Adventures of Mark and Brooks: Quest for Immerse-Part Two

Adventure of Mark and Brooks: Quest for Immerse-Part One

Post Ice Storm 2007

The TV news had cameras all over Central Texas filming the destruction of the "Ice Storm 2007." The Austin Chronicle noted the event in there last issue,

"Meanwhile, people in northern states snickered at us tough Texans freaking out over temperatures barely dipping below freezing, and useful TV weatherpersons beamed earnestly through huge amounts of face time – not to be repeated until the August heat waves arrive."

Looking back on the event, I couldn't recall even one of the weather men's name, even if offered money. I attended half a day of school on Thursday and then went to Milano for the weekend. Saturday, we spent most of the day at the Jr. High One Act Play competition in Temple, TX. Milano Jr. High presented Dearly Departed. It is a knee slappin', backwoods play that has the audience laughing from the first scene. Sunday, Kari and I attended Gause Baptist Church and spent time with close friends and her family. It was a delightful weekend. Monday began by spending lots of money on textbooks. I purchased five books and already owned one, to my benefit. Later Monday afternoon, Nic and I filmed a commercial for an upcoming Disciple Now (DNow). Our budget was small ($0.00), the crew was Nic and I, and our actors were two Junior High Students and one sophomore. Part of the theme verse comes from 1 Timothy 4:15-16, "Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it." We had fun trying to visualize the word immerse in an entertaining way to catch the youths attention. I will be posting the video once it is seen by the youth, so you check back later. Have a great day, God Bless.

First Day of School

Today was supposed to be the first day of school, but due to weather conditions Texas State University was closed. As of this blog, school has also been cancelled till noon tomorrow. I got out of bed to sleet/snow about noon. It was a wonderful way to start the semester.

Missouri Trip: Review and Road Home

Wednesday: We spent the afternoon playing a game called Pit before we went to Kansas City. We left Blue Springs about five to arrive at the Crown Center to eat at Fritz's. The food is similar to Sonics, but the deliver method is what makes this restaurant unique. Around the entire restaurant, above each booth is a train track. At each booth is an elevator that lowers the food that is delivered by the train. You review the menu and pick up an old telephone receiver to place your order. Than the train whistle blows and the train comes from the kitchen to deliver your food. After dinner, we explored Crown Center and the connecting Westin Hotel. Later that evening we explored the famed Country Club Plaza. Known just as the Plaza, during Christmas time they lite the area with thousands of lights. To conclude the night, we went to Kim's uncle John and aunt Tina's home to watch Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Before we arrived at there house, we stopped at Quicktrip. Quicktrip is a gas station that has wonderful Freezonies (basically an icee). We had a delightful evening with her family, the hospitality was overwhelming. It was a blessing to be in such good company, watching a film, eating pop corn and laughing.

Thursday: The night before, we had planned to travel to St. Louis that morning. We were going to get an early start and see a few sites in St. Louis, but we did not get out of bed in time. We awoke about 10am and decided it would be to cancel our plans. Instead of getting up, we feel back to sleep and had breakfast at 1pm. After a the ladies prepared breakfast, we decided to take a nap. It may seem like laziness at first, but keep reading. We decided to rest the afternoon away and have dinner in Kansas City. We ate at Buca di Beppo in the Plaza. It is a family Italian restaurant that serves authentic Italian food. We explored the Plaza and did a little shopping. After leaving the Plaza, we explored downtown. We found a city park that overlooked the Missouri River. We headed back to Blue Springs early to visit with Kim's father who had been away on business. JMob's father was concerned about the weather and about midnight, we became concerned. After reviewing all the maps online, watching news casts from Dallas to Okalhoma City, we decided it would be in our best interest to leave that night (an ice storm was about to hit). We packed our things and said our goodbyes a few hours early and began our journey home about 1am Friday morning. Within forty-five minutes, the ladies on the trip were sleeping and JMob and I talked and sang the miles away. About 4am, JMob and I listened to Oklahoma radio warning all the listeners about poweroutages, getting all necessities from the store and advising people not to travel after 7am. Our projected rate, put us in Dallas by 7am. We had beaten the storm. The laziness earlier blessed us with enough energy to get us home and prevent us from being stranded in Missouri. Kari and I spent the weekend with her little sister Shelbi. We ate Mr. Gatti's with JMob, played video games and watched Napoleon Dynamite. It was a good end to the week.

Now, we are experiencing the Ice Storm 2007, accoring to the TV News. Most public schools have cancelled class and all universities have done the same. This might be the best way to start of semester, just don't go! It will be nice to have an extension on the Christmas break, but I am ready to get back to school. That is it for now...have a good day...stay warm...and God Bless.

Missouri Trip: Mid-Week Review

Monday: We began our trip on Monday to Kim's house in Blue Springs, MO. Kari, Jonathan, Beth, and I were "On the road again." We spent most of the day on the road, leaving San Marcos at 6:45am. We arrived in Dallas about 10am and spent an hour at NorthPark Mall. After our break, we hit 75 North towards Okalhoma. Our first major town in Okalhoma was Muskogee. If you ask JMob, it is pronounced Mus-kah-gee. It was a wonderful laugh. We crossed the Missouri state line about 5pm. We got off I-44 and went north on 71 to Kansas City. We went through Carthage, MO, where the Battle of Carthage took place. Before we got into Kansas City, we exited to Blue Springs, which is east of KC. We arrived at Kim's house in Blue Spings about 8pm. Kari stuck her head out the window and yelled, "Roommate!" Kim was standing on the porch and replied, "Awe, roommate!" Later that evening, we had a "Texas" dinner, nachos were served. Before the meal was prepared, Kim decided to drop the bowl of beef on the floor. Dinner was delayed for a few hours, but bedtime was soon to come.

Tuesday: JMob and I were allowed to sleep till 11:30am. Apparently, the girls decided to get up early that morning and hang out and we needed to join them. We got moving and headed to a classic Blue Springs restaurant The Big Biscuit.Kim showed us around Blue Springs and we ended up in Kansas City. Just east of KC, we stopped at Arrowhead Stadium and Kaufman Stadium, where the Chiefs and Royals play. The two stadiums are side by side. We were allowed to go into the Royals Stadium, but we took it upon ourselves the see the Chief's field. Kari walked into the Arrowhead Club and her and Beth began looking around. There was no one in sight, so they continued to "look around." We all followed and eventually got to the field. We saw the Kansas City Star, Hallmark Headquarters, Union Station and many other buildings. Later that eveing, we went to dinner at 54th Street. We went skating at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City. No one offically wiped out, but JMob did hit the ice. Kari and I skated hand in hand several times on the ice. It was a delightful evening, that ended with a stop at Starbucks.

Wednesday: We began a late start, but the looks to hold a wonderful time in Kansas City. We are planning to go to a restaurant where the food is delivered by a train and a popular area of KC called The Plaza. Tune in next time...for the conclusion of the Missouri Trip.

Ice Skating is Wonderful

2007: End of the year...and beyond!

Christmas and the New Years celebration has come and gone. Kari and I traveled many miles across the great state of Texas visiting family. We began celebrating Christmas on Dec. 17th with my mom's family in La Grange, TX. Than my mother came to San Marcos on Friday, the 22nd to take our engagement pictures. We shot photos on the Texas State campus and near the San Marcos River. We exchanged gifts later that evening. On Saturday, we went and celebrated Christmas with Kari's family in College Station. On Sunday, Christmas Eve, we went to my aunts and celebrated with my dad's family. Later that afternoon, we met my father at my Granny and Grandad's house. The house remains empty after their passing in July and September. We reflected on their lives and the many memories that we made in their home. We drove to Milano that evening and read the Christmas story. We woke up Christmas morning to find many gifts delivered by Santa. Later that week, we spent time at Kaleo Lodge in Mineola, TX with most of her mother's family. On New Years eve, we traveled back to join the FLBC youth on a trip to Main Event in Austin. We stayed up till one o'clock with the youth bowling, playing video games, putt-putt golf, etc. It was a blessed holiday filled with lots of time with family and friends.

The new year, 2007, brings new labels and adventures to Kari and I. On March 10th, I will no longer be single, but married. We will be getting married in Cameron, TX. I am now a senior at Texas State and graduation is around the corner. We have several plans for the upcoming year and are excited about the future. We are looking forward to what God has planned for us. May God Bless each of you in the new year.

Main Street Bethlehem

The first and second weekends of December in Burnet, Texas attract many people from around the state. Sunday, December 3rd, Kari and I attended Main Street Bethlehem with several friends of ours. We journeyed across central Texas to witness the live nativity sponsored by First Baptist Burnet. When I first considered the trip, the stereotypical "nativity scene" popped in my head: people dressed up as Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and a few live animals. The church saw passed this simple vision and went above and beyond to achieve a town setting, characters dressed as towns people, and doing activities that we might has seen in Bethlehem during the time of Christ birth. The life-size town of Bethlehem in Burnet resides on half a city block and contains soldiers, peasants, drunkards, and peddlers. Most of the population was attempting to pay their taxes, or raise enough money to satisfy the tax collectors. Bread-makers offered a sample of bread, rope maker touted the strength of their rope and Roman guards led petty thieves to the jail tower. This amazing atmosphere led us by a blacksmith forge and through a booked inn where wealth men and women found refuge from the cold. This entire town scene culminated in a cave located on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Therein the cool and damp cave were was a young couple with a new baby boy. This baby represents Christ. This cold night was well-worth spent in Burnet. It bring into perspective the humbling beginnings of our Lord. In the words of Isaiah, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel." "God with us," is what Emmanuel means and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our sins can be atoned for by his blood. It was a wonderful reminder and experience to be a part of. God Bless.

Golf Highlighs...Enjoy

Olen Miles Auditorium @ Highland Lakes Encampment

On Saturday in route to celebrate Thanksgiving with Kari's family in Milano, TX, Kari received a text message from our friend Stine. I cannot quote the text message, but will paraphrase, "Miles is on fire." Kari relayed the information and ten questions flooded my headed. I inquired, "How and when?" Kari called Stine to get some details. Stine told us that the building was on fire and that the roof had fell in. According to an e mail sent by the camp,

"The blaze broke out about 1:00 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, the building and all its contents were totally destroyed, according to Executive Director, Danny Dawdy. Even though the building was insured, the estimated cost for the damage has not been determined."

Memories: As most of you know Miles Auditorium was where I have spent my last three summers. It holds many memories for myself and Kari. It is also significant because this is the place Kari and I meet in the Summer of 2005. I was on a ladder fixing the lights the stage when I saw a beautiful blonde young lady coming in to move chairs. We immediately were acquainted because I wore a maroon Texas State bracelet. She mistook it for Texas A&M, and proceeded to inquire about the bracelet. From there, Miles Auditorium, she and I began our relationship. This place will not be forgotten. Keep the camp in your prayers. God Bless and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

*Photo taken by Stine Taylor

My Current Tunes

School and The Hunt

Today is registration day for Spring 2007. I am looking over my transcript and coming to the realization that I don't have too many more classes. I will be a Senior at Texas State in December and most of my important classes will be complete. I still need to work on my foreign language, but they only meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I am going to see an advisor in about an hour to figure out whatelse I can take and than register at noon.

Yesterday evening, we participated in The Hunt at church. The Hunt was a city wide scavenger hunt that included tasks as simple as reading the marquee at the theater, to knocking on someone's door offering to take out their trash. Kari and I cruised around with six Junior High Boys in an attempt at gaining first prize. The competition included two other Jr. High teams, the Freshmen, Sophomore them, and the Seniors. The points were totaled up and my team ranked last. We are claiming that the Seniors driver sped! It was a wonderful time that ended with a deep closing thought. Nic told the students that we just spent an hour having fun, fellowshipping, and that's what the evening was planned for. But we chased after meaningless items in a effort to claim victory. What if we chased after God that way and we did as Jesus commanded, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Spreading his name among the nations, your neighbors, your co-workers and even complete strangers. Christ has commanded that we not keep our relationship with Jesus a secret, but share to everyone. It is not a recommendation, suggestion nor an optional thing, but a command. Jesus was speaking to the eleven disciples in this passage. Jesus does not charge one with this task, but all of the men standing before him. There were no personality test that told him that only Peter was set aside to spread the Gospel, but charged each of them to spread His name. God uses our testimonies and the Holy Spirit moves among unbelievers that spreads His name among the nations and brings glory to God. Tell a neighbor or a friend, that God loves them and that by Christ's blood they can be saved. God Bless

The Night of October 21, 2006

October 21st began as most Saturday's of mine begin, sleeping in as long as possible. I made it till about 11:30am and began my day with plans of asking someone special a very important question. Kari and I were in Milano visiting her mom and when we are in the area she loves to visit her grandparents. We left Milano after I got out of bed and visited her grandparents. With many thoughts rushing through my headed I need to prepare for the evening and clear my head. Kari had suggested earlier that I meet up with JMob and get her oil changed. I left her grandparent to get the oil changed and hang out with JMob. We went to the mall and bought matching Detroit Tigers hats in our continued support of Major League Baseball (We are not rooting for St. Louis because the Astros are sitting at the house!) We previewed a potential location for the BIG question, but I was still uncertain of how everything would happen. I love giving surprise and with that in the back of my mind, I knew that I had to make her think one thing, while doing another. Back at her grandparents house, I quickly insisted on going to her favorite restaurant Casa Ole, instead of Johnny Carino's (a more romantic spot). In addition to this curveball, I invited JMob and our mutual friend Beth to join us for Mexican food. It was a good dinner, (bad service) but free ice cream. We walked in the mall for a little bit, but decided to get in the car and find a place to hang out. A stroll in the park was suggested and I drove the group to Wolf Creek Pen (this is the park JMob and I scouted earlier that day). We stared to walk and near Johnny Carino's Kari and Beth decided to go use the restroom. This gave JMob and I an opportunity to run across the park back to the car to get some items I wanted to use for the question. After a few moments of running, I was out of breath and threw the car keys to JMob and said, "Grab the black back pack!" He ran ahead and met me at the bridge we selected. I took ten candles and lined them along the bridge leading towards the end of the bridge. I gave JMob my video camera and we both hid. Beth called JMob and asked, "Where are you guys?" JMob let her know the game was in motion and to come back to the car. With intention of Kari seeing the candles, we waiting in hiding for Kari to arrive. When they came around the bend, both Beth and Kari noticed the candles. Kari asked, "Are those for me?" Beth encouraged her to find out what was on the bridge and Beth hung behind. Kari proceed down the path and turned around to find JMob following her with my video camera and Beth jumping in the bushes to spy the ordeal. As she walked across the bridge, I waited in the bushes for the right moment to reveal myself. When she reached the last candle I came out of hiding and presented myself. She was smiling and I gave her a hug and told her, "I have to ask you something important, but I can't do it standing." I took a knee before her and held her hand. I said, "Kari D. Davenport, I knew from the day that I met you, you were someone special. I love you. Will you marry me?" She glowed with excitement and asked, "Do I say yes now?" I replied, "wait just a moment." I reached into my pocket to reveal a small black box. I opened it and presented the ring I had purchased. She handed the box back and said, "Will you put it on?" I took the box back and took the ring out. I held her hand and than slipped the ring on her finger. She looked me in the eyes and said, "Yes." It was a wonderful evening and one we both will never forget. We both thank you for your encouragement, kind words and prayers. God Bless.

Coffee is delightful and so is God!

As I sit in the Coffee Pot Espresso Bar on the Square in San Marcos, I am content with my surroundings and current state of relaxation. Although the re-mix version of Johnny Cash's One Piece at a Time (the CD is skipping) plays over the coffee house speakers, I find myself looking forward to this evenings bible study. We will be taking a look at Ephesians 2. I have encouraged everyone to try and read it at least once a day, but many times we find ourselves too busy. Since, last Tuesday, I have only read the passage four times, but in those four readings something different has caught my attention. Frankly, in the first reading, I am not sure if I got anything at all, but I am certain the following three times I was able to glean some valuable insights into how Christ would have us live. It is an encouragement to know that Christ is our cornerstone, in which we can built our life on. It says in Ephesians 2:19-20 we are "fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." We are adopted into God's family through the blood of Jesus Christ, and nothing can take that away from us. We are apart of a family that should be loving, caring, helping, and encouraging one another daily. With Christ as the center of our lives, we experience freedom, love, redemption and many other blessings. This freedom I bask in this morning at the coffee shop is granted by the Almighty and I am thankful for that today. I hope that each of you will find this contentment in the Lord Jesus. Have a blessed day.

Randomness

Kari and I were head back to her place, when we saw a young man by the old fish hatchery on campus. The campus contains some of the first fish hatcheries in Texas. Upon closer look, the young man seemed to be casting something into the pond. It became evident that he was fly fishing in the old fish hatchery on campus. I am unsure of the legality of this, but am pretty certain, those historic ponds are protected by some law. I guess if he was throwing his catch back, it is not that bad!

We played Capture the Flag on Saturday night with twelve students in Cedar Creek. There are a few stories to share from that event:

I had built a camp fire for our group to sit around as well as cook hot dogs. We broke out the cold hot dogs and told the kids to find a stick or something to cook their hot dogs on. Victoria, a seventh grader, exclaimed, "Is that sanitary?!?" It was a priceless moment from one of the "city kids."

Later that evening, we were in the battle field playing Capture the Flag. For those not familiar, each team has a jail and hidden location of their flag. The goal is to retrieve the opposing teams flag with out getting taken to jail. As I guarded my team's jail, I noticed a flashlight deep within our territory. In order to properly defend our area I followed the light. After crossing the woods, I learned that the light had originated from one of my teammates Julie. She was a bit frazzled, and confessed. She admitted to me that she was lost and had no clue where she was. It seemed she spent most of her time crawling for fear of getting caught, but ultimately she was on our side, just lost.

One more bit of randomness...

Kari's cousin Neilie came into town to visit. I had agreed to take the ladies out to dinner. As a treat to myself and the two girls, I took them to Clear Springs. Clear Springs is on the East side of New Braunfels and has excellent catfish and onion rings. The last time I was there, I ordered a small batch of onion rings and this amount did not fill me up. I proceeded to order a large order of onion rings. The waitress said, "You know that feeds four to six people?" I replied, "Yes ma'am." She brought the onion rings out and Kari, Neilie, and I began eating. Before dinner was over, a man and his wife came over to introduce himself and inform us that we were the talk of his table. He said, we wondered if you and your table could eat all those onion rings. I just said we were hungry or something of the sorts. As he walked away, I said nice to meet you and gave him the thumbs up. He said, "Are you?" Not completely aware of the additional meaning, it dawned on me he was referring to being an Aggie. I replied, "No, but these two are." Kari was not sure what the conversation was about. The older man reached across the table to show Kari his class ring, but she thought he was trying to "pound it." (Fist to fist greeting or acknowledgement of one another, instead of shaking hands) To my surprise, I thought the same thing, but she stopped short of "pounding" the man's fist and said, "Oh, you went to A&M!" It was a great time!

Hope you enjoyed these little tales from my weekend. Have a great week.

Expo

I worked the fifteenth annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo this past weekend. It was a long weekend, but well worth the time spent on the grounds. We have provided sound for the event for several years and each year there seems to be more and more people attending. The Sea World show with Julie Scardina was informative and filled with exciting animals including a lynx, peinguin and a kangaroo. The Birds of Prey show was also notable. Above is a Red Tailed Hawk who was showcased in the presentation. After seeing this show three year ago, I find myself often noticing these birds perched on high hunting their prey. That's all for today.

Adventures in College Station

I have said it before and will say it again, I love Wednesday!

Yesterday we took a trip to College Station with every intention on attending Breakaway. Kari, Stoney and I left San Marcos about 5:30pm, unaware of what may lie ahead in College Station. Breakaway is a, "non-denominational, weekly Bible study at Texas A&M University," according to the website. Last night, Shane & Shane was scheduled to lead worship until the power company had a slight problem. According to the Houston Chronicle, "A transformer explosion sparked a power outage that affected an estimated 86,000 homes and businesses in Bryan, College Station and four surrounding counties." We were aware of the problem as we drove east, but did not consider the traffic ramification until we received a phone call that travel time from one block to the next was about thirty minutes. We stopped our progress and ate dinner with Kari's mother and sister in Caldwell at MasFajitas. On a side note: Unless it is the only restaurant open, NEVER eat at MasFajitas in Caldwell. Horrible service, bad food, and horrible service...wait, did I already say that! During dinner we received a phone call that power was back on in College Station and with the right speed we could still make the nine o'clock worship service. To our surprise, Breakaway was cancelled. We meet up with some close friends, JMob and Beth and attempted to find some place to hang out. Finally we arrived at Sweet Eugene's and drank some caffeinated beverages. It was a wonderful evening of singing, dancing, and laughing with good friends. Gig 'em! And please, would someone turn the lights back on!

Little bit of everything

Yesterday was my granny's funeral. The services went well. I believe that Granny would have been honored by the words that were used to describe her life. Not only words, but an outpouring of love from family and friends from those who knew Granny and some that were there in support of close family members. I was able to say a few words that invoked many good memories for many who knew Granny. Granny and Grandad will be loved and missed, but never forgotten.

School continues on. Thursday at 10:45am is the official start time of my weekend. I have a busy weekend ahead. On Friday evening I am making a visit to College Station to see JMob. I am sure the time will spent hanging out, exchanging mp3's, and drinking some good coffee. Nic and I have a pending game of Junior High Capture the Flag tentatively scheduled for Saturday evening. Last Saturday evening we had planned to play, but the rain prevented us from ever beginning the game. In addition, I hope to finish editing a short film for church on Sunday morning that will show the congregation some highlights of the Junior High Retreat.

Thoughts on Granny

As I slow the many thoughts and emotions, I consider the many blessings that have already been astowed upon myself. I also considered the fact that I had never lost anyone close, or one I dearly loved, but on July 5th I could no longer have that thought. On November 25, 1939, in McMahan Harold Hellums was married to Sylvia Robinson (better known to me as Granny). She remained strong after the passing of her husband on July 5th, but many times she would express to me her longing to be with Harold again. At the beginning of September, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. After being released from the hospital, she was sent home to Cedar Creek where she spent less than a month heavily drugged (for the pain) and sleepy. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I saw her on Friday, September 15, 2006. We talked about myself some and how she was feeling. She was in good spirits and glad to see me. On Friday evening, September 22, my father called to inform me that she had passed. I was aware that she was doing worse, but unexpectedly received the news with tear-laden eyes. What I have learned is similar to what it says in James 4:14, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." We do not know what will happen tomorrow, as I did not know that my grandmother would pass so quickly. Our life is important to God. You are seen in God's eyes, or his time frame as "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." God would have us make to most of what we are doing, how we are effecting those around us, and in the end, are we giving all that glory and honor to Him. I will echo James, what is your life? Granny will be loved and missed, but the many examples of kindness, love, being honest and caring will go on through my actions. Say a pray for my family and I. God Bless.