All Saints Day Rememberance

Hi all-
As it is well known, today is Reformation Day also, it is also the slightly lesser known holiday Halloween... so whatever you celebrate- hope you have a happy one.

Tomorrow is also All Saints Day. In chapel today we celebrated communion (as we do every Tuesday) and I got to thinking about the community that we share when we join together in communion, in the actual partaking of the elements, how we truly are connected through and in the body of Christ. I got to thinking about all of that and I thought I would honor All Saints Day and take a moment in this blog spot to remember then all the saints that have come into my life, however briefly, that are no longer with us. This list is only partial. But those who I want to remember today are: My grandfather, C.L. Graham, who died in Sept, 1999; Keturah "Newt" Wright, my last best buddy, she was 17 when she died this past January (and her mom Rhetta); William "Grant" Atkins, my first best buddy, who was 8 when he died Feb, 2004; Andy Wesley, 2002, one of my youth; Hazel Johnson, Carol Beran, Mac Underwood, Gene Wages, 2006; Bob Atkinson, 2005; Mary Ellen Atkinson, 1985; and Henry Shannon, Ray Yow, Slim Summerville, Richard Wilkins, Don McIntire, my great aunts Lou and Esther; my great uncle Body; and Boots Berryhill. Please feel free to add (via post a comment to this) others you would like to remember.

Also, I ask that you include these people in your prayers: ny cousin Megan and Sam Harrel and Megan's son Kevin; Linda Ross-Thaxton and her husband David; my grandmother Finch, my great aunt Fran, Jamie Peterson, Isabel Wages, my cousin Will Thomas, Bill Greenway, and for my brother and his wife as they prepare to move.

Thanks all- next post I promise will be more 'whats going on' but sometimes, it's just important to remember. Take care. C

Movie Night

Hi all-
Went with one of my friends to see the documentary "Jesus Camp" tonight. It's about how some Christian Evangelicals present Jesus, the Bible, their doctrine to children at a summer camp in North Dakota. It is an interesting film to watch; one that will (hopefully) in some ways make you angry and sad. As a Christian from a "dead church" (a child in the movie proclaimed churches that worship God in the fashion of my denomination, that is with out jumping around and shouting Praise Jesus) I found certain beliefs of theirs appaling and down right mis-informed. And yet, we all share the body of Christ. As a friend of mine likes to say "God uses that too."
Anyways- i would recommend seeing the film if for no other reason as to be aware of the evangelical church and its beliefs. Will it upset you? Probably, but that hopefully, is something God can use too. Be passionate for God. Be passionate in your giving, in your praying, in walking in your Christian faith, but do so remembering that God is omnipotent, not you, by remembering that God created the entire world, all the believers of all faiths, of all sexual orientations, of all walks of life, and respect those creations because they too are gifts of God.

Enough of my soap box rambling. Go see the movie, then call me- we can discuss...
Take care-
C

flying with the setting sun

I returned back to Austin last evening wrapping up a good week in NC. It made me a little sad to leave... I really am grateful for you all. Well, on my flight back to Austin something unexpected happened, which I want to share with you now. Now, I have flown cross country a few times in my life but I don't think I have ever flown west while the sun is setting. Last night, the sun set lasted over an hour for me (and all the other passengers). It was AMAZING. We were flying above the clouds and the sky was filled with orange, pink, purple, red and blue and clouds. I can't tell you how much peace that hour gave me. It was, dare I say, redemptive. The sun finally gave way to night only when we began to slow down and desend back down to the ground. I took a few pictures of it all, and I know that they can't do justice to the actual experience... but here are a couple of them...

I hope you all get to witness a sunset like this sometime. It's good for the soul.

So that's it for me today. Blessings- C

tempus fugit!

It's hard to believe that I am already at the end of Thursday, and my time here in NC is quickly coming to an end. It has been so far a really good visit. I have gotten to catch up with a lot of friends and got to watch the Hurricanes practice their hockey prowess.

Uhm... the picture- yeah that's me and David Tannabe, a defensemen for the Hurricanes- one of my favorites... I got to chat with most of the players (with the exception of Eric Cole- who I most wanted to see) after the practice yesterday. Let's see... other highlights- 1) Last night, I visited TAPC (my former work place) and had dinner with them, and about 20 of my kids showed up to see me- it was very very cool. They are great! 2) Mom and I went to the state fair today- which is worth a visit once every five to six years for me. (it's been atleast 5 since I last went). 3) Having a meal with various people- including the suprise Jon and Sarah showing up tonight when I was out with Margot and Scott. 4)Having a marathon silly string battle with 3 of the 4 Drakes. 5) Helping lead worship with Jim at my home church Sunday; 6) going to farmer's market and all the wonders of locally grown goodness and finally, 7) I get to have lunch tomorrow with Donovan- which I know that technically hasn't happened yet- but I really am looking forward to catching up with him.

That's about it for me. oh, here is a picture from the farmer's market that I thought was pretty funny- after all, this is the South...

so yeah, it's been a pretty good fall break- I even managed to get some reading in too... I guess that's it for now. More to come soon I reckon...

Take care- C

Fall Break!!!

Hi all-
I write this today as a woman who is very happy to have reached the half-way mark of her first semester in seminary! I am pleased to report that school is going well, both academically and life in general. Earlier today I went kayaking on the Colorado River (otherwise known as Town Lake). It was very cool and very relaxing. Here are some pictures from that experience...

Tomorrow- I head back to NC and I am incredibly excited to be heading home and seeing my friends and mom back east. I hope to see a lot of you soon. Anyways- I am going to end this for now-
Take care and I will write again soon!

Let the games begin!

All right- it's time to talk Carolina Hurricanes and the new season of hockey... Which by the way, as a reminder, puck drops at 6:13 central time tomorrow night after the Stanley Cup presentation- yeah! (I am very excited about this (in case you didn't already know that)... Anyways- I thought it would be kind of fun to sort of cull some of the comments I have read on various websites about my boys in red and sort of give you my over all predictions on what is sure to be an exciting season of hockey across the board.
Scott Burnside, a writer for ESPN has them picked to finish 2nd- "Injuries and an inevitable post-Cup hangover might blunt the kind of strong start the team enjoyed last season, but the Canes should prevail as Southeast winners and assume the second seed in the East."

Goldstein's Take (from CBS Sportsline)
"Considering how much turnover NHL teams go through these days, the Hurricanes are a picture of continuity. That's a good thing for the Stanley Cup champs, because Carolina will be able to defend its title with more than just the core of its lineup intact.
The Hurricanes couldn't avoid some personnel departures during their short summer hiatus, and they'll start the new season with playoff star forward Cory Stillman and steady defenseman Frantisek Kaberle rehabbing shoulder injuries. But if they get all hands on deck, Carolina's lineup will be arguably better than it was in June.
Carolina's strength remains down the middle with centers Rod Brind'Amour and Eric Staal and playoff MVP Cam Ward in goal, but the 'Canes have prime talent on the wings as well, with Erik Cole, Justin Williams and the emerging Andrew Ladd. Throw in veterans Ray Whitney, newcomer Scott Walker and Stillman when he's healthy, and Carolina could improve on what was the league's third best offense last season.
If there is a question mark for coach Peter Laviolette, it's along the blue line. The Hurricanes lost Aaron Ward to free-agency, Kaberle is out for most of the season and Bret Hedican had hip surgery in mid-September. And a fourth member of the top six, Glen Wesley, will be 38 by opening night. The back end could leave the Hurricanes vulnerable at times, but probably not enough to keep Carolina from being the class of the division this season.
Upside/Downside
Upside: Any less than another Stanley Cup would be a step back, but at the very least a division title and possibly a conference crown.
Downside: A Stanley Cup hangover lingers, and the 'Canes take their eyes off the puck while slipping back into the East pack." (note- all 5 analysts have picked the Canes to finish first in the South East
John Molinaro of CBC sports (a Canadian site) has them as their top favorites and this is what he has to say "Outlook: No team has repeated as Stanley Cup champions since the Detroit Red Wings pulled it off in 1997-98, but you have to like Carolina's chances. The Hurricanes have a solid core of veterans (Rod Brind'Amour, Bret Hedican, Cory Stillman) and youngsters (Eric Staal, Conn Smythe winner Cam Ward, Justin Williams), all of whom played key roles in last season's Stanley Cup run. With Martin Gerber gone (to Ottawa) the No. 1 goalie's job belongs to Ward – look for him to be a Vezina candidate. Ward will play behind a solid defensive unit anchored by Hedican and Frantisek Kaberle. Carolina boasts great offensive depth with plenty of speed and character. Staal and Williams had breakout campaigns in 2005-06 and should be ever better this season. "
Sports Illustrated has them picked fourth, but also primed for a South East Dynasty...
I could keep going, but suffice to say, this year's preseason's press is a heck of a lot nicer than last year's (when everyone had them predicted to be at the bottom of the barrel). So as a fan, this is nice to see them being treated with some respect from the media- I guess proving everybody wrong and winning the Stanley Cup will do that, huh? Me I predict that the Canes will once again break the 100 point mark, that both Erik and Eric will score at least 80 points (either as goals or assists) and that Whitney, Ladd, Williams, Letowski, and BrindA'mour will put up some impressive numbers as well. I like the depth of the offense, and I think the blueline is probably the weakest point right now, but as Hedican and Kaberle heal, and with Commodore coming into his own, we will be all right. I am glad to see Grahame as our back-up. He worked with Laviotte on the Olympic squad and I think he will work well in our system (plus coming from Tampa Bay, he has really good insight into the shooting capabilities of his former team- which I think can only strengthen the Canes since they play the Lightning a lot). As long as our core three lines can stay healthy these next couple of months (allowing enough time for Stillman to heal) than I really do like our chances this year to quite possibly repeat the Cup run. I think that a lot of teams this year are going to be exponetially tougher than last year, I expect the Penguins, Rangers, and Buffalo to be some of our rising contenders in the east (ok Buffalo not so much rising but they are probably our most formidable opponent).
Yep, all in all, it should be a great year- I am so sad not be there in the midst of all the excitement that has been bubbling up in Raleigh all summer, so all you NC friends and family- Rick Flair WOOOOOO a little louder for me ok. Because here in Texas- I will do my best to keep the tradition alive!

Note- this will most likely be my last post for a while... so please continue to pray for my cousin Megan, her son Kevin, and all of her family, they cling barely to hope of miracles. God's blessings on/to all of you.
-Carrie

PS... I added a link to the Stanley Cup Journal that is kept by the Hockey Hall of Fame- it tells about the various players' day with the cup- check it out sometime (link is on the right)