<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> <% Dim sActiveMenu sActiveMenu = "Blog" %> The Life and Times of Jon Graves
 

Monday, October 23, 2006

Now vs. Then

We made it. I don't think we've stayed at a more luxurious hotel than The Venetian. Oddly, one of the weirder moments of my life took place today. I'll upload a picture later and you'll see what I mean.

Dat and Tran are along, too. Poor guys...they got hit with an outrageous dinner bill ($100+ for two entrees, a soda and milk). Funny how things work out like that. We stayed pretty conservative with a small order of sushi and sashimi and still spent $50. Good food though.

I've got to say that it's so different to come here as a believer in Christ. Where I once had a blast spending a ton of money gambling, drinking more than I care to recall, and basically making the ordinary fool look wise, I now see just how damaging this town can be. To anyone. It doesn't matter who you are, Vegas has nothing to offer but ruin. Thankfully we're here as the result of the good people who support me at work. I just hope I can learn something worthwhile for them!

As for Jeseca, she's still in pain. I don't know how or when that will go away aside from God taking action. Maybe I shouldn't know. Sometimes I wonder if it has something to do with me. Am I praying enough? Am I walking with the Lord enough? Being honest with yourself can be tough. I also recognize that the enemy of my soul wants me to believe it has everything to do with my inability to walk and talk with God continually. What a battle this walk is. Thank God for His grace.

Just watching her inspires me to be a better man and a better Christian. She is so courageous, for her trust is firmly planted in Christ. She's amazing, and I am honored to be her husband. One thing is certain: God has an awfully large plan for her life; she's only halfway there, and the best is obviously yet to come.

JG

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Off to Vegas

This week I will be attending a conference to learn about Adobe's new software suites. The conference will be held at The Venetian in Las Vegas and should be great. I'm taking Jes along to give her a break from the kids and all of the other responsibilities. Funny that we are going to the city that never sleeps for rest. I know the time will be good for her to recuperate.

Ricky Page was the guest speaker today at The Rock. He was great. He relayed a statement his friend made after losing his wife to cancer. Ricky asked him if he was mad at God for losing such a beautiful person. His response: "No way! She's in Heaven now with the Lord's arms wrapped around her...in no pain, and rejoicing! How could I be mad at God for that?"

Awesome. What love for his wife. Thanks for opening my eyes even more, God.

JG

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