the byrd behind the word

I originally started this blog when I was taking a creative writing course as an informal avenue to engage various aspects in the relationship between creativity and faith, aesthetics and faith, and similar kinds of themes.  Obviously, my writing quickly fell to the wayside, which I am now revamping in another direction.  While I only intend to write once a week (Sunday), I hope that the discipline of the commitment will at least keep me writing.

I currently in the first stage of a PhD program in Theology (Old Testament) in Pasadena, CA. My life is best described as one profoundly affected and directed by Jesus Christ, and I readily admit that I understand the world through the context of being a Christian.

My highest hopes are to be a person who loves, who is compassionate and kind, who cannot see suffering and pain in the world without being genuinely moved to respond with the hands and feet of God. And never to give up on this kind of life even though I fail at it every day.

Some of my greatest joys include my husband of seven years, Michael; the arts, especially writing and music; Michael’s delicious cooking (his grilled pizza, Pad Thai, Panang curry, Indian curry, spaghetti and beer are my favorites); traveling; that great feeling you get after a hard work-out; hugs and cuddles; the outdoors; sharing with others in the life and study of Scripture; creamy ice cream, like ColdStone’s; getting in the hot shower on a cold morning; and a rich cup of black coffee.