ec track 2008.

maddie, arrielle, jamie, schuyler.
myself and maddie.
me.

the beast.

new york city is always good for providing new experiences. sometimes they are good, sometimes they are not. though more often than not, even if it is an experience i wouldn't wish to repeat, i can appreciate it for one reason or another.

the beast (or actually "the shark") was a new york city experience that i can now say, been there done that, to. our high school church youth group (linC) went into the city yesterday without knowing what to expect. all we really knew was that we'd be on a large speed boat that rides around the city for about 30-40 minutes. we knew we might get wet. what we didn't know, or at least i didn't know, was the extent of how wet we just might get. i guess since i had to brush puddles of water off of my seat before i sat down, i should have known. within seconds of the boat taking off, i was soaked. literally. it depended on the seat you had, somewhat. the crew was there to ensure that anyone who didn't get wet by the boats doing would get wet by water guns. i didn't need any help - either did a few of the kids in our group.

some pictures for your enjoyment:

"the shark"

my view behind me...

we did ride pretty close to the statue of liberty

ben and kelsey...just a little wet.

kelsey got more soaked than anyone else on that boat.

south street seaport.

the disorganized group.

some of the seaport's entertainment...kinda creepy at times.

the group.

in wonder.

i have not blogged lately. i guess i just don't feel like i've had "blogworthy" updates or excitement to write about. i still don't, but i'm going to share another song that i really like lately. i don't necessarily listen to a lot of "christian music", but lately artists such as david crowder, chris tomlin, and now a little newsboys have been blaring from the speakers in my travels. there is one newsboys song in particular getting my attention, called 'in wonder':


So much wonder
Carved in your coral seas
So much wonder
Shaded by ancient trees
I consider all that your hands have made
Every newborn’s eyes, every new sunrise
No power can tame your presence
No light can match your radiance

LET ALL CREATION SING IN WONDER
EVERY SEA, EVERY CREATURE, EVERY STAR
YOU OPENED UP MY EYES TO WONDER
WHAT A VISION, WHAT A WONDER YOU ARE

Such a wonder
Ordering time and tide
Such a wonder
Bridging the great divide
I consider all that you had, all you gave
And all that you endured
From this rebel world
What a wondrous cross you chose to bear
What a wonder you would even care

LET EVERY ROCK CRY OUT
LET EVERY KNEE BOW DOWN
YOU OPENED UP MY HEART TO WONDER
WHAT LOVE, WHAT A WONDER YOU ARE

No power can tame your presence
No light can match your radiance
Such a wonder...Such a wonder...

LET EVERY ROCK CRY OUT
LET EVERY KNEE BOW DOWN
YOU OPENED UP MY HEART TO WONDER
WHAT LOVE, WHAT A WONDER YOU ARE


this time of year in particular draws me to the wonder of God. i intentionally take the time to notice creation all around me - it helps that i have a lot of time on the road to look around and enjoy the opening blossoms, fresh green leaves, freshly mulched plant beds. such a wonder...

surely we can change.

Where there is pain

Let us bring grace

Where there is suffering

Bring serenity

For those afraid

Let us be brave

Where there is misery

Let us bring them relief

And surely we can change

Something.

(David Crowder - "Surely We Can Change")

love birds.

at a quick glance, this photo could just appear to be my parents wearing some silly hats. thankfully, there is much more behind it. my mom finished up her 16 weeks of chemo treatments a few weeks ago - we are still celebrating that in every way possible. of course, it takes time for the hair she lost to grow back, so she is still sporting her very trendy hair alternatives - such as the red one in the photo, and the blue/purple one my dad is wearing. no, that is not just a very tight winter hat on his head. dad cracked us all up sunday afternoon when he came down from getting to go for a walk with my mom wearing exactly as you see (he was struggling to stifle his own chuckles until we noticed). so while they look like goofballs (which they are mind you), the photo actually depicts a supportive love that has continued to grow over their 35 (almost) years of marriage.

"spring break".

just some pictures for now...mohonk 2008.

ECMS Girls Basketball 2007-2008

not the best quality picture, but a group photo nonetheless, of the 2007-2008 ECMS Lady Eagles celebrating their season at Outback (minus casey). i am thankful for the blessing that each of these girls are to me.