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When you start reading a book called “Sex God” you can’t be completely sure of what you’re going to find. I find Rob Bell’s work and message to be fascinating, always challenging me, and I can see his influence on my preaching and writing. So, this book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. It was a whole lot more. It blew me away. So, go buy it. Read it and let it sink in. However, plugging Rob Bell is not the purpose of this post. I want to give God a plug. You see, today I was working on various things in the office: Children’s church schedule, youth message schedules, etc. I knew I was almost finished with the book so when my ADD kicked in I picked it up. Now, the past few days had been difficult for us. Won’t go into details, but I feel like I’m on the end of a diving board and not sure where the pool is. So, I finish the book and get to the Epilogue(by the way, does anyone really know how to pronounce that word?) and God brings me to tears. Bell tells the story of a wedding he conducted in a park. A simple ceremony where at the end he gave the bride and groom each a cluster of helium balloons on strings. They were instructed to go into a clearing in the park and release these balloons which represented their pasts and mistakes. It was to symbolize a new start for them. What a moment to envision. He goes on to say

A few years later their marriage imploded. She moved an hour away. He relocated to another part of the country. They divorced.

I finish with this story because life is messy. Gut wrenching. Risky. Things don’t always turn out well. Sometimes they don’t turn out at all. Sometimes everything falls apart and we wonder if there’s any point to any of it. We’re tempted to shut ourselves off, fortify the walls around our hearts, and forge ahead, promising ourselves that we will never open ourselves up like that again.

But I have to believe that we can recover from anything. I have to believe that God can put anything-anyone-back together. I have to believe that the God Jesus invites us to trust is as good as he says he is.

Loving.

Forgiving.

Merciful.

Full of grace.

And I have to believe that God does not run out of balloons.

I needed to hear that. I have spent a lot of time analyzing the past and trying to figure out what mistakes I made, if they could’ve been avoided, and how to recover and fix them. Mistakes in finances, relationships, parenting, work, etc. It’s like the old saying, ” I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” It’s still hard to let go. To not beat myself up. To envision a brighter day ahead. To get my mojo back. Sometimes we can’t grasp God because we won’t let go of the past. So, I don’t know about you, but as for me…pass the balloons. It’s a new day.

For the first time in my life, I have seen it snow three times in one Winter. Drake is pretty fascinated by it. There’s something about living in the North that changes your attitude about snow. I would have never dreamed of driving in this stuff in South Carolina, but here it’s just what you do. Anyway, I was thinking too much today and reflecting on how cold it has been so here we go…
1. Level 1-“Chilly”-this is when you walk outside and it’s a little bit cooler than you thought. You don’t go back in for a jacket, and you’re fine once you reach you’re destination. It’s just “chilly”, like a wife forced to watch pro wrestling.
2. Level 2-“Dang Cold”-this is when you really underestimate the temperature. You need a big coat although it may warm up enough to shed it by mid-afternoon. Cold enough to call a friend and tell them about it if you’re living in a different area than you’re used to.
3. Level 3-“Great Googly Moogly Cold”-inclement weather or not, you know it’s freezing outside. You bundle up and it still hits you in the face when you walk outside. It penetrates your scarf, your gloves, and your soul. Tries to take away your will to live. Car will not get warm enough all day. There is not a room at your home or office where you can be completely warm. You just try to make sure the kids are bundled up, covered up, and snuggled up.
4. Level 4-“Britney Spears Cold”-this occurs once it’s been Level 3 cold for more than 2 days. Makes you crazy. You just can’t get warm yet you want to shave your head cause you just don’t know what to do. You start dialing wrong numbers, gaining weight, and seeing things. You actually put on the thermal underwear you got for Christmas. Too cold for a comeback, too cold to sweat, too cold to finish your blo

1. Batman Begins-hands down because it captures the essence of who Batman is perfectly. My only problem with it is the Rachel character who is nowhere in the comic. Also, Ra’s Al Ghul is not involved in his training, but a man named Ducard is. They mixed material from several sources to make a great movie. Best decision they made was deciding that if they couldn’t use a stunt man then they wouldn’t use computer graphics to create it. It’s all real. Christian Bale is Bruce Wayne. Michael Caine is Alfred. Perfect casting all around.
2. Batman-I have two issues with this otherwise entertaining movie. 1. The Joker(Jack Napier) did not kill Bruce Wayne’s parents and 2. Batman doesn’t use guns and rockets like are on the Batmobile and Batwing.
3. Batman Forever-Tommy Lee Jones is completely wasted in this movie while Joel Schumaker gives us a glimpse of where he’s taking the franchise…back to the look and feel of the 60’s tv show. That’s not good, but this movie was enjoyable(I saw it three times in the first 24 hours it opened in England…not planned by the way). Loved Val Kilmer as Batman.
4. Batman Returns-Tim Burton went a little too dark on this one. Didn’t like Batman flaming a guy with the Batmobile’s engine, but my least favorite part is at the end when Bruce unmasks in front of Selina Kyle. I didn’t mind that he unmasked, that was cool, but he literally had to rip the mask off. Why would you make a costume that you can’t get in and out of ? If you’ve got Catwoman and Penguin, do you really need a third non-comic related villain in Max Shreck?
5. Batman and Robin-They are driving on statues. They created a completely unrealistic city environment. George Clooney looks bored. Bane is disgraced. Robin is a punk. Batgirl…come on and give me a break. This one was so unrealistic that it made the realism of Batman Begins stand out even more. Arnold’s bad puns, a horrible looking Batmobile, Jesse Ventura’s cameo, Commish Gordon is a moron, and all the psychedelic colors make this a really bad movie. Uma and Elle are the only bright spots.

Now, I know you all want to know my take on what I’ve seen of The Dark Knight. Well, you have to realize that they are not making kids movies. This is going to be a “dark” film. And I think it’s going to be awesome. The trailer was amazing and the first 7 minutes clip was even better. You have to remember that the Joker is a crazy messed up individual. He is not a clown, he is a killer. Now, about this Justice League movie I’ve been hearing about…I’m hoping the rumors that it’s getting pulled this week are true.

Batman movie rumors I’m glad were false…

Fred Savage as Robin.

Kurt Russell as Batman. Dude, he’s Wyatt Earp.

Robin Williams as the Riddler.

The Frank Miller Year One script that was nothing like the comic.

Did you notice the Superman/Batman poster in I Am Legend? That’s a reference to a movie that producer Darren Aronsky(?) was supposed to make before Chris Nolan(thankfully) came along. Besides, are any of you going to tell me that Christian Bale couldn’t whip Brandon Routh’s butt? Don’t even get me started again with Superman Returns. Although, it might not get a sequel at all.

Yeah, I know I said I was back last week, but it has been a busy week. Here’s a brief synopsis of SetApart 07.
1. Best moment that I missed-Josh Buck on the main stage. I was waiting all weekend for this moment, but had to attend to Charis and Milena who were frightened by the loud music. Bummer, but I did get a chance to briefly connect with Josh. He and I once teamed up to make a girl cry while playing “Mafia.” It was a San Diego mission trip and Josh and I were both on the Mafia although I pretended to be the detective. She was the real detective, but Josh and I convinced everyone to vote her off after some intense discussion. She had other reasons to be crying, but I will never forget that game.
2. Favorite moment-praying with Tricia and Amber who accepted calls into ministry after Kevin Myers sermon. These moments are why I do what I do.
3. 2nd Favorite moment-the Harley. Nuff said.
4. Wish I had of-gotten on the Euro Bungee at least once.
5. Wish I hadn’t of-got thrown off the bull in 8 seconds.
6. Unexpected moments-being in the registration line with Travis and Autumn Ward and the South Carolina delegation
7. Missed Opportunity-Mountain Dew had a great ad opportunity when the convention center and shingle creek were completely out of Mountain Dew.
8. Best Surprise-getting a Grande Suite…or should I say SWEET!
9. Most annoying Person-tie between two people. Ask Matt, he knows who they are.
10. Weirdest Moment-Matt showing me where the Green Room was.
11. What’s wrong with me moment-never felt quite right being back stage or meeting VIP’s. I got all nervous and stuff. Didn’t even hang with FF5 or talk to the Blakeneys.
12. What’s wrong with you moment-seeing people sitting outside the main hall doors more than 2 hours before they open to get a good seat. Of course, I had good seats every time as part of the SetApart Saving Seat Scandal of ’07. People on both sides of the argument need to take a chill pill. Yes, I just said chill pill.
13. Biggest Dissapointment-we didn’t take enough pictures and I missed the B-52’s on New year’s Eve. I did see a man jump a motorcycle very far though.
14. Biggest Surprise-cool shirts from Wesley Wear and no more 1987 t-shirts. Someone deserves a raise for that. Good job Kory! Should’ve been Maximus Graphics though.
15. One in a million award-6000 people, over 2 dozen shuttle buses, and I hopped on the one with Andy Hames and Kerri Trogden. Yes, that Kerri Trogden. We reminisced a bit. It was a blast.
16. Glad I didn’t buy a ticket-Clemson losing in OT to Auburn. The better Tommy and Tigers won.
17. News to me-finally found out the name of the song that opens U2 concerts and the main rallies. Thanks Charlie Alcock!
18. New band on my player-SevenGlory
19. Song that never fails to connect me to God-You never let go and Jesus paid it all, Thanks Steve Fee.
20. This is what I get award-Cowboys losing after I celebrated the Colts loss and me winning a bet with Deb Rhodes and Amanda Boyd. Now, we’re all suffering through the off season together.
See, I knew I had a lot to say. Don’t I always?

Well, we’re getting back into the swing of things here. Posts will return to their usual frequency. Lots to report on so here we go:
1. Sea World-we went on New Year’s Day just before the cold hit Orlando. The girls had a great time. Matt and Deborah Rhodes joined us for the day. Deb was moved by the dolphins, but Shamu was a bit of a disappointment. Also, the shark tunnel is much better when you’re a little kid because they all look like JAWS. Personally, now I think I could take them all. Where was the Hammerhead?
2. SetApart 07 was great. The group from my church had a great time and God moved in many lives. There were no major injuries in the IZONE and it was a hit. I will never forget the pizza boxes, Kevin Myers revving up his Harley and paying the fine, or the mad dash to the Family Force 5 concert. The quality of the services was awesome. Charlie Alcock always puts on a great production. Looking forward to the next Area conventions in 2 short years.
3. A great thing about conventions is seeing people from college and catching up. One person I saw kinda blew me off 2 or 3 times. They blew Karen off too. I think they’re in a ministry clique. This person has changed tremendously since our days at SWU. Now, they’ve grown and matured and are reaching people and meeting their needs through their ministry. Their better half is always friendly to me although I haven’t known them as long or as well. Anyway, I see one of my “children” joining this crowd and I greatly fear the day when they blow me off. Pray for me as I consider how best to broach this subject with them.
4. After years of resistance, I am switching to Itunes. My Creative Zen Touch will not work with Vista and none of the known fixes works for me(thanks to Joey Gilbert for his advice. I gave it a shot.) so I figured it was time to switch. The first night was pretty traumatic, but I am getting the hang of it. Now we just need some Ipods to hook up. Oh well, one step at a time.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you begin this new year. May God’s blessings be upon you and His direction be before you.

Sorry for the delay. Here’s what’s been happening, with pics included.

Thursday, December 13-first hockey game with Atlantic from BBC. Thanks to Chris Horsman(best name ever) for explaining this confusing Canadian invention to me.

Friday, December 14-The Liberty Bell with Atlantic and Concert at Chi United.

Saturday and Sunday-Children’s Christmas Program

Monday-Home in Pendleton! I Am Legend-Scariest Movie EVER(more on that in a later post)

Tuesday-Spending the night at Nana and Papa Cains

Wednesday-Saturday-Hanging with friends and National Treasure 2
Sunday-Christmas program at Lebanon Baptist with family and a visit to Grandma Lessie at the Rehabilitation Hospital


Monday-Christmas Eve at the farm


Tuesday-Christmas at Nana Cain’s
Wednesday-560 miles to Orlando and crash in the Grande Suite(pics to come)
Tomorrow starts the final preparations for SetApart. I am pumped. Hope this post wets your appetite and again…Have a safe and happy Christmas Holiday season.