Weekend in Dallas after Two Months Away

Kentucky Update 3rd Edition

(This was written May 5th, 2011 - So it may seem a little back dated.)

Let’s see what has happened since my last message: William & Kate were Married, Devastation in the South by Tornado, Osama is Dead, and oh the mightly Ohio & Mississippi Rivers are rising.  The last one has effected Louisville, we have had record amounts of Rain which makes me miss Dallas that much more but onward.

As many know this coming Saturday will be the Kentucky Derby; which is what Louisville is famous for. It’s amazing to see how much the City really does Idolize all the events ramping up to it. But I could care less about the Derby because I am more excited about my First Weekend Trip back to Dallas. This weekend will be a nice reunion for me and full of a lot of Joy – plus the further you read into the message you will see my excitement and anticipation build for this weekend and It may have to do with a certain “Mystery Man” from the last email.

What’s New – The Highlights;

·         GE: A Mile A Minute: The days of an easy transition at work are over. I have come to experience the busy time at HQ when my White Board is full of Tasks and Deadlines. I am coming to realize now why this position is considered a “Senior Band” level; because it is high performance, focused on equipping the sales force for excellence, and managing the fire drills that happen. I go home some nights with my brain pretty tried from being so engaged and stimulated; it’s a big change from my role in Dallas. My Monday’s literally consist of one Staff Meeting to the next where I have to report out what I am doing; I am still a little intimidated by this because I am the young one on the Team. I am learning how to Push Back more and to really not get taken advantage of in an essence. God reminds me every day to depend not on my own strength but to trust him to direct my days at work. And He always answers. Please continue to pray specifically for the relationships I am building here and how I can really be a light in this dark place; it is challenging. But I am working at being intentional with co-workers.

·         Sojourn Community Church; I have gotten involved on Wednesday Nights with a Women’s Bible Study through the Book of James. There are only about 10 people who attend it which is really nice that it’s a lot smaller. There are 3 girls who have been pursuing me pretty intentional that are in it and I am really enjoying growing deeper with these women. And it’s been good to study James again; the Lord continues to reveal the application to this Season of Life that I am in. My eyes have been pointed to Trust God in the Tests, to focus on the Eternal Perspective, to Pray with Confidence and not as Double Minded without Faith, and to Continue to Persevere with the process.

·         Community; The Lord has really answered my Prayer for this in Louisville. It’s been really fun to continue to reconnect and deepen friendships as well as build new. I don’t feel like I am “New” again anymore but I feel like I can be more of a Host. This past weekend I had a lot of Fun with some great people. Friday night I spent time with Christa & Mandy; dinner and went to see a good friend of mine, Dave Moisan’s Band play. Saturday Night I had dinner and got to build on a friendship with Amanda, afterwards met several good friends at a Party the “Seminary Guys” were hosting (Seminary Parties are Very Interesting – I had one buy myth by my job at GE). And then on Sunday church and went to an Old Friends House for a “Thirty one” party. It was fun to see Whitney, because I actually fixed her and her husband up on a double date in 2007 and the rest is history. Needless to say there is a lot of evidence and fruit of what God has provided. One of the funniest things was on Good Friday, I was at the Sojourn Hymn Night; where I jokingly said I would no one, and obviously I ran into so many friends from High school & Youth group, College/CRU, plus post College. It was fun to see how my worlds combine.

·         Family: Please Continue to pray for my Sister’s Future Job and where her and her fiancé will live post the wedding (July 16^th). She officially graduates on May 14^th and we will be back living under the same roof for about two months. This will be lots of FUN. My parents are too much fun; and I am really enjoying my time with them.

·         The one you have been Waiting on, “Mystery Man”: This one is a funny story. I have a dear friend in Louisville whom for over a year has been wanting to try Eharmony but wouldn’t do it unless someone would do it with her. Thus she had been trying to rally me; about a month ago I figured I would encourage her in the efforts because the price was half price. So needless to say, I am on it with no expectations and kind of as a joke. I get paired up with about 800 men and out of those 1 raises up; he looked someone familiar to me and I was really impressed by his heart for the Lord and such conveyed on his profile. Needless to say we went through the steps, started emailing Novels to each other on a Daily basis for about two weeks and really growing in communication and friendship. We laughing said, “we had nothing to lose, worst case scenario we don’t like what each other has to offer”. The more we emailed, the more we each became really impressed and intrigued by each other’s heart for the Lord, passion for life, and what makes each one of us. We graduated to talking on the phone (about two weeks ago); the first night talked for 5 hours but it felt like a hour. The funny thing is he is very involved at Watermark and we literally have been at all the same places and parties a countless number of times. We laugh to think about how God finally introduced us; and what’s even funnier is all our mutual friends have all been like “Why didn’t I think to introduce you two, because it makes so much sense”. We have our first date this Friday in Dallas; and we both can’t wait to actually spend time together not on the phone or over email. And what’s really fun is I have a business trip to Dallas on May 16 – 18^th; so I will be in town pretty quickly.

·         So His Name is Kyle: I figured post the story you may want a little bit more. Kyle is 26 from Orlando, Florida and owns Robert David Pearls (yep that’s right he sells Pearls). After spending two years at Vandy, then finishing up at Baylor he moved back to FL to work for his Dad in Real Estate; then after a couple endeavors and a hard season he ends up spending a Summer in China as a Missionary where the Lord stumbles him upon Pearls. He moves to Dallas to start Seminary and build up his Company. At that point gets really involved at Watermark with Serving with the Young Adults. He now serves with Wake. He is dynamic, His testimony is Beautiful, and he has been 100% intentional but good about taking Us one Step at a Time. What I really love is that I don’t have to question Him, nor am I questioning where we stand; but my heart is Guarded in Christ and I know his Goal is to Honor me because he Fears the Lord far more. The fun thing is our parents are actually already involved and have been able to watch the process; which I appreciate because I appreciate their wisdom and support. Just a glimpse of Kyle for you. Plus I came home yesterday to a surprise at my front door; Kyle had solicited the help of two girlfriends to get my address and favorite type of flowers. I had flowers with a note that said, “ I can’t wait to see you on Friday”.

Lots of Love and Thanks for your Prayers

Dinner at the Brown Hotel

 Dinner at the Chef's Table - The Brown Hotel

Every once in a while my job comes with some edible perks. On Monday night, I hosted Dinner at the Brown Hotel for Customers of ours. After a long Monday who really wants to have to work some more. Come to find out, I was in store for a wonderful experience. I hate at the Chef's Table in the Brown Hotel's Kitchen - not only did I get a live cooking demo and gained some new tips; I had a 5 course meal give to me. I could barely eat all of it. The pictures are just an attempt at reinterpreting my meal for you. Are you Hungry?

A Supporter of A Good Thing

 

A Support of A Good Thing

Many have know me to be a music snob; I typically like finding a new artist and sharing them with everyone. And then when they become Main Stream I don't like them near as much; that's not always factual. On Good Friday I attended the Sojourn CD Release " The Water and the Blood: Hymns of Issac Watts" night at Louisville Memorial Auditorium. It was absolutely beautiful and I am a huge Supporter of a Good Thing. So go and buy your own copy on iTunes, you won't be dissatisfied.

Check out the Music Video/Trailer

Apple Dumplings (Kudos to Alex Casabella)

 Apple Dumplings - Alex Casabella

My Best Friend, Alex Casabella recently moved from Louisville, Kentucky to the Philadelphia area with her Husband Clint and little 6 Month Old Sawyer. It's really funny, because she and I literally found out that we were moving around the same time except it didn't overlap at all. She moved two from Louisville two weeks before I moved home to Louisville. I really miss being back and not having her here; but it really has been a joy to see the depth of our friendship because we are going on the 3rd year that we haven't live in the same place. True friendship that is centered in the Lord truly does transcend time and distance. Alex and her husband are helping Launch a Church in Philly and God has been preparing them and their families for this Journey for several years now; I am just glad that they are finally being able to be there and invest in the City. Now she gets to come Home to me vereses me coming Home to her. 

I went to a Small Dinner party last Sunday night and called Alex looking for a "quick and easy fruity recipe". I knew that she would have a perfect one in mind. She is an avid chef and baker like myself. She gave me the Recipe below and it was a Hit. Go ahead and try it yourself. You will never guess what the Secret Ingredient is... it's a famous Southern Delicacy no other than Mountain Dew. It's surprising but Trust me and Alex... everyone will love it. From Philly to Louisville to Dallas and from my Kitchen to yours. Enjoy. Oh and I will post pictures of sweet Sawyer and Alex soon - you won't believe how cute she is.

Ingredients

• 2 whole Granny Smith Apples
• 2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls
• 2 sticks Butter
• 1-½ cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• Cinnamon, To Taste
• 1 can (12 Oz.) Mountain Dew Soda

Preparation Instructions

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.
Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.
WARNING: Prepare this dish at your own risk. It is beyond imaginable.

The Mysterious Cross

In lieu of Good Friday, I thought I would share a thought on the Cross and what Christ did for My Sins and For Yours. Glory to God for the great gift of His Son and the Grace bestowed upon us. Have a beautiful Day.

"There stands the mysterious cross—a rock against which the very waves of the curse break. He who so mercifully engaged to direct this judgment against Himself hangs yonder in profound darkness. Still He remains the Morning Star, announcing an eternal Sabbath to the world. Though rejected by Heaven and earth, yet He forms the connecting link between them both and the Mediator of their eternal and renewed amity.
Ah, see! His bleeding arms are extended wide; He stretches them out to every sinner. His hands point to the east and west; for He shall gather His children from the ends of the earth. The top of the cross is directed toward the sky; far above the world will its effects extend. Its foot is fixed in the earth; the cross becomes a wondrous tree, from which we reap the fruit of an eternal reconciliation" - F.W. Krummacher

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports

It's Derby Time is Kentucky. Oh how exciting it is to be Home for all the Festivies. Here is a little bit about the Traditions for those Reading from Texas. Be prepared I should have more Derdy information to come soon.

In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play a large role in the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race. The historic drink can be served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup but most Churchill Downs patrons sip theirs from souvenir glasses (first offered in 1939 and available in revised form each year since) printed with all previous Derby winners. Also, burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables, is a popular Kentucky dish served at the Derby.

 

The infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race. Instead, revelers show up in the infield to party with abandon. By contrast, "Millionaire's Row" refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich, the famous and the well-connected. Women appear in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats. As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, the University of Louisville Marching Band plays Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home".
The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a lush blanket of 554 red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition originated in 1883 when New York socialite E. Berry Wall presented roses to ladies at a post-Derby party that was attended by Churchill Downs founder and president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner. The Governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy. The late pop vocalist Dan Fogelberg composed the song "Run for the Roses" for the 1980 running of the race.