Austin's 6th Street

*sighs* Not much to do on 6th Street in Austin as a non-partier...except enjoy the beautiful sunset! :-D

Brooks & Jordan

Brooks & Jordan - the friends I visited in Abilene last Wednesday!

Trip to Santa Fe, In Summary

I'm on my way back from Santa Fe, New Mexico, right now. I left early enough to get back in time for commitments this evening, barring unforeseen circumstances. My trip went well, without incident.

I continue to be amazed at the Lord's working of changes in me. Of course there were times I was tempted and had to turn away from opportunity, as I imagine will always be the case. However, this happened with seemingly little effort on my part. There was no striving, sweating, clenched fists, or cries of deprivation that were ALWAYS present, historically. Its like this peaceful dream-state just comes over me and the thot comes to mind, "I don't do that anymore...that's not me."

As I revisit these places, experiences, friendships that were all soiled by my broken past, I experience them in a new/different way. I admit, its both disorienting and even boring compared to my old ways of doing things. But, I'm content with boredom over regret and bondage...for today.

Ten Thousand Waves

No trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico is complete without a trip to Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa! - www.tenthousandwaves.com

The Conference

The conference on the Psychology of Forgiveness was OK. Lots of good ideas and I was reminded that there's really nothing new under the Sun.

Rumors

Saw Neil Simon's play, Rumors, at the Santa Fe Playhouse. Sunday is a pay-what-you-may-matinee. Always meet the most interesting people ;-)

Good-Bye, Santa Fe!

Took a last walk around the square around sunset, which was beautiful. Unfortunately, I couldn't do it justice with my Treo. Kinda just had to be there.

Wednesday in Abilene

Spent the day with Brooks Norman yesterday in Abilene. Got to see Jeremy West, Cara Lee Gombert, and spend extended time with Philip Muns and his roommate Kyle, too. Also saw Wayne & Mimi Barnard and Mark Lewis, old friends from my grad school days. Spent the night with Brooks & Jordan Blakey in the dorm. We stayed up til 2AM, laughing, talking, and telling stories. Felt just like I was in college again - except withouth the pressure, anxiety, debt, and never enough laundry detergent. ~lol~ Omlettes and smoothies for breakfast this morning in The Bean. I had so much fun and had a wonderful visit with everyone I saw. I'm so glad that I decided to come through Abilene on my way to Santa Fe. Being in Abilene again and seeing the friends I have there - even for 24 hours - so refreshed me, though it made me miss being a student, living in Abilene, and renewed the pain of being apart from those I love, especially Brooks. He really is just like the "little" brother I never had but always wanted. God is so good and in His perfect way and timing, provides for our every need.