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
