Life...up to this point.

The Kramily Blog

2008-01-15T14:55:00.001-10:00

thekramedjians.blogspot.com

I can't take it!!!

2007-10-04T07:27:00.000-10:00

Collapse Of The American Empire

The Middlebury Institute

We're Starting a Kramily!!!!

2007-08-03T09:11:00.000-10:00

Meet Christopher David Kramedjian, and his fiance!!

Gone Fishing

2007-07-12T05:08:00.000-10:00

Friends, Family, and Strangers,

Sorry, I've neglected updating this blog lately. I've been quite busy. Well, I don't really know if that's true, but I have been on the go.

I'm currently in Michigan, Silver Lake area, on family vacation. (Right now, in the public library attempting to study for my intern exam.) That being said, I probably will not be updating much until I head back to Lubbock, and by then I should have plenty of exciting things to write about. To see what I've been up to, feel free to check out my summer blog, "Summer of Della".

Talk to y'all soon.
Della

Things I've taught my nephews:

2007-05-25T11:03:00.000-10:00

Let's not add this to the list.

This day will be real real good.

2007-04-08T10:58:00.000-10:00

Beams of heaven, as I go,
Through this wilderness below
Guide my feet in peaceful ways
Turn my midnights into days
When in the darkness I would grope
Faith always sees a star of hope
And soon from all life's grief and danger
I shall be free some day

I don't know how long 'twill be
Nor for what the future olds for me
But this I know, if Jesus leads me
I shall get a home some day

Often times my sky is clear
Joy abounds without a tear
Though a day so bright begun
Clouds may hide tomorrow's sun
There'll be a day that's always bright
A day that never yields to night
And in its light the streets of glory
I shall behold some day

Harder yet may be the fight
Right may often yield to might
Wickedness awhile may reign
Satan's cause may seem to gain
There is a God that rules above
With hand of power and heart of love
If I am right, He'll fight my battle
I shall have peace some day

Burdens now may crush me down
Disappointments all around
Troubles speak in mournful sigh
Sorrow through a tear stained eye
There is a world where pleasure reigns
No mourning soul shall roam its plains
And to that land of peace and glory
I want to go some day

it's a wild wacky windy world

2007-02-28T13:30:00.000-10:00

Kim came to visit this weekend and this is what she brought me.

But don't take my word for it.

At least it wasn't this.

or this.

This is where I'm going for Spring Break.

2007-02-21T06:59:00.000-10:00

We're Here Now Because the Hurt is Now

By Nat Belz

The roads in Bay St. Louis, Miss., run a foot above the marsh, and sometimes the two are indistinguishable. Plank roads are back in style (you might say they've resurfaced) and it takes a little longer to get from here to there. But that's okay because everything runs on "Katrina time." Folks show up a little late for appointments. Lines can be long, but the Waffle House waitress takes the sting out of an hour-long wait by calling you "baby." Shelves at the just-reopened Wal-Mart are no frills—no $1,500 stainless steel grills or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners—and not even much shaving cream. Instead there are racks of axes, rows of generators, and plenty of fresh bottled water.

Six months after the worst hurricane in U.S. history leveled this town of 8,200, there's a buzz here that you just don’t hear in large parts of New Orleans. Considering the cleanup job ahead, a lot is getting done. The railroad bridge has opened again. The beach will be clean if nothing else is. Eastward, an armada of giant-tracked machines scoops up tons of sand and sifts out Katrina's flotsam and jetsam—baby carriages and car parts, palettes and plastic—leaving behind pristine, sugary mounds for the tourists everyone hopes will come.

Still, you get the idea that even the big retailers are not quite sure whether they'll be back. It will take a lot more than one or two companies deciding to return. Certainly the casinos, the "damn casinos," in the words of more than one long-time resident, already have begun to return. But even the moneyed have to shake their heads at the fury and force of a storm that looked at the first three beach-front blocks of 85 miles of Gulf Coast and said, "Let's level that."

What do you see, Giants or Grapes?
Not a house stands untouched in Bay St. Louis. Most are gone now, and the few that remain should go or require major repairs. In the wind you can hear the hard slap of American flags everywhere. Plastic, metal, or insulation "slash" hangs everywhere in the remaining trees. Mostly there's mud—everywhere.

It's been only a couple of months since Jean Larroux, 35, a church planter for Mission to North America (MNA), came back to his hometown after a 15-year absence, but it seems he could show up unannounced at any of the few standing houses in Bay St. Louis, Miss., and be welcomed as one of the family, because he is.

"Used to go to school with his son," he says about Dusty Rhodes, his new banker. "I think he dated my sister," he says as he points out a waiter. Saying goodbye to the Chamber of Commerce president, he points out, "I dated her sister." That apparently came to nothing, because Larroux graduated from St. Stanislaus High School and headed off for Ole Miss. There he met his bride-to-be, Kim, a sorority girl from the Mississippi Delta. But it all comes to something now, as Jean, Kim, and their three children are "answering the voice of Jesus" to give up a normal, happy life as an assistant pastor at Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis to return to his hometown of Bay St. Louis.

What did that voice sound like? Larroux thinks there's "a 90 percent Presbyterian component to a call. The usual things: Is there a need, is there a fit, is there support, does it look biblical, does it fit with other 'callings,' do others agree with you, what do your elders say? The last 10 percent is maybe a little less Presbyterian: You just know. It's harder to describe, but it's there. It's internal, and maybe even a little Pentecostal. I just know that when I first asked my bride if she'd like to go plant a church in Bay St. Louis, she said 'No!' in the clearest manner possible. I knew then that there was no way I could manipulate this situation, so I just shut up about it. Not much later, we were sitting under the preaching of visiting Scotsman David Meredith." Meredith's text was Numbers 13, about the 12 spies who came back saying "there are giants in the land," and the few who came back saying "there are great clusters of grapes in the land."

"'When you look at what God is calling you to do,' Meredith asked, 'what do you see? Giants or grapes?' That evening Kim told me, 'You know we have to go!' But what about Westminster, the kids' school? What about the house? What about our friends, and all the folks at Independent? She just looked at me and said 'Grapes or giants, Jean? Grapes or giants?'"

"I knew we were going," he says. "When you have an Ole Miss sorority girl ready to move into a FEMA trailer with you, that's the voice of Jesus! Like I said, a little Pentecostal, but clear as a bell."

Last October, Larroux met with his elders at Independent. "There were heavy hearts on both sides," he says, "but we jointly acknowledged God's clear calling."

Larroux thinks it's critically important for church planters to go back to what they know, to what they're familiar with. That can quickly clarify a call, he says. "Church planting experts can talk about all sorts of strategies, but nothing can replace relationships. That is how you move into a community."

I drive around and cry and laugh and cry again
Six months after Katrina, the streets of Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Biloxi, and Gulfport are still lined with piles of debris. At one Waveland driveway, a hand-painted roadside sign reads simply: Psalm 107:23-30. "I oughta know that," Larroux mutters. Reaching through the tools in his truck cab, he pulls out his Bible. As he reads the Psalm out loud, he holds back tears:

"Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."

He pauses to regain his composure. "Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!"

"It's my whole life here. This must be what it feels like to be bipolar. I drive around and cry and laugh and cry again."

Larroux lost his aunt and uncle in Katrina. They drowned in their small home when they tried to hold out against its 40-foot wall of water. The pain—and the metaphor—is not lost on Larroux. He sees a community of people whose great physical needs are only surpassed by their spiritual ones, who often live on the treadmill of works righteousness. "Katrina created great physical needs, but it also exposed existing spiritual needs. This is a rare opportunity."

"Think of it this way,” Larroux said as he talked to a friend. “We used to go to confession to tell the priest about our sins. But at this new church, the priest will tell us about his sins and about God's gift of justification. Have you ever heard that in a church?” The friend said “no.” “Eventually I hope that she will see how futile it is to hold out on her own.”

"The gospel is the third way, neither legalism or license, nor legalism plus legalism. Apologetics is not going to win this culture. Biblical theology is. If I can get them into the Word, it takes care of the rest. After I got converted, nobody ever dealt with me on transubstantiation, or Peter as head of the church. I just got into the Bible. I'd walk into my pastor's office after reading and say ‘I don't see anything that supports those things.’ He was patient with me and began slowly to show me the great truths of Scripture that the Reformation had rediscovered."

"We've named the new church Lagniappe Presbyterian,” he says. "Probably a hundred outsiders have asked me, 'Lagniappe? Why would you want to call it Lagniappe?’" (pronounced lan-yap) Larroux says nobody from Bay St. Louis needs an explanation. "Say you're buying five pounds of shrimp, and the guy at the market gives you an extra handful for free—that's lagniappe, known elsewhere as the baker's dozen. That's it. Free. Grace. In other communities, we'd be Grace Presbyterian."

Where the Hurt Is
Larroux's cellphone rings constantly. "Yeah, we'll be over there this morning to demolish the house," he tells a caller. "The Windemuller families from Grand Rapids brought down a convoy of heavy equipment, and the people to run it for two weeks. Lagniappe! How generous is that? I am just trying to steer them and a hundred other people around to the next task. Sure am glad Sprint has a 'Flexible' plan, because I put 3600 minutes on my phone last month. That's not chatting; that's about 1200 3-minute calls."

People who travel across the country to work on the Gulf Coast are initiators. They just do things without asking for directions. "People tell me this or that ... is such an answer to prayer,'" Larroux says. "But I don't have time to pray for it before it happens. Mostly my prayers are prayers of thanksgiving."

On a cold February night, under a clear sky and a full moon, Jean Larroux has gathered with family and old friends around a bonfire built in a discarded aluminum satellite dish. Salmon, brought in fresh with a crew of relief workers from Washington state, is grilling nearby. If you're hungry, you're welcome. Nearly everyone around the circle has a story about Jean. He rolls with the good-natured punches. These friends don't doubt that he's here for the long haul, because he's with them now, living in a trailer.

"Here in Bay St. Louis it was quaint. You used to be able to rent little bicycle carts with canopies and ride around the downtown area. You'll be able to do that again, I'm sure. Then a lot of churches will want to be here. But we want to be here now, because the hurt is now."

Nat Belz is the associate editor of byFaith magazine.

2007-02-13T11:39:00.001-10:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-13T10:08:00.000-10:00

2007-02-10T19:10:00.000-10:00

You've got to be tough if you want to ride a bike in Lubbock!

2007-02-02T08:17:00.000-10:00

Man faces assault charges in war against bicyclists
BY JASON WOMACK
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

A man who police say used wires, broken bottles and nails to wage an ecoterrorism campaign against Lubbock cyclists could spend time in prison.

David G. Knape, 62, of Lubbock, staged at least a year-long campaign against unsuspecting cyclists, according to police reports. He stretched wires between trees at "neck level" and put nails and glass in the pathway of cyclists.

"This could kill someone," Dewayne Wallace, an avid cyclist whose friend was flung from his bicycle and cut across the neck by one of the wires.

Wallace spent months looking for Knape, who now faces two felony charges of attempted aggravated assault with a weapon.

Each count is a third degree felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Detective Rene Martinez questioned Knape about the traps placed along the mountain biking trails, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and along Canyon Lake No. 6.

The trails are used by families and joggers and are designated for biking. Amateur and experienced riders frequent the paths.

Knape told the detective he was only trying to protect the environment.

"He just loves nature," Martinez said.

Phone calls placed to Knape went unanswered.

Cyclists did not always have a name to connect to the traps found along the trails. But many knew of the hazards and would even warn each other on internet message boards.

"There were numerous traps along the trails, including wire strung between trees and chest/neck level," according to a March 26, 2006 posting on the Caprock Multi-Sport Club Forum. "Be careful out there."

Lubbock Police Capt. Lance Slack, who also rides a bike, said cyclists need to warn each other, but they also need to notify authorities, particularly when people can be seriously injured

"People have been seriously hurt or killed just because they are cyclists," he said.

Wallace said he tracked Knape for about 6 months. He photographed the wires and footprints. He then turned it all over to police.

At first, he suspected a teenagers, but whoever was setting these traps was "too energetic," he said.

Large rocks had been pushed into the trail and wires that cyclists had taken down would reappear. Whoever was setting the traps was just too persistent.

"I was memorizing his pattern," Wallace said. "We were not out to beat him up or kill him. We just wanted him to stop."

Wallace caught Knape during an afternoon bike ride in November.

Knape was tying a wire to a tree, according to reports.

In statements to police, Knape said he was trying to protect area wildlife.

"He was trying to protect something we care about too," Wallace said. "I care about nature. That's why I ride a bike.

A Lubbock County grand jury is scheduled to review Knape's case next week.

Singing the Blues

2007-01-17T10:06:00.000-10:00

Over the past week I have been experiencing what one of my friends called the "post vacation blues". I think a little might have to do with the fact that the long break is over and now it's time to get focused and get back into the swing of things, but it could be some other stuff too. It could be the new year, with all the reflecting on the past year, which isn't a bad thing, and shouldn't be depressing but for some reason is. I'm looking forward to the new year and making some improvements (resolutions). For some reason looking to the good of the new has me obsessed with the bad of the old, like it's some huge mountain that I can't seem to muster the courage to start climbing. It could also be the weather, and how lonely my apartment was when I was iced in. It could be that now that I've gotten caught up with 24, I am forced to wait until Monday to find out how Bauer is going to save the day instead of rushing to Blockbuster to get my fix. It could be that I feel empathy for all those pitiful people that had their hopes of stardom dashed on national television by the that all so feisty Brit on American Idolatry last night. Like I said it could be many things.

I do know that these lyrics brought me to tears on the way over to this coffee shop today. I 'm thinking this might have something to do with my blues. (Could it be that my sin is getting me down and that I'm believing lies? Surely not.)

"Doubting Thomas"

What will be left when I've drawn my last breath
Besides the folks I've met and the folks who've known me
Will I discover a soul-saving love
Or just the dirt above and below me

I'm a doubting Thomas
I took a promise
But I do not feel safe
Oh me of little faith

Sometimes I pray for a slap in the face
Then I beg to be spared cause I'm a coward
If there's a master of death
I bet he's holding his breath
As I show the blind and tell the deaf about his power

I'm a doubting Thomas
I can't keep my promises
Cause I don't know what's safe
Oh me of little faith

Can I be used to help others find truth
When I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie
Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbs
That prove I'm not ready to die

Please give me time to decipher the signs
Please forgive me for time that I've wasted

I'm a doubting Thomas
I'll take your promise
Though I know nothin's safe
Oh me of little faith

I've highlighted the portions that are getting me right in the jugular.

Tookies

2007-01-11T06:42:00.000-10:00

The Cake

2006-11-05T06:27:00.000-10:00

Whoa! Is this true:?

2006-11-03T14:25:00.000-10:00

These are the results of a quiz I took tonight. I think it has something to do with how I am feeling right now at this moment. I wouldn't say I'm always this way, but I could be wrong.

Disorder	Rating
Paranoid Personality Disorder:	Moderate
Schizoid Personality Disorder:	Low
Schizotypal Personality Disorder:	Moderate
Antisocial Personality Disorder:	High
Borderline Personality Disorder:	Moderate
Histrionic Personality Disorder:	High
Narcissistic Personality Disorder:	High
Avoidant Personality Disorder:	Very High
Dependent Personality Disorder:	Very High
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:	High
-- Take the Personality Disorder Test -- -- Personality Disorder Info --

OMG, U Got Mail!

2006-10-27T12:07:00.000-10:00

Jessie Maynard, this one is for you.

Did someone say Punkin Pie?

2006-10-24T17:01:00.000-10:00

In the begining....
there was a pumpkin...

then came the Texas Tech RUF Girl's Bible Study

and what happened next was a miracle!!!
A pie was born!!!And all was very good.

One of my bestest girlfriend's website! (click picture for link)

2006-10-23T16:33:00.000-10:00

Nicole it looks amazing!!!!

Wreck What?

2006-10-11T07:20:00.000-10:00

BEFORE THE GAME, WE HAD A GOOD TIME.

BOOMER!

2006-10-07T11:48:00.000-10:00

Welcome to my crib...

2006-10-05T13:26:00.000-10:00

(if you see anything that belongs to you, thank you for your generous contribution to Reformed University Fellowship)

Classic.

2006-09-30T09:27:00.000-10:00

Thanks, Carole Miller, who I don't even know but I yoinked this picture off your facebook. I thought all of Doug's friends could get a good laugh out of this awkwardness. (I'm letting one of my new Lubbock friends borrow my copy.)

I just finished the last season of Arrested Development.

2006-09-30T06:29:00.000-10:00

80's Sangers

2006-09-29T10:22:00.000-10:00

80's Sangers, originally uploaded by dellasanger.

I've been missing this lately. When I was young and ignorant, and the only responsibilities I had were practicing the piano and feeding the dog. When I was rewarded with popcicles and TGIF was the most exciting part of my week. "Things were simpler then."

But we grow up. And we learn. And things change. Things might be more complex and responsibities might come with more serious consequences or results but with more complexity comes a more rewarding, more meaningful course of events. TGIF doesn't exist anymore and popcicles, while still a nice treat, just a fond memory.

Blast from the Past.

2006-09-28T05:03:00.000-10:00

I was feeling a little homesick yesterday. This has officially cheered me up. Feer free to sing arong.

Everything Is Illuminated

2006-09-22T05:17:00.000-10:00

So, I am all moved into my new apartment here in Lubbock. Many, many thanks to my good friend Nicole for making the trip with me, and for her husband Clint sacraficing his married life for a few days. That really means a lot to me. My parents are coming for a visit this weekend. This is the first time that has ever happened. Should be interesting.

Life is busy these days, but I wanted to take a chance to tell you about the movie I watched last night with some of my new friends. Actually I'm not going to tell you anything other than you need to see it for yourself. I think it's my new favorite movie.

Everything is Illuminated.

PS I'm not posting again until someone posts the one random Lord of the Ring reference from this movie.

Baby Horse Moose and Me

2006-08-30T11:06:00.000-10:00

Post #100

2006-08-23T13:22:00.000-10:00

So here I am. In Lubbock, Texas. Posting my 100th entry on my blog. Life up to this point.....Well, it's different to say the least. So much has changed in the past year and a half. I know it's that time of life where things change drastically for all twentysomeones. But, holy cow has life changed.

I'm sure most of you that keep up with me, or keep up with my blog have seen those changes. You've seen me graduating from college, getting my first job (well, internship), selling my first house, moving away. Thanks for being there for all of that. I pray that you continue to check on me and support me. For those of you who are just meeting me for the first time, welcome. Come join in the fun that is Della's Life.

Here is what's going on now:

Like I said, I'm in Lubbock. I just got here a week ago, still haven't officially moved though. I hope to go back to Norman and get my stuff in the next couple of weeks after my apartment is ready. I have already been on a leadership retreat with RUF up in New Mexico, where I got to spend sometime at Cloudhaven Christian Retreat and Study Center. It's a lot like L'abri, so if you know any one that is looking to ask questions about the Christian faith or struggling with faith in general this is a great place to recommend. It's perfect for long or short time stays, and it's much cheaper than going to England.

These past few days has been spent getting to know the people and the streets of Lubbock. I attended Providence PCA on Sunday, where they just called a pastor from Philadelphia. Sunday was his first Sunday as well as mine. I think he is great. I of course was in fountains and fountains of tears of joy when he was finished. Marc Corbett, the RUF campus minister, wrapped things up by talking about our brokenness. He said something about how after the leadership retreat we couldn't really stand up and say "wow, isn't Texas Tech lucky to have us." We are all just people with problems helping to point other people with problems to Christ. It's not by my merit that I am here, but because God planned this perfectly for me. I was really moved by that.

So, here I am. Up in my cube, waiting for the ice cream social to start on campus. You can all be praying for the freshmen, grad students, and transfer students, not just here but all over the country. This is a scary and lonely time. I pray that the Body will be a comfort to the lost and lonely.

Here are some pictures of the past week:

Peace and Grace to you.

2006-08-13T11:32:00.000-10:00

Dear Hope,

Where do I begin? Where do we begin? In the future I don't plan on making my blog an open forum to talk about everything that has happened in the past month, but there are a few things that I would like to share with you and the people that care about me most. (Heaven knows a lot has been shared on here already.)

A month ago when I first read the comment you wrote on my November post, I was obviously taken by complete surprise. As my friends that were in the room will attest, I was in complete shock that after twenty-four years the truth of my conception was sitting in front of my face. Let me assure you, I really had suspected my whole life that that was the most likely scenario, and in no way am I shocked or hurt or confused by the details. (I will say, not many people know the story of their conception.)

The days following were a whirlwind of events and emotions. I was in Amarillo for a wedding and headed to Atlanta for two weeks for staff training for my new job. With in minutes I knew who my biological mother was, that I have cousins and an aunt that I know in Norman already and I have a half brother and a half sister. WOW. I had no idea what to do with that information. I didn't know if I was scared, sad, mad, happy, excited, thrilled, jealous, or what. I was really confused. I kept looking at the picture of Kaleigh over and over.

After talking to my parents and my siblings and friends for the two weeks in Atlanta I was still confused but feeling a little more calm about the whole situation. The next step was trying to figure out what to do next. I knew that I couldn't move on pretending that nothing had happened, but I wasn't sure that I was ready to meet this new group of people that happens to be biologically related to me. (Still looking at Kaleigh's picture everyday, and showing it to everyone.) All of this while I'm trying to raise the rest of my support and move to Lubbock before school starts. So, I finally called Lori last week and met for iced Chai Lattes. She told me about every aunt and uncle, every cousin, grandma and grandpa, and Kaleigh and Bo. She was very helpful in making me feel more comfortable with jumping into this entirely new experience.

Lori arranged for us to go to Perkins yesterday, where I met Sunny, who was in the room when I was born, Jan, Marvin and Frances. It went really well. When I saw Sunny for the first time she gave me a huge hug and through tears she told me how much I look like Kaleigh. I took with me a letter that your mother wrote my parents two days after I was born. Because of her condition she didn't know who I was but she recognized her own handwriting. It was really neat to sit with them and visit. Marvin got up from the table several times to take pictures of me. Sunny sat and talked with my mom and they shared stories from their experiences 24 years ago. Little Ethan crawled into my lap several times and just started giggling. He called me Blondell in pictures. Rex, Lori and my sister sat and talked for most of the lunch. Rex was my sister's math teacher in high school and they had a lot of track stories share. I got to see a lot of pictures of you when you were little, and pictures of Bo and Kaleigh when they were little. I posted some pictures so that they could see how much we looked like each other. Overall I think it was a healing time together.

For me it helped deal with all the lingering uneasy feelings. The anxiousness has somewhat subsided. The emails from Bo and Kaleigh have also been helpful, but I want to do what's right for them too. I'm going to let them set the pace on how they want to know me.

For me, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I know what you did was scary and sad. I know that you probably mourned the loss of a child. You did a very brave thing and I couldn't be more grateful. I want you to think about all the things you gave me. You gave me a mother and a father. You gave me an older brother and older sister and 7 nieces and nephews. You gave me a college education and a Christian heritage. I had all of these things because you made a brave decision that you knew would probably hurt you. I think that is unbelievable. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am loved and blessed. I have never felt pain from your decision. I hope that gives you peace and rest.

I don't know what comes next for you and for me. We will just have to figure that out as we go, but I didn't want you to go on without knowing the way I felt. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask me. But, let's go ahead and move the conversation away from the blog.

I pray all is well with your soul, it is well with mine,

Della Mercer Sanger

My younger, cuter days.

2006-08-12T11:49:00.000-10:00

Wait! Which of these does not belong?

Della Dawn

2006-08-12T11:40:00.000-10:00

All major credit cards excepted.

2006-08-11T12:07:00.000-10:00

This is very important, so pay attention. It is August 11 and school starts in less than two weeks, and I'm still in Norman, NOT Lubbock. What does this mean? This means I haven't raised enough money to move to campus yet. So here is the deal. This blog is now acting as a make shift telethon, a blog-a-thon if you will.

Here's the deal. I need:

3 people to pledge $100 per month or 3 people to give a $1000 one time gift = $3000
4 people to pledge $50 per month or 4 people to give a $500 one time gift = $2000
5 people to pledge $40 per month or 5 people to give a $400 one time gift = $2000
6 people to pledge $30 per month or 6 people to give a $300 one time gift = $1800
8 people to pledge $25 per month or 8 people to give a $250 one time gift = $2000
10 people to pledge $10 per month or 10 people to give a $100 one time gift = $1000
36 people to pledge the support that I have left to raise, which is less than half, totaling $11,800.

Who are you willing to be? No one, you say? NOT AN OPTION!! If you love me, you will help me.
Email your pledge to Bonnie : bstandridge@ruf.org or you can mail it to the RUF office.

I'm spreading the gospel people.

No, in all seriousness, I really do need your help. Please pray that the necessary funds will be provided to get me to campus on time. Please pray that I can find affordable housing when I do move. Please pray that I have the endurance and humility to be able to ask people for help, my blog doesn't really count. I'm really scared of asking folks face to face. (IT'S SCARY)

So.... TELL YOUR FRIENDS, TELL YOUR FAMILY, TELL YOUR MOM!!!

Never too old for slip and slide

2006-07-10T23:59:00.000-10:00

Never too old for slip and slide, originally uploaded by dellasanger.

OMG it's Brad Beesley!!!

2006-07-09T11:49:00.000-10:00

IMG_4049.JPG,
originally uploaded by ukle.

I don't think I knew exactly what I was doing, all I know is that I was a little too excited to meet Brad Beesley.

Moondance

2006-07-09T11:46:00.000-10:00

IMG_4070.JPG,
originally uploaded by ukle.

I was a little too excited to dance the night away.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0uF9tz6uAwI/RmRKX6rf3ZI/AAAAAAAAAFY/LN7hWAqyzqQ/s1600-h/185828786_4e25ef6a2e.jpg

Della and the new Queen

2006-07-09T11:45:00.000-10:00

Della and the new Queen,
originally uploaded by ukle.

I was a little too excited to meet the queen.

No hooks, no bait, no fear. Noodling.

2006-07-08T06:46:00.000-10:00

Welcome to Oklahoma! For all you freshman, transfers or new grad students, I would just like to personally welcome you to Oklahoma. I am glad you are here, and I hope that you get a chance to enjoy all that Oklahoma has to offer. Take advantage of the locals. We all have something to share. My good buddy Clint Rule would love to take you to the Great Salt Plains, or to see the fabulous murals in Elk City. If you are in Norman, you might want to take a tour of the haunted slaughter house, but we would have to call in some of our experts from around the country to give you their deluxe package. In all seriousness, Christmas isn’t Christmas (in the secular sense) without a trip to Chickasha to see their amazing light display.

But what makes Oklahoma the Oklahoma I know and love, occurs every summer, is steeped in tradition, and takes place in my birthplace, oh yes, put on your muscle tee’s, your backwards John Deer hat, and your cut-off “jorts”*, because it is time to go to the Okie Noodling Festival!!!!!!

Now, I wouldn’t suggest that you participate in the actual noodling. It is far too dangerous. After all you are catching catfish with your bare hands. That's right; I said bare hands. No hooks. No lines. No rods. No reels. Just hands. "Caveman fishing," a buddy of mine calls it. In some areas, folks call it by other names, such as hogging, tickling, grabbling or dogging

A pro noodler explains, “The person doing the noodling wades into a body of water where catfish are known to lurk, then reaches underwater and starts feeling for holes in the bank, in logs, under rocks and so forth. Catfish get in holes like this when spawning. Female catfish lay their eggs, then a male cat moves in to guard the eggs. The noodler feels for these holes because he knows when he reaches in, if a cat is on guard, it'll bite him. Then he can grab the fish--maybe--and pull it out.”

You're starting to understand the "stupid" part of all this, right? The deal is, the noodler never knows for sure what's in the hole he's probing. It might be a catfish. Then again, it might be a snapping turtle, a beaver or a snake. Mr. Noodler's down there holding his breath, getting all tingly with excitement, while he thrusts his hands in dark underwater hidey-holes to see if anybody's home. He loves this stuff. He thrives on the adrenaline rush it affords. Some guys get their thrills driving racecars, or skydiving, or mountain climbing. Others get their kicks noodling.

Passing the torch.

2006-07-07T14:24:00.000-10:00

Are we having fun yet?

2006-07-07T14:22:00.001-10:00

Are we having fun yet?,
originally uploaded by dellasanger.

Keepin' stats

2006-07-07T14:22:00.000-10:00

Keepin' stats,
originally uploaded by dellasanger.

Loving all things Texas.

2006-07-07T13:57:00.000-10:00

Loving all things Texas.,
originally uploaded by dellasanger.

My first Ranger game in Arlington, Texas, with a Lance shirt on (a Texan), with a Texas Tech hat, in the company of two Texans.

Happy Birthday Amy!

2006-06-22T17:05:00.000-10:00

So today was my sister's birthday. I won't tell you her exact age, but I will say she is a little over ten years my senior. That being said, she and I, with her three children, were having lunch today when a woman asked if we were sisters. "Yes", we responded together while giggling. "Which one's older?" she replied. . . My sister is 36 people. ( sorry Amy, I had to tell.) DO I LOOK 36????
I will give it to my sister, she looks young. I wouldn't probably even guess her older than 30, but I wouldn't quess me as 30 either. Jeeze. Happy Birthday Amy.

I, myself, am 24 1/2. When I turned 24 I made a list of things to do before I turn 25. Let's see how I'm doing so far.

1. See David Wilcox in concert again. DONE
2. Run in a 5k or more. NOPE
3. Sell a couple bikes. I GAVE TWO AWAY.
4. Go through and completely clean out my basement. YES, ACTUALLY MY WHOLE HOUSE.
5. Write and memorize I really good poem. NOT YET
6. Read the Bible front to back. Then back to front. WORKING ON IT
7. Watch one of my best friends have a baby. Maybe a couple of friends. STILL A CHANCE FOR SEVERAL
8. Pay off all my debt. GETTING CLOSER
9. Write a children's book. NO, BUT I FOUND AN ILLUSTRATOR
10.Watch the Matrix without falling asleep. THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE
11. Take a Pilates class from Barbie Spates. TIME IS RUNNING OUT
12. Get down to my ideal body weight. GIVE ME A FEW MORE WEEKS
13. Put all my photos in an album. I THINK I LOCATED ALL MY PICTURES
14. Get rid of all the clothes in my closet that I haven't worn in 2 years. CHECK
15. Collect all the real addresses of all the people I have email addresses for. THANK GOODNESS FOR FUNDRAISING
16. Cancel all my email accounts accept one. I CANCELLED ONE, AND GAINED ONE
17. Recycle regularly. IT HAPPENED ONCE
18. Make a cake from scratch. I MADE A BOXED CAKE YESTERDAY
19. Jump out of a plane. TO EXPENSIVE
20. Return everything I have ever borrowed from anyone. IT'S ALL IN THE CAR

25% isn't bad. I need to focus. One thing at a time baby, one thing at a time.

Was Calvin a Texas Tech Fan?

2006-06-21T14:51:00.000-10:00

Intern Dreamin'

2006-06-07T03:04:00.000-10:00

So I had my first RUF intern dream. Here's the scenario:

I go to my first RUF at Texas Tech, all the students are at least 10 years older than me. My campus minister says some smart remark about them all needing to impress me. Then we leave to go to some kind of conference, fall, winter, summer, I'm not sure. At conference I see my old campus minister, but only at a distance, I'm never able to get close to him. Then, during a large group meeting Kevin (new intern going to LSU) and I get to talk to a girl about the 5 points, wherein she admits that her new found theology (Calvinism) makes it more about God and less about her. After this I get a phone call from my parents telling me to drive to the nearest airport because I need to come home and have emergency surgery to remove the grapefruit size tumor from my cervix.

Funny dream, huh?

But, the tumor in the cervix thing, I find this ironic. If you have been watching Squawk Box early in the morning this week, or any other news for that matter, or seen the new commercial, you may have seen info about a new vaccine* for an STD that causes cervical cancer. The FDA is about to make some kind of ruling about this new vaccine and there is serious talk in the air about making the vaccine mandatory for all middle school girls. I think this is NOT such a good idea. I think that the implications of making this mandatory speak much louder than anything else. Louder than the inherent implications of a vaccine made to prevent a sexually transmitted disease, which I might add I think because they have found this vaccine they are on the road to finding hundreds of others that prevent hundreds of other STDs. I don't know that this is completely bad, I could give a couple of examples of why it would be good, but I think overall I wouldn't not support this movement. What do you think?

*I was paid to be a ginny pig for the testing of said vaccine and I am very conflicted now.

Home

2006-05-31T11:14:00.000-10:00

So, I made it home alive. Now what?

Well....I'm living with my parents for the first time in 6 years. If you haven't heard, the Bird's Nest sold ( the house I lived in for four of my years in college). Moving home after such a lengthy time away is pretty interesting. My parents reaction to me, and my reaction to them. It's all classic. Does anyone know of a good movie dealing with this? I'm sure there is a plethora. It really is funny though, how do they think I survived without them? Does my father really believe that I went six years without getting up on time? He never fails to offer to wake me up in the morning. "What time do you want me to get you up?" Or my mother and my laundry. Seriously it's better than staying at a hotel. (someone please remind me that I said that when I'm complaining about needing my own space)

I'm only at my parents for the summer however, because I'm moving to Lubbock in the fall. God willing all my support to come in by August. I will be spending June and July writing letters and making phone calls asking for that support. I haven't learned it quite yet, ask me in late July while I'm crying to Cliff, but at some point I am going to get a really really really realistic picture of what it is like to trust in nothing but God's grace to provide for my livelihood. I think I know, but I have a feeling that I have NO IDEA.

So that aside. I have enjoyed being back in Norman for the past couple days. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, church and RUF friends for the next 5-6 weeks. If you are around please give me a call. I'm going to need some help moving out of my house, and I'm sure I will be giving lots of house type things away. First come first served.

Until then, I'm watching really cheesy movies (Love is friendship on fire. -The Perfect Man), watching documentaries of Billy Jean King ( I like tennis by the way, maybe not BJK but tennis for sure), and I have unfortunately started to watch Oprah again. BUT, I have also started riding again, which is soooooo great. I'm back on the bike, and it feels so great. I'm hoping to drop some pounds before these weddings. My sister and I are reading Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges together. I'm teaching a mid-high Sunday school, you can pray for that. And last but not least, I'm forcing myself to take showers. I really hate taking showers in the summer. But I realize it's necessary for human contact, so I will entertain the idea.

On the road again...

2006-05-27T05:28:00.000-10:00

Still on the road, living out of a sand filled suitcase, meeting all kinds of people from the south. I actually met a guy whose in-laws are members of my brother's church in Katy.

I'm in Baton Rouge currently, after being in Atlanta via Athens via Panama City Beach. RUF and the community that it controls has taken over my life and continues to take every left over free time that I have, or don't have. When I'm not hanging out with RUFers from UGA, Baylor, Vanderbilt, LSU and OU, I'm signing my name to donor letter after donor letter. That being said, be expecting something in the mail from me very soon, hopefully followed by a very awkward conversation in which I will humbly ask for your money.

Here are a few pictures from my trip.

Providence!

2006-05-26T06:27:00.000-10:00

Who would have thought?

Auditions

2006-05-22T03:48:00.000-10:00

Prayer Answered by Crosses

2006-05-09T17:35:00.000-10:00

I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.

'Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r;
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hop'd that in some favour'd hour,
At once he'd answer my request:
And by his love's constraining pow'r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this. he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow'rs of hell
Assault my soul in ev'ry part.

Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
"'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd,
"I answer pray'r for grace and faith.

"These inward trials I employ,
"From self and pride to set thee free;
"And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
"That thou mayst seek thy all in me."

John Newton

Big News

2006-04-25T13:10:00.000-10:00

If you haven't heard it from the horse's mouth, the verdict is in and I will be moving to Lubbock, Texas this fall to work for RUF at Texas Tech. I am extremely excited and I have plenty to say about it. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming events that go along with raising support, moving and meeting students. Please feel free to offer words of advice or excitement. And if you don't think I have your address, please send it my way. Thanks for all of your prayers, I covet them now more than ever.

Memphis

2006-04-08T15:21:00.000-10:00

Sheffields
Markhams
Simonsons and Norah
Brent and Doug
Edwards

So far we have had a fantastic time here in Memphis. These people really know how to do it up. Swanky parties, lots of food, buses to take the wedding party around, and sweet digs to stay in. However, it has been the time with friends that has meant the most to me. Meeting and being around all the women in my best guy friends lives is such a fun thing to experience. "Good job boys!" I'm so proud of them and the brides that they have chosen. I'm pleased to be a part of this community and have the privilege to get to call them my friends.

It is strange being the only single girl here. Not because I feel left out or that I don't fit in, but to see how each of these people are now "one" with another person. I was talking with Russ's Katherine about this scenario and how much she really has become more dependent on him for support. I can totally see how this would be true, even for the most independent of women. Two really are becoming one, you look to each other for comfort and support in all instances. While for twenty some odd years it was you and you only, but in the matter of moments you are not your own. Now, I obviously don't completely understand this phenomenon, (I'm not married) but I can imagine it totally rocks your world. Can't wait.

So... we are having a great time. Hewey, the Moyn and myself ate on Beale Street last night, which was fantastic. We had drinks in the nicest estate I have ever been to ever. I met another guy that is going to be an intern next year. We saw Graceland, see further posts for more detail. And now we are waiting for the big event. Wish you all were here!

Graceland or bust!

2006-04-08T10:25:00.000-10:00

BUST. Total bust. I don't know what all the hype is about. It really was rediculous. Unfortunately we bought into the hype and even got suckered into paying six dollars to park, for 20 minutes, essentially in the Graceland Giftshop parking lot. (thanks Doug, that was really sweet of you to take all of us girls) If I have learned anything from this experience, it would be : Don't buy into the hype.

You decide for yourself. Click the link above to get a taste.

The Beauty of the Gospel

2006-04-02T16:23:00.000-10:00

"Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, with prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:6-7

The following is an excerpt from an email written by the RUF intern at New Mexico State, addressed to friends and family after the death of her fiance.

"I am at my parents house in Tyler now, and this morning I walked back into the woods to the lake where Paul proposed to me. I was flooded with memories of that day and the day we took our engagement pictures back there. It was great to go back there and remember all that, even though it was painful. It was also great to soak in the beauty of the natural creation around me. When Paul proposed there in November the leaves were changing colors and it was very beautiful. The next time I was there was in December when we took our engagement pictures. Now with the beginning of spring I noticed so much new life out there. The forest was a beautiful green, the dogwood trees were blooming with beautiful flowers, and there were animals and insects all around. I was struck by the amount of life surrounding me. It reminded me of the new life found in Christ through his death and resurrection, and the presence of life gave me so much hope (all this nature talk may be weird to some of you, but Paul always called me his little hippy-outdoorsy girl, so I think he would appreciate it).

Throughout this time of grief, there has been a steady peace within. I know this is not due to my own strength or will to move on. I can only describe it as "the peace that passes all understanding," that is spoken of in Philippians 4:6-7. Even in our darkest hour, God equips us with this peace, giving us the hope to move on."

Thank you Chelsea, for sharing the gospel with us in such a powerful and real way.

To listen the funeral Paul Stephenson you can find it on www.fpcjackson.org

2006-03-15T14:22:00.000-10:00

Spring is here, and love is in the air.

2006-03-11T09:03:00.000-10:00

I'm feeling much better, thank you.

Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement. I hope that I can serve you in the same way when you need me too.

Stay tuned for new posts on life and renewal.

I know, I know.

2006-03-01T18:05:00.000-10:00

I know that I only blog when I'm sad. But this is a good one I promise. A little more broken and a little more sanctified.

I'm really sick still. Physically I look and feel like crap. I have snot coming out of my eyes. This is a new low for me. I keep pretending I'm fine. I still get up at 5:30 and take a shower, assuming I'm going to make it to work. This is just a waste of time because 20 minutes later I've called in sick and landed back in bed. A bed that still doesn't have sheets on it, because I don't have the strength to put them back on, or to hang up any of my clean clothes. I'm a walking zombie. Not to mention that I am PMS-ing. All around, I'm sick. I can't hide it from anyone, not even myself. So I am stuck not doing the normal things that I do everyday.

Normally, like a said in yesterday's blog, I am going going going. Why is that? Well, I have had plenty of time to think about that over the past 48 hours. I'm going, going, going because I think it makes me a better person. Because I think I need the money, because I think that people will like me more, because I want to appear to have it all together, because I think the more good things I do equals the more treasures I will store up in heaven. My friend Laurie and I desribed it as something similar to Mario Bros. The more levels you get through and the more points you get, the more keys you win to bigger and better castles. I'm storing up extra lives.

So on some level, I believe all this to be true. However on another level, one that stays tightly folded in the other levels, I know and confess the truth. That I am not self-sufficient. That I am broken and sinfull and in constant need of grace. I currently suffer from a great deal of insecurity. Something that I don't really remember suffering from before. Where did this irrational set of high standards come from? Since when did I worry so much if a boy liked me? Since when did I think I wasn't smart enough? Since when did I think that I'm not going to be a good wife? Since when did I think that all of these things defined me as a person? Since I thought I could save myself.

How many dates to I have to go on to be okay? How many dates I go on doesn't define me. My worth is not found in the amount of time I spend in the kitchen practicing to be a good wife and mother. Have a degree in Human Relations isn't what makes me how I am. Loosing 5, 10, 15 pounds will not make me whole again. I can not earn my righteousness. I must depend on a better promise. I must not rely on my own merit. I am not worthy of praise. I'm am weak and sick, and I can not heal myself. I am loved. I am cherished. I have been made clean. I am being sactified through my pain and suffering. May my tears of sadness turn to tears of joy knowing how much I am loved.

Today, my father played his first round of golf since his surgery. Praise the Lord. Amen.

Well, this sucks.

2006-02-28T12:54:00.000-10:00

It's only the most beautiful day of the year today. I think in the 80's, holy crap is it June? So where am I? Playing outside you ask? Riding one of my many bikes? Running? Playing Frisbee? Taking a walk, washing the car, riding my bike, driving with the windows down crankin' some Counting Crows, riding my bike? NOPE. I'm inside, on the couch, being sick.

I woke up this morning, with one eye swollen shut and filled with goop. As was my nose, and my throat. I called in sick, everywhere. I'm so bummed. I can't remember the last time I spent all day on the couch. I can remember that I used to do it all the time when I was a freshman or sophomore in college. If you didn't know where I was, you just needed to check the couch. But for the past few years, I've been going going going all day long. For the past few months I've even started my day at 5:30 and gone non-stop until 11. The couch is not as appealing as it once was. At least not during the week. Saturday morning is fine. But not all day everyday. Quick question, are the Unsolved Mysteries that are on TV now reruns? They look like the were all filmed in the eighties. Surely I'm not supposed to looking out for these missing people am I?

So what's going on with me?

Lot's of stuff. I left the state last weekend, which doesn't happen very often. I went to Dallas, got Kim and then we drove to Houston and got to hang out with Squeak and Megan, oh and Princy. Sunday we went to my brother's church in Katy and had lunch with my family. What a great time. I love the chance to be with old friends. We got to laugh and relax, really enjoy each other. I wish I could visit more of our young married friends.

Later, Kim and I went back to Dallas. Monday I had an interview with RUF to be an intern next fall. Everything went great, they voted and gave me the thumbs up. So, there you have it. In mid-April they will tell me where I am moving and in June I go on staff. Crazy huh? Well I'm very excited. I covet your prayers, for the next few weeks and months. Pray for peace and wisdom. Pray for continued growth. Pray for support from friends and family.

There is plenty more to post, and I have plenty of time today, maybe there will be more later.

Typical Wilcox

2006-02-15T04:46:00.000-10:00

It's the choice of a lifetime & I'm almost sure
I will not live my life in between anymore
If I can't be certain of all that's in store
This far it feels so right
I will hold it up & hold it up to the light,
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

The search for my future has brought me here
This is more than I'd hoped for, but sometimes I fear
That the choice I was made for will someday appear
And I'll be too late for that flight
So hold it up & hold it up to the light,
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

I said God, will you bless this decision?
I'm scared. Is my life at stake?
But I know if you gave me a vision
Would I never have reason to use my faith?

Now as soon as I'm moving & my choice is good
This way comes through right where I prayed that it would
If I keep my eyes open and look where I should
Somehow all of the signs are in sight
If I hold up the light

It's too late & to be stopped at the crossroads
Each life here & each a possible way
But wait & and they all will be lost roads
Each path's growing shorter the longer I stay

I was dead with deciding & afraid to choose
I was mourning the loss of the choices I'd lose
But there's no choice at all if I don't make my move
And trust that the timing is right
I will hold it up hold it up to the light
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light.

put YOUR lance face on.

2006-02-13T17:07:00.000-10:00

D La,

I was very glad to hear the news. Yes. Very glad. keep a brotha posted.

On a different note, I was combing through some old emails and came across one from you a while ago. I thought you might like to read it. I hope you will be encouraged. It is always a good think to look back on the landscape of your life and see with better clarity the work God has done in it. Be encouraged.

I miss you. I can't wait to see you in April.
Matt

Hey guys its Della.
Im heading to Paris in a bit but i wanted to drop a line before i headed out.

I was instructed by a friend, you know who you are, to keep track of how many times i cry on this trip. Im up to three.
well two, it depends if you count the airport before i left.

the third was yesterday. kim and i were taking a train from geneva switzerland to clermont- ferrand( norman's sister
city) when the batteries on my walkman went out. i was so sad that i cried...........................................................

no, i'm just kidding. thqt isnt what made me cry. i have been reading an interesting book by this lady, ester lightcap meek,
you either know her or you have heard of her. anyway, ive been trying to get through this book for a while, sorry julie, sorry matt; but on these trains you have a lot of time to think and process so i have really been doing a lot of both. she talks some about things such as christianity making sense with our experience and a lot about knowing ( I mean A LOT about knowing), so,e of it is way over my head, but like i said i have a lot of time to think about it.

As most of you know i have been struggling with a lot of things in this brain of mine, blame it on what you will, or think of it as a blessing, i have gone through and learned a lot. I have struggled with putting the pieces of christianty back together, and at times even the idea of God. during this process you all have been very helpful and caring and loving and patient and everything i could have ever wanted.

these past few weeks in europe, i have seen these pieces get closer and closer together, this was happening even before i left. i had excepted an all powerful God, i had excepted that i was a sinner (although I didn't know what to call it outside of christianty), and most importantly for me understanding that this powerful God must have put this desire for relationships with other people in me so why wouldnt a personal relationship something that he desired as well. So i was stuck with the idea of Christ. This story seemed so fqr outside my grasp, I even compared it to the story of lord of the rings, i felt it was
that away from reality. I needed something to make it real in my mind historically. Then we made it to Rome. Something tangible. Buildings still standing from empires so long ago. Another piece fit for me.

So slowly i kept thinking and rethinking. Images of all of you and conversations we have had kept popping into my brain, hours spent reading russ's emails, studying with julie, compassionate questions from jessica, crying with matt, loving testamonies from amy, support from mom and dad, and the ever hard and completely informative conversations with
carter. you have all been with me on this journey.

Well the final question i have been working on is "how can i be in love with christ again?" i have pulled theses issues apart for over a year now and i have lost the desire to love and trust in this being. can i ever be a humble servant and proclaim this as mine again. thats where the batteries come into perfect play. i had been staring blankly out the window for a while when kim offered her mp3 player to me. I was really excited. First I listened to jason mraz and realized how much i love music. then i skipped around and stupid derek webb (he is anything but stupid)had to go and sing "beloved" in my ear. now i know it wasnt because i was tired or hungry, kim will attest to that, but the words of this song had an overwhelming power of me. I was completely moved to tears and felt myself fall in love with christ again. (this is where some women i know will be crying with me) that is a simplified statement of the overwhelming fellings of hope and release i am experiencing. i now have something to trust in for my future. someone to love and guide me and bring me home safe.

I still have along way to go. but i have a large smile of excitement on my face.

anyway, i want to talk to all of you.

grace, in the best sense of the word
della

Tall Tails

2006-02-12T10:55:00.000-10:00

I'm hanging out with my friends Brian and Sam Mitchell this afternoon. We just got done reading some tall tails about Davy Crockett. Davy has the tendency to boast and brag that he can do things that he doesn't really know that he can do, but in the end he believes in himself so much that he actually pulls it off. Or he seems to have pulled it off. Pretty funny character.

I myself have been feeling lately the other way. Actually for the past month and a half. Not too confident. Talking bad about myself. Feeling bad about myself. Feeling old. Feeling not smart. Feeling fat. Feeling lonely. Feeling scared. The list goes on and on. This doesn't happen all that often, but I definately have seasons where I feel like I'm worthless.

Why is this?

Do I have false expectations of myself and of others, and when they aren't met, over and over, I have no other choice then to be hurled into the pit of dispair? That might have something to do with it.

Doug introduced me to a new song on the Indelible Grace album that we have been singing at RUF lately. It's called "I asked the Lord". The first time I heard it was on the way back from Colorado, when I was feeling really down. I of course cried. (I cried several times that trip. I have actually cried more in the past couple weeks than my whole teenage years combined.) I can't remember the exact wording, not even close in fact, but it is about praying to the Lord for something, peace, contentment, love, faith, I'm not sure, and God instead answering with the revealing of sin and the truth about our heart. That's what is going on with me right now. I have been praying and meditating on what I want and think that I need so much.....that I haven't even considered what process Christ must take with me first to appreciate the gifts He indeed has for me. The things that I want aren't bad things. They are actually pretty good and Holy. But my obsessive attitude, or the way I have made them into idols is disgraceful.

I am being broken more and more each day.Sanctification.......................crap. I now pray that in my brokenness, God will put me back together stronger and more faithful than ever before.

More on this later.

2006-01-28T18:01:00.000-10:00

2006-01-28T11:41:00.000-10:00

Close, but oh so far away.

2006-01-26T18:18:00.000-10:00

Eye goes down, Filter goes up.

2006-01-12T15:53:00.000-10:00

No I'm not in Mexico. I'm chillin' in Norman, trying to beat the ultimate depression of boredom. So far it has been successful.

I met some girls at Winan's for coffee this morning, just to chat. We were all feeling the Holiday-Break-Cabin-Fever-Bug. It was good to visit about life, love and growth. They are both married, so they had plenty to offer about the heart and head connection. What an interesting match these two difficult parts of the human body are to understand. Men are challenging to figure out, but I am here to let you in on a secret, WOMEN ARE DAMNED MESSES.

The most notable topic discussed over toffee bark today was "the wink". You know what I'm talking about. You do it, you see it. What is it all about?

Now granted, there are a few different versions of the wink and we (most specifically women) are called to interpret them.
1) "The shoot and wink."- Casual, friendly, playful exchange of acknowledgement.
2) "The across the room wink." - More romantic in nature, a tid bit of flirt in a crowded room. Makes the heart flutter.
3) "The inside joke wink" - Don't tell the other person, but I'm just kidding, and I'm letting you in on it.
4) "The encouragement wink" - Someone is nervous, and you want to give them a boost of confidence.

The possibilities are endless people, but these are the most common.

Our consensus, within the coffee shop crew, is that you really have to be secure in your friendship or relationship, to use the #2 wink. We think this wink is reserved for couples only, otherwise it's sleezy and should be ignored by all women. #1 wink is fun and should be used in all levels of friendship, but don't over do it because it looses it's comedic value. #3 wink, I personally enjoy, especially when children are involved. #4 wink doesn't happen as often, but can be very useful when necessary.

Why the beef with the wink? Just like any other form of flirting, girls are constantly trying to read into signals from the opposite sex. We know the men are doing it too. Body language is fascinating and frustrating. Going all the way back to elementary school playgrounds. If a girl is chasing a boy, or visa versa, she is definitely sending a signal. As we get older they are not quite as obvious but readable non-the-less. The touching of the arm in conversation, grooming (pulling hairs of shirts), brushing up against, crossing legs towards, twirling hair, whispering close to, yada yada yada. You know what I'm talking about. This is the art of a historically long, beautiful, miserably awkward dance. I want you to know I like you but I don't want to tell you, I just want you to see me wink. AHHHHH. Great feeling, but it will drive you to drink, it really will.

So my advice men, and you ladies too, avoid the wink. Or if you are going to wink you better try to quickly follow it up with either a DTR (define the relationship) or a date invitation. And for the love of Pete, don't wink at another girl if you want the girl you like to get jealous. Please............Save me hours of heart-breaking conversations with helpless co-eds. For me, seriously.

Mexico

2006-01-11T18:40:00.000-10:00

Before and After

2006-01-11T16:42:00.000-10:00

So you want to know me?

2006-01-09T21:15:00.000-10:00

How long does it take to get to know someone? I mean really know them.

I was recently talking to one of my girlfriends about how much you can learn about someone in just an hours worth of conversation. You can potentially learn a lot if you are really "connecting". On the other hand you could also find out just as much by handing each other your resumes or reading each others blogs. How long does it take to really get to know a person? And how does it happen?

Being in college, you get to "know" lots of different people. People like you, people not like you, people you want to be like, people you don't want to like. These people may be in class with you, or the same club. You might work with them, or you might even live with them. Is it safe to assume that college is place where you will "know" the most people you will ever "know" in your life? By this definition of "know", I mean knowing people on a first name basis, being able to recall at least three facts about them (major, hometown, girlfriend/boyfriend status), and maybe having them as your Facebook friend. I would say you could potentially "know" hundreds of people, if that is what knowing is. I would argue that this really isn't knowing someone, perhaps it is just meeting someone.

All that aside, let's think about what really knowing someone is like. Think about those people you really are close to, and who are close to you. Who knows you best? What makes them different then other acquaintances?

Most likely they could describe you with factoids that you didn't have to tell them about but that they experienced first hand, such as: you always meticulously fold your napkin while you eat, you eat chocolate kisses very delicately, you stand up when you get nervous in card games, your skin is really stretchy, you wear Christian t-shirts six days a week, you sleep in wrist guards, you put "k" sounds at the end of all your "-ing" words, or you are addicted to 24. They can probably remember the last time that you cried or the name of your last crush. (You tell about dates to anyone, but you save crushes for special friends.) They have probably talked you out of doing something that you would regret, or encouraged you to be brave. They probably call you more than they check your blog, to see what's going on with you. They would most likely rush to your side if your family was in trouble. They hopefully remember your birthday before they see it on Facebook. You think about them when you hear a certain song or see a certain commercial. Possibly more important than any of those things, you are aware of their sin and they are aware of yours.

These are things to be valued. Being known is one of the best things that can happen to a person. Knowing people is a bonus. Like many good things, knowing someone comes with time, and in some cases work. Husbands and wives need to put a lot of time into really knowing each other, best friends split by hours of highway have hours of phone calls to be had, and new friends have hundreds of hands of Gin to play. Knowing someone comes with time, experience and most of all vulnerability.

Expose yourself in time. It is soooooo worth it.

Picture in Picture

2005-12-27T09:14:00.000-10:00

Birthday Fun

2005-12-22T11:39:00.000-10:00

BECKY IS AMAZING

2005-12-22T11:21:00.000-10:00

Merry Christmas

2005-12-20T04:27:00.000-10:00

From ours to yours.

Seasons Greetings from the Simonsons.

2005-12-10T12:48:00.000-10:00

Ramsay enjoying himself.

2005-12-10T12:47:00.000-10:00

Drinky and Typical Wilcox

2005-12-10T12:38:00.000-10:00

The end must be near.

2005-12-03T17:29:00.000-10:00

Tookies

2005-12-03T15:11:00.000-10:00

Please do complete background checks on your babysitters, or this could happen to your children too.

Native Tongue

2005-11-29T04:22:00.000-10:00

Oh yeah, thats right!!! David Wilcox time baby! Next Friday, are you free? I know I'm heading down to Fort Worth to see the best singer, song-writer, story teller that I have ever seen in my whole life. Thank you Blake Simonson for introducing me to his wonderful world. Check it out for yourself. Click on the link above, or read the lyrics below.

Truer words were never spoken
You picked them up when you were young
Maybe woven in a story
That goes back to where you're from
Truer words were never spoken
And for an audience of one
But where you're healed is where you're broken
And God knows your native tongue

So build a bridge with what's behind you
The scattered pieces of your past
Build it out over the chasm
To the promised land at last
Start a bridge with what's behind you
And God picks up where you've begun
'Cause where you look is where Love finds you
And God knows your native tongue

Spoken words in Aramaic
Sounds I wouldn't understand
In a local ancient dialect
For the people of that land

No little words can hold a candle
To the splendor of the sun
That can explain this world of wonder
And shine the same on everyone
But little words can hold a candle
All your own when darkness comes
They're just the size for us to handle
And God knows your native tongue

I'm a prophet.

2005-11-27T08:12:00.000-10:00

Well, I don't really think I'm a prophet, but the accuracy of my dreams is uncanny.

I had a dream a few weeks ago, early November I think, about my friend Chuck Steger sending me this really crazy card. It was homemade by him with roses and an encrypted message on it. "I know you have been excited about us started a family, call us to hear the happy news." What did this mean? Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out the implications. I was so excited, keep in mind this was at 4:30 AM, that I couldn't go back to sleep. I had to call them. I waited and waited.

When I did get a hold of Keely, Chuck's bride and one of my nearest and dearest friends, we had a laugh over the dream. She was going to the doctor later that day, and it was possible. Unlikely but possible. I thought for sure I was right.

It turned out that it was to early for the nurse to even be able to give her a test, it wouldn't have given accurate results. But, later that week at church we got surprising news. A pregnancy was announced for our other good friends Blake and Kara Simonson. Maybe I was a prophet, but my radar was just a little off. I knew someone was pregnant. REJOICE!!!!! They are having a baby.

It wouldn't be until the day before thanksgiving that I would receive a familiar card. One that was addressed to the Prophet Della, Love Chuck and Keely. Decorated with beautiful flowers. It is true, and I couldn't me more excited.

25 things to do before I turn 25

2005-11-25T12:45:00.000-10:00

These are all things I would like to do before I make it to the big two-five. There are surely other things, but I will remain realistic, although you never know.

1. See David Wilcox in concert again.
2. Run in a 5k or more.
3. Sell a couple bikes.
4. Go through and completely clean out my basement.
5. Write and memorize I really good poem.
6. Read the Bible front to back. Then back to front.
7. Watch one of my best friends have a baby. Maybe a couple of friends.
8. Pay off all my debt.
9. Write a children's book.
10.Watch the Matrix without falling asleep.
11. Take a Pilates class from Barbie Spates.
12. Get down to my ideal body weight.
13. Put all my photos in an album.
14. Get rid of all the clothes in my closet that I haven't worn in 2 years.
15. Collect all the real addresses of all the people I have email addresses for.
16. Cancel all my email accounts accept one.
17. Recycle regularly.
18. Make a cake from scratch.
19. Jump out of a plane.
20. Return everything I have ever borrowed from anyone.

This is hard.... Help me come up with the last 5 things.

Road Trips

2005-11-23T06:37:00.000-10:00

I just recently read my friend Collin Barnes' blog, (click on the link above) about road trips. I found it completely amusing and it got me thinking 'bout all the road trips I've been on in college. Man, oh man. I've done it all. Road trips by myself, road trips with girls, road trips with boys and girls, road trips with just boys, and a big backpacking trip with my best friend Kimbo. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I like to travel, or even if you don't know me, you would gather from previous posts that there is something intriguing about the traveling adventure that makes me tick. There is just something so exposing and bond forming.

I personally have never experienced traveling with someone I was in a relationship with. I would imagine it would be a turning point though. You are very vulnerable in these types of situations. You have to choose music together, hopefully make interesting conversation, try not to make interesting smells, and of course make sure you don’t say something embarrassing while you’re asleep.

Not only is this person you are traveling with going to learn a lot about you, you are going to learn a lot about them, and more importantly you are going to learn a lot about yourself. You are constantly focused on your next move, “is what I am going to say going to sound stupid”, “do I drive like a maniac?” You are pretty much going to evaluate your whole existence. It’s either like a near death experience or a really long date.

I personally can't wait to be put in this situation. However, I would suggest, Collin, or anyone looking to take a road trip with a newly defined significant other, not traveling long distances with someone unless you are engaged to be married to them, you are on your way to being engaged, or you are already married. Other wise it could just be really awkward, or you are going to get to intimate to quickly. But if that’s what you are looking for, hey go for it. Just make sure they feel the same way. I’m guessing they won’t want to feel awkward.

I imagine my first "couple" road trip will be my honeymoon, or to meet the future inlaws.

The best way to start the day.

2005-11-22T09:59:00.000-10:00

This is the view I have every morning on my way to work. This makes it easy to get up early, and it also makes it very easy to go to bed early.

24

2005-11-19T08:52:00.000-10:00

Well it happened. I made it to 24. I celebrated. I gambled. I didn't dance, but I will get to do that tonight. I'm reflecting. I'm very self involved.

How many years have you known Della?
hilary.a.strat-1 yeah so i am answering in months: 8
gecko 3.3 years
wadej18 5
julieserven 4
jess_ryan14 going on year #4
sunshine10-4 no years...only a month or so
bhewes25 5
asnider23 a life time
kelsey.seale maybe a fifth of a year
nicole.s.powell-1 a year and a half - but it seems like a lifetime
anniepetzinger goin' on 4
clintrule Simply not enough
ryan.p.stauder-1 a few months
pauls For as long as I can remember
kristen.hudec Hmmm... I think 1.5 years.
laurastu 4ish
klarkbar 40
danielling about 11 months
lauren.a.burton 22 years...she was my first friend in Norman
rebeccalowder 0.2
me3020 4?
cwggilmore 15ish
sandalfeet <1
rv22_20 just over a month
shadowfax 2
agoodnight611 9+
calebcrandall two
Carrie Rose just over 3
studonathant Not even one! :)
courtneyjewett not sure, perhaps four
j-do 3-4
dannykern 2
soonermilk <1

What should she do after graduation?
hilary.a.strat-1 Something amazing because people like her.
gecko live with me!!!!!
wadej18 keep wearing her fanny pack
jess_ryan14 be an RUF intern
bhewes25 Much of the same
asnider23 live life
kelsey.seale something with kids
nicole.s.powell-1 teach children
anniepetzinger RUF internship
clintrule Della? after graduation? ... it's like to trying to comprehend the hypostatic union.
ryan.p.stauder-1 find a job that makes her happy
pauls Travel
kristen.hudec I don't even know what I should do with my own life. How can I be expected to help Della decide? (But, I do think she should work with people or little people- like kids.
laurastu Live!
klarkbar sell babies on the black market
lauren.a.burton Anything and everything she wants...
rebeccalowder Start a camp so I can come work for her after I graduate!!
me3020 hmm....
cwggilmore Join the real world!!!
sandalfeet I have no idea, anything she wants as long as she desires God
rv22_20 skydiving
shadowfax become president
agoodnight611 either something with children or be a missionary
calebcrandall She will be a great success no matter what she chooses.
Carrie Rose "Get married! Make babies! You look so old!" --Costa in My Big Fat Greek Wedding
studonathant Travel Europe!
courtneyjewett marry and make babies
j-do Party!!!!!
dannykern Get a job and make some money
lsullivan.stu travel
soonermilk unsure

What's your most embarassing story about Della?
hilary.a.strat-1 i don't have one. yet...
gecko when she had to explain what BFE means at RUF girls lunch
asnider23 There are so many I couldn't choose just one... but using the Real World cushion as a horse was really funny.. or Michigan who knows
kelsey.seale Hmm...I'll have to think about this. Maybe the wire incident at fall conference.
nicole.s.powell-1 one time when we were in a bathroom in a gas station there was a person huffing in the stall beside us. we thought something fishy was going on... turns out it was an old woman with an oxygen tank.
clintrule OMG!~ We had physical geography together freshman year, AND SHE TOTALLY WET HER PANTS IN CLASS!!~1 I couldn't stop laughing and the milk--IT SHOT OUT MY NOSE!!~! roflroflrofl
ryan.p.stauder-1 i dont know if i have a story but she grunts a lot and yells funny stuff when she picks up tables at work.
pauls I don't have one.
kristen.hudec Della would never do anything embarassing. At least, I can't remember anything right now.. give me some time.
laurastu I'll go with my most Benedict Arnold story about Della being the one in which she turn coated and gave the boys our water balloons!!!! Whew boy, Chuck was mad about getting pasted that time.
klarkbar becuase della was de-pantsed early in life, which resulted in her temporary relocation, i dont know that we ever formally met until somewhat recently.
lauren.a.burton I have a ton of funny stories from various dance conventions, slumber parties at the Brookhaven house, school etc...I will save them for the party though...at least for now!
rebeccalowder I've got nothing...
sandalfeet n/a
rv22_20 does she get embarassed?
shadowfax not going there....
agoodnight611 We compare breast sizes every time we are together. And without a doubt, mine as ALWAYS the smallest. I hate that. :)
calebcrandall Not embarassing, but she witnessed to me when I was in need of redirection in my life. I will never forget her for that.
Carrie Rose haha...she stood me up on a Mont date because of...technical difficulties. bless her heart!
studonathant I don't think i have any...yet!
courtneyjewett i will have to think about that one
j-do Where would I begin?
dannykern Dont have one yet
soonermilk not sure...

Birthday Madness

2005-11-15T13:37:00.000-10:00

Everyone is asked by their parents what they want for their birthday or for Christmas. How many of you actually have a list ready to go? I know my good friend Kim gets a good list together and gets excellent presents. I on the other hand always answer, "I don't know" and get the shaft 90% of the time. This is noones fault but my own. So I am here to tell you all what I want for my birthday, in hopes that you can teach my parents how to get on the internet, find my blog, and buy online. Good luck. I'm counting on you

the Chronicles

Anything and everything Lewis

The new Nickle Creek

a new jersey or two

Smell good Calvin's Institutes

Cranium Turbo

Trivial Pursuit pop Culture

Scene It

Quip It!!! You have to check this out.

What I was going to say at church today.

2005-11-13T03:19:00.000-10:00

Brief Background
This is actually a very appropriate time for me to be speaking to you today. You see, Doug asked me to speak last year, and because I didn’t feel like I was ready I passed on the opportunity. But, now that I am in my final semester of college, I’m about to embark on the part of life that I have been working for close to 20 years on completing. Ironically the last time I was in front of my church congregation, the one previous to this, it was my last semester in high school and I was about to embark on, what I thought then, was going to be the most important time in my life. I was very different then. In fact I barely remember that Della.

I had grown up in the church and around middle school age I was given the option to join youth group. I remember going a couple of times, and it was fun, but I didn’t really get anything out of it, and I much rather stayed at home watching TV in those days. By my freshman year, I had, for the most part, stopped going to anything having to do with church and got involved in the typical “finding- yourself –high-school-angst.” It wasn’t until my sophomore or junior year that I went on a backpacking trip with some kids from church, found acceptance and started becoming very involved in the youth group. I was experiencing community for the first time and I loved it. I don’t remember what I learned during those few years, as far as theology and all that goes, but I knew I was a part of something big and important and something that could change people. That’s when I decided to study ministry at a liberal arts school in Kentucky.

My freshman year in college, away from home for the first time, forced to make decisions for myself, no one looking over my shoulder, proved to be a challenge. On Friday at RUF girl’s lunch I was telling some of the freshman girls some of the stupid things I did. It didn’t take to long to recognize that I wasn’t at all concerned about the reason I was actually there. In fact I was failing some of my religion courses, getting involved in some other really odd habits for Christian Ministry majors to get into. This was all while I was working as an assistant youth director at a local church. Aren’t you glad that God is gracious and I’ve gotten at least some of that out of my system.

So by the beginning of the spring semester, I had already been thinking about coming back to Norman, going to OU and moving in with a couple of girl friends that were also transferring back from Christian schools. I still remember the conversation I had with my brother Carter about deciding to go to OU. He supported me and also encouraged me by telling me that this new Christian Ministry was starting at OU in the fall and a guy that graduated from the seminary he went to would be heading it up. I don’t remember if I was excited at this point or just annoyed.

So I moved to Norman, moved into our new house, the B&B, and had my first meeting with Doug Serven. Tammy Molineaux was also there, I thought that they we married. Anyway, my roommates and I met the two of them at the Mont for lunch and talked about what we were looking for. We were all discouraged that college and our Christian walk weren’t turning out the way we had expected. We told Doug that we wanted to learn what the Bible had to say. Not necessarily cheesy life application junk that we had been hearing since middle school. We wanted to learn something, learn anything. He assured us that he could handle the challenge and that’s where it all started.

The First RUF

So I went to the first RUF ever at OU. This was an interesting experience. Doug was funny, as usual. He also attempted to be musical. It struck me strange that we were also meeting in his house after his wife had a wife earlier that day. Overall things went well. We sang songs I had never heard before, with really strange words that I had also never heard before. I sang along not thinking about it, as I was accustomed to for the most part. I liked it. It actually intrigued me because I thought everyone were hippies. This is when Sage Flower was doing music, Courtney was still Courtney Mason and a little stinky. I dug it.

Shortly there after, I went to my first RUF bible study at Tammy’s apartment. I remember being blown away. Courtney and Tammy and other women were talking about things I didn’t know women talked about. They were so intelligent, and eloquent, and passionate. I was truly amazed. This is when I knew I wanted to be a part of this.

From here on out I was “in”. I went to RUF regularly, even after roommates started doing other things and trying other ministries. I went to Bible study, and I eventually went to Christ the King. This is when we were meeting at CCS. I found myself intrigued by Mike Biggs’s lengthy sermons and large family. I loved that every Sunday there was a fellowship meal. I could tell from the beginning that this community really cared about each other. I also think I like throwing my brother’s name, like he was my automatic in.

At RUF I started to make friends too. A lot of them had grown up in PCA churches, Heritage mainly. There were a group of guys that at the time may have been my primary reason for getting involved in all the extra activities. You might remember some of them, Russ Edwards, Matt Howell, Blake Simonson, Charles Steger, Clint Rule, Jason Sheffield, and Josh Marcum. Then there were couples that kept coming around that I could tell were special because of their desire to be around college kids. You might recognize them too, The Brown’s, The Spears, and the Stewarts. Talk about an embracing community. I had never experienced anything like it before.

Calvin

As I was getting settled in my new community, I also started realize that there was something else that was unique in this church and in this ministry. People talked about things, a lot of things. People asked questions and gave answers. I was encouraged to talk and to listen. This new concept led to one of the most interesting conversations in my life. It was one that started by me asking this, “Uh…if you were going to explain to someone what reformed theology meant, what would you say?” This was my sneaky way of admitting I had no idea why there was an “R” in RUF. Thus began my struggle with Calvin.

The struggle with Calvin went on for a while. I had the typical Armenian questions. You all know what I am talking about. I’ll go ahead and skip over that. If you don’t know what I am talking about, please ask someone. Preferably not me, I’m pretty sure that’s Doug’s job. Or Jonathan Ramsay, he would be a good one to ask. So after that struggle was over, and I was appropriately taking on all the characteristics of a hyper-Calvinist, I started to get real comfortable in my freedom in Christ. This all happened my sophomore year.

Christ

My junior year led to a more important and monumental struggle. This struggle came as a surprise to me. I had been, up this point, comfortable with all that I had ever known about Christ and who He was. I had grown up knowing the stories of Him and how because I was a sinner I needed His life to save me from death. I the things you grow up knowing, if you are raised in a Christian home, I knew. I thought.

For the first time though, I started asking myself why I was doing all the things I was doing. Why was I going to church, why was I going to bible study, and why was I so involved in RUF? I didn’t know, or at least I wasn’t willing to say that it was because I loved Christ. This is when I began to doubt that I had ever loved Christ, or even knew who he was.

This struggle soon spun into a large chain reaction. Epistemology got thrown into the mix. Philosophy, moral law in non-Christians, what am I being saved from, is there really a God, if so how do I know this God is the right one.

I soon started calling myself agnostic. I continued going to church to see if anything would click. Maybe I am just missing a step in my logic. I used to believe this. At least I thought I did. Why can’t I claim this as my own now?

I remember the first time I refrained from taking communion with the church. It hurt so badly. I was sitting next to Julie Serven, who at this time had been meeting with me once a week to talk about my struggles. She noticed that I wasn’t participating in the sacrament and she began to morn for me. I mourned with her. I still can’t imagine what that must have felt like to her, but for me I felt like I had just slapped my mother in the face.

Now there may be many of you out there, that have gone threw struggles like these. I think that it is fairly normal, and helpful as well. While you are going through it you have a vast range of emotions going through your head. For me I wanted Jesus to be real, but I knew until I could have some kind of grasp on the true reality of his magnitude I would be going threw this season of doubt over and over again. I refused to give into the struggle just so the pain was over. I also, so badly wanted to be in this community again.

I truly think that the community illustrated by this church was God’s mean of grace to me during this time. I remember how beautiful it was to me. The thought of not being apart of it was truly unbearable to me. I think that I could not resist the beauty of the body, and the reality that it was a direct reflection of Christ and his relationship to us through the Church.

So while on a five our train-ride from Geneva, Switzerland, after almost two years of searching for answers in the world, I was struck by some poetic illustration on a Derek Webb CD. It was then that I knew I was in love with this man, that claimed to be the Son of God, who came to earth to save is people and show them grace.

That was a little over a year ago. It’s hard to believe now that I am saying this out loud, confessing my life’s struggles in front of all of you. I am amazed at where I have been. I know I would have never planned this for myself. If I had had my way, I would have continued going to church every Sunday, never thinking about anything, “ignorance is bliss”. Someone obviously had a different plan. And I rejoice in that.

Ephesians 1:3-6 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Dan

2005-11-09T16:48:00.000-10:00

Happy Birthday Russell!!!!

Future

2005-11-08T18:48:00.000-10:00

I'm going to take a break from the past and look towards the future.

When I was a child, I used to think that I would be married by the time I was 23. Well, unless someone wants to marry me this Saturday, that is impossible. I'm about to turn 24, and even with a quick courtship and even shorter engagement, it doesn't look like I'm going to get hitched until I'm 25. I never envisioned it this way. Then again, I never envisioned being in college for five and a half years either. Seems like someone else has taken charge of my agenda.

Now this isn't a sob story, it's just that lately, and by lately I mean the past 4 years, everything points to marriage. I guess you could say it started when I got "Stoned", John Stoned at my first fall conference. Marriage, sex, and dating. Ask anyone that was there, that stuff screwed us up!! In a good way of course. From then on I have had marriage and dating on the brain. Just refer to last December and April's posts.

Recently I have been to a wedding, got a wedding announcement, went to a wedding shower, another wedding reception, and one of my roommates got engaged. Now, I'm asking you, "How am I supposed to not think about getting married all the time?" You have to admit, I have a large challenge in front of me. So these are my thoughts about marriage. . .at this point.

Yes, I can't wait to get married. It probably is the thing I am most looking forward to in life. Getting married and having lots of children, starting a family, the whole thing makes my heart race. No, better yet it makes my heart ache I want it so badly. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't look at my friends and think, "jeeze i want that!" Even today, I saw a cute high school couple tickling each other and just goofing off, and I got a huge smile on my face. Why is that? What is it about that that is so appealing?

Well, could it be that this significant relationship is a reflection, just a glimmer, of something bigger and better then we have been created for? Or better yet, just a taste of a much bigger more divine union? Why do we desire relationships period? Could it be that we were made for companionship? That this is a small illustration of a bigger desire? I would have to say yes, yes, yes, and yes. There is no mistaking our need for community, relationships, connection, contact, exceptance, security, love. It's what makes us tick, what make me tick for sure.

So while I dream about this movie like romance day in and day out, it really is a natural manifistation of a deep desire for a deeper union, that was created in me for purpose and meaning. One that reminds me everyday to be seeking communion with my Maker. Until I realize that, no earthly fling will ever satisfy me.

That being said, will I ever get married? Yes. At least I pray that I will. Soon too, if it be so. But only when it's right, and when it's with the right person. No pressure huh?

Bus Stop

2005-11-03T12:09:00.000-10:00

Back to childhood.

After moving from OJ Talley, we moved to a rent house on Merkle. We only lived there for a year while our new house was being built. My brother was in college at this point, and my sister was graduating from Norman High. I was still in montessori school. I don't remember a whole lot from that house. I do remember my sister's friend Jackie Ross, now better known as Fat Jack on the Sports Animal, doing cannon balls in our tiny swimming pool.

After Merkle, we moved to Brookhaven and we lived on Cedar Hill Rd. This is where I spent a majority of my childhood. From first grade to freshman year in high school. It was a great house. Ask all my friends. The Sanger's was the hang out. We had a huge backyard with a big pool. A detatched two-car garage that I used as a skating rink. The house was two stories. Upstairs is where my brother would live when he was home from college, what a bachelor pad. I just can't complain about that house. It was really the only home home I ever associate with growing up. I still have dreams about it. You know when you dream about home, that's the house that I always see.

But the coolest part about living on Cedar Hill Rd was that it connected to Northridge Rd , where my best friend Kim lived. Seriously, her house was the same distance to the corner of our two streets as mine was coming from the other direction. And that corner, was our bus stop.

Kim and I used to play together all the time. Typical kids. Always getting into something, very rarely trouble. Riiight. If we did do anything that was the slightest bit questionable, it was no doubt instigated by Kimberly. Those of you who know us both might have a hard time believing this, but Kim used to boss me around. Whatever she said, I did. Not that I didn't want her to make all the decisions, I sure as heck didn't know what to do. I have always been a follower. Let's take a brief look at some of the awesome stuff we did.

Kim convinced me that the large bamboo type plant in the back of my house was actually "Indian gum", and made me chew it.

I was put on the back of a golf cart and when Kim hit the gas I was flown off the back, injuring my tailbone.

We both were in Girl Scouts led by her mother. We can still sing all the catchy tunes. I circle is round and has no end.....

We always had the best Halloween costumes, which was my favorite part of Halloween. Kim, like with most things, made it into a competition to see who could get the most candy. I don't think we stopped running the entire night.

We would call each other every Christmas morning to brag about our presents. I remember when she got a TV. I was pissed.

I remember watching Overboard for the first time at her house. I remember her obsession with Whitney Houston. I believe the children are our future too Kim.

I remember our long hair and big bangs. Scrunchies on the corner of our t-shirts. Matching Keds. Side pony-tails. NKOTB posters plastered on her wall. Dairies with locks. Slap bracelets. Warren Bunch. Pat Tanner. Lars Noble. Carrie and Lisa Arvine. Melissa. Cleveland Cubs. Beauregard. Swimsuits with holes in the middle, not quite two pieces. Kyle. Father daughter ski trips.

Oh the lists could go on. Man those were the days. Who would have thought it would last 18 years? There is plenty more to come, huh Kim?

I love you. Thanks for bossing me around. I don't know where I would be without you.

Summer Lovin'

2005-11-02T08:06:00.000-10:00

For as long as I can remember, or my dad can remember, or his mother could remember (if she was still living), our family has been vacationing in Michigan during every summer. This tradition began around 1910, when my great aunt went to resort on Silver Lake with a friend. The Dunning's were living in Chicago at the time, which is only a three hour drive south from the Silver Lake sand dunes. (yes Dunning is my father's first name, but it was a maiden name at one point. We like to recycle last names as first names. I think it's an old money thing. JK!) Anyway, she liked it so much that she convinced her parents into going the next summer, and they like it so much that they bought a one-room fishing hut and a piece of property.

One winter the fishing hut was moved across the frozen lake to the other side, where it would remain until the early nineties. You are reading that right. We lived in the original "cottage" summer after summer for almost 80 years. My grandparents added a kitchen, an extra bedroom, a bathroom, and a sunroom over the years, making it as cozy as a cardboard box. I remember watching mice run up and down the doorjams at night. It had lots of character. Oh, and did I mention the "mammy's quarters" out back? My dad's cousin Mac (short for McCormick, another maiden name), lost his parents when he was really young, so he had an African-American nanny. She and Bradley, my grandfather's "handy man", had to stay out back in an even smaller shack. It still sits out there to this day. We now affectionately call it the "Betty Lou", named after my grandmother Elizabeth Louise.

In the early nineties we tore down the "cottage" and built the "cabin". It still isn't finished. We do one big project every year. It's getting closer, but in my opinion it doesn't really matter if it ever gets finished. One of the reasons we like it so much is that we are so relaxed up there. Time seems to stop. You live in your swimsuit. You eat blueberry pancakes every morning, made with the blueberries that you picked. When you do finally wake up, it's by the sound of your cousins walking in, and the screen door slamming. During the day you live in your suit and your towel, making frequent trips across the lake to the sand dunes or to Lake Michigan if the waves are big. To watch the sunset at night you bundle up in jeans and sweatshirts. You always make an ice-cream run to Whippy Dip, frequented by George Went who plays Norm on Cheers. At least once, maybe twice you race your cousins in go-carts at Craig's Cruisers followed by a beating at bumper-cars across the street, all that after you've been dominated at putt-putt by yours truly. Then more Whippy Dip. Oh, and you have ride a dune scooter ride at Mac Woods, and later that night return to the dunes to take the flag.

So you see, it doesn't matter if the cabin is ever finished. We will always enjoy our time there. Together. Family, and the occasional friend. I hope you all get to go sometime. But more than that, I hope you get to have traditions similar to these with your families. And if you don't, it's not to late to start them. It doesn't have to be an 18 hour drive to a vacation spot every summer. It could be anything. Make traditions. Your kids will thank you.

24 years and 9 months ago.

2005-11-01T04:46:00.000-10:00

That's were it all started folks. My guess is some crazy couple of kids got together on Valentine's day, and in the heat of the moment, I was made. Romantic huh? Well, you have to start somewhere.

I'm turning 24 this year, actually a few weeks from now. Naturally I'm doing some reflection on my life...up to this point. Goodness, I've been through a lot. We've been through alot. November is going to be dedicated to memories. Starting today with early childhood.

I grew up knowing I was adopted. Just something my parents told me, somewhat like "You're Jewish" or "You're American". You always have known, and maybe at some point you ask what that means. "Mom, what does adopted mean?" I asked around age four. "Well, it means the you didn't come from Mommy's stomach but you were made for us by God, to be a part of our family." Easy enough. That was all I needed to know.

So I lived with Mom, Dad, Carter, Amy, Chauser, and Sparky on OJ Talley Circle. Man, oh man did we love that house. It's located in the Trails backing up to highway 9. Perfect little circle drive where I could lurn to ride my tricycle. (Did you know I didn't learn to ride a real bike until I was 9!!?!?!) My best friend Lauren Burton lived just around the corner. We used to meet in the middle, the corner of our two streets, where both of our mothers could watch us the whole time. We got in a lot of trouble together. She is still one of my nearest and dearest friends.

I have lots of memories of that house. We only lived there until I was 4 or 5. I remember sitting in the sunroom watching the original Superman. I remember the metal feed bucket that I used as a swimming pool. I remember watching Carter, Amy and Dad put my swing-set together. I remember birthday parties with Cabbage Patch themes and Carter as the magician. I remember turning the page to the magical noise of the read-along tape. I remember thinking that people on the TV could see me and not wanting to change clothes infront of them. I remember leaving the house while it was still dark to head to Michigan for the entire summer.

Wow, how is it possible to remember so much of a time so long ago? I love it. I wonder if the people living there now would ever let me come walk through. Wouldn't that be a trip?

How much are you worth?

2005-10-31T10:10:00.000-10:00

My blog is worth $564.54.
How much is your blog worth?

Pops in Picture

2005-10-09T15:52:00.000-10:00

This is the man the day he had all of that chest discomfort. You know, I was thinking later, what if he had gone to the game with me? He would have walked up all those stairs, possibly had a real heart attack, and then after that explosion we would have been on lock down, making it impossible to get him out of there. Another illustration of God's providence.

This is Dad the night before surgery, watching his monitors with Amy. The doctor told us if he had waited until his scheduled appointment on Thursday, that means he wouldn't have been in surgery until Monday, and he most likely wouldn't have made it. Thank God my uncle Fenton is a doctor and he had some pull with this doctor. God's providence.

Mom and Dad minutes before surgery. Side note, anytime a new nurse or doctor would walk in, my dad would say, "My wife wants to know when we can have sex again." Just an illustration of my fathers sense of humor. Purely innocent I assure you.

This is Dad TWO DAYS after a quintuple bypass, offering goodies to all the nurses and patients on his hall. (Google quintuple bypass.)

Dad, Amy (my sister), and Carter (my brother). What a handsome crew.

Popsicle Head & Della Dawn

2005-10-04T12:41:00.000-10:00

This is my dad, who I sometimes affectionately call Popsicle Head. This past Saturday, my father had thirty minutes of chest pains and didn't say a word about it to anyone until it was over. I'm sure he had logical reasons as to why he didn't want to tell my mom because he knew she would panic, or why he wouldn't tell me why he was skipping out on the football game, but he still wanted me to go and have a good time. He may have been looking out for our best interests, but I am still frustrated with him.

I think that like me, my dad is scared. Both of his parents died in their sixties from heart attacks, and he is 64. His younger brother has already had two major heart attacks and open-heart surgery, and his brother has had procedures done to prevent his already clogged arteries from getting worse. He is by far the healthiest among the men in the family, but this episode I'm sure has him nervous. And apparently this isn't the first time this has happened, the family decided not to tell me about the others until now. (I'm still a little bitter.)

I talked with him for about an hour today about all the tests they have run and will run over the next couple of days. A lot of it is medical jargon that both he and I don't understand. He was bragging on his doctors though, so I'm convinced he is in good hands. Mom is going with him tomorrow to Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, where he will spend most of the day. (My uncle Fenton is a doctor there, which makes me feel better.) There are going to put another stint (I think) into a major artery in his groin area, where they will put dye into his blood stream and take pictures. This will determine whether or not he will need work done to open up clogged areas around the heart. If he does need cleaning or unblocking, they will go ahead and do it tomorrow. He says he won't have to stay overnight most likely. I will probably take off work and go up there for a few hours. Please be praying for him, the doctors, my mom, and the rest of family.

I know there a few of you who know what either losing parents is like or the threatening idea of it. It is such a strange feeling. I have mostly been thinking about our relationship, the things I enjoy and the things I would like to change. The fun times we have in Michigan, on the golf course, working on my house, or watching Seinfeld. I love my father’s infectious laugh and the way he eats tomatoes like apples. It bugs me, but I laugh when he always wants me to "take my shoes off and relax". He stresses me out when he asks, "Are you going to go out like that" after I have spent an hour in the bathroom getting ready. I love his Chevy Chase sense of humor, his love for westerns, and his guilty pleasure of Lifetime-TV-for-women-made-for-TV-movies. His theology makes me angry and his love for money infuriates me. But I'm proud of his sense of tradition and commitment to his family. I love that he quit drinking because he loves me. I love that he stops by my house just to see if I want to go to lunch. I love that he tells me never to get married but to take care of him for the rest of my life (not his). I love my father. Even if he is crazy Mr. Sanger.

Saturday Night

2005-10-02T18:21:00.000-10:00

Well most of you know what happened Saturday night at the OU game. A young man took his own life outside the stadium during the second quarter. He had built some type of bomb, and while sitting on a bench in the south oval, 20 feet away from Jonathan's bike and my bike, he blew himself up.

Jonathan and I were sitting in the north-west corner of the stadium when we heard the thunderous boom. Concerned, we contemplated the cause of the noise. Thirty minutes to an hour later I got a call from my friend Clark who was working at the Corner Market, saying that he was told there had been an accident with a propane tank. This made sense at the time; there were a considerable amount of tailgaters around the stadium. It wasn't until after we were directed around the stadium to Lindsey street when we heard an awful rumor that it hadn't been an accident at all. A young women on a cell phone was explaining to a friend that "some kid strapped a bomb to himself and blew himself up". Jonathan and I looked at each other thinking, "who is this lady? You don't just go spreading stupid rumors like that around. That's awful."

It wasn't until we walked back to my house and saw on the television that her sick rumor was actually the truth. As we sat there, a map of campus (our campus, that we walk on everyday, in my hometown, not three blocks from my house) was on TV. "We have reason to believe that an individual has used a bomb to commit suicide in the south oval here at OU, outside of the George Lynn Cross building. It is not clear whether or not this individual was involved in an international terrorist circuit. But officials are assuring us that there is no immediate danger to any of the football fans out here tonight." My heart started to race. That feeling of confusion and sadness. I had the sudden urge to burst into tears. I was able to hold back my feelings somewhat; every once in a while letting out a curse or a swear. I did manage to exclaim, "Jonathan, our bikes are right there, they are parked outside Cross." I spent the rest of the night staring at the television, in a daze, wanting more information, calling my dad for emotional support.

I think I am still in a daze. I really can't believe it happened. After church today, I went to the south oval hoping to retrieve my bike. The fire department, the head of Homeland Security for the state of Oklahoma, and multiple news crews were there. As I walked up, my bike was being washed clean by the power of firehose. The blood and human remains was being removed. I was escorted closer to my new cruiser, with explainations spinning around in my head, and news crews getting closer for a listen. I again felt very sad. I did a couple of interviews, called Jonathan several times, and finally made my way out of the scene.

I just recently recieved the link to one of my interviews. www.player58.com , I am the second video down. I look very disturbed. They cut me off before I got to the part where I express my gratitude to the OUPD for handling the situation the way that they did. I can't imagine how it would have been if we had been evacuated. There would have been extreme panic and chaos. So I look like a complete ass, I really am grateful.

Please pray for healing here at OU.

Special Blessings

2005-09-30T14:37:00.000-10:00

A while ago, a friend was telling me about how God had blessed him. At first I thought it sounded silly, but now I totally understand. His story was that one evening, while we were at RUF, something struck him and he had a sudden urge to call one of his buddies. When he did, his friend reminded him that their fantasy football draft was going on right then. This gave him just enough time to call his roommate, inform him of how to pick, and then show up later for the last couple of rounds. How was this a blessing from God? Well, he explained that he would have been a little bummed during the rest of the season if he hadn't been part of this fun event with his friends, but God knew how much he would enjoy himself if he had the chance, so he was blessed by remembering just at the right time. Silly? I really don't think so. I think that happens more than we think.

For example, my freshman year (five years ago) most of my friends I made were cyclists. I went to Lindsey Wilson College, which if you were to google, you would find that it is one of the top cycling schools in the country. That's not bragging, that's just a little perspective of what was valued there, and how many cyclists there actually were. So anyway, most of my friends rode, and that is how I came to love the sport of cycling and it's equipment. I remember working my first race, spending hours listening to stories about crashes, tough rides, road rash, shammy butter, and the like. It didn't take long for my interest to turn to how I was going to start riding when I got home.

Upon my return to Oklahoma, on September 11, 2001, I purchased my first mountain bike. A Gary Fisher Kaitai. It was/is sweet. I never did/do ride as much as I had planned, but I love it none-the-less. There are some differences though. There really wasn't anyone here that shared in my same passion. No one to talk about rides with, change tires with, look at bike mags with, watch stupid race tapes with. Until recently. Lately bike enthusiasts have been coming out of the woodwork. Mostly guys, but more and more girls are getting interested as well. Now, there isn't a social gathering that I go to where bikes are not discussed. And you know what? That just makes me smile. God has blessed me. With a silly little pleasure. I rode my new cruiser today, and was just blessed by how it made me feel. Like a child mostly. Coaster brakes. Cruisin'. Hangin' out with friends. Enjoying the weather. Even getting to see a friend enjoy his new cruiser. Hopefully he enjoyed it as much as I did, because watching him just made me smile. Thank you God for the little things.

Ride more.

Oreos and Lima Beans

2005-09-29T10:23:00.000-10:00

I recently had a long and interesting conversation with a new friend. We talked about lots of things like growing up in Norman, parents, being old, drugs, dogs, Oreos and lima beans. You see, early in the week we had been in Tulsa for the RUF fall conference, and while walking through Brookside (I think) we went to this really posh dog store. You know the one. Silly dog costumes, dog leashes with a little bling bling, and of course gourmet dog treats. This led to conversations about dogs and then bikes somehow. I told this friend that I had been looking for a throwback Schwinn. (I know you can use "throw back" to talk about old jerseys, but is it okay to use when talking about Schwinns made in the 60's and 70's? Anyway, you get my point.)
Well, he just happened to mention that he had one just sitting at his house that I could have if I wanted. Those of you who know me and share in my fetish can imagine when I say that immediately lit up and freaked out. I offered to pay for it. I told him that I had been looking on EBay and bikes like these weren't going for cheap. He said that if I just took care of it and fixed it up, that I could just have it. I don't think you understand how this made me feel. It was like a dream come true!!

So returning to Norman, my new friend with my oh-so-sweet ride came over for a late night visit the next day. (The little beauty was everything I imagined it could be) And may I just add that this is #4 in my ever growing fleet of bikes.

But going back to the original reason for posting this blog, my friend and I had this interesting conversation about Oreos and lima beans. His theory is that everything has an enjoyment value that can be measured by how many Oreos or lima beans it dispenses. This hit him while ironing clothes for an old girlfriend that he was dating at the time. In his mind, and I can't remember how his mind got to this point, the ironing didn't dispense any Oreos; in fact it dispensed lima beans. Although while ironing, he hugged the girlfriend, who dispensed Oreos. He thought it strange but with the amount of lima beans being despensed by the ironing and the Oreos being despensed by the girlfriend, he just ended up coming out even. Equal amounts of lima beans to Oreos. This is when he knew they needed to break up. So from now on he measures something's pleasure value by estimating how many Oreo to lima beans they dispense.

I thought, and still think this is a pretty good system. Now you may not want to use this with everything situation, but for the most part, if you are trying to weigh options, Oreos always outweigh lima beans. For example getting in bed right when I walk in the door despenses many many Oreos, and at the time taking off my shoes and brushing my teeth despenses several lima beans. In this situation, you have to look past the immediate Oreos and look to the possible Oreos in the future. Waking up in the morning without wicked breath and comfortable feet, feeling oh-so-refreshed despenses a considerable amount of Oreos.

So here are some things with a high Oreo count, followed by lima bean dispensers.

OREOS-
Bikes (free ones despense the most)
Dogs
Children
Songs from the 80's
Any drink that is red.
Seinfeld
Blogs
Pictures(see the link above
Silver Lake
Kim and Keely(and many more, to many to mention)
Fall
Hearing my name (is that vanity)
Rusty's (you can actually get Oreos in Rusty's)
Being the first one awake
Being the first one asleep
Weddings
WAMP
I have a feeling this list could get really long

LIMA BEANS-
Collecting rent.
Forgeting my wallet (sorry Kim)
Being late
Shaving with a dull razor
Bathing (I do it, I just don't like it)
People moving away.
Rolling trashcans in the union.
People shushing me.
Painting the house.
Seeing people you know you were mean to in middle school.
Trying to read my blog in french.
http://reverso.fr/url/result.asp?directions=524289&templates=0&autotranslate=on&baseurl=http://www.ouruf.org/&url=http://delladawn.blogspot.com/

TwentySomeone

2005-09-19T21:58:00.000-10:00

This is one of the assignments I got to turn in for my CAPSTONE!!!!!! I really can't believe that I get to do this. And that this is the project that defines my college career. Crazy.

Della Sanger
Journal Entry #1
Service Learning Capstone

TwentySomeone

For the past to weeks my partner, Danny Kern and I have been trying to prepare for our book study. At least two weeks ago, we selected what we think will be a perfect book for the circumstances, entitled TwentySomeone, co-written by local campus minister and author Doug Serven. Since then we have been patiently waiting for our contact at Westminster Presbyterian Church to notify us as to whether or not the session approved the book as being appropriate for their students.
While we wait, we have met a couple of times to discuss topics and our goals for the study. We met over dinner last week and shared common experiences of our twenties thus far. We found that we had similar struggles which fit appropriately with topics discussed in the book. TwentySomeone sets out to help students, ages 18-34, answer not the typical questions of what are you going to be when you grow up, but who are you going to be. Danny and I feel this is an important idea to bring to young peoples attention at this time in their life. We both wish someone had sat us down to discuss these issues when we were their age.
Meeting to discuss these points of interest has been a great use of what could have been lost time. I feel like we are a lot more focused on the overall goal of leading this discussion. It was also a good time to bond and get in-sinc with one another, which will be vital for the first weeks meeting, which should be happening this coming Wednesday.

Okie Noodling

2005-09-11T03:27:00.000-10:00

Cak and Fussell

2005-09-07T03:24:00.000-10:00

Congratulations to the newly married couple. I have heard great stories from the wedding, and I am so sad that I missed it.

This is a shout out to both the bride and the groom.

Russ- Thank you so much for the long emails about theology. Thank you for your compassion towards me through my struggles in faith and in life. I can't begin to express my gratitude to you for your example as a friend, as a Christian, and as a servant. You have always been willing to lend an ear or and hand when need was expressed. I thank God for our time together here in Norman and pray that as you and your family grow, we will continue to be in each others lives.

Kat- In the short time we have known each other, you have been nothing less than a great friend to me. I will always charish that night we spent together in the tent, chatting it up and snuggling oh so close. I am greatful that Russ has joined in union with such a warm hearted woman, who I hope to become great friends with over the years. Us girls have had the unique opportunity to spend countless hours with some fabulous Christian men, and it is truly a blessing to see them marry up to our standards.

Mr. and Mrs Edwards. May God bless your marriage and your new family, may you have many little Russ and Kat's. Please remember your friends and community always. I love you very much!

No, what actually happened over there.

2005-09-06T04:48:00.000-10:00

Last summer, my best friend and I went to Europe for five weeks. The traditional American Backpacking Trip!!
Here are my accounts, recorded and reported to you via my journal. To hear the other side of each story, please look towards Kim Perkins Blog found here http://www.perky1.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 15 2004

We’ve been here a full day and I’m so tired. Yesterday seems like a blur. I feel like I’ve been walking around London all week.
The plane rides weren’t too terrible. Kim didn’t sleep very well. My television didn’t work for a major part of the trip flying over the ocean. I must say that walking onto that massive Virgin Atlantic AirBus was like walking on to a movie set. I think there were 18-20 flight attendants, each of them beautiful and with wonderful accents. Taxi-ing took forever and we didn’t eat until 11:30 at night, (our time) but besides that, I got a few good hours of sleep and it went rather fast.
So when we landed we went through customs found our baggage (almost found someone else’s eh Kim) and quickly bought tickets for the tube.
We took the tube from Heathrow to Hyde Park. It was very stuffy and hot. I was surprised at how long it took. London is so large. We then made it to Hyde Park were it seemed like we walked forever. We checked in and moved into our room. Four bunk beds, four sets of lockers, a sink, and a mirror. At first, it looked like we only had one roommate but that wouldn’t be for long.
After checking in it was time to find food. The eating schedule is pretty much messed up. While people at home are getting up to have breakfast we are having a 2 o’clock lunch. We ate at a place called “The Swan”. It was only a short walk from our hostel. I had a chili beef potato and a Guinness. It was pretty good, nothing I couldn’t have at home. I wouldn’t have spent nearly $14 on it at home but it was worth it, I was starving.
By this point, we had already been asked twice if we were Americans. Our French waiter at the Swan assumed we were either from the west coast or the great lakes region. I assumed that was he knew about American geography. After our fill of potato and beer we took the tube to Piccadilly Circus. At the Oxford Circus stop we quickly jumped off and ran because of two sets of wandering eyes across from us.
We walked up from the underground to see the familiar London I remember from the pictures. It was pretty cool. There was a large statue with many tourists sitting around digital billboards covering tops of buildings, and surprisingly lots of department stores.
We hadn’t been there two minutes when a young American asked us for the time. His name was Chris and he was from Chicago. He walked around with us for a while. I got bored quickly at Piccadilly Circus. It wasn’t the best that London has to offer. I’m not sure how much longer we actually walked around before grabbing dinner at PRET, which I wish we had in the US, and eating in Hyde Park. (Chris had left at this point) As we sat in these green chairs, that we didn’t know we we’re to pay for, it started to get cold. We decided to go back and change. That turned into taking showers and going to bed at 7. I did wake up from hunger, and met some of the girls that were in our room. Mindy and Mel. They are from Pennsylvania. Around eleven more people started moving on to our floor. One of the ladies insisted that we turn off the lights and thats when we finally tried to fall asleep, but not until our final roommate moved in. He was a young French guy named David. We all talked to him for a minute, then I was forced to roll over when he started taking off all of his clothes.