Mutual Encouragement

From July 16, 2008:

"Okay, I've put up a few posts on Vermont (as duly noted by Ben). We also went jumping. (Note the outstanding farmer's tan.) True confession: I was very scared about this jump. (This is not a confession for those bystanders who witnessed this jump.) Why was I scared? The rock wall slopes away from the jump site toward the water. Consequently, I could see the wall below me and was scared that I would not jump out past the wall and into the swimming hole. I envisioned myself sliding painfully down the rock wall and to the bottom of the swimming hole never to jump - or for that matter, do much else - again. My knees were shaking. Each time I tried to take the plunge, I would get right to the edge and then... step back. Finally, after some patience and encouragement from Jim and Ben (Hey guys, can you do that again? I just want to watch - and make sure that you survive one more time), I jumped. Wow, that was a great feeling. I ended up doing it again. Later, I started thinking about my life. To often, I get scared - scared of rejection, scared of failure. The easiest and safest option is to back away and avoid the pain. Instead of diving in, I often try to hedge my position a little bit - try to provide some safety. This time, I jumped."

Fast forward to June 16, 2010:

While in Riviera Maya, Jenn and I went on two excursions. On the first excursion, we took a step back in time and wandered the Mayan ruins. At the end of the excursion, we stopped at a cenote to do some jumping (top photo). My thoughts immediately went back to those jumps in Vermont (middle photo). However, this time, rather than fear, exhilaration pervaded my body, my soul. What was the difference? Well, I knew - I believed - that it was going to be okay to jump. The beautiful thing about this story is that this time Jenn and I were on a trip together and... she jumped. I asked her about this later and she said that she would have never jumped if we weren't there together.

Perhaps this is kind of what Paul referred to in Romans when he wrote, "that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith" (1:12). We can't get too far on this journey of life alone. Yet, together, by trusting in God, we can mutually encourage each other to take those plunges!

And on the fifteenth day...

"No!"

"Yes!"

:)

Oh, those big, naughty cooking words

This morning proved to be quite an adventure in the kitchen. Jenn decided to try out the new waffle iron, and eventually, we ended up with the most enticing, fluffy waffles. Okay, we also had these delicious little waffle tidbits as an appetizer, but Jenn worked the waffle-making kinks out. As we were eating our waffles topped with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries (!)and drinking our French-pressed coffee, she dropped the bombshell. Yes, she announced that our waffles were topped with macerated berries. I don't know, this just humored me, and eventually, we decided that maceration is just one of those big, naughty cooking words.

What a difference a year makes/What a difference a week makes

Well, it has been several days since my last blog post. Quite a bit has happened since June 10. That is certainly an understatement! On June 12, Jenn and I entered into the lifelong commitment of marriage. We had a great celebration with many friends and family. We still are in awe of the events of that day and the expressions of love that continue to be extended to us. On June 14, we arrived in Riviera Maya and enjoyed a week in paradise! What a difference a week makes! Last Saturday, we relaxed on the white sands and in the blue waters. of the Caribbean. Today, we relaxed at Lake Banet. Sure, the places are little different (okay, another understatement), but both days are memorable in their own ways.

Today is also another important milestone day. One year ago, Jenn, with tears in her eyes, replied, "Yes." Thanks Jenn!

30

On Monday, I drove up to Jenn's house and an amazing birthday cake greeted me - at the driveway. Later, we "enjoyed" a birthday run that included an extra section through the Mt. Calvary Cemetery - the location of perhaps the only hill in Rensselaer. Then, we dined on Greek yogurt, fruit, granola (it really was my choice!). And, of course, some presents followed.

Yet, the best gift of all is Jenn!

Fellows Mass and Luncheon

On Saturday, we joined over 300 others for the Fellows Mass and Induction Ceremony. We also celebrated the 100th year of the Chapel. The previous Saturday, Jenn and I helped with the weeding and maintenance efforts in the Grotto. We were delighted that the rain held off and we were able to get some pictures after the luncheon.

The Candle Still Burns

As my brother so eloquently stated on facebook, yesterday marked the third year since Grandma Huff fell asleep with Jesus. I have previously shared a picture of the candle that we light at Christmas in her memory. Although she is no longer with us physically, each passing year gives me greater confidence that her spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. We must never forget this woman - diminutive in stature but mighty in spirit.

30 (Almost)

Mom thought it might be a good idea to have a birthday party a week early. She thought things might start getting a little crazy in the near future. :)

Jenn took this pic and wanted me to post it!