Too Long

2011. Who would have guessed it would have had this much to give. It's not often I stop and really look back at the road that I start rushing down. With all our canned "i'm well, just busy" comments, I think we rob ourselves of the little things. We get so big, I think we get in our way. For me, it's in the stream, balancing precariously on the wet rocks, hip deep in life, that I see God do some of His best work.

I've seen God move. I've been watching Him move in others. God has moved me, even though I'm slow. He has tested me, my family, our mettle. But it's good. It's the little things that make it good. The hugs, the talks, the ridiculous ballroom dancing in campgrounds, the way she smiles after you squeeze her hand, the little hope-drenched prayers that are simple and quiet - these are the things that are worth looking back on.


Sure, there are some skid marks along the way, but not all skid marks mean you were hitting the breaks. Some of the best driving is with the tires squealing, heart pounding, your eyes on the road taking in every moment like it's your last. But, other times, some of the best driving is not having a clue where you're going, with no destination, and no plan. Just being, together, loved, free, broken, and forgiven... that's a pretty good road to travel.

They gaver her have the nuggets...

I watched a lecture Donald Miller gave a couple weeks ago in which he told a story about the family he lived with for some time. The story was of the youngest daughter in the family (3 maybe?) and her reaction at the dinner table one evening. The daughter did not want what was made, and desperatley wanted chicken nuggets. Miller went through the possible reactions the father could have had: screaming on the floor with the daugther saying "the world isn't fair, mom should have made us nuggets!", giving in to her demands saying "ok honey, we'll make you some nuggets... we just want to make you happy." or lastly, the right thing "i'm sorry, but this is what was made for dinner, you can eat with us, or you can go to your room."

In all of this Miller was parallelling how God is our father, and that what we want isn't always best for us. The daughter did not get her nuggets, but she learned respect and that the world doesn't revolve around her. How often do we get set on something and throw a tantrum when God doesn't give us what we want? To me, it's somehow easier to rationalize the crap that we go through if we think "ok, i don't really need the nuggets... God what are you trying to teach me?"

He ended the lecture with a story about this pink barbi jeep that drove around in the area where he lived. He always wanted to see the person who drove it. One day he got the chance. Out stepped a blonde plastic woman who had obviously gotten some upgrades. He explained that the first thought that came to mind was "they gave her the nuggets..."

2009 In Pictures

In no order...

Toshiba Motha @$%@#!!!!!

I couldn't get myself to write "My Best Friend's Wedding" as the title for this blog post, so i put something that Jim coined ever so eloquently while pulling out in front of a Xerox van in Sandpoint. Friday, post wedding rehearsal and a really good steak at Anthony's, the crew of guys went and played laser tag (forgetting Chris at the restaurant... oops.)There were a few (Lowery!) skeptical of playing laser tag as a bachelor party activity, but everyone had fun, got sweaty, and there were even reports of being sore the next day. We proceeded to the youth center to roll a fatty full of fun and fellowship. Halo on the big screen (see picture above) and a few games of slightly intoxicated "Righteous Ball" a Whitworth special. (Not really sure why people took their shirts off... well except Justin, because his shirt always comes off)After hanging out we got serious and broke out the box of cigars. We stood outside reminiscing stories of Jim , encouraging him, and praying for him. When the cigar smoke cleared and the group returned inside to thaw their frozen appendages we ambushed Jim making sure he was prepared for his honeymoon. The group pinned Jim in a chair and began shaving lovely racing stripes in the hair on his legs... We got a little carried away and he ended up with hair shorts. He was a good sport about it. The next day we all organized at Dr. Bob's house to get ready. Some of us had trouble with our tux's- not to name any names, Andy. After being loaned black socks and undershirts we managed to get ready for some of the coldest pictures ever taken in a tuxedo. For the next several hours the guys just lounged around waiting for the call to look presentable for the next onslaught of paparazzi. All in all the night was a lot of fun. Joelle looked amazing, the reception was relaxed and fun, the food was good, the music was good, and the purpose of the wedding was fulfilled... they got hitched. So the first one is down... who will be next? I thought i heard Zach and Leslie say they were going for Dec. 20th of next year... the race is on! We love you Jim and Joelle we hope you have fun on your honeymoon. Running around in Hawaii in designer hair shorts... :)