Love Monkey!

Let's break the distance!

On Friday, I will embark on maybe one of the biggest journey's of my life, not distance wise but none the less still one of the biggest. I will get on a plane at 6am (chicago time) and arrive in sunny California at 9am where waiting for me wil be the most wonderful man in the world. He be there waiting with open arms and a loving embrace, which I will walk right in to. From there we will start the, hopefully traffic free, journey back to the 5 and then to the 14 and will arrive in our hometown, The Antelope Valley. The events we will have are as follows, we will grab a blanket and head to Apollo Park, for a little catching up, then we will have lunch at In-n-Out (I miss it badly). I'm not sure the specifics on our afternoon but I know that in the evening we will go to Alex's bible study so I can meet his friends there and they can pray for us (hopefully). After that we will meet up with our dearly beloved's to watch the late showing of X3.

On Saturday we will have an outing with Kyle and Theresa, our first official double date!

On Sunday we will go to church, have lunch with Alex's mom, and then have dinner with my mom, and then go to the college church group at CLA.;)

Monday we will have a family bbq at Alex's pop's house. then we will go back to the valley for game night at the ginn's. How exciting!

Tuesday, Alex will meet my bro and we will prepare of our long drive back to evanston.

Wednesday, we leave California. Wednesday evening we arrive in Boulder, Co. We will stay with Keenan and Carolyn Tompkins (I love them). Thursday we will finish the final 14.5 hours to Evanston, IL.

Friday, our first day together, both of us LIVING in the same town.Ahh...

Saturday, Bethany and Jeremy get married! Our first dance will happen on this day...how romantic. That's as far as I can see into our future, but I know it's going to be great.

I love you, Alex.

Doodle for the win!

A love story (read like it's a fairy tale)

The following is a true story.

Once upon a time, in a desert far away, lived a couple in love: Kyle and Theresa. They were to be married in a beautiful ceremony, with beautiful guests and a beautiful wedding party. Theresa asked her closest friend Kathy to be her maid of honor. Kathy was a gorgeous young lady with bright red hair and a smile that dazzles the eyes; her laugh can be heard often and her charm is so delightful.

Kyle chose a dashing young man named Alex to be his best man, the man who he trusts to handle all of his affairs. Alex was a young bachelor, determined not to give his heart away until he found the woman of his dreams. Many a woman had tried to woo Alex, but he would have none of it. Little did he know, his life was about to change forever.

The day before the wedding a rehearsal was thrown, and everyone was introduced. Alex and Kathy had seen each other once before, but only for a short time. Alex's mind was on other matters and he barely noticed the beautiful redhead. The day went on and the two nary exchanged words, but this was about to change.

After the rehearsal everyone sat down to a scrumptious meal, and Alex took his place next to Kyle. Purely by chance (or some divine measure) Kathy sat directly across the table. They joked and they laughed, talked until they were blue in the face. When they finally finished talking, they were the only ones left in the room. It must've been an hour, but felt like a minute - and Alex started to notice a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. This Kathy girl was quite funny and a delight to be around. But she loved so, so far away!

The day of the wedding is here! Everyone is bustling about, trying to get prepared for the big day! Alex and Kathy sneak glances at the other, but little is said between them. Alex knows that he must pay attention to the wedding, but he can't stop thinking about the girl. The wedding is lovely and goes off without a hitch! There's a party tonight and Alex is invited, could this be his last chance to see her?

Alex arrives at the party, relaxed and at ease - and hoping to see Kathy one last time. Alas, she got there before him and greeted him warmly, tonight was going to be fun! They partied and laughed until the wee hours in the morning, then Alex had to go off to bed. When he woke up, the girl was still awake, talking and laughing with others. He said hello and was still quite groggy, he had to lay down once again. Soon Kathy was near and laid her head on his chest, Alex was too tired to care. When he came to his senses and realized the turn of events, he decided to make his move. They went out to breakfast, and Alex exclaimed "I'm sitting next to Kathy."

They laughed and they ate, Alex was sure this would be the last time he'd see the girl. They exchanged numbers and hugged good-bye, this was sure to be the end.

But as fate would have it, the friendship grew! It blossomed into a love so deep. Today they're still together and hope to be wed, a circle of love it seems.

Drive of the Penguins (coming May 31, 2006)

We're eath other's penguins!


Awwww

Proverbs 31 and how it applies to me

Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

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The word that really stands out to me in the first group of verses is "noble." I had to look up the word to understand where the author was going with this:

"noble: Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor"

Wow, that's a very high calling for anyone to uphold, much less live out. One of the example of high moral character in the definition is courage, which was a very interesting choice. I think courage is definitely something to be valued in the church, often I find many people have an abundance of kindness and very little courage to do much of anything. That's a whole other topic...

Even though Proverbs 31 was really written about women (wives in particular) I'd like to apply these verses to myself. If I were to change the subject of the verses, would they apply to me? Am I a man of noble character? Would I bring my wife good and not harm? Would my wife have full confidence in me as a man of God? Would I be eager to work for the better of my household? These are tough questions, many of them I'll have to spend time pondering later.

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14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

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This passage describes someone who is willing to go the extra mile for their family. Not only is this particular woman selfless when it comes to her time and energy, she works all day and gets up in the morning to provide for others. I have a hard time thinking that she cares for an entire household and manages a business on the side all at once, I think this passage describes different seasons in her life: first she was a homemaker, then she managed a business later. I know that it's going to be very difficult/rewarding for me to care for my family while I'm busy working, but it's something that I must do. It's something I'll enjoy doing, I was made for that time in my life.

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20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

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Even with all the things going on her life, caring for her family and her business, she takes the time to help the needy. I have a hard time feeling compassion for the needy, much less helping them. I know that God has called me to step up my compassion and giving for the poor; it's something that I need to spend time doing (food pantry for the win?). Verse twenty-three stands out to me, "Her husband is respected at the city gates." Given the context of the verse, it's implied that the husband is respected in part because of the wife. On the flip side, it's my job to be such a witness that my wife is respected in the church and at her job.

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25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

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I love that it mentions this woman laughing, that with everything going on she is still a fun-loving person. It's fitting that in Proverbs, the book of wisdom, it ends by speaking of a woman with wisdom. A godly person will be a wise person, that's how God works. If we spend time in God's word we will be wise, thus it makes sense that this woman spends time in God's word. Lastly, the author reminds us that beauty is fleeting (or passing) and that outward charm is deceptive. This is a call for me to judge others based on their hearts and deeds, not their appearance or smooth tongue; it's also a charge to be a man of outstanding character and a Godly heart so my wife will cherish who I am for the entireity of our time together.

10 days left...

10-7=2 7days= 1week + 2 days
10-5=5 in five days, it will only be five days...

In ten days I will probably be on a plane or getting ready to go to the airport or something...;)


...and then we can do this again...

At Last

At last, when all the summer shine
That warmed life's early hours is past,
Your loving fingers seek for mine
And hold them close—at last—at last!
Not oft the robin comes to build
Its nest upon the leafless bough
By autumn robbed, by winter chilled,—
But you, dear heart, you love me now.

Though there are shadows on my brow
And furrows on my cheek, in truth,—
The marks where Time's remorseless plough
Broke up the blooming sward of Youth,—
Though fled is every girlish grace
Might win or hold a lover's vow,
Despite my sad and faded face,
And darkened heart, you love me now!

I count no more my wasted tears;
They left no echo of their fall;
I mourn no more my lonesome years;
This blessed hour atones for all.
I fear not all that Time or Fate
May bring to burden heart or brow,—
Strong in the love that came so late,
Our souls shall keep it always now!


Elizabeth Akers Allen

It's like being drunk

Love is like being drunk
My head starts spinning
My heart feels like it has arms
that are reaching out to you

If you were only here by my side
Then these feelings that are tempting to hide
would have no way of hiding
I would feel the passion of your love abiding

You love me with such tenderness
Yet there is an amazing strength that exumes from you
the warmth of your touch
the beauty of your kiss

In two weeks I will be in your arms again
It will be surreal, but then
I will be with my sweet and
our wait will be complete.

You make me drunk.

Today's the best day of my life

'Twas the third month of the year
I tried to swallow my fear
Today's the best day of my life

As she walks down the aisle
She's beaming, what a smile
I'm about to make her my wife

I take a glance at the crowd
Nothing but joy all around
Today's the best day of my life

I look into her eyes and only then
Do I realize that from now to the end
She will forever be my wife

My heart's in my throat
The ring's in my coat
Today's the best day of my life

Although this was only a dream
I can't help but hope this is foreseen
One day I hope to make you my wife

3 Month Anniversary!

This is what Alex got me for our three month Anniversary! They are absolutley beautiful! They really are more of a hot pink, and there's a little white teddy bear attatched to the vase that says "I love you".

I will never forget the first time Alex told me he loved me. It went like this, "So, I love you...I do...so..." and then ther was silence...;) hehe...kept him on the hot seat for a "minute".

Alex, I love you! It will be such an amazing thing to be around you everyday and not have to talk on the phone anymore(not a big phone talker).

Our nicknames

Alex aka Love Bug:



Kathy aka Love Monkey:

love is part 2

I wanted to share my additions to this verse as well:

Love is Patient: I think Alex summed up exactly how I feel about this line. I think this has huge signifacance. Especially if you look at all of Paul's letter's. He showed a great example of loving with patience. Philipians shows us how even while in Jail, patiently waiting the for the next step, he is able to show love by sending this letter to the church in philipi. While he could be sitting their writing about how he can't wait to get out of jail and get back to them and being negetive, he chooses to love them patiently. I also believe that it defenitly wasn't out of Paul's own strength that he was able to patiently endure but through seeking God. Which is what we will have to do in our relationship with one another. There will be times (like now) when it seems like it might kill us to have to wait one more day to see each other, then we have to turn to God and say we can't do this without you.

Love is Kind: Sometimes, I just don't feel like being kind, but in love I'm choosing to find ways to be kind to show my love. But like Alex said, I think this is one of the easier ones. Check.

It does not envy: Or in some translations "Is not jealous" The defenition for the word jealous is - Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing affection or position. basically in lamens terms this means that we are to trust. I can relate to this meaning because I have a hard time trusting, mostly God, and men. This was something Alex and I worked on early on in our relationship and think we are still very concious of this factor. Being fearful or wary of being supplanted or replaced. I think that is a common fear, I'm not good enough, when he find out my worth he going to want someone better. I think thoughts like that are holding you back from being able to fully love that person.

It does not boast:it's funny because one of the defenitions for boast is - source of pride.

It is not proud: Now this isn't extremeley biiblical but I have to think about Pride and Prejudice when I read this. They both struggled with their pride, his of his position, and her of her integrity, leading both to not be open to the posibility of love. Which leads me to an even further conclusion: close mindeness. When see someone that struggles with pride what is a fellow attribute? Close mindedness. When we are close minded we miss out on oppertunities to love others. God may have ways that are very much different than what we are usd to or think should be the way we are to love people. I defenitly could have let my pride about getting out of the AV stand in my way of recieving love from Alex. how could I possibly love someone who is in the AV. I had no idea that was where God had love for me, if I would have been prideful and said no, I would have missed out on some amazing love, encouragement, affirmation, adn growth.

It is not rude: Rude - relatively undeveloped; primitive, being in a crude, rough, unfinished condition, exhibiting a marked lack of skill or precision in work...

It is not self-seeking:See below.

It is not easily angered: See below.


It keeps no record of wrongs: This I think is the hardest. I have known what it's like first hand, many times to be repeadetly reminded of my wrong doings, notice Jesus doesn't do this. It has been such a healing thing for me to be with Alex knowing he loves me inspite of my mess ups and further more that he doesn't even acknowledge them. Love is blind.

It always protects, always trusts, and always hopes: Now, Alex's name means protector, he has done such an awsome job of protecting my heart. He knows the time appropriatness of where we are as a couple and he knows that Jesus is the best keeper of my heart and never tries to take it from him. I think we covered trust already. Hope: to wish for something with expectation of its fullfillment. Isn't that how God asks us to pray?

It always perserves. Love never fails: It is a choice! I choose to love Alex until God says no, or we leave this earth.

Love is... ??

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails."

Paul tells us what love is, but how does that apply to me and Kathy? How can we both use this verse in our relationship? I caught myself analyzing each character of love, and I want to share my thoughts...

"Love is patient": Paul starts off telling us what love is by reminding us that love not only demands patience, it *is* patience. If you truly love someone, you will wait. You will wait for them without knowing who they are, you will wait until you're married to them before pressing for physical relations, you will wait for them to return your love and you will wait for them even though you don't want to. You will be patient with the one you love when they are not in a very agreeable mood, you will wait for them to be ready for marriage before pushing it on them and you will be patient with them as they go through life and the changes life brings.

"Love is kind": This affirmation is one of the easiest to accept, yet one of the hardest to carry out. It's so easy when you're comfortable with someone to constantly put them down or belittle them, but doing so on a regular basis is not loving. Being kind to someone is more than being cordial, it's an attitude of kindness that will permeate the entire relationship; the private moments of the relationship and the relationship in the public eye.

"It does not envy": Of all the characterizations of love in this short verse, this one seems the most out of place to me; what does covetousness have to do with an intimate relationship? I had to look up the definition of 'envy' to grasp where Paul was going with this:

envy: A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another

Of course! Love means never coveting another person's qualities that your significant other may lack, love doesn't compare your significant other to those around you!

"It does not boast": The immediate reaction I had to this phrase was the thought that love does not brag; but that would be the wrong interpretation. Boasting is also defined as "to possess or own" and I think this is the definition that Paul was after. Being in a committed relationship with another does not mean you own that person. Kathy is my girlfriend, she is not my property. If she wants to spend a night out with her friends, it is not my place to say "no." If she wants to have lunch with a close guy friend of hers, I need to trust her and allow her to go out without throwing a fit.

"It is not proud": Bragging about your lover is one of the most petty things one can do when in a relationship. There is the obligatory gloating over your significant other, but to brag about finding true love is desperately immature. Pride does not belong in a close relationship, excessive pride and stubbornness will do nothing but tear a relationship apart.

"It is not rude": I could never see myself putting Kathy down with the intent to hurt her. Because I am in love with Kathy, causing her unnecessary pain is not something that belongs in our relationship. While harmless teasing is a great way to joke around with the other, wounding comments about your lover has no place in a God-centered relationship.

"It is not self-seeking": My love for Kathy has me forfeiting some things that I held dear to me in the past. I am moving to Chicago to be closer to Kathy because I know we have a bright future ahead of us, so I am more than willing (even joyful) to temporarily leave behind my home town and my friends to get closer to her. If I was a self-seeking person I would demand Kathy come to me or reward me for my "sacrifice." Not only would my self-seeking ways end our relationship and leave us both with a bitter taste in our mouths, it would cause me to lose someone who loves me dearly.

"It is not easily angered": It saddens me to see spouses yell at each other at the slightest wrong-doing, love doesn't allow for a build-up of anger towards your lover. Tightly integrating with patience and kindness, releasing any hostile feelings towards your lover is an essential part of a healthy and long-lasting relationship. Screaming fights and long-running feuds have no place in a loving, Christ-centered relationship.

"It keeps no record of wrong": I've said things on multiple occasions that have caused me embarrassment or have hurt Kathy; but if I mention these things to Kathy she responds with "I don't remember" and a wink. Love doesn't remember wrong-doing, love forgives and forgets. I also believe that love forgives and forgets past wrongs, things that your lover did before you got together. Bringing past wrongs to the surface will only wound your lover, this has no place in a relationship.

"It always protects, always trust, always hopes": Love means always protecting the other's heart, the other's feelings and the other's wellbeing. Until I am Kathy's husband, her heart is not mine to have. It is my job to make sure that, if the worst were to happen, Kathy would be able to move on from our relationship. Trust is an essential part of my relationship, being two thousand miles away I have two choices: constantly worry whether Kathy is cheating on me or trust her. Without trust there can be no love. I love Paul's affirmation that love always hopes. Me and Kathy have an abundance of hope in our relationship: we hope to get married, we hope to have kids, we hope that our relationship is beneficial to the other, we hope we're making the other person happy, we hope to spend the rest of our lives with the other. This hope will last through our entire relationship, big things and small. If a relationship ceases to have hope, the relationship will die a slow death or the persons involved will lose the will to work on the relationship.

"it always perseveres. Love never fails": Paul ends the definition of love by reminding us that love does not have an expiration date. Love is a choice, a choice that you have to make daily. True love will never fail because you will choose to renew it every day, good times and bad.

I Love You

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails.

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; wherte there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disapears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain; Faith, Hope, and Love. BUT the greatest of these is Love."

-1 Corinthians 13