Thoughts while Traveling

NOTICE THE EDIT....

Dear friends,

As many of you may know, I am a third year law student from New Orleans. Contrary to most of the national news headlines, although downtown and the french quarter were spared the catastrophic damage predicted, there are major areas of the city and suburbs which are in horrible shape and their situation is getting worse.

Areas of New Orleans East which is a heavily populated area similar to Virginia Beach (one subdivision after another) are under 10-15 feet of water, many survivors are either trapped in their attics and unable to break through or stranded on top of their roofs to escape the water. This area is your worse nightmare for this type of situation, the area is surrounded by swamp and marsh which has the full compliment of snakes, alligators, and wild animals which will be in and among these peoples homes and present very real hazards when they enter the water.

Additionally, this area because of its below sea level elevation has almost entirely all of its electri cal lines above ground and suspended from poles which have mostly been blown down. Many of these wires are still "live" and present incredible dangers for the survivors as well as the people who are attempting to rescue them.

Additionally, there are reports that water in the city is rising because one of the major levees close to Lake Ponchartrain has been breached (reportedly the break is about 2 city blocks long at the 17th Street canal) and the water is pouring into the city. My familiarity with the city reminds me that this particular canal is one of the main relief lines for the city's pumping stations and the drainage water pumped from other parts of the city feed into this particular canal. The result is that they are facing rising water which will only add to the already horrendous flooding which is effecting most of the inner city areas.

It is easy for those unfamiliar with this area to consider that those who stayed behind are only getting a healthy dose of reality; however, the reality is that this area is so huge and heavily populated that they physically could not have evacuated the entire city and suburbs. The grid lock which accompanied most of the evacuations was a significant part of the problem. There are only two interstate feeds into the city and now one is under water at key sections and the other has been completely destroyed. The bridge which was destroyed (twin span connecting Slidell to the New Orleans East was comprabable to Hampton Roads Bridge tunnel in its size and capacity.

Your prayers for the people trapped in the city, rescue workers, displaced people who are now scattered from Texas to Florida is incredibly needed and appreciated.
Most of our family will be effected by this, at least in the total loss of their homes and belongings and we have several members who are unaccounted for at this time. Please remember them in your prayers. Please forgive this long email I guess in a sense I'm in shock and pouring out this information somehow helps me to process and deal with it.

thanks,
Jay Albe

Survivors sought as Katrina's death toll rises
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — As dawn broke over the ravaged Gulf Coast on Tuesday, rescuers in boats and helicopters furiously searched for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The governor said the death toll in just one Mississippi county could be as high as 80.



I just want to do something.

It's funny. Last Sunday morning I was sitting in my hammock chair on the porch and reading Blue Like Jazz. I came To Chapter 12 (I think) which adressed the issue of "How to go to church and not be angry." I found myself laughing out loud because what I was reading was in fact God Himself reminding me how far he had brought me in my journey of faith, and furthermore, how He had done it without the hooplah. The circumstance being where I was WHEN I was ended up in a comical intimate moment with my Father. I love knowing Him finally. After so long. I substituted HIM for so many other things for so long...and the fact that we can laugh together is...splendid. I want to know you more. Sit with me some more.

The sense of humor He has...

The truth is that Justin and I haven't been to church in quite a while. We were bloated and sick from the hooplah. We were tired and weary of "church hopping." That can be an exhausting sport. So we have been resting on Sundays. For me that has been ...good. This season is about to end, however. We both hear a whisper and we are listening quietly to decipher the message. We are thinking perhaps we should have church at home and invite the neighbors. Who knows...the next season is approaching...and we shall see what colors the leaves turn.

According to medical experiments: If you can find the Man's Head within 3 seconds, your right brain is more developed than normal people. If you can find the Man's Head within 1 minute, your right brain is developed normally. If you can find the Man's Head within 1-3 minutes, your right brain is slow in reacting, you should eat more meat protein. If you can't find the Man's Head in 3 minutes or more, your right brain is a disaster... extremely slow in reacting, eat way more protein and try some Ginkgo Biloba. AND, YES THERE REALLY IS A MAN IN THERE.

" I want to keep my soul fertile for the changes, so things kep getting born in me, so things kepe dying when it's time to die. I want to keep walking away from the person I was just a moment ago, because a mind was made to figure things out, not to read one page again and again.

The only good stories have the characters different at the end than they were at the beginning.
And the closest thing I can liken life to is a book, the way it stretches out on paper, page after page, as if to trick the mind into thinking it isn't happening all at once."

~ Don Miller ~ Through Painted Deserts

"ART ORDERS THE CHAOS OF OUR LIVES." ~ Gillette Elvgren

I feel compelled to share my more exciting events of the day.

The people that answer the main line for Regent were out to lunch today and I had the priviledge to answer the phone. One guess at how many irate people I spoke (or rather listened) to in that hour regarding the millionth (ballpark guess) media mistake made by Mr. Robertson?

seven.

And oh, how I wanted to agree with every single one of them that although he claims to be a spokesperson and a leader for Christians on television sets all over the world, the majority of what he says is far from the teachings of Jesus. At the very least I wanted to assure them that everyone at Regent University doesn't share his views. Of course I was instructed to keep my mouth shut and give NOTHING of my opinion. Not that I would- I am a professional and have a little bit of self- control. Geez...and you know what the kicker is? I am certain that I would lose my job in an instant if I did say anything. I could probably even get fired for this blog entry if the right person read it. It WOULD be worth it if I had the chance to share Jesus with one person on the phone~ would it not?

Rebellious spirit cowering for fear of losing job.

Did Jesus say to not worry about what you wear, or eat? That we should be anxious for nothing?

Yes I believe he did say that.

Why do I feel like crawling under my desk and hiding?

I know~ I am being dramatic.

I am just tired of my spirit fighting so hard. Really. Confusion starts to seep in slowly and soon permeates- and confusion is not of the Lord.

Make me like a child, Lord. Let me simply sit in wonder of you rather than being tossed and turned like a tumble dry on regular. Let me rest the eye of the storm once again...

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~Clara Ortega

Rainy day~ sinus headache~ just want to go home and get in bed and stare at my peanut butter colored walls from my pillow. That is, until the inevitable closing of the eyes.

I find it weird that my new addiction is Reese's Pieces and I chose "Peanut Butter" to slather all over my walls. I am sensing a theme...and I have never been too keen on peanut butter...?



Tip for the day: Don't ever use Molly Maids to come and clean your house. Trust me. It's cheaper and your house will be cleaner if you do it yourself. No, I am not bitter in the least...
but you know I called them and told them how I felt. They are coming back tommorow to finish the job. ICK---is a clean house just too much to ask?

Sarah and Jeff are coming this weekend and I am excited. Haven't seen Jeffrey in a long time. No fabric softener, no fabric softener....

T-V EVANGELIST PAT ROBERTSON IS ONCE AGAIN IN THE HEADLINES.
ON MONDAY'S BROADCAST OF THE 700 CLUB ROBERTSON REMARKED THE U-S SHOULD ASSASSINATE VENEZUELA'S PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ.HE SAID QUOTE --WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO TAKE HIM OUT, AND I THINK THE TIME HAS COME THAT WE EXERCISE THAT ABILITY--END QUOTE.ROBERTSON WENT ON TO SAY THAT ASSASSINATING CHAVEZ WOULD BE QUOTE--A WHOLE LOT CHEAPER THAN STARTING A WAR--END QUOTE--

I can't help myself~ the man that pays my bills is a whack job.

time is moving forward...just in very slow motion. Need a break from transcripts and deferrals.

Speaking of moving forward~ gas prices are anticipated to get up $3.00 a gallon NEXT WEEK.

We were discussing carpooling last night. Not the most convenient choice, but by far the wisest one.

Tonight is the baby shower. I found some chicken fingers in the shape of dinosaurs that I am excited about. It's the little things sometimes. I know Dusty will like them and that's what matters.

You know, understanding a person and where they came from is more than half the battle. I have been slowly coming to a much greater understanding of a good friend. She said to me,

"When I was a little girl, my dad got down on his knees, looked me in the eyes over and over and told me that NOTHING is free. He has continued telling me this into my 30's."

It was then that I realized why... how difficult it was for her to understand and receive GRACE! She knows nothing of it. I find that conversation playing in my head on constant repeat... over and over... and begging God to show her his grace in a way she can see it, know it, and embrace it.

Reminds me of the chapter I just read in Blue Like Jazz.

"We dream of Christ's love for His bride reading like Romeo and Juliet; two equals enflamed in liberal love. I think it is more like Lucentio's pursuit of Bianca in The Taming of The Shrew. That is, the groom endearing the belligerant bride with kindness, patience, and love.

Our "behavior" will not be changed long with self-discipline, but fall in love and a human will accomplish what he never thought possible. The laziest of men will swim the English channel to win his woman. I think what Rick said is worth repeating that by accepting God's love for us, we fall in love with Him, and only then do we have the fuel to obey.

In exchange for our humility and willingness to accept the charity of God, we are given a kingdom. And a beggar's kingdom is better than a proud man's delusion."

Just walked away from a heated conversation on "protocol" and how it sometimes is better to avoid an "awkward situation" than help someone in need because of what it "looks like."

the never- ending story. The "appearance of evil." Letting "negativity get in."

Oh, saw it off, mate. Do you really want to get into a conversation regarding ethics with me right now?

I quietly returned to my cubicle to blog away for a moment.

I stand firm in the truth that God has taught me so clearly. NO, you cannot change someone else's heart or dictate their thoughts and their words. However, you CAN be granted wisdom from above and control your REACTION to them, and thus comes with that the opportunity to be salt and light.

Love.

Washing someone else's feet with the right Spirit is never the "wrong thing to do." I don't care how you slice it.

And so I...

breathe, let go, contend, and walk in my own convictions.

Justin and Sean
src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/tangosandflowers/Pirates/Justinspyglass.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

Todd Looking hot

Justin and Dev

Frank

Last night we had an eventful evening at what we now affectionately call the "Furnebogen" household. Backstory ~ We are in the midst of having some of the wood flooring replaced and Dan was there 12 hours yesterday working in Nicole's room. Around 9:00 last night, after eating dinner and having a nice chat in the kitchen, we became aware that the bedroom door was left open.

**begin the soundtrack of Nicole's panic attack**

Marlow, the furry and daredevil of a roommate had decided to explore underneath the house. We spent the next hour trying to lure him out of the pit and back into the arms of Niiki. I should have taken a picture of the scene~ it was quite comical although we couldn't laugh, of course.

Scene:
Justin hanging over the large hole with a scoop of cat food and talking in funny voices and Dan hanging over the other side with a flashlight, letting us know all signs of movement. Nicole is speaking in her "special" language in between quiet sobs and I am trying my best to keep her calm and talk her out of calling the fire department.

This is why we are getting a dog. They come when called.

More evidence that the house is the kingdom of the cats and we are merely frequent visitors.

I must say, however, that my tolerance level for these particular animals has increased considerably. Getting used to the little rugrats.

Still perplexed~ but life is moving on and changes are being made. No looking back.

Still wondering ~ when this season will be over for me and I can move into a new challenge...

Still waiting ~

Restless.

I think we are going to see our friends Jon, Becki, and Sam in a few weeks, which makes me smile. I am so glad they are on the east coast- finally. A kindred spirit is now less than an ocean away. This is good. We always sais we would end up in the same place working together one day...now we are closer! Hey~ baby strides.

well, it's a day.

My boss resigned effective immedaitely and my bosses boss resigned effective immediately.
They are both gone, never to return.

And so here we are~ Me, Harrison, Allison, Jerrod Amanda, and BJ. Holding down the fort.

In Nikki's lingo, "I'm very perplexed!"

sobered?

It is August 12. Lost a friend on this day 5 years ago. I remember the day at TYI and the shock that came with the news. That day seems like a former lifetime altogether.

Today~ August 12, 2005 also would have been Aaron Todd Hawks 24th birthday.

And so I choose to celebrate in my heart today especially Aaron's life and Kathy's life and Brock's life and ...well, LIFE in general. It's a gift... and all of these people were gifts to many ,many people for the time that they were here.

happy birthday~

1-4-3.

Read a great article by Brian McLaren in SoJO today called "A Bridge Far Enough."

I will spare you the entire article, although it's good stuff. Straight to the end is a valuable to-do list regarding faith and politics.

1. We must stop answering questions that are framed badly. (Luke 20)
2. We must start raising new questions and issues that need to be raised. (Matthew 22:17-21)
3. We must answer questions with questions. (Luke 20:1-8)
4. We must go cleverly deeper. (Matthew 19:3-9, Romans 14, John 8:1-11)
5. We must agree with people whenever we can. (John 4:17, Luke 10:28)
6. We must speak through action, not just words. (1 John 3:18)
7. We must tell stories. (Luke 7:36-50)

Tunnel traffic is killing me. It's amazing how much 15 minutes can mean in the wee hours of the morning.

Baby shower planning is great! I cannot wait for Elijah Dustin Rowe to come into this world. That is going to be one beautiful child. I think he should have dreadlocks and blue eyes.

My friends are having babies. I was just telling Caroline that seeing her pregnant and planning her shower seems to be speeding up my maternal clock.

I have to fight it.

Justin and I decided when we got married to wait until we were 30 to produce offspring. That's only 4 more years. Time will tell...

The dog is coming first. We have decided that as soon as we de-flea this house, make sure it is puppy-friendly, and make sure we can feed the thing, we are getting our dream dog. A "gentle giant" called a Newfoundland. A breed which we have only known personally as humans (and what fine and strange humans they are) however we are equally attracted to the K9 sort. Can't wait. Justin is living for October ~ the anticipated adoption month.

Finally reading Blue Like Jazz. And of course....love it. Many passages hasve resonated with me. The most recent is this:

note: this is not to start a political debate in any way. It is however, NOURISHING food for thought and challenging in it's delivery.

My friend Andrew the protester believes things. Andrew goes to protests where he gets pepper sprayed, and he does it because he believes in being a voice for change. My republican friends get frustrated when I paint Andrew as a hero, but I like Andrew because he actually believes things that cost him something. Even if I disagree with Andrew, I love that he is willing to sacrifice for what he believes. And I love that his beliefs are about social causes.

Andrew says that it is not enough to be politically active. He says legislation will never change the world. On Saturday mornings Andrew feeds the homeless. He sets up a makeshift kitchen on a sidewalk and makes breakfast for people who live on the street. He serves coffee and sits with his homeless friends and talks and laughs, and if they want to he will pray with them. He's a flaming liberal, really. The thing about it is, though, Andrew believes this is what Jesus wants him to do. Andrew does not believe in empty passion.

All great Christian leaders are simple thinkers. Andrew doesn't cloak his altruism within a trickle-down economic theory that allows him to spend fifty dollars on a round of golf to feed the economy and provide jobs for the poor. He actually believes that when Jesus says feed the poor, he means you should do this directly.

Dead on if you ask me. But you aren't asking me, are you? See, that's the thing about these blog things---you don't have to ask.

I had a friend of mine today ask me where I stand politically. Come to find out I shocked the hell out of her, but I think we are still friends. That's nice.

It rained yesterday. It rained a lot. I asked Justin and Nicole if they wanted to go canoeing down Maryland Avenue---they were not amused. Oh, the joy of pre-hurricane season on the coast.

Just to make sure I was not misinterpreted in my post yesterday, I was not standing in judgement of the owner of the restaurant. I was so sad for him. Also, the experience served as a check in my spirit to be more cognizant of what come out of my mouth , for you never know how it could effect someone else. Oh, and it reminded me how important it is to honor my husband and what that means.

Adios.

wanting to play and the plague of adulthood is swallowing me instead.

OK- so I went to this new coffee shop/ restaurant called Rapture that has been heavily advertised as a cool little place ---and that this couple felt the Lord's calling to use all of their life savings to open up this business...you get the point. I am a fan of obedience--so I thought I would check it out. I won't mention that I totally got stood up by the person who was supposed to meet me there...flaky flaky flaky. Anyways, I had the holy guacamole wrap, which was quite good.

The point of recollecting this experience I seem to be putting off....but I can't get it out of my mind. I walked in to the pleasant owner greeting me at the door and worship music playing loudly. I was instructed to have a seat wherever I liked. Ok. I then ordered a drink and sat there for a while making lists of things I need to get done at the house, and I overhear a conversation between the owner and the ONE other customer that was a table behind me. The subject of the conversation was why his wife and daughter weren't there. I wish I hadn't heard it. He trashed his family to this woman and slandered his wife horribly. The one who stepped out in faith with him to start this business. It went on for a while until I had to excuse myself to the restroom. I shouldn't have been listening to that (not that I had much of a choice)...but more importantly...you know what I am thinking.

Ouch.

And all to the soundtrack of "Here I am to worship."

Topics unearthed here: the sanctity of marriage, the schemes of the Enemy, vows broken, ministry melting....

Saddened.

The photograph attached was taken by the crew on board the Columbia during its last mission, on a cloudless day.

The picture is of Europe and Africa when the sun is setting. Half of the picture is in night. The bright dots you see are the cities lights. The top part of Africa is the Sahara Desert.

The lights are already on in Holland, Paris, and Barcelona, and that's it's still daylight in Dublin, London, Lisbon, and Madrid. The sun is still shining on the Strait of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean Sea is already in darkness. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean you can see the Azores Islands; below them to the right are the Madeira Islands; a bit below are the Canary Islands; and further South, close to the farthest western point of Africa, are the Cape Verde islands.

The Sahara is huge and can be seen clearly both during Daytime and night time To the left, on top, is Greenland

Part of my problem is that I cannot stand it when other people are hurting. It affects me so much I can't get menial tasks done. Jesus, help me to be more like you instead of....whatever you call this mess I am. Give me more of wisdom to know what to do with the burden when it so heavily rests on my heart.

I want to take away the pain. I want to do something so that these people that I care for so deeply can breathe for a second and know that God hasn't gone anywhere. I want to ease the pain in some way, just for an instant.

Much in the same attitude of my sister's post today---I must refrain and hold myself back from letting loose all of the emotions in this blog. They are too precious to broadcast and way too fragile to lay out in the middle of the road to be run over.

Moving on.

We have a roommate now. It's time and it must be God, judging from the unlikeliness of it all. I have already gained so much from the experience---not to mention the uncontrollable laughing Nikki and I have been doing lately. She was literally doing yoga on our front porch yesterday. And then she slept- walked yesterday morning and had an entire conversation with me. I thought she was completely stoned until it dawned on me that she was dead asleep. Making memories...

If anyone has any creative ideas of getting rid of fleas in a house with all hardwood floors, they would be coveted. Trying everything....

adios for now.

Your Inner European is Italian!

Passionate and colorful. You show the world what culture really is.

Corporate Lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies." Great!" the husband says, "Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Corporate Lesson 2
A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"
The priest apologized, "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak."! ; Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.It <http://129.it/> said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

How to Increase Church Attendance and $$$----

The elderly priest, speaking to the younger priest, said, "It was a Good idea to replace the first four rows of pews with plush bucket theater Seats. It worked like a charm. The front of the church always fills first now."

"Thank you, Father," answered the young priest. "I am pleased that you are open to the new ideas of youth."

"However," said the elderly priest, "I'm afraid you've gone too far with the drive-thru confessional."

But, Father," protested the young priest, "my confessions and the donations have nearly doubled since I began that!"

"I know, son, but that flashing neon sign, Toot 'n Tell or Go To Hell, Just can't stay on the church roof!"

Ok- this may seem a little weird at first glance, but check out this auction on EBAY:

http://collectibles.search.ebay.com/tsunami_Collectibles_W0QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR4QQsacatZ1QQsspagenameZADMEQ3aXQ3aEMTFSQ3aUSQ3a3

This fellow student is raising money for Tsunami babies. Hey, we should use the resources we have to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, right?

Unconventional yet proactive. I love it.

So, if you see something you could use , buy it and help save a child.

On a more personal note, a challenge:

What can we be doing today with the wealth and resources we have paired with a bit of creativity? I would venture to say quite a bit.

Ebay is a start.

Adios.

My first encounter with fleas has been traumatic. This too shall pass.

God has a funny way of putting things in perspective for us when we need it, doesn't he? One minute the stress seems overwhelming and the next you are reminded how fleeting life can be.

Perspective changed.

I am humbled and at this juncture I need to take a moment to count my blessings. I am blessed with a roof over my head and a job that provides. I have a family and a husband that loves the Lord.

These are blessings many many people in the world cannot claim as theirs.

"Jesus is all I can say..."

Everything hurts. Back from vacation and successfully moved into the house- but my body hates me right now. It even hurts to type.

Thank you to our families. You rock. And to our fabulous friends. You also rock. We couldn't have done this without all of you. We are very blessed to have all of you in our life. Such kindness...

However, Sarah takes the cake right now. My little sister has been the most amazing help and encouragement-----thanks. I am glad you are staying another day, not just because you are a work horse ( you should see her with a can of spray paint!!!) but it's not often we get to hang out at all, and for this time I am grateful. Thanks.

I am experiencing a craving for Taco Bell. Why does this happen? Taco Bell has never nor will ever turn out ok in the end----why do I continue torturing my body?

Life is full of questions like this.