Shannon Warren.com

Here are some pictures from a fun study break with mom & dad at Hermann Park a couple weeks ago.

Pictures include the Japanese Garden & the main reflecting pond.

A few photos from the Chase Manhattan tower (the tallest building in Houston).

So we didn’t do so hot at the World Series. That didn’t stop thousands of Houstonians from showing up to cheer on our boys at city hall.

The mayor pronounced it Houston Astros Day. This, of course, is no different than any other day for me.

Kudos to Mark for scoring front row, 47 yard line tickets at the Houston Texans game. The team may have been having a difficult day, but we weren’t!

Here are a few photos I took at the Bayou City Art Festival 2005.

This piece was painted by the feature artist, Jay Long.

More info here.

This was behind the pulpit at Stephen’s church this morning. Both Tim & I really like it. It may be hard to tell, but people of every walk & area of life are following Christ.

I especially like the fact that a traditional congregation would put up a modern piece. Which is something I’ve seen done a few other places over the last couple years.

I wonder if art will become the new mark of a progressive church.

I don’t mind if it does, anything which gets us away from those poorly arranged modern songs is a welcome change. Of course, we will probably end up with churches full of bad art and music if this becomes a trend.

O boy, something to look forward to.

In the meantime, kudos to Fairfax Church on the excellent painting.

About 1 am Thursday night/Friday morning, the call went out for volunteers @ the dome. I was wide awake & decided that it would be too crowded if I waited till the morning.

I’m glad I went. The opportunity to help those in such extreme need is a blessing in return.

I had never met anyone who had truly lost everything, that changed upon arrival. Very nearly everyone in the dome came there empty handed. All things considered, they were handling it well, but many were confused & angry.

One lady I met was genuenly frightened of the other refugees because of the rapes which took place at the Super-dome. She had lost everything, including her two treasured family dogs, which seemed to break her heart more than losing her house.

If you’re interested in volunteering, there are many opportunities. If you cannot make it down there, be praying for these displaced souls in our midst.

Here’s the view I had during lunch today:

(Please excuse the low quality, this photo was taken by my phone)

To cover the 2 miles between my house & school I got this Honda Ruckus. This hog has a 49cc motor. Wow, huh?

I’m aware these things aren’t toys. Dad told me, “You’ll shoot your eye out!, so be careful.” I know, I know, mopeds are dangerous. But its so fun to ride! If you’re interested in adding a warning, leave me a comment.

Anyway, here are some pictures for those who want to see this baby.

(It’s tough to act macho on a scooter)

It is a rare treat to have lifelong friends in this fast-paced, career-driven culture we live in. In that spirit, I count my blessings to have Becky & Debi as two of my closest & longest known friends.

We survived high school together, with a little help from Young Life, & in the subsequently years have enjoyed a handful of spirited reunions. Saturday I had just such a reunion in Clear Lake.

�??No man is an island unto himself,�?� and lifelong friends help us to remember that no matter what personal-mythology we believe about ourselves there is someone who knows and believes in the real us. We all need such friends to remind us where we�??re from and where we are going.

The girls and I determined that our friendship has endured ten years, the majority of which we were all separated by hundreds of miles. I believe our friendship�??s longevity is the direct fruit of the grace by which we stand�?�

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:1-6

Rich summarized things quite nicely�?�

Hello Old Friends

Rich Mullins
First Samuel 20:41-42, Philippians 1:3-8

Hello old friends
There’s really nothing new to say
But the old, old story bears repeating
And the plain old truth grows dearer every day
When you find something worth believing
Well, that’s a joy that nothin’ could take away

And so we meet again
After all these many years
Did we sow the seeds we’re reaping
Now that the harvest calls us here
It seems that love blooms out of season
And much joy can blossom from many tears

So old friends you must forget what you had to forgive
And let love be stronger than the feelings
That rage and run beneath the bridge
Knowin’ morning follows evening
Makes each new day come as a gift