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Ephesus

September 22, 2011

Thumbing through my Bible, sadly, many of the books are unfamiliar. Ephesians? Definitely not one I know well. Only fact that I can rattle off to save my sorry self is that it’s the book of letters Paul wrote to the people of Ephesus, Turkey.

Which also so happens to be our next stop!

If I may interject a brief history of sorts… a’hem. Ephesus was a port city occupied by many of the greats including Paul (spending most of his time locked behind bars for delivering sermons devoted to abolishing idol worship) Mary the mother of Jesus, and summer vacation home for the lavish Cleopatra and Marc Antoine. I can see why, too. All the streets were paved in white marble!

Some things never change. Even back in their day; they still craved luxury & convienence… including fast food counters and entertaining gladiator games (can you say, modern day NFL). If only the winner were as easy as putting a majority thumbs up or down on any give Sunday… as husby wishes.

Regardless of time, each age has parallel wants, needs, successes, and downfalls.

So back to The Bible. Paul confronted locals to repent, including an Ephesian merchant asking why he chose to produce and sell golden statues of the goddess Diana (knowing quite well she was purely myth). The merchant’s response was… Um duh. They’re buying what I’m selling. Why would I stop?

Again, not much has changed. The quick fix infomericial, false messages portrayed in Hollywood and magazines, and even worse, our purpose in life being personal gain at any/all costs. Um duh. It sells right?

So that must make it as true as some lame golden goddess.
 

  • Courtney September 22, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I’m loving all your pictures! Keep ’em coming!

    • missy September 23, 2011 at 12:19 am

      Aww, thanks! I guess I’ll just have to twist Husby’s arm with an Indian-burn until he begs for mercy so that we can go on another vacay. But Babes, it’s for the blog. Everyone wants another trip. Don’t be the big party poo. Glad we talked this through, Court.

  • Erica September 22, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    Loving the pics!

    • missy September 23, 2011 at 12:19 am

      Smiling!

  • Anna @ The Guiltless Life September 22, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    That architecture is so breathtaking. And they did all of this without cranes and mass machines doing so much of the work. Amazing. Love that photo with the bird in the fountain! Captured the movement perfectly :).

    • missy September 23, 2011 at 12:20 am

      Isn’t it insane? Especially for the time period… like nothing during that time was even close to that ornate. Breathtaking when you think how much went into this city.

  • Kerri September 22, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Aw… such a good post. Ephesians is actually a gem of a book… some of my favorite verses are in there. Short, but poignant. 🙂 And I’m just adoring those sandals. I’m loving taking a “mental vacay” through your pics 🙂

    • missy September 23, 2011 at 12:21 am

      Short & sweet & to the point. Paul knew how to say it like it was. Those sandals stayed on my feet the rest of the trip. Hope you don’t get sick of seeing them! ha! If there’s one place to break in new shoes, it’s Europe.

  • Jamee September 23, 2011 at 12:04 am

    I am truly loving your pictures and the tid bits of history and culture. It makes me feel like I have been there myself….so thanks!
    I sincerely love your blog and always look forward to the next post. I also tell my good friends to check it out….so thanks again!

    Jamee
    xoxo

    • missy September 23, 2011 at 12:23 am

      Jamee, just spent the last 30 minutes or so getting to know you and your precious family. I love your candid honesty and perspective. And to think you have 4 children?! I’m in awe at all you’re accomplishing! Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your thoughts & for spreading the love to your friends. I sincerely appreciate it! xo

  • Stephanie @ henry happened September 23, 2011 at 2:24 am

    Loving your gorgeous photos! I remember seeing all of the cats when we were in Greece. And you’re such a cutie pie! New follower 🙂

    • missy September 27, 2011 at 1:37 pm

      Yes, lots of cats in turkey & greece! So pleased to meetcha, Miss Stephanie (and your adorable henry… too cute). xo

  • Denise September 23, 2011 at 2:39 am

    How sweet are you to respond to your readers. I may just be posting again to get another sweet comment from you. If i am being honest. No but really. I went to Turkey but never got to see Ephesus. But I could read that book over and over and over again. I wrote to you before about how your joy is contagious. Imagine being in prison and singing joyful songs like Paul would do. I just cannot imagine. What a Love he knows to be so confidant in his purpose.

    • missy September 27, 2011 at 1:39 pm

      How sweet are you to comment? I feel like responding is the least I can do if someone says something. It’s what we’d do in real life face to face, right? Ephesus was a very special place. There was definitely a different almost sacred feeling associated with it. Very peaceful, white, and beautiful.

  • Mark Tingey September 23, 2011 at 5:26 am

    It is exciting to see each day as it unfolds….the whole thing is still pretty unbelievable to me1

    • missy September 27, 2011 at 1:37 pm

      That’s why you and Mom need to see it in person! wink wink

  • Stephanie Madsen September 25, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Looks like you had SO MUCH FUN on your trip!! Irrelevant question for you :)…I read your hubby got his MBA…what does he want to do with it? My hubby is debating about getting his MBA. He is very entrepreneur minded and I read you come from families that were that way too. What does your hubby want to do with his MBA?

    • missy September 27, 2011 at 1:43 pm

      A very good question… he’s exploring many options right now (health care administration/ceo of a hospital, continuing within investment banking, starting his own company, etc). Gaining his MBA was one of the best decisions we’ve made. I was hesitant at first bc of the time commitment/cost but I’ve seen him change for the better in so many ways. His thought process (how he analyzes situations/life/problems/success) has deepened, how he communicates both orally & written, work ethic, a deeper appreciation for time spent together as a family… are just some of the things. Not to mention, gaining a higher education that will serve our family in years to come.

  • Becky Vang September 27, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Hi Missy! I love the photos! Especially of Ephesus where the Apostle Paul traveled to. I have never seen pictures of how it looks today and it’s more beautiful than I thought. 🙂 I wanted to ask if you edited your pictures in anyway and what camera/lens you used. Thank you! 🙂

    Becky

    • missy September 27, 2011 at 1:45 pm

      It was pretty spectacular to see it first hand. I edited the pictures that need it due to not getting the lighting right (lighten or darken as needed) but I don’t enhance colors as I think that takes away authenticity. I have a nikon d5000 with a 35mm lens. xo