"). "Downsiders," by Neal Shusterman. "An Abundance of Katherines," by John Green. And some others. I have been trying to write more, but I'm working on about half a dozen different things, so progress is slow.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-56691596221025264692009-09-07T11:11:00.005-05:002010-08-28T21:19:55.314-05:00

Thank you. For an awesome concert & a great night. For writing great music that is fun to listen to and still resonates deeply. And for being real & genuine, and hanging out in the parking lot after your show. Jon Foreman: I got to shake your hand, get a pic, and tell you that your songs have meant a lot to me--but forgive me, I was a bit dazzled being in the presence of one of my heroes. So

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-90393516794276583132009-08-09T16:21:00.006-05:002010-08-28T21:33:35.368-05:00

So, I'm copying my friend who posted a poem on her blog a couple days ago. I'd have done it sooner, but I was having computer issues. They are resolved, at least for the moment, so I'm going to share this tidbit I wrote just over a year ago, while in Ireland. Fair, green Ireland totally brought out the poet in me. The day after seeing the Cliffs of Moher, we took a ferry ride from Galway to

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-405525355584028452009-07-08T13:47:00.006-05:002009-07-08T15:38:19.765-05:00

So, I got a job. Yay!I started training at Starbucks this week. (And, because I'm telling the whole internet, I'll probably eventually get stalkers or something. Oh, well.) It's a good company, I'll say that. I'm actually impressed with their ethics (at least their professed ethics!) and values of being connected & committed to the communities they are part of. I mean, if I'm going to work

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-40951955416271268902009-06-22T17:56:00.002-05:002009-06-22T18:42:19.777-05:00

Well, it's that season of my life again: Job Hunting.I hate it. But, it is a necessary evil. Seriously, though, I am baffled. Why do companies care what high school I went to? I graduated from it more than a decade ago, and it's about 3,000 miles away. So what does it matter? Ugh. I feel like filling out applications kills a little bit of my soul every time.Okay, so I'm being melodramatic.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-23047294921072591822009-05-13T09:42:00.006-05:002009-05-13T22:36:08.281-05:00

So, pretty typical morning, surfing the web...what started as a simple search to see if I could squeeze in a viewing of Star Trek before work (sadly, no) ended with bitter diatribes against a movie sub-archetype called the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl."I wanted to post my own reply to the articles I read, but since most of the articles were months, if not years, old I decided instead to voice my

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-64520182832181667002009-05-03T19:38:00.003-05:002009-05-03T20:07:21.628-05:00

So, a while back, as I was doing searches on MonsterJobs.com, I found an ad for writers wanted. Trying to remain calm, I looked closer. Turns out there's this website called Examiner.com, which is like an online news community for major cities all over the U.S. And, they were looking for writers in Pittsburgh! About Christianity, no less!!I was like, pick me! I applied and waited a couple

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-21319013853376349572009-04-29T13:07:00.002-05:002009-04-29T13:12:52.932-05:00

Continuing the "month o' poetry," here's another gem I love. From "The Lord of the Rings":The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say. Somehow it's both stirring and comforting.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-76749819049573388912009-04-19T21:52:00.003-05:002009-04-19T22:43:17.354-05:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you said you'd do something you were invited to, and later, you regretted accepting? Like, early in the morning, when you could be sleeping? But then you got up anyway, and even through your sleepiness, you realized there was a Reason you were supposed to go to that thing?That happened to me today.I went to church with my parents--ironically, not by

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-74602633983913039352009-04-09T18:39:00.004-05:002010-08-28T21:55:03.969-05:00

So, Wendy tells me that April is National Poetry Month. Since I have little to blog about, aside from Lost, I will steal/copy/borrow/recycle an idea from Wendy's blog and share with you my favorite poem. I found it in a High School English book from 1901 (seriously!) and just fell in love with it. It speaks to many of my favorite themes. I've tried to memorize it, but I always seem to forget

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-24017376609802680992009-03-31T00:03:00.003-05:002009-03-31T00:47:12.716-05:00

I'm spending a lot of time in fictional worlds, lately.One is an island--hard to get to, hard to leave.Another is a rainy town in Washington where Monsters live.The last is one of my own making--and it's familiar enough, though it's inhabitants exist only in my head.What is it about Story that sucks me in? It's hard for me to explain. And while I love, LOVE analyzing stories and pulling them to

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-88713350848262845062009-03-08T19:49:00.003-05:002009-03-08T20:30:46.172-05:00

So! I've been bad about blogging. I would like to blame it on twitter, which I just signed up for...but I just signed up for it Tuesday. Twitter is one of those geek chic sites all about "letting people know" what's "going on." Kind of like your facebook or myspace status. As if anyone cares! But I do...and now I can check from my phone. Yes, I'm a geek. Been wallowing in geekiness this

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-65059132230584824562009-02-18T14:49:00.004-05:002009-02-19T00:49:46.002-05:00

So, if you know me, if you've spent any time at all with me or talking to me in the last three months or so, you know that I've been stressed. About a lot of things. My future, my purpose; I'm looking for a new job; my finances...all these things keep piling up in my head. All I've been able to see on the horizon is a giant question mark, and it's been driving me crazy.So, I do what most

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-42251226400725636352009-02-10T22:12:00.004-05:002009-02-18T13:14:42.337-05:00

There's a movie that I absolutely love called August Rush. I've talked about it before.It's about a boy who grows up in an orphanage, but wants to find his parents. He believes if he plays the music he can hear in his head, they will hear it too, and find him. While that overly simplified synopsis may sound cheesy, Freddie Highmore's portrayal of Evan (later stage-named August) was very

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-86115409439804031042009-01-26T22:05:00.007-05:002010-08-28T22:14:05.059-05:00

So, despite the lack of bloggage, there actually has been a lot going on--at least in my noggin. 2009 has been decent to me so far, how about you? I'm heading down to Branson at the end of the week, tagging along on my dad & brother's road trip to Texas. Can't wait to see my BFF! Brianne's got a great role in her community's production of "Into the Woods," and I get to see it opening weekend!

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-71068871883992349702008-12-28T23:55:00.007-05:002010-08-28T22:39:14.283-05:00

I stole this survey off of someone else's blog, because I couldn't come up with anything creative and contemplative on my own. 1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Traveled overseas. Got a passport, had an international flight, went through customs. Drove into Pittsburgh by myself. Drove to Missouri and back, the whole way!! 2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions,

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-77660902496455838302008-11-30T21:54:00.004-05:002008-11-30T22:23:46.276-05:00

So, thanksgiving has come and gone. Mine was good; I hope yours was, too.I've noticed, though, how quickly I jump ahead to the next event in my life. Well, let's see: of course, there's Christmas approaching all-too-rapidly, and a couple of services I'm putting together before that. Not to mention that Thanksgiving day was also my half birthday...meaning I have just under six months now

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-21974734365066841872008-11-18T00:04:00.004-05:002008-11-18T00:52:45.434-05:00

I don't know how parents do it. I only watch kids for 2 and a half hours, and they were driving me crazy today. Don't get me wrong, my After School Program is not a bad job. Most of the time, I like it. But days like today...The kids couldn't go outside during recess today because of the snow (yes, snow). And I didn't take them out, either (maybe I should have!). I've noticed that days like

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-59924015811689118002008-11-01T13:34:00.010-05:002008-11-01T20:59:05.063-05:00

I was challenged this week by a spiritual "mentor" of mine (via podcast) about how sometimes in the pursuit of honesty and authenticity and our struggles, we often neglect to talk about times when God comes through for us.After all, he said, "Intimacy with God is The Point. It's meant to be normal."He also talked about how often the church turns a blind eye to spiritual warfare, and it's really

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-55239981226264477452008-10-21T20:36:00.005-05:002010-08-29T00:46:58.566-05:00

So, considering my current frame of mind, I stumbled across an unexpected anthem yesterday. I was driving to Aldi after work to pick up a few things (allow me a sidebar: their roasted red pepper hummus is so good I had to go back for more!!)...and I turned on the radio. Lately, I've either been sticking in a CD or riding in silence...often silence wins out because I can't find music to suit

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-85135525646273617162008-10-12T18:08:00.003-05:002010-08-29T00:49:12.925-05:00

Okay, so, in spite of the optimism in my last post, I've actually been really wrestling lately. It seem like I go through cycles in my life, and right now, I'm revisiting Restlessness. I guess in a way, I thought that by the time I turned 30, I would have a few more things figured out. Such as, What I Want to Do With My Life. I'm several months away from ending my second decade, and I know

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-8235563886233671572008-09-28T18:00:00.004-05:002008-09-28T19:00:08.032-05:00

YESTERDAY I HAD TO GO downtown for a training session for my new job. I was not happy about it. Not only did I not want to give up my Saturday, especially the sleeping in part, I am not fond of driving in the city.In fact, I can count on on hand the times I've driven into the city by myself. I usually let others drive. Part of the reason is that I'm so "directionally challenged." The other

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-13049279033383613702008-09-15T21:42:00.005-05:002008-09-15T22:15:16.237-05:00

The other night, my brother pulled out a movie and stuck it in the player without telling us what it was."It's funny," he promised.We were met with quirky music and images of a goldfish swimming around the main titles. Have you guessed it?It was "What About Bob?" and though none of us made it all the way through, we did get some laughs out of it. One of my favorite things about the movie is

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-45009340455324759072008-08-24T13:05:00.001-05:002008-08-24T13:06:46.785-05:00

Okay, I admit--that last post was filler. Fluff. It's been a while since I wrote anything real, I know. But for once, I actually waited to write for a specific reason:This post, the one you're reading right now, not only marks my three-year-anniversary of blogging, it's also my 100th post.I thought about a lot of different things to write on this most auspicious post, for my 100th message and

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-40576459719710538492008-08-22T20:09:00.007-05:002010-08-28T22:45:38.393-05:00

...for no particular reason. I was bored. Just felt like sharing my quiz results. Feel free to join me in my quiz-mania. Inside the Room of Your Soul You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-26193536864747975562008-07-24T12:29:00.004-05:002008-07-28T15:34:58.062-05:00

Whew! Well, I'm back in Pittsburgh. What a whirlwind of days it has been for me!First, let me thank you for your prayers. It couldn't have happened without them.Second, I'd just like to say that I loved Ireland. It was beautiful there--and we had fantastic weather!! Now, granted, some parts of Ireland looked a lot like parts of Western PA, and much of Dublin looked relatively like any other

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-9120686187444447492008-07-13T02:30:00.005-05:002010-08-28T22:47:43.011-05:00

So now the five of us are in Dublin. We made it here with no difficulties whatsoever, even a relatively smooth flight. Customs, immigration, even baggage claim was a breeze--which Jen tells me NEVER happens. I feel that that's thanks to you and your prayers!! It's been crazy busy here!! And not many places have wifi...we are out now but have to go soon, or we'll be locked out!! Just know

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-37455080559066419892008-07-08T13:17:00.002-05:002008-07-08T13:51:01.036-05:00

Something that's been impressed upon me from the beginning of this endeavor to go to Ireland is the importance of prayer, and the awareness of Spiritual Warfare.Right on the front page of the packet of info we got from World Harvest they spoke of spiritual warfare, and to be aware of it. Last weekend the team was prayed for by Pastor Dean (and Betsy!), and he mentioned it also. When we go to do

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-48460756286272561482008-07-01T01:51:00.000-05:002008-07-01T00:52:05.028-05:00

So...Ireland draws closer and closer. Less than two weeks now. I told my mom the other day (and some other people) that I feel a little like a bride planning her wedding, in that all I can seem to do is talk about Ireland. It's practically all I think about.Oddly, though, it doesn't seem to be bugging anyone yet. In fact, I keep getting asked questions about my trip, before I say a word.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-28103304841974297722008-06-06T17:31:00.002-05:002010-08-29T00:14:36.152-05:00

One of the important things to remember when blogging or journaling is to write about both the bad and the good moments. Why the bad the moments? To be honest. To remind yourself and everyone else that perfection can't be found here, and struggles will come. And sometimes, because it helps to vent. For me, writing my thoughts down helps give them focus and clarity. But also, it's important

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-89111872698153931782008-05-27T00:31:00.002-05:002010-08-28T23:30:01.325-05:00

I have this ritual that I've done for the past decade or so of my life. Every year, I stay up the night before my birthday and reflect on my life. This usually involves some kind of writing, and normally it's done in a journal. But this year I decided to be different. I'm 29 this year. I was talking to a friend tonight, who is 20, and she was saying how she felt like she's got her whole life

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-77750314461836175492008-05-12T22:44:00.006-05:002008-05-12T23:09:41.544-05:00

Have you ever noticed how life tends to go in cycles?A couple of years ago, right around this time, I had the privilege of releasing a story I'd written into print format. It was pretty exciting for me, to have my words and thoughts so widely available. To everyone who bought and read "Found Phoebe," I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you didn't, don't worry, I'm not keeping a list or

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-13682236612899871932008-04-15T19:14:00.004-05:002010-08-29T00:17:23.323-05:00

Well, it finally happened. Slowly but steadily, the world is tuning green again. And I mean literally, not the eco-friendly term (thought that does seem to be on the rise). Everywhere I look, things are growing again. There's this great Nichole Nordeman song that talks about how God is in "Every Season" of life, and she ends with Spring: And everything that's new has bravely surfaced

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-39816189067849377302008-04-04T18:58:00.003-05:002010-08-29T00:19:16.213-05:00

Come, gentle showers, fall soft on me. Little drops of grace keeping me from cracking like dry earth. Come heavy storms, make me clean. I am deluged Soaked entirely through and shivering. Come rushing water, sweep me away. A flood of change slows to a trickle and all is still. Come, fierce winds, strip away my gloom. Let what was frozen thaw and flow: Life is on the move. Come, golden

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-67823215760321165992008-03-30T23:21:00.008-05:002008-03-31T00:33:52.984-05:00

Once in a while, I have one of Those Days.You know. Days that make you stop and think. Like, Where am I going with my life? What does God have in store for me? ...Am I ever going to find someone? I am, by any definition, a hopeless romantic. Shocker, I know. So I'm not generally prone to pessimism when it comes to Love. I mean, things have taken a toll on my heart, sure. I have a

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-60124807170864844442008-03-12T05:07:00.000-05:002008-03-12T14:04:41.497-05:00

Something happens to me around this time of year. Right now the world is gray and faded; dirty snow piles line the streets and parking lots. Trees are bare. The sky is washed out. The air is cold. I hate it, quite frankly. I long for Spring--according to the calendar, it's only a few days away. In reality, Winter still reigns.I've been stressed out lately--just a lot of things piling up on

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-86163872094163170842008-02-12T16:16:00.000-05:002008-02-12T16:35:06.533-05:00

So, my alarm started going off this morning at a quarter to seven. I hit snooze several times, and then finally, reluctantly, got up. I was due at the church for meetings and such. (Yay.) I jumped in the shower, picked out an outfit, blow-dried my hair, put on make up, etc.......And noticed I was running slightly late. Right about this time, my phone rang. I make it a habit not to answer

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-54175512243416837042008-01-22T15:11:00.000-05:002008-01-22T18:59:27.238-05:00

I had been going to write about something completely different earlier this week. Fluff, really. I was going to blog about my Girls Night last weekend and going to see "27 Dresses," and how Chick Flicks have shaped the way I look at romance.Instead, I'm going to dial it back some. There's something big going on at my church. Something serious. We're trying to leave the Presbyterian Church (

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-75955893233017394002008-01-14T02:28:00.000-05:002008-01-14T02:27:31.582-05:00

It’s interesting being a single gal these days. Seriously. I’m in a very peculiar place. It would be very easy for a girl like me to get discouraged about my relationship status. After all, I’m 28. Not getting any younger. The biological clock is ticking and all that. And there are times when it is a struggle not to feel lonely, overlooked, or impatient. Like at weddings. Or on

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-72177139121292029632008-01-08T14:26:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:21:02.208-05:00

Well, it's 2008. It's hard to believe. At least, it is for me. How did it get to be another year already?? Traditionally, this is a time when people reflect on the past year, and look forward to the coming year, and think about their goals and expectations. Some people make Resolutions that are hard to keep. I thought back on my year, and I was struck by patterns of stress in my life.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-77088227191729215562007-12-27T23:47:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:51.609-05:00

How I spent My Christmas Afternoon: I went in after dinner to get something, and spied my cat Pip still curled up on my bed. She looked so cozy and comfy...and the turkey and wine were making me sleepy...so I joined her.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-30465990611850463852007-12-10T13:49:00.001-05:002007-12-10T15:40:56.203-05:00

Yeah, I've been busy lately. Not really an excuse for not blogging, though, since I've made time to watch things like the Heroes finale, the Tinman miniseries and the movie Enchanted (I loved it! I can't say it enough!!)There are a lot of things I thought about writing about...but for now I'm going to focus on the things immediately at hand.1) New Noel. It's this Saturday (the 15th). If you

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-55286615740307021352007-11-14T21:00:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:23:12.577-05:00

So, just about ten minutes ago, I was browsing my myspace, and discovered that my [former] favorite band is releasing a new "Greatest Hits" album this month. I (a) cannot believe it is time for another one of those already, and (b) already like the two new songs that will be on this album (courtesy of their myspace). I've been thinking about music a lot lately. It's funny, I never really

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-24074084782273058202007-10-18T22:37:00.000-05:002007-10-18T21:55:01.306-05:00

Notice anything different?Yes, after more than two years, I decided to change my blog up a bit. As much as I love pink, I was getting a little tired of the old layout. And then I helped my dad set up and customize his blog (be sure to check that out), and it got me thinking about what I could do to customize mine a little more.So I spent hours today--more than I'd like to admit--changing and

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-18577450845647810882007-10-08T00:50:00.000-05:002007-10-07T23:50:43.761-05:00

First of all, lest you should think that I am completely shallow and obsessed with nothing but pop culture, let me assure you that I have in fact been using my brain the last few weeks. Truthfully, that's probably WHY I watch TV. To make myself stop obsessing over things in my life that are out of my control (and some things that are somewhat in my control, but I haven't quite fixed yet). I

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-24192839748678180472007-09-22T23:15:00.000-05:002007-09-23T00:01:55.027-05:00

Some people I know look at the passing of summer with regret. They ruefully wave goodbye to days of sunshine and warmth; they heave great sighs when the temperatures take a final drop. Not me. I revel in Autumn. I glory in it. I adore the change of the season. I’m ecstatic when I get to put away the tee shirts and capris and pull out the sweaters and jeans. Out come the scarves and

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-79608540235539942982007-09-09T22:37:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:51.867-05:00

Yesterday was the kind of day that almost makes me wish I kept a diary. I do write in a journal from time to time, but it's mostly filled with emotional and mental angst. Like the rest of my life. But anyway, the day was kind of cool. I went out to the Highland Games up in Ligonier. What's not to love about a place and event so filled with people who share my deep and abiding affinity for

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-71543555539440042072007-08-28T17:17:00.000-05:002007-08-28T16:19:31.515-05:00

I have recently noticed something about myself. Every so often I go on these self-awareness kicks, trying to figure out who I am and why I do the things I do. And there is something I have caught myself doing quite frequently over the last few weeks: apologizing. I must say “I’m sorry,” dozens of times a day. Often for things that are not my fault. Or, for just being who I am. And I’

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-54971647193734263792007-08-23T11:02:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:29:00.166-05:00

Maybe I'm wrong. If I let my cynicism take over, there are days like today. When I think, who need this? Maybe I'm stupid. Maybe Love Stinks. Seriously, what am I doing, here? What am I waiting for? Sometimes, it's really easy to get frustrated. I look at my life, and I don't see the things happening that I want to be happening. And yes, I know it's all in God's timing. But some

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-30318620546767203252007-08-18T03:00:00.000-05:002007-08-18T02:00:35.659-05:00

I’ve never been great at writing songs. I’ve tried my hand at it a few times. Some of my worst were attempts at writing songs about love. Or at least, my limited experience of it. There are millions of songs about love. Have you noticed that? Songs about good love, bad love, crazy love, desperate love, obsessive love, and—my personal favorite—unrequited love. The point of writing a

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-71427560071000203082007-08-05T23:39:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:52.124-05:00

So the other night I was up late, working from home. I had the TV on, and somehow I got watching this show on VH1 (which I never watch, honestly, but I had gotten sucked into an I love the 90’s marathon…). It was called Scott Baio is 45 and Single. I don’t know what got into me. I normally loathe Reality TV, especially ones featuring celebrities. Let me just be clear—my interest in the

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1892417328014262612007-07-17T23:47:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:30:58.430-05:00

Okay, honestly, I've had a lot more going on in my head these past few weeks than you would guess. I kept meaning to get it out, post it here, but I just haven't. I don't even have a really good excuse!! Even now, though, I don't really have time to spill stuff that's been rattling around in my brain. Just know that I've been wrestling with things like: Vulnerability Love Honesty Patience

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-45487333300174232032007-06-15T14:34:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:52.347-05:00

I must confess something. When I was in High School, I was…a bit of a prat, actually. Kind of a Goody-Two-Shoes. It’s true. I kind of had to be, just because I lived in California, and everyone else seemed so…well, I want to say “damned,” but trust me, I never would have used that word back then. I was one of those kids who didn’t believe in Santa Claus, ever, and didn’t celebrate

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-59541942004168183762007-05-30T14:35:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:52.649-05:00

Well, I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!I did. I spent mine in Toronto. It was a Girl Trip! ...That pretty much says it all. It involved museums, walking around downtown, fun restaurants, gelatto, shopping, lots of laughter, new nicknames, running jokes, a chick flick, a tiiiiny bit of alcohol (now, don't be all scandalized!), and a cute waiter.Our first stop was the Bata Shoe

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1323009286928914792007-05-11T11:35:00.001-05:002008-08-22T20:02:49.286-05:00

I started this post, but apparently I was too sick even to finish it. I decided to publish it [aug. 08] instead of leaving it a draft. Just as a testament to the unfinished things we often begin with good intentions but get derailed from completing. So.This week I had to take a sick day.It seems like a long time since I've had to do that. I mean, I was sick. Like, lie-around-and-watch -TV

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-8764785013786011582007-04-30T16:20:00.000-05:002007-04-30T15:18:09.433-05:00

"God works in mysterious ways."We've all heard that expression. Many of us have used it, too. It's sort of a catch-all phrase for the funny, quirky ways things work out in life. Sometimes it's meant to be an encouragement when things don't go as planned. Like so many sayings, it's so common today that the meaning is often tuned out. But it is, in fact, true. Romans 11:33 says, "Oh,

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-10895510933439734282007-04-18T13:45:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:34:45.917-05:00

Well, it's amazing. I know I've been mentioning my struggles lately, my stress and frustrations (as much as I can on a blog without dragging out all the details!). I hope I don't sound like I'm complaining. The truth is, Life is Hard sometimes. And I know I'm not the only one who can attest to this. So, there are these things, these areas of my life that I've been wrestling with. Just

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-41791465872071868072007-04-04T14:03:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:52.860-05:00

I love this time of year. Honestly, I do. Spring is my favorite season. I love seeing everything come alive again.Right now, at my desk, I have a vase full of daisies and daffodils. I bought them for myself on Monday...because I was completely stressed out.In the midst of this wonderful time of regrowth and renewal, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus (commonly called Easter). It's such a

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-82206529278005021642007-03-21T15:27:00.000-05:002007-03-21T20:21:51.932-05:00

Okay, I needed a good laugh today. I found some jokes online, and I'm going to share them with you. Actually, they are those "bulletin bloopers" from church bulletins--typos, etc. I've read a few of them before (and you probably have, too) but they still made me laugh. So, here you go:Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-11149843128538841572007-03-21T13:32:00.003-05:002010-08-29T00:36:02.228-05:00

You Are Teal Green You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you. Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible. While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks. Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have. What Color Green Are You? Is it weird that I actually feel

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-36887294573039411412007-03-21T13:20:00.002-05:002010-08-29T00:36:52.750-05:00

What Jessica Means J is for Joyous E is for Enlightened S is for Shocking S is for Skillful I is for Impressive C is for Charming A is for Adaptable What Does Your Name Mean?

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-85468719253786591812007-03-04T17:05:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:38:48.975-05:00

(Note: this blog is also featured on Hearitfirst.com this week.) “Yay!” Raise your hand if that’s your first thought when things go wrong. Didn’t think so. You know all those verses in the bible that talk about rejoicing in the midst of trials? I’m terrible at that. In fact, when something goes wrong in my life, I’m rarely thinking, “What is God trying to teach me?” It’s usually something

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-5949228847912023442007-02-23T15:54:00.000-05:002007-04-27T12:06:56.799-05:00

Several years ago, when I was in college (and I don't really feel like saying how long ago that was, as it is beginning to depress me a little) there was a popular book about relationships. (Actually, there were several, including I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Passion and Purity, and Lady in Waiting...good books, in their own way, I suppose, and though I have some on my shelf, I must admit I haven't

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-69973617365887027042007-02-15T16:47:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:53.171-05:00

...it makes you do crazy things. Stupid things. Painful things.Well, another S.A.D. has come and gone. Things didn't quite work out according to plan...we had a really bad snow/ice storm here that lasted through Tuesday and Wednesday. The roads were pretty bad; I called Laser Storm and they told me they were closing early. *frowny-face*SO Kyle and I had some quick thinking to do. Luckily

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-87309786642611245572007-02-01T17:27:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:53.264-05:00

Well, it's February.You know what that means.Two weeks to S. A. D. *sigh.*I don't know how to feel about Valentine's Day. You know? On one hand, I hate it. It's just a reminder of my "single" status. It's a commercial holiday centered around mush that raises unrealistic expectations of what relationships are supposed to be like: dozens of roses, expensive jewelry, dinners in classy

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-77623027910620606462007-01-15T16:17:00.001-05:002007-01-15T16:33:28.403-05:00

I know. I've been remiss in my blogging. I'm sure my thoughts, quips, and ramblings were sorely missed. *ahem!*So, you should know, I am listening to the new Switchfoot album. I like it. It took a little longer to get into than their last one, but I'm enjoying it. As soon as then "new" wears off, I'll tackle the stack of CDs Brianne left for me. We had a pretty awesome time together over

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-80165820152783010302006-12-18T18:43:00.000-05:002008-11-18T20:06:53.600-05:00

Wow! What a weekend! What a week, for that matter. It was New Noel this past Saturday. For those that don’t know already, new noel is Community Worship’s Christmas service. This year, as Interim Worship Leader, it was my responsibility to plan. I hope those that know me well are at least smiling by this point, as that sinks in. I actually had a ton of ideas for the

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1165610346271313152006-12-08T15:30:00.001-05:002010-08-29T00:40:41.089-05:00

Okay, I have something I would like to share with you. I've been keeping it to myself for a while, mostly to see how things would turn out. Now, before you get all excited, let me explain. It's just a blog. You read that correctly: I have a new blog. No, I'm not abandoning this one, not by any means. Why on earth, then, would I be starting a new one? The answer is quite simple: I was

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1164255086789747542006-11-22T23:25:00.000-05:002007-04-27T12:07:42.035-05:00

...And better than ever.And now we come to the part of this blog where I treat you to my opinions on a piece of artwork—otherwise known as a review.Now, you might know that I am typically disdainful of reviews, especially critical ones.But actually, this is one area where I am known for being rather…biased. A brief prologue: Since my high school years, The Newsboys have been my favorite band.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1163545965461752232006-11-14T18:07:00.000-05:002007-04-27T12:02:49.518-05:00

Anne.As in, Anne Shirley. Well, Anne Shirley Blythe, eventually.I’ve been re-reading the “Anne” books, from whence comes the origin of the title of my blog. “Scope for Imagination” is what Anne looks for in everything. The books, penned by L. M. Montgomery, tell of the adventures had and lessons learned by Anne Shirley, a starry-eyed, dreamy, imaginative orphan, who brings joy into the lives

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1161297117698103132006-10-19T17:57:00.000-05:002010-08-29T00:45:56.060-05:00

So…I have this bad habit. It’s not bad as in, it leads to poor hygiene or moral decay. It's just a humongous waste of time. There are, I suppose, many bad habits which waste time. There are some good habits which also use up time. Some of them are justifiable. This one, I’m afraid, is not.I like to take quizzes. I do. I "heart" quizzes. You know, those stupid, silly, little “What is your

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1160017003223857812006-10-04T21:56:00.000-05:002007-04-27T12:05:44.149-05:00

Well, I’m all moved into my new digs. My pad. My flat. It’s great. I don’t know if I mentioned it earlier, but there is a wall dividing my bedroom and my living room that is one big bookshelf. I love it. I love sitting on my bed and looking at all my books. (I have a lot of books. They took a while to pack and unpack, but they’re in now.)Another perk is that I have my own bathroom. This

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1158727344658906882006-09-19T23:42:00.001-05:002010-08-29T01:51:46.070-05:00

Gotta make this quick, kiddos—life is crazy around here! One thing that is helping to keep me sane…or at least organized…is that I bought one of those nifty palm organizers. I’ve had it a week now, and I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. It is so good for me, because I have been even more scatterbrained than usual lately. I have so much on my mind, what with three jobs, and moving,

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1157161386611365382006-09-01T20:43:00.001-05:002010-08-29T01:53:04.314-05:00

Well, folks, it’s time for the update. Everyone seems to be asking me what’s going on with me lately. And for once, I actually have an answer. A good one. 1) One month from today, I will be the pleased-and-proud tenant of my very own apartment. Why is this big news? Because I’ve been living at home since I graduated from college. But now, I will be liberated!! Well…sorta. The

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1156457737036767882006-08-24T17:15:00.001-05:002010-08-29T01:53:58.294-05:00

Or should it be Happy Anniversary? For ‘twas one year ago today that I first logged onto blogspot.com, at Brianne’s behest, to get myself a blog. And so the bright pink and link-ified “Scope For Imagination” was born. This is my forty-second post. That means I've averaged a post once every 1.23....weeks. I myself can hardly believe that I’ve actually somewhat kept up with it for a whole

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1155326458269398082006-08-11T17:57:00.001-05:002010-08-29T01:57:35.763-05:00

Well, Dear Readers, it's time you knew the truth about me. So I'm going to come clean. I am a Geek. It's true. According to the McGill definition, geekiness is generally described not by level of intellect or how much studying you do. Instead it is defined by the level of your obsession and passion for something. Thus, geekiness extends to many areas of study (i.e.,

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1153518018747391412006-07-21T16:45:00.001-05:002010-08-29T01:59:54.887-05:00

Hello. My name is Jessica, and I am a Movie Addict. (This is the part where you say, “Hello, Jessica.”) They say you have to admit a problem before you can fix it. The trouble is, I don’t know how motivated I am to “fix” it. Do I watch too much TV and too many movies? Yeah…probably. But I’m conflicted about whether that’s really such an awful thing. Certainly it has impacted my blogging time.

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15729806.post-1151435416817511322006-06-27T14:16:00.001-05:002010-08-29T02:01:51.404-05:00

Wow. Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, shame on me. What on earth have I been doing? Well, since you asked: re-watching season one of LOST emptying baby bottles full of money at the Pregnancy Care Centers working on my third revision of “The Jagged Edge of Lightning” leading worship (sometimes singing by myself, gulp!) at Community Worship working on making a quiz about LOST

J. M. Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440202479543351250noreply@blogger.com3