the summation

I read through the book of Ecclesiastes over the past 3 days. It's awesome, it's always been awesome. This read-through, though, was different than previous reads. During this past Feast Mark read it daily. Somewhere he heard that Ecclesiastes was the book traditionally read at the Feast of Tabernacles. It takes on a different meaning when thought of in light of the Feast. I don't think I need to emphasize too emphatically how deep and spiritually meaningful the Feast is. But for those not familiar, there are a couple of traditional, and bibically commanded, guidelines:

a. save a tithe, referred to as second tithe (the first going to the church), and spend it during the 7 and one days at the Feast. One of the neatest things we've learned here recently is that if you save just a little bit every month, in one year you have more than enough money to do something crazy, like go to Hawaii or Barbados or NEW BRAUNFELS! Second tithe is that foreordained mechanism.
b. Eat, drink and be merry; have fun; spend your money on "whatever your heard desires."
c. go to church services everyday; get spiritually fed.

Basically, the Feast is designed to give you a break from the noise of the rest of world, to refocus on family, and to enjoy the fruit of your labors. But more than a God-ordained vacation, it pictures the Millenium. No more Satan, no more disease and suffering, no more broken families, abuse or financial woes. But peace.

What I learn every year at the Feast, and furthermore throughout the year, is capitulated in Ecclesiastes. So for your reading pleasure, a list of the scriptures that make me proud of being a Christian and keeping the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:14).

1:8 -- All things are full of labor; man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

2:13-14 -- Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived that the same event happens to them all.

2:24 -- Nothing is better for a man than that he shoudl eat and dring, and that his soul should enjoy in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.

3:10-15 -- I have seen that the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor -- it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.

3:22 -- So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

4:6 -- Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

5:1 -- Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice fo fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

7:8 -- The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

7:29 -- Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.

8:14-15 -- There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that there are just men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. So I commend enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

9:7-8 -- Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil.

:9 -- Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which your perform under the sun.

:10 -- Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no workor device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where your are going.

12:6-7 -- Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

12:13 -- Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this man's all.

What we've got now is awesome. Embrace the good things.

correction

Janelle, the weightlifter, is actually not going to the Olympics in Beijing. It's all about timing. And I was way off. She is 9K off from going to the Oceanias in March. She then will be training for the Commonwealth Games, which happen in 2010. Most recent article. The Olympics are a posibility, just not for 2008.

proud

Incredible how very small this world is. Article. Janelle was camper in Dorm 1G at LYC 2001, when I was a teen counselor. She is on her way to qualifying not only for the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi, India, but for the '08 Olympics in Beijing. What an amazing person. She is one of those who find their strengths and are doggedly determined to make something of them. Janelle was the sweetest, most humble girl I had that year. She did without having to be told, a workhorse. I hope she gets this.

i am a gazelle

Not really. Thanks to Charlie Triplett, we have started reading Dave Ramsey's Your Total Money Makeover. Basically, we want to get out of debt. "Why?" you might ask. Or, "What kind of debt do you have that you are so motivated to get drastic?" Well, I have about $19K left from Salem & the UofA. We have our Civic, which we still owe $6K on. And I think that's it. Mark has no college debt. Yay, Arkansas (i.e. WalMart funding). And that really isn't that bad if you compare us to most mid-twenties young marrieds'. So here's how it works: save a little money ($1000 to be exact), then start paying down all of the random debts - usually starting with credit cards and working your way up to the big ones. You pay the principal on everything, meanwhile paying over as much as you possibly can on the littler guys. I cannot emphasize the "as much as you possibly can" part enough. This is where the gazelle comes in. Think of a gazelle as it realizes it's about to be pounced on by a cheetah. [This is the analogy Dave Ramsey uses, so it's qualified...] The gazelle gets intense. And one has to be intense when cutting expenses. As you pay off the the littler guys, you progressively work your way up to the big dudes. You have to cut out any spending that keeps you from paying significantly over so as to quickly rid yourself of whatever debt you are working on. And to pay over may mean selling something. To know what you need to cut, you need to track your spending patterns and work a budget every single month. It's intimidating, but the thought of being debt free in less than 2 years just tickles me. Everytime you pay off one smaller debt you add that amount to the overpay on the next guy. Another really cool thing is that budget planning is date night for me and hubby. And the budget becomes something we share, stress or not. Maybe I am a gazelle.

unite the clans

It's war everyone. "With whom," you ask? With bitter cold temperatures, of course. It was 28 last night here in Northwest Arkansas. Mark had to declare, "unite the clans." The clans being his fleece and windbreaker that, when zipped as one, fend off any wintery mix.

I was standing in the kitchen when it was announced. His Braveheart allusions make me giggle.

let all that you do be done with love

I had the privilege of hearing from a couple of my girls last night. They really do inspire me. One of them spent some time recently with friends who are not on the same track as she is spritually. Not that their end is not the same, but at this point they are interested in pursuing different paths. Too many a time, in their company, she finds herself trying with all her might not to slip onto the 'wrong' side. None of the behavior she has joined in with these friends is so wrong, it's just not so right. She realizes this and is in the process of deciding how to deal with those not-so-wrong relationships.

I feel a commonality with her. My junior & senior year in college I encountered the same dichotomy -- there were really good-hearted people both in the church and friends from school who were making decisions that were not so wrong...and yet were not so right either. They were just in a phase that was not making me a stronger Christian. For example, clubbing (sex with your clothes on), drinking heavily (inhibition leading to unnecessary action), harnessing sex appeal, etc. As much as I wanted to have disdain for them, I wanted to embrace them. As much as I wanted to walk away from them, they didn't see the harm in walking what I saw to be a fine line.

What happened to me was that I wanted so bad to not 'judge.' Harken: Matt 7:1 -- "Judge not that be not judged." There was a desire to be all things to all people, re 1Cor. 9:22. What I found was that I was not not judging, I was compromising. Compromising time and energy. Time and energy that should have been set developing habits that build living faith -- note Daniel's example in chapter 6 of the book bearing his name. I was not then and likely am not now so faithful and of such devout habit so as to blatantly disobey the king and not get eaten when thrown into a den of lions.

At the conclusion of my college years, I found that instead of being a light to others, my character was weakened...and that noted by my friends. Note 1Cor. 10:23 -- All things are lawful for me [I'm on the right side of that line], but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

BUT...how do you interact with people who you have come to love and adore who just are not on the same wavelength you are? I think it comes back to the principle of time. There are not enough hours in the day to ever stop building faith through study, prayer and interaction with others who you can share your thoughts with. When you do find time, and we all do, to compromise, in the words of my husband, "Don't be afraid to leave." Leave the room, the conversation, the party, the wedding, the drunken hangout, leave even the thought process. Sometimes it's harder to justify that when you're leaving church friends, but you are more of an example if you say, "I really am not comfortable," than if you stay and end up compromising.

I think it's really vital to stay in touch with people. Maybe I don't hang out in situations I'm not comfortable with, but I can certainly be available when it's a good environment. We may end up running in different circles, but think of how much it will mean to them if I am there for them through it all. Obviously, everyone is there for one another to varying degrees. But to truly be defined as a Philadelphian, we have to practice love. Note Romans 12:9 & 13:10. And I especially love 1Cor. 16:14.

And that's really what it comes down to in my mind -- love people, put your heart into building healthy relationships. Of course, you can't be afraid of disappointment. Who knows where everyone will indeed turn out? But love them. "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God," says Paul in Romans chapter 8, verse 19.

mr. walden

Hey guys,
I just wanted to quickly clarify the text I forwarded to many people this afternoon. (And for those of you who I didn't happen to text, read on!) Mr. Keith Walden, pastor of the Albuquerque, NM congregations -- and practically 1/4 of the western states -- is sick. You may recall the prayer request in the update from HQ...back in June they announced that he was indeed suffering from throat & lymph cancer. Well, it's not lookin' so good. I got the affirmed 'indeed' from the Robinson's (the Mrs' parents); it would take a miracle to save Mr. Walden's life at this point. Prior to the Feast he was getting relatively better; nothing noticeably negative. Since the Feast it's been getting progressively worse.

Also, I think it's worth mentioning that Mrs. Walden recently got over a bout with shingles. Another outbreak could occur if her stress level continues like it is.

None of their immediate family lives in the NM area. Some family, though, is out visiting right now. They're alone and that makes it worse.

I don't think we need to talk about how this would effect the strain on the already strained ministry.

This comes to mind: Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. --Ps. 103:1-5

why women still die to give birth

There is an article up on BBC. Essentially, the US is being blamed for not supporting abortion. "Women's lives are saved when abortion is legal," Ms Coen said. "And saving women's lives strengthens the family, makes societies healthier, economies grow faster and countries stronger. It's a win-win story."

Food for thought: does sacrificing one life save others? Better yet, why would God hate abortion? Is it true that abortion is the solution in saving a nation's mothers? I want to dig into this one because it's so easy to settle for the murder arguement. In the minds of so many people, though, it is better to let the child die instead of letting the mother die. And it's as simple as that.

I would really love your input...so let me know your thoughts. Find me some scriptures, too. I am apparently biblically illiterate today - can't find a few of scriptures that are coming to mind.

fotos

Bueno, porque no saque algunas fotos, deben mirarlas de Annette: fotos.

across the threshold...

Well, folks, I have a job. I have fasted quite a number of times about my job situation, meanwhile praying that He would open the doors He wants open and completely shut the ones He wants shut. He shut the doors for teaching, so I started searching elsewhere. A friend at church, Tiffany Hooley, recommended me to her boss who recommended me to a branch in Springdale. I was "overqualified" for that position, so they promised to keep my resume and let me know. I got a call last week, that a position that was perfect for me opened up. So, today I interviewed for an administrative assistant position with the Private Banking sector of Arvest Bank. Within 2 hours of my interview I was offered the position. I do not take it for granted that it happened so swiftly and so soon after not only my fast but also the Feast. This door was swung open for me. Yay, He is amazing.

Just an FYI: I just got off the phone with John Robinson (re. my recent post about Ella). Ella's eczema is clearer than it's ever been. Now, he made sure to clarify that she has been getting progressively better. But, people really, "exceedingly and abundantly!" I am excited. I will be earnest in my prayers for her complete recovery. God speed!

As a side note: since I will be working in a professional dress environment, all the Ann Taylor stuff I bought at the Feast will be put to good use! :) Yay, second tithe!

nasty

When my mom uses the word nasty, it refers to something absolutely dispicable. She does not use it lightly. When I was a teenager, there were many a time when she would comment on my being "nasty." Can you picture me with the usual teenage and female borax & vinegar? I can still hear, "Amanda Jane, do not be so nasty." [with a hiss -- na-ahhh-sty.]

I had an epiphany at the Feast. Epiphanies are beautiful things. I get the same feeling when I walk along the flower garden and suddenly realize that there's a new blossom. "Humph, beautiful it is." The Feast this year was just that. The more excited I got about my ah-ha, the more it was like no other...that has ever existed.

I explained my ah-ha in an earlier post...we can use each other; our faith grows and multiplies the more bonded we are as brethren and the more we trust in our Creator for any number of different miracles and answers to prayers.

The more I talked to people the more I realized that many are coming from completely different perspectives on how God answers prayers. If someone disagrees or has a different approach on a matter, it doesn't make them wrong or Laodecian or weak. If I have an amanda-epiphany and most of my friends completely support me and someone else who I love and respect puts a wet blanket on the fire, it doesn't make him wrong. It means that in his wisdom and love, he has a different perspective. If I get angry at him because he offers counsel that I wasn't expecting or that I didn't want to hear, I have to swallow it. What good does my hurt heart to anyone -- even myself? Where does my heart go when my pride is hurt? To myself - inwardly. In no way does being angry, wallowing in my pride, at another's opinion do me any good. Mama Evans echoes, "Amanda Jane, do not be so nasty." "Yes, ma'am."

The longer I am in the church of God, the more I appreciate a lesson I learned from Messrs. R. McNair in my first Dance class at GYC 1996 -- there is a way of give and there is a way of get. Truly, if any of the good things that I learn are going to make a bit of difference, I have to live the way of give, unconditionally. So I ask, and if He really is capable of answering in the untold millions of ways He could, He will. ...really, that is the ah-ha.

GWT

So I am subbing in Springdale. To be PC, I am a "Guest Teacher." Well, to remain active -- allowed to sub continuously -- I have to attend a meeting. Well, this summer 3 options for the same meetings were held. I signed up to sub late so I only had the latest of the 3 options. Well, I was working at Outback that day and completely forgot about the meeting. I know: so responsible of me. They scheduled a makeup meeting for 9/28, which fell on the Friday of the Feast. Obviously, I couldn't go. So I was deactivated. I go in today fully expecting that I would be told that I couldn't sub until after and only if I attend the next meeting on 10/25. I preface the it with, "I am really sorry that I wasn't able to make it to the last meeting." And then, "I stopped by 2 weeks ago to talk to you about why I wouldn't be able to make it to the meeting on the 28th." She says, "Well, did they tell you why I was gone?" I: "No, no one mentioned it." She: "I was seeing my son off to Iraq." :( She continues: "So do you mind telling me why you couldn't be here." I: "I was keeping a religious Festival, it's called the Feast of Tabernacles." She: "OH! You're Jewish." I: "No, I'm not Jewish, but you're right that the days I keep are in the Old Testament." She: "I learned about all those holidays when I went to, have you heard of the religious school 'Harding?'" I: "I have." She: "Well, I will reactivate you. But I will deactivate you if you don't make it to the meeting on the 25th." I: "Yes, ma'am." She: "Some people have valid reasons. You're Jewish and there is a girl who couldn't make it because she has to take her immigration classes." I console her a bit as she proceeds to tell me more about her son. I then thank her again and leave. Will this conversation be brought to her mind at the Great White Throne?

ella

Can we talk about the Feast? Yeah we can, all night long. And we can also talk about how I left my camera at home, so all those wonderful shots of beautiful Texas are lost. ...until Deb sends me the ones she took. :)

So we spent the Feast in New Braunfels again. I love that place. It seems like it gets better every year. This year there were quite a number of highlights. One of the best highlights were the people. I am so happy that we got to spend time with David & Jen Ogwyn, amazing people. So are John & Audrey Robinson. It's amazing how God places people in your life at various times to just make it better. And I really do feel like a better Christian because of them. Yes, David, you make me a better Christian.

I got to know the infamous Kristen Vorel, lovely as she is. I met Miss Lacey Todd. One of the most solid and uplifting people I got to spend time with was Annette Frank. Yes, I've known Annette for years -- 11 to be exact. But there is something about someone who is engaged for all the right reasons. Annette and Charlie both have a solidarity about them that makes it really easy to call them friends. I cherish the time we spent together -- ahh, the lovely shops of NB, SA & talks about lovely lady things. ;)

Amid all this wonderful joy was an undercurrent of confusion. The Feast was not so wonderful for a lot of people. I know that many had a very hard time. The cases are too fragile to blog about. But the reality is that some people have it rough right now. I know I will be seeking Him "who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph 4:20) for them and for my own lack of faith.

There is one thing that I keep coming back to. It concerns my attitude. When it comes to things concerning my health or profession I tend to just let God know that I've got it. I mean, why bother Him with something that I can control? This is something that has come up time and time again concerning a job for me. I want to teach desperately, but I cannot seem to get a job. Obviously, that means that I am inadequate in one way or another.

But really? Am I inadequate? Not if I am Christ's workmanship, re. Eph 2:10. If God really is in control of my life, then there is something amiss in that perception. Perhaps teaching is not what needs to define my adequacy. So what then?

This, "I've got taken care of" attitude was manifest in another instance I came across. As I got to know the Robinsons, John kept bringing up Ella's eczema. It has affected his life tremendously -- been a long, drawn out trial that has pulled his family closer and has actually strengthened his relationship with God. Fabulous, right? But I was very curious about if John thought he "had it." Because as he was describing it, it sounded more and more like my job situation -- "God, it's okay, I've got this. What I can do is adequate enough." Ella's eczema is something God could quickly and efficiently heal, as my getting a job is something he could quickly perform. So what then?

Then it hit me -- it's much like the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29. This boy has had a demon since childhood; it threatens his life from time to time and is quite the annoyance. There are two significant discourses -- one between Christ & the father and the other between Christ & the disciples who tried to cast out the demon.

Christ: If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. (That's a promise...)
Father of the boy: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.

and

Disciples: Why could we not cast it out?
Christ: This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.

Prayer and fasting, eh? Next Sabbath I am fasting for Ella. Not that I need a miracle...but it's a promise. A promise from God. Um, I think He can handle it. It has to do with faith, my faith, your faith. Our faith. If all I have to do is draw closer to God so that innocent children like Ella can be healed of infirmities they've had since birth, I kind of feel like I am killing 2 birds with one stone. ...or perhaps - God is "killing two birds with one stone." He's got me possibly thinking along the right lines and His healing power is exemplified.

What did you learn at the Feast?

brother dorm

Camp is beautiful! One of the highlights is the song -- chants to and from activities, hymn sings, the choral. But some of the most amusing things are the brother/sister dorm songs! Now perhaps I am biased, but 4B was super-cute.

To the tune of the song Adam Sandler sang on the plane in the Wedding Singer --
i wanna make u smile, whenever your sad
talk to you for hours when your day is bad
all we wanna do, is be your brother dorm
we'll get your silverware, whenever your eating
make sure it is b4 the staff meeting
it could be so nice, being your brother dorm
we'll miss you, escort you, give you our coat when you are cold
need you, feed you, even let ya hold the remote control
so let us to the chapel, escort you
compliment your hair-do
it could be so nice, being your brother dorm
we wanna be the best brother dorm.

Adorable!

But we sang to them first.

To the tune of Angel by Shaggy --
You are our brothers, you're our darlin' brothers
No other dorm compares to you, 4B
You're like no others, you're our darlin' brothers
You take our trays before we leave, 4B

We can fellowship & hang out in the noon sun
and we know you'll have our backs when it's all done
We enjoy everyday just havin' fun
We love your conversation & strivin' for perfection

You are our brothers, you're our darlin' brothers
No other dorm compares to you, 4B
You're like no others, you're our darlin' brothers
You take our trays before we leave, 4B
You are our brothers, you're our darlin' brothers
With you we'll spend eternity, 4B

good music

I love meaningful music. There are a few songs that make me feel good, like the kind that make you want sing on the rooftop. Carrie Underwood's "So Small" is one. You can listen to the whole song online. Goosebump lines: "Don't run out on your faith...It's like a river that's so wide it swallows you whole...that mountain you've been climbing is just a grain of sand." My high school girls come to mind most immediately, but I mean, really, who hasn't gone through something they thought was impossible? It harkens Philippians 4:6-7 & :13. Si se puede!

I've been exposed to Delta Goodrem. We were driving back in Penman's car from a canoe trip on Counselor's Day Out and he had her on his playlist. It was very Jewel/Evanesence-esque. I love Jewel, Mark loves Evanesence. My favorite song is "Be Strong." Goosebump lines: "Are you swimming upstream in oceans of blue? Do you feel like your sinking? Are you sick of the rain after all you've been through? Well I know what you're thinking...You can't lose your spirit. Let live and let live -- forget and forgive; it's all how you see it. And just remember, keep it together. Don't you know you're never alone?" It harkens Mark 9:24, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5.

The Stiffler's were up from Little Rock this Sabbath, so the Mrs. played the piano for hymns. :) It was delightful! She made us sing "God Shall Wipe Every Tear." It's page 131. Referenced are Isaiah 35:1-7 & Revelation 21:4. Such hope.

was David a superhero?

1Sam 27:11 -- David would save neither man nor woman alive, to bring news to Gath, saying, "Lest they should inform on us, saying, 'Thus David did.' " And thus was his behavior all the time he dwelt in the country of the Philistines.

It harkens Mr. Incredible from The Incredibles. He held it in and held it in. Now, my understanding is that David didn't give way to his superhuman abilities while dwelling in Gath. But he saved, "neither man nor woman alive?" I mean, it sounds suspiciously like he was superhuman, defender of all mankind.

Thoughts?

revolvemos

We are back! :) Four weeks away from home. Tonight we get to sleep in our own bed. Camp was so amazing. I love my HS girls so much. Everything went so well. What did we do right? Let's do more of that. 86 the mice.

donuts

Or is it doughnuts?

So Mark and I are working at the 'ole Outback again. Just for a week or so until we leave for camp, which is next Thursday. ...we found out what we'll be doing. I am going to be HS girls counselor again. Cool...except that I thought I would be Mark's sister dorm counselor. :( But it should be all good. Instead of being insanely busy on Canoe Staff I'll be on Communication Staff. But if it's anything like it was last year, that will be ridiculously busy too. ...it's all for the campers, they who are the future, eh?

Anyway...woo. Donuts. Mike, our propietor, head hancho, bought donuts. Man alive, they were good, especially when dipped in hot fudge. Now, I was super hungry tonight, so my senses may have been lying to me. But those with hot coffee. Mmmm, sisters. It was deeeeelicious. ...my senses had to be lying to me bc at that very moment I thought those donuts were better than Krispy Kreme Hot -n- Now.

there and back again

Well, the first huge excursion of the summer is over. We had the time of our lives... Many mini-dates! I kind of outlined our itinerary on my last post, but I want to elaborate. :)

Day One: We headed to Albuquerque via I-40. We stopped in Texas for lunch. Turkey wraps, yum. To note: everything in Tejas is all about Tejas. The grills at the rest areas were in the shape of Texas. There is a part of me that wants to tell Texas that it needs to get over itself. Another part of me, the larger part of me, wants to just say, "Viva Tejas, amigos!"

We finished up our first day by stopping at Kyle Gilchrist's place. He lives with a wonderful widow named Yoli. He also has another roomate -- Mr. Novak. Does that sound familiar to anyone? It's Evan, Sophia, Phillip & Justin's grandfather (Andrew, the youngest Kovanis, will be at camp this summer, yeah!). Thanks, Yoli & Kyle! :)

Day Two started out, obviously, in Arizona. We stopped at the Grand Canyon! So beautiful!

As we approached Vegas, we were able to see the Hoover Dam. Pretty incredible... On this trip I realized how much the West depends on the Colorado River. Right now I am just in awe of the incredible work the Bureau of Reclamation does. Many would argue that the benefits do not outweigh the costs. We headed to Vegas that evening, stayed at the Luxor. I hoping the Egyptian theme would be SO awesome; thought hubby might really enjoy it. Turns out that the Excalibur next door had better shows...some sort of horseback swordfight dinner show. :) ...the olde English, castle theme was more fun than the Egyptian theme, as it turns out. We didn't really get to see Vegas, but that's okay...

Day Three we hit the Nevada & California desert and started on through some of the "passes." As one drives north from Vegas, the Sierra Nevadas are just sort of in front of you. Before you really get into any passes or cross any summits, though, you have crossed the California border. Can you see the bullet holes?


The first and therefore most memorable pass was the Lida Summit. The little town of Lida literally comprised, oh, 5 shacks and a sign that said, "Lida." Gorgeous no less. On our way down that first mountain, which in retrospect wasn't so bad, I thought the car was overheating -- 24 miles from the closest town in the MIDDLE of the desert. ...no no, it was just the riding of the brakes. To remedy, we used 3rd gear ...for the first time!

We were able to step inside Yosemite, but we weren't able to see the valley, which I guess is what makes Yosemite. But we did get to see yet some more of the majesty!

Me at the base of Lembert Dome.

Mark at the top of a bald rock!

Dog Lake! ...gorgeous!

Right outside the park... vista increíble!

The end of a busy day 3 we ended up at South Lake to spend the night with the Novak's & the Kovanis'. Thanks, Sophia and your WHOLE family! :)

Day Four: to Sherril's bridal shower. Made some really yummy white sangria. She was so excited, more nervous about our games than she was for the wedding day. Was it so bad, Sherril? Mike was interrogating her the whole way to church about the questions and how she answered. Rachelle's gifts were certainly the comic relief.

Day Five: church & rehersal dinner. Mr. Whitfield spoke. He compared Sherril & Mike's relationship to Naomi & Ruth's. It was very moving. I had a hard time keeping it together throughout the service. I hope for them...

Many from church went the Great Basin for dinner. Though we weren't in the wedding party, we got a table and just fellowshipped; had such a nice time catching up! Mark and I had a great talk with Ben Millan - he so passionate about his career; I respect that. We got to catch up with Ben Nelson, Ken Blanchard, Bob Jones, Evan Kovanis, etc.!

That night the girls all stayed at the Colcord's while be boys hung out in Reno. We pimped out Sherril's toes and fingers. They needed some help. Thanks to Cher we got an education on how women "work." Very insightful...

Day Six was the wedding. The ceremony was gorgeous, at the Colcord's home. Ron, Sherril's dad, created a patio in the rear of their yard. In the concrete is written Mike & Sherril's anniversary date June 24, 2007. It was one of the most beautiful ceremonies! ...certainly not 1/2 bad for being planned in 4 weeks. Mike's jaw dropped when Sherril started down the aisle.

It was an 11 o'clock wedding, so we had lunch at the reception and danced our hearts out all afternoon. By evening, we were hungry again. France & Rachelle had to head back to Sacramento, so we went to Truckee for dinner at Moody's. Then back to Colcord's for sleep.

Day Seven we left the Tahoe area and made our way across Nevada & Utah. We took the Lonliest Highway/5o Hwy. There were lots of interesting sites I am not sure we'd have seen if we took the interstate. Apparently there is a Sneaker Tree in the middle of Nevada. We didn't stop because we didn't notice it until we had already passed it. There is a lot of salt in the middle Nevada desert, who knew? In the middle of Utah 50 Hwy turns into I-70. And I-70 in Utah is amazing. I love the etched earth of Utah. I wish we could have made it to some of the national parks in Utah, but instead we got all the way to Grand Junction, CO.

Day Eight we went to the Rocky Mountain National Park. INCREDIBLE! I saw elk for the first time, tundra for the first time, I was in a huge cloud for the first time. We actually got to check out Winter Park on our way up. If you're headed there for the FOT '07 be prepared for altitude, a seriously curvy drive, and unpredictable weather. It's, of course, absolutely gorgeous...I think it will be a worthwhile Feast site, though not as wonderful as Texas. That night we stayed in Boulder at Mike & Sherril's condo. Great place. I set up their bathroom for them :)



...the pics really don't do it any justice!

Day Nine we drove through the most boring part of the United States... Can you guess? KANSAS (and eastern Colorado)! I have always had this dream to drive across Kansas. ...I think the desire was rooted in a longing for a super-de-duper roadtrip. Well, my dreams have come true and I will never dream as such again. ...simply bc I never want to endure Kansas again.

We ended up in Kansas City, stayed with Dave & Niki, their new baby, Ronan, and Sarah. On our way we checked out Jake's new pad, got to chat with Gwen & Gary's new baby girl (she is SO precious) -- and G& G, and we picked up Cherie... We ate dinner and drank espresso. Thanks, Dave & Niki!

Day Ten we drove HOME! Home Sweet Home! All in all, very fun, romantic, memorable, heartwarming and simply worthwhile.

este verano

6/13 Brad moves in
6/19 to Albuquerque
6/20 to the Grand Canyon & Las Vegas
6/21 to South Lake Tahoe, CA
6/22 Sherril's bridal shower in Loyalton
6/24 Sherril & Mike's boda
6/25 to Salina, UT via the Lonliest Highway
6/26 to Boulder
6/27 to KC for dinner w/ Niki, Dave, Ronan, Sarah and possibly Jacob
6/28 a casa
7/12 to Chicago for dinner and slumber party with the beautiful Katie Anne Orr
7/13 to the UP of MI
7/15-7/29 LYC
7/30-31 to Charlotte
8/5 a casa otra vez
8/10-12 Roaring River Campout hosted by Joplin
8/13 school begins

FOT 2007

Ah, yes. This morning we registered for the Feast of Tabernacles. We will be heading to New Braunfels, Texas. Now, many have the preconceived notion that a Texas Feast does not have the potential to be so wonderful. I am here to say that New Braunfels is wonderful. Call me the NBFOT advocate.

There are a few things we are looking forward to doing again this year -- hanging out in the hot tub(s) and the salt water pool at our condo, eating at the Huisache Grille & the Gristmill, shopping at Whole Foods and the outlet malls. Things we are looking forward to that we didn't quite get to last year or three years ago: perusing downtown New Braunfels & Landa Park, glass blowing in Austin, one night of live music on Congress St. in Austin, and touring/attending a wine tasting at the winery in New Braunfels. There are many more things that we will do that I am sure we are not even aware of...

Last year the Feast was so peaceful. We spent a couple nights just hanging out with people we love -- Ben & Summer and Erin & Mark and Kurt & Ashleigh just to name a few! The people really make the Feast. It helps that Texans in the Church of God are incredibly loving and warm people.

Granted, part of the beauty of a Texas Feast is that no one really thinks it's going to be all that great. Many so choose not to give it a go. That just means that we get to know people we'd never know if we did not go there. ...and like I said, beautiful people!

So if you haven't decided where you want to go, we suggest New Braunfels. It's absolutely wonderful. And if you really want a great place stay with us at the Waterwheel Condos. You can get a 1/2/3 or 4 bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen, pull out couch, deck, washer-dryer. They're new & pretty sweet.

We'd love to hear from you if you're planning on it! ...or even if you're not, we'd love to hear where you're going!

God speed.

in reference and retrospect

So apparently the world reads blogs. Were any of you aware of that? I have to say this from the deepest and bottom-most crevices of my heart and mind, I really am sorry if I said anything in that last post that hurt anyones' feelings in any way. Not that what I was trying to get at is relevant now that no one has a point of reference, but I love all my friends. I really do. I don't understand compromise, most especially when it involves people I love. Perhaps my passion gets in the way of what I really am feeling and saying. I know that is a serious weakness, and I'd venture to say that it's even a fault of mine. If I've offended you or any of your friends in anyway, please accept my apology. I heard that someone was hurt by what I said almost an hour ago and my heart is still thumping a million miles a minute. Know that I look forward to sharing in the harmony of mind and spirit in the KoG with all my fellow humans, as Mr. Mike Fotenopulos, leader of the BHS trip to Spain next Spring Break, likes to call us. I am sorry and I love you.

Brad. Bradley Carl.

Mark and I decided to take Brad under our wings for awhile. He's Mark's younger brother, smart and witty. He and Mark have a lot in common. We've had a couple of really interesting conversations. He is a relatively conservative democrat. He believes that abortion is a mother's right and that homosexuality is not a choice. I didn't ask him how he would feel if his future wife told him she was having an abortion or what he thinks happens to people when they die (which really is what it all comes down to anyway). His views make perfect sense from a Democracy-works point of view. I respect him. And I love him. I have a hard time not touching the big things; Mark believes, I think, that such conversations are not worth touching. And to a degree, I do understand where he's coming from with that.

My observation is that Brad is like to many people I love. They settle and they're in pain because of it. It sucks, but it's real. Mr. Wheeler said a few weeks ago, "All they need is love," in reference to pastoring the Springfield, MO church. With Brad and with so many people, all the pain will disappear if a few strong people would love them. Some say we're really making a risky choice by helping him get through this phase of his life. I think they're whimps. If those of you who think it's foolish couldn't handle something like this, I feel sorry for you. I love Brad and regardless of how "difficult" it may be to have someone in my home, he needs us. If taking him in will help him become a stronger person, what better could I possibly do?

The coolest thing is that we get to practice our faith in this situation. It's fine and dandy to be religious around other faithful people. But it's something completely different with someone who doesn't know or doesn't understand the concept of God and certainly doesn't respect Him. I guess I get to find out if I am a hypocrite.

what's in an excursion?

so Osky... I love visiting Mark's parents. Having in-laws is really neat. My family is so different than Mark's. They express themselves differently and have a completely different outlook. We are going DesMoines for an RV show, maybe hit up Jordan Creek and we'll have dinner tonight. I haven't quite figured out how to put into words how they express love. My family just says it and hugs and laughs and is really silly. But the Sandor's are different. ...we were playing cards last time we visited and Rob, the youngest brother, and Mark were arguing. Not fighting, just being really competetive and ornery (sp?). It was an "ah ha" moment.

Is it odd to seek the approval of mother-in-law? I always feel this longing for her... I want to hear, "Well done good and faithful servant..." What's with that?

I miss my mom too. They are in the midst of moving to Florida. Dude. Back to Sarasota. Home. I have to admit, I want to go with. I haven't seen my parents since the Feast. Where I long for Sue's approval, I just want to hold my mom. She's so perfectly comfortable.

Ah, DesMoines. Another Sandor excursion. Sweet ride. Time to bond. I hope we bond.

vexation

There is definitely peace that comes with a good man, isn't there? There are few that have being that I respect more than my husband. With that respect comes so much appreciation and faith.

When Mark and I were falling in love, no one took as much of our time as each other. And we loved it. Some found it adorable - mostly our elders. Others hated it. Many thought he was insane for dating and so abrubtly marrying me. My mom was very nervous for the rate of our relationship.

I don't think we spoke to anyone for 6 months after we got married. I agree that it was a bit rough on some friendships. But the people who were faithful friends before "we were" maintained their strength and faith in me (and him) after.

I came into my own as our relationship grew, as a buttercup in early spring blossoms after the last deep frost. My spring was then followed by vast arrays of flowers.

We recently spent time with our couple friends, people we love SO much. Shelby & Aaron and Mark & I had lunch in LR at Jason's Deli. I love them because they are passionate, driven and they know how to love with all they have. If they can bring such joy as they showed us to each other and show such powerful conviction for this incredible way of life like they do, imagine what true lights they will be when it really counts. I love them.

Last weekend we went to Joplin and spent the evening with Kurt & Ashleigh and their 3 niños. Beautiful children. Again, God-fearing, passionate people. There is a peace in their company.

You know what happy couples are? They are family. Elohim.

fergalicious

I have been wanting to post this for ages.

Fergie Ferg, stupid.

In her song, she says: T to the A, to the S T E Y girl you tasty,
T to the A, to the S T E Y girl you tasty
T to the A, to the S T E Y girl you tasty,
T to the A, to the, to the, to the, to the (four, tres, two, uno)

What's so wrong with that? She's a skank, yeah yeah, who isn't?

IT'S SPELLED WRONG! The ongoing message: women are stupid.

I AM NOT STUPID!

not the flu

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2007/01/31/hscout601484.html

That, my dear friends, is a link to an article, among many dialogues related to this subject, that really boils my water.

In summation, Merck, one of the USs largest pharmacuetical companies, is trying to push for government legislation of a vaccine for HPV. Why is big business pushing for any kind of legislation? ...not to be ignorant, I know they do it all the time. But so openly?

Who is teaching our young women? If you can't answer me that, tell me WHAT we are teaching our young women? Nothing. Passivity, absence of understanding and wise judgement. The message is: "your body really isn't your own. You have no control, no strength. Just let us take care of you since you are incapable."

If you watch primetime television at all, you have seen the commercials for Gardasil. Their motto is "One less." One who will not fall victim of HPV. HELLO! You get HPV by almost having sex with someone who carries the virus. It's not the flu. It's contracted by people who don't know or aren't cognizant enough to ask whether or not the person they are messing around with has HPV. Who does that anyway? "Well, since we're going to hook up, what's your diagnosis?"

...it's a disease and it's highly contagious, and I don't mean to be hard-hearted about the subject or toward people who have it. But I hate the messages it sends. I am not weak nor am I uneducated. HPV is an STD. If you don't have sex irresponsibly you don't get HPV. It's the sweet little thing we call self-control. However, can a 9 year old (check the website) practice self-control?