Who Are Your Sheep?

John 14:12-13 The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. (Message Translation)

This is bold! I mean this is Jesus talking, telling his disciples that they (we) will do great works, just as he has done during his time on earth. And this comes after he has done things such as giving a blind man the ability to see, and feeding 5,000 from one kid's sack lunch. I think the part that really hit me were his words, "even greater." You see, Jesus knew that he was leaving a world that was still very lost and broken; a world where the majority of people were yet to know the Living God. Even a great deal of those who witnessed Jesus's miracles refused to believe! However, Jesus still had to leave the earth, thus presenting his disciples with a great task. Don't worry though - Jesus had reason for his boldness. He knew that though he had to leave this earth, we would not be left alone. No -- by laying down his life for us, we could receive the Holy Spirit, and therefore never be alone. Now our responsibility is to keep in step with the Spirit and make bold requests of God so that He can work in us - just as He did through Jesus while he was on this earth - and therefore make Himself known.

One part of the book of John that I have loved is that with each of Jesus's miracles the author records, he makes it very clear that Jesus was doing these things for one specific purpose: that people would see and believe in the God that sent him. That should be our purpose in all that we do. That is what Jesus was so boldly calling us to do. I do not think that we need to pray for the ability to turn one lunch into 5,000, but we can pray for the ability and the opportunity to be Jesus to those around us.

Adam's sweet grandmother reminded me that Adam is not the only sheep that needs loving on and tending to - there are so many out there that need a shepard, and Jesus has called us to take on that task in His name.

2 Timothy 1:7 God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (The Message)

Snacks for your Hubby

If you have a husband like I do that needs 3 large meals and at least 2 large snacks every day, go ahead and throw one of these in there...

Cherry Almond Oat Snack Cake

1 1/2 Cups low fat buttermilk

1/2 Cup steel-cut oats (steel cut is key)

3/4 Cup whole wheat flour

3/4 Cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 Cup packed brown sugar (I like dark)

1/4 Cup butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

1/2 Cup dried cherries

1/3 Cup (or more) sliced almonds (reserve some for sprinkling on top)

Combine buttermilk and oats; cover and refrigerate 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 375. Place sugar and softened butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer or cream by hand until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; beat until well blended. Stir in oat mix until well blended. Add mixed flours, baking powder, soda, and salt, mixing just until moist. Stir in cherries and most of almonds. Sprinkle remaining almonds on top.

Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with cooking spray and spoon in mix. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cut into squares and put in your and your hubby's lunch.

Enjoy.

p.s. These have a slight maple flavor, even though there is no maple in them. If you wanted something a little sweeter, I think about 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a half cup powdered sugar wisked together would make delicious glaze (test out those proportions there until you get a consistency you like...add milk to thin it out). :)

Adventures, Kelley & Adam Style

I think it is impossible to drive through Connecticut in the fall and not think, "Man, God is cool." It is absolutely beautiful here! So, Adam and I went to our favorite park that we haven't been to since the trees changed to see if we could capture some of the beauty. Maybe God gives us all this beauty and perfect weather because He knows it will be dead and dreary soon after. All I know is that I am thankful for it right now. It makes me happy when I'm sitting in traffic on my way to work and relaxes me on my way home.


Now bear with me because we have been terrible about blogging lately and we have some catching up to do! I'll move backwards through the weekends...
Last weekend Adam and I finally got to go do some real NYC exploring. We had tickets for Manhattan by Sail, so we took the train out early to do some necessary playing. After arriving, we made our way through Times Square and on to Central Park. Since food trucks are becoming more popular and apparently have some great food, I had some mapped out. Lucky for us, 4 of them had set up shop in Central Park a couple days ago, and after our walk we were ready to dive in. I'd have to say that my favorite was the Rickshaw truck - fresh steamed dumplings, rock music playing out a small speaker, and "totally rad" painted on the side. We also tried the turkish taco truck right next to it, which were also delicious. We then made our way to the pier (ended up having to take the subway so we wouldn't be late...the subway system is confusing!) so we could catch our boat. Thank goodness God brought the sun out on what was otherwise a slightly overcast day - it was windy on that boat! But despite the wind, we had a great time and got to see the City from a cool viewpoint. What a fun day! And I have to say, I do like the trains. It's nice that after a long day of walking around a huge city you can just relax and let a train take you home.


Ok, last thing, I promise. A few weekends prior to this (we spent a couple weekends settling into our new home) we were able to go up to an orchard in Chesire, CT and pick apples. So fun. And cheap! (Adam has become an apple snob after tasting Honeycrisp apples, the most expensive kind, but these were all the same low price!) Equipped with a couple of bags to load up, we walked up to rows and rows of apples and peaches, all for us! You actually have to show a little restraint when you have all of those delicious apples hanging right over your head - I wanted to pick them all!












On our way home from the orchard we had to stop at a homemade ice cream shop, which was exceptionally delicious (and mine was somehow defying gravity).

We are having fun exploring up here! Feel free to come join us any time :)

The NY Shore

Alright, time to finally put a few words to the waves...

It is a little strange that by moving up north we actually became closer to beaches. I know that there is the East Coast (and were on it!), but beaches seem like such a southern, hot weather, Gulf of Mexico thing. I guess that is what happens when you live in Texas all your life. Beaches were not in my head when we first started talking about moving to Connecticut, but when I realized how close we were to them, I was slightly excited. Now, I have to admit, my first visit to a beach up north was, well, a little bit of a let down. Our friend Laurie had come for a visit, and we decided to check out the beaches that were no more that 10 minutes away from where we were living. What an exciting idea! We would go play on the beaches and in the water, and I would probably spend the rest of my summer there. Not so much (sorry, Laurie). Dont get me wrong, the sand and water were pretty, but where were the waves?? This was obviously before I realized that the Connecticut beaches were blocked off by the New York beaches (remember, I am a math major - geography is far from my thing). This left the Connecticut beaches looking more like lakes, and me deciding I need a stand-up paddle surf board. It wasn't really until my brother, who surfs every day that he gets the chance (check out surfingtheisland.com), told me I should go check out the waves rolling in with the hurricane. This sent me in search of where the real waves are...New York. So that weekend Adam and I packed what (unfortunately) little beach supplies we had up here and made the short drive to the New York coast. As you can see, there were some nice little waves rolling in that I'm sure would have provided some fun rides if my board were present. The beaches were beautiful, crowded as they were. It makes me excited to further explore and (and test out at some point) the surf spots and surf community up here. Who knows, maybe we'll go to the NY Surf Film Festival this weekend, or get to check out a competition.



This last picture was just to show that we found Honeycrip apples (the kind that turned Adam into an apple snob) at a farmer's market up here. We were excited. They have some great markets up here.

Home Sweet...Home?

I think that what a lot of people call home is where they grew up. You know, you might say that you're going "home" for the holidays. Well it gets a little confusing when you officially move away from home. Now I'm not just talking going away to college, or in mine and Adam's case, getting married and living five minutes from "home." I'm talking you now live very far from home (which is Houston). Let's say...Connecticut.

I had the opportunity to "go home" just recently for a little over two weeks, and Adam was able to join me for a short period of that time. I think I can speak for the both of us when I say that we loved being there. We were able to spend precious, meaningful and fun times with our family and friends, and of course squeeze some Tex-Mex in. However, when those two weeks at "home" came nearing their end, I found myself strangely ready to be home. Maybe it was because my husband was already there (and life is always best when you're with your husband), or maybe because that is where God has called us to be for the next however many years of our life, and He wants me to be happy there. Whatever it is, it felt good to be back up north. Literally. It felt good. Like 75 degrees good.

Luckily I got to fly in on a Friday night, which meant a weekend to spend with Adam and Jaida, who I had also been missing (poor puppy had to stay at Camp Bow Wow while we were gone). We of course had to take advantage of the amazing weather and head to our favorite park for some quality frisbee time.

It felt good to be cooking in our kitchen and sleeping in our bed (even if it is a temporary apartment). It is strange what God does in your heart when He moves you somewhere totally new, far away from "home," and you allow Him to give you peace about it. Now don't worry all of our friends and family, I still desire to live next door to each one of you, maybe on a giant cul-de-sac. But for now, you have an open invitation to come and stay with us in our home.

What I want to be when I grow up....

Yeah I'm 30, shut up. I can still dream right?? These are things I write down in my journal (the one that has a unicorn on the cover....well not a unicorn...a horse with a sword coming out his head...that guards my hopes and dreams). I want to be Guy Fieri. If you're not sure who I'm talking about, then you're probably a man who doesn't watch food network. Fine, I watch Food Network...what of it?? Guy Fieri hosts a show called "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"...and this is my dream job.



First...a disclaimer. The way Guy bleaches his hair and wears his sunglasses on the back of his head and has 6 different rings on at one time typcially is a deal breaker for me. There is a term I would use for such an individual normally that I will not post on this blog because my wife does not approve of the aforementioned term. But dang it....he's likeable anyways.



Back to "triple D" as it is normally referenced. Have you ever wanted to go back into the kitchen of your favorite restaurant? Have the chef prepare a few special items just for you? This is the job. Travel all over the country to some of the best down home cookin' spots...meet the owners...watch the chef's make their specialities...and then eat them. Oh yeah and get paid for it. What the what???!!!?? This is a job???? Where was my high school counselor on this one? Where was the box on the personality test labeled "likes to get paid to eat good food on TV"? I would checked the crap out of that box. But I get to sit in front of a computer screen all day. Awesome.



I tried to think of the sports equivilant to this job. (Trying to redeem myself as a man now that I've admitted my love for Food Network). This is like getting paid to travel to the best college basketball schools and NBA teams in the U.S.; meeting the coaches and players, getting to play a few pick up games and run some of the plays out of their playbook, and taking home a jersey from each. Sign me up. I'm ready.

Dear Quinoa...

...I like you...a lot. You make such a great lunch! You provide me with energy to make it through the afternoon with your protein, not to mention your fiber that helps me stay full. I know my husband doesn't care for you, nor anything with a texture similar to couscous, but that's ok. I don't have any problem finishing you off.

-kelley


Lemony-Herb Quinoa
serves 4-6, depending on how you're using it

1 1/2 cups quinoa
2 3/4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 - 2 tbsp. olive oil
2/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped (3/4 tbsp. dried, which is what I unfortunately had to do this time)
zest of one lemon
salt and pepper

Bring stock, 1/4 lemon juice, and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Cover and reduce to simmer, allow to cook for about 12-15 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed. While the quinoa cooks, mix together the oil, 3 T. juice, basil, thyme, zest, and about a quarter tsp. each of salt and pepper (can add more later if needed). When quinoa is cooked, mix into herb mix, and enjoy!

Great served warm or cold. Feel free to add some roasted veggies, fresh cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken to make it more of a meal, or it makes a great side.

simple, healthy, and quite tasty

I promise I will start taking real photos with my real camera...the iPhone camera is just so convenient though!

In a dinner bind? Only have about 20 minutes until you just give up and get Taco Bell? No worries, I'm sure you have everything you need for a simple, quick, healthy, and what I thought was quite tasty dinner.

The Menu: Grilled rosemary salmon, steamed Brussels sprouts, and fresh tomato and basil bruschetta. Chardonnay is highly recommended.

The Plan: Heat grill to medium high heat. While this heats, chop and combine bruschetta ingredients. Throw the salmon on the grill. Pour some wine and season sprouts. Flip salmon. Steam sprouts. Enjoy!

Grilled Rosemary Salmon (serves two Adams)
2 salmon steaks, 2/3 lb. each
1 large sprig of rosemary (dried may be substituted, but fresh is the way to go if you have it)
salt, pepper, garlic salt

Season both side of steaks with salt, garlic salt, and a generous amount of pepper. Sprinkle both sides with chopped rosemary. Spray pre-heated grill with cooking spray and put salmon on. Grill about 4-5 minutes on each side until just cooked through (you can use a fork to peek in the middle of one). You should have some nice grill marks on each side, and the fish should be fairly firm to touch.

Bruschetta with Fresh Tomato and Basil (serves two Adams)
7 1/2 inch slices of a french baguette
1 1/3 large vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped (feel free to use other types of tomatoes)
1 1/4 inch slice of a large red onion, finely chopped
3/4 tbsp. olive oil
3/4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. fresh basil (1 tsp. dried may be substituted if you must)
1 small garlic clove half

Preheat broiler. Toss ingredients (except bread and garlic) together. Toast both sides of bread under broiler until slightly browned, remove and immediately rub with cut side of garlic. Just before serving, mound each slice with tomato topping.

Brussels Sprouts (sub roasted asparagus if you're not a fan)
10 sprouts (the tighter they look, the better)
salt, pepper, garlic salt

Place steamer basket over half inch of water and bring to boil. Add sprouts and season with salt, garlic salt, and a generous amount of pepper. Steam about 5 minutes until bright green.

Feel free to follow with ice cream. Enjoy!

Not for the Faint of Heart

Ever heard of Phall? It is an Indian curry dish, supposedly the hottest one out there. According to a very small amount of searching on Google, I found that it is typically made with twelve habanero peppers (the good stuff probably has a few more different types of peppers mixed in there), a large amount of fresh ginger, and other delicious, warm spices. Think of the flavor of a really good Texas chili that has been cooking for hours, allowing those deep, warm flavors to meld...you get the same effect with phall, except that it sets your mouth ablaze.
Our waiter was kind enough to warn us about this when ordering, and then after we were able to dig into it a bit, he offered to bring us some raita to cool us down, but did we need it? Nah. We had delicious, slightly charred naan bread and basmati rice with peas and coconut.

"It's so angry!"






Next step: learn to cook this and many other delicious, warm Indian dishes

BBQ Exists in CT!

Ok, so we were a little worried, but now we can relax a little - we found barbecue. Adam and I lucked out and caught an episode of one of our favorite shows on Food Network (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives) on which they featured a restaurant in CT that was only about 25 minutes away...and it was BBQ!
So we set out after church on Sunday with high hopes of finding some BBQ that was comparable to what you find in Texas. When Adam and I arrived at the tiny joint, Wilson's Holy Smoke BBQ, we could see the smoke rising about the rooftop, and we got excited. The place was packed, but luckily Adam eyed a picnic table outside that we were able to snag. And luckily, we weren't in Houston so it actually felt a little cool outside.
With a pulled chicken sandwich, a trio of pulled pork, Texas-style brisket (I guess you have to say "Texas-style" when you're not in Texas), and sausage, along with some baked beans, mac & cheese, and a huge piece of cornbread, we were happy. Not to mention the three sauces that we had to choose from to top off our delicious meal.
Now, granted, we have probably had some better BBQ in Texas, but this was pretty stinkin' good, and definitely satisfied our craving.

Next mission: Mexican food (Tex-Mex, that is). Wish us luck!

The Beginning of the Adventures

I was well aware of my love for my hubby and how much I enjoyed having him around, but being apart for so long, and now officially having joined him in our new home, has amplified my perception of just how happy he makes me. Now that I'm here...I feel right...I feel good. Not to mention the fact that I have been able to relax for the past few days and begin my adventures around CT.

One thing that I have quickly grown to love about CT is the abundance of parks. Adam and I did a brief exploration of this sweet part (Waveny Park) last time I was here for a visit, and that is where I naturally gravitated toward on my first two full days that I was here. This park sits on a huge piece of land that is encompassed by beautiful winding trails; it is a jogger's dream. Now as you may know, I haven't been much of a "jogger" over the past year, but I feel like I could run forever out here (though today my shins are telling a different story). Jaida and I were actually temporarily lost because we were feeling exploratory and were taking every little turn that looked like it would lead to a new stream or trail. But don't worry, I knew if we stayed on the trail and headed in the right direction, we would eventually make it out...and we did. Luckily I was in no hurry and was enjoying every minute of running in the cool air that smelled of fresh honeysuckle.

After we made it out of the canopy of trees, we made a quick stop by the dog park (another asset of Waveny that made me return). I have now been to this park at three different times of the day, and never does it fail to have a group of people there with their dogs. I like that. However, we didn't spend too long there, as Jaida was a little worn out from the jog.

Not a bad start to the day.

Talk About Ambience

First of all, this blog should have been written at least a week ago - sorry!

Finally, after a month of not seeing my hubby, I was able to make a trip up to my soon-to-be home in Connecticut. I was really excited about this trip for multiple reasons. First and foremost, I got to be with Adam. A month is way too long a period of time to go without seeing your hubby – I do not suggest it. On top of that, it was our 2-year anniversary, and I was getting to explore the place that I would soon call home. I had been up there before, but never with the mindset that this is where I was to be living. Adam showed me around a bit and we found some sweet parks, but there will be plenty more details of those adventures to come in the near future. For today, we stick to the anniversary.

New York City is only about a 30-40 minute train ride away, so naturally we decided to head over there for our celebration dinner. I have never been to NYC, so just the idea of it was exciting. To be honest, it just felt like a big city. I think I need to take a tour or something to really appreciate it. However, don’t let this statement mislead you – we had a great time! I am what my mom calls a foodie, so just walking down the streets and seeing the hundreds of restaurants and what not was fun.

side note: when I say walking down the streets, I mean there were about 42 blocks between us and our restaurant…we had to stop about half way and hail a cab because of the nice blisters I was getting from my heels...I wanted to admire the city as we walked the streets!

So we get to our restaurant, Milano’s (which Adam scored because he knows people), and it is this nice little place that people are packed in to, because according to some, it is the best Italian in NY. Soon after we are seated, our full-blooded Italian waiter that's dressed in tuxedo attire comes by to tend to us, followed by another that is carrying this huge round of fresh parmesan that he breaks onto our plate. This was accompanied by what was probably the best garlic bread you will ever have (garlic oil soaked into a perfectly crisped bread), what seemed to be carmelized zucchini, deliciously fresh bruschetta, and salami. And this was all before we had even ordered an appetizer! People arent kidding when they say Italians like to eat! Adam and I then enjoyed a romantic dinner together with a great bottle of wine (which paired well with our flourless chocolate cake), and then the same little man that brought us the appetizers was kind enough to come around and serve us an after dinner drink! What a treat! Never before have I experienced such ambience at a restaurant. The whole night made for a great anniversary!

(<--train ride home)

Glory-Strength

Check this out.

We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more of how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. Colossians 1:10-12 (MSG)

This is my goal: to seek and know Him more.

I love how this verse in the Message says that by learning more of how God works, we will know how to do our work (and not until then). He says this after referencing working in God's orchard - ministering to people and bearing fruit - but when I read about knowing how to do my work, my thoguts went directly to my job. Granted, this happens quite often these days when in the midst of my time in the Word or anything else since this has been a challenging year in so many ways, but I think it's good. I would not have gotten through this year had God not showed me how to do my work. And I'm not just talking about granting me wisdom in what I do and how to deal with different situations, but how to love and serve my kids and coworkers, and how to work in His excellence (which comes merely from Him and lots of answered prayers). There have been times of teeth-gritting when I was not focused on the Lord like I should have been, but for the most part I have experienced that glory-strength, the kind that you know could only come from the Lord, the kind that you look back on and you say, "Thank you, Jesus, for bringing me through that, and bringing me through it in a way that is glorifying to you." He is my joy, my strength.

Ok, a couple of quick notes...I was reading the Proverbs 31 blog, and they were talking about consistantly being watchful and prayerful. I know it's really hard when there are so many things going on during the day, but our every day is our orchard! And there are lots of seed to be planted and tended to out there.

Oliver :) Hopefully you saw the awesome picture below this blog. Im pretty sure I laugh every time I see it. That is my cool little nephew that I got to see last weekend, and he really brought me some joy. Good thing since Adam had left again for another month in CT without his wifey.

kell

oliver

we mean business.

I guess it's my turn?

Ok, so I have to admit that I didn't really think we would get into the blog world. I mean, who has time for these things? Then I started reading the blogs of my two best friends, Jessica and Angela, and realized that it really is a cool thing - something worth finding time for. And as the hubby said, I think this will be a great tool for us as we begin exploring our new home in CT.

On the note of exploration, we have a lot to do! I mean we dont know anything about the world we are about to dive in to. Adam will have a leg up on me as he has been able to do a little exploration of grocery stores (please pray that we find a good one, seriously), a church (again, please pray) and what not, but we have a ways to go.

One thing you hear a lot of is that the people up north are not as friendly. Though we have heard that this has been known to send native Texans fleeing back to their homeland, it excites me in a way. When I meet someone that seems to have a good heart, I often think, "They have got to know Jesus." Now I know that this isn't always the case, and we all have our good days and bad days, but if we continue to hear about how people are not as nice, and of kids being questioned by other kids for going to church, then there have got to be a lot of people that need Jesus up there! It will be a whole new mission ground for us, and I look forward to it.

I decided to start reading 1 Peter a couple of days ago, and I can't seem to make it past the first chapter - I just want to keep reading it over and over!

6In this [your salvation] you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope full on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I think there will definitely be trials that accompany our move to CT, but it is all part of the Lord refining us, making us into the Christians that Adam spoke of at the end of his post. He is melting away our impurities and allowing us opportunities to become more like Him, to serve Him, and to proclaim Him. Please pray that He prepares our minds and our hearts for this, and that we can see and seize these opportunities to bring Him glory!

Kelley

Houston....we have a problem...

I am a Texas boy now living in Connecticut, with my wife soon to follow. I am a closed book to most people, as is my wife at times (we are so ridiculously alike in good AND bad traits...so much for the opposites attract argument), hence my desire to start this blog and share our adventures, hardships, encounters, and praises with those who care to know....God knows I won't just pick up the phone and call someone to "share". I am the ULTIMATE call screener. My family and friends can attest to this fact. My phone will ring in the other room, and my loving servant-hearted wife will jump up to go retrieve it, and I will quickly tackle her and insist we let it go to voicemail....which I will check at some point in the next 48 hours. I do this at work as well...the use of Yahoo Messenger in my industry has only aided and abetted my nasty habit. The glory of Yahoo IM's is that you get to see who it is that is contacting you, and maybe even know what they want before you ever have to respond....and then you can take your sweet time responding under the guise of being "away" or "busy". It's awesome. And terrible. This is not something I am proud of.....it is a very selfish / self-centered way of treating those who love or know me...and is a trait I need to remedy (especially given the distance I have just put between myself and my loved ones with our recent relocation). In the meantime, this blog will be my bridge towards learning to open up and share.
If it isn't already clear, vulnerability is not my strong suit. I am a man...who developed the wheel and built the eiffel tower out of braun and metal...that's the kind of man I am. I'm not vulnerable...I work out. With that being stated....a list of my fears with this relocation to the NE:

1) Will we find a church that we love, believes what we believe, and provides a biblical community of love, prayer, and support?

2) Will we find new friends that compare with our best buds back home? This is an impossible task in my mind...my friends are some of THE greatest people...hilarious, god-fearing, intelligent, loving.....this is not a matter of opinion. Intrinsically my friends are great people..I'm just fortunate enough that they like me too.

3) Will Kelley and I be able to fight our tendencies to be satisfied hanging out with only one another - not branching out to make new friends and build new relationships??

4) Will I be the man God desires me to be in a new environment, far from the "bible-belt", where Christianity is much more likely something to be mocked than respected?

The Young Life Staff guy I met up here made this analogy today. Christians in the NE are like trees on the edge of a cliff. There aren't many of them that survive, but the ones that do are strong and resilient. I pray we will be the latter.

AE