Update

Since I haven't written in awhile, I thought it was time to say something about our life and times. So here goes...

1. I started work at Starbucks this week. I am training as a barrista with the hope of moving into a lead position in the next couple of months. I have already met a slew of cool people in various faith traditions. Most of my co-workers are at least 10 years younger than me and I love that! Today was my first day actually taking orders and working the register. It was crazy but it went pretty well. Everyone I've worked with so far has been great. One of the interesting people I've met is Maggie who is from Egypt. Her family is Muslim and tomorrow she will be baptized into Christ. Her faith commitment will in effect end her relationship with her father. Talk about commitment. I look forward to more faith talk over lattes!

2. Mimi and I went to Nashville last week for her cousin Jeremy's wedding. We had a great time and even celebrated our own anniversary (number 9). We ate at the Melting Pot a very cool and romantic fondu place in downtown. The best part of dinner was the yin and yang chocolate fondu. It rocked. The wedding was cool. It was at an episcopal church so there was a lot of formality to the ceremony. The liturgy included lots of music, communion with the whole congregation coming forward, and a God-focused message. While it may not be what I would choose, it was beautiful and meaningful and I know that Jer and Laurie have grown through this church. While in Nashville we also toured the home and grounds of President Andrew Jackson. While I think their story of the president was slanted (read favorable), it was great to be there and hear the retelling of his life and presidency. Mimi and I are both history buffs as our Tom & Carol who joined us with Tricia and Karissa. My mom and Roger graciously watched/spoiled our kids while we were gone.

3. We are updating our kitchen. Mimi and I have wanted a new refridgerator for some time now. Our biggest frustration with our fridge is that the ice and water hasn't worked for about 2 years. The door wouldn't close all the way and we have broken drawers. Recently our oven door has stopped closing all the way also, which means that heat is seaping out the sides of the oven while we're cooking. Obviously this is neither safe nor efficient. Our dishwasher works and our microwave works. We made a decision to replace the fridge, stove/oven, and dishwasher for now and we are going with the stainless look. Before changes we have had a white fridge, almond and black range, black diswasher and microwave. Our friends gave us their dishwasher which needed a new pump. We had someone replace the pump and install it. The next day our new fridge arrived. We are so pleased. And God has been gracious providing us with the needed resources to make these purchases. Our next move will be to choose a range...then we are planning to strip the outdated wall paper and paint. Thank you TLC!

4. Mimi's grandfather, Ted, continues to decline in health. He has Alheimer's among other ailments. The family decided this week to place him in a board and care facility (home) in Camarillo. It is going to be a huge transition for him as well as her grandmother, Alice. If you are inclined to pray, they/we could really use prayer for this. He will most likely move in Monday or Tuesday.

5. Our community(242), continues to meet and grow together. We aren't currently growing...in fact sometimes it seems like we're shrinking. Our times together, however, are rich. Even with only a handful of people we are seeking God and his path in our lives/culture. We had a great discussion last night surrounding Jesus' teaching on vengence and enemies in Matthew chapter 5. Cynthia had a great story about how God has recently worked in her life in this situation with her neighbors. It was cool to see application even before the teaching.