Mike & Steph

Pictures of our first Chirstmas!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006

What is crazy is that Stephanie and I's first Christmas together is one in which we are married! Unbelievable! Here are some pics from our special day together.

Steph got a little sick with a cold so we just hung out most of the day. We opened gifts, had a great dinner (bacon-wrapped filet mignon!), read the Christmas story, watched Field of Dreams, and fell asleep to Pirates of the Caribbean. It was a great day.
We hope that you all had a great day as well. We missed seeing everyone, and we wish we could have spent the holdiay with everyone one of you! We love you!
Peace,
Mike and Steph

Posted byMike Fennema posted 9:03 PM 0 comments  

A Great Christmas So Far...
Saturday, December 23, 2006

Our first Christmas together has been great for Steph and I so far.
We have an awesome Christmas tree...

...a great new coffee table...

...a fantastic desk...

...and a wonderful (when she's not peeing and pooping in the house or throwing up) new addition to the family...


And all of these were from our parents! Thank you so much! we love you all!

--Mike & Steph

Posted byMike Fennema posted 8:59 PM 3 comments  

History Lesson
Thursday, December 14, 2006

For my upcoming class at RTS called Judges to Poets, my first assignment is to write a critical review of a book entitled "A Biblical History of Israel." So far it has been fascinating because the authors begin talking about how people view the "history" that we find in the Bible, especially the beginnings of the Old Testament. So many people have written off the Bible as true history for a variety of reasons. The author then talks about the history of history and how since the Enlightenment, people have been more scientific about their approach to history. Prior to that, people were more concerned with philosophy than science. According to the author, historical stories were previously used as examples to teach lessons. Now we use history to prove facts.
As things have happened over the last day, I look back at the history of the Bible and the lessons that it can teach me. I'm especially reminded this morning of the Israelites journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. No matter what obstacles they faced, whether it was the Red Sea, no food, no water, or opposing people, God remained faithful and he took care of them. Since God is the same now as he is then, it doesn't matter if the baseboard in our bathroom is termite-infested or the new puppy is throwing up all over the place and has to go to the vet. God will remain faithful, and he will take care of us.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 8:15 AM 1 comments  

Christmas came early...
Monday, December 4, 2006

...to the Fennema household. I guess Stephanie and I have been extra good to us because he decided that we should get a present 3 weeks before his normal drop-off date.

Avery is a beautiful mix between as shih tzu and a poodle. She is playful, loving, and very small. Her big brother doesn't know what to think of her quite yet, but we think that they will become the best of friends.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 10:19 AM 2 comments  

Our Tree
Friday, December 1, 2006

Even though its was 85 degrees today, Steph and I got our first tree together. She is definitely the tree guru. She knows want she likes, and se knows what she wants. So that is what we got: a 8-9 foot frazier fir. It pretty full and pretty even, and it smells great.
Now comes the decorating. With Steph being swamped with work, the decorating will come in stages. Tonight was the lights (although we came up a strand or two short). As you can see, we had a little incident with the lights on the tree. They got so bright I thought they were going to explode and start the tree on fire! Just kidding!
There will be more updates as the tree takes shape!

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:16 PM 2 comments  

Thanksgiving Weekend Pictures
Monday, November 27, 2006

Here are some great pictures from the weekend. Steph and I had a great time except for the 14 hour drive home on Sunday. As you can see from the photo gallery, the weekend not only included more turkey than we could eat, it also invlolved hiking, a giant swing, a high ropes course, and the lights at Opryland Hotel.

And what would a Thanksgiving post be without something that I am thankful for? This year, I am most thankful for my beautiful wife. She is my best friend and the love of my life. I can not imagine my life without her in it. I love you, baby!

--Mike

Posted byMike Fennema posted 10:03 PM 4 comments  

Jet showing off his new hairdo (and his true colors)
Monday, November 20, 2006

I love the before and after affect here. He is so adorable, and he's really starting to grow on me...especially after he showed me his true colors (he told me not to tell his mother)!

Posted byMike Fennema posted 1:46 PM 4 comments  

I'm more likely to do it, so I guess I should
Wednesday, November 15, 2006

During the wedding, we played the shoe game. For those of you unfamiliar with this tradition, here's a brief explanation: The bride and groom sit on chairs, back to back so that they are not looking at each other. They each take off their shoes and hand one of their own shoes to the other person so that each person has one of each kind of shoe. Someone then asks them questions along the lines of "who is more likely to...." or "who was the first to...". Each person raises the shoe of the person who they think is the best answer to the question. This game is quickly turning into a staple at weddings, and it gets a laugh every time. Tons of fun.
Anyways, where am I going with this and a picture of John Calvin on this post? Funny you should ask. My good buddy Ethan was the one asking the questions at the wedding, and one question he came up with is as follows: "Who is more likely to read John Calvin's The Institutes of the Christian Religion cover-to-cover, multiple times?" Since Stephanie didn't exactly understand the signifcance of this particular masterpiece, the obvious answer was me. So we both raised my shoe in response to the question. Since we both thought that I was more likely to do it, I've decided to do it. So far, I've read about 50 or so pages, and it has been quite interesting and enlightening. Briefly, here are some things I have gleaned. Feel free to question, comment, or discuss. (Calvin, although pure genius, wasn't always right.)

I may have this wrong, but I am under the impression that Calvin argues that trying to understand the essence of God is futile because we will never be able to comprehend Him. Instead, we need to understand his works and his actions.

Also, he argues that creation (i.e. General Revelation) is enough for all people in all places to understand that God exists and to see his glory. Creation is too amazing to come to any other conclusion. He follows it up by saying that although we can see God in creation, it will never be enough for us to come to a redemptive knowledge of God. However, even though creation is not enough, we don't have an excuse for not knowing God in a redemptive way because this "not knowing" is bred out of ignorance which has its seeds in man, not in God. In other words, it's not God's fault, it's ours. The obvious argument it seems, though, is: aren't we God's creation? And shouldn't he be in control of both our knowledge and ignorance? If all knowledge comes from God, is it really our fault?
I don't exactly know how to answer that question yet, but I am sure that I will have an idea at some point. All I know at this point is that somehow and in some way, God is glorified in all of this. And if that is the case, then I'm ok with that.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 9:36 PM 2 comments  

"Let me tell you how he lived."
Wednesday, November 8, 2006

So why is there a picture of Tom Cruise on our blog, especially in light of how he is perceived now? I'll tell you why. He made a pretty good movie not too long ago called the Last Samurai that I watched for the first time tonight. I am not going to write about the tradition of the samurai and what we can learn from it, although we could probably learn a lot. What I am going to comment briefly on is two quotes from the movie.

(drumroll please)

"We have to remember who we are and where we have come from." (or something close to that)

The emporer, who is portrayed as weak and cowardly throughout the movie, says this with about 10 minutes left to go in the flick. It is is one heroic moment in the whole movie. Here's my Biblical connection that you were all waiting for: the Israelites, when they were truly following the Lord as He intended, knew who they were and where they came from. How many feasts and festivals did they have to remember what God had done for them? And they knew exactly who they were: God's chosen people. As a member of God's chosen people Israel, do I remember who I am (or whose I am)? Also do I remember where I came from? Do I remember what it was like to not be a Christian? Do I remember how Christ, my mighty warrior, died for me?

Quote number two:

"Let me tell you how he lived."

This quote comes from the lips of the great Tom himself when the emporer asks him how Kosumoto (spelling?) died. Tom obviously felt it was more important the life that he lived. Argue this point: what was more imporant, the life Christ lived, or the death that he died? Like love and marriage, you can't really have one with out the other. His perfect life was so important, but also was his sacrificial death. Yes, he came to die, but you can't die without first living.

Intersting...

Posted byMike Fennema posted 10:20 PM 3 comments  

Here They Are!
Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Seeing as Ethan's latest post contained some pictures from the wedding, I figured it was time to actually post a few of them. In order to see them, just click on the Wedding link on the right under Photo Albums. It will take you to an outside site to view the pics. Enjoy!

Posted byMike Fennema posted 7:00 AM 0 comments  

Something is different
Friday, October 20, 2006

The smallest change in life right now is probably with my blog...but I don't think that I can call it "my" blog anymore...with two little words ("I will," not "I do") this blog has become "ours," not just mine. But like I said, the change in this blog is probably the smallest change in my life.
So what hasn't changed? Lets see here...my love for baseball hasn't changed despite both the White Sox and Yankees having disappointing finishes. My fish, Buddy, is still alive. My CR-V is still running like a champ. I'm still loving everything about Orangewood. Other things are still the same, but a lot has changed.
I go to bed around 9 o'clock now and get up at around 4:30 or 5. Why, you might ask? Because of my beautiful wife. If she is up, I want to be up. If she's going to bed, I'm right there with her. I covet every moment with her right now, even if it's just curled up next to her, sound asleep. I'm even writing this while sitting next to her in bed as she sleeps. I think this is the first time I'm staying up while she is sleeping, but I'm still right by her side.
I don't have to worry about what I'm going to eat anymore. What to eat every day is such a task, and I'm glad that I (most of the time) don't have to worry about coming up with that anymore. On top of that, my lunches are made for me (almost) every day, complete with love note. How great is that? I always brag about it at work cause I think it's so amazing.
I have a house to do chores around. Wierd. Last week, it was fixing the fence and getting the water softener working. This week, its power washing anything and everything, including the whole exterior of the house. Lovin' it. Little projects and doing physical chores are great after working in front of a computer for 50 hours a week.
So far these changes are small compared to the huge changes of sharing my life wholly and completely with another person. Suddenly, I feel like I have a teammate, or an ally. That is such a weak analogy though. I suddenly have the deepest and most real relationship that I have never had the joy of sharing with another person (sorry Markus). I have someone who is always around (when not working, which is not often enough right now), who I don't get sick of. In fact, I miss my wife when I don't see her, and I get excited everyday on my ride home because I can't wait to see her again. I am loving this change in my life more than any other change I have ever experienced. It is truly amazing. It is a gift. A very precious gift. A very gracious gift. One I don't deserve; therefore, one I am so thankful for.

So a toast (raise your glasses please): To the best change in my life. My wife. My best friend. You are beautiful and deep and mysterious and enchanting. I love you with all my heart. I can't believe I get to spend the rest of my life with you. How did I ever become so blessed?

Here, here.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 9:26 PM 2 comments  

Pictures!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006

I love pictures, and so does my wife. I have never been able to effectively provide my family and friends with enough pictures that I have taken. I think I might have been able to finally overcome that due to a website that I found. So far so good, but we shall see.
Please check out the Photo Albums in the right column. So far, I have posted honeymoon pictures (PG ones), and other pics from when my wife (I love saying that word) and I were merely dating. More will be coming, including wedding pics! Stay tuned!

Posted byMike Fennema posted 1:42 PM 0 comments  

How Excited Am I?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Posted byMike Fennema posted 4:37 AM 5 comments  

For Melissa...
Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Change is the order of the day, and it is coming along in a crazy, busy way. And it seems that nothing can bring about bigger change than a wedding. Wedding equals life right now, and it is hard to concentrate on much else, even while at work. I guess it is understandable since it is 4 days from today.
It is crazy to think of how much change being married is going to bring. I've lived with plenty of other people before, and I've shared rooms with people. But I have never shared a bed with someone, in fact, I still sleep in a twin bed! I've never bee responsible for a house before. I've never been responsible for a person before!
Amidst all the change about to come, the Lord is good and he remains a constant. I am really trying to soak in the last week. I want to remember it well and with fondness. I also want the Lord to really use this last week of "freedom" to understand him more fully. I'm praying that the Lord works in my life and turns me into a very Christ-like husband and eventually father...

Posted byMike Fennema posted 9:34 PM 0 comments  

As long as I have the time...
Tuesday, July 25, 2006

With my beautiful fiancé in Destin for the week, life has slowed somewhat and I actually have time to reflect on this life that I've been living. With wedding planning, work, errands, sleep, life, friends, commitments and so much more, there just hasn't seemed to be time to stop and think about what is going on. And what is going on? Only the biggest changes of my life. Let's start with this cute little guy at my feet. Jet is (supposed) to be a Havanese, but I think he's a sh*tzu. And in a couple of weeks (less than 9), I'm gonna be his dad. I've never had a dog before. With me dog-sitting this week, I actually am excited about coming home and having him be so excited to see me with his tail a waggin' and jumpin' all over me. I've never had that before, and I think I kind of like it. He still favors his mother, but so do I, so I guess I can't complain.
Also, I might be moving to Mount Dora soon. Yikes. I've never lived so far out in the sticks since I lived over an hour by bus away from Nairobi, Kenya. Pray that God provides a buyer and also a perfect place for us to buy here in Orlando. Added stress to everything else going on.
Oh, and did I mention that it is less than 9 weeks until the wedding? Holy shnikees. That is coming up quick. If I even started to talk about the changes in my life because of that, I'd write a blog so long that no one would read it. It's not like I want to fill up my blog with tons of useless stuff like picture after picture of doors or something inane like that. I want to keep my audience (if there is one anymore since I never update) interested. And hopefully you are.

So briefly, here is what I've been reading lately: Piper's "Future Grace." What I am getting out of it so far (after hte first 4 or 5 chapters) is this: past, present, and future are very important in the life of a Christian, but so often, we dwell on the past, and live the present, without realizing the impact that God has on the future because of the past and present. Our response to the past is usually one of gratitude (for me recently, it is "Thank you God for helping me pass my online traffic school class so I don't have to retake the test."), and rightfully so. But when facing you future (shout out to all you FYFers who might read this...if you have no idea what I am talking about, nevermind), understand that the grace that God extended in the past will permeate the present and completely fill the future. What happens to anxiety? Out the window! What happens when you're faced with a major decision about leaving a CV Surgery practice that you felt called to move to Florida in order to work for? How do you approach that? Looking back on God's grace in your life helps you to understand his grace in the present and allows you to have faith in his grace for the future. (And praise God that he made that decision clear today!)

I'm excited to learn more of what the Pipester has to say, and if anything worth sharing comes along, I'll drop you all a line...

Peace.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 7:42 PM 5 comments  

Check it out...
Wednesday, July 19, 2006

A buddy of mine (props out to Timothy Boer) turned me on to his website that if you like music, you should check it out:

www.pandora.com

All you do is type in an artist or a song, and it plays songs that are similar in style. It will play songs that you know, and some that you have probably never heard of, so if you like to hear new music, check it out. And the part that this Dutch boy likes the most about the site...it's free.
I put a sidebar with some of the random stations that I have created, so check it out.

...oh, and for the faithful who check my blog everyday and haven't seen an update in what seems like a decade, i'm sorry. I love you all, but its not my fault. Blame my beautiful blonde bride-to-be for taking up all of my time...

Peace.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 12:03 PM 1 comments  

The Greatest Post Ever
Monday, June 5, 2006

Monday, May 29, 2006
After a long weekend on call, with many hours spent at the hospital, I arrived home mid-afternoon to find Mike at my house being his typical wonderful self and keeping my puppy jet company and cleaning up my newly renovated kitchen in preparation for what I though was going to be an evening of just “hanging out” and relaxing. After a short nap on the couch while Mike enjoyed some baseball he told me I better go freshen up as we had dinner reservations shortly. I prepared for what I thought was going to be a nice dinner in downtown Mt Dora and walked out of my room ready to go to the car. Mike in his ever so gently –slow down baby way- suggested that we take a walk down to the dock by my house before dinner to watch the sunset. Totally unsuspecting, I agreed.

As we approached the dock with the evening breeze blowing the long rushes and the lake in the background with just a slight chop, I saw a beautiful picnic presentation on the dock. There was a picnic basket equipped with china and silverware, 3 roses the size of Washington apples in a vase next to a bottle of Riesling chilling in a silver ice box. It was gorgeous, and still I had no I idea that the man I loved intended to propose that night. We enjoyed our dinner, well at least I did. Mike was not hungry for some reason. The sun was setting, and we made our way back to house. As we approached the front door, I could see through my front windows the distinctive glow of candles in darkness. I opened the door to one of the most beautiful scenes of my life. It will forever be burned in my memory. There were over 200 candles lit all over the room and white and red rose petals scattering the floor. It was breathtaking. As I stood in amazement, Mike turned on Frank Sinatra and took my hand to dance among the lights. We danced and chatted a few minutes, and while I do admit the thought of a proposal entered my mind I was certain it would not be coming because he had not met my father yet. Mike led me to the couch and as Frank died down in the background Mike started to play a different CD. I sat on the couch in wonderment watching a slide presentation on his computer with pictures of us scrolling by as if in time with the music playing. The song was “I’ll Be There For You” or as some of you may know better the Friends theme song. After the first few measures of the song the music softened a little and Mike’s voice cut in over the music. For the next 16 minutes He intermittently interrupted the music reading journal entry’s of important moments in out relationship. He talked about our first date, the first time he held my hand, and the first night that we talked about spending our lives together. I really started to get choked up when Mike read the entry of when he and my sister Brittany went shopping for my engagement ring totally unbeknownst to me. I know you all may think I am dense, but it was not until that moment that I truly knew he would propose that night. Shortly after that entry Mike describes how he called my father and asked him for permission for my hand in marriage. I lost it – I was overcome with joy and surprise. Mike also mentioned in that entry that he called my best friend Jessica just to keep her in the loop which helped the tears to flow even more. As I pulled myself together and the slide show ended Mike took my hand and led me to the center of the room next to a huge bouquet of red roses. He got down on one knee and gave me a proposal speech that no woman could refuse. He told me he loved me, which he had never done before and then asked “Will you marry me?” I replied emphatically with great enthusiasm “Yes, one thousand times over, YES!” It was incredible.

I am so honored to be marrying this wonderful man. He is a blessing from God, and one that I do not deserve. I love him and can not wait to marry him. I can’t stop smiling. Every time I look at my ring, I am reminded of the joy he has brought to my life.

As my father said in regard to his proposal, I applaud his technique. I could not have asked for a more meaningful proposal for marriage from the one I love. The final piece of the story came after the proposal and acceptance on my part. After I said yes Mike took a ring that looked as if it was designed from my imagination from his pocket and placed it perfectly on my finger.

Thank you to all of you who helped in making this such a special day (Ethan and Amy). I look forward to being able to participate in Mike’s blog on a more regular basis.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:04 AM 9 comments  

Exciting Times...
Sunday, June 4, 2006

Just to let everyone who has been dying for an update, it will be coming soon. Exciting things have been happening lately in life, but I just don't feel like I can adequately describe events that have happened lately. So...i'm bringing in a guest writer. Hopefully this person will make frequent guest appearances in the future. Be on the lookout!

Posted byMike Fennema posted 12:18 AM 2 comments  

Long Time in Comin'
Thursday, April 20, 2006

I've been wanting to put some of these up for a while, but I was waiting for the right time. You never want to do it too quickly, but after this weekend, I think that it's ok.
For those of you who don't know the beautiful woman in the picture with me, her name is Stephanie Kirkpatrick and she is nothing short of amazing. We've been kind of seeing each other the last coupla months, and what can I say? I think the pictures say it all. She met the fam last week, and I haven't interogated each of them personally, but I do believe she "passed" with flying colors. How could she not? My father's words to her as we were leaving are the perfect indication: "...you are welcome back her anytime, with or without Mike." Thanks dad....seriously. Thank you.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 10:24 PM 8 comments  

And the winner is...
Friday, March 31, 2006

Honestly, I don't think that anyone really had a chance to take the prize from this person. Others may have thought they were clever or witty, but any post by this person would have taken the cake. And in all fairness, I do believe that this person's post was the best, I'm not choosing him because he's my dad.
And here is your recognition...(everyone raise your drinks...)
Here's to a man who has consistently shown me the way; who has shown me the value of hard work, and what it means to love one's wife more than one's own self. Here' to a man who has always been there, who has always provided, always encouraged. He may have yelled a little too loud at sporting events, but that's how you knew that he loved you. Since I can remember, he has been a rock in my life, someone that I can turn to for advice, for guidance, and to tell me what to do and calm me down after an accident. He quitely goes about his business, not needing recognition, but he's getting it now. Thank you for the way you have shown your love to me throughout my life, and most importantly, thank you for showing me what it means for my father, whether it be my heavenly or earthly one, to care for me and want the best for me. I am unashamed that to say that I love you. And if I turn out just like you, it will be a life well lived...
...and based on this picture, I think I might turn out to look exactly like you since the only way that I can tell that is you in the picture instead of me is that I have never looked quite so distinguished.
Dad, thanks again for a great weekend. Please come again soon.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 12:26 AM 5 comments  

Analogy Time
Tuesday, March 14, 2006

If anyone out there reads my blog (and I'm sure its probably about 3 people), here's a little activity for you. Take a look at this picture of me and my dad (I'm sorry that the picture is not so great. I had to brighten it up manually because the lighting was poor.). The person who can come up with the best analogy wins a prize and recognition on my blog! Woah! That's big time.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 1:07 PM 16 comments  

Oh Happy Day!
Monday, February 27, 2006

For the second time since I have been in Florida, my dad is coming to visit. I am terribly excited! It is going to be a boy's weekend! Anybody who wants to join us for bbq on Saturday night, just let me know! Either Smokey Bones or O'Boys! Once you'll meet my dad, you'll understand a little bit better why I am the way that I am! (in a good way, of course!)

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:00 PM 5 comments  

Some things just need to be reiterated...this is one of those things...
Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Slow down, you move too fast,
You've got to make the morning last
Just kickin' down the cobble-stones,
Lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy
Feeling groovy
Hello lamp-post,
What's cha knowing,
I've come to watch your flowers growin'
Ain't cha got no rhymes for me,
Do-it-do-do, feelin' groovy
Feeling groovy
I've got no deeds to do,
No promises to keep
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me
Life I love you,
All is groovy

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:29 PM 2 comments  

The Music of My Mind
Saturday, February 4, 2006

Looking back at the road so far
The journey's left its share of scars
Mostly from leaving the narrow and straight
Looking back it is clear to me
That a man is more than the sum of his deeds
And how You've made good of this mess I've made
Is a profound mystery

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:56 AM 4 comments  

i'm a mess...
Friday, January 20, 2006

so i'm sitting here in my dining room in my boer bennink shorts, a long-sleeved army-green shirt, and one sock (don't ask). my hair's a mess, my contacts are still in, i'm as tired as all get out (in fact i just got up from a brief and unexpected nap that snuck up on me while i was reading the davinci code just a minute ago). i'm not even using my own computer (thanks wes). it is nearing midnight and i should have been in bed hours ago. me and my boy sharpie are going for breakfast in the morning and i'll be rising early so i should be asleep, but something keeps me up (and it's not the fear of recent threats against me and my boys). i guess i just feel drawn to be. to think. to write.
i think that its moments like these that i feel God really speaking. the late nights and the early mornings. the times when i am alone but i know others aren't around. some of my best experiences with the Lord aren't much. they don't always include the bible or praying or singing or something spiritual. its just me being and Him being with me. just sensing His presence.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:37 PM 2 comments  

Defending My Honor
Monday, January 16, 2006

While I am flattered that people would think that I could do such a thing, I am taken aback by the accusations that have been flying around lately( I know that most people know what I am talking about without me having to say it, if not, I'm sorry.). I have always desired for people to describe me as a man of integrity and honor. Someone who could be trusted. A man of my word. But lately I feel like people have been draggin my name through the mud and saying things that are hurtful. I feel like my actions in the past and my character have been overlooked, and my hard work has been erased. Please restore my honor.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:18 PM 16 comments  

The Gambler
Saturday, January 14, 2006

On a warm summer's evenin', on a train bound for nowhere, I met up with the gambler. We were both too tired to sleep, so we took turns a-starin' out the window at the darkness. When boredom overtook us, he began to speak. He said, "Son, I've made a life out of readin' people's faces, knowin' what the cards were by the way they held their eyes. So if you don't mind my sayin', I can see you're out of aces. For a taste of your whiskey, I'll give you some advice."
So I handed him my bottle, and he drank down my last swallow. Then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light. And the night got deathly quiet, and his face lost all expression.
He said, "If you're gonna play the game, boy, you gotta learn to play it right. You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run. You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table. There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done. Every gambler knows that the secret to surviving is knowin' what to throw away and knowin' what to keep. 'Cause every hand's a winner and every hand's a loser, and the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep."
And when he finished speakin', he turned back toward the window, crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep. And somewhere in the darkness, the gambler he broke even, and in his final words I found an ace that I could keep.

"You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table. There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done."

With each hand I've been dealt, I feel like I've been learning. There has been a lot of walking away, some running, a little bit of holding (sometimes foolishly), and a few folds. If I were to add to a masterpiece, I would tell Kenny that there's also a time to go all in. At times, that is the hardest to recognize and the most difficult to do because while there might be so much to gain, there is also so much to lose. Thank God that the One who deals the cards is also looking over my shoulder whispering in my ear how I should play.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 11:11 AM 1 comments  

In loving memory...
Thursday, January 12, 2006

I hardly knew him, but it amazes me how much I still think about him. For a while, I actually used to carry a quarter in my pocket to remind me of him. Why? Because one cold January day on the way back from our interim class, I picked up a snowball as I always did. "What'll you give me if I hit that tree?" "A quarter." I hit it, and he paid up. Always a man of his word.
I hardly knew him, but I was getting to know him. I know that he and I could have been great friends if we just had the opportunity. If he was on third Beets instead of second. If I went on FYF one year later. If we had more classes together. If, if, if.
I hardly knew him, but so many others did. And to know him was to love him. His quirks, his jokes, his pranks, his guitar, his camera. Him.
I hardly knew him, but I know his sister, and she is my friend. I don't know if I would have met her if it was not for him. Knowing him and knowing her, I see that Holy Spirit flows in the family.
I hardly knew him, and yet I miss him.
You are missed, but not forgotten. I am jealous of where you are and Who you are with. Thank you for who you were while you were here and how you have inspired others to be like you. And with every quarter I see, I will think of you and then I'll think of Him.

Posted byMike Fennema posted 8:09 PM 0 comments  

A Challenge and a Prayer for Aught Six.
Sunday, January 1, 2006

Anyone out there wanna join me in reading through the Bible this year? I am going to be using Robert Murray M'Cheyne's method for daily reading. If you want to find out what his method was, pick up a copy of For the Love of God by Carson. A spiritual mentor of mine highly recommends it, and I'm gonna give it a shot.

One of my New Year's resolutions is prayer. Here's one to start off aught six:

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in thy presence,
in thy service, to thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustainns, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth thy praise;
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the undnown waters
of this year,
with thee, O Father, as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Buide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.
Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy consel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.
May thy fear be my awe,
thy triumphs my joy.

--New Year prayer taken from Valley of Vision

Posted byMike Fennema posted 2:00 AM 1 comments