Thursday, July 26, 2007
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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, July 16, 2007
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!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
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 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...
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