November Brings the Rain...

I love the rain...really, I do. I have loved the rain ever since I was a little kid. It just so happens that now I get to live in one of the greatest cities for rain. I enjoy waking up to the sound of rain; it is just refreshing. Some days it does make me want to stay in bed a little longer, but it is still a nice way to wake up. So, the rain has begun here in the Great Northwest. It has barely stopped raining over the last few days. At work, David and I really do like the rain...everyone thinks we are wierd. We don't care.

This past weekend, we had a scavenger hunt with our students. They had to travel around Tacoma & they ended up at a corn maze! I think they had a blast...even the group that got lost and was quite a ways behind the other groups. I love doing things like that. I love the planning of it all. I love the anticipation. I love meeting the friends that students bring. I love when you feel like there is even just one student you have moved into a deeper relationship with...like you have just clicked. It is such a process. I love our leaders too. They really do love the students & are giving a lot to invest in these students. Our student ministry is so young. I know we have to stick with it. Press On!

Anyway, things are staying quite busy. This is my last full week at work here at Ambrosia & then fit4kids officially kicks off. I am excited & yet a little nervous about this new step in our lives. Also, coaching is starting up. I will be the Varsity Assistant Coach for the Curtis High School Vikings in University Place. They have a great program. I will be able to gain experience at a high level. I am pretty excited about it. We have try-outs in two weeks.

Buck is staying busy with school, work, and Discovery. We are also having fun watching ALIAS, Season 4. It came out on DVD last week. We have kind of been pathetic...but, it's okay to be like that every once in awhile.

BYE, BYE USC!

TEXAS PASSES USC IN THE BCS POLL!!! Don't worry, USC will continue to drop. They play in the PAC-10, so there is no way to regain your status as #1 when you are playing a bunch of pansies. But, if you hate Texas don't get too excited either. Virginia Tech has the toughest schedule of the TOP 3 & could beat either. Texas fans should be very worried if you have to play VA TECH or and SEC school instead of "Prom King" Matt Leinart and USC. If the ACC & SEC have someone (VA TECH, UGA, OR BAMA) go undefeated it will be an absolute disgrace when they have to play each other again in the Sugar Bowl. WAR EAGLE!

Uh yeah mom can you hold on a sec. ?

There are few things in life that you put your mom on hold for this one paid off:
Last night I talked to my mom for the first time in a month. No reason we hadn’t other then I let things get in the way of a simple phone call home. We chatted about important stuff for 20 min. or so then she asked about my Cardinals. (yes I realize I hold no stake other then emotional pride in the St. Louis Cardinals)

Mom: Your cardinals are doing pretty well
Me: Actually they are down 3games to 1 and only have 3 outs left to make up a 2 run deficit.
Mom: Oh really?
Me: yeah, I’m not real thrilled, make that 1 out left

Beth: I’ll let you know if it’s anything you want to watch.

I head back in the kitchen we chat a little more. A few minutes pass

Beth waves at me and motions for me to come into the living room

Me: *in a hopeful, but subdued tone*Ok hang on a second mom the greatest hitter in the game is up to bat with runners on 1st and 2nd (an exact quote) I might be a bit distracted.

Mom: *chuckles* who is that

Me: Albert Pujols, he’s also facing the games best closer.

Mom:ok

Pujols takes an ugly cut at a nasty slider (looking back on it I wonder if he didn’t do it to bait Brad Lidge).

Me: 2 strikes left

Next pitch Lidge hangs a slider over the plate, Pujols hits it square . . .

Me: *Yelling into the phone and jumping around the room* He did it! No way! He did it!

The ball lands literally over the bleachers (about 500 feet from home easy)

I’ve never felt a team go from utterly defeated to back in a series as quick as I did last night. Mom then handed the phone over to dad and I recounted to him the greatness of Albert Pujols and watched Izy close out the Ninth.

3-2 and headed back to St. Louis

Visit Our Site!

http://connect.worldvision.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=luLVJaMSKpH&b=851285&sid=suK0LdPWKhLOI2OXE

Tagged...

Well, I knew this was going to happen when I was reading Robyn's Blog...

i also don't normally do stuff like this, but I was tagged to continue the game, so i must.

what I was doing...10 years ago (1995)
let's see...I was starting 8th grade at Tucker High School in Tucker, GA...I played on the JV fastpitch team that year. I remember playing basketball during PE with the guys on the football team including Patrick Pass (now of the New England Patriots) and Lance Huff, our Varsity QB who I of course thought was totally cute! I had science with Ms. Burden...a legend at our school...and them some other classes I don't really remember. Oh yeah, and I went to Briarlake Baptist and was involved in a great student ministry!

5 years ago(2000)
I was starting my freshman year at Auburn. I didn't know anyone when I showed up on the lovely plains, but quickly began to find my place at Parkway Baptist and the BCM. CC Farris was my Insight (fresh Bible study) Leader...Amanda Champion and Rachel Greene were in my group. I loved my freshman year (minus my fall roommate)! I really began to understand the larger purpose God has for me & that His glory reigns above everything!


yesterday (9/11/05) Yesterday was the last day of INFUSION...our entry event for middle-schoolers...it was a blast. We went to the 9:19 service together and then had the drawing for the IPOD Shuffle (Cooper Won!) and announced the winning team (ORANGE!) who recieved Mariners' tickets. Then we came home to a messy house...b/c of the intense weekend...watched a little football. We went to a small group leaders meeting & then went to Red Robin to watch the first half of Sunday night football since we don't have cable. Afterwards, Buck studied for seminary and I didn things around the house until it was time for bed!

5 snacks I enjoy: Strawberries, Jalapeno Poppers, Ice Cream, Sour Patch Kids, & Mozzarella Sticks

5 songs I know all the words to: I don't know lots of fun songs like some people...so, it will have to be songs I play often on the guitar: One Pure & Holy Passion; Jesus, You Alone; I Will Walk By Faith - Jeremy Camp; Prince of Peach; oh...and the Auburn Fight Song!

5 things I would do with 100 million dollars: Build my mom the house of her dreams; Support church plants in the northwest; travel with Buck...I can't think of anything more fun or relaxing; invest in real estate (you know for college funds and stuff like that); and choose five friends to completely support in overseas missions!

5 places I would run away to: Boston in the fall; SanFrancisco...it's different; Portland...quaint after Seattle/Tacoma; anywhere in the mountains (why I love living in the Northwest); and the San Juan Islands (where we went on our honeymoon...it was perfect)

5 things I would never wear: Black Tennis Shoes; Reebok anything; lipstick that is not in the red, pink, peachy family; anything that supports the University of Alabama...it's a bad example to others & would probably make me throw up); Molly's (my maid of honor) "come get me" shoes..and for that matter...the skirt she made me!!!!!

5 tv shows that I love: College GameDay; SportsCenter; Survivor; Friends; Anything else having to do with sports

5 bad habits: Biting my fingernails; Judging people from the moment I meet them; are these my habits??? it doesn't say...some people have a bad habit of eating ants; okay back to me: eating junk food for breakfast (not often I guess); being too critical of situations & actions

5 biggest joys: the fact that Christ desires to have a relationship with me; my husband; my family & friends; the purpose & gifts I have been given to serve Christ; oh...sports...especially Auburn Football!!!

5 favorite toys: scrapbooking stuff; rubix cube; beanbag chairs we got for students; all my different picture frames; i guess I will say our new Mac b/c we need a computer...and it is really cool for video editing and stuff like that!

4 people I'm tagging: sorry about this...but i'm choosing... amanda champion, jenn stratton, rachel rogers, and rob weideman!

THE DAY IS FINALLY HERE: COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKS OFF

For the first time in as long as I can remember, I do not have ESPN during college football season. I am a big fan of the "no cable in our home" way of life we have chosen...we are much less likely to waste time vegging in front of the television. However, watching college football from dawn on Saturday (College GameDay actually starts at 7am on the west coast) until I go to bed is definitely NOT a waste of my life, and I will miss it. Yes, there are still games on other stations...but the constant football & the best coverage in terms of analysis is only available through ESPN. I am sure I will survive & I will still be able to see my Tigers play. Below is an article from a great site, especially if your roots are in Auburn: www.theauburner.com

10 Rules for the Upcoming Season
by Mark, The Auburner

10. When Kenny Irons is hit hard on the field (which will be a rare occasion) … do NOT say “Oh my God! They killed Kenny!”

9. While in the student section, it is ok if you wish to sit down; but do not expect the people in front of you to do the same. It doesn’t matter what the score is.

8. Don’t get drunk before the game. The masterpiece of art that is Auburn Football must be enjoyed with a clear mind. If you can’t be the best at something, don’t even try to be. LSU fans will always be better drunks… get over it.

7. Don’t say ESPN sucks. While most of their analysts and hosts are morons, they provide more college football coverage than any other source. You should be VERY thankful.

6. If you’re going to make a sign or paint your body, it must be in complete support of Auburn… none of this “SportsCenter is Next” crap.

5. All clothing located on the upper half of your body is to be completely Auburn affiliated…Preferably, an orange t-shirt. Wearing a blue polo shirt with an orange undershirt won’t cut it… too preppy. As for the fraternity attire…UAB called, they want their blazers back. har har.

4. Cheers that involve cursing is classless, don’t join in. The “go to hell Alabama” cheer is acceptable however.

3. Know the fight song. Don’t get mad at me for not knowing the Alma Mater.

2. Auburn went 13-0 last year. Why? Because of their ingenious football skills and beastly athletic abilities… it wasn’t because of your “lucky hat” you wore to every game last year… don’t say it was.

1. During a football game, do NOT boo at anything Auburn. I don’t care if Brandon Cox throws 20 interceptions. I don’t care if Coach Tuberville puts in Tre Smith at Left Tackle. Every newspaper article about Jason Campbell going into the NFL mentioned how he was booed by the students after he threw an interception during the first game last year. Unfortunately, it was true.

WAR EAGLE! ! !

Happy Birthday Buck!

Well, it was a great weekend celebrating Buck's birthday! We had the traditional peanut butter pie (you know, the pie I won his heart with). Anyway, I am so glad I have been able to spend the last year with you, babe. And, I look forward to many more celebrations in the future. I love you!

Seriously...

I cannot believe another hurricane is headed straight toward my family...and the entire Florida panhandle again...CRAZINESS! It should it them sometime Monday. I have never seen Pensacola as devastated as last October from Ivan. And, nothing has let up since then.

Trust...

The last few years of my life...I have had many conversations with God about TRUST! I have asked Him to place me in situations where the only way out is by TRUSTING Him. And, then everytime I question what He is doing...WHY?!? He is God; I am not (I actually came to this conclusion awhile ago). Anyway, life is good because God always provides...not in the way we always plan out...but, HE always provides. Mostly, He is concerned with His name being lifted up & He loves to have us lean on Him so that others will see Him. So, I am sure there is another adventure around the corner...and, I know, somehow God's character will be revealed in my life. I am so glad I am able to commune with Him every second of every day...If only I chose to spend more time with Him...I don't think I would be as shocked or overwhelmed by His continual presence and provision in my life.

70:4

Last night we kicked-off 70:4, it was such a blast! 70:4 is our mid-week outreach to 6-8th grade students. We had 8 kids and it was just plain exciting! Most of our middleschoolers are new 6th graders. And they are pumped to be out of elementary school.

The thing I love more then anything about the fall is the fresh start. When you have new people to a group or organization they often bring with them an excitement and enthusiasim that becomes contagious. It was great and I can't wait for next week. If you would pray for our students and leaders this fall.

New Site...

We are in the process of developing a new site for student ministry news. Feel free to check it out anytime: www.discochurch.com/students The link is also located to the right. If you know students or parents of students in the Tacoma area, please direct them here for all the newest opportunities for students at Discovery Community Church. Thanks so much! Enjoy!

Bare with us...

Our blog could get crazy in the coming months...I mean late summer & early fall is one of the best times in sports...football kicking off...baseball heating up...basketball free agency...predicting the heisman...predicting brackets...you name it, it can all be done this time of year. So, our blog may get a little heavy with "our" exciting responses, polls, and news...bare with us.

Now for the fun...College Football Pick 'em. It was a fun race to the end last year. Follow this link to join our league View From the Northwest: http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/college

In order to join the group, just go to College Football Pick 'em & click the "Sign Up" button (or "Create or Join Group" if you are a returning user).

From there, follow the path to join an existing private group and when prompted, enter the following information...

Group ID#: 1242
Password: tacoma

Rookie of the Year

Let us know who you think will win the offensive & defensive rookie of the year awards in the NFL; tell us why if you would like:

Offensive
A. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams - Buccaneers
B. Ronnie Brown - Dolphins
C. Cedric Benson - Bears
D. Alex Smith - 49ers
E. Troy Williamson - Vikings
F. JJ Arrington - Cardinals
G. Braylon Edwards - Browns
H. Mark Clayton - Ravens
I. Other (there are plenty to pick from...Heath Miller...Matt Jones...anyone!!!)

Defensive
A. David Pollack - Bengals
B. Marlin Jackson - Colts
C. Carlos Rogers - Redskins
D. Derrick Johnson - Chiefs
E. Thomas Davis - Panthers
F. Fabian Washington - Raiders
G. Antrel Rolle - Cardinals
H. Adam "Pacman" Jones - Titans
I. Other (I left off some good sack guys)

We will post the totals in a couple of weeks! Have fun!

P.S. If you are interested in joining our fantasy league, let us know ASAP.

Hi5.com

Follow this link: http://www.hi5.com/i?l=XADFOXC
Connect with me & your other friends. The more friends I have that move all over the country & world, the better it is to try new things to keep up with people. You never know who you are going to find...

Chips & Salsa...

WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Buck and I are trying desperately to find a great place in the Tacoma area to eat good chips and salsa while watching a good game. We have driven far away for this experience too many times. Please help us with any suggestions you can think of...especially since football season is on the way.

The Movie in my mind

Some times with my job I get paid to sit and listen to some very good speakers. Last night was just such an experience.

Ron Crossland is one of the authors of the book to the right. He spoke to the senior leaders at Washington Mutual last night. I was the sound guy for the event.

Crossland made a very compelling case for the idea that the mind takes in information through 3 channels and combines. When it recalls the information the 3 channels make 1 memory or as he stated it a movie.

Let me pause here to say I am a huge movie buff and even dabble a little bit in making short films, usually for student ministry stuff. But this idea connected with me at a very deep level. I'm getting a bit ahead of myself though.

The important factor in this is the 3 channels of information:

1) Facts - this is the data, the statistics, the knowledge that needs to be communicated.

2)Emotions - Does the information connect with me? Do I care about it? Do I want to act upon it? Studies have shown that we make decisions first based upon our past experiences and then on the information we've been given.

3)Symbols - This is the Metaphor, Story, Picture. It is this function that will make it last in your memory. Stories have been around since the beginning of man kind. One of the reasons we love movies and books is because we connect with the story. Also it's easier to remember a story then a fact!

So what does all that mean? Well he went on to say that a memory will contain all 3 elements wether you give them to them or not. So if you leave one out the listener will fill-in the blanks themselves. This explains how 2 people can hear the exact same thing and interprut it in different ways. The filled in the missing pieces in different ways.

As a leader then it is crucial that we communicate all 3 channels to allow for optimal communication with those we lead! He used several wonderful examples including a speech (text / video)by Ronald Regan just after the Challenger Explosion. If you read the speech or watch the video you'll notice the way he uses Symbols facts and emotion. He uses the names of the astronaughts, and begins with Nancy and I (not THe position of PResident)are pained to the core. It's a good speech.

I'm curious to hear if you buy it or not?

Christmas in July

We joined the club on Saturday!

The Barbarian Way...Impact Our World

What a great book! If you haven't read this, I encourage you to BUY it today. It will challenge you & require you to think about your relationship with Christ in a new way. It is the perfect book to read if you are unenthusiastically walking in your journey with Christ! WARNING: Only read it if you are willing to change...willing to pursue Christ completely...willing to try "the barbarian way". If you are not ready to live differently, you will simply be frustrated and will struggle to justify your lifestyle. Our summer small group is currently reading this. It is exciting to see other women who want to step out of their comfort zones as well as this "christian society" we have so comfortably become entrapped in. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO IMPACT OUR WORLD!

What's up with these colors?

I'm really just playing with the new photo attachemnt on our blog. But seriously who chose the all-star colors?

A deserving Start

For those that don't know the All-Star Game is in about 2hours. Mr. Carpenter will be starting the game and deserves too, becasue well his team has a great chance to be in the World Series this year and the winner gets home field advantage. I'll skip that stats etc. on why he should be there, but trust me he should!

I tried to win box seats to the mariners this morning from a local morning show here in Seattle. All you had to do was call in with an interesting topic and then chose a player you thought would be the MVP of the All- Star game. I chose to talk about carpenter and the host and I got in a little debate, which was fine. THe bad news was my cell phone cut out before Icould chose my player sooo . . . they gave me Chris Carpenter as my MVP candidate.

For those that don't know pitchers never win the All-star MVP becasue they only pitch 1-2 innings max. So Here is to Carpenter striking out every hitter he faces on 3 pitches!!!