I wish I could spread Jordan on bread....

In the middle of writing my last post I couldn't help but remember a Friends episode. Being the Friends fanatic that I am, owning TWO sets of the DVDs, and having watched the entire series through three times, naturally I burst into character. It only seemed appropriate to share it here considering how it fit into the raisin cake post.

Until getting married, I had no idea how tough this decision could be. Jordan and I have so much fun together, doing both....but I guess I shouldn't expound too much about particular endeavors.

This is Joey at his best (or worst, depending on your perspective...). Perhaps the times since Hosea hasn't changed much though.

raisin cakes, really?

This morning during my quiet time God made me laugh. Well, technically, his prophet Hosea made me laugh. Either way, it is kind of a rare occasion that I actually laugh outt loud during my quiet time, or any time I read the Bible for that matter. I guess generally I don't think about the Bible as a laughing matter (I've really never thought about that before, should it ever be?). I was reading my Bible on YouVersion, and luckily had it on the NIV translation otherwise I would've missed this surprise. P.S. I love YouVersion.

Hosea 3:1- 'The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”'

Everyone has their thorn, I just never thought raisin cakes would do it.... But seriously, apparently these delightful danishes were devoured during worship to Baal and the Israelites had chosen to worship Baal with prostitutes and food, rather than worship the ONE, TRUE God with their lives.

The fact that Hosea describes them as raisin cakes in the NIV translation only demonstrates that our idols can show up anywhere and be anything- especially now that raisin cakes are obsolete. From food and TV to work and money, I don't even know where to begin evaluating everything that I worship. I like to think that I talk to God more than I think about what's for dinner or what's the best way to save money, but I really don't know somedays. At the end of the day I guess I can only pray that God would mold my heart to yearn for things of Him and to change my desires to His desires. And hopefully He will slowly reveal to me that nothing tastes sweeter or feels better than the bread of heaven.

Man vs Wild- a different show

SWEET video. It's very different than anything else I've ever posted. Surprisingly, I had never seen this video during my education at Virginia Tech, although it would've been awesome to actually watch it instead of being lectured. When I came to UVA, I noticed all they do is nap and watch videos like this during their science classes. Or, something to that effect at least.

It is videos like these that, albeit silly, leave me in awe at the beauty and complexity of creation. Being naturally capable of making sounds that I only considered possible by human action, is incredible. Whereas it took years to develop a device to yield an alarm, this bird has always been able to make that sound....
My Jubofriend Sam first told me about this video a year ago and on the occasion I just go back to watch it just for kicks. It's almost a shame that the bird even knows the last two sounds though....

EJC 5K

A couple of weeks ago, Jordan and I got up early Saturday morning to travel 'home' to Richmond. Folks at Midlothian High School organized a day of family fun as a fundraiser for one of my high school friends. Actually, for two of my high school friends.
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. Probably before this day was ever dreamed , I had aspirations of doing something for this great couple that I grew up with. I've known Jimmy since 4th grade and spent every afternoon during middle school and high school playing sports with him. I ran with Emily for three years in high school. I don't think I introduced them, but I'll bet I was there when they met.
From what I can tell, as Jimmy began his first year in medical school almost two years ago, they learned Emily had cancer, and about a year ago I was told that their insurance wouldn't cover the entirety of her treatment- specifically, Emily's bone marrow transplant. I remember talking to my Mom several times, brainstorming ideas about how to help them. Maybe ask for donations at church? Maybe organize some type of silent auction? A 5k? Every time getting lost in the size of debt they were in. But then again, organization has never been my strong suit.
Saturday was complete with a 5k run/walk, a kids run, blow-up games, a live band, a pony ride, face-paint, shirt dyeing, and FREE hula-hooping (of which there was no line). Long story short, it was great to see the community come together to support a struggling family. I think that's the mission of the church- to recognize needs and meet them. They never said how many people showed up, but I'd guess at least several hundred people came out just to say, "I care." I mean, I sit back and think to myself, for that many people to give up their one morning to sleep-in, to sacrifice their comfort in order to comfort someone else. I hope Jimmy and Emily realize how much people care, even if the words aren't always said. It was also special to finish Emily's race with my family. We've been blessed to never have to overcome something soo serious, but the fact that my family cares enough about someone else to participate, means I am a lucky guy to be a part of such a family.

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Now playing: The King's Singers - Down to the river and pray
via FoxyTunes

A Long Weekend and A Short Year

Wow, two blogaticals in two weeks (my first two weeks at that!)....but what a weekend! From visiting my Nana in the hospital, to celebrating my FIRST anniversary, to Memorial Day with the In-laws, I've been pretty busy being lazy. I'll only tell you about the anniversary, that is the only thing worth telling you about right now...

To celebrate our anniversary within the confines of our budget, we decided to eat at the Melting Pot!! The MP has always been a restaurant that we've saved for special occasions, and Sunday night was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. We tried a delicious Pinot Grigio with our Italian-themed meal. I am no viticulturist (like my bro!), but it was some incredible wine- fruity, but not sweet. Dry, but not nasty. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? I'll probably try to buy some if I can find it around here because I've never had a white like that. The chocolate fondue (the DISARONNO with milk chocolate) we chose was heavenly, in fact, it took an extra 7 brownies to polish it off. I guess I shouldn't mention the fact that I didn't get any of them :) The free champagne with dessert forced us into a 25% tip, but I wasn't really complaining...I was walking on the moon.

The best part of the entire evening was the company. Jordan and I have now been married over a year and I am still living the dream. I really doubt that I even know how to evaluate the success of something like marriage. When I sit back and reflect over the last year, I guess the only thing I can really conclude is... I married the right woman. I'd like to say she is perfect for me, but I don't know if I can state such a claim when I feel so unworthy of her- like I somehow deserve to spend the rest of my life with her, and have already spent an entire year with her as my bride.

She embodies so much that I desire to be. In fact, she is things that I've failed to be on several occasions. And if you ready my post on desires, you might know what I mean. From her patient understanding to her quick apologies, I only wish my natural inclinations jumped to self-evaluation and humility before self-defense and competition. Her servant heart only too often jumps at the opportunity to make dinner or clean up my mess such that I end up depending on her actions that should be special, not expected. Jordan is a partner in every sense of the word and I pray that over the years, I start to look more like her than she like me...



Jordan, your light-hearted and loving spirit is a blessing to live with and I pray that God will bless US in the future, but I am incredibly grateful for the 367 days of blessing I've already been gifted.


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Now playing: Jim Brickman - love of my life
via FoxyTunes