The past week has been filled with prayer, blessings, and joy. It's funny how a simple prayer over dinner can raise an eyebrow. Jess and I were praying over dinner and after asking for discernment over the coming months regarding our finances, Jess looks at me and asks "Did you get fired?". I reassured her that our income is still intact. It makes me chuckle a bit that the first reaction over wanting to be a good steward with our finances is making sure that I still have a job. It also made me wonder how many other people in our present age are looking at what they have and saying "I have enough." and more importantly "We should be mindful of our finances." I've heard a pastor say Christ spoke most on the Kingdom of God, and I agree. He went on to point out that the second topic Christ covered the most was money, I trust his research, I just haven't busted out my concordance and glossary of terms to verify this. As far as prayer goes, I think personal financing is something to be meditative on (along with all our other concerns such as family, friends, ministry opportunities, and the Super Bowl). Currently also praying for healing as stomach viruses go around as well as fun things such as sore throats and streptococcus.
The blessings this week: awesome paycheck, able to pay bills and still save; a personal best in spousal communication; and a job interview. The interview was a mind-blowing opportunity. T. W. Andrews High School in High Point is looking for a new art teacher and I got a crack at it. Of course the initial phone call had me shaking with excitement and I wanted to tell everyone in the world, but decided to keep it to family and close friends (and my tech manager). The interview seemed to go quite well. I felt as if God wrangled my tongue and kept me from rambling with excitement. I was to the point on my ideas of an art program and my interviewers nodded in agreement, I took that as a good sign. I could go into great detail of the specifics of the interview, but that is best saved for personal conversation. Both walking in and out of that interview there was no fear (at least not in the five minutes before), no timidity...only strength and passion. The interview alone was not the blessing, but what God did in me to show off. A young man with a passion for seeing students succeed and progress into higher education with confidence in their knowledge and abilities. On the spousal communication blessing, I admit I'm a bit of a straggler. Jess is wonderful at digging into our conversations and creating an open atmosphere. I tend to stay reserved even in safe conversation. I felt this was possibly my best week in communicating with Jess...still room for improvement ;).
Joy came from all the above mentioned topics topped off with a 30min. bike ride and a beautiful sabbath to spend with family. Looking forward to the evening with my wife watching the premier of The Walking Dead on AMC. I'm such a romantic ;)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Joys of Fall
Waking up to a cool room under warm blankets. A nice cup of coffee accompanied by a slice of one of Jess' many apple pie recipes. Smelling the dew on the air. Watching steam roll off of rooftops and bodies of water on a morning drive down the back roads. The smell of dirt and oak while splitting firewood. Sitting on a patio listening to the sound of a slow running fountain, a cool breeze blows by, and an immediate return to warmth via help from the sun. Dinner with family and anticipation of the holidays. Captivating stories of humor and suspense. Pumpkins and their wonderful diversity from edible to art, and sometimes a combination of both. The low evening fog. Evening tea and laughing over lack-luster attempts at reading tea leaves. Crawling into a warm bed wondering, hoping, that the day could be repeated.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Remember Now?
Deep breath in and breath out as you look through your screen. Welcome back.
The past few weeks have been wonderful. I love the cooling weather and can't wait for the days I go out to warm up my car and scrape off the frost. I've the opportunities to see some things I want to share. First off, the worn buildings I pass by as I drive all over this state. So many beautiful locations tucked away or sitting right on the highway. I may have to sit down one day and really write out my fascination with the broken and fallen.
Jess and I got to wander around the State Fair with her little sister and another friend. All the strange things that people spend their money on for a stuffed animal that'll rip in less than a week. The mix of people dressed for comfort, some dressed to impress, and others that just don't know how to dress their bodies. People of the internets get on that for me, I'd like to see a peopleofthestatefair.com in the next few weeks. There are also the heart attack inducing foods such as the Krispy-Kreme Bacon Cheesburger. If you split it between 3-4 people, I highly recommend at least getting a taste.
Also, hunt down the Neese's booth and grab some Liver Pudding and Souse.
After the State Fair there was some well needed time with family out at the Daniels' house. It made me wonder how our grandparents passing in our formative years differs from them dying in our later years. Most of my grandparents (and all of my great grandparents) were gone early in my life. I said goodbye to my mom's mother well before she died with her severe alzheimers, it seemed she was already gone. Didn't make seeing her that one last time any easier, but I digress. I wonder how it will affect me when this family I've become a part of begins to let it's patriarchs/matriarchs go home.
Jess and I attended a visitation to pay our respects to a close friend. While waiting to see the family we found our conversation in the realm of "...at my funeral...". I'm sure we've all had this conversation, but I feel the time to reflect on our mortality is important as we aren't here forever. Instead of focusing on how we're remembered it seems easier to talk about how the world sends you off. Everyone standing around my ashes laughing about stories of old, and not in a funeral home but the house I lived in. No lines to greet my family but instead a steady flow of friends and extended family paying respects in their own way. Starts at dinner and ends after supper. The length of visitation also is dependent upon that first reflection of how we're remembered. I hope that there are people that would surround my wife and family with love. People that I touched but never knew showing up. I guess that's me hoping that in my quiet way people in the world notice me. Those of you that know me just laughed about the quiet part. Again, this is the type of reflection that is hard to set upon. It brings about a great fondness for the little things; it also brings an overwhelming feeling that in this big world, what have I done? As we enter this season, I hope you enjoy a slower pace and take count of the blessings and trials you came out better from. May the coming fall and winter build a desire in you that bursts forth with the spring to go out and impact how you're remembered.
The past few weeks have been wonderful. I love the cooling weather and can't wait for the days I go out to warm up my car and scrape off the frost. I've the opportunities to see some things I want to share. First off, the worn buildings I pass by as I drive all over this state. So many beautiful locations tucked away or sitting right on the highway. I may have to sit down one day and really write out my fascination with the broken and fallen.
Jess and I got to wander around the State Fair with her little sister and another friend. All the strange things that people spend their money on for a stuffed animal that'll rip in less than a week. The mix of people dressed for comfort, some dressed to impress, and others that just don't know how to dress their bodies. People of the internets get on that for me, I'd like to see a peopleofthestatefair.com in the next few weeks. There are also the heart attack inducing foods such as the Krispy-Kreme Bacon Cheesburger. If you split it between 3-4 people, I highly recommend at least getting a taste.
Also, hunt down the Neese's booth and grab some Liver Pudding and Souse.
After the State Fair there was some well needed time with family out at the Daniels' house. It made me wonder how our grandparents passing in our formative years differs from them dying in our later years. Most of my grandparents (and all of my great grandparents) were gone early in my life. I said goodbye to my mom's mother well before she died with her severe alzheimers, it seemed she was already gone. Didn't make seeing her that one last time any easier, but I digress. I wonder how it will affect me when this family I've become a part of begins to let it's patriarchs/matriarchs go home.
Jess and I attended a visitation to pay our respects to a close friend. While waiting to see the family we found our conversation in the realm of "...at my funeral...". I'm sure we've all had this conversation, but I feel the time to reflect on our mortality is important as we aren't here forever. Instead of focusing on how we're remembered it seems easier to talk about how the world sends you off. Everyone standing around my ashes laughing about stories of old, and not in a funeral home but the house I lived in. No lines to greet my family but instead a steady flow of friends and extended family paying respects in their own way. Starts at dinner and ends after supper. The length of visitation also is dependent upon that first reflection of how we're remembered. I hope that there are people that would surround my wife and family with love. People that I touched but never knew showing up. I guess that's me hoping that in my quiet way people in the world notice me. Those of you that know me just laughed about the quiet part. Again, this is the type of reflection that is hard to set upon. It brings about a great fondness for the little things; it also brings an overwhelming feeling that in this big world, what have I done? As we enter this season, I hope you enjoy a slower pace and take count of the blessings and trials you came out better from. May the coming fall and winter build a desire in you that bursts forth with the spring to go out and impact how you're remembered.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Original Hollywood Horror...let down.
Tucked far away from the interstates and highways lies an old farm house. A flashing road sign draws you toward the grayed exterior and red flashing batons direct you into parking. A short walk through medium recently-mowed grass, over a road, and you approach the smiling portrait of a skeleton to purchase your tickets from an enthused attendant. Is the attendant's attitude a by product of apathy developed by multiple seasons of service; or was it a carefully crafted ruse, an attitude of caring nothing for the terror you are about to endure. Increasing the coming terror even more. A transaction of 20 dollars, and a gold coin is placed in your hand. Maybe to pay the ferryman.
While waiting, entertainment can be found in the trailers and behind the scenes footage shown above the entrance. The transformation of humans to ghouls is made as transparent as a ghost in Hogwarts. Trailers for upcoming, as well as past releases, horror films help provide the proper mood, yet the real entertainment is live. The screams and squeals from within the house receive a quick turn of heads from the waiting line. The most attention is given to the crowds exiting with the occasional scream being chased with a dose of chainsaw revving.
Respects are to be paid to the recently undead before entering the house. Guides encourage a closer look at the first prop of the show, not many dare to step too close. Reminders are given that the ghouls only get touchy if touched first and if the experience becomes too overwhelming a quick exit can be provided. The ancient wooden door opens, beckoning.
Now, the experience will change from person to person. For the easily scarred and skittish, take delight in the screams awaiting you. There is a little something to tickle everyone's scaredy-bone. To lovers of horror, there will be laughs a plenty. Laughs will be increased if paired with the aforementioned group.
As for my personal experience, 3 nice big laughs from going through with Jess. Highly disappointed that from the last time I went (over 10 years ago), only a few new areas existed but the majority of the show went unchanged. The majority of scares were predictable, as evident in Jess pointing to a unmoving figure (that looks plastic) and saying "That one moves" and sure enough, IT MOVED! I really can't go into much elaboration without ruining some specifics, but I must admit I was unimpressed. Not worth $20. Really, even if you're escorting a group of prepubescents...find something cheaper, I'm not even sure the $20 a pop is worth saying "I went to The Original Hollywood Horror Show".
While waiting, entertainment can be found in the trailers and behind the scenes footage shown above the entrance. The transformation of humans to ghouls is made as transparent as a ghost in Hogwarts. Trailers for upcoming, as well as past releases, horror films help provide the proper mood, yet the real entertainment is live. The screams and squeals from within the house receive a quick turn of heads from the waiting line. The most attention is given to the crowds exiting with the occasional scream being chased with a dose of chainsaw revving.
Respects are to be paid to the recently undead before entering the house. Guides encourage a closer look at the first prop of the show, not many dare to step too close. Reminders are given that the ghouls only get touchy if touched first and if the experience becomes too overwhelming a quick exit can be provided. The ancient wooden door opens, beckoning.
Now, the experience will change from person to person. For the easily scarred and skittish, take delight in the screams awaiting you. There is a little something to tickle everyone's scaredy-bone. To lovers of horror, there will be laughs a plenty. Laughs will be increased if paired with the aforementioned group.
As for my personal experience, 3 nice big laughs from going through with Jess. Highly disappointed that from the last time I went (over 10 years ago), only a few new areas existed but the majority of the show went unchanged. The majority of scares were predictable, as evident in Jess pointing to a unmoving figure (that looks plastic) and saying "That one moves" and sure enough, IT MOVED! I really can't go into much elaboration without ruining some specifics, but I must admit I was unimpressed. Not worth $20. Really, even if you're escorting a group of prepubescents...find something cheaper, I'm not even sure the $20 a pop is worth saying "I went to The Original Hollywood Horror Show".
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