Mr. and Mrs. Todd & Kim Pate

My dear roommate Kim got married to the man of her dreams last Saturday! It was such a neat wedding to be a part of. The Beracah girls prayed fervently with Kim for months - praying for Kim's heart as she worked with Todd in ministry, praying for Todd to be directed by the Lord in their relationship, and even praying for Todd to fall in love with Kim! (I think we all agree that Kim has the gift of faith in prayer...)

And here they are!

So long, roomie. We'll miss you at the Beracah house!

yeah for pictures

no pics :(

Sorry! Blogger is currently not letting me upload pics...

They're coming shortly!

Blonde, Redhead, or Brunette?

I'm currently working on that. Who really does have more fun? more adventure? more class?

Yesterday, I was a blonde.
Today, I'm a redhead.
Who knows...maybe sometime next week, I'll be a brunette.

And don't tell me that I look better as a blonde. That's a bunch of malarky. God made me a brunette, and while I do not find any problem at all in having fun changing my hair color, I value the way he made me.

This last week's shenanigans with Natalie Patton and a few boxes of hair color reminded me of the last time I tried to do my own hair. A few of my readers may remember this.

Picture me.
Color my hair with a florescent yellow highlighter.
Now put me in Japan.

Uh-huh. I stuck out like a sore thumb.

Oh wait, this was after I tried to "brush on" highlights myself, resulting in a yellow patch on the top of my head, tried to color it up with color, to no avail, then actually stripped my poor, dying hair of all pigment whatsoever.

On our third day in Japan, I met my fellow-teammates for lunch at Chiba University - our first day on campus. My teammates told their new Japanese friends that another American girl was coming for lunch, but she would be late (I know what you're thinking, but I was teaching an English class). When I walked up, one girl turned to meet me, jumped back, covered her mouth with her hand, and snickered. Yes, snickered. She was apparently taken aback by a strange glow coming from my head, otherwise known as MY HAIR. Reiko doesn't remember that story, but I sure do. It wasn't like I was self-conscious or anything...

A month later, friend Matt Walker came from the US to visit his sister and brought a gift from my mom: a box of brunette hair color and a highlighting kit. The Japanese learned there really was a God who cared about his children.

After that fateful operation, I decided I would trust the well-trained "beauty technicians" at my local salon to care for my mop. So for the last 5 years, I have forked over exhorbitant amounts of money every 3 months to get my hair done.

Until now.

Cut, color, blow dry, and style from Studio Gerault: $ 120
Box of color from Wal-mart: $ 7
Haircut from random salon: $ 15
Another box of color from Walgreens: $ 9.50
Your boss asking if you're going through a mid-20's crisis: priceless.

Back to Square One

"I want to simplify your lives.
When others are telling you to read more, I want to tell you to read less;
when others are telling you to do more, I want to tell you to do less.
The world does not need more of you; it needs more of God.
Your friends do not need more of you; they need more of God.
And you don't need more of you; you need more of God.

For we do not progress in the Christian life by becoming more competent, more knowledgeable, more virtuous, or more energetic. We do not advance in the Christian life by acquiring expertise.

Each day, and many times each day, we need more of God.
Back to Square One."

--Eugene Peterson

Crisp. Cool. Clear.

...the weather this past weekend in O-town. It was unbelievably nice.

Yeah for fall!

(lets not mention that the heat index rose again today, ok?)

Happy Monday, folks. I'm thinking about ya.

Thursday night TV night

First of all: too many Thursday night parties, people. We need to consolidate. There are too many choices. At one house, someone is offering tacos and margaritas, at another, we get to meet someone's "special friend." Then there's the special lull of my own couch, in my jammies, with some hot tea. Hmmm....well, Angela won last night. She begged me to stay home and I did. Plus, I don't know many others who enjoy The Office like we do.

THE OFFICE...my word, how can you not be in love with Jim. "As your direct superviser today, I'm making the decision that we cannot move forward in this project until you get your potato chips." If the writers are trying to develop his character into a heartthrob, they have succeeded in my house.

GREY'S...geez louise. This week's word is back to *scandalous*. A few thoughts: Remind me never to get on morphine. McSteamy needs to take his sorry butt back to NY. In a twisted move, McDreamy has now really captured Meredith's heart by walking away. (at which point, I initially unleashed a proud "woo hoo" because he finally came to his senses) And, McVet will be sorely missed. One more thing: what would you do with 8.7 million dollars? My vote is open a "denny wing" at the Seattle Grace. Any more ideas?

Karaoke at my house tonight in honor of Angela and Ashley's B-days. Feel free to stop by.

check it out!

PIONEERS new communication package was unveiled today! Man, I am so proud of my co-workers. They prayed and worked and reviewed and worked some more on this web, print, and video package -- and it is well done. Excellent, my friends. This is excellent work.

*new website: www.pioneers.org
*new brochure that I would be HAPPY to send you.
*and an incredible video that I would also like to show you; you can't get it online. Just say the word.

I'm very thankful to be part of this organization!

wow. i just grew up fast.

Check it out: I just got a letter from the AARP.

It reads:
"Our records show that you haven't yet registered for the benefits of AARP membership, even though you are fully eligible."

Um, excuse me. Did someone NOT get the memo that I was born in 1982? What "records" are they referring to, and who would like to take credit for this masterful record-keeping?

"As a member, you'll have the resources and information you need to get the most out of life over 50."

Well, hot diggity dog. I'm sending in this registration and getting started on those benefits early. I'm going for it!

sniffle, sniffle

I've forgotten how comfortable my couch really is. I haven't lounged around on the couch for weeks...until now. It's me and a sinus infection. Not really a whole lot of fun.

Other than that, it's been a pretty good week. On Monday night, we had our second girls group. 9 of us are reading "Lost Women of the Bible" by Carolyn James -- discussing it, and our lives. We meet every other week and I'm absolutely lovin' these sisters.

Tuesday night, I had some gals from work over for dinner. This is an orientation week at PI, so a few co-workers and I hosted some candidates who are applying to serve overseas. Hearing their stories and getting to know them really rejuvinates me to press on at work.

Lets see... Wednesday was a miserable day at home on the couch. My mom brought me chicken soup. :) And I managed to make it to the church at 7 for our first English Cafe. We had one person come! woo hoo! I really wasn't sure if we'd get anyone, but I was SO excited when I found out that she heard about our English classes because of a particular flyer I put up last Saturday. I seriously prayed over those flyers as I posted them around town. Anyway, we're hoping for more students next week.

I came home early from work again today and a friend came over to make dinner. She convinced me that I really need to call the doctor tomorrow. I hope I can get an appointment and start some antibiotics. I'm dying here.

Thursdays are my TV night. The Office was pretty good tonight...albeit a tad weird. What was with the "hug it out, *****"? That's not quite what I expected...

And Greys! I love Greys Anatomy. Last week was quite scandalous; this week was really sweet. Alex has finally won my heart. He's usually really annoying, self-centered, and cocky as all get-out. But in tonight's episode, you caught a glimpse of his tender side. His conversation with Izzy outside the hospital was full of great lines. Good job, emmy-award- winning writers. And so our little interns keep moving along...

How was your week?

working hard or hardly working

the mobilization department got a new camera.

enough said.

Strange conversations

I seem to recall visiting a website a couple years ago that posted "strange conversations" heard in NYC. It was stink'n hilarious. Anybody know where to find that? Well, here's my own version. This is 100% true.

Two guys walking out of the bathroom at church:
"It is virtually impossible to make a soft poached egg."

At my office:
"I'm on a candidate committee next week."
"Me too."
"Then on Wednesday I'm going to Hawaii."
"Yeah, I'm going to Turkey."
"Okay, we'll meet at the end of October."

This conversation was silent, but let me tell you the story. One guy -in my graduate level class today- writes a note to a guy sitting two seats down from him, seat in the middle empty. The receiver of the note was dozing. The author of the note is watching the other guy, as if staring at him will wake him up. 60 seconds go by. Still sleeping. The author of the note wraps his arm around the empty seat and taps on the edge of the seat with his pen. Mission complete: receiver of note wakes up and sees the note. The conversation continues.

What the heck.

pictures from Emily's 3rd birthday party

gotta love these cuties! They're SO much fun. Ella is 4, Emi is now 3. No pictures of their parents...whoops...but you can see my parents, Nana and Gramps, up there- as well as Uncle Rich and Aunt Becky.

A great new hymn

Last Sunday, St. Paul's resumed our monthly Evensong service, after taking a summer break. I just love this quiet, contemplative service that offers beautiful music, a homily, and Communion.

Our "chief musician" introduced a new hymn this week that hails from Britain, and I'm a big fan.

The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.

As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.

The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.

So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.

I'm sorry you can't hear the soothing melody that these words dance to. In keeping with the Britain theme, I must say that it's really quite lovely.

Friends around the world, I prayed for you as I sang this song with tears in my eyes! How awesome to think of the sun never setting on the Church around the world; truly praises are being lifted up hour by hour to our Great King!

I love the Loves!

Readers, meet my friends: Tim and Laura Love. No, they're SUPER friends. Hanging out with them is authentic and fun and satisfying. It all started during UCF days....(go knights!)...and I hope will continue all my life, even if we have to travel continents to see each other.

Tim and Laura met in a far-away-exotic land, but it wasn't very condusive to falling in love. At least, at the time it wasn't. But God brought their hearts together about a year later and now they're married and living in south florida while Tim attacks med school. And this year, Laura is joining him at school in a master's program. Does that make them geeks? Well, they're the coolest geeks I know, anyway. And these friends are faithful visionaries: they are content where God has them now, but looking to the future with an eager desire to see God's Kingdom come among the nations.

Again...I just love 'em!!

Happy weekend

"If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody."

-J.D. Salinger

My new roommate

I got a fish!

An impromptu trip to Walmart on Sunday afternoon was the setting for meeting and taking home the newest member of the Beracah household. He's a beautiful little guy and adds a bit of male presence, if you will.

Name: Zeus
Type: Beta Fish (aka, a Siamese fighting fish)
Home: medium size bowl with some nice landscaping and a cobblestone floor
Receiving visitors? yes
Likes being talked to? i'm pretty sure

Below is not the *real* Zeus, but it'll give you an idea of who greets me when I get home at the end of a long day at the office.



Come say hi sometime. Real picture coming soon. Stay tuned.

Will you help them hear?

Worldwide, Christians earn $12.3 trillion each year.

Of that $12.3 trillion, only 1.7% is given to Christian causes.

Of this 1.7%, only 5.4% goes to foreign missions.

Of this 5.4%, only 1% goes to people without any opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Will you help them hear?

www.pioneers.org

I gots the bumps, yo

Some things that gave me the chill bumps today....

I talked to my sister-in-law on the way to work this morning and she was telling me about a new group she's joining at church. It's more than just a Bible study, but a time to bond with other women with young families and share in each other's lives, and it's led by the elders' wives. They even cook and eat lunch together every Thursday! I just loved hearing Ashlee get excited about this group. I'm so thankful for her and love her bunches. I'm headed up to see their fam in a week for Emily's 3rd birthday!

E & J and four young kids were recently kicked out of a Central Asian country and have temporarily relocated in the same area. In their last newsletter, they asked prayer for finding a Russian-speaking school for the kids to attend (the language they've recently learned) and generally that this would be one step in helping the kids adjust to such abrupt changes. In particular, their 7-year old daughter, Lydia, really wanted to wear a uniform to school. This week's newsletter came with news of finding a school and acceptance even though they're Western. The next line read that mom and kids went out to lunch to celebrate and then to the outdoor market to buy uniforms, much to Lydia's delight. Isn't that precious? God does care about the little things!

Can I get an AMEN?

Have you seen this month's cover of Christianity Today? The cover story is

Young, Restless, Reformed: Calvinism is making a comeback - and shaking up the church.

Really, please go read this article. It's absolutely fantastic. Enough said.

But I'll keep going. The article begins with the undeniable popularity of John Piper, especially in relation to the recent "Together for the Gospel" conference and regular Passion conferences. Piper is credited as "more than anyone else, [the contributor] to a resurgence of Reformed theology among young people."

The article goes on to illumine Reformed theology's commitment to doctrine, spiritual depth, God-exalting focus, and of course, TULIP. I'm so proud of my generation of the church. Discontent to simply accept, we are impacting the Church with a genuine yet aggressive persual of deep truth in Scripture, doctrine, grace, worship, and soveriengty. AMEN, I love it.

It's risky asking for comments on my blog, because it usually results in a jinx. (Yeah, I said jinx in my blog entry about God's sovereignty.) But seriously, I'd love to hear your comments on this article. Unfortunately, it's not online or I'd link you to it.

Quotes worth quoting:

"Someone like Louie is saying, 'You know what, it's not about us, it's about God's glory, it's about his renown.' Now I don't think most kids realize this, but that's the first step down a pathway of Reformed theology. Because if you say that it's not about you, well then you're on that road of saying it's not about your actions, your choosings, your determination."

"'This generation of young Christians is more committed, more theologically intense, more theologically curious, more self-aware and self-conscious as believers because they were not raised in an environment of cultural Christianity,' Mohler said. 'Or if they were, as soon as they arrived on a university campus, they found themselves in a hostile environment.' Mohler explained that Calvinism offers young people a countercultural alternative with deep roots."

"'I think the criticism of Reformed theology is being silenced by the mission and justice and evangelism and worship and counseling - the whole range of pastoral life,' Piper said. 'We're not the kind who are off in a Grand Rapids ghetto crossing our t's and dotting our i's and telling the world to get their act together. We're in the New Orleans slums with groups like Desire Street Ministries, raising up black elders through Reformed theology from 9-year-old boys who had no chance."

"'If you really understand Reformed theology, we should all just sit around shaking our heads going, 'It's unbelievable. Why would God choose any of us?' Harris said. 'You are so amazed by grace, you're not picking a fight with anyone, you're just crying tears of amazement that should lead to a heart for lost people, that God does indeed save, when he doesn't have to save anybody."

I started a blog that nobody read

I think this song is rather funny. (click on the title/link above)

In other news:

Don't you just love it?!

Monday, Monday

Mondays mornings at work usually mean there are a million and one things on my mind and I'm not quite sure where to start. So, being Monday morning - this blog entry is meant to reflect that. In a word: randomness.

Chicken - marinated in pineapple juice, thrown on the grill, then stripped over salad (with Mango dressing, good call Jennings) - is really good!

Thanks to Mom and Pop, I'm an education junkie. I'm so thrilled that school starts this week, I could scream. I smile as I walk the halls of RTS. I relive memories everywhere I walk on the UCF campus. I love reading. I even like taking tests. When the 2006 list of Orange County Adult Education courses came in the mail, I highlighted all the ones I wanted to take. Ceramics, anyone? Healthy Cooking? Ballroom Dancing? What will I do when I can't go to school anymore? Oh yeah, teach. Maybe that's why I'm pursuing a career on a college campus.

On my nightstand:
The PAPA Prayer by Larry Crabb
Lost Women of the Bible by Carolyn Custis James
The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently by Richard Nisbitt

Sunday night movie at my house this past weekend: Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca." As a child, I liked watching this movie because of it's great name. As an adult, I was thinking "why did my Dad EVER let me watch this?!" It's a bit morbid. Have you seen it?

My Monday morning started off great... I actually got out of bed on time, ate my big bowl of Fruit Loops while watching the Today Show, and then prayed for the day with my roomie. All was well until I was drying my face and -oops- what was that? Something feels weird. Aah! My nose ring fell out!! I ran around like crazy trying to defrost the bathroom window, get the ring back in, put in my contacts so I could see, try again to get it through the hole, throw some clothes on, and go screaming down the hallway looking for help from Angela. I flipped out. Then, 20 minutes later, it was back in with minimal bleeding and a little bit of pain. I calmly sighed. ....Now to begin the day.

Oh yeah - didn't I tell you about my new bling? It's groovy. Real sparkly. And it's in my nose!

< big gasp >

According to WESH news online...

"The final closed restaurant is going to surprise sushi lovers. The state shut down Seito Sushi in the Winter Park Village on Aug. 11 because of roaches.

'When the inspector closed you down, were you pretty shocked?' Meredith asked the owner.

'Very shocked because we have always been clean,' she said.

She said the problem has been corrected, and Seito Sushi is open for business."

Um...I'm not sure what to do with this. This is my favorite, favorite place to get sushi and comes as quite the surprise.

Can I go back? Can I just forget this ever happened? Do you think I'm gross?

Don't hide all your attributes in a stirofoam container (savvy)

We confusingly looked at the Jack Sparrow-looking fellow who was talking to us, our eyes traveled to my take-out box sitting in front of me on the counter, then we looked at each other.

What did that guy just say? We laughed and repeated the story...over and over again all weekend. We're pretty much still baffled at what-in-tarnation that comment meant. Was it the beer he had for breakfast speaking? Was he just a local who likes to say weird things to tourists? Haven't a clue! Can you shed any light? (He did, however, look a lot like Captain Jack!)

Anyhow, such was the scene at New Smyrna Beach this weekend while Lauri, Joe, and I enjoyed lunch at Breakers overlooking the water. Yeah, think about it and wish you were there. It was fantastic.

I seriously contemplated never coming home.

The beach was our escape after a busy week at PI debriefing 87 amazing students who served overseas this summer. They sacrificed much in order to take their place in the story God is writing of His glory among the nations. Well, they "sacrificed" in the world's terms anyway. I'll update again soon with some of their incredible stories, then you tell me if it was much of a sacrifice. Once again, let me reiterate that I LOVE MY JOB!

Since we're talking about quotes, I have to share my new favorite: as Mr. Miyagi once said, "Never trust a spiritual leader who can't dance." That's what I'm talking about.

Can you please tell me the Story again?

Breakfast meeting - check.
Cleaning rooms - check.
Put together 87 conference folders - check.
details, details, details - check.

...so went the better part of my day today. (yeah, it's Saturday) I'm not quite drowning, but am barely keeping my chin out of the water in my pool called work. With one thing right after the other, I barely get a full night's sleep before the next event, let alone a weekend to recharge.

So, what the heck is all of this for? Why am I killing myself one stress-ball at a time? I asked myself this question on the way home from work today.

My thoughts first turned to Pratt's sermon last Sunday at St. Pauls. He pointed out one of the worst handicapp's of the American church - you know those famous declarative words "all men....are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness." It's in our American DNA that we have rights, for goodness sake! And we deserve happiness! And we deserve to do things our way so that we ensure that happiness.

This aspect of my American persona, however, diametrically contradicts the teachings of Christ. You are not your own, you were bought at a price - 1 Cor 6. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord - Rom 14. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit - Phil 2. As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling which you have received - Eph 4. It's all over the place in Scripture!

So, really, my idea of happiness is not the standard by which all things are measured. (newsflash!) I belong to a great God who is orchestrating my life according to His glorious riches, as different as they are from mine.

Great. Another thing to do. My task-oriented self adds #3782478 to the checklist: Realign my priorities with Christ's.

These thoughts and emotions exhausted me, so after praying about them with my roomie this afternoon, I decided it was time for a nap. Two hours later, as I was coming out of my coma, I heard the Lord whisper "Bec, it's so much better than that. Stop doing and just sit with me a while." In His gentle way, He reminded me of His Scripture that I've read this week.

Still reveling in the prophets after my Isaiah-Malachi seminary course this spring, I studied Habakkuk earlier this week and found an honesty I could connect with. Habakkuk cried out to the Lord - how long must the unjust triumph? The Lord responds that justice is on the way! And Habukkuk answers...you call this justice? Apparently the Babylonians slamming Israel and taking them into captivity is not what Habakkuk had in mind. But an assuring word from the God of all gods renewed the promises Habakkuk knew to be true in his soul and enabled him to truly say, "Do it again, Lord! Renew your deeds in our day! And whatever happens in the meantime - I'm with you."

Then I started through the book of Acts and was amazed at Peter's teaching in the Temple in chapter 3. This is just after Pentacost, just after the Ascension, and I read this chapter twice last night simply amazed at Peter's grasp of the Gospel! He quotes Moses and the prophets, presenting Jesus as the completion of all the promises in the Old Testament and the covenant, challenges people to repentance, and declares that a time will come when God will "restore everyting as promised long ago through his holy prophets."

Before you think I'm rambling, let me tell you why my heart is singing...God is writing a story. It's a grand story that spans across millenia from the beginning of time - through the prophets - through some very dark times (see Habakkuk) - gloriously personalized in Christ's life, death, and resurrection - sustained by the Holy Spirit thoughout generations upon generations - and one day fully restored and completed by our Warrior-King.

And -now for the best news- I'm part of this story!! I'm so "in." It's not just about me wanting my happiness, or me slaving for Christ. It's about living out the Story, loving my role in the Story, hanging out with the Author of the Story, and enjoying every minute of this adventure.

God had to remind Habukkuk of the Story and encouraged Habukkuk to hold on tight and press on. (that guy needs a nickname) Peter reminded the Israelites of the Story and encouraged them to jump in. And oh! how I need to be reminded of the Story again and again and again! All of *this* that I get so easily caught up in is nothing without the eternal perspective my Father offers. My stubborn hearts needs a refresher course in that eternal perspective about every other minute.

"Hey, kid. I'm not done with my Story yet. Wanna be a part of it? Wanna hop up here and see what I'm doing? I'll give you a sneak peak: I win. And here's a tip: Live in the adventure of my Story and you'll have the time of your life."

Yo Readers...tell me about your chapter in this Story and remind me of what He's up to!

Alan's 40th

For my PI cronies - especially those around the world - you'll like this post.

Alan is 40!

So his family had planned this big surprise party about a week after his birthday. James and Lauren were not going to be in country for the surprise, so they decided to celebrate with Alan and a small gathering of friends - and, you know, throw him off the scent of any kind of surprise.

Next thing you know....in true PI Mobilization fashion....we've got a large 80's/Superman/karaoke party happening. Yes, folks, that's a Superman cake with Superman plates and napkins, the whole gang dressed like the 80s bringing pics and yearbooks from the 80s, with some crazy-alan-karaoke in the background. As Sarah P would say - it was off the hizzle!

I know you're dying to see this...just hold on...

the guest of honor
Lauren and her side-ponytail (btw, baby #3 on the way!)
whoa, yeah! Lauri gets the best-dressed award!
but Chloe was not to be out-done...(give her props for the crimped hair)
Diana and I...what you're missing here, though, is my pointy flats with white socks (imagine it!)
John, what were you singing here? too bad the 80s was a smidge earlier than John's goth days
Zoe stole the mic from Lauren and really was singing "Purple Rain"
"Turn around - every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you're never coming round..."
Happy Birthday Alan!

Lamenting

One of my favorite-books-ever-must-have-it-with-me is "A Diary of Private Prayer" by John Baillie. Check it out on Amazon, friends, you need a copy. It's a prayer book that has morning and evening prayers for a month. Last night's entry was so poignant; it brought me to my knees. I'd like to share it with you, but I suggest printing it out and spending time in solitude as you reflect....

"Holy God, to whose service I long ago dedicated my soul and life, I grieve and lament before Thee that I am still so prone to sin and so little inclined to obedience:

So much attached to the pleasures of sense, no negligent of things spiritual:
So prompt to gratify my body, so slow to nourish my soul:
So greedy for present delight, so indifferent to lasting blessedness:
So fond of idleness, so indisposed for labour:
So soon at play, so late at prayer:
So brisk in the service of self, so slack in the service of others:
So eager to get, so reluctant to give:
So lofty in my profession, so low in my practice:
So full of good intentions, so backward to fulfil them:
So severe with my neighbors, so indulgent with myself:
So eager to find fault, so resentful at being found fault with:
So little able for great tasks, so discontented with small ones:
So weak in adversity, so swollen and self-satisfied in prosperity:
So helpless apart from Thee, and yet so little willing to be bound to Thee.

O merciful heart of God, grant me yet again Thy forgiveness. Hear my sorrowful tale and in Thy great mercy blot it out from the book of Thy rememberance. Give me faith so to lay hold of Thine own holiness and so to rejoice in the righteousness of Christ my Savior that, resting on His merits rather than on my own, I may more and more become conformed to His likeness, my will becoming one with His in obedience to Thine. All this I ask for His holy name's sake. Amen."

Jump In My Car

"That's right, it's Hofficial... your favourite cult icon wants to take you home!" ...okay, those aren't my words, but they're pretty funny. If you've been around me in the past couple months, you probably know I've become a Hasselhoff video fan. This guy is off the charts...not really in a good way, I might add. Check out his latest video, which I do think is ridiculously funny!

on the way home...

On the way home from Louisville, I stopped in ATL to see some friends. I first caught an Indelible Grace concert -- impeccably timed! I love this band and enjoyed singing my little heart out along with them.
I stayed with good friends Wes and Nancy Simmons, who just relocated to the Atlanta area. Sadly, I did not get a picture with them, so I stole this one from their blog. :) They spent 3 years in Orlando at RTS and I enjoyed our friendship so much!
After a late Saturday morning breakfast with them, I drove to Jacksonville to spend the night with my family. Here are Ella and Emily, my super fun nieces.
My brother Nels, and his wife Ashlee. I went to church with them on Sunday morning, which I always enjoy. They have a great church in Jax called Christian Family Chapel.
After church, we went out to the beach to have lunch at my brother Rich's workplace, Sticky Fingers. He did an excellent job and we made sure to leave him a good tip. :) EVERY time he came to the table, Emily kept saying "Hey Uncle Rich!!" like she hadn't seen him in weeks. It was pretty funny... Do you want more stories? I can tell more stories. I have tons of stories about my nieces. :)

Places to go, People to see

Sheryl and I went to downtown Louisville one night so I could check out the music scene. We caught a set at The Jazz Factory called 'Bluegrass meets Jazz.'

It was pretty good! It was basically a traditional bluegrass band (banjo, mandolin, dobro, stand up bass, guitar) playing jazz music. I think this was just a bunch of local guys who play together on Wednesday nights at this local joint.

Enjoying the show.

Then we walked over to Fourth Street Live!, the famous music area in Louisville. What did we stumble upon? A free, outdoor concert by Little Big Town! Here's my fuzzy picture of them.

Then, true to family form, I had to stop and see a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Frankfort, KY on my way home. Ain't she a beaut?
This is now a private residence, so I didn't get to take a tour. But I took lots of pics to pass along to my dad, the real Wright fan in the family.

On all our family road trips, if there was ever a Wright house within about 100 miles, we'd trek over there to take a look. :)


Wright got a lot of his inspiration from Japanese architecture. So when I drove up to this house, I found myself fighting back tears. It reminded me so much of Japan! This house could almost be dropped anywhere in Japan and look normal. It was ridiculously emotional.

Welcome to Louisville!

Isn't it beautiful? I arrived in Louisville on Monday night, 7/3, enjoyed a home-cooked meal by Mrs. Nelson (sheryl), and just hung out for the evening, catching-up and getting some ice cream. They took me to their favorite ice cream joint called Graeters...oh my goodness...it was so good. I went a few more times that week.

July 4th, Independence Day

Lunch with Sheryl & Michael at a BBQ place..yum!
Waiting for the fireworks to start on the banks of the Ohio River. We had a cookout in the afternoon with some of Sheryl & Michael's friends from seminary, then all went downtown to see the show.
Michael & Sheryl Nelson. Michael just finished his first year at Southern Seminary working on his Masters of Divinity. The school was really pretty itself and was set in a gorgeous, old area of town. Sheryl is a 5th grade teacher at Okolona Elementary School. At my request, she showed me her school and classroom. It's weird to be all grown up! :)

Red, White, and Bluegrass Festival

Sunday, July 2
Morganton, North Carolina

Though I didn't get to enjoy as much as I intended (I felt sleep deprived), the festival was fantastic. Bluegrass music is so great; you should try it sometime. Anyway, we heard a couple of bands called JD Crowe & The New South and The Lonesome River Band. I bought CDs, if you care to check them out. These are pretty well known bands in the bluegrass circuit with incredible musicians and some sweet harmony.

Festival-ing it up with my Dad
What? (scooting closer) Are you serious? (straining to see) Are those KIDS?! How OLD are they?! These little guys were unquestionably amazing! I would have totally bought their CD...the four guys you're looking at are between the ages of 11 and 13 and just finished "Bluegrass Camp." Don't laugh. Their musical ability would put you to shame! I certainly was shocked.

Backing up a bit...

rihrihrirhrihrihrirhrirhrih - Rewind about a week! You'll find my parents and I at a 50th Wedding Anniversary party for my Dad's cousins. This was really the reason for our family reunion weekend: we were celebrating the marriage and family of Hally & Norma Merrell! It was a fun party. We got all dressed up and enjoyed dinner to the tune of a stringed quartet at the Yacht Club. Sure, it's not your traditional family reunion. But here are some pics!

Mom, Dad, and my Dad's sister, Pat (whose real name is Elizabeth, but she was born on St. Patrick's Day and the nurses' nickname for her stuck!)
I sat at the young table. :) Finishing up the meal with Morgan, Katie, and Linda.
With my Dad's sisters - Aunt Carol and Aunt Pat.

Do I still have Readers? Am I boring you?

Oh man, it's Saturday night and I'm pooped. I've driven a lo--ng way in the last two days, but I've finally made it to a familiar place. I'm about to get real comfy on the couch and pop in a movie at my brother's home in Jacksonville, Fla. This is my last stop on the Great Summer Roadtrip of 2006, but I won't see my home for another week. At 6:30am on Monday morning, our first group of PIONEERS summer teamers (the Edge) return from overseas. We'll be debriefing a group of about 15 all this week at work, so I'll be staying down there. It'll be fun; I've been looking forward to it since they left in May!

But back to Jax...yes, that's right, I'm here to hang out with my favorite little girls in the world, Ella and Emily Hansen. We're planning on a trip to the beach tomorrow after church to have lunch with Uncle Rich and catch some sun. And then I'm off to a dinner meeting in Orlando for the Edge.

Pictures coming soon...

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you're having a great holiday. I've made it to stop #2 on the Great Summer Roadtrip of 2006: Louisville, Kentucky. I'm staying with my best friend from college, Sheryl, and her husband, Michael, who is up here working on his M.Div. at Southern Seminary. In less than 24 hours up here, I've already laughed buckets of tears. Most people don't see that side of her, but Sheryl is absolutely hilarious. Don't get us started.

Since "brilliant" is my middle name, I naturally left the USB driver at home and therefore cannot load any of my trip pictures on my blog. Again, I know you're on the edge of your seat, but you'll just have to wait.

By the way...as it turns out, it IS possible to have a personal dance party in the car while you're driving I-40 through Knoxville. I'm not sure about anywhere else, but I successfully pulled that off while navigating through the Smokies yesterday. Just thought you'd like to know. Guess which CD I was dancing to?

Set list from yesterday's drive:
JD Crowe and the New South - new bluegrass CD
"True Believer" by Nicholas Sparks, book on tape
Michael Jackson Greatest Hits
Iron & Wine
Caedmons Call - their newest one
more Nicholas Sparks
Johnny Cash Greatest Hits
another Iron & Wine
Michael Buble
more Nicholas Sparks...almost done, I think, but the book is 10 hours of listening material, and I'm not that impressed.

Adios, amigos.

Road Trip!

Yes, folks, this post comes to you from the hills of central Carolina -- Huntersville, to be exact. I'm currently finishing up day 2 of the Great Summer Roadtrip of 2006. And, well, it's been....interesting. Let me just say two words: family reunion.

Well, my family isn't all here. My brothers probably don't even know where I am, let alone know they missed a family reunion. But it would have been WAY more fun with them around. Sad. I wish they were here. Anyway, my dad's cousins are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this summer and threw a big weekend party up here around Charlotte, NC.

Various events this weekend included introducing and reintroducing yourself to people, commenting on who's changed and who's grown up, trying to remember the last time you saw each other, and eating, eating, eating. Stay tuned for pics. I know you're on the edge of your seat.

A few reflections....

1. It's entertaining for me to watch people's reactions when I answer the question "So, what do you do?" Most people don't know how to respond. Missionary work? Honestly, their replies usually leave me laughing inside.

2. Apparently, I've graduated from the question "are you dating anyone now?" to "any marriage plans on your horizon?" ....what??

3. My mom is one surprising gal. Not only did she sing along with me to both Johnny Cash and Caedmons Call on the way up (?), but she was determined to hear some live music before leaving the pub on Friday night. Who's that yelling at the band to begin? Oh my gosh, it's my mother. (check please!)

4. The best part (and maybe why I came...) was reconnecting with some distant cousins who are kindred family in the Faith. I'm so encouraged by their lives. You know, there are just some people that you don't see very often, and you may not have a whole lot to talk about with them, but you really enjoy spending time with them. Do you know people like that? Well, these people are my family. I like them.

Tomorrow I say goodbye to...where am I again?...oh yeah, Huntersville, and head over to Morganton about an hour away for a much anticipated bluegrass festival. Yeah baby!