What did you do when you were dating that has made your marriage better as a result? Conversely, you could tell me: what do you wish you had done when you were dating that might have helped make your marriage easier?

I’m wanting to hear from couples that have been married just recently, couples who have been married longer than I’ve been alive, and anyone in between.

Of course, if you’re not married (whether you have been in the past or not), and want to throw in on this conversation, feel free.

“U Better not be squirtin brain Juice all-over! Don’t let your Brain overload with smartness! My speech was better than yours Remember This quote!” – Ebony

“Have a nice summer and don’t bother me!” – Tanya

“Hey Lloyd (Nerd) How life? Stay Smart Nerd, (Sike) [indistinguishable signoff] – BabyFace (I do remember that this was a guy)

“Don’t show anyone my pic. k? Have a nice life” – Tina

And… the photos.

7th grade honor roll

Lady's Man

In mid October, Josiah and I decided we needed to find a race to run so that we’d get in shape. We settled on the Mountain Home race on 11/15/08 and chose the half marathon. We had a grand plan to run every day and train; I think we ran together maybe twice. In the mean time, my aunt Jan died and I had to go home for a funeral, so I didn’t really keep up with my running well. Before the race, I’d managed to work myself up to a grand total of 4.5 miles, which obviously prepared me for the 13.1 required for the half. Come race day, it was freezing (with wind chill in the 20s) and at one point during the run it started sleeting on us.

Let’s have a little before and after, shall we?

Before

After

I’d say Josiah fared better than I did. His girlfriend, Katelyn, was kind enough to trek up to Mountain Home with us, brave my driving, and take these pictures. At this point I’m planning to run either the half or the full for the Little Rock Marathon in March. I’m going to try and work myself up to at least 30 miles per week, starting with a minimum of 10 miles per week.

For Thanksgiving, I went up to my brother’s house in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He and Sara just had their first child, a lovely daughter named Cambria with whom I’m totally enamored. I had a great time getting to know her and can’t wait to see them again during Christmas. As a bonus, Sara’s sister Christianna and her husband Wes were there, as well as Sara’s parents. It really was fantastic to see them all. I felt a little like the 7th wheel though, since I was the only single person in the group. That is to be expected, however, when you’re 27 and everyone you know is getting married and having babies. All in all, it was a memorable trip and I hope to head up that direction again soon. Thanksgiving is a great time to catch up and renew old friendships. It’s also nice to spend time with the family and share in the joy of that relationship. I’m so blessed to have longstanding friends and a loving family for sharing all these times. The shot below is a little grainy because it was dark and I took it on the isight, but it’s one of my favorites.

Teaching Cambria the Hebrew alphabet.

On the way back to Searcy, I stopped by Nashville and stayed the night with Nick. Nashville has an REI store, and I’ve been looking for some camping/hiking gear. Two hours later (Melanie even stopped by to say hi!) I emerged with a new tent, a REI membership, and the urge to go camping at least once in this cold weather before Christmas. Anyone game?

For the time being, I have about two weeks to finish up all the assignments and work I haven’t done over the semester. For those who don’t know (I haven’t really announced this to many people yet), I don’t think I’m going to continue with this Masters of Ministry program at Harding next semester. It’s not a bad program, but (a) all my classes are online, and that’s not working out to be a great scenario for me. I feel like my time and money would be better spent doing face to face classes if I’m really wanting more school. (b) the classes seem more oriented towards current preachers who have no bible background, and I’m re-hashing a lot of stuff I did in undergrad. Doesn’t make the program bad, but it’s just not what I am looking for right now. I’d rather cut my losses and pursue other avenues at this point. I’m not sure what exactly that will entail, but one option that’s been on my mind a lot is teaching English in Japan and maybe planting some house churches while I’m there. Another option would be to move up to N.C. to be near my brother and his wife, or I could also just stay here in Searcy. Either way, I’m bound here until June when my lease ends, so I’ll probably find a job here until that time comes.

So, we’re all caught up and I solicit your prayers as I re-group and plan my next steps. Merry Christmas, all!

Now that November 4th has come and gone, I’m offering you the opportunity to vote, once again. Unlike the presidential race, this is universal suffrage, baby! You can be under 18, you can be a convicted felon, you can be a subject of a monarchy in some other country that doesn’t have elections — you all get to vote here.

If you’d like to participate, please select image below that depicts your preference regarding my facial hair, and leave your choice in the comments. (Yes, I realize I can’t grow an awesome beard like Phil, Jacob, Josiah, or Tim, but I’m doing my best here!)

The beard.

couple days' growth

baby face

you're so vain; you probably think this blog is about you

I’m not so arrogant as to assume that I’m correct (that’s a lie), and I enlist your help. So, go to Philip’s post and leave him your thoughts. If you agree with him, then keep your thoughts to yourself. ; )

Gresham,

We need to talk. I don’t know how you’re going to react to this, but I made a choice and I want to be honest with you. I met somebody new. It’s not what you think; don’t be upset! I’m not giving up on us, I just want to talk to new people. I really hope we can work this out.

Remember when we first met? It was in Greece. Things were great. I was so young, and you had so much to share. Your green and white cover was so attractive. You smelled nice. When you taught me the difference between proclitics and enclitics, I couldn’t believe how smart you were. Remember movable Nu? Good times. Even through aorist participles and the six rules of accents, you were so patient with me. You even dedicated your work to your mother. You’re so thoughtful. You’re part of who I am today.

I’ll admit, I haven’t taken care of you like I should have. I didn’t decorate you like some of my friends. I don’t even know where your cover is now, but I kept you taped up as best I could. You’re still wearing food and soda as a testament to our late night rendezvous. Whenever someone spoke poorly of you, I stood up for you! I still do. There aren’t many who could understand you — no — love you… not like I do. The feelings are still strong after all these years.

The other day, I wandered into a class. I just wanted to feel like I was in the game again, you know? I wanted to have that thirst, and watch the new players beginning the journey. You aren’t even there anymore. Can you believe that? They’ve got this new kid — an old student of yours. I’ll admit it; I enjoyed seeing someone younger give it a shot. The words are the same, but the tune is different. It’s not bad… the talent is there. Don’t hate me, Gresham. You spent time with plenty of others and I never held you to myself. If anything, I introduced you to whomever I could. You taught me well, too. Five years later, the lessons remain solid.

I’m going to be talking to the new kid. Don’t think it means that I’ve forgotten you, or that you mean less to me! This isn’t the end, it’s just a new addition to the family. Can you accept that?

Whenever you need me, I’ll be right here. After all, you’ve always been there for me.

Sincerely,

Lloyd

Silver

Gold

Brandon wanted to try the new deli in town, McAllister’s. Apparently, when a restaurant opens up with a brand new staff, they go through a test run, like a recital or something. I’d never heard of that before, but it seems like a good idea. Joy explained that they typically do this by invitation, but tonight they let us in anyway. Brandon always was a smooth talker.

Hands down, the best thing about this rehearsal dinner (beside the fact that it’s not for a wedding) is that they provide free food… and there is a lot of food. I had veggie chili and a veggie baked potato. In retrospect, that was too much food. These baked potatoes are gigantic… easily as big as two or three of the normal-sized variety. For those who feel more carnivorous, there is a fine selection of roast beef, chicken, and even salmon. If you can manage to eat anything else when you’re finished, you may also take on one of their eight desserts (yes, there is cheesecake, freaks).

I’m wagering the entire staff was on hand for this ordeal, because they were on the ball. I dare anyone to try and finish a glass of their sweet tea (of mythic proportions) before a server offers to refill it. I’m not kidding, three different servers offered us refills in the space of 60 seconds. As for the tea, it may not be Philip’s addiction from Starbucks, but it’s very good if you like Southern style sweet tea.

At the end of our meal, Yolonda and Haley (forgive me if I’ve misspelled the names) introduced themselves, asked how we enjoyed our meal, and then got to know us. In addition to her work with McAllister’s, Yolanda runs a cleaning business and interacts with some of the Harding professors on a regular basis. Haley just returned from a year long mission trip in Honduras. I suspect I’ll be seeing more of them, as I intend to return after they have their grand opening. Yolanda told me that they even offer free WiFi, so I can do my homework or stalk facebook from there.

If you have the opportunity, I recommend checking them out. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need get going… too much sweet tea.

Claira, doing her thing.

Left to right: Yours truly, Yolonda, Haley

I can’t say school is the same this time around, exactly. I have an apartment instead of living in a dorm. I don’t have to go to chapel. I’m older than most everyone out here.

Some things haven’t changed, though. I’m still playing ping pong and frisbee golf. C team softball games are still fun to watch, and the front lawn is still packed on an early fall afternoon (though last time I was here, it definitely wasn’t rigged for WiFi).

Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe I’m ready for a nap.

In many ways, it feels like I’m picking up where I left off four and a half years ago. I left Searcy in December of 2003 with no clear idea of where I was headed or what I was doing. If you’d asked me whether I expected to spend 4 years in Pensacola, I’d have laughed. If you’d asked me whether I planned to return to Searcy, I might have laughed harder (He’s gonna meet me where the mountain beats me, and carry me through.)

In others, though, it feels like I’m starting a brand new chapter–despite the familiar scenery. When I left, I was still dating the girl I thought I would marry. Now I’m decidedly single. Four years ago my brother wasn’t married, and now I’m about to be an uncle! (I always thought that love was frightening, I always thought it’d be so rough.) Before, I had never worked at a “real job,” I certainly had never been responsible for the work of other people, and I had no clue about the world of finance. Now I have been a fence builder, a substitute teacher, and a supervisor at a bank call center. For all the failures, disappointments, and surprises the this time has offered, I feel more like a man and less like a boy than I did when I left. I have learned how to keep a more realistic perspective on my emotions, and how to do fulfilling things even when I’m in a holding pattern. I’ve also learned a lot about how not to do things. I’ve learned that I love my parents as individuals and not just as caretakers, and I learned that maybe I’m not as smart as I think.

I don’t know how long I’ll remain in Searcy this time around. I’d wager it won’t be much longer than it takes me to finish this program, but I’ve been wrong before. What I do know is that I’m thankful to the God who has brought me this far and who loves me despite my ignorance and my flaws. (I need you now and forever, just stay right here with me; don’t ever leave.) He is truly the great redeemer, physician, and teacher. Praise Him for all this and more!

In the meantime, looks like this repair is going to cost me (this is the sound that’s made when a heart breaks.) It’s still raining, and I’m still smiling. : )

gotta love wifi at saturn

Look on page 123 of a book.
Find the first 5 sentences
Post the next 3 sentences
Tag 5 people

So I’ve chosen one of my favorites, C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity because I know almost every sentence is worth repeating:

What is it that makes a man with £10,000 a year anxious to get £20,000 a year? It is not the greed for more pleasure. £10,000 will give all the luxuries that any man can really enjoy.

And you’ll just have to read the rest of the book (or just ask me) to find out what old C.S. thinks the true reason is.

And now, I tag:
- Leslie
- Sara
- Beu
- Melanie
- Nick

and then other folks on facebook who may or may not have outside blogs. Yeah that’s right. I’m tagging more than five. Whatevah whatevah, I do what I want.

Oh and to Phillip, thanks for the tag, and your encouragement. Among my campbellite friends, you and only you understand the terror of IB. May we one day feel the healing.

Therefore, last month I took a week off visited a lot of old friends. I spent about 40 hours driving through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee. I saw some of my closest friends and spent some time walking around, in the daylight. It was nice.

As a part of this, I stopped by Harding. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I be called back to the enthusiasm I felt back then? Or might I feel the remorse of not being where I thought I’d be by now? Perhaps I would be reminded of poor decisions I made? Thankfully, it was a totally positive experience. I talked to some old professors and some old friends. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to follow that which led me to study Bible in the first place.

So big decision #1: I’ve decided to apply for the Master of Ministry program. I’ve already been in contact with Harding about it and have nearly completed the application. The next step is to find a Church to work with (hopefully full time so I don’t have to get a separate job). Classes for the summer start in June, and I intend to move as soon as I can find a job and get the logistics settled. I solicit your prayers as I work toward getting this together. I prayed about the decision before I made it, and I feel good about it.

Big decision #2: This is more in the long range goal department, but my brother and his wife are planning on going to Japan to do mission work starting sometime in 2010. I plan to be finished with the masters program by then, and I’d like to go with them. This is not concrete yet, but they’re having some preliminary talks with missionaries who are already there and hoping to get a team together at some point. Anyone want to go to Japan?

Big decision #3: I’ve decided to go all hippie and eat like a vegetarian for a couple of months. I’d been considering it for some time, but never made the effort until now. So today was my third totally vegetarian day. Mostly this is just an experiment to see if it is actually as healthy as everyone claims. I feel good so far, and I’ll keep you posted. I’m not going to go totally vegan, but I will be eating no meat (including eggs and fish) for awhile, and very limited dairy.

As a side note, I always secretly disdained the various veggie subs at quiznos, subway, and the like. I always wondered what the point was. Well, today I had a veggie sub at quiznos, and I feel vindicated. A sub without meat is pointless. Get a salad and some garlic bread from Olive Garden, I say!

Big Decision #4: I’m officially a registered voter. I’m a little slow on the uptake, but I will now be able to add to the confusion of the Florida ballot counting. Honestly, I was just feeling left out.

Finally, I have some fantastic news to announce. I’m going to be an uncle!! Sara is pregnant and I’m very excited. I couldn’t be prouder of Leslie and I know he’ll make a great father. I’m so thankful that he married a Christian girl who will make a great mother as well. Of course, I’ve spent the last few weeks plotting ways to spoil my future niece or nephew in the most annoying ways possible. So far I’m thinking a drum set, a pack of kazoos, and a bag of heavily sugar-laden candies. Any suggestions?

I can see it, at least some of it, through his eyes now. I’ve been here awhile. A lot more than 4 years This mat is getting old. I can’t even piece together the events that led me here anymore, but at the end of the day I blame myself. If someone could rid me of that… but it doesn’t really matter. I can’t move on my own. If it weren’t for my friends, I wouldn’t move at all. Today they’re taking me to him. He’ll be busy, and I don’t expect much.

But now I come to it. My friends have destroyed property, cut in line, and ignored manners. So he talks to me. Forgiven, he says? I expected to hear about my faults. I did not expect to see them banished. This would have been enough. But now he tells me to pick up my pad and walk. Of course, I can no more do that than fly. But for him, I have a feeling the wind would even stop blowing if he asked.

And so I walk.

He sent me and my sin packing, just like I thought. But I never could have guessed we’d be going in opposite directions.

Friends and family, I thank you for the love you display. Old and new, young and seasoned, near and far; many of you have defied convention to move me when paralyzed, to love me when a failure, and to put me in a position to talk with Jesus.

I feel I’m coming to a crossroads, and I want to be open for Him to send me packing where He will. Please pray for me and encourage me. Let me know when I can do the same. May the fruit of God’s spirit grow in you all,

-Lloyd

For those who don’t know, I’ve just taken a new position at my job as a supervisor. I’ve also recently volunteered to take the graveyard shift so that I can go to church on Wednesday nights. This means that I’ll be working a fixed shift, Tuesday – Saturday from 9:30pm to 6:00am every week. So, I find myself here eating breakfast and enjoying some people watching on a cloudy Saturday morning.

In May, Leslie and Sara came to visit. They brought rats. Leslie bought a Nintendo Wii while he was here. Those are addictive. We also played Goofy Golf with my Mom and Dad. I’m not sure who won, but it was the most fun I’ve had with the fam in a long time. It’s recommended. Sara is the best sister-in-law I could’ve asked for. I hope I do as well as Leslie did in the wife department. Of the wife store. That they have. Yesss.

Other things that are new: We have a summer youth intern named Thomas. I’m very excited about that already. We like to eat together and sometimes deal out some ownage in Taboo. He’s developing his ping-pong skills nicely (we all know that’s crucial, right? RIGHT?) Also he’s convinced me to buy a frisbee golf disc. I shall learn this game.

My friend Beulah is coming to visit me at the end of this month, so I’m pretty stoked about that. Our current plans involve the zoo, the beach, and lots of Home Movies and King of the Hill.

I’m going to go home now and watch some Saturday morning cartoons. Then I’m going to go to bed. Happy Saturday everyone.

Last week we had a seminar of sorts at my Church. This resulted in me being at Chris’ house pretty much every night of the week. In turn, that produced 1) a lot of ping pong, and 2) the discovery that I can record from an instrument onto my macbook without a preamp. (it’s not perfect, but it can be done.) I’m thinking of laying down some tracks. If I do, I’ll put them up for your listening pleasure. Me and Daniel are also planning to release some songs as the Pinney Taylor Experience. Prepare to be amazed.

Rosie is off the Spew (as Alison calls it). I think this is probably good for the viewers of that show and the country in general. However, it’s time to stop besmirching her on the news. Let’s get on with our lives.

Beulah introduced me to the music of Kristin Andreassen. I highly recommend that you check out her website — particularly you should listen to Crayola on her myspace page.

If you’re one of those people who has been thinking about trying soy-based foods, but has been scared because it just doesn’t seem natural, I’m here to tell you as a non-vegetarian that it’s okay. Try it out. Silk’s vanilla soy milk actually tastes better on cereal than regular milk. I’ve also been trying some of the soy hamburger and chicken variants. On the meat, I probably wouldn’t notice a difference unless someone pointed it out to me. That’s also true of the chicken patties. I’m not about to go vegetarian, but I think I will eat more soy-based foods just for health reasons. I get more than enough meat to keep me healthy.

I work at a credit union, in case any of you don’t know. What you are about to view is good, solid financial advice. Tim Gotkiewicz linked to this video from his myspace page. I love it. This is the best way to get your debt under control, people. Watch this video; save yourself some heartache.

Time to go get some O.J. Who needs antibiotics?

I’ve been a busy bee since last we talked. In March, my friend Alva came and visited me in Pensacola. As many of you know, we used to date a few years ago. I actually hadn’t seen her in about a year, so it was good to catch up on that friendship. While she was here, we went to see the movie 300. Around the third or so orgy scene, we walked out. I was pretty disappointed, as I thought the movie had a lot of potential from the previews.

I spent the last weekend in March with Daniel and his cousin, Blake. There was XBox, DDR, and even some bowling. It turns out Daniel’s grandmother is a very good bowler. Sometimes I laugh when people get beat in bowling by their grandmothers.

I was long overdue for a trip to Nashville, so I took one a couple of weeks ago. Nick just closed on a new house, and as usual, he was very hospitable. I think my favorite part of his house is the projector he has connected to an old school NES. Ninja Turtles brought back so many memories.

Of course I also had fun hanging out with Melanie. (She made some valiant efforts to get Mario past level 1-1. It was highly entertaining.) Harkabus and I went to a Mexican restaurant where I stuffed myself beyond reason and then we saw Blades of Glory. I didn’t have high expectations going into it, but I nearly cried from laughing so hard.

This next thing I cannot explain in words, so I’ll just show you the video. It is Melanie’s roomate, Anna, and her dog, Diva. Behold:

Last weekend, I flew back up to N.C. to see Leslie and Sara, and to hang out with Beulah. It was only a weekend, but getting out of town does me good. There was some King of the Hill, some ping pong, some guitar playing, and some eating. It was good times. I found out that Beulah’s Dad is a talented guitar player. I saw Leslie and Sara’s rats that have moved in with them. Leslie actually preached on Sunday, and did a great job.

Other than my trips, I’ve been getting things done here. My taxes are finished. I’ve also updated my photo gallery. I invite you to check out the new look and keep an eye out for new albums. You may notice a few changes on the blog, too. Mostly the way information is displayed on this excellent Blix theme. I’m considering coding my own WordPress theme once I get the hang of PHP and the general WordPress structure. I’m open to any suggestions in that vein.

Until next time, eat your Wheaties.

The mushy stems from the visit I had with Leslie and Sara this weekend in North Carolina. I took my camera, but unfortunately took no pictures. Who does that? The visit was great though. It’d been too long since I’d seen Leslie. I got to see his humongous office at the Church where he works, and we played some marathon pingpong. Other activities included lots of NFL Blitz on Gamecube and driving among the majestic Blue Ridge mountains.

I thought that Leslie and I might grow more distant after he got married, but I’m pleased to say that hasn’t happened. In fact, I’ve gained a very cool sister-in-law. I realized she was cool when she did Tae Bo in front of people without stopping out of embarrassment. That’s how I feel about DDR, so I give her kudos. You might remember from one of my previous posts that I have spent some time hanging out with Sara’s sister, Christianna, in Montreal. It was good to get to know the other Blouin sister a little bit better. Needless to say, I’m really pleased with Leslie’s choice in a wife.

Leslie and Sara also introduced me to one of their friends, Beulah. They told me she was very cool, and I’m beginning to agree. Here are some reasons why: 1) She has a 3-legged dog. 2) Her Dad and brother play bluegrass. 3) She watched an entire season of Home Movies with me at Leslie and Sara’s in one sitting. And she liked it. Anyone who likes that show the first time has got to be okay.

One other thing Beulah did was convince me to finally sign up for Facebook. So now I’ve got a profile there. If you’re so inclined, feel free to add me there. I love talking to my friends, both old and new.

That’s all for now, but I shall post again soon, with pics from this week! Stay tuned…

Anyway, I’m back safe and sound from Guatemala. not that I wanted to leave. yet, all last week I found myself sitting at my desk, working away. That’s not depressing.

This visit was more productive, and less adventurous than the first. Wednesday I roamed around Guatemala City and discovered that my Spanish is at least passable. I successfully ordered lunch, took two taxis, and hung out in an internet café. No one tried to kidnap or kill me, so far as I know. Also, I interviewed and dropped resumes at a couple of English teaching schools. I really would like to move there, but I’m praying about it. Please pray that God will make the path obvious, and if I’m not to go, that He’ll shut the doors.

Whether I am to return or not, I had a great time with Mafer and also with the Purcells. As previously noted, Brenda makes me laugh a lot. This time around I also met the infamous Nate. I’m pretty sure we would be good friends, given the time. He’s got a good (read: similar to my) sense of humor. I had a great time visiting Mafer too. I made her watch The Muppets Take Manhattan with me in Spanish. (Props go out to my good friend Dr. Melanie Harkabus for hooking me up with that for Christmas.) Also, we went out to a really sweet restaurant in Antigua at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. You can look at the link, but the food is excellent, and the grounds are impressive. A lot of people have weddings in their outdoor chapel. There is a museum underneath the hotel which connects it to the parking. If you ever want to go somewhere fancy in Guatemala, I highly recommend it. Here’s the obligatory picture:

Last night I went to Fort Walton Beach Church of Christ with some of the Youth Group for Ignite. It went pretty well. Afterwards, we went to get ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Those of you who know me also know that I almost never eat dessert and rarely crave it. It was a nice exception. Mint Chocolate Chip and Cookie Dough make a great combination, no matter what anyone says. This is how I look sometimes when I am trying to decide if the teens are actually as insane as I think (they’re more insane).

At least my beard is coming back again. Wooo!

Thursday after work, I’m flying up to visit my brother and sister-in-law in North Carolina. I’ll be there until Sunday afternoon. It will be good to see him again. We’re going to have fun.

This blog isn’t over until you pin me!!! FESTIVUS!

Okay, so maybe that doesn’t prove anything. But, I did really just take it as I’m sitting here from my trusty macbook. Here’s another exciting picture of me in ATL before I left:

ok, that’s all for the iSight pictures. I promise. (maybe)

Anyway, Saturday night, Mafer’s friend July picked me up at the airport. I think I was easy to spot. She was kind enough to feed me, let me take a nap, and take me with her to a meeting at her Church. I understood a little, so it was fun. Later, we met up with Mafer and some of her friends to go see a show in Antigua. Of course, we were late and missed the whole thing, but we got something to eat at Frita’s and played some pool with some people who said they were from Tampa, but had an Australian accent.

Sunday was July’s Dad’s birthday. We went to her parents’ house and ate lunch with them. While I was there, Mafer and July took me out to ride the chicken bus. The chicken bus is Mafer’s name for the main form of bus transportation here. It involves a brightly decorated bus, usually overpacked with passengers and, if you’re lucky, small livestock. Hence why she calls it the chicken bus. She has actually had a chicken as a fellow passenger. I have not, sadly. Yet, here’s the obligatory photo:

I also got to experience the “Tuc Tuc” (or however you spell it). Basically this is a motorized tricycle with space for 2-3 passengers in the back. Sorry, no pictures yet for that. I’ll try and take one later. And, for you picture freaks, here is one of Mafer and me waiting for the Chicken Bus:

Yesterday I spent the morning here at the mall with Brenda (the wife in the missionary family who has been so nice to me and let me stay with them). I have rarely laughed as hard as when I’m with her. Just to give you an idea, she told me a story about giving someone (not someone she’s related to) an enima (she’s not a nurse). The afternoon I spent with Mafer’s grandma. We watched a movie on my laptop and we walked down to the tienda to get some bread and paper towels. I think we might be dating now. Last night we ate dinner with Brenda, Randy, and two of their children, Leah and Seth. During dinner Brenda made a wall out of several pieces of her cornbread. Awesome.

That’s all for now, but I’ll have more later, I’m sure. May the Lord bless you all.

sunday night i took the church van out to crestview with the youth group for the ignite youth rally. it was much like other events of the sort, and the spiritual boost always helps. i did realize something though. i really love working with teens, and i think i’m going to start looking for a youth ministry job somewhere. this was taken from the hood of the church van. Jarrett enjoys the gangster pose.

These kids are basically how I stay this side of sane… whichever side that is.

What else? Friday night I went swing dancing with Sara out at American Legion. I love it there, because the dancing is not of a promiscuous nature. Smoking and drinking are not allowed, so the people who are there are basically there just to dance and have fun. I am rhythmically challenged, but I am learning, and I really enjoy it. DDR is helping me work on the whole timing thing.

About a month ago I realized I was fatter than my liking, so I started on a diet and some light workout routines. So far, I’ve lost about 8 lbs (started around 215). I’m not so much worried about what the number on the scale says, but I would like to get in shape.

My diet has revolved around trying to limit my daily calories to a maximum of 2000, and breaking up my meals into 5 or 6 per day, every 2.5 hours or so. I try to drink nothing but water, and the really important part is getting 8 hours of sleep a night if possible. Workouts have been mainly limited to about 30 min of DDR daily, some light free weights, and for a few days I got up and jogged a mile first thing in the morning. (This last week I’ve been horrible, not working out, not getting enough sleep, and generally being lazy.) I seem to have plateaued, so I think soon I’m going to start on an actual weight routine. My starting goal was to reach 180lbs before the end of May. I’ll keep you posted.

For those of you who don’t know, on Saturday I’m leaving for Guatemala again. I’ll be returning on 2/25, Lord willing. If you give me your address, I’ll send you a postcard. I’m looking forward to the visit, practicing my espanol, and hanging out with my good friend, Mafer. Que buena onda!

One other thing that is just warming the cockles of my heart is that I got my phone back today. A few months ago, my Sony Ericsson Z520a that I bought unlocked and (ostensibly) unused from ebay. It worked great for a month, and then one day just stopped picking up signal. I put my SIM card in my old Nokia (despite its age, it seems to be the only reliable phone that works no matter what). On 1/30, I finally FedEx’d it out to the good folks Sony Ericsson hired to do their repair work. I did not have high hopes. Long story short, it arrived back on my doorstep today. It works like a charm and I’m pleased as punch. I’ll cover this story in a separate blog, for the purpose of reviews and others who might have similar problems with this model phone. By the way, if you are reading this and have my phone number, give me a call. I lost all my phone numbers from my SIM when I put it in the old phone, so I am low on numbers at the moment.

God has blessed me. Please be praying for me, friends. I want to make sure that I rely on God every step of the way, even when things seem like they’re under control and i don’t “need” to pray about it. (I always need to pray about it). In closing, let me share some familiar lyrics, courtesy of Switchfoot:

I’m learning to breathe
I’m learning to crawl
I’m finding that You and You alone can break my fall
I’m living again, awake and alive
I’m dying to breathe in these abundant skies

This last couple of years, it’s like I’ve been in some sort of fog. God is faithful, and he has continued to provide light for my soul, even when it was devoid of faith and full of sin. The path is getting brighter every day, and for that I am most grateful. Thank you, Lord for your tireless mercy and forgiveness. And thank you for loving me and seeking me out when I don’t deserve it. Dust and ashes never could have hoped to have it so good… yet in Jesus, I do.

Let me take this opportunity to invite you to learn about Jesus, if you have not committed your soul to His care. I can promise that it will never be a waste, and though I will let you down, He never will.

oh, and apparently it’s Valentine’s Day. May it be a good one, and may chocolate fill your mouths. the end.