Ok, I just can't stand it any longer. Something WEIRD is happening, and I have to respond.

As we all know, the world is in disarray and its clearly only getting worse from here on out. The US financial markets are on the brink of collapse, the number of natural disasters is increasing every year, and tension between countries (even allies) is at an all-time high. Some of this is relatively new, some of it is just an escalation of things we've seen in the past. Obviously we're seeing "birth pains" becoming more intense and frequent. I'm convinced that we don't have much longer...

With all of this happening, what's most interesting and frightening to me (and the reason for this post), is the number of "warnings" that have suddenly (within the past 1-2 months) become THE topic of discussion among conservative Adventist circles. Just in the last several weeks, I've heard from multiple friends and family members who have received frightening emails from other friends and family (all church members) containing information pertaining to current and upcoming world events. Additionally, I've spoken with several acquaintances who have "confirmed" this information from their own sources. If you're a Christian who has heard any of this news regarding dreams, prophecies, economic collapse, destruction of Atlanta, cancelled elections, martial law, red and blue lists, helicopters, boxcars, coffins, guillotines, executions, nuclear war, or any other frightening information, then please, PLEASE I beg of you, read the rest of this post.

I'm going to divide the post into two sections. First I want to examine these warning in detail and look at some related facts (NOTE: Not everyone will agree with my conclusions. If you're a friend or family member of mine, feel free to call my cell and we can talk. Please refrain from filling my comments with reasons why I might be wrong. Don't worry, I won't be lost because of it. However, if anyone has additional or contrary information related to the facts I present, please feel free to email me or post the correct information in the comments.) Lastly, I'd like to share some encouragement for those who have received these messages or heard about them from others. So many of the issues contained in the warnings are seemingly related, so I'll try to be careful to differentiate between them. However I'm finding this extremely difficult since I keep discovering that many of these related warnings are actually turning out to be variations of the same, surprisingly outdated sources. I'll try to explain as I go through each one.

From what I can tell, there are a few categories of "warnings" being spread around. First, there have been several individuals receiving dreams or visions giving counsel and warning of either general calamity or specific events such as the destruction of a specific city(s). Second, there are emails circulating that warn of economic collapse and martial law, advising people to leave the cities. Third and somewhat intermingled with the second, are emails and documents describing specific "plans" being made by the government to round up and execute anyone present on certain "lists". Many of these warnings have been combined together into very long emails and documents that present all of these as fact.

Let's look at the details of some of the warnings.

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Dreams and Visions

I won't go into great detail on these as it would take several posts (or articles or a book) just to cover the issues involved. These recent dreams and visions are not the primary reason for this post, but since some of the warnings are connected or related to these dreams, I felt like I should at least mention them.

Ernie Knoll. Since Spring 2005, he's been having a series of dreams that he claims are inspired by God. On the surface, these dreams sound true and in harmony with God's true prophets. Many have been convinced that Ernie Knoll's dreams are from God, and he seems to have quite a following among Adventism. However, upon my own personal inspection (and by anyone willing to look closely in light of Scripture), his claims simply don't add up. It's difficult to prove that his dreams have a Divine origin. This fact alone should make us skeptical and drive us to study the issues more deeply. Instead, so many are accepting his messages with open arms. As I mentioned at first, I won't go into great detail as to the content of these dreams or why I believe they shouldn't be accepted readily. However I will mention two of the most concerning issues I've found. First, he claims that the "Herald" has told him that if people don't believe their tithe is being used to the glory of God, they shouldn't return it to the conference. Interestingly, Ernie personally accepts tithe; presumably using it for self-support. Second, the "Herald" as well as "Jesus" himself has told Ernie that anyone rejecting his claims are in actuality rejecting Jesus himself. In this way he's indirectly but clearly claiming to be a prophet and condemning those who don't believe him. These two issues alone, along with the constant but subtle emphasis on using the senses to tell truth from error are HUGE warning signs to the diligent Bible student. I suppose the possibility exists that he is indeed a true prophet. But what if this is a carefully crafted deception of Satan? If you're interested in studying for yourself, he has posted all of his dreams on his website, www.4hispeople.info. I would also recommend visiting a website dedicated to examining his claims, www.notaprophet.com.

I've also heard of the dreams of a 15 year-old Romanian-American boy named Andrew in Atlanta, Georgia. Apparently after a heart failure and 5 days of coma, his first words after regaining consciousness were to describe a dream he had while in the coma (and under the influence of heavy medication). Apparently "Jesus" spoke with him and warned him of many things, including the fact that Atlanta would soon be destroyed (keep this in mind; Atlanta seems connected to several of these warnings). I haven't personally been able to confirm the dream or its source, but I have spoken with at least one person who claims to know the boy's family. If anyone has further information about this warning, please email me or leave me a comment and I'll update this section.

Lastly, there was a couple in Atlanta (Mike and Cheryl Bernard) who earlier this summer began receiving dreams through the wife warning them of several generic things as well as the specific warning to leave their home in Atlanta and move to Indiana. "God told them" that if they moved, they would sell their house in three days. After sharing this revelation with their church, they moved to Indiana. Interestingly, though their house did in fact sell, it took much longer than three days. Apparently they received these dreams before the dream given to the boy in Atlanta.

Before I move on from the topic of dreams and visions, I'd like to remind everyone that there have been several other Adventist individuals recently claiming to have received dreams or visions who have been PROVEN FALSE either by Scriptural inconsistency or failed predictions. I won't mention them here, but if you're interested feel free to email me. What is going on here? Why so many "revelations" in quick succession? And why now? Friends, we know that the Bible tells us there will be dreams and visions given to God's people near the close of time. The devil KNOWS we know this. Could this not be part of a carefully planned strategy to ensnare those who aren't diligent enough to study and "prove all things"? How can we tell the difference? I'll address some of these questions in the conclusion.


Economic Collapse, Martial Law, Cancelled Election, Sunday Law

This is probably the most believable (but not necessarily the most credible) of the warnings being spread. It's obvious that the United States is in financial turmoil, and could be at the brink of an economic collapse greater than what was witnessed at the beginning of the early 20th century. I don't doubt that sooner or later, this will in fact happen. The claims being made however, that a major financial collapse will trigger a declaration of martial law, cancel the election leaving George Bush in power, leading to Sunday legislation shortly thereafter are completely baseless and merely hypothetical.

If a complete financial collapse did in fact occur and martial law was enacted, this would almost definitely not result in a cancelled election. So much of the US is determined to end the current administration that much more than martial law would be required to cancel an event that has never been cancelled in the history of the United States... I'm sure there are many who would disagree, but I guess we only have a month to find out, right?

By the time many of you read this, you may have also heard the report that the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi has already declared martial law on Thursday, September 25th. This information is being completely twisted by rumor-mongers. The martial law being referred to, "Congressional martial law" is actually a parliamentary procedure set forth in the House rules that exists for the purpose of assisting in the rapid passing of legislation in a time of crisis. It is an act confined to the bounds of a Congressional session, extends for a period of only 4 days (expired on the 29th) and is COMPLETELY unrelated to the standard definition of martial law as understood by the average citizen. If you'll remember, martial law can actually only be imposed by the executive branch (President) in time of national crisis, and would almost always be checked by the power of Congress, not the other way around. Interestingly, this same "Congressional martial law" has been used inside Congress several times this year alone. This is nothing new or frightening...


Death Lists - Red, Blue and Yellow

This is frightening to be sure, but probably surprising to many, definitely not new. For those who haven't received it, the warning goes something like this: In the middle of the night shortly before martial law goes into effect, tens of thousands of Americans will be captured and flown by black helicopters and 747s to FEMA holding camps across the US. Trains fitted with modified boxcars will also be used to transport detainees to these camps where they will either be gassed en masse or re-educated. There are two lists. Those on the "red" list will be captured and killed immediately. Those on the "blue" list will have a period of time for re-education, but most likely many of them will be killed as well.

I can't do anything else but address this conspiracy theory head on, no apologies. This theory was originally written down after an interview of a man calling himself "Mr. Sea". I won't list his "credientials" here, but supposedly he was very high up in the government at one point. He claims to have toured an Indianapolis AmTrak train yard in 1994 (14 years ago) and seen preparations for the mass extermination of the American people. Most of his details have been stripped out of the documents being circulated to Adventists, but if they had been included, it would be obvious to any grounded Christian that these claims are completely contrary to what we know will happen at the end of time. According to the original story, the United States government, working in cooperation with the Luciferian New World Order is preparing to eliminate anyone who it thinks will resist the transition to the NWO. The primary targets for extermination would be American "patriots" and staunch Christians – around 6 million in total. Bill Clinton was supposedly at the head of this operation and would hold many of his secret meetings on the 13th of the month. There are three lists. Red, blue and yellow. Those on the red list would be rounded up and executed immediately. Those on the blue list would be detained and re-educated to live peacefully in the NWO, but probably executed, especially if they don't comply with the re-education. Those on the yellow list would comply with the NWO without resistance, but since there would be too many to handle effectively, many of them would be exterminated as well.

Friends, how hard is it to see through this? Seriously? Does ANY of it fit with what we know of end-time events? First of all, the issues at the end of time are spiritual, not physical. These "NWO" conspiracies floating around, while possibly having some basis in reality, don't take into account the spiritual significance of the Church-state union that will eventually persecute God's people. The extermination of God's faithful won't be attempted by an openly Luciferian NWO, it will be done by a power openly claiming to be Christian uniting with the US government. We know this from prophecy! The red/blue list conspiracy theory couldn't be any further from the truth...

I don't even feel like I need to go into the details of this rumor and debunk them one-by-one (though I could). The whole concept is flawed, right from the core. For some unknown reason, this theory that originated over a decade ago has suddenly sprung up among Adventism and attached itself to so many of these other warnings being spread so freely.


500,000 Coffins in Atlanta

One of the other disturbing rumors that I've heard over the last few weeks is in regard to half a million coffins supposedly sitting outside Atlanta, GA, stockpiled and ready for a massive catastrophe in the city of Atlanta. I personally haven't received an email regarding this information, but I have read at least two documents which presented the information as fact, without any references or solid source given. I've also spoken with a personal friend who said an acquaintance of his knew the owner of the property where the coffins are being stored; a weak source for sure, but interesting nonetheless. Upon first hearing a report like this, the natural response is fear. And given the curious mention to Atlanta given in the dreams mentioned above, it started to make me wonder if something is really going on. So I did a little research (my favorite hobby)...

As it turns out, there ARE thousands of coffins stored near Atlanta, GA. Here are the FACTS. The "coffins" are really non-biodegradable plastic coffin liners manufactured by Vantage Products Corporation located in Covington, GA. This company has been around since 1978 and has been manufacturing and selling these coffin liners to individuals for many years. It's a profitable business because most localities require coffin liners to prevent coffin cave-ins, grave disturbances, protect water-supplies, etc. Because of the size of their business and the dimensions of their primary product (the coffin liners), warehousing for surplus and reserved liners (many individuals reserve these liners prior to death) would be cost-prohibitive. Because of this and the fact that their liners are completely non-biodegradable, they realized the most cost-effective solution would be to simply begin storing the liners outside. They leased land from a nearby sand and gravel company located in Madison, GA, and began stacking their surplus and reserved liners on the property. They've been storing liners on the property since 1998, adding and removing liners periodically. In total, they claim to have no more than about 50,000 liners stored on this property at the current time. Not even close to the 500,000 number being thrown around. This is actually a mathematically provable fact. By examining aerial imagery of the property, you can see that there are no more than about 7,700 stacks (19 blocks, 12 rows wide, about 34 in each row). Half of these stacks are the liners (stacked about 16-18 high), the other half are the liner lids (again, stacked about 16-18 high). This can be clearly seen in video shot by conspiracy theorists snooping around the property. So even if those 3,800 stacks of liners were all 18 high, that would still only come out to about 68,000 liners in total. To store 500,000 coffin liners of that size would take an order of magnitude more land than is currently being used.

Let's also examine the feasibility of the claim. The reports have been saying that these 500,000 coffins are being stored by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in preparation for a major biological warfare attack on Atlanta. We've already discovered that there can only be a maximum of 68,000 of these liners in storage on the land leased by Vantage Products (as far as I know, this is the only reported location of the 500,000 liners near Atlanta). Let's assume for a minute that these 68,000 coffin liners actually ARE owned by FEMA for the purpose of storing bodies in the event of an attack. First of all, it makes absolutely no sense. Neither US military, CIA, FBI, FEMA, or any other government organization have ever, ever used coffin liners for storing bodies. Black, non-biodegradable nylon body bags have always been the standard way to store human remains. They're cheap, easy to transport, lightweight, and easy to dispose of if a proper burial is impossible. Coffin liners are designed to contain a full-size burial coffin (wood or metal) INSIDE the liner. The liners themselves weigh over 128lbs. and would require at least 2 people to carry. It makes absolutely no sense to use a coffin liner to store bodies in a time of disaster. Think for a minute about the physical impossibility of simply transporting 500,000 plastic coffin liners empty. These liners are 8ft long, 3ft wide and almost 3ft high. You could possibly fit 140 of them (9 tons worth) on a semi trailer if you were careful. Do the math. That's over 3,500 semi-trailer loads just to carry 500,000 of these liners EMPTY!!! If you were wanting to transport the liners after they contained bodies, you'd only be able to fit 45 on a semi-trailer, requiring around 12,500 semi-trailers to transport the entombed bodies to a burial site. It's just completely beyond the realm of possibility, and definitely beyond the expert planning supposedly going in to this "conspiracy"...

Hopefully putting this rumor to rest, a statement by Michael Lacy, the vice-president of Vantage Products Corporation (poor guys...) –

The property on Lions Club Road in Madison, Georgia is leased by Vantage
Products.

The product stored on the property are standard burial vaults, please see our web page for information on this product - http://www.vantageproducts.com/

The majority of cemeteries across the United States require the use of a burial vault when a body is interred. The use of a burial vault, plastic or concrete, is to prevent the collapse of the ground in the cemetery and to protect the casket placed inside.

In the funeral and/or death care industry there is a common practice of people making their funeral arrangements prior to death. Many people like to make their own selections for the casket and burial vaults that will be used at the time of their death. Once this selection has been made the local funeral home that has made the arrangements can purchase the burial vault product from Vantage Products and we will store it for them until that person dies.

We maintain detailed records of ownership of the products and require a certificate of ownership to be sent to us before products can be released. Additionally, we are annually audited by several states including Georgia to insure that we have all of the products that our records indicate and that are on file with each of the participating states.

These products are not owned by any one individual person, company or the government. Additionally, there are only about 50,000 vaults in storage in Madison, no where near the quantity that is being discussed openly on the net.

In the United States there are approximately 1,300,000 deaths each year. Of those deaths there are about 900,000 in ground burials preformed every year. Only a small percentage of those people have pre-arranged there burial.

I hope this has answered you questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.

Cordially,

Michael A. Lacy
Vice President of Operations
Vantage Products Corporation
960 Almon Road
Covington, GA 30014
770-788-0136 Office
770-788-0361 Fax
404-545-8022 Cell
mlacy@vantageproducts.com

Roadblocks and Roundups in September

Another similar warning I ran across was regarding roadblocks in September 2008. It explained that everyone should stay off the roads or else you'd be rounded up and sent for imprisonment and execution.

This one seems too easy... September is over tomorrow and I haven't seen a single roadblock. Where do these ideas come from? It's beyond me...

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Friends, let's be honest with ourselves. Look over ALL the frightening warnings and news you've received over the past month or two. How much of it is based on fact, and how much is either completely hypothetical or poorly rehashed conspiracy theories started years ago? Even the ones that can't be proven one way or the other, such as the dreams about Atlanta's destruction, could very possibly have a connection with the "500,000 coffin/biological attack on Atlanta" rumor which we've seen is completely baseless. Influence is a powerful thing; the more these stories spread, the worse they seem to get.

Yes, the world is in turmoil. Yes, I believe Jesus is about to return VERY soon. I think it's almost over. But I believe one of the clearest signs that His coming is soon is the sudden escalation of these rumors and speculation about the future. Jesus told us in Matthew 24 that there would be "wars and rumors of wars". I always wondered how there could be a "rumor of war" in a society so saturated with instant access to media. Won't we know if there's a war? Then I started wondering if He could have been referring to conspiracy theories and rumors of calamity that may never happen.

Sure, there will be real wars and real calamity, much worse than we've seen so far. But I can't help but wonder if most of these sensational rumors and warnings are a smoke screen being set up by the devil to hide our vision from a much more serious danger right at our doorstep – the danger of losing sight of Christ at this crucial time in earth's history. How many hours are being spent studying and discussing these terrifying prospects? How much of that time could have been spent studying God's word and finding encouragement for ourselves and others during these uncertain times? Satan isn't preoccupied with plans to execute God's people. We know this. While there will definitely be physical persecution, he doesn't care about our physical bodies. His primary determination is to get our focus off of our relationship with Christ and onto trusting our own wisdom and works. Unfortunately, that's precisely what many of these warnings are encouraging us to do; make preparations, leave immediately, do this, do that... etc. All the while God is holding back the winds of strife just a little longer, hoping His people will be ready to receive His character and the gift of the Holy Spirit lived out in their lives. How can this happen as long as our primary focus is physical salvation from an uncertain calamity in the future?

And so I say... whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute... is our focus where it should be?

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NOTE: I'm still in the process of writing this post. It will be modified again very soon. Please check back...

Over the last 6 months, I've finally been able to shoot again since I sold my camera in '06. Caleb DeVost's been letting me borrow his 1D off and on as I've gotten requests to shoot portraits. Here are some of the results:

I'm finally back at Ouachita Hills after being away for awhile. Things have changed quite a bit. There are many new students (50% of both the academy and college are new) and a couple new staff. When I returned, my office had been rearranged significantly, with the addition of several new desks and staff to sit at them. But for the most part everything is the same–I'm working long hours at my computer, slowly losing neurons and muscle mass.

The story of the trip from Tampa back here is an interesting one. Joni and I left the Sunday after ASi headed for Chattanooga with the school's Highlander full of production gear. Now, the Highlander is a very nice vehicle. In fact, I've said to myself several times that I'd like to own one. But this particular Highlander has one very nasty little problem. The fuel gauge is significantly mis-calibrated. The tank runs completely dry just as the gauge drops to a solid 1/8. Now if you're the type of person who can easily remember such things (the owner or regular driver of the vehicle, for instance), then it wouldn't be much of an issue–simply remember to stop for fuel before the gauge hits 1/8 of a tank. But for unfortunate chaps such as myself, these things seem to inevitably lead to disaster. I won't bore you with the details, but will hasten to add that I now find it imperative that every car with even slight gas gauge issues should have a full gas can in the trunk...


Long story short, we eventually made it to Chattanooga without having to re-sole our shoes. I was planning on just staying the night at Nathan's and driving back to OHC the next day, but plans changed at the last minute. Chester called, and we decided it would be good to interview some past YFJ participants and converts from Cincinnati (in 2004) and Louisville (in 2007). So we drove up to Cincinnati instead, and interviewed a few people at the Clifton SDA Church before heading a couple hours further into Ohio to stay at my parents place for a day. I hadn't expected to see them before Christmas, so it was really great to be there, even for just a little while.

We finally got back to Chattanooga late Thursday. I was really tired from the week of driving and lack of sleep, so I just decided to stay the weekend, take care of some business, check out the area, and spend a couple more days with Joni before heading back to OHC. On Sabbath, we visited the new Collegedale Community Church with Joni's aunt Bette. For those who haven't been, CCC is ONE BIG CHURCH. I don't know what the attendance is every Sabbath, but I did hear that they have over 450 children each week (it's quite a young church). We attended the third service and heard a good sermon from the senior pastor. I was very impressed actually; quite Biblical and Christ-centered. As if to underscore the hugeness of CCC, a parent came up on the platform during the service to announce in a shaky voice that she'd lost her son. After just a minute, someone brought him down the aisle to her. But seriously, when a church is so big you lose your kids, you know it's too big. LOL...


Saturday evening, I took Joni out for a final date before I was to leave the next morning. The food was amazing, we had a good time together (when do we not? lol...) and overall it was a really great evening; a little bittersweet I guess, knowing we would be apart for a couple months until I finish up at OHC and make the move, but the opportunities that are opening up for both of us are really exciting, so it's worth it.

We've been at the convention center for two days now, enjoying the joys and stresses of ASi. Seeing lots of old friends is always nice, but after awhile it gets tiring. I've had too many nights of only 1 or 2 hours of sleep; it's finally catching up with me.

We still have a few interviews to do tomorrow before we're done with the documentary. I spent an hour tonight stalking Paster Torres, waiting for him to get off the phone so I could schedule an interview. So funny...

It's been a little interesting keeping track of all the youth here at the convention. Joni's been getting quite exasperated with many of them. She keeps finding them pairing up, etc. or going to the pool in less than modest attire. I guess they think since the program is almost over that the rules don't apply. Kevin had a long talk with alot of them tonight. Hopefully things change for the last couple days.

On Sunday I'll be driving the Highlander up through Georgia to Collegedale. I discovered it's only an hour longer than going straight through to OHC, so I figure I might as well take Joni up there myself. She'll be staying with her aunt until she can find her own place to stay. Rachel Davis already has a job lined up for her around the middle of August so she can start her training. She's really excited about it and so am I.

Tonight we took a short walk around the plaza in front of the convention center and found this guy sitting on one of the benches. Joni started getting friendly with him so I decided I'd better take a picture. Don't worry, I rebuked her...

Wow. The month has flown past. I'm not sure where to start...

Two students and I have been here in Tampa since the July 7. Over the course of the last month we've shot over 70 hours of footage; almost two work weeks worth. We've captured every aspect of the Youth for Jesus program and followed several students through the experiences they've encountered. Tomorrow evening is the baptism for all those who made decisions during the series, caping off an intense month of evangelism. It's been fun, but I'm ready for a break...

Unfortunately, after I'm done here and drive back to Arkansas on the 11th, I'll have to begin the intimidating task of sorting through every minute of the 80 hours of footage we'll have and put together a half-hour documentary and a series of training videos for ASi. It'll be rewarding, I'm sure, but it's the biggest project I've ever taken on. There's more than a little pressure to deliver, and I'm just a bit nervous. Challenge isn't something I usually shy away from, but this is almost too much. LOL.

Even with the pressure and insane schedule, I have had several chances to relax a bit. On Sunday, Joni and I each drove a vehicle full of students to the beach. Here are a couple great shots by Olivia Weber (click to view larger):

I finally got a cellphone (anyone want to guess what kind?)! I know, I know. I can hardly believe it myself. Now I can be reached by another method besides email or word of mouth. :-)

I'll send an email to most of my friends soon, but if you don't get it and want my new number, just drop me a line and I'll send it your way.

I've been working overtime over the past few weeks and finally have a major update to the Army of Youth interface. I wanted to code it this way from the beginning but didn't have time before GYC.

The interface will be alot simpler, easier to understand, easier to update, faster loading (for those of you still stuck in 1995), and more compatible with various browsers (IE... ugh...). We also have a new interface for the Command Center.


If all goes as planned, the new changes should go live tomorrow afternoon. From here on out, there will be frequent updates and additions to the interface as features are added. Stay tuned...

Well, I guess this is pretty much the most important post I've written so far. It took me awhile to actually get it up (why?), but I figured tonight's a good time. One month ago today, I asked a girl named Joni Spangler to be my girlfriend. I know, those who didn't know are probably pretty surprised, so let me give you a brief history... :-)

During Witness for Life, one of my closest friends was Jesse Spangler. At Mission College we roomed together and spent alot of time working and talking together. I think we scared each other a little at first actually, because he's basically a crazy logger from way up north in Canada, and I'm about the biggest electronic geek around. Even so, we got along surprisingly well; he's one of the greatest guys I know. Anyway, when Jesse and I went up to work at Radiant Living in the fall of 2004, I got to meet his sister, Joni, who was a senior at Fountainview at the time. I'll be honest, I didn't think she was my type at all, and never really gave it a second thought. The next school year ('05-'06), Joni was working and attending college near Radiant Living in the Lower Mainland. She came over to RL pretty often to see Jesse and get help with her homework. I guess he figured I'd do a better job with the biology and chemistry, because I ended up spending a couple hours helping her out a week.


During that time I went with Jesse and Joni up to their place in McBride and spent a few days backpacking with them and some other friends from Fountainview. I had tons of fun hanging out with her, but I still wasn't seeing anything happening with us. In the fall of '06 she decided to attend Mission College too. When she got back and started school in Abbotsford again, I could tell MC had changed her alot. By then Jesse and Annie Buell were spending quite a bit of time together, so the four of us plus Season and sometimes a couple others would spend alot of time hanging out. It was great. Sometime around the beginning of summer '07, I started to realize I was seriously interested in this girl. We had a few differences, but in good ways. And tons in common (she's a great photographer, by the way). I don't know why I didn't see it from the beginning, but I'm actually really thankful I could get to know her as a good friend first, without any ulterior motives (I did find out she was interested for a little longer, lol). We stayed in touch quite a bit over the summer, prayed about it ALOT, talked to our parents and a couple friends that knew us, and both knew we were interested in a serious relationship. I decided to go up to BC this last December for a friends wedding, and knew that it'd be a good opportunity to see Joni. I talked to her parents about dating her, got their blessing, and ventured into some of the scariest, most exciting territory I've ever been in. Here goes... :-)