Off-line :(

Well, our comp. crashed. We're saving up for a new one, so until then you won't hear much exciting news from the Martin's. We're missing all of you blogger friends!

30

Well, the big day came and went...I (Ben) turned the big 3-0 at the end of September. Actually, it was very fun. We had several friends over for dinner on my birthday followed by a paintball outing that weekend...nothing like a game of paintball to celebrate. We went to our usual place, Bullcreek.

So yeah, the only real difference I feel is this sense that I can't blame dumb decisions on youth anymore...other than that its business as usual. Which, these days is lots of graduate work, church things, and when we get the chance an Office splurge.

One Last Wedding

Well, I think our spring, summer, and fall of weddings is officially over. Dad and Debbie's wedding was last weekend in Columbus, and was it a doozy! A beautiful outdoor wedding and reception that went from partly cloudy, to sunny-hot-humid, to outright downpour! Nonetheless, it was a grand occasion and we're so excited for Dad and Debbie to start their new life together and to extend our family. Be sure to check out pics (and video) from the event!

Trumpet Children and Lion Kings

Hello friends,

Sara and I had a very fun Labor Day weekend. We had a whirl-wind tour of Ohio; down to Cincy on Friday evening and in Cleveland by Saturday evening. Crazy--but fun. Friday's event was the CD Release show by Over the Rhine celebrating their new CD "The Trumpet Child". It was an amazing show by an amazing band complete with lap slide guitar, piano, upright base, and cookie sheet to name a few instruments. We were blessed to see the show for free because our dear friends Rob and Amy have done some amazing work for the band (For example: the CD cover artwork, a revamped website, etc). It marks my (Ben) 4th time seeing them in concert--I can't wait to go again. We were also blessed to stay at the Chadelaine's beautiful new home in Covington, KY. They happened to be out of town but we tried to leave some good vibes at the house.

We picked up our little guy, Buster, the next day and sped to Cleveland for an enjoyable Labor Day with Sara's friends and family. Laughing with friends at the Barringers, enjoying the chips and salsa at Chili's, and a nice cookout on Monday. We also fit in a showing of the Broadway Musical "The Lion King" which was touring in C-town. I knew Sara loves the theatre and since all we could muster for our anniversary this year was breakfast at Bob Evan's I thought it would be a nice treat.

Roll Along BG Warriors

I was very excited to see BG pull off the upset against Minnesota this past weekend! Go Falcons!!

BG is no Paris

There's a great organization called Global Connections that serves the international community in BG. One of the services they provide is airport pick-up and temporary housing from the time international students get into BG until they can move into the residence hall or find an apt. Ben and I had signed up for temp. housing last summer and didn't get called, but we did this year! Lukka is from Paris, France. Not just outside of Pairs, or near Paris, but IN Paris. So as we drove home from the airport I thought, "How do you describe Bowling Green, OH to someone from one of the most highly acclaimed places in the world?" All I could muster up about BG was "It's no Paris..."

All in all, the experience was great. It was almost like having a kid. Making sure he had a key if we're not home, had a ride to and fro, what time will you be home for dinner?, etc. Being a part of the Alliance church has done wonders for me actually getting my eyes opened to this world of missionaries and how desperately they need our prayers, where they live, and what it's like there. And then interacting with a person from a very different place who has traveled the world and knows all about the US and its politics really makes me aware of just HOW uncultured I am. How self absorbed I am. I'm pretty convinced most of America is, but do we really realize that the rest of the world outside the states has its eyes on us? Just a crazy thought for me.

Be sure to ask us more about our experience sometime. We've got some good stories.

Mouse/Mice Update

Ben did a great job summarizing these past weeks, minus one important event. Let's just call it revenge. We all know the mice first devoured the Dove Dark Chocolate Promises, which are a true luxury in our home. But once the rubber spatula and silicon pastry brush were destroyed, it was on. Of course when I picked up the pack of mouse traps at the store I had to stare at the grotesque illustration on the package. I dropped the traps. I choked. I couldn't buy them. Sure, these mice were eating their way through my kitchen drawers, but the thought of one of those furry little bodies contorted in a quick and cruel trap. I just couldn't do it. I didn't have such an issue w/poison, though. After a few days of clearing out the drawers and placing trays of "bait", our mouse problems ended. And we never had to see or touch our secret visitors :)

Like Ben mentioned in the previous post, Mom and Bill's wedding was wonderful. Click here to see pictures of this lovely event.

Also, please note that the orange dress I am wearing in the pics was almost taken off of me at another wedding we went to yesterday. To make a long story short, we were at a wedding of one of Ben's friends from his cohort, and this lady (who was a therapist- go figure) at our table mentioned to me that she wanted my dress. I told her she could get it a JCrew.com (which I don't think she's ever heard of). And then she calmly and with a hint of malice replied, "No, I WANT THE ONE YOU ARE WEARING". We never cease to encounter someone.... unique, at weddings we attend. Maybe we should compile a book of short stories. Seriously.

I Blinked and August was Half-Gone

Greetings,

A lot has happened since I last entered the realm of blog. I mentioned August would be an eventful month and that has proved accurate. Here are a few minor updates: I (Ben) survived the last week of the summer term--writing something like 7 papers in 7 days get tiring. However, you'll be happy to know that I earned A's. (I just checked my grade--yee haw).

I also squeezed in a sermon at the BGC&MA. The sermon was about repentance with the Psalms as the main text. To want God no matter what the costs--I am coming to the realization that this is life. Now if my heart and actions will follow.

We also attended the wedding of my mother-in-law, Leslie. Sara, I'm sure, will have much to blog about this (and pictures!). I had the honor of reading a beautiful passage of scripture from Romans 5:1-5. It was a great wedding and great time.

And then this past week, Mr. Josh Coy was in town for a few days. Lots of laughs, prayers, and eating. He is quite the chef these days. He cooked us a "rustic" Italian meal in our own home with the Seifferts and the Kesslers joining us. I think the most enlightening moment was finding out Josh was placed on popcorn probation in his last days in Nashville.

Check out Andrew Osenga

I've really been enjoying Andrew Osenga lately. He has a fun EP you can download for free on his website. I've been playing one of the songs, "Swing Wide the Glimmering Gates" nonstop. Check it out, hope you enjoy.

Swimming

Hello,

It's been a while since we've had a post, mostly because not much significant has happened, although I think August will prove to be an eventful month. The other reason is I (Ben) have been swimming in class work and life stuff...I had about 8 papers to write by next Wednesday (Aug 1) and a sermon to work on for this Sunday (7/29) so it's been busy. I'm 3 papers in and the sermon is written--so thank God for that! Sara has been especially great and understanding during this stressful time. Marriage is a good thing.

Other than that our mouse that Sara got such a kick out of at first is getting annoying. It is chewing Sara's spatula and oven mitts. The laughing has stopped and it's now affectionately known as the little bastard. We will be purchasing traps soon.

The Mouse Who Likes Dark Chocolate

I know mice like food and scraps, but chocolate? Dove Promises Dark Chocolate? Ben keeps a stash in the far right drawer in the counter, but lately I've been finding shredded up foil wrapper and pieces of chocolate in the drawer next to it where I keep my dish towels and oven mitts. I didn't say anything at first because I just figured he dropped a piece in on accident and it got smashed when the drawer got opened and closed. Well, I found another couple pieces and finally asked about it last night. Funny, Ben hadn't had a piece of chocolate in some time... We shrugged our shoulders and threw the tidbits away. Well, there was another surprise for me when I went to put some towels away this evening. More half eaten chocolate and shredded wrappers. This mouse (or whatever it is) must get the chocolate and hop in the cozy towel laden drawer and chow down! It makes me giggle to picture the little squirt in heavenly indulgence! I'm just curious how a mouse can keep eating this rich, dark choc., but if a dog gets a hold of it, he's deathly sick. Well, if you've had any experience with chocolate eating mice, let us know!

105 Pages

Wow...I (Ben) just completed the typing of my Bible-in-a-year notes. Sara and I embarked on a journey last August through April (Bible in 9 months is more accurate) with our friends from Cru.

We read at breakneck pace drinking big draughts of Scripture (Approximately 36 chapters a week). We then had the privilege of meeting with a small group once a week under the teaching and direction of Steve Rieske--which, if you ever have the chance of listening to Steve I highly recommend.

I took copious notes each Wednesday evening and nearly 12 months after the start and 105 typed pages later the experience is over. Well, sort of. I reflect back on what I learned often and will keep these notes available for future readings.

Tonight I am pondering the statement: "Christianity is not about rules; it's about saving us from rules we can't keep." (from our discussion on Romans I believe) Oh how I have a hard time fully embracing this--even though I desperately need it. Somehow I want to prove I'm alright and look good for God (or at least myself) Truth be told, I can't even meet my own standards--let alone God's.

11:00 pm is late for me these days (when did that happen?)...good night, and sleep well in the relentless grace of the cross tonight.

Nash-Venture

I (Ben) love music. It speaks to my soul. It calms me down or revs me up. The artists I enjoy most have a remarkable ability to articulate the emotion of the heart (or my heart at least). Two such artists that come to mind are Matthew Perryman Jones and Andrew Osenga. So, when I saw they were playing a concert together last Friday (7/6) I thought--why not go? Of course, it was in Nashville and we live 7 hours away...

Sara and I packed up the car and headed out for our grand Nash-venture. It was an amazing trip. A friend once commented that Kentucky was "God's country" and I'm beginning to think she might be right. Beautiful scenery. We arrived in Nashville with time to spare and toured the honkey-tonks--you aren't missing much.

The show was at a great little intimate venue called "The Rutledge". MPJ and Andy O rocked out--it was an amazing concert. Worth every minute of driving. Sara and I talked with them after the show and they were super pumped we drove so far. (I had posted on Andy's blog we were coming.) Matthew was especially kind about it thanking us and even giving us a hug! Unexpected for sure--but that made the trip more than worth it.

As an extra bonus we spent the night with the Edingers, who cook gi-normous pancakes and had lunch with the one and only Josh Coy. See what can happen when you are spontanious?

(Sara, Matthew Perryman Jones, Andrew Osenga, and Me)

We're back

Hello family, friends, and perfect strangers...

The Martin family blog is up and running after a little hiatus. We are excited to be back and update you on the happenings and musings of life. Why, Buster even put on his best tie to commemorate the relaunch of the blog! Enjoy...