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Bye bye Benji
Originally uploaded by lofbomm.

Strange turn of events. I brought Benjamin to see the aforementioned southern genteel black woman last week, but it turns out that she is a petite blonde lady with a deep voice. I liked her, and she said that she would adopt him. Then she called me a few hours later and said never mind because she apparently hadn’t talked to her husband, and he didn’t want a dog. Then I brought Benjamin to see an older couple out 40 miles from the city. They were really sweet and had lots of land, but they had seven llamas (yes, llamas) that really spooked Benjamin (can’t imagine why), and I figured that may not work. So then on Friday, I brought Benjamin out to Mount Juliet, Tennessee to see a woman whose husband travels for his job and youngest son is going away to college next year, and she wants a companion. She’s had his breed before and really loved him. So, yesterday after lots of walks, hugs and kisses, I brought Benjamin to live with his new family in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

I wish that were the end of the story.

Today at work, Benjamin’s new mom called and said that he can’t stay. It seems her son has developed a strong allergy since they had their last dog, so they cannot keep him. She’s bringing him home this afternoon. I’m happy to see my dog again, but I’m ready for this to be done. He must be really stressed out and confused. Poor puppy. I have had a ton of people call me from the classified ad, so I should still be able to find him a new home soon. Here’s hoping.

Anyway, that’s all the news from Lake Wobegon. . .

-Jessica

Currently Playing Conversations By Sara Groves see related

I woke up this morning to my phone ringing. Panic. “I’m late for work!!” Then I looked at my clock, and it was 6:30 am. “Who on God’s green earth would call me at 6:30?!” I answered the phone to a genteel, southern black woman (that’s the picture I got from her voice) inquiring about my dog who I posted in the Tennessean classifieds yesterday. She sounds really great– big, fenced in yard, a husband, one grown son, two more nearly grown, likes to walk, wants a dog to be inside and outside, no other pets. I’m going over there with Benjamin, my dog, this afternoon to check her out and have her check him out. She may be an answer to prayer.

I’m going to miss him. He was all snuggly and good this morning after being a terror the last couple weeks. It seems like he knows he’s going away.

Another answer to prayer is our new group of friends that meets on Tuesday nights at Richard and Florence’s house. We’re a group of internationally minded, hippy dreamers from Covenant Presbyterian Church (Adam’s church, the church I’ll join after the wedding). We all met again last night. We always have the best conversations and great food. We sing for each other, read inspiring things, discuss the state of America, our travel experiences and hopes, and kids. Richard is an older Adam. They’re so much alike. Then there’s Shulamith. She’s in her early 30s, and I am so enjoying her new friendship. She’s an artist. Richard and Florence have a daughter in high school and two younger sons, and Shulamith has two beautiful daughters about the ages of Richard and Florence’s boys.

This Saturday, Adam and I went to a concert of The Tarbox Ramblers, a band that Adam loved when he lived in Boston. They’re Americana-roots-rockabilly-gospel-blues. It was a great show.

Then in church on Sunday, the sermon reminded me that I can’t just sit on my talents, so I am aiming at setting up at least two of my own gigs for late March or so. It needs to happen. It seems I only get my act together when there’s something to prepare for. Then last night, I was talking to my friend LaTisha, and she said she wants to help me set up some gigs. I’m so thankful.

That’s all for now.

-Jessica

Currently Playing A Fix Back East By Tarbox Ramblers see related

Achoo.

In other news… is anyone looking for a new dog? My beloved Benjamin, a one-year-old purebred Norwegian Elkhound, is in need of a new abode. He’s very sweet, affectionate and playful. He also has too much energy for my little duplex with the shared yard. I’m trying to find a good, loving home for him that has more space for him to play.

Wedding plans are going well. We signed a cake lady and photographer this weekend. We also have our fourth meeting for pre-marital counseling this afternoon. I think couneling is the greatest thing ever. Anyone else getting married? Check out the book below. It has all kinds of good questions, issues, topics, and stuff.

-Jessica

Currently Reading Getting Ready for a Lifetime of Love: Six Steps to Prepare for a Great Marriage By C. Michael, Ph.D. Smith see related

“The voice of him who cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the ADONAI, make straight a highway in the desert for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mounatin and hill shall be made low; and the crooked places shall be made level, and the rough places smooth; and the glory of the ADONAI shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the ADONAI has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

Before heading to church with Jessi this morning, I read this chapter from Isaiah. It is a really remarkable testament to the ‘bigness’ of God- His absolutely incomprehensible otherness and sovereignty. These are some of my favorite verses from it. So often, we humans, and Christians in particular, want the comfortable, kind face of God without having to look into His fearsome, terribly majestic eyes. I am trying lately not to trivialize the God of the universe within the recesses of my prideful heart. It is true when they say of the Christian condition, “God dwells within us,” what is false is when we forget that it is within Him that “we live and move, and have our being.” The God That Is… is frighteningly, colossally loving.

On a seemingly different note, Jess and I headed to Sam’s Sushi after the worship service and proceeded to gorge ourselves on delicious eel and salmon rolls and a huge vat of Sam’s fish and dumpling soup. Massive ammounts of goodness for a mere 10 bucks- highly reccomended.

Currently Playing Kiln [EP] By Kiln see related

“Chesterton Quotations”

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.” - Chapter 5, What’s Wrong With The World, 1910

This is my very first entry, so the pressure is on to craft a witty and engaging commencement-blog- here goes….

Jess and I are very excited to have this space that we can use to share our experiences, observations and thoughts with the rest of you out there in this big, wide world. A lot of amazing things have transpired even thus far in our life together (a very full five and three-quarter months, no one could argue), some of which we may recollect here from time to time. We have no shortage of remarkable living ahead of us as well in each blessed day to come. We are hoping that you will take the time to join us from time to time to keep abreast of new developments.

—A.

Currently Reading Orthodoxy By G. K. Chesterton see related

-Jessica

Currently Reading Most Important Year in a Woman’s Life, The/The Most Important Year in a Man’s Life By Robert Wolgemuth, Bobbie Wolgemuth, Mark DeVries, Susan DeVries see related

I like rainy days.

-Jessica

Currently Playing Woven & Spun By Nichole Nordeman see related