Hello, friends!
It's July 29, which makes poses a very interesting question. When people ask me "how long until your wedding?" how do I answer? Here are a few interesting possibilities:
- In terms of days, it is 62 days until the wedding.
- In terms of weeks, it was 9 weeks as of yesterday.
- In terms of months, it is 2 months from today.
So, you see my dilemma? Or is it all just in my head? I have always prided myself on accuracy and precision. When you're accurate, it is much easier to make smart decisions and get the right answer.
I suppose it doesn't actually matter ultimately. No matter how you count it, I am going to be married soon. That sounds pretty sweet, doesn't it? =0).
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
To (2 of) My BFF's...
Hello, friends!
It's Tuesday and I think I have finally recovered from my weekend hangover. No, friends, I wasn't out drinking; this was more of an emotional hangover. On Saturday, two of my very best friends in the whole wide world got married. Isn't life exciting?!
Thomas "T-mo" Moore and I have known each other since Freshman year when we were both in a Freshman men's small group for InterVarsity. He was the kid from Saint Louis and I was the kid who acted like he was from Saint Louis. Eventually, he concentrated more and more of his time into Harambee, the Black Campus Ministry at WashU (Go Bears!) and I spent more time with ACF, but we have always been friends. We lived together Sophomore year as well as one year after college when we both interned with InterVarsity. I can't exactly explain it but T-mo and I have always been on the same wave length. I think in the almost 10 years that we've know each other, we've only had one serious disagreement (I was right). =0). We have encouraged each other as we've faced the rigors of leadership and the hardships that come with following Jesus for real. One of the things that I have always appreciated about T-mo is that he has always been willing to help me when I needed it. If I have helped him half as much as he has helped me over the years, I will consider it a good run.
A quick story to illustrate the point. T-mo got married on Saturday but do you know what he was doing on Wednesday and Thursday? He was writing code for my wedding's RSVP site. 2 days before his wedding he's helping me. If that isn't a friend, I don't know what is.
Honestly, the only way that I can describe "Miss" Ashley Moore is that she is my friend. Miss Ashley and I also met Freshman year, although we really didn't become really good friends until Sophomore year. Like T-mo, she was involved in Harambee but also like T-mo, she and I were able to share the rigors of leadership together. Sophomore year it could have been argued that I was her 4th roommate. =0). These past 5 years, I have had the pleasure of calling Miss Ashley not only my friend, but also a co-laborer in Christ. As we have grown as staff with InterVarsity together, I am forever indebted to Miss Ashley for helping me see the other side of things. As someone who does not hold feelings in high regard (I'm working on it, I promise), seeing Miss Ashley's compassion and genuine love for students has put me in my place on more than one occasion.
I would like to think that Miss Ashley and I even each other out a little bit. When I get too business-y or start to forget about people, she's right there to get me back on track. When Miss Ashley needs to relax or do something goofy, you can be that my phone will be ringing soon. Whether it be Settlers of Catan (she always wins) or Tecmo Superbowl (I always win) you can guarantee that Miss Ashley and I are going to have a good time.
Friends, I'll be honest; I didn't see this one coming. During our time in undergrad, and even during our intern year, it never dawned on me that those two would end up together. In fact, I would guess that they didn't think so either. It reminds me of Harry Potter a little bit. Who knew that Ron and Hermoine would get together? But, I'm glad that they did. How could I not be happy? My prayer for my friends is always that they find someone who loves Jesus and will encourage them to love Jesus more too. I know that Ashley will do that for T-mo and vice versa.
So, here's to you, Miss Ashley and T-mo. It has been a pleasure being your friend these past few years and I relish the opportunity to continue in that friendship. Thank you for letting me be a groomsman and the MC for your wedding. I couldn't have asked for a greater honor. Enjoy your time in Seattle, and remember that you have a friend here in Saint Louis.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
It's Tuesday and I think I have finally recovered from my weekend hangover. No, friends, I wasn't out drinking; this was more of an emotional hangover. On Saturday, two of my very best friends in the whole wide world got married. Isn't life exciting?!
Thomas "T-mo" Moore and I have known each other since Freshman year when we were both in a Freshman men's small group for InterVarsity. He was the kid from Saint Louis and I was the kid who acted like he was from Saint Louis. Eventually, he concentrated more and more of his time into Harambee, the Black Campus Ministry at WashU (Go Bears!) and I spent more time with ACF, but we have always been friends. We lived together Sophomore year as well as one year after college when we both interned with InterVarsity. I can't exactly explain it but T-mo and I have always been on the same wave length. I think in the almost 10 years that we've know each other, we've only had one serious disagreement (I was right). =0). We have encouraged each other as we've faced the rigors of leadership and the hardships that come with following Jesus for real. One of the things that I have always appreciated about T-mo is that he has always been willing to help me when I needed it. If I have helped him half as much as he has helped me over the years, I will consider it a good run.
A quick story to illustrate the point. T-mo got married on Saturday but do you know what he was doing on Wednesday and Thursday? He was writing code for my wedding's RSVP site. 2 days before his wedding he's helping me. If that isn't a friend, I don't know what is.
Honestly, the only way that I can describe "Miss" Ashley Moore is that she is my friend. Miss Ashley and I also met Freshman year, although we really didn't become really good friends until Sophomore year. Like T-mo, she was involved in Harambee but also like T-mo, she and I were able to share the rigors of leadership together. Sophomore year it could have been argued that I was her 4th roommate. =0). These past 5 years, I have had the pleasure of calling Miss Ashley not only my friend, but also a co-laborer in Christ. As we have grown as staff with InterVarsity together, I am forever indebted to Miss Ashley for helping me see the other side of things. As someone who does not hold feelings in high regard (I'm working on it, I promise), seeing Miss Ashley's compassion and genuine love for students has put me in my place on more than one occasion.
I would like to think that Miss Ashley and I even each other out a little bit. When I get too business-y or start to forget about people, she's right there to get me back on track. When Miss Ashley needs to relax or do something goofy, you can be that my phone will be ringing soon. Whether it be Settlers of Catan (she always wins) or Tecmo Superbowl (I always win) you can guarantee that Miss Ashley and I are going to have a good time.
Friends, I'll be honest; I didn't see this one coming. During our time in undergrad, and even during our intern year, it never dawned on me that those two would end up together. In fact, I would guess that they didn't think so either. It reminds me of Harry Potter a little bit. Who knew that Ron and Hermoine would get together? But, I'm glad that they did. How could I not be happy? My prayer for my friends is always that they find someone who loves Jesus and will encourage them to love Jesus more too. I know that Ashley will do that for T-mo and vice versa.
So, here's to you, Miss Ashley and T-mo. It has been a pleasure being your friend these past few years and I relish the opportunity to continue in that friendship. Thank you for letting me be a groomsman and the MC for your wedding. I couldn't have asked for a greater honor. Enjoy your time in Seattle, and remember that you have a friend here in Saint Louis.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Staff Level Stuff...
Hello, friends!
A few days ago I had a meeting with two ACF leaders. One is a volunteer staff who is considering going on full time and the other is a rising 5th year who is considering potentially an internship or something with InterVarsity. I gathered us together so that we could start to plan for the fall semester together.
One of the things that a supervisor once told me that I am trying to learn to do more and more is to never do anything alone. Staff work is just better when you are teaching others to think like you think and giving them a reason as to why you do what you do. That is how students turn into staff. I figured that now was as good a time as any to get these potential staff to be thinking about how to think like a staff when it comes to prepping a semester.
My previous supervisor gave me a pretty detailed planning worksheet to use during semester planning. It starts with an assessment of the previous semester, moves into big picture stuff, and then gets more down into the nitty gritty details of the actual day-to-day actions. It's been super helpful to me, so I sent it along to the two ACF folk to look over and then we would go through it together.
Here's what I learned: this is legit staff level stuff and it is hard to think like a staff. The leaders did great. They had great insight, good thoughts on goals, and an understanding of where the ACF is and where it needs to go. But, I could tell that it was taxing for them. We actually skipped the last section of our meeting because I could tell that brains were beginning to fry and that eyes were starting to glaze.
Understand that this isn't an indictment of the two who were with me. They did an EXCELLENT job given their experience level and such. I think this is more a reflection of the realization that I have actually grown as a staff in my 5+ years working for InterVarsity. I had my year end review a few weeks ago, and while the year didn't go as well as I had hoped, one thing my supervisor said is that it was obvious that I'd grown as a staff this year, if nothing else, than in my ability to reflect and process.
About 2 years ago I came to the realization that if I was going to stick with this job, it was going to require me to grow. The first 3 years on the job, my job consisted of gathering students and casting vision, two things that I knew how to do and could do in my sleep. As ACF grew, the job became more complex and I found that my natural abilities weren't going to yield the preferred results. The fellowship was growing and I had to grow along with it. It looks like there's been some progress. I don't mind that. =0).
Prayer Points:
- These are the dog days of summer, which mean that students taking summer courses are gearing up for finals. Please be praying for our ACFers as they enter a new level of potential stress.
- Friends, it is HOT here. Today's high will be around 103. Please be praying a prayer of protection over those who do not have the means to stay cool, especially the elderly and the poor.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
A few days ago I had a meeting with two ACF leaders. One is a volunteer staff who is considering going on full time and the other is a rising 5th year who is considering potentially an internship or something with InterVarsity. I gathered us together so that we could start to plan for the fall semester together.
One of the things that a supervisor once told me that I am trying to learn to do more and more is to never do anything alone. Staff work is just better when you are teaching others to think like you think and giving them a reason as to why you do what you do. That is how students turn into staff. I figured that now was as good a time as any to get these potential staff to be thinking about how to think like a staff when it comes to prepping a semester.
My previous supervisor gave me a pretty detailed planning worksheet to use during semester planning. It starts with an assessment of the previous semester, moves into big picture stuff, and then gets more down into the nitty gritty details of the actual day-to-day actions. It's been super helpful to me, so I sent it along to the two ACF folk to look over and then we would go through it together.
Here's what I learned: this is legit staff level stuff and it is hard to think like a staff. The leaders did great. They had great insight, good thoughts on goals, and an understanding of where the ACF is and where it needs to go. But, I could tell that it was taxing for them. We actually skipped the last section of our meeting because I could tell that brains were beginning to fry and that eyes were starting to glaze.
Understand that this isn't an indictment of the two who were with me. They did an EXCELLENT job given their experience level and such. I think this is more a reflection of the realization that I have actually grown as a staff in my 5+ years working for InterVarsity. I had my year end review a few weeks ago, and while the year didn't go as well as I had hoped, one thing my supervisor said is that it was obvious that I'd grown as a staff this year, if nothing else, than in my ability to reflect and process.
About 2 years ago I came to the realization that if I was going to stick with this job, it was going to require me to grow. The first 3 years on the job, my job consisted of gathering students and casting vision, two things that I knew how to do and could do in my sleep. As ACF grew, the job became more complex and I found that my natural abilities weren't going to yield the preferred results. The fellowship was growing and I had to grow along with it. It looks like there's been some progress. I don't mind that. =0).
Prayer Points:
- These are the dog days of summer, which mean that students taking summer courses are gearing up for finals. Please be praying for our ACFers as they enter a new level of potential stress.
- Friends, it is HOT here. Today's high will be around 103. Please be praying a prayer of protection over those who do not have the means to stay cool, especially the elderly and the poor.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Stewardship
Hello, friends!
Guess what?! Meg and I found a place to live! Yups, she will be moving in next week and I will be moving in after the wedding. Isn't that exciting? =0).
We looked a ton of places. Ok, maybe not a TON, but a dozen or so, which may as well have been a million. There were houses, apartments, flats, townhomes, and even one building (I refuse to call it a house) that didn't even have a bedroom! Needless to say, we aren't going to be living there.
It came down to two places. Both were in great locations for what we wanted. One was a house and one was an apartment. The apartment had everything that we wanted, laundry on site, good location, 2 bedrooms, living area, plenty of counter space in the kitchen, and things like that, but it was missing one thing... it didn't have the space of the house. On the other hand, the house had the space we wanted but was going to cost us about $3000 more per year, not including utilities.
Our dilemma was this: do we pay more for the luxury of space? Now, it isn't a TOTAL luxury. Hospitality is a huge part of international student ministry, so having more space would be great for Meg as she has students over and things like that. But, the question is whether or not that was enough of a pull to draw us there.
After thinking, praying, and talking about it, we made our decision. We are going to be living in the apartment. Ultimately, for us it came down to stewardship. Yes, the house would be more spacious, and probably more comfortable, and both were within our price range. But, the idea of being good stewards of our resources played very heavily for both of us. Just because we CAN spend the money doesn't mean we HAVE to. Especially in this season where we are fundraising right now, it seemed like God was pulling us toward the more modest space so that we would have more resources to devote to other things that would further the kingdom.
So, there you have it! It was a pretty good feeling filling out the lease application and knowing that this was going to be "our" place. Hooray for doing life together!
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Guess what?! Meg and I found a place to live! Yups, she will be moving in next week and I will be moving in after the wedding. Isn't that exciting? =0).
We looked a ton of places. Ok, maybe not a TON, but a dozen or so, which may as well have been a million. There were houses, apartments, flats, townhomes, and even one building (I refuse to call it a house) that didn't even have a bedroom! Needless to say, we aren't going to be living there.
It came down to two places. Both were in great locations for what we wanted. One was a house and one was an apartment. The apartment had everything that we wanted, laundry on site, good location, 2 bedrooms, living area, plenty of counter space in the kitchen, and things like that, but it was missing one thing... it didn't have the space of the house. On the other hand, the house had the space we wanted but was going to cost us about $3000 more per year, not including utilities.
Our dilemma was this: do we pay more for the luxury of space? Now, it isn't a TOTAL luxury. Hospitality is a huge part of international student ministry, so having more space would be great for Meg as she has students over and things like that. But, the question is whether or not that was enough of a pull to draw us there.
After thinking, praying, and talking about it, we made our decision. We are going to be living in the apartment. Ultimately, for us it came down to stewardship. Yes, the house would be more spacious, and probably more comfortable, and both were within our price range. But, the idea of being good stewards of our resources played very heavily for both of us. Just because we CAN spend the money doesn't mean we HAVE to. Especially in this season where we are fundraising right now, it seemed like God was pulling us toward the more modest space so that we would have more resources to devote to other things that would further the kingdom.
So, there you have it! It was a pretty good feeling filling out the lease application and knowing that this was going to be "our" place. Hooray for doing life together!
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sermon Time!!!
Hello, friends!
I know it is a week late but here is the sermon I gave last week on suffering. The passage is 1Peter 3:18-22. It is only audio, not video, so to make it up to you, the photo you see when you listen to the audio will be the engagement photo I showed of Meg and me. =0). Oh, and I start talking at about the 45 second mark. Sorry.
Funny story about this sermon. When Pastor first asked me to preach, the email said "1Peter 18-22," without a chapter number. I read the "1" in "1Peter" as "Chapter 1:8-22," so I started prepping that passage (which is also a good one). It wasn't until I got to California, about 10 days before I was supposed to preach that I looked at the church bulletin and saw that it was actually supposed to be chapter 3. Still, by the grace of God, I think it turned out ok. =0).
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
I know it is a week late but here is the sermon I gave last week on suffering. The passage is 1Peter 3:18-22. It is only audio, not video, so to make it up to you, the photo you see when you listen to the audio will be the engagement photo I showed of Meg and me. =0). Oh, and I start talking at about the 45 second mark. Sorry.
Funny story about this sermon. When Pastor first asked me to preach, the email said "1Peter 18-22," without a chapter number. I read the "1" in "1Peter" as "Chapter 1:8-22," so I started prepping that passage (which is also a good one). It wasn't until I got to California, about 10 days before I was supposed to preach that I looked at the church bulletin and saw that it was actually supposed to be chapter 3. Still, by the grace of God, I think it turned out ok. =0).
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Balance...
Hello, friends!
Those who know me know that I try to be an athlete. The truth is that I am not an incredible athlete but I try hard and have enough skill to usually not embarrass myself. For me, athleticism comes down to 5 categories:
- Strength: How much force can you exert?
- Stamina: How long can you exert it?
- Speed: How quickly can you move?
- Agility: How quickly can you react?
- Balance: How well can you stay on your feet?
What I've found to be true is that life is very similar to athletics. Ok, maybe I am just trying to justify my love of sports, but hear me out, ok? If you want to succeed in life, including relationships, work, etc., don't you need these 5 areas as well? If you have no strength in your relationships, you are a pushover (and no one likes a pushover). If you are lacking agility in your job, you probably won't last very long in your job because something unexpected always comes up.
From a WHOLE life perspective, this is absolutely true as well. I believe that a life worth living is one that exemplifies these characteristics. Even better, a life of following Jesus exemplifies these characteristics.
- Strength: Are you making an impact for the kingdom?
- Stamina: Are you being sustained by your own efforts, or through your relationship with Jesus?
- Speed: Are you seeing where God is moving and joining Him without hesitation?
- Agility: Are you seeing the unexpected with fear or trust?
- Balance: Are you giving each thing the love that it deserves?
I think that of those, balance is probably the one that is hardest to do well in campus work. There is always a tendency to undervalue the work that you have done on campus and assume that you need to do more. Working a 40 hour week isn't enough. Good staff work 50-60, don't they? Shouldn't I be available at all hours of the day, meeting with students whenever they need me, as well as donors, local pastors, and my supervisor?
Pretty much, no. =0). Balance absolutely is a whole life thing and for campus staff, remembering that our job is only part of our lives is a little bit tough. There are times when it makes sense to not go 150% on campus in order to focus on other parts of your life. As my supervisor puts it, "Balance does not mean equal time. Sometimes balance means spending more time in one area at the cost of another."
Right now I am planning a wedding, searching for a place for Meg and me to live in Saint Louis, transitioning back to Saint Louis, fundraising, and prepping for 3 chapters. I love every minute of it. But, it would be irresponsible for me to go 150% in each of these areas. I would burn out and that's not a good thing.
So, I am learning balance. I am learning how to discern where God wants me when God wants me, and trusting that He will make up for the things that I lack. It's a process but I think it is a good one.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Those who know me know that I try to be an athlete. The truth is that I am not an incredible athlete but I try hard and have enough skill to usually not embarrass myself. For me, athleticism comes down to 5 categories:
- Strength: How much force can you exert?
- Stamina: How long can you exert it?
- Speed: How quickly can you move?
- Agility: How quickly can you react?
- Balance: How well can you stay on your feet?
What I've found to be true is that life is very similar to athletics. Ok, maybe I am just trying to justify my love of sports, but hear me out, ok? If you want to succeed in life, including relationships, work, etc., don't you need these 5 areas as well? If you have no strength in your relationships, you are a pushover (and no one likes a pushover). If you are lacking agility in your job, you probably won't last very long in your job because something unexpected always comes up.
From a WHOLE life perspective, this is absolutely true as well. I believe that a life worth living is one that exemplifies these characteristics. Even better, a life of following Jesus exemplifies these characteristics.
- Strength: Are you making an impact for the kingdom?
- Stamina: Are you being sustained by your own efforts, or through your relationship with Jesus?
- Speed: Are you seeing where God is moving and joining Him without hesitation?
- Agility: Are you seeing the unexpected with fear or trust?
- Balance: Are you giving each thing the love that it deserves?
I think that of those, balance is probably the one that is hardest to do well in campus work. There is always a tendency to undervalue the work that you have done on campus and assume that you need to do more. Working a 40 hour week isn't enough. Good staff work 50-60, don't they? Shouldn't I be available at all hours of the day, meeting with students whenever they need me, as well as donors, local pastors, and my supervisor?
Pretty much, no. =0). Balance absolutely is a whole life thing and for campus staff, remembering that our job is only part of our lives is a little bit tough. There are times when it makes sense to not go 150% on campus in order to focus on other parts of your life. As my supervisor puts it, "Balance does not mean equal time. Sometimes balance means spending more time in one area at the cost of another."
Right now I am planning a wedding, searching for a place for Meg and me to live in Saint Louis, transitioning back to Saint Louis, fundraising, and prepping for 3 chapters. I love every minute of it. But, it would be irresponsible for me to go 150% in each of these areas. I would burn out and that's not a good thing.
So, I am learning balance. I am learning how to discern where God wants me when God wants me, and trusting that He will make up for the things that I lack. It's a process but I think it is a good one.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Heading back!
Hello, friends!
Today marks my final day in California for the summer, and my final day in California as a single man. =0). Tomorrow, I head back to Saint Louis to get back to work (as well as see Meg again). In many ways, it has been too long away.
Mama always asks me on my final day if I was able to do everything that I wanted to do while I was out here. When I was an undergrad, I had 2 months or so to eat everything I wanted to eat, see everyone I wanted to see, and do everything I wanted to do. Now, with being back for less than 2 weeks, things get a little bit tighter. Still, I'd say I had myself a mighty good time.
- Hanging out with the fam. When I came in, Papa was out of town on business. A few days last week, Mama and Papa went away for their anniversary. This weekend, Phuzz took the church college students out on a retreat. So, for most of my time out here, one member of the family was missing. Still, I was able to spend time with them and enjoy that time. I went golfing w' Phuzz and ate tons of food w' Mama and Papa. Tonight we will have one last meal together before I head out.
- Seeing old friends. The truth is that I don't keep in touch with many of the folk from back in the day. I saw everyone from CBCOC who is still in town, which was good. I saw one friend from high school, which was also fun. Ultimately, though, I don't have as many roots here as I used to. Thus, I feel good about the time I spent hanging out with folk.
- Eating lots of delicious food. Check, check, and check. You saw my list. Well, you will be happy to know that I nailed just about everything on there. I even got to go to the House twice. =0). I will always love the food here in Cali and I will always miss it when I go back to Missouri.
- Do some fundraising. This time back I got to do some real fundraising, which actually was a joy. This morning I preached in service (hopefully the audio will be available soon) and this afternoon I met with the church mission committee. I was also able to make a number of donor appointments and do some asks. It was a full time here, which I appreciated.
- Read Harry Potter. Before I got my Kindle, I used real books. =0). Well, if you guys know Harry Potter, you know that those are some long books. Every time I go back to Cali I try and read them because they are here and I don't want to carry them all the way back. I have made it through the first 3. I may have to read through the night to finish the series properly.
Prayer Points:
- Please pray for journey's mercies as I return home. I have a tendency to get motion sick on planes and am not a lot of fun after I land.
- Please pray for the prep that comes starting tomorrow. I need to get back into my rhythm quickly so that I can keep going on semester prep as well as wedding planning.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Today marks my final day in California for the summer, and my final day in California as a single man. =0). Tomorrow, I head back to Saint Louis to get back to work (as well as see Meg again). In many ways, it has been too long away.
Mama always asks me on my final day if I was able to do everything that I wanted to do while I was out here. When I was an undergrad, I had 2 months or so to eat everything I wanted to eat, see everyone I wanted to see, and do everything I wanted to do. Now, with being back for less than 2 weeks, things get a little bit tighter. Still, I'd say I had myself a mighty good time.
- Hanging out with the fam. When I came in, Papa was out of town on business. A few days last week, Mama and Papa went away for their anniversary. This weekend, Phuzz took the church college students out on a retreat. So, for most of my time out here, one member of the family was missing. Still, I was able to spend time with them and enjoy that time. I went golfing w' Phuzz and ate tons of food w' Mama and Papa. Tonight we will have one last meal together before I head out.
- Seeing old friends. The truth is that I don't keep in touch with many of the folk from back in the day. I saw everyone from CBCOC who is still in town, which was good. I saw one friend from high school, which was also fun. Ultimately, though, I don't have as many roots here as I used to. Thus, I feel good about the time I spent hanging out with folk.
- Eating lots of delicious food. Check, check, and check. You saw my list. Well, you will be happy to know that I nailed just about everything on there. I even got to go to the House twice. =0). I will always love the food here in Cali and I will always miss it when I go back to Missouri.
- Do some fundraising. This time back I got to do some real fundraising, which actually was a joy. This morning I preached in service (hopefully the audio will be available soon) and this afternoon I met with the church mission committee. I was also able to make a number of donor appointments and do some asks. It was a full time here, which I appreciated.
- Read Harry Potter. Before I got my Kindle, I used real books. =0). Well, if you guys know Harry Potter, you know that those are some long books. Every time I go back to Cali I try and read them because they are here and I don't want to carry them all the way back. I have made it through the first 3. I may have to read through the night to finish the series properly.
Prayer Points:
- Please pray for journey's mercies as I return home. I have a tendency to get motion sick on planes and am not a lot of fun after I land.
- Please pray for the prep that comes starting tomorrow. I need to get back into my rhythm quickly so that I can keep going on semester prep as well as wedding planning.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
To Mama and Papa
Hello, friends!
Today is a special day. Not because it is 4th of July Eve, although that is pretty cool, but because today Mama and Papa Leong celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary! That's right, 32 years ago today, Mama and Papa Leong tied the knot, setting up a chain of events that has led to 4 children, 1 grandchild (so far), and countless lives touched and changed.
I figure today is a good a day as any to dote on the parentals, seeing how I don't really do that enough (well, at least not enough to them). =0).
First, there is Mama Leong. You already know that she is one of the most important ladies in my life but really, is it possible to talk about Mama enough? One thing that I appreciate the most about Mama is that she has never ever given me a reason to doubt that she loved me. Even when I was a punk teenager (sometimes I still act that way), there was never doubt that Mama loved me. She uses the traditional methods, telling me that she loves me, giving me hugs and kisses, and things like that. But, she also uses more subtles. I have been blessed to never be in want. Mama is incredibly generous, with her time, her money, and her energy. If there is one thing that I have learned from Mama is that people should be valued over self and that taking care of your family is always worth it. (BTW, that photo is of Mama touching the Washington Monument).
My siblings (T, Phuzz, and The Kid) and I have a joke that if anyone is going to grow up to be like Papa, it will be me. I have adopted many of his mannerisms, some of his personality, and just recently I found out that I even sign my name like he does. If anyone was his father's son, it would be me. And, you know what? If I ended up like Papa, that would be fine by me. To be like Papa would be to display a quiet strength and an even temperment, regardless of what life throws your way. It would mean that I live a life of humility and determination to provide. It would mean that I was a servant and one who genuinely cares about people. It would also mean that I was an above average bowler and pretty boss at Freecell. That can't be bad, right? =0).
So, here's to you, Mama and Papa Leong. Directly and indirectly, you made me the man that I am today, a devoted follower of Jesus who loves his family very much.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Today is a special day. Not because it is 4th of July Eve, although that is pretty cool, but because today Mama and Papa Leong celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary! That's right, 32 years ago today, Mama and Papa Leong tied the knot, setting up a chain of events that has led to 4 children, 1 grandchild (so far), and countless lives touched and changed.
I figure today is a good a day as any to dote on the parentals, seeing how I don't really do that enough (well, at least not enough to them). =0).
First, there is Mama Leong. You already know that she is one of the most important ladies in my life but really, is it possible to talk about Mama enough? One thing that I appreciate the most about Mama is that she has never ever given me a reason to doubt that she loved me. Even when I was a punk teenager (sometimes I still act that way), there was never doubt that Mama loved me. She uses the traditional methods, telling me that she loves me, giving me hugs and kisses, and things like that. But, she also uses more subtles. I have been blessed to never be in want. Mama is incredibly generous, with her time, her money, and her energy. If there is one thing that I have learned from Mama is that people should be valued over self and that taking care of your family is always worth it. (BTW, that photo is of Mama touching the Washington Monument).
My siblings (T, Phuzz, and The Kid) and I have a joke that if anyone is going to grow up to be like Papa, it will be me. I have adopted many of his mannerisms, some of his personality, and just recently I found out that I even sign my name like he does. If anyone was his father's son, it would be me. And, you know what? If I ended up like Papa, that would be fine by me. To be like Papa would be to display a quiet strength and an even temperment, regardless of what life throws your way. It would mean that I live a life of humility and determination to provide. It would mean that I was a servant and one who genuinely cares about people. It would also mean that I was an above average bowler and pretty boss at Freecell. That can't be bad, right? =0). 
So, here's to you, Mama and Papa Leong. Directly and indirectly, you made me the man that I am today, a devoted follower of Jesus who loves his family very much.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The List...
Hello, friends!
I have been here in California for just a few days, but it already has been great. The weather has been gorgeous and it has been fun hanging out with Phuzz (my brother) as well as Mama and Papa. I have been working hard on sermon prep as well as fundraising but it hasn't been overwhelming.
One thing that has been especialy great is that I am slowly but surely working my through "the List."
"The List" is places where I need to eat while I am in California. One of the things that I miss the most when I am in Missouri is that the food in California is head and shoulders above most anything that I could get in Missouri. Well, maybe I should say that since I grew up it California, I am used to a certain type of cuisine being available to me that is not available in Missouri. Whenever I come back to Cali, I make it a point to hit as many spots on The List as I can. I don't always get to all of them but every place I do hit is always delicious. In no particular order, here it is:
- In N Out: Sure, it may be cliche, but this is one delicious burger. All I need is a double double with grilled onions and an order of fries every 6 months or so and I am golden.
- Tommy's: Straight up, this is the best chili burger in America and I will fight anyone who disagrees. Ok, maybe I won't fight you, but it is super delicious. It is actually a bit of a tossup between Tommy's and In N Out for which burger I like best. (Blasphemy, I know).
- Alerto's: I have 4 words for you: Carne Asada Super Fries. Need I say more? I didn't think so.
- BCD: Soon doo boo is Korean soft tofu soup. There are 3 things I know about soon doo boo. 1) It is delicious. 2) it comes with unlimited sides that are also delicious 3) no place in Missouri comes even close to making a decent soon doo boo.
- Fish Tacos: I don't always get to this one done but there's nothing quite like a good California fish taco.
- The Hat: Pastrami + the biggest chili cheese fries ever = happy Adam
- The Mad Greek: Ok, there's actually nothing special about the Mad Greek. It's more nostalgia than anything else. We used to eat this all the time growing up so it has some sentimental value. =0).
- Don Leonardo's: Formerly Taco Fiesta, this is the little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant next to church. Much like the Mad Greek, there's nothing particularly special about this place besides the memories. But that's still pretty good. Oh, and the asada nachos are a beast.
And then there is "The House." The Mandarin Noodle House is located at 701 Garvey in Monterrey Park. It takes about 45 minutes to drive there from my house. They only take cash. They also have the best beef noodle soup on the planet. Hands down. No contest. Thanks for playing. The beef is always tender and flaky. The noodles melt in your mouth like a beautiful symphony. The broth... well, the broth is simply the nectar of the gods.
So, that's the list. Thus far I have hit In N Out, Alerto's, and Don Leonardo's. We are going to the House tonight. Life is so good. =0).
Prayer points:
- I am going to be preaching next Sunday at my home church! Please pray for me as I prepare. Pray that God will speak through me and to the congregation.
- The plan is to take a mini vacation Wednesday through Friday. Please pray for a restful time with family and Jesus.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
I have been here in California for just a few days, but it already has been great. The weather has been gorgeous and it has been fun hanging out with Phuzz (my brother) as well as Mama and Papa. I have been working hard on sermon prep as well as fundraising but it hasn't been overwhelming.
One thing that has been especialy great is that I am slowly but surely working my through "the List."
"The List" is places where I need to eat while I am in California. One of the things that I miss the most when I am in Missouri is that the food in California is head and shoulders above most anything that I could get in Missouri. Well, maybe I should say that since I grew up it California, I am used to a certain type of cuisine being available to me that is not available in Missouri. Whenever I come back to Cali, I make it a point to hit as many spots on The List as I can. I don't always get to all of them but every place I do hit is always delicious. In no particular order, here it is:
- In N Out: Sure, it may be cliche, but this is one delicious burger. All I need is a double double with grilled onions and an order of fries every 6 months or so and I am golden.
- Tommy's: Straight up, this is the best chili burger in America and I will fight anyone who disagrees. Ok, maybe I won't fight you, but it is super delicious. It is actually a bit of a tossup between Tommy's and In N Out for which burger I like best. (Blasphemy, I know).
- Alerto's: I have 4 words for you: Carne Asada Super Fries. Need I say more? I didn't think so.
- BCD: Soon doo boo is Korean soft tofu soup. There are 3 things I know about soon doo boo. 1) It is delicious. 2) it comes with unlimited sides that are also delicious 3) no place in Missouri comes even close to making a decent soon doo boo.
- Fish Tacos: I don't always get to this one done but there's nothing quite like a good California fish taco.
- The Hat: Pastrami + the biggest chili cheese fries ever = happy Adam
- The Mad Greek: Ok, there's actually nothing special about the Mad Greek. It's more nostalgia than anything else. We used to eat this all the time growing up so it has some sentimental value. =0).
- Don Leonardo's: Formerly Taco Fiesta, this is the little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant next to church. Much like the Mad Greek, there's nothing particularly special about this place besides the memories. But that's still pretty good. Oh, and the asada nachos are a beast.
And then there is "The House." The Mandarin Noodle House is located at 701 Garvey in Monterrey Park. It takes about 45 minutes to drive there from my house. They only take cash. They also have the best beef noodle soup on the planet. Hands down. No contest. Thanks for playing. The beef is always tender and flaky. The noodles melt in your mouth like a beautiful symphony. The broth... well, the broth is simply the nectar of the gods.
So, that's the list. Thus far I have hit In N Out, Alerto's, and Don Leonardo's. We are going to the House tonight. Life is so good. =0).
Prayer points:
- I am going to be preaching next Sunday at my home church! Please pray for me as I prepare. Pray that God will speak through me and to the congregation.
- The plan is to take a mini vacation Wednesday through Friday. Please pray for a restful time with family and Jesus.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
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