Thesis Marathon

It is 4:30 on Saturday and I am taking a much needed break from crunching numbers for my M.S. Thesis. I've been here at the office all day. I was here until 11:30 last night, and I worked late every night last week. Why? Because it is due on Friday and I am on the home stretch. I'll be here late this week, so if you need me, just call the office. I'm thinking of moving in a cot and thanks to a microwave and fridge, I've eaten 4 of the past 5 meals at this desk. I'm thinking next week the Dominoe's delivery guy may become my new best friend. Anyway, break time's over, I'll see you in two weeks.

Philip's Poetry

Recently my brother, Philip, wrote some poetry for a school assignment (he's in the 9th grade). I was very impressed and thought I would share my favorite with you. If this is what he can do by sitting down at the computer and writing it the night before it is due, I can't wait to see more of his work. I definitely think you have talent, Philip!

What is Man?

What is man?
Is man just a bag
Of organs and water?
Or is man more than that?

What is a man?
Is a body without a mind,
Is that still a man?
Is a mind without a body,
Is that still a man?

Is one so small
Inside another,
Is that one still man?

What defines a man?
Status, wealth, ability,
Color, race, or gender,
Do they define man?

I define a man
As one created by God
Conceived by a couple,
That’s a man.

From the inside of the belly
Till the departing of the soul,
Whatever appearance may show,
Or mentality may take,
A man is a man
No matter what politics may shape.

Mother Teresa on Serving

"We consider it an honor and privilege to serve Christ, who calls us through His church to labor for the salvation and sanctification of the poorest of the poor all over the world and so to satiate the thirst of God, dying on the Cross. [This] service means an unceasing and wholehearted labor in making ourselves available to Jesus so that He may live, in and through us, His life of infinitely tender, compassionate and merciful love, for the spiritually and materially poorest of the poor."

The little plant that could...

The other day as I was talking to A I noticed something very unusual behind her head coming from the window... I originally thought it was coming in from the outside, but after further investigation... Yep, you guessed it, NOT from the outside. So, I think it is growing INSIDE our house after coming THROUGH the wall in the house (between the window divider and the window sill) from UNDER the house. I wonder if I can market this thing...a house plant that you don't have to water? It would be great motif for a restaurant with unusual fare, like Mrs. D's Diner, for example.

Baby Shower in a Box

Recently, A put together a baby-shower-in-a-box for Bethany and Clayton's baby. She sent out various shower type things in an envelope with directions to go on-line and buy something on their registry and have it mailed to us. Then, A's dad took it to them in a big suitcase while he was there on business. They made this little video and put it on their blog. I thought I'd share it with you as well...A hasn't seen it yet, but she will be very excited.

Shower in a Box

Gushing...

I just wanted everyone to know that it is so super fun to be an aunt. Denea had a sonogram last Friday and the baby is healthy and apparently likes to put his/her hand on his/her forehead.

~A

Praise Reports

Abdul Rahman, the Christian who was facing the death penalty in Afghanistan, has been released!

At the beginning of the year, L wrote a post about a woman at our church that had cancer. On Sunday she gave a testimony that she has been given a clean report by the doctor! I have been exceedingly, abundantly amazed by all God has done in her life over the past ten months. She is a beautiful example of God's healing power and faithfulness.

Just wanted to share these reports with you!

~A

Award Winning Tablecloth

Last Thursday L competed in a chili cook-off at Tarleton with a team from the soil science department. They walked away with two awards - Best Five Alarm Chili and Best Decorated Table. The picture above was taken just seconds after the results were revealed. I am sure the artistic design and creativity are as evident to you as they were to the judges. Thanks to the person who gave us this tablecloth as a wedding present. Who knew when L threw it in the truck that morning (since he figured the tables would be dirty...) that it would win such a pretigious award? I just wish ya'll could have been there to taste the chili. L has always made good chili but this was some of his best! We did have two surprise visitors...

Charity Means Love - EP

For those of you who don't visit the Big Blue Sofa, Jeremy has put together a short set of songs. Just thought I would share them with you...they are worth listening to for both lyrical and musical reasons. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think abouth them and I will pass it on to Jeremy. He would enjoy both encouragement and constructive critisism. Click here to download Charity Means Love - EP. Also, you will need iTunes if you don't already have it.