Put it On!

2008 brought another resounding success at the annual Lake Bingo Party. And, in a way, Lake Bingo has become a holiday of its own. There is a phrase that some years back started gaining popularity until it has now become a slogan. "Put it on!" The bingo party has money, trinkets, and other things. But Grandma also stocks up on a good amount of sweaters, golf shirts, and pajamas. It is a rowdy bunch and this year we broke into the Utah fight song! Here are a few pictures from this years extravaganza. Thank you grandma and grandpa!

Chaotic Body

Closing faces, blinding eyes, watered over
Still no heart beat but a lub dub in your throat
Balmy sweat that drips forensics on the forehead
Nameless notions swallowed slowly by listless lips
Pacemaker in your stomach grinds these lazy minutes
Becoming electrical pulses, a shock of this statesman
Who knew the seconds multiplied infinite over
Took back this soft spoken tongue ignited in flame
Now just a ringing by the anvil in these caverns

A Gaze To Ponder

The bench screams hard and my body cold
Fingers once chilled now nearing numb
Yet the mind forgets to grow weary
These tender eyes gaze upon the House
The place where outgoings are from Him
Home to come from a foundation firm
My heart feels far less then once before
Realize now that a quilt was once a thread
Woven by tireless hands that knew no seam
To soften a life, to kindle a heart of sorts
No doubt worth the potential arthritis
For apart from parting is another blink
Feet that muster to squint a setting sun
Upon a feeble chariot, one mounts tall
In order to ride, no more fear of collision

El Tren

El Tren
My shoes kick the textured yellow strip
A hair closer and a modern day scalping
Distasteful at best but a social reality
Rather then wait, a push ahead gets the go
Why go up when legs scream sit here
Nose bleeds and thinner air, naturally
But a vista that takes such a precedence
Not going to unplug myself from acting
Simply a technological revolution starting
So a bizarre concoction of words spilt
Finally become a motivation to do likewise
No hurling, this ride is smooth as silk
A caterpillar’s invention, man’s discovery
At least you listened in a foreign language
To a rhythm that went without saying
A new progression that needs no introduction

Spiritual Snipets

One of my favorite things in life is attending institute classes taught by S. Michael Wilcox. This guy has been given a true gift for not only obtaining and retaining knowledge, but also sharing it with others. I have tried a number of other classes and with the right spirit and desire, valuable lessons can be obtained. But nothing has ever caught my attention and retained it like Wilcox's classes. Before the mission I took Pearl of Great Price and Women in the Scriptures. This semester I'm in the first half of the Old Testament. So in this first blog in many long months, I would like to share some snipets of knowledge I have obtained from Brother Wilcox. I hope you enjoy. Also, feel free to comment with your feelings. Before proceeding, a last note should be made. Some of the snipets below may not be pure doctrine. Just like any of us, he has the liberty to make his opinions on things. You can choose to accept or sweep aside the snipets below.
1. "It is Better to be intellectually uncertain rather than to be superficially sure." This is a fantastic quote, especially for the study of the Old Testament. There are many things that are vague in the Old Testament. Some things are literal, some are figurative, and we aren't always certain which are which. Thus I love this quote. Some people are willing to bet their life on some piece of doctrine or another that they are really only "superficially sure" about. I hope that as I obtain spiritual knowledge, I will focus on being intellectually uncertain about some of the more ambiguous things.
2.Going on with the first quote are "One spoke concepts." If you can picture a wagoon wheel or a bike wheel, it has a center hub with many spokes going to the outer rim. These spokes serve to provide strength and support so the wheel can sustain weight as it rolls. Now picture how long a one spoked wheel would last. Not long. The problem is, it just can't support much weight. In the church, throughout the years there have been many "one spoke quotes" or "one spoke concepts." They have been made by members, Apostles, and even Prophets. They may be true, but it is better to put our weight on quotes and concepts that have been backed up repeatedly by a number of valid sources.
3. The flood could have been a local flood. The logistics just don't make sense when you think of every animal in the world fitting in the ark. It is possible that the flood was a local flood.
4. Read Genesis chapters 21 and 22. "Can we have faith and trust in a God who is often incomprehensible; who makes and fulfills unbelievable promises and demands unthinkable sacrifices." That is a question each of us must ask ourselves. These two chapters show the amazing promises the Lord made(that Abraham and Sarah would have son) and then he required an unthinkable sacrifice of them(the sacrifice of Issac). We can't comprehend our God. At times he may give us things we never deserved or asked for and at other times he may require things of us that we don't think possible. We must pray for faith in this great God.

These are just a few for now. If these snipets are enjoyed, I will continue to add more as the semester continues.
-Juice

The Accounting Drudgery

I hunker down in my leather chair and release the lever till the back swings low enough to skim my bench. I spin around in my confined space, bumping the table until it sways. I lean forward in the semi natural light; the accounting book still lays open-faced on my desk in front of me. I squint through my lint ridden glasses at the story problems of the practice test. I'll work one, get answer C and then check the key. Wrong again! Oh these cunning people, purposely putting the wrong answers on the key, knowing all too well the mistakes we will make. I swivel closer to my computer, only to burn more precious time surfing sites I have already hit at least twice today. My phone sits quiet. Even though she texted an hour or so ago, it feels longer. Danielle left me for some other...cruise. Can i blame her? No, no I can't. If I were done with finals and had California sitting in front of my nose, I'd be whiffing that up the nostrils too. So although I miss her and am jealous of the good time she's having, I'm glad she isn't still thinking about grade calculations and pesky finals. As I ponder on procrastination, I come full circle in realizing it won't prolong the inevitable forever. Soon i must figure out how to factor a bond's discount rate and determine whether a stock is preferred or common. So now would be a good time to get back to it. I think I can stick to it for a good solid five minutes. Let me try....

Expressions of the Mind

Sometimes the world screams my name
And chases me around till my legs give out
I slip into the grass as if it is made of down
I close my eyes to release the reeling darkness
Waiting for the key to unlock this jigsaw
To release his organ from a trove of momentos
Clasping my hand around these blades I squeeze
Juice flows from my veins into the dry topsoil
Floating upon a layer of these lasting impressions
They let my limbs etch out a list of flowing letters
Until we’ve spelled out the ultimate expression

Help your Utah Jazz!

As the semester comes to a close the jazz tip off the second game against the Houston Rockets.  After being in the D.R for two years, it is nice to be cheering the jazz on again.  I like being a jazz fan.  I decide that as a loyal Jazz fan, I should do my part in supporting the Jazz.  Thus, I am now accepting donations to support the Jazz.  This is a true way to show your love for the jazz.  Your donations are preferred in check and can be made out to Justin Lake.  Please make out checks in the amount of 100 dollar intervals.  Rest assured that your money is going toward a good cause, rooting the jazz on to victory!  

Finally, April 15th!

As Christmas nears, you can see the anticipation in the eyes of every youngster.  I have seen this same anticipation in the Ace's eyes.  January on through April 15th require the "shoulder to the wheel" at LHM.  Finally, after tonight midnight, the mad rush, the stress, will be relieved;  At least some of it will.  On behalf of all the family, we wish to thank you Ace for all the years of biting the bullet, for putting in the long hours.  We know how hard you work and are all grateful for your great work ethic.  So give it a go today and then sleep cozy tonight.  Then you can take off to St. George for a little sunshine by the pool.  After that we can hit up Costco and outfit you with that well deserved big screen...!

The Essex and Self-Smarting Gratitude!

I felt the urge to read a book. So to whom did I go? The book worm of the family of course: Spence. That, by the way, comes as a compliment. He referred a handful of books to me, most of which have more pages then a 2-year mission has days. He finally caught my attention when he mentioned "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whale ship Essex.” I dove into it and just yesterday I finished. Nantucket, a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, was a booming whaling community. In 1819, it sent off the whaling ship Essex. The Essex proceeded to sailed around South America before being attacked by a giant Sperm Whale in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The book tells the story of what happened to these 19 men as they fought death for 93 days at sea in 25 foot whaling boats. 8 men survived off of hardtack bread and the bodies of their dead shipmates. As I read the book, I learned about starvation, dehydration, sperm whales, the pacific ocean, other disasters at sea, navigation, Nantucket, the Quaker belief, cannibalism, and endurance. Some may nestle into a comfortable chair in their luxurious houses and read of such horrifying events, judging these men for resorting to cannibalism. I did not do this. I sat amazed at their determination, their will to live. I became grateful for the meals I have to eat, the water I have to drink. I have a hard time going 24 hours fasting; I can’t imagine starving for 3 months. I can’t judge these men for their actions. How can we understand the workings of the human mind from starvation if we have never starved? Their actions are to be judged by God the Almighty only. My heart went out to these men. At times I was glued to the book, anxious to see how their predicament would play out. I would encourage anyone looking to self-smart themselves (see You Tube video “Self smart”) to read this book. Pick it up, put yourself into it, let your heart go out to these poor men, and you too may become a little more grateful your blessed circumstances in life!

APRIL FOOLS!

Ok, Ok, so yesterday's post was just a joke!  Danielle and I are dating of course but not engaged.  E pa' lante que vamos! 

The last knot to be tied!

I noticed something different in October of 2004. It was actually the same feeling I had between September of 01 to November of 03. It was quiet. The bathroom was always vacant. The bedrooms where available for choosing. My 3rd and final brother had just sealed the deal and I was the last left standing...single. My final day in the mission field was spent in meetings in the mission home. President, of course, talked about marriage, "our new mission." I planned on doing exactly what he said: never to become a "menace to society." After a few weeks home it became clear to me and Danielle that it would take us a little more time until we were ready to hear the bells sound. That little time has come. The blog was ready to be posted Sunday but when Spence and Kathy's announcement went up, we decided to not steal their thunder and wait, allowing them the limelight. And so we announce our special news- Danielle and I are engaged! We have decided to get married June 1st, exactly two months from today! We are so excited and can't wait to embark upon this new adventure together!! We have reserved a time at both the Salt Lake Temple and the Bountiful temple and are trying to decide which Temple we want. Feel free to post your vote on which temple!

MARCH MADNESS

March Madness kicked off today and the smell is in the air! This is got to be one of the best times of the year. I was a little indisposed the last two years so it is nice to be back! I used to have dreams of one day playing in the big dance. I would go outside and just shoot and shoot until the sun went down, then I would turn the garage lights on. Then when I didn't even make the junior high basketball team, I realized it was time to start exploring other dreams. Now i'm studying business. Although the Utes' glory days are currently just a memory, I still love the emotion. These kids go out and play with heart, not for money or for the fame, but for the love of the game. If business doesn't work out, heck, maybe i'll revive that dream agian...

Sleep

I felt the urge to talk about a confusing phenomenon.  It is sleep and being tired.  As kids, we never wanted to go to bed at nights.  It was always the best thing when we could finally have a "late night" with the friends or cousins.  Naps were despised and sleep was often fought with kicks and screams.  Now, as adults, that is all we want to do.  Sleep is the best part of the day.  It is bliss once our head hits the pillows.  Yet, ironically enough, we don't do it!  Like right now for example.  I finished reading my scriptures and am dead tired, my eyes burn, and yet I'm still awake.  Which is weird because the only thing I want to do right now is fall asleep.  So now that i'm even more tired and have successfully rambled on here about sleep which will most likely put all my avid readers TO sleep, i'm going to sleep!  Sleep tight!

A Belated Birthday Blog!

The dictionary defines late as doing something or taking place after the expected, proper, or usual time. On February 24th, 1988, something very special happened. If my memory isn't failing me, it occurred at 9:10 A.M. Out came a gift straight from heaven. That gift turned 20 this year! A week shy of a month late, I post this blog for that special someone. Our first time hanging out together was in a cemetery. She paints amazing modern art. I left her to go on a two year vacation to the Dominican Republic and she faithfully wrote me every week. Her green eyes make putting greens look dull in comparison! She has a passion for dogs! We love going to sporting events together. She is amazing at stick...and improving.:) Our kisses are perfect. She is the funnest aunt ever! She is a Mac geek too. She loves clothes! We always laugh together! Hablamos Espanol. She makes missionaries smile twice a week. We are 3 months short of 4 years together. She is always thinking of me and doing nice things for me. We know each others pouting moods! She is teaching me how to play tennis. We make a killer team when we cook together! She is beautiful! She is happy. She is fun. She is loving. She is sweet. She is so special to me. She is Danielle! Happy Belated Birthday my Sweetheart!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

This Post is for my special mom on her special day!
10 Things I know about my mom:
1. She is a true Utah fan, even if she doesn't get as intense as us boys and Ace during the BYU vs. Utah games.
2. She rocks at sewing. She made me some wicked cool fleece pants back in junior high. She also made me some fish shorts that I used to sport. Whatever rips or comes undone on my clothes, she can fix.
3. She is an amazing cook! She whips up the old-school recipes to perfection and turns new things into masterpieces. She cooks everything from tin foil dinners to Sunday dinner to Shrimp Bisque.
4. She has an amazing talent to make a photo album become a rockin scrap book
5. She has a better gospel study each morning then a majority of the missionaries out serving.
6. When I worked at Upper Case Living she would get up at 5:15 in order to make me a lunch.
7. I’m not the most tidy person in the world but have grown to really appreciate it because Modge always keeps the house so spiffy!
8. Her favorite things in the world are named Liberty, Addiley, Noah, Benjamin, and Ezra!
9. She is using the computer more now then any other time in her life and getting more skilled each day.
10. She is turning 51 but looks like she should be turning 41.
I love you Mom, Happy Birthday!
-Juice

Why We Love President's Day!

There is something wrong with northern Utah in the winter. It is cold. There is something ideal about southern Utah. It is warmer! So as President's day neared I knew that staying put just wouldn't cut it. Despite being under the age of 65, I decided that it was time for me to become a snowbird. After a million calls we had 6 of us to up and go come Friday. Josh, Heather, Jimmy, Katie, Danielle, and I. On the way down we stopped in Beaver to get hooked up with some classic squeaky cheese. That was just the beginning of the party. We spent the weekend just rocking out, spending all the money I've earned this semester. We hit up Cafe Rio and the little 3 year old next to us kept pointing to Josh saying, "He's hot." I bought a Mexican flag bandana at Gen-ex from some socially backward employees. Then we got caught up in buying our $2.50 flip-flops from Old Navy and I left the bandanas on the floor. Luckily they were retrieved later. We spattered the weekend with stargazing, catch phrase, and mission talk. On Sunday we attended the Senior Branch and felt intimidated by the gray haired veterans. With a solid team effort, Sunday night we had a Tin-Foil-Dinner feast! Someone forgot to add water to the cake… Later we played around on the red rock and took lots of pictures. Hot tubing, midnight grocery runs, and Nacho Libre weren’t left out. Unfortunately Monday had to come and we had to pack up. Although too short, the trip was hipper then chip dip. Hipper then Tostitos with nacho cheese sauce! How could it get better then three good buddies hanging out with the girls they love for a weekend!? Thanks to the parents for the condos! Let’s do it again next month! P.s. Did I mention the insane-o go-cart race, a hilarious game of miniature golf, and rocking the arcades like 10 year olds?

Mr. Big Red Painful Zit

The drool of Professor Bowles’ voice made me yawn. I put my arm on the chair to rest my head for a few minutes of quality “shut-eye”. My finger grazed past my eyebrow and a surge of pain shot through the bridge of my nose. More cautiously I retraced my path and skimmed over the sensitive area. Sure enough, he was back, Mr. big red painful zit. Why me anyway? There were at least 200 other faces just in this same auditorium and he chose me. He could have attacked the gangly read head across the row. Or a perfect nose hit for Mrs. Glamour with the pink backpack upfront. I tinkered with the idea of popping him out of existence right there in the 8th row of Economics. Then I realized it was too risky without a mirror. Something could go wrong. Someone else could get hurt. I sighed in frustration. I looked at my watch. 20 minutes left. I decided to let him be. He would live, but not for long…

It's Just a Game!

Our second game of Intramural Basketball was last night. My team is a great group of guys who just want to go out on the court and play a little basketball. The first week we did just that, had a great time, and came away with a victory. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible last night. The team we played was a bunch of fowl-mouthed punks. In the first half we went up on them by 14 points and that is when they started getting pretty frustrated. They started pushing through screens, swearing, and the usual lack of sportsmanship. Then in the second half their "superstar" started taking it to the basket and they cut the lead. The superstar went up for a layup and missed and I came down with the rebound. Out of frustration he came around and whacked me in the eye. The ball went lose and he dove for it on the ground. No foul was called and I dove at both him and the ball. He flipped out, his teammates jumped, my teammates got in, and before anything erupted the ref had called off the game. Wow. What a joke. My team calmly walked to the bench as their team continued to spout their fowl language and antagonistic remarks. And that was that. Game over. It made me realize how ridiculous I must have looked as a kid when I got really worked up in the games. It is so much more fun to just go out and play basketball. Oh well, maybe next game!

The Climbing Burn

My arms begin to quiver. I feel the burn and think of that time I laid outside by the St. George pool for too long and my body became an offering from the sun’s kitchen. But this burn was different. It was more like the burn I felt in my legs as I leaned back in the bindings as I floated down the cirque trying to stay above a newly laid 3 feet of freshies. I lean toward the wall and push up on my left foot, which allows my outstretched hand to grasp the next handhold. My eyes immediately begin surveying the area looking for another hold that is within my climbing pattern. All holds with a green piece of tape below it are fair game. I see a small wedge shaped hold and go for it. My foot grazes the hold and slips off and I fall backward but don’t fall. The rope running along my ear is tight. I look over my shoulder and smile at my belayer whose right hand is holding the rope tight to his hip. His firm grip is keeping my 175-pound frame safely suspended 20 feet in the air. I close my eyes and try to mentally force some strength back into my unconditioned limbs. I blink and my eyelids flip open. I flex and throw my body back toward the grips for another go at it. And I climb.

The Bitter Logan Winter

I saw him dip his fingers into the cup of hot chocolate. His awkward shuffle shook the cup and his fingers quickly retracted and then flicked as if the epidermis was unfamiliar with contact from a steaming drink. I ducked my head into my chest and laughed out loud at the humor of it. Then the cold dug deeper into my lungs and the laughter was suffocated. My head tilted up and focused on the blue panes cascading down the library exterior just a few hundred yards up the sidewalk. Refuge could be sought inside its walls. Then I started to notice my neck muscles cramping up. Likewise, I felt the cold denim brush against my exposed legs like Velcro on silk. Unconsciously I found myself doing math in my mind. If the bitterness of winter lasts till March, that is only a month and change left to go. I rounded the corner and the library doors came into sight. I breathed again and the vapor from my mouth paved the way forward. I was going to make it. At least, this time…

Welcome to the Juice Box

If any of you are like me, you can only read the daily mac rumors so many times before you start to bore. That is when you find your way to Whiskeymilita.com, buy.com, or worldcarfans.com. These are a few of my frequently visited sites. But now The Juice Box can become a frequent visit for you. Since I'm so heavy into blogging I decided I needed my own. Enjoy.