maris is mine

The Avett Brothers

2009-09-23T10:27:00.001-05:00

This has been my favorite music ensemble since the fall of 2007. Check 'em out:

The Journeys of Jitsuya Continued

2009-09-08T16:41:00.001-05:00

Predestined to Party!

2009-07-01T13:04:00.006-05:00

Greeting Brethren & Sistren!

I would like to cordially invite you to celebrate John Calvin's 500th birthday.

What: Calvin's 500th Birthday Party!
Why: Because we were predestined to party
When: July 10, 6:30-10:00 pm
Where: Georgetown Apartments, Manhattan, KS (Map to Georgetown)

We will have brats, pasta salad (w/ chicken & w/o compliments Jenny Glenn, co-owner of Bluestem Bistro), chips & Tallgrass beer (Ale, Wheat & Kold). Sausage & the Reformation go hand in hand (read about it here: http://everything2.com/node/1730645). Most of the Reformers enjoyed a cold beverage as well. In fact, Luther's wife ran a brewery (read a bit about it here: http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:HNFgtv81M1MJ:helios.augustana.edu/~ew/des/illustrated-articles/su53.html+Katharina+von+Bora+brewery&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a).
There will be a $3-5 suggested donation to cover the costs of food/drink & our speaker.

We are privileged to have Dr. Liam Atchison come share with us the significance of this man to the world in which we live. Read up on the influential French theologian & pastor during the Protestant Reformation here: http://tiny.cc/ZIzAF

Jump on twitter to keep current (http://twitter.com/bendeaver).
If you haven't already, please RSVP to bendeaver@gmail.com. RSVP by this Wed. please!

If you want to invite someone who you think would also enjoy this occasion feel free to forward this on. Just remind them to RSVP.

Check out the following John Calvin quotes:
You cannot know God unless you know yourself. You cannot know yourself unless you know God.

A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.

All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.

Augustine does not disagree with this when he teaches that it is a faculty of the reason and the will to choose good with the assistance of grace; evil, when grace is absent.

Every one of us is, even from his mother's womb, a master craftsman of idols.

For there is no one so great or mighty that he can avoid the misery that will rise up against him when he resists and strives against God.

God preordained, for his own glory and the display of His attributes of mercy and justice, a part of the human race, without any merit of their own, to eternal salvation, and another part, in just punishment of their sin, to eternal damnation.

God tolerates even our stammering, and pardons our ignorance whenever something inadvertently escapes us - as, indeed, without this mercy there would be no freedom to pray.

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts.

I consider looseness with words no less of a defect than looseness of the bowels.

Is it faith to understand nothing, and merely submit your convictions implicitly to the Church?

Knowledge of the sciences is so much smoke apart from the heavenly science of Christ.

Man's mind is like a store of idolatry and superstition; so much so that if a man believes his own mind it is certain that he will forsake God and forge some idol in his own brain.

No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief.

Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness.

The torture of a bad conscience is the hell of a living soul.

There is no work, however vile or sordid, that does not glisten before God.

There is no worse screen to block out the Spirit than confidence in our own intelligence.

There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice.

We must remember that Satan has his miracles, too.

Yet consider now, whether women are not quite past sense and reason, when they want to rule over men.

You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy.

Manbabies!

2009-06-20T20:55:00.000-05:00

GET MORE AT ManBabies.com!

Happy Father's Day Dads!

The San Fransisco & Vegas of the Midwest

2009-06-20T14:40:00.003-05:00

This pics are of the Deavers in Eureka Springs, AR and Branson, MO. I did a friend's wedding at the Thorncrown Chapel (beautiful & run by a neat old lady with a great vision for ministering to the tourists). I really enjoyed being the preacher man Friday night & Saturday. After sending $5 & a letter stating my ordination through New Hope Church was legit, the state of Arkansas vested the power in me to make Tim & Aly's knot-tying legal. That was fun. We stayed at the Crescent Hotel (old, haunted, roach-infested & damp but eerily kind of neat at the same time) in Eureka Springs (two words to describe this town are moist & congested). We stayed at the Radisson in Branson. Kate had her first swim (the highlight of the trip). We listened to a time-share-esque presentation at Big Cedar Lodge in order to procure our two nights at the Radisson, $50 in show tix which we used to go to the Titanic Museum & $25 gift card to the Bass Pro Shop. Let me just say, during this part of the trip we truly did crown it up!

Kate's Piano Lesson #1

2009-06-11T09:58:00.002-05:00

We're starting early with this girl. Her papa had a bunch of potential musical skills that never came to fruition fully. Perhaps hers will.

There's still life to be lived and music to be played by papa...don't worry!

My Kate!

2009-05-28T14:26:00.003-05:00

Check this girl out! She's beautiful! I'm in LA right now and we'll be separated from my three girls until Tuesday afternoon. I'm already feeling those pangs of missing them. Check out my other blog right quick and let me know if I should stick with this one or switch to that one. Click Here.

My wife the trooper!

2009-03-26T23:47:00.003-05:00

Maris is a strong woman. Kate doesn't sleep. As soon as she touches the crib mattress the tears well up and the cries begin. I'm really not much help as I'm not at all a night person (unless I've had too much caffeine like tonight...decaf in the morning, coffee at the office, a grande cup from Starbucks this afternoon and half of Michael Spare's special latte...I really have been cutting back though...today was a fluke). Jambo and I sleep. Kate and Maris don't. The world cannot contain all the volumes that could be written on different parenting styles (and I don't even take the time to read the ones that are written). When it comes to so-called sleep training we're at a loss at this point. Consistency is key evidently. Consistency isn't our forte evidently. In my opinion, Maris is an all-star mom. I feel like I'm still in the minor leagues as far as fathering goes, but I'm growing. Lord, we pray for a good night's rest. Remember the days when this was Kate sound asleep?

30 Years Old!

2009-03-19T08:53:00.002-05:00

I'm not talking about me. I'm only 28 (but I certainly feel like an old man now that I have a baby, sore back and glasses...I used to wear contacts because I was an active dude but now who am I kidding?). I'm talking about Jesus, when He began His ministry. There was something encouraging about reading that Jesus didn't begin His ministry until He was about 30 years of age. He increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man until that time. Somehow even the Son of God took time to develop into His role in the Kingdom of God. What a refreshing thought for a young buck like myself who wants to figure out my role indefinitely and roll with it. "Not so fast, sonny!" rings in my ears as I read Luke 2:52 & 3:23. I can chill out. God is shaping me no doubt. This is a word to myself and to any other young would-be stallions out there trying to make their way in this fallen world (dare I say, striving to make a name for themselves).

The Journeys of Jitsuya!

2009-03-13T10:11:00.006-05:00

This is Arapaima Gigas, one of the biggest fresh water species with scales.
The African catfish, Vundu. He is quite a fighter!
Jitsuya in front of the Abu Simbel Palace.

Kate and Dad!

2009-01-02T12:03:00.003-06:00

What we do...

2008-12-23T09:05:00.005-06:00

Maris and I love to sit in Kate's room, one of us holding Kate, Jambo curled up on the others' legs, while listening to Jason Upton. I was checking him out on YouTube and I heard him say, "You know, sometimes compromise means no compensation." I commend his music to you.

Kate Corinn!

2008-12-09T11:53:00.000-06:00

We're home and having a great time together...

Welcome to Kate Corinn Deaver!

2008-12-04T12:04:00.004-06:00

Raking the Atchisons' leaves is great fun, especially when Maris calls to go in for a labor check at 2:45 pm. Last night the decision was to break Maris' water at 5:30 pm. She took a long dip in the hot tub and then they started a bit of pitocin to get the contractions moving along. They got an epidural going after a bit and at 2:30 am it was time to push. When Maris was told to push, she pushed. Kate came out not long after that at 3:08 am. We all took a nap from 5:30 to 7:30. Now begins the rest of Kate's precious life. That's all for now friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T10:35:00.002-06:00

Well everyone, Turkey Day has come again but we can continue thanksgiving all year round. We had a great time with my family on Wednesday and Maris' family yesterday and today all in Manhattan. There's so much to be thankful for, including sushi and cowboy hats. The following picture demonstrates my gratitude for such things (picture compliments of Jennifer Regier).

Wardrobe Change

2008-11-15T16:18:00.002-06:00

The KSU Saudi Club had a function in the Union Courtyard so I took the opportunity to enjoy a 5 minute wardrobe change.

3rd Annual New Hope Hayride!

2008-11-07T14:24:00.000-06:00

Hayride 2008!

This was great fun!

KSU Collegian Article

2008-10-29T10:43:00.002-05:00

Well, the KSU Collegian seems to love all the activity with the international community here in li'l ol' Manhattan, KS. Here's the latest article. Enjoy!

The Journey of Jitsuya & the Gar

2008-10-21T13:53:00.002-05:00

I know a guy, actually a good friend of mine, who read about the alligator gar as a young lad. When he had the opportunity to catch a plane to Texas and hire a guide for the day to catch the subject of his childhood studies he took it. And here's the picture to prove it. I like Jitsuya's style. He ain't scared to seize the day!

Kitchen Transformation!

2008-10-15T12:41:00.004-05:00

This is by far the biggest project I've tackled. It is finished. One of my favorite speakers these days talks about how all of life is gardening. We are called to subdue the earth and rule over it. Well, I just did that to my kitchen. It was very devotional for me to consider how I can glorify my Creator even while working on my kitchen. I hope many of you will be able to be recipients of our hospitality made possible by our newly fashioned kitchen. Call before you come over though as in American culture we tend to get overwhelmed with unexpected visits for some reason.

Many thanks to all who have been part of this process to varying degrees. Thanks to Paxton, my remodeling sensei, Ken, my cabinet connection, Frey Designer Countertops for the corian construction, Joe for destruction, tool-usage, and cabinet-hanging, Zach for drywall expertise and installation help, Andy for some electric work and cabinet hanging, Majed for cabinet hanging, Stu for hardibacker screwing in, my supporters for their support, everyone who said they like the kitchen as I need encouragement every step of the way, Jambo for moral support, Maris for patience with a huge mess, the texture idea, outlet cover covering and being my beautiful wife, and God for granting me strength, wisdom, patience, finances, food to fix in the kitchen and breath for another day!

Anonymous People

2008-10-13T14:13:00.001-05:00

I just heard this quote and I can't get it out of my mind: "Christianity marches on the shoulders of anonymous people."

New Music Monday

2008-10-05T23:13:00.002-05:00

Check out my friends' music here.

Eid ul-Fitr 2008!

2008-10-03T06:41:00.004-05:00

We were honored to be able to eat this meal with some friends both new and old.

Our Baby Girl in 3-D!

2008-10-01T22:18:00.002-05:00

Here she is. Isn't she cute already?

These pictures were taken with a new 3-D ultrasound machine. We were honored to have the opportunity to utilize this technology. The miracle of life is awesome! God is bestowing on us a great joy and responsibility.

Economic Excitement

2008-09-29T16:05:00.002-05:00

Here's a couple articles on the current economic crisis.
Here's one by Dave Ramsey.
Here's another by Al Mohler.
These are exciting times we live in. How then should we live? Maris and I are considering putting some energy into a community coop. Who's with us?

The Avett Brothers

2008-09-17T09:44:00.003-05:00

I went to this show last night (Tue., Sept. 16). These guys are great. I commend them to you. I was receiving inspiration from the beard. Mine has yet to reach such great heights. As you watch this video take note of the nice use of percussion.

To watch more of the videos I took search on youtube for "The Avett Brothers in Lawrence, KS at Liberty Hall".

Sushi Party Part VIII

2008-09-17T09:14:00.001-05:00

Greek Lesson

2008-09-11T15:21:00.003-05:00

I have the privilege of beginning my study of Greek this semester under the tutelage of Liam Atchison. After getting schooled the first class I had to dig a bit deeper to hasten my learning. Here's what I discovered and listened to multiple times as I tiled our kitchen floor (multi-tasking can be a beautiful thing):

(The teacher in this video is not Liam I assure you.)

It's a Girl!

2008-07-22T07:41:00.002-05:00

But she's not arrived yet. It is amazing to see her moving around in there. Her little heart is beating consistently waiting to meet us in person. My pro-life views are strengthened as I watch her little arms above her head waving to us. My hatred for evil in this world and in me deepens as does my love for all that is good from our Father. There's no way you will enjoy this video as much as Maris and I...but you can try!

42,336 Saturn Missiles!

2008-07-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

This is how we spent the 4th of July with a bunch of folks from all around the world and from just down the street. You can expect nothing but pure missile mayhem for seven minutes straight with the following video.

I pray this is the last bat entry...

2008-07-09T12:12:00.002-05:00

We're up to 6 bats. The first two I had tested for rabies and the test came up negative. I just confirmed the negative result on rabies for the third bat I had tested. I think we found the entry point for these little guys because I haven't seen or heard from them since the 4th of July. Either that or I killed all of them. By the way, if you want to have them tested for rabies you have to keep the skull intact as they test the brain. So aim carefully with your bb gun. We really hope this is the last you'll hear from us on this issue.

killed a third bat

2008-06-30T11:44:00.003-05:00

Hopefully this is close to the last blog on this issue. Otherwise folks are gonna think all I do is blog about things that farm boys deal with daily and city boys get all excited about. I hired myself to venture into the attic this morning to do some extermination if necessary. Sure enough, there was a third bat friend waiting for the stake to go through his heart. My small philips head screwdriver went through the two wire mesh coverings and into the poor guy. I hope that's the last of them. You don't want to see any pictures of this guy, trust me.

Belaboring the Bat Incident

2008-06-29T19:39:00.006-05:00

Sorry to belabor this bat incident but this evening Maris and I were napping in the living room when Maris noticed another bat. This li'l guy was just hanging around waiting to meet with his buddy from this morning. I had Paxton from down the street come over to make sure we didn't lose him. The following is a picture of both of our bat friends. The big one was from this morning (read below for that story) and the small one was from this morning. We need to get this problem fixed. By the way, we can't wait to see the new Batman feature.

bat in the bedroom

2008-06-29T14:12:00.007-05:00

We have a faithful dog, two parakeets and we're gecko-sitting for a friend for the summer. We don't want a pet bat and I made that clear to our visitor last night. About a week and a half ago we were first visited by our bat friend in our bedroom. He made circle upon circle as I stumbled out of bed to put on clothes and glasses. Jambo was jumping up and down chomping her teeth together and Maris was nestled safely under the blanket. Our bat friend seemed to disappear that night. I reckon he made his temporary housing in our soon-to-be baby room as we opened that door last night to air out some staining I had done. About 5:00 am Maris wakes me as something is in our room. She also thought she heard someone playing the didgeridoo. That sound was our little bat friend circling over head once again. I stumbled out of bed again but this time I would prove to be a bit more hospitable to our little friend. Jambo and I were like Batman and Robin (of course I was Batman and she was Robin).

We invited our bat friend into the baby room and I assembled an assortment of tools for the task. I had a Maglite, broom, shop-vac extension, glove, small trash can, air soft gun and trash bag. After a few shots with the air soft gun to get our friend flying I smacked him with the frisbee and captured him with the trash can. Tomorrow he'll take a trip to the local health department to be tested for rabies. I won't even go into the fatality rate of rabies and the fact that you can't even tell if you've been bitten. At any rate, our adventures continue. Check out the picture above and the following video. The video is brief and to the point but you definitely get the picture. As a side note, "I am Legend" is a great movie...

Take a stroll through our neighborhood.

2008-06-24T11:05:00.002-05:00

View Larger Map
Ours is the yellow house. If you turn left and head east down the street for three blocks you can find our dear friends, the LeMoines, on the left hand side. Theirs is the blue house east of the white house on the corner. The addresses don't quite match up but it gives you a great visual. No one should get lost trying to find our place anymore.

The Bathroom Project

2008-06-23T16:40:00.004-05:00

You are welcome to come use our restroom anytime...almost.
But you have to call first!

Miss Kansas Continued

2008-06-10T12:26:00.002-05:00

from the 6/9 Pratt Tribune:

When Miss Augusta Emily Deaver woke up Saturday morning, she “had this feeling.”
The feeling might have come from figuring the odds. She had won three preliminay competitions — talent, swimsuit and evening gown. But no. The feeling was more than probabilities.

An excitement.

“I felt I really showed myself (to the judges),” she said later. “I think that’s what they were looking for.”

And when the judges agreed Saturday night at PCC’s Dennis Lesh Sports Arena, Emily Deaver, a 19-year-old jazz major at Wichita State University, became the first contestant since Angelea Busby in 2003 to be crowned Miss Kansas at her first appearance in the state pageant.

The judges threw her a curve early in the final competition, however. Deaver watched as contestant after contestant was called forward for the top 12.

“Everyone up there was amazing, just amazing,” she said. “And then they waited to the very end to call me and I just about died.”

Her confidence was restored after competing in swimsuit and making the Top 10. Following evening gown in her simple, black dress with its high collar, the field was narrowed to eight, and her name was again called last.

Then came talent, the event where her “soulful, smooth, deep chest” voice came into play along with her fingers as she accompanied herself on the piano.

Her selection, “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life” was a song that she thought was “cheesey” at first. But it grew on her and on the judges — and the crowd.
“People keep talking about my singing. I don’t consider myself a singer,” she said. Nor does she consider herself a pianist. “I consider myself an artist. Singing and playing the piano are just tools to let out what’s inside.”

She breezed through the onstage question, noting that college students — if they were female — could enter a scholarship pageant to help ease the cost of their education.
The Top 8 lined up again when master of ceremonies Matt Mauro opened the judges’ final ballot. For the third time, Deaver listened to Mauro other contestants first. Once the four runners-up were named, she was left standing with three other contestants anyone of whom could have been the new Miss Kansas.

“I think in my heart I might have known, but I was nervous,” she remembered. “I was trying to stay in the moment and not just let it run away.”

As Miss Kansas, Deaver receives a $7,500 scholarship from the Peoples Bank and Miss Kansas Scholarship Foundation. She will spend the next year taking her platform — promoting the arts — to schools and public appearances across the state. She will also, of course, compete for the Miss America title.

(Read more about Deaver in the Tribune’s special Miss Kansas Wrap Up section.)
Next year’s Miss Kansas Pageant will likely feature all of this year’s runners-up. In post-pageant interviews each of young women said they planned to pursue the title again.

First Runner-up Miss Sedgwick County Danielle Coffman has competed three times at the state pageant, each time improving her peformance from the year before. She attributed her strong finish to the support of family and friends, and the extra steps the Miss Kansas organization took this year to prepare the contestants for achieving the crown.

“I said this in my interview (with the judges),” she said. “Last year, I wanted to be Miss Kansas. This year, I worked to be Miss Kansas.”

A 21-year-old Topeka resident, Coffman is a student at Washburn University. Her critical issue is advocating reading for life.

“Absolutely,” says Second Runner-up Miss Cheney Lake Alex Miller. “I absolutely will be back. You’re addicted (to competing). You can’t really not come back. The 18-year-old from Derby finished in the same spot last year — her first time at the Miss Kansas Pageant, collecting swimsuit and evening gown awards then. This year, she again won the evening gown preliminary. She is a sophomore at the University of Kansas.

Miss Wheat Capital Becki Ronen was a first-timer this year but nevertheless is steeped in pageant tradition. Five relatives have competed in the Miss Kansas Pageant in recent decades. Only her aunt Marilee Southworth has done better, finishing in the first runner-up position compared with Ronen’s third runner-up.

“Of all of them (family members) now I’m in second place,” she said.

A former Greensburg resident, the 19-year-old now calls Hutchinson home and is a student at Kansas State University.

Fellow newcomer Lauren Werhan will also be returning. The 18-year-old Miss Sunflower just graduated from Trinity Academy in Wichita.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said when asked if she were surprised by her finish. “I just tried to do my best. I’m very happy right now.”

Saturday night’s finale was punctuated by rousing peformances by Miss Kansas 2007 Alyssa George, Miss Mississippi Kimberly Morgan, Miss Kansas 2006 Michelle Walthers Loss who reprised her comedic character Patty Pageant and J.C. Fisher who earned a standing ovation when he sang the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” to longtime pageant supporter Bobbe Stanion.

Miss Kansas 2008!

2008-06-08T14:57:00.005-05:00

Maris and I drove over to Pratt, KS yesterday with Abe and Ashley to join Mom, Dad, both Grandma's, Gary, Aunt Marilyn, Zelka, Diane, and Kerry at the parade. Emily cruised confidently through Main Street in the new pink Mary Kay drop-top caddy. Li'l bro Daniel along with Casey and Tyler joined the expectant crew in the evening. We were quite the entourage as usual. The final festivities moved forward as the competition dwindled until one was left standing. The one left standing was none other than my sister, Emily Deaver, with the smooth jazz vocals and tasteful tinkling of the ivory. That's right, my sister, Emily Deaver, is the new Miss Kansas. Click here to verify. The Deaver clan feels like royalty. Now we're off to Vegas...no kidding!

Miss Kansas Pageant

2008-06-07T07:57:00.001-05:00

We're off to Pratt, KS to watch my sister, Emily, claim the Miss Kansas crown. If she wins then we're headed to Vegas in January for the Miss America title race. Fun stuff!

When life throws you lemons...

2008-06-04T14:16:00.002-05:00

...make lemonade; or so they tell me. I bought this lemon the other day at Dillons. Maris picked up this piece of ice the other day from our yard. The hail was much larger some parts of town. Kansas keeps you on your toes. As long as you enjoy making lemonade it's a great place to live.

On a Journey with Jurnee!

2008-06-04T14:11:00.002-05:00

No, this is not our child. This precious one belongs to Paxton and Judy LeMoine. They are our good friends and neighbors just three blocks down Pierre Street. Jurnee is her name. Speaking of journeys, we are definitely on an exciting journey as we are expecting our first child! I practice holding Jurnee as much as possible so when December rolls around I'll be more than ready. We are excited for many of you to be a part of this journey with us.

saving people from the fire

2008-04-28T21:43:00.002-05:00

As I made the usual right-hand turn into our alley way with Jambo riding in my lap I noticed a blazing fire next to the shed of one of our neighbors. The flames were rising up to 8 feet high. No one was in sight. It was time for me to go into hero mode. I dialed 911. As I talked to the operator I simultaneously knocked on the front door of the home in question and was only greeted by their rodent-looking dog. After locating the garden hose and facet I sprung into action. Weaseling my way through the fence, stepping on nail-studded loose boards I systematically drenched the fire, procuring safety for hundreds if not thousands in our metropolis. Finally the firetruck arrived and those inside jumped to action. There was no heroic effort needed on their part by this time. They thanked me for serving Manhattan, KS that day. Don't consider me a hero folks. I was only doing my duty. The only regret I have is not taking more pictures to document a day in the life of Ben Deaver.

The Spread of Coffee to the Christian World

2008-04-10T15:09:00.001-05:00

Coffee had been a part of Arab culture for centuries but not so in the western European world. Venetian fleets sailed the known world trading spices, silks, and perfumes with the East. It is believed that coffee come to Venice from Constantinople as part of this trade. There was only one problem. When the drink reached Rome the priest attacked it and forbid it consumption.

The priests believed that the coffee was the drink of the devil. That Satan had invented the drink for the Moslem infidels as a substitute for the wine they were forbidden to drink. Since wine in the Western Christian world was sanctified by Christ and used in Holy communion, coffee must then be of the Anti-Christ. If a Christian drank this devil brew they would risk eternal damnation is how the argument went.

It wasn't until the late 1500's that Pope Clement VIII settled the dispute. He asked that the brew be brought before him. Intrigued by its powerful aroma, he sipped the coffee. It was delicious. The Pope blessed the coffee, and baptized it on the spot. He reasoned that banishing this drink from the Christian world would be a larger sin. With the Pope's blessing, imports of coffee to Italy and the Western world came flooding in paving the way for the first western coffee houses.

The English word "Coffee" comes from the Latin name of the genus Coffea. The genus Coffea is a member of the Rubiaceae family which has over 500 genera and 6,000 species that are largely tropical trees and shrubs. All species of Coffea are woody and range in size from small shrubs to trees over 30 feet tall. The species Coffea arabica gives us the arabica beans known the world over. Arabica beans are largely drunk on their own where as the Coffea robusta is usually a lower grade bean used primarily as a blend with arabica beans to make them go farther.

Palm Sunday

2008-03-15T10:12:00.003-05:00

On the original Palm Sunday (although I'm not certain it was a Sunday) Jesus entered Jerusalem to claim His crown as King of the Universe. Of course for Him this meant suffering and death. He then conquered death and ascended to sit down at the right hand of God. Our hero had to suffer. This is a theme that resonates deep in our hearts. Every hero faces great suffering. Every movie you watch and book you read involves the suffering hero. No one would be stirred by Maximus in "Gladiator" if faced no opposition. No one would give a rip if William Wallace in "Braveheart" had an easy street to procure freedom. So why should it strike us as odd that the greatest hero of all time, God Himself, should face the worst suffering of all time in the crucifixion? That is the King we follow, the King who suffered and conquered death and will return someday to conquer all His enemies. This King didn't suffer so that we wouldn't suffer but that we would suffer for the right things. We will not suffer for our own shortcomings but because of the shortcomings of others. We will face suffering so that in some small way we can be heroes to others. We will face suffering so that people will see the hero we follow as He truly is, the King.

Yuko's Baptism!

2008-02-26T22:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T09:17:00.002-06:00

We were gonna head to Della Voce tonight on Poyntz Ave. until I was informed that there is a $75 pre-course charge per person for drinks and appetizers or something. So instead we are staying home and I'm cooking jumbo shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and basil over whole wheat pasta; no big deal. Valentine's Day offers a great chance to reflect on how awesome my wife is. Maris and I have been married for 2 years and almost 3 months. Marriage just gets better and better. Can I get an "Amen!" fellas? Della Voce, by the way, is an awesome dining establishment. Just save some money before you go...

Rear-Ended!

2007-12-10T20:32:00.000-06:00

A little whiplash never hurt anyone, right? I found a Chevy truck in my hatchback Sunday afternoon. Now we're rolling in a Sebring for a couple weeks. Funny thing is, it wasn't even weather-related. God will pull all sorts of stunts to develop our patience. Not sure if mine is fully developed yet. At least no one got hurt folks!

A Look Inside

2007-12-10T20:17:00.000-06:00

Take a look inside our home. It's not done yet, don't worry...

Pray for my Maris

2007-11-29T21:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday at about 11:00 am I took my beautiful wife to the emergency room. It was a bit scary as she was experiencing horrible pain for no apparent reason. At the ER she was checked out as thoroughly as any woman could be with the exception of a diagnostic laparoscopy. She has the privilege of experiencing the diagnostic laparoscopy this next Wednesday morning at 7:30 am. Please keep us in your prayers as we are waiting to see what exactly is going on.

Jambo Hunts Wabbits

2007-10-23T22:35:00.001-05:00

My little girl got one...

1623 Pierre!

2007-10-23T22:31:00.000-05:00

We're moving to 1623 Pierre on November 15th, 2007 (pending the finances work out smoothly). Come visit us. There's room for you...

My li'l brother's gotta goat!

2007-07-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Daniel and Emily hanging out at her new place. Can you believe it. My little brother now has a goat. Awesome! Mine's bigger though...

Dany on the Didj

2007-07-28T21:41:00.000-05:00

Here's my didjeridoo teacher at our Bastille Day Bash. Dany's from France. Enjoy the sounds!

Xenos Summer Institute

2007-07-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

I think Xenos means "foreigner" in Greek. So this church is going for "hospitality" when they use the word. At any rate, Maris and I are headed to this conference with others from New Hope next week. We have been thinking a great deal about our small group and the idea of a house church. I have so many thoughts on this issue. I hope to be able to write more at some point. In the meantime you can definitely check out the Xenos Summer Institute.

Cardboard Buns!

2007-07-12T09:20:00.000-05:00

Be careful about what you eat! Check this out:
Cardboard Buns

"Flood" by Jars of Clay

2007-07-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

Here's part of a review session for our Int'l Bible Class. We just finished studying the flood (God's judgment of the entire earth during the time of Noah). This song is about the personal floods that happen in our lives. It's a great song. Unfortunately we don't have the whole thing here so you will miss the encouraging part of the song. Many families in Kansas have recently been devastatingly flooded. May God pull us all through our floods as we look to Him (if you're not looking to Him then perhaps you should start). Enjoy the vocals of Chad and the guitar and background vocals of myself. (By the way, I'm really chewing my gum. Must be good!)

Sarah Jorosz singing Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy"

2007-06-30T19:26:00.000-05:00

You gotta hear the original to appreciate this fully. I'm working on my own arrangement. Peace!

Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2007

2007-06-29T13:35:00.000-05:00

Here's Crooked Still playing "Dark Hollow" at Elks Park in Telluride, CO. More to come. Perhaps you'll be inspired to enjoy more bluegrass. Keep in mind of course that creativity in humans is an indicator of the Creator God. So as you listen maybe you'll be able to worship the Living God.

Terry Von Deaver

2007-06-17T18:33:00.000-05:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Happy Father's Day! Check out the card we sent my wonderful father, Terry. I have one memory of my dad that I'd like to share today. One day I was at a Chadron, NE high school football game. I think that's what it was. I was pretty young. There were two drunk and obnoxious guys sitting behind us. Many people had asked them to quiet down. They were even spitting on some people. I remember they were pretty big guys. I was scared of them and it seemed others were too. We needed a hero in that moment. So my dad turned around and said something to the affect of, "Hey guys! Give me those bottles and get out of here!" Needless to say, I was proud to be his son that day and am proud this day as well. Oh yeah, I should mention that those guys handed the bottles over and scrammed.

Ad the Rockstar

2007-06-13T18:02:00.000-05:00

This is my good friend Ad. He's such a good musician but he's way too modest. We need to get him on the big stage somehow.

...that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

2007-05-05T15:15:00.001-05:00

The words that keep coming to my mind during this time is found in Psalm 90. The Psalmist asks God to teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. I want to have wisdom as I traverse this fallen world. Notice he wants to gain a heart, not mind, of wisdom. He's talking about wisdom to love God and people well. Wisdom is what the writer of Proverbs says is more valuable than silver and gold. That is what I want. That is what I want for you as well. May God teach us to number our days correctly, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. To read more of Psalm 90 click here.

Jeremy's Obituary in the Kansas City Star

2007-05-05T15:13:00.000-05:00

Jeremy Gandy
Jeremy Robert Gandy, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at home. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2007, at 3 p.m., at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Mo. Visitation will also be Sunday prior to the service from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association, PO Box 1653, Topeka, KS, 66601-1653, or to the Heart of American Council - Boy Scouts of America, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Jeremy was born August 22, 1980, in Sioux City, Iowa. He moved to Kansas City in 1999 from Jamestown, North Dakota. He was well known throughout the Kansas City area restaurant community. In 2003, Jeremy met Sarah, the love of his life. They were recently married on October 20, 2006. He loved a good round of golf and a great table of hold'em. Jeremy was a loving husband, son, and friend to so many. Jeremy was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Rosalie Gandy. He is survived by his wife, Sarah (Haster) Gandy; father, David Gandy; mother, Debra Gandy; maternal grandparents, Robert and Marilyn Smith; paternal grandparents, Larry and Uti Gandy, and many other family members and friends who love him dearly. Arrangements are by the McGilley State Line Chapel - (816) 942-6180.

Easter with Jeremy

2007-05-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

This is one of the last time's Maris and I got to hang out with Sarah and Jeremy. It was the weekend that we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jeremy and I

2007-05-04T23:58:00.000-05:00

This was at Jeremy and Sarah's rehearsal dinner. At the dinner (which was at the Bristol) I got a cup of coffee and liked the mug so much I asked how much it sold for. Jeremy told me to keep the one I was drinking from and he went back and grabbed another one for me. I drink from that particular coffee mug 78% of the time.

my only brother-in-law, Jeremy Gandy

2007-05-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

My 26 year old brother-in-law, Jeremy Gandy, passed away late Tuesday night due to a massive heart attack. What a shock! No one saw it coming. Maris and I are now with her family in KC. There are so many people gathered to mourn this loss. Sarah, Jeremy's wife, Maris' sister, is having a very difficult time. The services will be held on Sunday and it's just Thursday afternoon now. We'll be in KC until late Sunday night so I have a lot of time on my hands to grieve and reflect. I hope to update some of my thoughts on this blog over the next few days. I haven't blogged for some time now. If there are any readers out there who'd like to interact with what I have to say feel free to do so.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T14:20:00.000-06:00

That's right, another Valentine's Day. I just threw a surprise birthday party for my wife last Friday (she turned 26). For some reason I thought that I didn't have to plan too much for Valentine's Day because I had put some much time and effort into the birthday party. At any rate, Maris asked me yesterday what we were doing. So today I'm planning away at the last minute.

Every year during Valentine's Day I think about love. What is true love? It doesn't seem like many people really experience true love. People are always breaking up or getting divorced. We're always hurting eachother and getting hurt in one way or another. I love my wife very much but I often do or say hurtful things. It's at this point that I'm reminded to look to the thoughts about love that are in the Scriptures.

If you want to check out some thoughts from the Scriptures then go to the following links.
description of true love
Jesus' own words
the origin of love
husbands and wives
the two greatest commandments

The Information Age

2007-02-10T17:22:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been about a month since I've posted anything. I think I tend to get a bit overwhelmed by living in the information age and trying to keep up with the Joneses. All this stuff is going on with Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, Blogs, e-mails, etc. It's crazy! I want to be purposeful with how I spend my time. I often feel bad because I don't respond to folks as much as I'd like to. A bunch of my high school friends have looked me up on MySpace. Sometimes I forget to let them know that I'm really there behind the computer screen.

I haven't even mentioned the bombardment of other forms of information. We have the news to read, Christian books to read, magazines to read, our Bibles to read, Christmas letters to read, the classics to read, poetry to read, articles to read and on and on. Plus we've got to be listening to the latest sermons by the latest pillars of the Christian community. Sometimes I think I can't even think. How's that for ironic...thinking you can't think? We do live in the information age (maybe we're moving away from it I don't know).

So I've been thinking about what kind of "age" I long to live in. I know the real answer is heaven but surely there are some things that can change, some decisions to be made that will be helpful in clearing out some space so I can at least think. I've heard that President Lincoln "read less and thought more" than any man in his position. I want to be a deep thinker so I can be a deep influencer for God's Kingdom. I'm praying for wisdom in this but for now I have to go check my e-mail...

2007-01-14T09:23:00.000-06:00

My good friend, Daiki, had to return to Japan in August. We've missed him greatly so Maris and I made this shirt for him. The significant thing about this shirt is that Daiki means "big hope" in Japanese. Perhaps his name is a bit prophetic. At any rate, we want to see Daiki again.

You can make any shirt at Threads in AggieVille for about $16.00.

2007-01-06T00:29:00.000-06:00

As the little apple dropped at the now-famous Little Apple Drop so did my excitement for all that it promised to be. However, the company was great, Ashraham, Mom, Daniel, and my ever-beautiful wife...Happy New Year ya'll!

The Miracle Blade III

2006-12-18T13:23:00.000-06:00

I started desiring very good, sharp knives a couple months ago because I've enjoyed cooking so much. So Maris and I were lured into the Miracle Blade III (The Perfection Series) infomercial. They weren't giving me the deal I desired so I hung up. Within five minutes they called back and gave me what I wanted. So my friend, Jitsuya, and I decided to put these knives to the test to see if they did what they claimed to do. Much to our surprise they did follow through with their promise. The video's not the greatest but it gives you an idea of the miraculous miracle blade. If you're in the area let me know and I'll put them to work and slice up a great meal for you. Thanks for reading...

Jambo!

2006-11-29T19:11:00.000-06:00

You have got to check out these pics of our latest family member. Please visit her (then you'll get to see us as well).

Jambo

KSU (45) vs. TX (42)

2006-11-13T15:11:00.000-06:00

This was the only game I've watched this football season. Maris and I were given tickets Saturday afternoon. Here's that story. My roommate, Mark, from my sophomore year at K-State is up in Chicago going to seminary. His grandma, Mertyse, was sick so he called me up to have me bring over some of my fancy cooking for her and her non-cooking husband, Fred. So in my resourcefulness I brought over some of my mom's cooking that she had given me that very day. I was invited in to the warm couple's home and shared some nice conversation. They invited Maris and I over for some wine some time which presents an ethical dilemma in and of itself (ask me why if you really want to know). As I left their home I thought to myself, "That's nice. It's almost like we have grandparents here in the Li'l Apple too." Later that week Fred called me to see if we wanted tickets to the KSU womens' basketball game. We couldn't attend because we were too busy dining with some Japanese friends that evening. The next morning, however, we were able to accept tickets to the major KSU upset of the year.

What an awesome game to be at. The tickets were in the north endzone which wasn't crowded at all. However, it was a bit frigid. There are benefits to close knit community, warmth being one of them. We stood by silent Texas fans and watched every extra point and field goal sail over our heads. When the final buzzer sounded I was glad to have our camera to record such footage as this
crazy video.

There's more where that came from. Perhaps I'll get that out to you as well if there's a desire.

Maris and I are pondering why people so readily worship at a football game but fail to worship God Almighty. These folks go crazy for this stuff. That's what's on my mind. Thanks for reading...

work day with friends

2006-10-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

Can you see the irony in this picture?

Eid Ul-Fitr Pictures

2006-10-28T08:05:00.000-05:00

Here's some pictures of me and friends at a KSU event to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Just click on it and view the slideshow.

Eid Ul-Fitr Celebration

I might try to see if we can have a KSU sponsored educational event about Christmas because our community seems to have been flooded with many people who don't truly know the reason for the season.

On Authority

2006-10-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

In our day and age there is a resistence to any kind of authority. I've thought about this a great deal before. Why is there that resistence? There are many reasons I'm sure but a new thought popped into my head the other day as I was leaving my humble abode on Green Ave. Here 'tis...
Why in the world would we reject the leadership of someone or some people that have been put in a position by others? Why do we know what's best? Do we really think that if we were to do it our way somehow it would be better than their way? What makes us so much better? We probably don't really think we're that much better decision-makers, we want control.
Moreover, we probably question the leaders' intentions towards us. Now why would we question others' intentions? Well, probably because we recognize that our own intentions are selfish most if not all of the time. So we project our own selfish intentions onto others. This is probably a safe projection because we all share in this humanness. So where does that leave us? We need to have a shared goal. If we have a shared goal then it is best for the whole community if we are each selfish. If my personal good is within the communal good then we're good to go.
How does this happen? My answer is that the common goal must be rooted in the glory of God or else we will fail as leaders and followers every time. I won't unpack that here but will stop for now.

my wife is beautiful

2006-09-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful smile!

The Cracked Pot

2006-09-15T14:16:00.000-05:00

There once lived a water carrier in India. He used two large pots for his task. He suspended a pole across his neck and attached a pot at each end of the pole. One of the pots had a big crack in it while the other pot was perfect. The perfect pot always delivered a full portion of water from the stream to the master's house, while the cracked pot arrived only half full each day.
For two years this water carrier made the same journey. The perfect pot became proud of its accomplishments. The cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. Finally, one day by the stream, the cracked pot spoke to his owner about his bitter failure, "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize that I have only been able to deliver half my water to your house. There is a crack in my side which causes water to leak out. Because of my flaws, you don't get full value from your efforts."
Then the water carrier replied, smiling, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
On that trip from the stream, the cracked pot looked around.
"Did you notice there are flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" the master commented. "That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we passed these spots, you watered them. Now for two years I have been able to pick those beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, I would not have this beauty to grace his house."

the supremacy of Christ in a postmodern world

2006-09-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

By supremacy of Christ I mean the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. By postmodern I'm not exactly sure what I mean if you know what I'm saying. Us country folk here in the Midwest tend to be behind times for some reason. So I want to help some young thinkers out there grapple with some present issues. Maris and I are going to a conference at the end of September that addresses the issue of postmodernism. Check out some of the videos for this conference here.

Unfortunately you can't attend the conference because it's SOLD OUT!

Let me know your thoughts...

it is not the critic who counts

2006-09-04T10:38:00.000-05:00

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt
"Citizenship in a Republic,"
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910
check out Teddy's mugshot here: http://www.jimpoz.com/quotes/images/speakers/tr.jpg

I've been thinking about this quote recently because I can be a critic at times. I'm trying to discern the difference between godly discernment and ungodly criticism. I ask You, Oh God, for wisdom because I lack...

Four!!!

2006-08-29T07:08:00.000-05:00

"Four" is the expression used when golfers tee off, or maybe it's "fore," I'm not sure. At least that's what I remember from when I was younger. At any rate, I recently went to the driving range with my good friend at Colbert Hills. You can read all about our experience on his blog (http://praveenramanan.blogspot.com//). Praveen and I, the inexperienced guys, met up with Ben and Tom, the golf pros (perhaps I should just include Tom in that category). Our trip took me back to the one time in my life that I've attempted to golf an entire 18 holes, maybe it was just nine, I don't remember. Frustration overtook me by the final few holes. I found myself trying to smash the ball into the nearby apartment complex. For 45 minutes I was out for the demolition of an entire building. Needless to say, I never connected with the ball in those 45 minutes. (We all know you can't golf mad.) What a snapshot of an angry, immature person. If I hadn't grown up (at least a bit) I wouldn't share that experience with you. Perhaps now I am in a place where I can humble myself and enjoy a trip to the local golf course and play a round of golf (at least 3 holes). The County Club is next on our list. If you'd like to join us let me know...

spider

2006-08-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

This guy is about 5 in. in diameter. I met him at Troy's house. With a little photograph manipulation he looks pretty cool. I know it's crazy but I am intrigued by the intricacy of these creatures. God put so much care and attention to detail in this guy. How much more did he craft us in an amazing way. Later...

Ivan Speaks about Grandpa

2006-08-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

My Grandpa passed away July 30th, 2006. Here are some remarks about his life from his younger brother, Ivan.

My Grandpa feared not death for he knew the love of his Creator. As we gathered around his hospital bed in his last hours of life, singing hymns, tears came to my eyes as I thought of my friends who don't know their Creator. My life is about helping people know their Creator.

My Grandpa died peacefully, excited to be at rest in Jesus. He finished well. That's how I want to finish...but not until my work on this earth is finished. Lord, have mercy.

Daiki fights Rob

2006-08-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

This is Daiki's last evening in the U.S. He got to spend it fighting an Ultimate Fighter, Rob Kimmons (a.k.a. the Rosedale Reaper). Rob is actually a good friend of mine from high school. He recently rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and is trying to share the love of Christ in the Ultimate Fighting circles. Currently he's ranked 13th in the world in his weight class. I hope you enjoy this little fight...

Maris' Masterpiece

2006-07-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

My wife painted these. She is very creative. Of course she wanted me to put them up with the lines going vertically and I misunderstood and made the lines horizontal. She likes it for now but I assure you, they will be vertical before you know it.

men holding hands

2006-07-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

Don't worry, this is just my good friend, Bob, holding hands with a friend (apparently a very good friend) in Ethiopia. It's just part of their culture. It's interesting to think about physical affirmation and the place it has in our different cultures. In America it's ok to give the token "good game" (a.k.a. pat on the butt) during sporting events. It's alright to give a man hug as well (usually with a corresponding three pats on the back, signify "I'm not gay."). However, in Japan they don't give hugs at all (at least from my observation). At any rate, this picture just made me think about the whole physicality of cultures thing. Personally, I think physical affirmation is important to caring for others and being cared for. Let me hear your thoughts. In the meantime I'll be holding hands with my lovely wife...

17 inches of catfish

2006-07-25T17:08:00.000-05:00

Daiki caught this one.

Pot. #2

2006-07-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, July 24th, 2006, I caught my first fish that was big enough to eat. It was a 13-inch bass. Of course moments later Daiki caught a 17-inch catfish but I was happy nonetheless (I'll post some nasty pictures for you shortly). At any rate, it got us to thinking about how Jesus said to Simon and Andrew in Matthew 4:19, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." To be a fisher of fish and a fisher of men takes great patience I've discovered. Sometimes all they want is a nibble of what I have. Sometimes they're not at all interested in my stink bait. But every once in awhile one bites hard and I've caught him. That is when we celebrate. I can fish all day long and catch nothing one day and then the next day I'm pulling them in like no other. I guess the important thing is that I'm always fishing. I think we're going to head back out to the lake tomorrow morning if you want to join us (Pottawatamie Lake #2).

Daiki Learns English

2006-07-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

Learning a foreign language is difficult. Check out my wife's blog if you want to see me struggle through some Japanese. Don't worry, Daiki told me I could post this one. Please enjoy!

our green pepper

2006-07-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

All we have is one so far friends. I'm trying to nurture this one so I can get it in my belly.

lightning from above

2006-07-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

I took this picture at Colbert Hills. God is powerful and it is evident in creation. Enjoy!

2006-07-16T00:34:00.000-05:00

My Trombone Solo

This is the third summer I've played for the Abilene Community Band's one jazz concert. The last two summers I played piano. This summer I was replaced by an old man on the ivories and asked to man the trombone. I have this connection because I student taught a couple years ago with the director of this band. This was a great evening because Maris joined me for the third time. I had other fans in the crowd as well; Tone-bone from Wyandotte, Daiki and Cholo from Japan, and Mansour from Saudi Arabia. My parents also drove up from Augusta and took us out for ice cream. To top it all off I got paid $50 and sweated profusely in the 100 degree heat. Here's a clip from one of my solos. I'm playing mostly rhythmic stuff (listen carefully for the paradiddle).

Fadhil's Audio Post

2006-07-15T16:43:00.000-05:00

Translation: Peace be with you. Hi Ben. I am happy to know you. I wish to have happy times with you. Thank you.

Ben's Response

2006-07-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

shopping with maris

2006-07-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

Wow, I have a headache...

bert

2006-06-26T23:10:00.000-05:00

You'll love this guy. Trust me...

more sushi party pics

2006-06-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

the fire that daiki and tony started trying to make dessert
the salmon/avocado mixture that hiro prepared

trying to eat up the rest of the dish
consuming the remainder of the evening's meal

Sushi Party Part III

2006-06-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

Here's the crew. We had a great time preparing the sushi and eating it, along with some miso soup and watermelon. Next time you'll have to join us.

Inspired by the World Cup

2006-06-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

Hey guys. I just busted both big toes today playing soccer with some Japanese friends. Us Americans have sure been slow catching on to this soccer thing. It's pretty awesome. Just thought you might like to know that both of my big toenails are completely blue.

Suica Wari (Watermelon Smash)

2006-06-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

This was at Sushi Party Part III. Watch Akira smash the watermelon after stumbling a great deal.

maris is mine

The Avett Brothers

The Journeys of Jitsuya Continued

Predestined to Party!

Manbabies!

The San Fransisco & Vegas of the Midwest

Kate's Piano Lesson #1

My Kate!

My wife the trooper!

30 Years Old!

The Journeys of Jitsuya!

Kate and Dad!

What we do...

Kate Corinn!

Welcome to Kate Corinn Deaver!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wardrobe Change

3rd Annual New Hope Hayride!

KSU Collegian Article

The Journey of Jitsuya & the Gar

Kitchen Transformation!

Anonymous People

New Music Monday

Eid ul-Fitr 2008!

Our Baby Girl in 3-D!

Economic Excitement

The Avett Brothers

Sushi Party Part VIII

Greek Lesson

It's a Girl!

42,336 Saturn Missiles!

I pray this is the last bat entry...

killed a third bat

Belaboring the Bat Incident

bat in the bedroom

Take a stroll through our neighborhood.

The Bathroom Project

Miss Kansas Continued

Miss Kansas 2008!

Miss Kansas Pageant

When life throws you lemons...

On a Journey with Jurnee!

saving people from the fire

The Spread of Coffee to the Christian World

Palm Sunday

Yuko's Baptism!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Rear-Ended!

A Look Inside

Pray for my Maris

Jambo Hunts Wabbits

1623 Pierre!

My li'l brother's gotta goat!

Dany on the Didj

Xenos Summer Institute

Cardboard Buns!

"Flood" by Jars of Clay

Sarah Jorosz singing Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy"

Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2007

Terry Von Deaver

Ad the Rockstar

...that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Jeremy's Obituary in the Kansas City Star

Easter with Jeremy

Jeremy and I

my only brother-in-law, Jeremy Gandy

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Information Age

More Miracle Blade Video

The Miracle Blade III

Jambo!

KSU (45) vs. TX (42)

work day with friends

Eid Ul-Fitr Pictures

On Authority

my wife is beautiful

The Cracked Pot

the supremacy of Christ in a postmodern world

it is not the critic who counts

Four!!!