So I sit here now with my summer class papers before me, and I have to tell you all just how good life is! It was a pretty interesting paper, don’t get me wrong. But I’m just so GLAD to have it all finished. It seems like every time I get to the end of one of these semesters, I get a little more disillusioned to the idea of returning to school in the fall. Good thing this is my last year. Right now the plans are to take Christian Readings in Spirituality this fall with Jeff Childers, a G-R-E-A-T professor on early Christianity and has some great insights into the non-traditional communities (i.e. the ones you don’t read about in Acts). He’s got whole books on the apostle Thomas’ missionary journey to India and Philip’s journey out to China and the orient. I get goosebumps about that kind of stuff…then again, I’m a self-proclaimed nerd.
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Some big stuff in our lives right now; and I’m just asking everyone who reads this to pray. We’re taking some big steps of faith, and we know that God will not let us fall. We feel like we’re following his voice into a life that is joyful, sane, and sustainable over the long term. Maybe I’ll write more about this later.
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Tomorrow I’m going to a friend’s 90-day AA celebration!  For 90 days he’s been clean and on a track toward recovery! It’s been great getting to know him over these past three or so months, and I’m proud that he’s wanting me there tomorrow night. He’s a great guy and our Life Transformation Group is becoming one of my favorite times of the week.
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I wish A-Rod would just hurry up and beat Barry’s record. Hank Aaron is waiting too. I don’t think I’ve met a single person who is happy to hear that Barry Bonds holds the record for home runs. Too much mud in the water with his career.  Those are my thoughts anyway.
 Its interesting that over a hundred years ago, the Sox were the south side German Protestant team, and the Cubs were the north side Irish Catholic Team. Somethings never change…but one day they will! 
Jesse Cox, and 
Rachael 10:40 am on August 21, 2008 Permalink
That is awesome, Mark! Maybe that guy will stay up long into the night pondering why that crazy guy at the game thought he knew what side of the fence he was on. Someday he will understand : ) We love and miss you guys! Give Katrina a big hug for me.
Mark 8:43 pm on August 21, 2008 Permalink
hey rach! great to hear from you! i’ve enjoyed reading your posts. we miss you too. who knows- maybe next summer there can be a “summer mission trip” up to chicago?
Jesse Cox 11:18 am on August 23, 2008 Permalink
Hey Mark – Great post! I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog (found out about it from my dad) not even knowing it belonged to you. Greetings from the NorthWest!
Jesse
Mark 2:05 pm on August 23, 2008 Permalink
Jesse,
Great to hear from you man1 I’ve loved seeing pics from you and the fam on Geni. I’m glad we live in an age where we don’t have to be so far apart. I look forward to seeing you guys again soon!