The Shinn Digs

So, Melanie tagged me and I’m supposed to write 6 random things about myself … 

1. Like Mel, I love to go to bed early. I love even more to get up early. And when I sleep in, that means I make it to the 7s.
2. I function best at my computer with about 12 apps or windows open, switching back and forth between them. I don’t believe in closing a program if I’m going to use it again in the next 12 hours. Jess Hansen used to hate this about me.
3.  Dishes in the sink, even a solo spoon, send chills up my spine.
4. I love to have my nails done … well, I don’t love the actual process of a manicure, but I love having done nails.
5. My go-to song on the guitar is either Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls or Martyrs and Thieves by Jennifer Knapp. I almost always play both when I sit down to play.
6. I love to go to movies by myself.

So the tag game continues, Garth and Karolyn - you’re up.

Hi faithful readers! If you know an elementary school student, you’ve probably been hit up for some fundraising sales already this fall, so add this to your list! K2 are selling some items for their school, and they’d love to invite you to participate! Each child has a separate link, so you can click here for Kins and here for Keats. The little fella wants me to be sure to tell you the sale ends on Monday, September 22nd. Lots of goodies for sale … chocolates, wrapping paper, and various gift items. Happy shopping.

Many of you know this, but for some this may be the first official word … I’ve recently stepped down from my staff position with FCA, effective at the end of August. It’s been an emotional roller coaster to make this decision and move, and in some ways there are lots of unknowns that I just have to leave up to the Lord! Many of you will be receiving some information regarding your FCA financial partnership, but I thought I’d attach the letter here so others could read also! 2008-09-01-final-letter-to-donors.pdfI’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work for our good friend, Paul McLean, at Anchor Point IT Solutions.  It’s a huge learning curve, and quite a change in life schedule! Hopefully the letter will answer some other questions for you, but feel free to ask away! One thing I can promise you … I have always felt called to college ministry, whether it be through coaching basketball or working with FCA … that hasn’t changed! I just am not quite sure how that looks right now. I’m really praying God will give me opportunity to have a Bible study or book group or something of that nature with UCSB athletes here at our house on Tuesday evenings. I would absolutely love that! But, for now, I’m not exactly sure how “ministry” is defined in my life, which leaves me a little bit in limbo! Maybe it just finally gives me time to stay caught up with all the amazing young men and women I’ve gotten to know in the past 7 years!Changes are usually hard … I remind myself of that. I think I’ve had enough change in my life in the last 12 months to last for about a decade … so let it be known … no more changes for a while, please! I’d like this season to last for quite a long time! 

My friend tease me about being on kicks … I get highly passionate about something for awhile, then it fades. Well, I’ve put in my time with the “long hair” kick and I’m OVER IT! I didn’t like myself in long hair … I always wore it up. I’ve tried two different times while living in SB to have long hair … this last stint was about 3 or 4 years I believe, so I’ve given it the ol’ college try. But it’s time to be myself again. Inspired by Dara Torres, I had to convince the stylist to cut it “that short.” I feel like myself again. The next day Garth got his hair cut too … sort of weird to have longer hair than your wife I think! Thanks to photo booth, here’s a pic. I could have easily categorized this post in the “aging” category, as there is no hiding all the gray hair now!  

While everyday is a good day to tell the people in our lives how important they are to us, special days like birthdays are a great opportunity to say those things.  JP, you are a wonderful person, friend, mom, wife (and a zillion other things).  I am so thankful for you and so excited that I get to do life with you.  Happy Birthday babe!