Home for Christmas

We are in Ark. for Christmas. We had a really good trip up including a stay in Nashville, with Molly one of Beth's roommates at Auburn. Last night we went to see Aaron, Kathrin, Caleb(3), Kayla Grace (2), and Kaitlin. Aaron just moved back to NW Ark. we grew up together. He is horrible at Wii Boxing(I pounded him), but it we had a great time catching up with them.

Now we are at home with my parents, sister, and 2 nieces. It's been great just being able to reconnect with friends and family. I look forward to a couple of days just hanging out with them, playing games, laughing and watching movies. It's good to be home.

Miracles...

Well, we are in the middle of a series at Mountain Lake called Miracles. I thought this would be a great series for disconnected people...you know, the ones who don't believe Jesus & miracles like I do. Well, apparently I struggle with my belief as well. Anyway, I have been challenged to pray more specifically for things I need rather than just blowing them off. Also, I have been reminded of how much I have to be thankful for this year. Last Friday, at WOW! It's Christmas, Shawn reminded us to say thank you more often. I think coming to God with a thankful and honest heart is one step I can take to looking for more miracles in my life.

THANKS, Jesus...

• For giving your life for me. It really is that simple...you chose to die so that I may live. WOW!
• For the gift of marriage & my husband Buck who every day shows me humility, tenderness, courage, unconditional love; for his humor, provision. and protection; for his calling to ministry, his unique love of students, and the abilities God has developed within him
• Our beautiful baby girl who is growing everyday...I cannot wait to meet her face to face
• Our family who has supported us in all that we do--allowing us to follow after God without regret
• Mountain Lake - a church filled with the best people in the world; thank you God for the leadership, the vision, the community, the passion for world care & church planting, two campuses, a heart of giving, and the growth you are blessing MLC with each week
• David, Farah, Dax, and Cole Isbell - our closest friends who consistently teach us about the love of Jesus through their actions & friendship toward us; thank you David & Farah for the example you are to parents...we are looking to you more than ever
• Our Growth Group at MLC - Bryan, Karen, Rodney, Sarah, Caleb, Rachel, Brian, Jodi, Aaron, and Nick - we are truly experiencing community because of your authenticity and love; we are exciting about growing closer to you all as the year goes on!
• Our new home - what a blessing; our home is so much more than anything we deserve or ever thought we could have at the point in our life!

Here are the Miracles I am asking boldly for these days...

• Courage in relationships with disconnected people; I am praying for so many right now - Katie, Davis Family, Kanov Family, Melissa, and Pat & Beth
• Financial Freedom - the freedom to stay home with our daughter; the ability to give away more
• An opportunity for Buck to do full-time ministry again - my heart aches for him to do what he was created to do - we love students and miss the freedom to be around them all the time
  

Another reason I love Apple

Last week our Mac started turning off after it would go into sleep mode. Long story short it died on Wednesday, well that is to say I couldn't get it to turn back on. I tried everything and came to the conclusion that I was just going to have to take it into an Apple store and see if they could help. Keep  in mind my iMac is a little over 2 years old, and the warranty expires after a year.

We drove the 25 miles to the Mall in Alpharetta at 10am I didn't have an appointment but thought I could get in by noon but, the next appointment wasn't until 5pm. So we decided to do some shopping, catch lunch, and a movie. It was actually a pretty nice day.

5 finally rolled around and I waited patiently to be helped. The Mac Genius (that's what they are called and I believe it) asked me what was wrong, I explained. He tested it on the desk, grunted and then took the computer to the back.

About 5 to 8 Min. later he returned said yeah it was the Power Management unit. Then proceeded to start typing stuff up on his store computer. I presumed he was totalling up the bill. PMU's cost around $150 bucks plus labor. Which is still cheaper then a new computer.

He prints it out and asks me to sign 2 different pieces of paper. 

The Bill = $0.00

I asked him about it and he said they have had some issues with the PMU's on my model and he didn't think it would be fair to charge me. 

Apple you know how to build loyal customers! 

What and why do I celebrate Christmas?

I'm teaching tonight at SPIN (our High school environment) in preparing for this week I asked myself this question. And if I'm honest the answers really don't have a lot to do with Jesus, at least in as far at the traditions go.

Don't get me wrong I definitely reflect on the fact that God became human. Chose to dwell among us, so that the world could be in a relationship with him.  That's just plain crazy by the way when you really think about it:

GOD became an infant, Grew up to be a sinless man, Died a bloody awful death, so that we could  have a relationship with him.

I could make a good case that really we celebrate this through out the year as followers of Christ. 

But what do christmas trees, gifts, shopping, hot coco, christmas movies, christmas songs have to do with an infant, that came to redeem humanity?  I'm still not sure exactly I think a lot of it has to do with family, and friends. 

I'm not saying it's bad or wrong, I'm just thinking through how it all connects and why I enjoy the season so much, and really what am I celebrating? 

I'll let you know if/when I decide on something. 

. . . and were back

We were supporting the writers strike in holly wood. But have chosen to break the picket lines and begin using this space again. 

Life has been very full for us the last few months, and honestly I just haven't felt like writing. Here are the clif notes of what's been going on with us:

1. Beth is pregnant with a baby girl, due March 29th. Yes we have a name, but are choosing to keep it a surprise until she is born. (not even our parents know!)

2. We purchased a house in Dawsonville, Ga about 3 1/2 weeks ago. It's a gorgeous home that we feel very blessed to have (I hope to post some pictures soon, we just haven't borrowed a digital camera yet). The move (about 15 miles north of our old apartment) has put us a lot closer to David and Farah along with almost every one in our small group.

3. Beth's brother Daniel moved to GA a couple of months ago and is living with us. I have really enjoyed having him around the house. It's nice to have some one to beat at NCAA football, currently Arkansas (me) has a 8-5 lead over Georgia(daniel) in the series.

4. We absolutely love Mountain Lake (our Church). I am working a lot with the High School program and even teach from time to time. Beth is working the Middle School program. And we have an incredible small group, that we have been able to connect with.

With this post I want to let you know that I am making it my goal to post at least twice a week. It may not always be long, or deep, but I feel like this is a place I want to put a few thoughts of what God is doing in our lives. 

Our Life...since that last post so long ago...

So, what has been going on with us? Here are just a few:

1. We are having a baby. We are due March 29...so, 14.5 weeks now. We are super excited, especially since we have safely made it past 13 weeks this time. God is so good to give us peace when we need it most.

2. Things are getting fun & busy at Mountain Lake. Buck is directing SPIN (our high school environment) and I am working on the team for our brand new middle school environment Amp'd. We have also found an amazing small group, people we are going to enjoy doing life with and growing alongside.

3. Football season is back...Auburn finally looked good and beat Florida..WAR EAGLE! Arkansas has had some tough losses, but we still get to watch the best player in the country everytime they take the field.

4. My brother Daniel moved in with us while he trys to find a job and get settled in here. He has jumped in and is serving in the MLC student ministry as well. It has been fun to have him around.

5. We are planning on heading to Pensacola for Thanksgiving and then Arkansas for Christmas. There are some good things about being back in the south & closer to our families!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN...

38 Days 18 Hours 44 Minutes 41 Seconds

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN BEGINS...45 DAYS!

Post a link to favorite moments of your team! WAR EAGLE!

This year's Heisman Winner!

--

INDEPENDENCE DAY...

Happy 4th of July! Have a wonderful day!

Battle at Kruger

It's about 8 min. long, but this is sooo cool.




Who need National Geographic?

You gotta see this

This is a very cool video that I almost missed.

If you watch it watch the whole thing here (it's only 4 min. or so) or you'll miss the point.

It's a little artsy, but worth your time.

Summer Camp...

Well, I am a little sad this week. The middle school students at Mountain Lake left yesterday for summer camp. There is nothing better to do in the summer than take students to camp! I know that is where I am supposed to be. Things are a little different this year b/c I do not have a job that I can just take off. I miss so much the opportunity to just hang out with students for an entire week. I am very close to the five girls I took to camp last summer at Discovery. I am able to spend more hours in that one week than most of the school year! David Isbell even gave me an invite Saturday night, but I just couldn't go...I only get three days off the entire year...doesn't work out too well for camp. Anytime you get a chance to send a student to camp...whether it is your own or you can help your church send students by giving, DO IT! You will be investing more than you know in the life of that student.

Memorial Day...

Memorial Day is a little different for me these days. Yes, I think about my great-grandfather who served and is now buried at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. But, everything seems to hit much closer to home now that my brother Adam is serving in the Air Force. Adam is not overseas or anything; he is still training as a Flight Navigator. But, I am so proud of him. He is completely committed to what he is doing. He is enthusiastic even though he knows the risks involved. He is prepared to die for his country. And, while that scares me, I know he is doing what he was created to do.

The other day Buck & I were watching Behind Enemy Lines (which I have seen before), and it seemed to be a little more intense since Adam is training to be a flight navigator just like Owen Wilson's character. I was more in-tune to to the details of what he did, and rooted for him like never before.

Then one of the pastors at our church, David Putman, got up to speak this weekend & told of his son in Afghanistan. He is so proud of his son serving, but you can hear in his voice how much he misses him. I now know I must begin praying now for my brother, long before he is sent to defend our country.

We spent our day yesterday with Dan & Renee Weber. Dan's sister is in the Navy, so we talked some about how different it is when it is your family. We had a blast there. First, we played a super-long game of Cities & Knights. Buck and I are really excited that we have found people here who enjoy playing games, and they happen to be really cool! Then we just hung out, talked, and ate great food the rest of the evening.

Anyway, Memorial Day is different for me than it used to be. I am so thankful for the freedom I have everyday. I am thankful for the blessings God has poured on my life. And, I am thankful for the men & women who are fighting as I type this to protect this freedom.

Auburn vs Alabama 2006

Just couldn't help remembering good times!

Easter...

We had a wonderful trip to Pensacola to see my family for Easter. Buck was able to meet several of my aunts & uncles he had never met. All of my brothers were there, but most of my cousins were not there. It was a good weekend though; I am glad to be closer to my family!

Thunderstorms...

We are supposed to get thunderstorms through this area later in the day. Besides a few places to eat like Chick-fil-A and Moes, thunderstorms were probably the thing I most missed while living in the Northwest. I think I heard thunder four or five times in the four years I lived there. Thunderstorms are best though when you can be at home cuddled up to people you love.

Yesterday...

Yesterday, my good friend Farah came over to be "my responsible adult" around after surgery b/c Buck had to go to work. I was so glad she came over, and so glad she brought her two wonderful boys. She has been a blessing lately. Their family went through a miscarriage at the same time during the pregnancy (five weeks ago) as we did this last week. The encouragement and comfort their family has offered from the first moment has been beyond anything we could ever deserve, but this is not the first time God has granted me something I did not deserve. From the first moment we new something was wrong they have been there--David picked Buck up from work and had him at the doctor's office so quickly; then he sat with us while we waited for the news...calming us in a way only David could. This week they have delivered meals, Dr. Pepper, and hugs. They found people to make meals for us who don't even know us. By the way, if you need some food let us know...you can come over and eat with us:) They have helped take some of the burden off of Buck...I know he is emotionally drained. He has been so strong and stable (unlike me) over the last few days. He has done all sorts of things that will probably come and go without any thanks. Because of the kindness of others, he has been able to relax a little, and we have been able to spend some quality time together. But, back to the Isbells. Before they came over yesterday, Farah prepped Dax (their very bright 3-year old) about the situation...what shouldn't be said...that soft hugs were okay...things like that. Anyway, he came so close to making it the entire couple of hours...but then it came out at lunch, "Aunt Bether, why did your baby die?"....All I could say was, "That's a great question, Dax." And it is. It is the question I have struggle through. It is the question that has made me mad, the question that has made my faith waiver. I have been asking myself that. I think Dax allowed me to hear the question out loud that I had only heard in my head or in intimate, emotional coversations with my husband. And, I don't know why. Sometimes when you hear something out loud, you are able to better understand it as reality. And, it is much easier to deal with something once you allow it to become reality rather than suppressing it. So, thanks, Dax. And, yes, I am scared to death to try this process again...but, I will b/c I know I am supposed to be a mom. God has some plan, even though I cannot comprehend most of it. Dax ended our coversation by saying, "Your baby is in heaven with our baby". What a load for a three-year old to handle. But, what faith he still has in God's plan...you can see it in everything he does. I am thankful for those moments in life where things go a little differently than mom pictured them going. They help us grow. They help us deal with what is on the inside.

Thank you so much to everyone for your kind words and thoughtfulness this last week. Thank you for your prayers. We have felt very cared for. We are trying to deal with the different emotions that come with something like this. We are trying to remember the blessing we had for a short while, and still look forward. I really don't know what else to say but "thank you".

The beginning of the end . . .

I honestly believe that if guys like this run the Southern Baptist Convention then it will be dead or severly diminished in 50 years.

Read this article.
Missouri's most powerful Baptist takes on the 'emerging church'

In case you don't want to, here is the last few lines that sum it up for you:


Moran acknowledges that what emerging churches offer is attractive to young people.

"What we've got now is a church where you can drink beer in the bar, you can talk about rock 'n' roll, you can watch R-rated movies on film night," he said.

Moran believes that some in the emerging church may be theologically sound but that its leaders are caught up in the culture that is leading most Americans astray.

"They say they have a passion for reaching people for Christ … and I think that they do," he said. "But I think they cross the line in becoming so much like the world."




So what you're saying is you're so legalistic that even though you think the leaders are theologically sound and have a passion for reaching Christ, YOU don't have the power so you hope the movement dies off?

Give me a break.

My Husband...

Well, yesterday was our second anniversary. It seems as though it has been much longer than two years. I think that is mostly because I have loved these two years so much, and I have such a hard time remembering the dailyness of life before marriage. I know I enjoyed life, but having your best friend with you all the time is like nothing else...even though I know he wishes I were not with him "so much". All I can say is that I care for him and love him more than I ever thought I would be able to. Sometimes I struggle because I know I put too much faith in Him. Sometimes I lose sight of the blessings God pours on my life because I am looking somewhere else. One of the biggest struggles I am facing right now is how to encourage and support him completely. I know his priorities are God, then family, then ministry, but that doesn't make it any easier for me to watch him go to a job every day that he does not love just so that he can support our family. I want him to be having lunch with students, and studying for lessons, and meeting students over coffee to chat. I want students to hang out at our house just for fun. I want there to be time in our lives for ministry, not leaving for work at 6:30am and getting home at 7pm. But, God has a different plan for our family right now. I know somewhere there is a place He is preparing for our service. I pray that we would be faithful in this waiting time, that we would focus on building a loving home for our new child. I pray that our lives would still be missional, that we would constantly be focused on other people in our lives. I pray for Buck, that he would continue to have the courage to lead our family. I pray that I will serve him and love him moment by moment. I am so thankful for these last couple of years with him, and I am looking forward to the rest we share!

A Prayer Request and thank You

First I want to ask you to pray for Jon Fredricks (the pastor of our church in Tacoma). A few days after we left, he was in a pretty serious car accident. He suffered a broken jaw, arm, and leg and has been in the hospital for about a week. Please pray for him and his wife and his 4 children. I'll post the link to his blog in a few days.

Also, I just wanted to post a quick thank you to our Discovery family for their incredible generosity and help in moving. Beth and I felt very loved and appreciated. We miss you and will keep in touch.


We are in Atlanta and will post some more about the trip, but internet is spotty at the moment, so sorry for the delay.

The Top Ten Things Somone Moving to Atlanta Needs to Know to Live the Simple Life

I got this in a an e-mail, this morning from Dash (they publish the cirriculum we use for students). I thought it was funny and wanted to share it with you. It's an article by sturart hall. Here is the link as well

The Top Ten Things Somone Moving to Atlanta Needs to Know to Live the Simple Life

I have recently noticed that seemingly no one that lives in Atlanta is from Atlanta. My neighbor across the street moved here from San Francisco. My next-door neighbor hails from New York. When I asked them what motivated them to move to the Dirty South, one consistent phrase (apart from work) reared its head: They all wanted a more simple life. Not the Paris Hilton simple life, mind you, but one of less stress, more leisure time, and a lot less headaches.

As somewhat of a transplant myself (Alabama), I decided to create a Top Ten Things Someone Moving to Atlanta Needs to Know to Live the Simple Life list to keep at the ready for all the new neighbors. You can substitute these ten things for your fair city. Regardless of where, transitions are hard. Everyone wants to be accepted. And if your goal is simplicity of life and you too are a transplant, then this will help make the transition easy:

10. Never take visiting relatives or friends to the Stone Mountain Laser Show. They will (a) believe that the state of Georgia is considering succeeding from the Union again and (b) realize that some locals don’t realize the first Civil War is over…

9. Never taste test the Coca Cola products from the Middle East at the World of Coke unless you want to hurl…

8. Michael Vick is always hurt and loves bottled water…

7. Chick-Fil-A is the scientific term for “Christian chicken.”

6. GA 400 is a Southern term for “parking lot.”

5. Never say the words “Roll Tide!” very loud in public (substitute your school). Unless your pledge of allegiance includes Dawgs, Yellow Jackets, or War Eagles, you will be received as warmly as Michael Moore at the Republican Convention…

4. Ted Turner owns everything. If he doesn’t, Arthur Blank just bought it…

3. A start by John Smoltz at a Braves game equals game over. An appearance by the Braves in late October means that Satan is ice-skating…

2. If you attend NPCC, you are either an Andy Stanley fan or a Louie Giglio fan. You can’t be both…

1. Life is not that simple.

Life is not simple. Geography and grits will not help you evade unpredictable events and circumstances. The beauty of a fall day in north Atlanta will not quell the storms of life that almost always come. Times of tension will rain and reign for a time. The question for you and me is “What will we do with that tension?”

I used to wish that I could have the foresight to see those times beforehand. I even prayed that way. “God, give me Superman x-ray wisdom to see what is coming. I want to be ready.” I foolishly prayed that way until I realized that I really could not handle what I was asking of God. You and I cannot handle such foresight. For God to reveal that to us would be, in essence, God revealing Himself and all of His glory to us. My finite mind trying to understand the sum of the character and attributes of God is not exactly a promising event.

It is for this reason that men and women in the Old Testament could not look on the face of God. It is the reason why God placed Moses in the cleft of a rock: so He could pass by without Moses seeing His greatness in full. Moses only saw God’s back. Not His face. He could not see Him coming. He definitely saw Him passing.

I am learning to embrace the tension that bubbles to the top of my life. The principles of weight lifting are appropriate: Just because you have a weight bench, weights and work out clothes with a Swoosh on them does not mean you are getting stronger. You only get strong when you embrace the tension and get under the weight. That is where your physical muscle is sculpted. And that is where your faith muscle is sculpted as well.

There is something not so simple coming. Mark it down. And it will come to serve as tension in your life.

I am grateful for the back of God: Revelation in retrospect in the midst of unpredictable events. Sometimes the tension is almost unbearable. But it is making my faith so much stronger and life a lot less complicated.

And my neighbors are watching . . .

Big News!

Ok while most of you may know this, but in case not beth and I have lots of BIG news!

1. We are having a Baby! Beth is due October 10th! Which is both scary and really exciting all at the same time.

2. We are moving to North Atlanta. More specifically the cumming area. We'll leave on the 9th of March, so lots of packing etc. is in store. I will be working as a Route Manager for TrueGreen Chem lawn. Not my end goal as a career choice, but a good job to take care of our expanding family.

More to come on both of those in future posts, but wanted to let you know.

Also, I will be finishing the movie series in the coming weeks (hoping before the end of March).

The Most Dissapointing Movies of 2006

Invincible

Walberg is quickly becoming a must see actor, but this was not one of those movies. I thought the story was so-so, but more then anything it was mis-titled. There is nothing about the lead character in this movie that is invincible. It would have been better titled "Reluctant hero"




The Nativity Story

I didn't even expect this to be great, but it makes the list for two reasons. First, the movie had the wise men at the manger (which go read your bible, they weren't there) and there were 3 of them. This was not only too cliche, but just not acurate. Second the angels were so weak, I mean there was nothing to be afraid of, no reason to think that they were that different then an average person.


Taladega Knights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

"Chet, I'm gonna be all over you like a Spydur Monkey!" Ok, it did have some funny scenes and some funny lines! The family dinner scene cracked me up, but in the end it just wasn't as funny as I hoped it would be and was a little crass. This could have been a case of too high of expectations.


Little Miss Sunshine

Speaking of Crass movies this one was certainly that. It too had it's moments, but I just didn't have any of those laugh out loud moments. The story was really not that compelling, and Greg Kinnear's character just made me tense the whole time. If you didn't see it don't bother.


X-Men: The Last Stand

Brett Ratner, your no Brian Singer. The X-men franchise had been really good at combining action and character development, in the first two movies. But Ratner was not able to maintain the quality of the previous films. For one it was too short, they could have let it breathe a little more. Second they had an entire plot line that was pointless (the angel character). And didn't allow for very meaningful dialog. Overall I really expected this to be a little more fun then it turned out.


Stranger Then Fiction
I thought this might be the movie where Will Ferrel showed that he was more then just a comedian, ala Jim Carrey in "The Truman Show". But it ultimately was just disappointing. The premise was good, a guy who hears the voice of the author who is writing his life.

I was hoping this would be in the same vein as "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind", a little quirky, and kind of weird, but ultimately original and satisfying.
While it was original it was not that satisfying. Really the movie failed to capitalize on the one thing it had going for it which was the voice. It didn't and so I'm sad to say it's on this list.

href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343737/">The Good Shepard

This movie directed by Robert Deniro, starring Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie had a lot of promise! It was one of the movies I was most looking forward to this fall. And wow! Robby stick to your day job. The plot wasn't that bad, but it took soooooo long to get to the end of the movie I just didn't care any more.

Jolie doesn't even make the first hour of the movie and when she is on the screen she has nothing to do. Honestly, I think that she was miss cast as the stay at home house wife. Damon, plays his character rather well, the problem is it's a boring character.

In the end I think they could have cut out about an hour in the film and it would have been a much better production.

2006 Movie Review Pt. 2

#10 The Break –up

If you haven't seen this movie then you need to know that it was probably the most poorly marketed movies of the year. It was billed as a romantic comedy, and while it has some funny parts, I wouldn't call it a comedy, and it's not really that romantic.

The movie, as it's title would suggest, is about a break-up, a Bad break-up. The movie centers around the fact that neither wants to give-up their loft apartment. Vince Vaughn plays his typical role, opposite a decent preformance by Jennifer Aniston.

What I liked about the movie is that is wasn't your typical romantic comedy. It has a some grit to it. Several scenes that were very believable, and emotional. It doesn't let you off the hook just to advance the plot it makes the characters, actually have to work through some issues. It's not perfect but good enough for #10


#9 The Illusionist

Ed Norton and Jessica Beil, did a good job in pulling off this tale of romance and intrigue. However, Paul Giamotti was worth the price of admission. The plot was so, so but the cast made up for it .

#8 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
& A Prairie Home Companion

The tie here is becasue I just had a lot of fun while watching both of these movies. Neither are oscar worthy, both were enjoyable.

This movie I remeber stopping about half way through and say to myself, half these guys are digitally enhanced. They did an incredible job, with the CGI, i haven't seen anything this good since Golum in the Lord of the rings series.

Good summer popcorn flix.

I've been a admirer of Garrison Keeler since i was in college. I love tails from lake Wobegone, and thought this would be an interesting show. It didn't dissapoint! It has a good pace to it and has lots of good individual moments.

The best however are John C. Rielly and Woody Harolson, as the singing cowboys. Funny stuff.





#7 Freedom Writers

This was the biggest suprise of the year to me. I expected a "Dangerous Minds", "Stand and Deliver" type of knock off. But Hillary Swank did a tremendous job of being a real person, and true to her character.

Also the movie doesn't overwhelm you with the cheese that it could. It doesn't make everything ok. What it does do is give you a picture of what could be. What happens when you provide a place where students feel like family, and give them a place to feel safe.

If you work with students in any capacity you have to see this movie!


#6 Mean Girls & Brick
Both of these movies are about high school kids. And they are on completely different ends of the spectrum, but both good shows.

(yeah I know this came out in 2004, but I just saw it)

I saw about 5 minutes of this on TBS and really wanted to rent it. After seeing just how mean girls really can be in middle school, the makers of this movie nailed it!

You have to be able to appreciate the hyperbole, and real nastiness that can occur in this realm of popularity and status. The show also showed what can happen to a person who get's wrapped up in them selves and how they appear. But really what it did best is show just how MEAN girls really can be.

This movie is really gritty. It is a film Noir (detective) set in a High school. It's complete with a murder and a good bit of violence. The lead is the kid from "3rd Rock from the Sun". If you have the stomach for it, it does a good job of capturing the high school mind set and putting a n interesting twist on it.

Movie Review, Pt. 1 continued (from the wife)

Well, I am not quite the movie buff like Buck, but I have tried to dive into movies a bit more than "I liked it" or "I didn't like it" since we have been married; so, I thought I would join him in this movie review of 2006!

Here are my two biggest surprises of the year (this means I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would):

CHILDREN OF MEN
The concept of this movie was very intriguing. The pace was very good even though it was a long movie...much slower and I would have left gloomy and depressed. The thing I loved most about the movie was all the "talking points" it provided. I could see this movie playing out
wonderfully in a college classroom. It attacked so many issues our country and our world is facing...it really made me sit back and think about what I thought.

ERAGON
I feel a little cheesy writing about this movie. The movie we wanted to see wasn't playing so I agreed to sit through this movie...the reason that is such a big deal is that there is nothing appealing to me about the story, characters, genre, etc. I have never seen Lord of the Rings or other epic tales of adventure. So, the story moved well & captivated me. I still don't think it is a great movie, but I did stay awake, and I would recommend it to others as a one-time see!

2006 Movie Review Pt. 1

Ok, I’m a movie buff I love going to the movies or even just watching one at home. So I thought it would be fun to review the Movies I’ve most enjoyed, and the ones that disappointed me the most, and what I’m looking forward to in 2007.

Now let me say that this is only the movies I have seen. There are a ton of movies that I’m really interested in seeing that I just haven’t been able to get to, many of them are up for Oscars. I’ll list those at the end so you know which weren’t under consideration

Let me just say this is MY favorites. Meaning these are the movies that I enjoyed watching the most, not all of them are “great movies”, but I really enjoyed them.

So over the next week or so I’ll give you my top movies for 2006 (so far) and the ones I was most disappointed in, and what really peaks my interest for the coming year. Also, Beth is going to join the fun as well so she’ll be posting her list as well.

For now let me start with a couple of movies that “Surprised me”. This simply means that I didn’t really expect the movie to be as enjoyable as it was for me.

Cars – The guys are Pixar are incredible, but for whatever reason I just didn’t really like the concept behind this movie. However, the opening scene had me hooked. It was really incredible from a visual perspective. And this is from my 27 inch non-hi-definition sanyo.

The story was well paced, and the message of the movie (life doesn’t have to be lived at mach 12, slow down and enjoy the journey) was first-rate. It’s not a movie I’d watch a lot but I enjoyed it and would say it’s worth a viewing

The Holiday – I wasn’t really thrilled with the cast, and was really leery of a romantic comedy with Jack Black in it. But it was a lazy afternoon and this was the best thing playing so Beth and I went.

I had an absolute blast! I found the the film to be very original, especially for this genre. The film captured some incredibly authentic moments that were priceless to me I remember thinking on several occasions wow, that’s just like someone I know.

Typing this now I want to rewatch it just to see those again. It’s not a perfect film, but it definitely surprised me and I'll catch it again soon.

Ok, well that's it for now, more to come later in the week!

A Preview

Well it's almost tomorrow and I can't sleep, so I thought I'd give you a preview of some posts that are brewing.

1. Missional Communities - Some friends of ours recently joined a new church and they do small groups in a unique way. It's intriguing to me and honestly God is really challenging me with this idea /concept. But more on that later . . .

2. 2006 Movie Review - Not the best of but just a review of the movies I liked, disliked and was surprised by, my wife says that she will join me in this post.

3. This may not make it to fruition, but I'd like to put together a top 5/10 of anticipated movies.

4. An update on the two of us. Look for this more around mid to late February.

True Greatness

This made me laugh. Thanks to the guys at Relevant Magazine.

A creative film troupe has turned the campy 1991 film Point Break into a stage production. In the original Keanu Reeves film, Johnny Utah, a retired college football-turned-cop teams up with Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey) to catch a gang of surfing bank robbers. In Point Break LIVE! the play, each night an audience member is chosen to play the lead with the help of cue cards. The director said the idea was to capture the clueless essence of Reeves. Gary Busey will not be allowed to attend for numerous safety reasons ...

Made to Love

You know how every once in awhile you hear a song...and you remember the grace that is poured into your life everyday by our wonderful Savior, Jesus. Well, there is not a ton of confusion when it comes to what our life is supposed to look like as a follower of Christ:

Made To Love by Toby Mac

The dream is fading, now I'm staring at the door
I know its over cause my feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection, I ain't feelin what I see
It's no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for
What became of the flame that made me feel more
And when did I forget that...

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me I was made to love
and be loved by you

The dream's alive with my eyes opened wide
Back in the ring you've got me swinging for the grand prize
I feel the haters spittin vapors on my dreams
But I still believe
I'm reachin out, reachin up, reachin over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And daddy I'm on my way
Cause I was made to love...


Anything I would give up for you
Everything, I'd give it all away

The Future of Mobile Technology

This will be the next phone I own! I'm already a Cingular customer and I can't wait till next Christmas!

If you want to see just how cool it is go to apple.com, It's amazing!

Your favorite super hero?

Inspired by a recent survey on Robnamy.com I'm curious.

FOOTBALL IS ENDING...SPIRIT IS NOT!

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A STARBUCKS GIFTCARD!

Please send me the most creative & most spirited "TOUCHDOWN" picture. Obviously, "TOUCHDOWN AUBURN" pictures are highly encouraged, but support YOUR team...even though it is much less of a team:) Pictures must be submitted by March 1, 2007 to be considered for the prize! Photos can be e-mailed to bethwebb@auburnalum.org or mailed to me....e-mail me for the address. Have Fun!

By the way, those are two of my roommates from college, Molly & Tara, who were going to miss a football game. They sent themselves with me:)

Sometimes it takes losing your toe to wake you up!

This article was originally posted on Wholehogsports.com

The kid in the article is named Darren McFadden and he's THE best running back in the country, he came in #2 (to a Senior QB) in the heisman race, and he's only a sophmore. I hadn't heard this story before, but It's pretty cool and worth the read.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Lying in bed, staring out the window, he had no idea what the haunting hollowness was about.

Just more than 36 hours earlier, Darren McFadden had gotten into a fight. He had lost a shoe but kicked one more time, and when he was pulled back by friends, his big toe was hanging by two or three tendons at the first joint.

It wasn’t just the thought of his football career being over that was eating at him that Sunday afternoon.

“I didn’t know what it was, but that it was something real,” McFadden said last week after a practice for the Capital One Bowl. “Something was missing, and I knew I needed that something.”

McFadden was missing God.

Like millions of others, he thought he was OK. He made some boyish mistakes, such as the fight, and he sometimes pushed the envelope, but he was polite to his elders and nice to youngsters.

“I was raised to treat others like I wanted to be treated, but I wasn’t raised in the church,” he said. “I really didn’t know much about religion or God. I thought it was enough to be a decent person.”

The fight, now known as the incident, was his wake-up call.

Football had been his God, and he didn’t know that afternoon if he would have the game he loved so much anymore.

“The thought of not playing any more bothered me, but I knew what was going on in my heart and head was bigger than that,” he said.

Within a few days after returning to Fayetteville, with his future still unknown, McFadden was approached by Marcus Carruthers, who started Dwelling Place Church in November 2004.

Carruthers was engaging and unchallenging, and McFadden became intrigued.

It didn’t take long for McFadden to realize the incident may have been a mistake, but some good was going to come out of it.

It had been a wake-up call, and he was paying attention.

His spirit began to heal faster than his toe.

McFadden had a multitude of questions, and Carruthers had an answer for every one of them.

To the surprise of almost everyone but himself, McFadden started the season opener against Southern Cal, although his play was limited and he spent more time as a decoy than a threat.

A week later, he rushed for 184 yards against Utah State, and at that point it would have been easy to decide football really was a god.

He followed that with games in which he rushed for 71 against Vanderbilt and then 112 against Alabama, and he was almost 100 percent physically.

Spiritually, he was still growing, meeting regularly with Carruthers and attending church at Dwelling Place.

In a 27-10 victory over Auburn — a game that set the tempo for the season — McFadden ran for 145 yards.

The team arrived home late Saturday evening, but McFadden was up bright and early the next morning.

To the delight of the small congregation, McFadden was baptized that morning.

The next two months became a whirlwind for the sophomore. He was a late entry for the Doak Walker Award, given to the best running back in the country, and his name was coming up in the same sentence as Heisman Trophy.

After he bullied LSU for 182 yards and two touchdowns, he was a legitimate contender for any and all awards.

The Wildcat formation had thrust him into the college football spotlight. He ran, passed and handed off like a veteran quarterback, and the experts were impressed.

He was invited to Orlando, where he won the running back award, and then flown to New York, where he finished as runner-up in the Heisman balloting.

Through it all, he did not change.

His foundation is now solid with spirituality.

“Darren has always been a little quiet, but after he was baptized, he became very humble and that never changed,” Keith Jackson Jr. said.

That doesn’t mean he’s perfect, and last week, with a smile, he said: “I have to ask for forgiveness a lot.”

Now he gets it.

Merry Christmas!

I don't feel like posting right this second, but I was rereading an old blog and found this quote. Consider it a Christmas present . . .

"There is a danger in labeling things Christian. The word Christian first appears in the Bible as a noun. It's a person who follows Jesus. It's not an adjective that you attach to things to make them safe and palatable. So a Christian is someone who lives a certain way-who has oriented their life around a certain Savior's teachings, who believes profound things about the very ground of their being, who actually believes that compassion can change the world. A Christian is someone who lives a certain way. In the New Testament it's not a label that you attach to things in order to make them safe. Here's why: because something can be labeled christen and not be true and somethings can be true and not be labeled Christian."

- Rob Bell, teaching pastor, Mars Hill Church

Buyer beware!

Dear Warranty Holder,

Thank you for your email or fax. We have confirmed receipt of your claim form.

While we make every effort to accommodate and satisfy our consumers, we regret to inform you that your claim has been declined for the following reasons:

Per the terms and obligations of your limited product warranty, each occurrence of stains and damage must be reported to Stainsafe within the time frame stated on your limited product warranty certificate. Unfortunately, any claim reported outside this time frame must be declined.

(I only saw this on thier web-site after i filed my claim and it's no where in the pamphlet I recieved upon purchase.)

If you require a technician’s referral to assist you with this issue, please call our warranty center at the telephone number referenced on your limited product warranty certificate or reply back to this email. Please note that any service provided by an authorized Stainsafe technician on a denied claim will be at the expense of the warranty holder.

If you have any questions regarding coverage’s, exclusion and warranty holder responsibilities, please refer to your limited product warranty certificate for detailed information.

Respectfully,

On-Line Customer Care Correspondent

Stainsafe, Inc.

The Time frame FYI is 5 days. The companys 1-800 # simply tells you to fax or e-mail them your claim. I still have no idea how to talk to a person.

My warning to you is to Never Buy any thing with a Stain Safe Warranty. It's a bad deal, if you have any doubts google stain safe and you'll see what I mean.

It's Bowl Season Again...

Click Here for College Bowl Pick'em

Feel free to invite your friends to play as well! Have fun!

Snow

Ok so we went to Ohio last week. It was great to see a lot my family that I haven't seen in way to long. We felt very welcomed and were treated like royalty the whole time we were there. Aside from seeing family we also were hoping to catch a glimpse of snow. Seeing as how it "never" snows here except for the mountains.

Well, for those of you not from the NW. We've gotten a lot of snow the last couple of days. (probably like 1 to 2 inches). But the odd part is that it's actually stuck, typically it melts off in an afternoon. So schools were closed yesterday, and this morning was supposed to be chilly, but no new snow.

Here is where the fun begins. I'm used to cold weather we get plenty of it in the South and enough of it here to know what you are and aren't supposed to do. So this morning when I went to my car (which mind you has been sitting for the last 3 days because we decided to drive Beth's for errands the previous 2 days) it was obviously iced over. Now some where I used to have an ice scraper, no idea where that went. So I decide that water will do the trick.

I get luke warm pour it on my car it barely melts the snow let alone the ice. And here is where I made the crucial mistake. Knowing that it was a bad idea I decide that my wiper blades can probably get the snow off and I'll just wait for the defrost to get the ice. (I realize, now, that that ice is under the snow and closest to the wipers) So I turn on the wipers, which don't come on at first, so I turn them off, wait all of 2 seconds and try them again.

As the passengerside wiper began to clear the snow I realized that ice is a very powerful force. Because the drivers side never got going. Well that is until I grabbed it and manually moved the blade to clear the snow. So 3 liters of warm water later, I headed off to work.

I just hope that it doesn't snow/rain until I can get it fixed. Also, know ing that a $.99 scraper, or lack there of, will now cost me who knows how much to replace a wiperblade motor.

Thanksgiving

Well, Buck & I are currently in VanWert, Ohio...a tiny town in Western Ohio. Our journey started five days ago when we arrived in Cincinnati....our journey that is Buck's first trip back to Ohio (where he was born) in several years and my first trip to meet the extended family. We stayed with Jeff & Ryan...two cousins in their twenties...the first two nights. They took us to some Cincinnati favorites including two great restaurants and the Cincinnati History Museum. I also was able to eat at Chick-fil-A and Moes (two of my southern favs that are not in the Great Northwest). Then on Wednesday we headed north (here to VanWert) where Jeff's parents live. We have stayed with them the last three nights although we have been making day trips other places. We were also able to see Buck's parents, sister Diane, and her two girls. On Thursday we went about another two hours north and had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with the Kinney (Buck's mom) side of the family. I met about thirty-two new people. Then today, we drove about an hour east of here and had Thanksgiving with the Webb side of the family. I met about thirty-two more new people. It was a lot of fun. My favorite new person to meet was Grandpa! Buck talks about him all the time. He is 95, but you would never know it. I think one of my favorite things, besides the fact that he made me laugh, was how much Christ was reflected in Him. Also, he seemed the most interested in where we were serving & how God was working in our lives. It is always awesome to know you have someone like Him praying for you. Anyway, it has been a great trip. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband to share the journey of this life with. I have enjoyed learning more about him by meeting more of his family. Tomorrow is our relax & recover day before we head home on Sunday morning. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my beautiful wifes Birthday! So if you get a chance then give her a call, or send her a card! I love you babe! Hope your day has been wonderful!

World Series Champs!

Ok so my cousin ryan thinks that the Cardinals were the worst World Series Champ ever! So I must respond.

Seriously? you really think that this was just one big fluke?

Lets look at the evidence:

1. The previous 2 years the cardinals won over 200 games. And easilymade it to the playoffs.
2. The team lost a few bench players, Grudzelanik, and Sanders (walker didn't play much last year s ohe doesn't matter)
other wise I'd say they kept thier core and thier entire starting rotation.
3. Injuries, the team battled not only losing it's #2 starter for most of the year, but also for key stretches:

Eckstien (the Worldseries MVP), Edmonds, Rolen (who wasn't right until the end ot the LCS) and it's Super star (Pujols) who was hobbeled the second half and missed a month of the season (on a side note look at his #'s and then remember he misses a MONTH, scary stuff)

Those 8 game losing stretches don't happen if everythindg is right with the team.

The team got healthy right before and during the playoffs.

4. The Cardinals won in 5 games. Meaning they virtually dominated a team that was supposed to beat them easily.

I know they had thier issues, but dave duncan has been able to take guys like Jeff Weaver and get them to realize thier potential for decades (dave stewart, Daryl Kile, Woody Williams, to name a few) . This series shouldn't be a suprise!

They aren't the 27 yankees, but they are deserving champions!

30 HOUR FAMINE

Buck & I are leading our students next weekend as we participate in the 30 Hour Famine. We will not eat for that amount of time for many reasons...to understand a bit of what it is like to go without food as so many children do around the world and to raise money for those children. My goal is to raise $360 which would feed a child for a year. If you are interested in sponsoring us, please comment below. You can mail me a check within the next week. Please make the check payable to WorldVision. If you would like more information, please visit the 30 Hour Famine Website. Thank you for your support!

We are both ok . . .

I can't remember the last time I got so many calls and well wishes. But thanks for the concern. Our household is intact and we are on good terms.

For the 1 0r 2 of you that don't know what I'm refering to, Arkansas played Auburn this weekend. And the Hog won. Our parents called to make sure things were ok, and our friends called, and we even had a few let us know they were praying for peace in our household (True story). But we are doing good, I tried my best to contain my elation (it was one of the biggest wins in the RECENT history of Arkansas football).

But I will say that Auburn fans are very classy people, and not just the nice ones that I know well. Even the random people that I met when we got engaged, had nothing but flatering things to say. So it was easy to be gracious, and to know how painful it is to lose when you have a shot at the national title. So let me just say best of luck to the tigers from here on out. War eagle. and Pig Sooie!

Okay???

Well, Mel (and others who love me:)), I guess you could say I am okay. That's about it. Obviously, I will not go into everything here. But...here goes:)

There is much of my life that is wonderful! My husband is still absolutely amazing. He truly loves me and serves me more than I could have ever imagined anyone on this earth doing! I have learned so much in our first year & a half of marriage. I have learned that boys will be boys! I have learned that the commitment we made so long ago holds up everyday, even when things are not perfect. I have learned that supporting Buck and watching him succeed mean more to me than most things. I have learned (as many of you told me) that serving alongside of Him will bring peaks & valleys. We are beginning to understand how we are wired individually & together...so, that is fun...and frustrating.

My life is also wonderful, because even in the hard times I know my Heavenly Father pursues me! That still blows my mind sometimes. Even when I am out of energy to pursue Him...He PURSUES me. I experience his mercy & blessings everyday, although I often choose to ignore them because I am busy "fighting the good fight" and I don't stop to encounter my Savior.

I am almost certain there would be a smile on my face more often if I woke up each day desiring an encounter with Christ...if that was my priority. Days that used to be spent seeking an opportunity to serve or a friend to encourage, are now spent running and hiding, asking for nothing more, wanting to give up. I am tired. I am tired of pursuing relationships with others. I am tired of trying to find a friend. I am tired of watching Buck struggle to support our family & do what He is passionate about and very gifted to do. I am tired of trying to find my place. I am tired of doing the social thing and skipping over the "spiritual thing". I long for the old days when I met with a group of women and we discovered who Christ was, who we could become in Him, and how the church was an amazing design. I long for a friend to care for. I long for something right here in Tacoma; once you have had amazing friends, it is hard to settle for anything less.

I really don't know if that lets you know anything...but, those are some of my thoughts hashed out onto this computer screen today. I know it always goes back to pursuing Christ first, to allowing Him to be the source of my strength, my sustaining power, the grace needed to live. I have also learned that He intentionally places people in our lives to help us live out our journey with Him, our pursuit. We are not supposed to walk this alone.

All of my Jobs...

Well, it may seem crazy to some people...and it kinda is...but, I do enjoy all of my jobs:

1. I babysit two boys in the morning: They are almost 2 years old & 5 months...super cute. Then I drop them off at the childcare they have during the day.

2. I work in the YMCA nursery. I enjoy this job about 88% of the time. Also, this job is directly across the street from our apartment, and I get a free membership & Buck's is 50% off...great perks. Plus, I think there are some other jobs at the YMCA that I am better qualified for and that I would enjoy more...so, if they ever come open, I will be ready!

3. I substitute teach when I can. I love being in any classroom...and most days are good. Plus it pays pretty well.

4. I work as an Instructor at the Etum Academy in Lakewood. I teach a "book club" curriculum to 5th grade korean students. I totally love this position. I am hoping I will get some more classes to move me up from the two hours a week I work now.

5. Oh yeah, and I am applying for the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Stadium High School. If that doesn't work out, I am probably going to take a Junior High Head Coach Position at Curtis, which would keep me with the same program I worked last year. It will be different having my own team!

Well, I am scattered...and sometimes I feel beat, but I love how quickly my day changes...I love bouncing from one thing to the next. I do wish I was more stable. But, hopefully my life is piecing together little moments that impact others. That makes me feel good:)

Our Family is Happy...

Auburn whipped Buffalo...WAR EAGLE! And, Arkansas pulled out a tough win...okay, so they got lucky, but they won! They beat BAMA!

so, i post...

It happened...finally I was reading the blogs of many of my dear friends and was guilted into posting. But, I do enjoy posting. And, I need somewhere (besides my poor husband) to put down my thoughts sometimes. I know he must often think: "why doesn't she just stop thinking", but I am a thinker...believe me, I have tried to turn it off.

Lately, I have been pondering the idea of loyalty. What is it really & what drives to live a life of loyalty? I have many friends that are loyal (as far as I know), but they all seem to express it in different ways. I know it doesn't mean you have to "be there all the time"...thank goodness or I might be friendless at this point in my life. I think for me at least, that loyalty is something that is earned...not the right word...it is developed through combat, maybe. It takes awhile for me to consider someone loyal...I think I have to observe them love me & allow me to love them back...you know, that level of a relationship that has to be worked on, the friends you have been through something with...the ones who have seen your victories and have seen you fall flat on your face.

I have been watching our middle school students lately, and I have observed that they have no idea of this sense loyalty. Maybe they haven't been through enough together...maybe we are even more selfish then than I am now. I just don't know, but it breaks my heart. Loyalty is undervalued. I do know that. I can name those people I would call during a crisis. I can name those people that I will always love no matter the circumstances...no matter how long the time between one conversation and the next.

I love students & I love serving alongside Buck, sharing our hearts with these teenagers and watching them grow.

Pray for me that I would share only Christ with them as they seek Him...and try to follow Him...and bring their friends in hopes that they will encounter Christ.

Pray that we would all encounter Christ everyday.

Amy's Shirt

WAR EAGLE!

It's Great to be an Auburn Tiger!

Here is a letter Farah passed off to me. It is written by a WSU fan. It is pretty cool!

War Eagle from a Cougar!

---

I said I would post on my experience when I got home to Washington...so here I am.
First, "THANK YOU AUBURN" for putting on a first class game day. What an incredible atmosphere! I am still just beaming. I can't say enough how special a football experience is at Auburn.

The first two guys I ran into at Bodago's on Friday night. Neither had been to an away Cougar game before and their neighbor in Seattle, who is an Auburn grad, invited them to go down to the game and stay at his families hunting lodge just outside Auburn. So they went down to the game with a group of Auburn fans. Turns out their neighbor is the son of your legendary Heisman trophy winner Sullivan. Pretty cool eh?

Your stadium is so beautiful. Simply amazing!
The Eagle flying down to start the game was unbelievable and by far the coolest thing I've ever seen at a college football game!

The college girls with their pretty little sundresses where very eye opening! Are there any ugly girls at this school?

Food...I'm still full. I love Waffle House at 3 am.

But by far the best and most memorable experience was meeting and hanging out with the people from Auburn. I have never met a nicer bunch of people. You are all a great group and I am very happy to have met you all. Auburn is truly a special place and will always be thought of in high regards by us fans of WSU.

Thanks again for a great time. I truly hope we can do it again sometime. Only next time, I hope we can make a better game of it.

You guys will win the national title! Irons is a great back.

I will now spend the next 5 years or so trying to convince my son that he will need to attend college at Auburn. Have a great season Tigers....

MSJ

10 Reason the Hogs will win!

My prediction Hogs 38 USC 35

Wooo Pig Soooie!

Here are 10 reasons why I believe the Hogs are capable of pulling off an upset:

1. Pride -- Southern Cal intentionally embarrassed a very young and inexperienced football team last year. They sent a message to the nation at the Hogs' expense and laughed about it while doing it.

Though it's not USC's job to stop its own offense, there is no class in passing late in the game with a 50-point lead.

The Trojans had better be ready to rumble tonight because they will be challenged, and the joke may end up on them if they don't take the Hogs seriously.

2. Offensive line -- The Hogs own a veteran front five that led the way for the most potent rushing attack in the SEC last season. Stephen Parker, Tony Ugoh and the rest of the big guys up front can play smashmouth with the best of them, and they are hankering to show everyone how solid they are pass blocking, too.

3. UA cornerbacks -- This group took its lumps against USC last year, and Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith should be as good if not better this year. However, with a year's experience under their belts, Chris Houston and Matterrall "Red" Richardson are no longer struggling with the demands of a new scheme. Tonight's matchup will be more of an even match.

4. Felix Jones -- Jones got lost a bit in Darren McFadden's shadow last season as he was setting a UA freshman rushing record, but Jones averaged 6.3 yards a carry just like McFadden a season ago. Jones is an elusive runner who will benefit from the misdirection that is built into UA Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn's offensive scheme.

5. Reggie Herring -- The Hogs' defensive coordinator has been stewing about last season's loss for nearly a year. This game is personal to him, his staff and each of the Hog defenders. Tonight they are intent on not being embarrassed for a second year in a row.

6. Peyton Hillis -- The junior from Conway and Malzahn's offense were made for each other. Hillis will prove to be a bell cow for the Hogs this season, catching screens and swings as well as punishing defenders from the tailback spot.

7. Jamaal Anderson -- The 6-foot-6, 280-pound junior came into his own in the last half of last season, and he has only gotten better, adding strength and muscle in the off-season. He has the chance to be a force from his left end spot.

8. Marcus Monk -- The 6-6 junior's talents went to waste last season. That will not happen this season in Malzahn's offense. He will be All-SEC this season and an All-America candidate going into his senior season.

9. Motivation -- Houston Nutt has had a knack for being at his motivational best in revenge games. Win or lose, expect the Hogs to give a peak performance tonight.

10. Razorback fans -- When it gets down to the nitty gritty, Hog fans always come through for their team. With 72,000 plus on hand tonight, all the naysaying will be put aside. The fans will be behind their Razorbacks and the atmosphere will be a one-of-a-kind experience.

USC is a great football program, and by all accounts, the Trojans should win the game, but anyone who believes Arkansas has no chance hasn't got a clue.

Terry J. Wood is the sports editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.

I can see the light . . .

It's official, I'm scheduled to finish my Masters of Divinity this fall!!!
Thanks to a very generous professor who has allowed me to take an independent study. I will be completing my degree and hopefully done with school for the rest of my natural life. Not done with learning obviously, just done with taking classes for a piece of paper.

Here is the catch. I have to take Intro. to Greek, Advanced Hebrew(which I haven't looked at in 9 months) along with an on-line history course. So, your prayers for much discipline would be greatly appreciated!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK'EM IS HERE

Sign up now! I have included the link and information below:

Group ID#: 2281
Password: auburntigers

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK'EM

WAR EAGLE!

LET's GO AUBURN!

Lady in the Water

Ok so if you know anything about this movie you know that it is getting crushed in the media. Don't believe the hype. This is a good flick. I saw it this afternoon and sat there for about 2 hours completely engrossed in the picture. I didn't catch everything, but I caught enough.

I didn't care for the directors role in the movie, he's a better director then an actor. And I thought that Bryce Dallas Howard (Opies daughter) could have been a little better. But overall my experience watching the film was a 4 (out of 5) star experience.


2 things you should know before you watch:

1. It's a bed time story , treat it as such and I promise you'll have a smashing good time.
2. It's not that scary. My wife had no desire to see this movie (because it looks scary), but I'm vowing to make her watch it now. I promise it's ok for kids over 10 years old easy.

just in case...

Just in case some of you are checking this site & trying to figure out how to get to our student blog, here is the address:

www.discoverystudents.blogspot.com

Have Fun! Oh, and check out some of the pics from camp!

CAMP!

Well, there is just nothing in this life quite like summer camp...it may be the closest we can get to heaven on earth. Anyway, this week, Buck and I took five middle school girls to camp...Janessa, Aubrey, Jumah, Tairra, and Breauna...it really was a blast!!! Even though we were kinda the outsiders b/c we were a "church group" at a Campus Life camp, we were still able to get to know each other & enjoy the week. We were in Cedar Village #11. We were a part of the greatest team at camp...the "MOGEY MAN MARTYRS". There are always loads of fun memories from camp: the bugs, tubing (some for the first time), getting mail, fun games, KPOO News, "Where's Gina?", and games in the cabin. But, my favorite times at camp are and will always be the unique opportunity for each person present to encounter God...some to be refreshed, some to be renewed, and some to begin their "God-Story". I was able to watch two of our girls begin their journey with Christ; Janessa & Tairra...two girls who didn't know each other this week...who had no clue where the other was on the journey of life...were able to make a decision that unites them for eternity. I am so thankful for the faithfulness of God...he comes through even when we cannot. I was able to watch the other girls struggle with God, struggle with belief, and surrender to His greatness. I will not forget this experience. It is one of those days where you sit back and stand in awe because of the wonderful God we serve, that we cannot understand why a God so big, that doesn't need me, allows us to be a part of BIG stuff...of life-changing, eternal decisions. GO GOD!

COUNTDOWN...

www.auburntigers.com

Friends

Well, I of all people should know that moving, leaving, changing, new beginnings are constantly a part of life. And, although I consider myself a change-agent...someone who likes change just for the sake of change sometimes...that doesn't make it always easy.

Our friends, David, Farah, Dax, Cole, (and Faithy) Isbell just left. While it was one of the quickest goodbyes ever, it was one of the hardest. They were the people "like us". We were completely ourselves with them...no performing...no "coolness"...no perfect life...just real. They knew everything about us as a couple and had cared for each of us as individuals before we were married. They were the friends who asked us about our last fight, who kept us accountable for the struggles in marriage, who stood beside us on the day we were married.
They are the friends we hope to model our parenting after b/c of their commitment to be parents following Christ first!

They truly are friends I do not know if we will ever be able to replace. Part of that refers to the life experience part of friendship. We have done so much together. I lived with David & Farah when I was nineteen...our first year in Washington..the "non-Reeves"...our adventure he;ping with RiverChase. We watched students give their lives to Christ & share Christ with their friends. Buck & David worked together for camps, retreats, and whatever else they came up with. Those experiences are what will keep them close to my heart forever.

I am excited about their new life, their CHANGE...b/c I know that they are chasing hard after God. I am excited for the letters I am going to get in the mail from Dax....he promised. I am excited for my kids (one day) to visit Aunt Farah for speech lessons:)...I am excited to hear the stories of the people impacted through their lives.

I am sure there will be a day when EVERYTHING does not remind us of them anymore. But, right now we are sad. We miss our friends.

My Trip to the South...

Well, I went home this past week & it was quite exciting...although I am very glad to be home. On Saturday, my brother Adam graduated from the University of West Florida and was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He will now be attending flight navigation school. I am so proud of him.

I also went to Auburn for about 24 hours to throw a bridal shower for Janet, my roomie from college. She is getting married in August. I also got to meet Foster...her absolutely wonderful fiance. I am excited for the two of them.

New Address

1014-B South Woodlawn Street
Tacoma, Washington 98465

What a week!

Well, the first day of a very busy week is winding down. We got some good news today though; our duplexes in Alabama are not closing until May 15...so, nothing we have to do with that this week.

Okay, so we are moving on Sunday...which isn't awful because I have been packing for a month...but, which isn't great because we have a student event, UPRISING, all weekend. I am super pumped about the weekend, just not that it is this weekend. I do wish we had more students coming because it is going to be unbelievable, but I MUST trust that God's presence will abound whether there are four students or four hundred students. Lord, please teach my heart to trust you more. Do amazing things in front of my face. Do things that are bigger than me in the lives of these students.

So, we are moving to a tiny little apartment. Why I am bummed: we can't have seven04 at our home each week...not enough space...we have to pack some things away (not the end of the world)...we won't have a kitchen table to eat on (no space)...Why it is good...we can continue to do some of the things we are called to do without the stress of finances...Buck & I get to do this together...another opportunity God gives us to trust in His plan, purposes, and goodness.

So, I am trying to remember that everyday is glorious, because I am a child of my God, because I speak daily with the creator of everything around me:

Everything Glorious, David Crowder Band

The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter is than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And, I am Yours,
What does that make me?

My eyes are small, but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
There's life enough to see, that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And, I am Yours,
What does that make me?

From glory to glory, You are glorious, You are glorious
From glory to glory, You are glorious, You are glorious

Which leads me to believe
Why I can believe

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And, I am Yours,
What does that make me?

Lucas Update

This from Farah

Today the doctors reported amazing news! Lucas is in remission!!!!!!!!! After 3 weeks!!!Friday before last he was at 50 percent leulemia ridden bone marrow. Today the results from this past Friday show one percent. As of right now, he will continue chemo, but he has not had to receive a transfusion since he came home from the hospital. God is hearing your prayers. Please continue to lift up the Tigers and add praises!!!!

Pray for Lucas Tiger

Lucas is the seven year old son of our very good friends, David and Tanya. For those of you who do not yet know, he was diagnosed with leukemia on Friday, March 31st and received his first chemo treatment on Saturday morning. He is scheduled to be in the hospital at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital for the next several weeks. This mornings update was that he was having extreme head pain and convulsing and required morphine at 9pm yesterday. We are praying for Dr. Irwin that he will have the wisdom to know if this is from the leukemia or from the chemo and he will be able to help Lucas. Please continue to pray for Lucas and the entire Tiger family.