'Cause my hooooome's in Alabama...

"'Cause my hoooooome's in Alabama, no matter wheeeeere I lay my head". I was feeling a little crazy a few weeks ago and downloaded this song as the ringtone on my cellphone (sung by Randy Owens of the great country group Alabama). This became the theme song for our "express trip" down to Alabama this weekend. Leslie and I decided at the last minute to make a short trip down to see my Dad and Mom before things got cranking with school again. We came down on Thursday and we're heading back tomorrow morning (Monday). Some might say that traveling 600 miles with two 3 month olds and a 2 year old is a little insane...and now I would agree with them. But this trip has been so worth the sacrafice. Seeing the joy our children bring to my parents, especially to my Dad who is fighting cancer, we forget about the expensive gas and 7 stops along the way. It has been a tiresome trip but such a blessing to just be together again as a big family. Also got to hang out with my sister, Emily, a good bit (who lives right down the street from Mom and Dad). Benjamin has been a crazy man with his older cousins, AnnaKathryn and Garrett...it has been so fun to watch. But the funniest thing has been his consuming interst in my Dad's old golf bag out in the garage. He has been facinated with this every since we pulled in the driveway. He loves the zippers and has pulled out every box of new golf balls (good thing my Dad doesn't play anymore). I'm finding new "Titalist" balls all over the house, outside in the bushes and at the bottom of the pool. As of tonight, Leslie and I have hit almost all of our old favorite eating joints: Jim Bob's (chicken fingers); Byrons (bbq); Tenda Chick (yes, chicken fingers again); and Moe's (burritos). Our stomaches are wondering where the heck we are?? We're pulling out in the morning and will be back in our beds this time tomorrow night (we hope).

Signing out from Auburn!

I've been arrested by the monks...more thoughts on Gethsemani

Ever since my trip to Gethsemani earlier this week I have been captivated by the brothers there. Don't worry (Mom), I'm not going to become a Catholic Monk or anything but I was truly impacted by what I observed...mainly the persistence and lifetime dedication they live with. This picture above is from their website, Abbey of Gethsemani. I don't know when this picture was taken but when I was there to visit, these same dudes were in the exact same stations...same guy playing the organ, etc (I recognize most all of them...and the rebel with the blue jeans). This picture could have been taken last week or 10 years ago. Not much changes at this place...THESE GUYS STAY THE COURSE! A few nights ago I was up in the middle of the night to feed one of the girls...the clock on the microwave said 3:23 (am). My first thought was, "Those guys are over there in that sancturay, up and dressed in their robes, already 8 minutes into their first morning prayer." And this is the first of seven for the day.
Other thoughts I have had revolve around the cemetary that is just outside the sanctuary. It is here where these men will be burried, joining all of those who have gone before them in the previous 158 years. It's just about 50 feet from where they come and worship every day. I try to imagine what it would be like to take the vows to enter this life, knowing the mundane, silent schedule you would live with the remainder of your days until you would eventually be burried "right over there". These are just some of the thoughts that have been rolling around in my head this week. But the conclusion I am led to is that these brothers live in another reality beyond what we can touch and see. It is one where God is their best friend, literally. He's the one they talk to and live out their days with. They live with a hope in the promise of Jesus, of a new heaven and a new earth and a new life in Christ. THEY REALLY BELIEVE THIS STUFF...IT IS THEIR REALITY! So do you or I have to go become a Monk to live in this reality? Of course not. But the question I ask myself is this: What does it look like for us to live in this reality right from where we are...where God has placed us?

Thomas Merton, esteemed spiritual writer who lived within this very community wrote, "Sooner or later, If we follow Christ we have to risk everything in order to gain everything. We have to gamble on the invisible and risk all that we can see and taste and feel. But we know the risk is worth it, because there is nothing more insecure than the transient world. For this world as we see it is passing away (1 cor. 7:31).

Sorry if these thoughts are a little jumbled. Just thinking (or writing) our loud here.

Day of Solitude

Today I went over to Trappist, KY with my friend Brandon to visit the Abbey of Gethsemani. I was not quite sure what to expect as it was my first time to visit a Monestary, but it was incredible. The Abbey sits on almost 3,ooo acres of rolling plains. We explored several of the trails and were able to see the statues of Gethsemani (see below). We also met several of the brothers and were able to chat a bit about life there. Brother Camillus who we met had been at the Abbey since 1940...yes 66 years (and has never left the property during that time)! It was amazing to observe these guys...their complete giving over of their entire life for the sake of prayer and devotion to Christ. Since 1848 (158 years), these Monks have been singing to God and praying for the world...seven days a week, seven times each day-starting at 3:15 AM. Brandon and I were able to join them in two of the services while we were there. It was amazing to hear these humble voices chant the Psalms. Of course they had it all memorized-they go through all 150 Psalms every two weeks. It was also interesting to have lunch with a room full of people in complete silence...all you could hear was the "cling" of spoons and forks on the plates...and Brandon's jaw popping as he chewed up his broccoli. I hope to make many more trips over to this quiet place. To learn more about Gethsemani go to The Abbey of Gethsemani.













Matthew 26:38-45 Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Quick Update

Here's a picture we took of the girls this morning(now 12 weeks old). They are growing so much...up to a whopping 9 (Grace-left) and 10 lbs (Liza-right). The best part of it all has been to watch their little personalities come out. Grace is a little more spunky than Liza. She's is a real talker (cooing) and likes the excitement of the baby swing. Liza is a little more laid back..."just let me have my bottle and take a nap". She prefers to just recline in the bouncy seat rather than go for a swing like her sister.

Benjamin is doing amazing things also. Last night he had his 2nd "poopie in the pottie". Yesterday we hosted a huge yard sale with several other friends. It was Benjamin's dream come true...our yard filled with little nick nacks, and trinkets, all at a perfect level for him to plumage through. He went on for hours, playing with old cat toys and christmas ornaments. Then later in the day woke up from his nap immediately pointing to the door saying "Outside, Party". He was disappointed to see that the "party" had vanished during his nap.

After all of this Leslie and I are doing well. At the last minute I decided to drop the class I was taking this month. We both needed a break from me being in class and I really needed to be at home with her. So we are just parenting together this month and allowing eachother the time to do some special things on our own. Tomorrow I'm going to the Abbey of Gethsemani with a friend (I'm sure I'll write about this when I return). More to come later.