1st major trip of the summer down! Amanda and I got to travel through 11 states, visit (briefly) 3 national parks, talk to dozens of brethren, and see one wedding. I think Amanda will write a huge post on the trip, so if you want to see it, go to her blog.
Now we have 2 weeks to cool down in Arkansas. By cool down I mean read the new textbooks for next year, work at Outback, exercise with my brother, and figure out the singles event in Texas this year. Any suggestions from those of you going to Texas, especially those of you who are single, is appreciated.
Reading through Paul has always been hard for me. I can read history books (Genesis, Joshua, Nehemiah, Luke, Acts, etc.) with little problem keeping up and hopefully gaining some spiritual meat. Paul on the other hand takes me days to work through small books to get the same quality. It's almost like when I read them I think of all the arguments protestants use based off those scriptures and I just want to hurry through and not to get too confused. But if I am really willing to study, then God can help me through, I just have to really commit myself and be diligent. It can just be frustrating when it takes me the same amount of time to read one chapter in Ephesians as it does to read half of Judges. I guess I just have to accept that those things that don't just jump at me are things that require extra focus... perhaps pure ole spiritual elbow grease or something.
I am really looking forward to camp, and I hope to see many of you there (and hopefully before we see each other we will know what we are doing there!).
Mark

Okay, so Amanda and I are going to plan the River Walk activity at the Feast in Texas this year. It is going to be Sunday the 30th and is primarily a 'singles' activity, although after talking with Mr. Sena, I would use that term very loosely. We are basically planning to let everyone do their own thing in the afternoon: See the Alamo, watch whatever is playing at the IMAX, go shopping, visit one of the museums, etc. Then we would all meet up at 6pm or so to do the River Walk (charter a boat and get the whole tour). That boat would then drop us off at a restaurant for a nice dinner overlooking the riverwalk. Hopefully it will be a fun and relaxing little trip.
I am waiting to hear back from the restaurant. I want them to say something like "Yes, we can accomodate you, and don't worry, we'll burn all our unclean meats before you arrive."
Anyways, I will post more Texas propoganda when I have the chance.
So the students are gone, and next week my brother moves in. I'm a little anxious about it. He's a good kid, but he really does not believe in God. It's not to say he won't respect the Church, but he comes from a completely different perspective when it comes to looking at things. Still, I am really looking forward to having him around, I'm just wondering if living in the same appartment is going to be a bit too much 'aroundness.' But hey, if I see my brother's in need and I do nothing, what type of religion do I have? Right? That's in James somewhere I think...
Mark

Hey everyone!
This is going to be a great Sabbath! First off, I can rest with the knowledge that I have completed another year of school and my students are off to the 8th grade (in a few months) and I can focus on getting ready for next year and other studies.
Also, it is the five year anniversary of my baptism, which makes me reflective. I don't feel that I have grown as much as I should have over the past five years (but who does?). On the other hand, I've definitely grown. But the main feeling is just thankfulness. God called me. He gave me understanding. He's let me come into a church that teaches the Bible as it is. He has allowed me to meet many wonderful people along the way; people who I might rarely see, but will reign with soon enough.
Truly, this is going to be a great Sabbath! I hope yours is wonderful too!
Mark