Eric Johnson, 12 wives, 56 kids
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
13 Wives and 56 Kids...he's a Johnson
While we were in Utah, Eric's dad told us about a descendant of the Johnson family. He was Eric's great great great something? Uncle, grandfather, I can't remember. Anyway, Paul was saying the tombstone is HUGE and was right on the drive home in Springville, UT. So naturally, we had to see this polygomists tombstone-especially since he was a part of the family...well, Eric's family.
Eric Johnson, 12 wives, 56 kids
Eric Johnson, 12 wives, 56 kids
The new Mr. and Mrs. Eric Johnson
We traveled to a far away land called Utah. It was a treacherous trek (12 hour car drive) and there were many obstacles to overcome (like sleeping in the car, in the parking lot of the hotel at 4am in the morning when we arrived), but we went for one thing, and one thing only: to see Patrick's best friend Eric Johnson marry his love, Marie Steck. Here's the proof...
The Bachelor Party Scavenger Hunt.
The Temple Square Picture w/o the temple in the background. (The lady thought I was a lunatic for not wanting the temple spire in our picture. I honestly just loved the beautiful flowers.)
See, the flowers are beautiful!
The new Johnson family...no, we didn't go in the temple(not even Patrick-for all of you who read his Facebook status updates. But it's true they didn't let me go to the bathroom because I didn't have a recommend.)
This is what I married ;)
The reception
We wish you love, understanding and years of bliss! To Eric and Marie!
The Bachelor Party Scavenger Hunt.
The Temple Square Picture w/o the temple in the background. (The lady thought I was a lunatic for not wanting the temple spire in our picture. I honestly just loved the beautiful flowers.)
See, the flowers are beautiful!
The new Johnson family...no, we didn't go in the temple(not even Patrick-for all of you who read his Facebook status updates. But it's true they didn't let me go to the bathroom because I didn't have a recommend.)
This is what I married ;)
The reception
We wish you love, understanding and years of bliss! To Eric and Marie!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Doesn't anyone know how to debate anymore?
Patrick mentioned a while back that people don't know how to have discourse. My husband says many things, and most are true. I'm finding this in particular to be more and more true.
Let me first open by saying, "This is an Op-Ed piece." Meaning, my opinion. There, now we're clear.
Someone on Facebook today posted to their profile an article entitled 6 Reasons to Have Casual Sex. I read the article and found it to be a terrible source of information. Several times the article poses an opinion (which is fine) but then argues the opinion with findings from a poll or survey (also fine). The problem is, the polls and surveys were not cited or listed anywhere on her article. There is a link however to her current survey (one you can actually take). What's the problem? Data, or lack thereof. I don't understand how a person can state his/her opinion and support it with non-cited findings. Doesn't that make you question the source right away? It did me. I won't even go into the ridiculous "comments" at the end of the article...well, maybe I'll save that for last. :o)
So I posted on this friend's wall something to the effect of, "there's no citing of the sources, don't believe everything you read." RIGHT AWAY was a response to my own that said, "Are you saying casual sex is bad for you? If so, cite your sources." I had no idea I would get such a response, because I wasn't arguing that at all (although I have very strong convictions about the subject) that wasn't even my point. We (responder to my comment and I) cordially, I think, discussed the idea that this article wasn't concerned with facts, rather it was an opinion piece. In the end I don't think my point got through. I only commented to make her (the person who posted the article to FB in the first place) think through what's being presented a little more thoroughly. The whole "don't believe everything you read" idea. But someone was looking for a fight I guess.
Which brings me back to the fact that people don't debate well anymore. I remember another situation, also on Facebook, where person A stated something political in nature and person B attacked with words like, "you're uneducated" and making assumptions that were not there. Now tell me, regardless of how you feel politically, wouldn't you think person A a much more credible person than person B? Attacking does not equal a sound argument. In fact, I would say the opposite is true. Attacking makes you look like a fool. Yup, I said it, a FOOL. Have I attacked before, yes. Have I appeared foolish, you betcha. And certainly I realize my mistakes and tried to learn from them.
So why do people attack in discussion? Why is it a necessity for your voice to be heard above everyone elses? As if speaking louder will get the point across. I think debating is ok, as long as it's only a debate. If we disagree, ok. But there's no need to attack. In the end, we'll all be judged by a just and fair God. There's no debate on that one-you'll just have to wait and see.
Let me first open by saying, "This is an Op-Ed piece." Meaning, my opinion. There, now we're clear.
Someone on Facebook today posted to their profile an article entitled 6 Reasons to Have Casual Sex. I read the article and found it to be a terrible source of information. Several times the article poses an opinion (which is fine) but then argues the opinion with findings from a poll or survey (also fine). The problem is, the polls and surveys were not cited or listed anywhere on her article. There is a link however to her current survey (one you can actually take). What's the problem? Data, or lack thereof. I don't understand how a person can state his/her opinion and support it with non-cited findings. Doesn't that make you question the source right away? It did me. I won't even go into the ridiculous "comments" at the end of the article...well, maybe I'll save that for last. :o)
So I posted on this friend's wall something to the effect of, "there's no citing of the sources, don't believe everything you read." RIGHT AWAY was a response to my own that said, "Are you saying casual sex is bad for you? If so, cite your sources." I had no idea I would get such a response, because I wasn't arguing that at all (although I have very strong convictions about the subject) that wasn't even my point. We (responder to my comment and I) cordially, I think, discussed the idea that this article wasn't concerned with facts, rather it was an opinion piece. In the end I don't think my point got through. I only commented to make her (the person who posted the article to FB in the first place) think through what's being presented a little more thoroughly. The whole "don't believe everything you read" idea. But someone was looking for a fight I guess.
Which brings me back to the fact that people don't debate well anymore. I remember another situation, also on Facebook, where person A stated something political in nature and person B attacked with words like, "you're uneducated" and making assumptions that were not there. Now tell me, regardless of how you feel politically, wouldn't you think person A a much more credible person than person B? Attacking does not equal a sound argument. In fact, I would say the opposite is true. Attacking makes you look like a fool. Yup, I said it, a FOOL. Have I attacked before, yes. Have I appeared foolish, you betcha. And certainly I realize my mistakes and tried to learn from them.
So why do people attack in discussion? Why is it a necessity for your voice to be heard above everyone elses? As if speaking louder will get the point across. I think debating is ok, as long as it's only a debate. If we disagree, ok. But there's no need to attack. In the end, we'll all be judged by a just and fair God. There's no debate on that one-you'll just have to wait and see.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Summertime and the livin' is easy
So I realized I hadn't posted any pictures from our many trips this summer. Here's a quick synopsis...
In June we went to Wisconsin to visit my Grandma Morgan who is turning 90 this September! It was really good to see her! We hadn't seen her since our wedding, 2.5 years ago-it was long over due.
Port Washington
Me and Grandma
Picture on the cliff
After spending a few days at Grandma's, we drove up to Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls to see Matt, Patrick's brother get married. It was a SMALL town. In fact, at Valerie's bachelorette party (in Chippewa Falls), one of her cousins said, "Oh! I would never move to Eau Claire!" I said, "Why? What's wrong with Eau Claire?" She said, "It's too big!" I think the pause from me showed her I could not comprehend what she had just said. Too big. Hmmm, ok.
It was great to see the Jones clan again, even though not everyone could make it. I've always appreciated these extended family get togethers on both sides. I guess because I realize how blessed we are to have two amazing families. From what I've heard, not everyone can say the same. It sort of makes me wonder what I will feel like when I'm in our parents' shoes; seeing all of my children get married and adding on to the family. Must be bittersweet, emphasis on the sweet :)
Here are some wedding pictures...
The happy couple
Jones Family
Handsome groomsman
Siblings
I think Colby took this picture
The now larger Jones family
The reception after some apple pie, or apple cider, I can't remember what it was called :o)
The weekend after we got back from Wisconsin we went up to Christopher Creek for Fathers Day with my family. This was our first time to Christopher Creek and it was gorgeous! We went kayaking, hiking, and spent some quality family time.
Going kayaking
Kayaking is my new favorite sport. I went out for hours by myself! It was a blast! (And got the worst sunburn I've ever had)
Lovebirds
Simply gorgeous
Happy Father's Day Dad
After two trips we were spent (physically and financially :o) and took it easy for a couple of weeks. Then we couldn't stand the heat anymore and decided to head out to California for the 4th of July. The weather was absolutely incredible. The high was never more than 80 and the low was in the 50s! I was actually a little chilly because who from AZ would think to pack a sweater in July?! A wonderful time was had by all.
Wine tasting in Temecula with Amy and Dave
Took the dogs to the dog beach (although we didn't take pictures there. This is at Newport-it was CRAZY on the 4th!)
And of course fireworks
It's been a great summer, I'm sad to see it go. But things are looking bright for the future. Patrick continues to move his way up through Wells Fargo, and I'm teaching one choir at Phoenix Christian HS, and volunteering (for now) at Streetlight. PLUS! Patrick's friend Eric is getting married in a couple of weeks. More weddings coming soon!
In June we went to Wisconsin to visit my Grandma Morgan who is turning 90 this September! It was really good to see her! We hadn't seen her since our wedding, 2.5 years ago-it was long over due.
Port Washington
Me and Grandma
Picture on the cliff
After spending a few days at Grandma's, we drove up to Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls to see Matt, Patrick's brother get married. It was a SMALL town. In fact, at Valerie's bachelorette party (in Chippewa Falls), one of her cousins said, "Oh! I would never move to Eau Claire!" I said, "Why? What's wrong with Eau Claire?" She said, "It's too big!" I think the pause from me showed her I could not comprehend what she had just said. Too big. Hmmm, ok.
It was great to see the Jones clan again, even though not everyone could make it. I've always appreciated these extended family get togethers on both sides. I guess because I realize how blessed we are to have two amazing families. From what I've heard, not everyone can say the same. It sort of makes me wonder what I will feel like when I'm in our parents' shoes; seeing all of my children get married and adding on to the family. Must be bittersweet, emphasis on the sweet :)
Here are some wedding pictures...
The happy couple
Jones Family
Handsome groomsman
Siblings
I think Colby took this picture
The now larger Jones family
The reception after some apple pie, or apple cider, I can't remember what it was called :o)
The weekend after we got back from Wisconsin we went up to Christopher Creek for Fathers Day with my family. This was our first time to Christopher Creek and it was gorgeous! We went kayaking, hiking, and spent some quality family time.
Going kayaking
Kayaking is my new favorite sport. I went out for hours by myself! It was a blast! (And got the worst sunburn I've ever had)
Lovebirds
Simply gorgeous
Happy Father's Day Dad
After two trips we were spent (physically and financially :o) and took it easy for a couple of weeks. Then we couldn't stand the heat anymore and decided to head out to California for the 4th of July. The weather was absolutely incredible. The high was never more than 80 and the low was in the 50s! I was actually a little chilly because who from AZ would think to pack a sweater in July?! A wonderful time was had by all.
Wine tasting in Temecula with Amy and Dave
Took the dogs to the dog beach (although we didn't take pictures there. This is at Newport-it was CRAZY on the 4th!)
And of course fireworks
It's been a great summer, I'm sad to see it go. But things are looking bright for the future. Patrick continues to move his way up through Wells Fargo, and I'm teaching one choir at Phoenix Christian HS, and volunteering (for now) at Streetlight. PLUS! Patrick's friend Eric is getting married in a couple of weeks. More weddings coming soon!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Streetlight Update-It's All About Attitude to Change Your Way of Thinking...
I was instructed by a friend ::ahem...Rachel...:: to give an update on Streetlight and what all is happening with that venture. Here goes (for you Rachel, and for all other blog readers :o)
This summer I started volunteering with whatever Streetlight needed. So far I've done paperwork, organizing and some financial planning. Financial planning? What do you mean Andrea? I'll explain. Streetlight is set up on the model that pays only a very small group of head staff members and the rest either volunteer or are community supported. Community supported staff are just what they sound like: people who work and are supported by the community. Right now there is not yet a system set up for those who need to raise funds (aka fundraising...but I'm going to stay away from that word because of the negative connotation). I'm putting together a very rough draft of a system that could be used for community supported staff. It sounds easy, but is very thought provoking and time intensive. First of all, being a faith based organization, biblical reference must be the basis for the system. In other words, everything we do needs to come back to the idea that its what God says about finances, not because we think it's a good idea. (Like our ideas could be better thought out than God's anyway!) Secondly, attitude is a huge factor in finding donors. I could write for days on what I just learned from these DVDs I watched about donors that contribute to non-profits. The basis is this: you're not paying me, you're giving what God has given you through me so that I can work for the cause we both believe in. In the interest of time I'll give a short example. So let's say you work for a homeless organization, and you talk to someone who is really catching the vision of this organization. They feel a burden on their heart to give to this cause. They're giving to a specific person so that person can do the work for this organization. But it's a partnership, it's not give me your money and pray for me. Instead it's a specific person who is called to that specific field, and another who contributes to it, but both share together in the growth, need and happenings of the organization. It's a huge shift of thinking for me personally in a great direction. No more Little Rascals, "People! We need your money!"
God will provide for you abundantly, and use people in the process. But he's really interested in relationship. And this partnership makes way more sense than what's been done in the past. Please don't misunderstand, I did the very same thing before my attitude was changed. I just didn't see any other way.
But wait, here's the best part! Before I thought, "here is my ministry...I'm going to help people A." Now my thought process is, "here is my ministry...I'm going to help people A, AND people that have partnered with me are going to be apart of this as well, AND lived a transformed life through giving!" I know, I'll give you some time to let it sink in. So really all people are benefiting from the interaction that's going on. Remarkable idea God, I couldn't have thought of it better myself :o)
Can you tell I'm excited about this!?! So that's what I've been doing lately regarding Streetlight. My next item of business is to put my creative awareness ideas to work.
I cannot find words to describe the joy I feel in my own growth through this transformation. I have left the norm (my norm) and I'm gearing up to work in the unknown, the darkness, the brokenness. This is what I was called to. Praise God that he shines the brightest light in the darkness! I have already had moments of panic, moments of fear, and it's not to say everything is roses-but I hold on to a God that never fails. If eternal joy could be in a single person, it is in me. I guess it was always there, I just needed to let it go and let God.
Check these websites to find out more about the growing problem of child sex-slavery here in Phoenix.
This summer I started volunteering with whatever Streetlight needed. So far I've done paperwork, organizing and some financial planning. Financial planning? What do you mean Andrea? I'll explain. Streetlight is set up on the model that pays only a very small group of head staff members and the rest either volunteer or are community supported. Community supported staff are just what they sound like: people who work and are supported by the community. Right now there is not yet a system set up for those who need to raise funds (aka fundraising...but I'm going to stay away from that word because of the negative connotation). I'm putting together a very rough draft of a system that could be used for community supported staff. It sounds easy, but is very thought provoking and time intensive. First of all, being a faith based organization, biblical reference must be the basis for the system. In other words, everything we do needs to come back to the idea that its what God says about finances, not because we think it's a good idea. (Like our ideas could be better thought out than God's anyway!) Secondly, attitude is a huge factor in finding donors. I could write for days on what I just learned from these DVDs I watched about donors that contribute to non-profits. The basis is this: you're not paying me, you're giving what God has given you through me so that I can work for the cause we both believe in. In the interest of time I'll give a short example. So let's say you work for a homeless organization, and you talk to someone who is really catching the vision of this organization. They feel a burden on their heart to give to this cause. They're giving to a specific person so that person can do the work for this organization. But it's a partnership, it's not give me your money and pray for me. Instead it's a specific person who is called to that specific field, and another who contributes to it, but both share together in the growth, need and happenings of the organization. It's a huge shift of thinking for me personally in a great direction. No more Little Rascals, "People! We need your money!"
God will provide for you abundantly, and use people in the process. But he's really interested in relationship. And this partnership makes way more sense than what's been done in the past. Please don't misunderstand, I did the very same thing before my attitude was changed. I just didn't see any other way. But wait, here's the best part! Before I thought, "here is my ministry...I'm going to help people A." Now my thought process is, "here is my ministry...I'm going to help people A, AND people that have partnered with me are going to be apart of this as well, AND lived a transformed life through giving!" I know, I'll give you some time to let it sink in. So really all people are benefiting from the interaction that's going on. Remarkable idea God, I couldn't have thought of it better myself :o)
Can you tell I'm excited about this!?! So that's what I've been doing lately regarding Streetlight. My next item of business is to put my creative awareness ideas to work.
I cannot find words to describe the joy I feel in my own growth through this transformation. I have left the norm (my norm) and I'm gearing up to work in the unknown, the darkness, the brokenness. This is what I was called to. Praise God that he shines the brightest light in the darkness! I have already had moments of panic, moments of fear, and it's not to say everything is roses-but I hold on to a God that never fails. If eternal joy could be in a single person, it is in me. I guess it was always there, I just needed to let it go and let God.
Check these websites to find out more about the growing problem of child sex-slavery here in Phoenix.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mission: Possible
Today I'm on a mission. I'm on a mission to find furniture I need for little cost. And I'm expecting to restore it. Wait, maybe I should finish the one piece I've started :o)
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