Friday, February 26, 2010

Lent

I have some thoughts on Lent.

WARNING: Generalizations about a religious practice are about to be made by an outsider!

  • I think it's interesting that people who strictly adhere to the "Lent Rules" rarely stick to ACTUAL Biblical rules. 
  • Suddenly one doesn't eat meat on Fridays, and has strictly given up a vice for  40 days.Giving up something you shouldn't be doing anyway (like drinking, or eating chips) doesn't count. It's not a New Year's Resolution, people.
  • Does participating in Lent negate complete disregard for Christ the rest of the year? 

I feel like there's more religious chatter this time of year because so many people participate in Lent. Lent is the focus. Lent is the "Reason for the Season."

No. Lent is an "act of deprivation" meant to symbolize the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert before his death on the cross. Lent is an opportunity to spend some time (that you might have used for drinking or eating chips) to pray, meditate, or spend some time in the Word.

What we really should be focusing on this time of year is that Christ died on the cross and was resurrected, thus victorious over death and sin! Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death. Christ has given you freedom from that doom. There are no rules or methods to follow to earn your way to Him. Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ.

Maybe you should meditate on that for 40 days...

Meet the neighbors

Ryan and I live in a cute little apartment in Saint Paul.
The other night I was just making a cheeseburger in a pan on the stove, minding my own business, cook-cook-cooking away. All of a sudden the whole apartment is smoky. I'm coughing and confused because nothing was burned!
I think, "QUICK! Open a window!" Oh wait, I can't because the kitchen window is painted shut.
I think, "OK! Living room window!" [RUN 3 feet to the living room] Oh wait, all the storm windows are on. "Ugh, just do the screen... and uh, ah, get the storm window up [struggle, struggle]... Gah!" Give up.
I think, "OOH! Open the door!"
Almost immediately the building's smoke alarm is blaring in my ears.
I think, "Oh... BIG mistake..." and the whole building evacuates.

"Hi, Neighbors. I'm the new girl."

Friday, February 12, 2010

In sickness and in health...

We'd been married less than 48 hours when we got home and thought it would be nice to have some chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. Ryan got up to wash some glasses and from the bedroom I hear a glass break and then...
Ryan: "Baby?"
Lauren: "Are you ok?"
Ryan: "I cut myself... pretty bad..."
And then we went to urgent care. Here are some fun photos...

Be warned: They're not pretty!!

5 stitches later, he's as good as new!

Snapshots of a day

Here are some photos of our wedding. We got married at the Ann Bean Mansion in Stillwater, MN. There was a very small crowd of our family, and the friends we consider family. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner out, and everything was perfect. 

Thanks to everybody who helped make our day so special!!

 
This was me a few minutes before the ceremony.

Me with The Hubs. 

A few Formal Photos...
The Parents, The Wedding Party, The Siblings

Opening a few gifts...

The Bachelorette

Erin got me this pretty ensemble...
 

We had dinner at Chino Latino in Minneapolis.
 

ooh! Lingerie!

Trust me... It was delicious...

And from here both the evening and the photography went down hill... I'll let you use your imagination...