Missing Ministry Together...

Well, today Buck left for a student ministry winter retreat in Boone, NC. I am so excited that God provided for him to go. I am not even particularly depressed that I am left behind without him on New Year's Eve. What makes me sad is that we are not on this retreat together. This is the first time there has been a major student event since we have been married that we did not get to experience together. We both enjoy how we are serving at MLC...me with middle school and him with high school. But, I miss desperately serving together. I miss having students in our home all the time. I miss our late night discussions about students and the direction of the student ministry. I miss planning events together. I miss the stories we have about students. I know God has something planned for us in the future...whether near or far. I know His timing is way better than mine. But, I am sad today as he goes to hang out with students and student leaders for three days...without me.

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!

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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.