The Sex Industry: The Real Problem

As I was in the airport today, I wandered into the shop that is completely devoted to tabloids, magazines and newspapers. 

If "what is going on in this world?" is the question, this store must have all the answers.

I couldn't help but be drawn to the head line "Sex Isn't Selling", and my immediate thought was "Are you crazy? Where are you living, sex sells everything in this culture."

It was a business magazine.

It was reporting on the sex industry in America. The first paragraph documented a mother asking her son if he pays for pornography - not the issue of if he looks at it, but if he pays for it.

Anybody today can take part of the sex industry today and not have to pay for it.

This is a problem in the business world. Because of the easy access to free pornography online, producers are losing money on their sex business.  As a result, there are lay offs. Producers, actors/actresses and make up artists are losing money. The recommendation is for people to "get out of the business as soon as you can". 

Another point was brought up. Since sex is so readily available everywhere from food commercials to bus stop signs to television and window displays, it's loosing its' shock factor. Its' racy-ness. Its' curiosity factor. What would have been shocking to see in the 90s is a regular occurrence today, therefore people aren't as drawn to the product being advertised. 

This is another problem in the business world. Out culture is numb to sex. How in the world are they going to sell products now?

Does anyone else see the REAL problem here?

Our culture has completely voided the sex industry itself as a problem... and now the problem is that the sex industry itself isn't bringing in enough money.

The sex industry kills men from the inside out.

The sex industry manipulates women to think they need to be something in order to receive love.

The sex industry nullifies God's beautiful gift to us of sexuality.

That's the real problem folks.

Please get real about life, Canadian Business magazine. Money isn't the ultimate. 

We need to recognize peoples' hearts. 

Five Months in Review!

HELLO!
It's been five months, and I've been MIA to much of the world. On one hand I rejoice, it's been lovely, but on the other hand I am sorry for being away! And on my imaginative third hand, I have MISSED blogging! Oh my! There is something about 'publishing' thoughts - it affirms something in my heart. So, along with a newly styled blog, I'm back. Feel free to be here with me!
It's been a summer!

I went to California - San Fran, LA, Laguna, Newport, San Clemente and everything on the I-5 inbetween, with two now dear friends Anna and Nancy! The weather was a bummer because of the Iceland Volcano believe it or not, which made for crummy camping and crummy surfing. But, alas, God is faithful to teach in all situations and it was a joy to experience His creation down the coast. Unfortunately this also meant experiencing the obnoxiously ridiculous amounts of urban development in Southern California which I am just fine with never visiting again. It's not all that Hollister tees make it out to be, folks. San Fransisco was awesome - I will be back there one day to wander the coffee shops and drive up and down those crazy hilled streets lined with magnificent Victorian architectured homes! It's a very romantic city, lots of character! Next time I'll be sure to creep on the Full House home...

Moving.

After a fancy night of fine food
and dancing!

Back to Vancouver for a week included packing up my apartment and moving everything to storage units, friend's houses and Andrew's closet. It was a whirlwind and it felt great to downsize the "stuff" I'd accumulated in 16 months of living in Vancouver. It was my goal to not have to pay for storage over the summer, and my stuff was distributed between 3 friends' homes! Lots of time was spent with Andrew as I was about to move to Vancouver Island for 4 months...



Camp Qwanoes, Vancouver Island.
What a life chapter. 
I remembered loving rural community. Non-city landscape. Trees, stars, ocean, mountains. Simple life. Little farms and plenty of wild flowers, vegetable farms and berry picking. Slow movement. Rivers and lakes. Wild life.

Nicki, myself and Amanda

Camp is always fun - living in community with dozens of other young adults who love Jesus and are seeking him and how to follow him better. It was an adjustment, being in my mid-twenties and feeling very independent in a very shared living space and routine.
I was at camp for two months before campers arrived, being a part of the developing team, getting the camp ready and hosting guest groups and retreats.  My role this summer was Assistant Head Counsellor, which was essentially leading and supporting the 80+ female counselors with my two dear sistas Amanda and Nicki. They are phenomenal women to work and do life with, what a joy! Also: Alicia Marshall - a joy, a sister-friend, a support, a giggle and heart mesher, thank you for being my friennndddd!
It was new for me to step back from the front lines of working with youth and to lead and support staff. But WOW what a sweet time it was - the women that God had at Camp Qwanoes this summer are top choice, strong, compassionate, gentle women who passionately love God and are following His call for their lives! 

Laura Hill, folks!

My sister Laura was one of these fantastic ladies! I just gotta do a shout out to her 'cause she's awesome. It was so sweet to have family around this summer. I've been out and about adventuring for years and while God has given me rad friends who are like family to walk along the way with me, nothing beats good ol' Hill spunk - I love Laura Meredith Hill. I'm so proud of the woman she is becoming and her zest for life! She was a crazy awesome counselor and is straight up G. I love her!
Seester, you rock my world, thanks for being in BC this summer!


What a summer of restoration.
I was so scared to enter back into ministry this summer after last year's terrible burnout. 
I learned how God delivers us from our fears. 
I really learned to trust Him and soar under the shadow of His wings. He raised me up and restored me. 
I am now staring at forgiving some things from last year, and what that means. 
I learned how His truths identify and blast out lies that Satan tries to deceive us with. 
I've learned about being truthful, even in the little things, the sarcastic, seemingly innocent things. 
How living under God's authority brings freedom. 
This summer was such a growing season for me and I'm only beginning to look back and reflect on what God's done! 
 "I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
      saying, ‘You are my servant.’
   For I have chosen you
      and will not throw you away.
 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
      Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
   I will strengthen you and help you.
      I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
                                   -Isaiah 41:9-10


Andrew + Sarah = LOVE!

Andrew popped outta the bushes
and surprised me on my
birthday! 

Five months of not living in the same city... done and done!
What a summer of strengthening and growth. And wretched apartness. 
About 5000 texts, hours of phone calls and ferry commuting, dozens of letters written and received and $452.00 in phone bills later... and we love each other more than ever, haha!
Andrew was my biggest support this summer, faithful and strong, honest and real. His commitment and support to me is a true gift from God and I am so grateful for the man that he is. We're excited to see what this next season will hold! 
(He's glad I'm back!!)


All that to say... this is life! 
To all those who held me in their thoughts and prayers this summer - THANK YOU! I was seriously carried by God's grace these past five months and I am so thankful for you.
I'm back in Vancouver now, heading to Ontario for the last week of the month, then back to a new job and new apartment and stepping forward, eyes on God.


Peace yo.

California

I'm leaving for California in 7hrs.
10 day surf trip.
This has been a dream of mine for approximately a decade.

Yay :)

Irony from 2006!

Confession: I used to keep a secret blog. And I found it tonight. This is what I wrote in the beginning of my 2nd year of college:

September 30th, 2006
I think I decided that... well, I am graduating spring 2008. And I'm going to build some experience working around here - become skilled at what I do, etc etc. And... then I think... if I don't have anything going for me here... I'm going to take off. To a place... that I know nothing about. And know no one there. And be completely unfamiliar. With new coffee shops and neighbors and shoe stores and parks and churchs. So that I have to build up a life again. Or rather, depending on where I am... let God build me up a life there. It's funny when I think about it... because I know that if I WAS in a place that was 100% new and unfamiliar, I know I would go to a church for familiarity. For friends and support and encouragement. Maybe that will happen one day... I'll be a stranger in some big city and I will walk into a little church that has God-lovers in it, and they will see me in my distress and confusion and incomplete-ness... and show me that love that seems to have become so normal around here.

New York?
SanFancisco?
Edmonton?
Toronto?
Ottawa?
It has to be somewhere I can wear a scarf and mittens in the winter though. They are very comforting :)
 
Current address: Vancouver, BC... didn't make the possibilites list, and I don't shop at shoe stores really, but man - forshadowing is wack, yo.

It helps to understand the problem.

It started 4 years ago. I took some medicine for 3 months, but it didn't ever go away.
I should have gone back about 2 years ago, but I kept putting it off.
I thought I was tougher,
I thought it would go away,
I thought I could ignore it.
I figured that since medicine didn't work last time, why would I waste efforts and money on it again?
Well, 24 months of moderate annoyance and I finally hauled my butt to the doctor this morning to check out a problem I've been having with my foot.
An hour wait at the clinic, and a 15 minute chat with a friendly man who reminded me of a viking in Santa Claus' body - and I figured out what was happening with my foot, and how we could make it go away.
Huh.
Well, that was easy.

The doctor was smart. He can recognize symptoms. He knows what's going on under the surface. He knows how to fix it from the inside out, not just slap a bandaid on it. He gave me his time to answer my questions and concerns.

I walked out of the clinic knowing what was going on, and how go about fixing the problem.
CLARITY is AMAZING.

...and then: REALIZATION!
Life makes sense when we understand what's going on.
Our problems are much more manageable when we can understand what's happening.
It helps to understand the problem: physical problems, emotional problems, mental problems, spiritual problems.
First we have to realize: there is a problem here.
Then we have to admit it.
Then we should muster up enough bravery to ask for help!
It's not a weakness thing - it takes strength to reach out for answers, I've learned!
And here's the beautiful thing: we are made to help each other along.
Just as my doctor this morning was so wise in identifying my foot issue, there are people alongside us in life that have gone through similar things, wrestled through them and have claimed victory. PRAISE GOD! I don't think I know one person who has experienced life-problems and solved everything by themself. It's such a beautiful thing of community and family to share wisdom and to be strengthened, encouraged, enlightened and challenged by brothers and sisters. HONESTLY! What a great idea! -- Thank you God!

Then, once we "get it" - the road to victory isn't so much covered in fog anymore. It could still be rocky and difficult... but not as much fog.

It takes courage.
It takes humilty.
We're not always tough enough.
Things don't always just go away.
It comes to a point where we can't ignore it anymore.
And even if people have failed us before, it's a good idea to dare to reach out again.

I dare you.
It helps to understand the problem.

< 3

LOVE!

A various mish mash of thoughts.

These weeks I have been thinking about life. As per usual. But haven't had time to write about anything yet. So, here it is.

One.
Irony: I had a really great week a couple weeks back. It was fun, so much joy and laughter was shared! And then the next week: BRICK WALL. I don't know if it was an attack or what, but it was the complete opposite of the previous week. Why does that happen?
Overwhelming.
Anxiety.
Stress.
Over-responsibility.
Unrealistic expectations.
New time commitments.
New relationship.
Low motivation, self-doubt.
Why does that happen?

Two. 
God is GOOD.
I work part time at a tutoring centre on the west side. It's great how involved parents are in their kids life - how they take initiative in their child's learning, encourage their child and celebrate their victories.
One day in particular, a little boy came out from his lesson with his tutor. His Mom was there waiting for him. His tutor briefly explained what they had covered in the lesson, including a new word that he had learned. The mother's eyes brightened and widened and a smile filled her face. Her son began to spell his new word: "w-a-s". She was exhilarated for him and you have thought that she had nothing else to be proud of, but the fact that her son knew how to spell "was".
God is GOOD - in the big AND small victories.
We are worth celebrating.

Three.
If you are within 25 feet of a computer right now (stupid thing to say, you're clearly reading this) - you could pull up your facebook homepage and read some status updates.
I've noticed, especially with the next generation (yay teenagers) that facebook statuses are sometimes more like glimpses into their secret diaries. Nothing is held back.
"Sally didn't think life could get any worse. Then today happened."
"Jackie doesn't think anyone cares about her right now."
"Tom is about to give up."
"Amy is afraid of when he dies and can't stop crying."
...it's like we need to post our thoughts.
...it's like we need people to hear us.
...we know that things will get read on facebook.
...it's like we need affirmation of some sort.

Three point five.
Oooooh affirmation.
Recognition, and affirmation.
It's SO human of us - this core desire to be heard, recognized and affirmed with what we're feeling!
At church this morning I learned about fearing God and fearing man.
Pleasing God vs. Pleasing Man.
Being rooted in God vs. Being rooted by Man.
Sustainable vs. Unsustainable.
Fulfillment vs. a Taste of Fulfillment.
I love being affirmed by people! It's so encouraging! But do I seek human-affirmation before I seek God's-approval? I think my heart deeply desires/craves God's approval. He did make me, and something about having your Creator's approval means everything. (Similar as having our parent's approval).
Human-affirmation is so much more tangible. God-affirmation is so much deeper. Resonating.
Mmmmmmmm.

Four.
Simple thought: I wonder if flowing with my busy schedule rather than resisting it would take less energy?

Five.
"Any society that commonly assumes that God will not discipline sin in this life or judge it in the next will have no fear of God and will therefore give itself increasingly to evil."

We now deserve, because we were given something we didn't deserve

you deserve to be heard.
you deserve to have my mind open to you.
you deserve to be loved.
you deserve to be held.
you deserve to have someone interested in your life!
you deserve to have grace extended to you.
you deserve to have your basic needs met.
you deserve to be able to let your guard down.
you deserve to be taken care of.
you deserve to be told the truth.
you deserve to fight.
you deserve to stop fighting.
you deserve to have your battles won.
you deserve to trust, even when it seems impossible.
you deserve your voice.
you deserve to be aware of your walls, weaknesses and hinderances.
you deserve to be able to break through those.
you deserve to be forgiven.
you deserve to be able to yell and shout.
you deserve to be able to make a difference.
you deserve to have your heart melted.
you deserve to love yourself.
you deserve to be called beautiful.
you deserve to be called good.
you deserve to know that you have built into your children's lives.
you deserve to know that you made a difference.
you deserve to know that you are part of who i am.
you deserve to rest.
you deserve be released.
you deserve peace.
you deserve appreciation.
you deserve freedom.
you deserve to be confident.
you deserve to cry.
and again, you deserve to be loved.
You are His beloved.


Surrender to it.

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. 

And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 

Yet God, with undeserved kindness, [aka GRACE] declares that we are righteous.

He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

-Romans 3:22-24

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

-Ephesians 2:4-5

Grace.

...and we deserve. 

$

I know He will sustain me.
I know it's not crusial.
I've been incredibly blessed.
...but I'd really love to find $5000 on the street.
Pinching pennies is tiring.

untitled, for you.

Trust You - Brandon Heath

I can’t walk without watching where I’m going
I can’t speak without knowing what to say
I can’t love without any hesitation, ‘cause I know that you don’t work that way
I can’t reach without something to offer
I can’t come now, I am so ashamed
I can’t hold out for you any longer, ‘cause I know that you don’t work that way

I’m not gonna fight you anymore
I’m not gonna try to lock the door
You took your life and gave me yours
There’s no reason why, I shouldn’t trust you with mine

It’s never easy changing direction
It’s so unnatural to loosen up my grip
Are you growing weary, of all my good intentions, ‘cause I know that you don’t work that way

I’m not gonna fight you anymore
I’m not gonna try to lock the door
You took your life and gave me yours
There’s no reason why, I shouldn’t trust you with mine

Some days this weight upon my shoulders is my shame 
I know I should know better 
‘Cause you say that I must now surrender, there’s no other way

I’m not gonna fight you anymore
I’m not gonna try to lock the door
I needed life, you gave me yours
You took your life and gave me yours
There’s no reason why, I shouldn’t trust you with mine