Randomness

Shana is sick with a cough and cold. Keeps us both up during the night. My head is filled with random thoughts - here goes in no particular order.

1. Madonna is trying to adopt another kid and there's a problem with that? Really? I'm not saying she's going to raise her child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, but she's going to give that kid a good home, education, and some food in a non-Aids infested environment (maybe some other STD's, but its not Africa). Seeing the amount of genius parents who are allowed to have kids in this country, who cares if she gets another one? Maybe there's something I'm missing, but if she's using the proper adoption methods then what's the big deal? If Octo-mom can have 291 kids, why can't Madonna have one more?

2. (I know that there are at least 2 UK fans who read this blog and the following may or may not apply to them) The University of Kentucky is about to get John Calipari as its head men's basketball coach. I understand that UK fans are excited. I would be too. However, captian John said to his players that UK is like the Notre Dame of college basketball. After thinking about it I agree with him. Both are legendary in their respective sports (UK - basketball; ND - football). Both have had a history of amazing coaches. Both are in decline in their sports (ND more so than UK). Both have fans who don't have anything else besides these schools and talk about how good they used to be and fantacize about how good they will be "next year." Maybe UK and ND will be great again in football and basketball, but all I'm saying is that why would John C. leave Memphis to go to UK? That's like Urban Meyer leaving Florida to go coach Notre Dame. Makes no sense to me. But if I was a UK fan I'd be counting my lucky charms that they suckered him to come straighten out that train wreck. (And by lucky charms of course I mean God's sovereignty - didn't want to step out of line with my SBTS bretheren - kidding!) This is why I'm a Georgia Tech fan...we putt along for several years under the radar then BAMM - a Final Four. Then we retreat back into mediocrity certain to resurface within a decade. Next year is our year...wait...didn't I just say....

3. I'm on Spring Break. Actually its Spring Reading Days. And for the next 3 days when I'm off work, that's exactly what it will be.

4. We have cable TV now - for free from the school. Its good. Mostly. Except that I don't have a channel guide in hand. We have the scrolling one on channel 2 but its slow and sometimes stops working.

5. We're going to start a vegetable container garden on the little landing of our steps leading up to the apartment. Neither of us have any experience in this. HELP!!! Really. Do any of you have any tips? We know that we want tomatoes and have figured out that. We're doing some herbs, which we did last year. But we'd like to add some other veggies - cucumbers, peppers (bell and/or jalepenos), and maybe some other stuff. TIPS please (or books).

6. I got a grill! Wahoo! An early birthday present - super early. Since the baby is going to be born roughly between our anniversary and my birthday I am assured to never have any sort of birthday again. Which is fine with me - now that I'm 30 its not that big of a deal. Anyway, a guy (Mike) a few units down got an outdoor electric grill. It cooks just like a gas grill - not like a George Foreman. Not that Foreman's are bad, but this baby tastes like a grill. They're kind of expensive, but Shana found one on Craigs List still in the box for less than half of the retail price. The outlook for the summer just improved. (Not that it was bad or anything - I mean my wife will bear my seed this summer - pretty sweet. (that was a very overly-manly-13th century-sort-of-way to say "have a our kid")).

7. Going biking with John and George here in about an hour. I bet George is blogging right now. hmmm..

8. The End.

Amazing Story

Today in Ethics we were talking about "Just War." Great topic. Anyway, the guest lecturer shared this story of a man in Japan who survived both atomic bombings. He was on a business trip to Hiroshima when the first bomb went off. He survived with some burns but went home two days later. His home? Nagasaki. He arrived home when the second bomb went off....and survived that one too. Here's the story.

It's A.....

Today we got some more pictures of the baby. The first one is the head and the body.Those two little ovals are the feet on this one. You can tell better if you enlarge it.

Here's the arm. We also saw the legs, spine, kidney, stomach, and heart beating...super cool.

And now for the money shot. It's a boy!!! The Stringer name will continue. I am so proud. There was one point on the ultrasound where we got a great shot of his face upclose. Eyes, nose, mouth, ears...everything. It was great. So we don't have a name yet and we're not telling you our ideas...but, you can give us your thoughts if you want. Keep praying for the baby and Shana. God is growing our child!

More from Tim Hawkins - On Praying With Kids...

Shana's Update: Favorite Husband

For those of you who don't know, my husband is a seminary student by day and crazed butcher by night. Well, not the crazed part. He is a butcher though. Most of you know about his passion for meat and cooking it. Well, it has been almost 2 years I guess. I am starting to loose track, which if you know the story of why he became a butcher, is a good thing.

Well, this Saturday he was the center of attention in the store. He was on display showing all his glory and skill on how to cut strip steaks out of this big hunk of meat. People got to customize how their steaks were cut all day long, which really isn't anything special, Fresh Market always does that, but they were drawing more attention to it because Strips were on sale for 4.99lb. Not to many injuries were acquired, just one gash to the knuckle. No worries though, word on the street is customers didn't suspect a thing.

I am super thankful to this Fresh Market. Josh's boss has been unbelievable with appreciation and scheduling for Josh. This is Josh's third store, hopefully his last ;). Shout-out to Jeff for being such a great guy to Josh, I know he doesn't read this blog though. Pray for Jeff, Josh will be having lunch with him soon for the sole purpose of sharing the gospel.

Shana's Update: 20 weeks

I am 20 weeks! Half way there! OO have I mentioned we find out what the baby sex is tomorrow. YOHOOOO!!

Shana's Update: Misc.

I had a really good weekend. Saturday is my normal day to meal plan, straighten the house up from student small group Friday night, and go to the grocery store. Well, this week I was going to the Meijer. For those of you who don't have one of those, it kind of reminds me of Wal-mart, but I think they have better sales on their grocery side. Well, looking at the flyer that week in the paper, I knew I was in for bargains galore. I made my list with all the items for free, pulled all my coupons to the side, and had my list made out of my treasures to find on my scavenger hunt. Well, I felt like I had just robbed the Meijer when I left. Probably my biggest loot to date. I bought over 200.00 worth of groceries for 61.00 bucks. I showed Josh my receipt, he laughed because half of the receipt was just my coupons ringing in. It was amazing. I was on cloud nine. Seriously, I think I get a high from it. So, below you can see my loot that I took home, ALL FOR FREE!, from my trip this weekend.



Some things in this picture are luxury items like the Betty Crocker microwave desserts. But when you can get 22 of these suckers for free, you do so. YES 22 of them. (we're giving a bunch of them away) My cart looked like the supermarket sweep. I even had a lady ask, do you like those things. Kind of funny. I don't know if it is hard to tell what I got for free, but some of my big items were: 10 boxes of frozen veggies, 2 loaves of bread, pantene conditioner, 3 pantene styling products, 2 deodorants, toothbrushes, gum, airwick refills, ooo and thanks to Callie's website Diet Dr. Pepper. (shout-out to Callie). So, to sum it up, it was an amazing grocery day. God is so good. I mentioned before that funds were tight, well God really does feed the 5,000 with 2 loaves of bread. He took my 60 bucks and bought 200.00 dollars worth of groceries.

Also, some great news, Dean and Judy gave us their coveted free chic-fil-a coupons while we were home. They were special coupons because they got them directly from Truett Cathy, and evidently Mr. Cathy has special coupons made for him to give out that say just that with his signature on it. So, it was pretty cool using those. People here in Kentucky don't see them often, and they were wowed. Well, we used those coupons on Friday. I am so glad I did because while getting dinner with our coupons on Friday, I saw a sign for repeat receipt day. As I read on I found out that what ever I purchased today at chic-fil-a, at the St. Matthews store only, I could come back with that receipt and get the entire receipt for free by the 31st. That is two trips to chic-fil-a at the price of one. I AM SOOO EXCITED. So, Josh and I are having chic-fil-a for dinner. You could say I am pumped.

In other news, I got my hair done this weekend. Probably for the last time. I have been working on getting my highlights taken out and fading my hair back to its natural color with some type of tinting, non-permanent process. I learned a ton at the hair salon, but that will have to be another post for sure. Turns out I have been taking care of my hair incorrectly for the past 28 years. Anyways, I really like my hair. I am pretty pleased. For all those of you in KY, it was Z-salon. Huge fan.

So as you can see this was definitely a hodge-podge update. OO and I can hardly contain myself because we find out what the baby's sex is tomorrow. HOLY COW!!

PEACE!!

Basketball Shorts

Is it just me or do the shorts that the guys in the NCAA tourney are wearing look like baggy capris? Or Jams? Remember Jams? Their shorts hang at least 2 inches below their knees. Really? How's that helpful in the game when you trip over your shorts? What if NFL players wore baggy helmets?

Shana's Update: Chic-fil-a

My gal-pal Jig sent me this video today, she knows how much I love Chic-fil-a. I could hardly keep myself from busting a gut.

Late Night with Barak

Just real quick...
Yesterday President Obama filled out his NCAA bracket.
Today he's going on Leno.
I don't know if he knows it but there's a bit of a mess in the economy that he should be worried about (I know he knows about it). Here's my point - The media's hypocrisy knows no bounds. If Bush had done this they would have crucified him. Its a real joke. I'm just sayin'.

Shana's Update: I love my husband!

I have to give HUGE points to my husband. He has had a little downtime the past few days because he worked really hard in advance building up to this past weekend because we were going to be in ATL. (I don't think that sentence made sense, o well). The Lord has really blessed us this month with extra work for me. I know what you are probably thinking, I already work 3 jobs. Well, those jobs have provided more hours which we have needed since these two months are big months for us with traveling and weddings gifts to purchase. Praise the Lord for the wedding celebration and the funds!

Well, to top it all off. I was kind of getting down lately and the Lord knew exactly what I needed and spoke it into my husbands heart. I came home from the gym last night ready to start dinner and it was as if I walked into a dream. My house was spotless, and dinner was ready on the stove. Now I don't say this because this is a rare occurrence, my husband helps out a lot. This semester has been a little difficult for that, and I have completely understood and taken up the reigns. It was a really nice treat for me though. Better then any bling he could have purchased. My love language is definitely service. Ladies out there, I am not kidding, he really cleaned house. I am a bit of a picky person when it comes to cleaning my house. Josh did the following: vacuumed the entire house, rearranged the rugs, cleaned his office, cleaned his bathroom with cleaning supplies! (this one is beyond amazing), cleaned the kitchen (everything you do to clean a kitchen, not just dishes), and he knew what I had planned for dinner because of my amazing meal plan sheets always posted on the refrigerator so he had dinner ready on the stove, o and I almost forgot one he saw that I had started a load of laundry yesterday morning and put it in the dryer AMAZING!! It really lifted my spirits. He did a lot yesterday. I am still baffled at him fitting it all in, I think a bit of me is rubbing off on him. He made me so happy yesterday. HUSBAND I LOVE YOU!! Have I told you lately that you are my absolute favorite husband?!? :)

Shana's Update: Facebook

People ask us all the time why we don't have a facebook, and say we should get one. That and other network-ish sites. I saw this on a friends blog and had to post it.

Shana's Update: One of Caitlin's Showers

For those of you who don't know, Caitlin is my soon-to-be sister-in-law. She looks super-cute here surrounded by all our presents. As you can see she is sucking down Marcy's famous Margarita punch. It is almost a tradition every time we get together for something, poor Marcy has to make it all the time because she is the best at it. It tastes a lot like a Margarita, just without the alcohol. I am looking forward to some Margarita punch in May!



This past weekend was a blast. It was super-packed with wedding stuff. We joked around saying it was our boot camp for the actual week of the wedding. Here are some pictures (thanks to Marcy) of her bachlorette shower we had Friday night.



Marcy and Amy are good faithfuls with the cameras. Lauren, Maggie, and I almost always forget cameras.










These are pictures of me with Marcy and Maggie. Marcy is the first one (dark hair) and obviously then the second one is Maggie. I know I mention them now and again on my blog. I have links to their blogs, but just in case you haven't met them yet.



P.S. I have no clue why my last paragraph is linked. I didn't do that. Now this one too Goodness gracious!



Other news - I picked up my dress this past weekend while home in Atlanta for the wedding. I am one of Caitlin's bridesmaids. The dresses are gorgeous and before I found out I was pregnant I was super excited to cut it off afterward and wear again. Unfortunately, Caitlin had to order me extra fabric so that I can have it altered to fit my prego body. So, now I will have this adorable pregnant dress. O well. I will think of somewhere cute to wear this thing when I am pregnant with future babies. No laughing if you see me in the dress at the grocery store, you'll be jealous because I will look absolutely fabulous. YAY still have the hyper-link going on. Sorry guys.

10,000

We just hit the 10,000 views mark. Pretty cool. Thanks for reading.

1 week till we find out if its a boy or a girl. Don't forget to vote in the poll on the sidebar. Remember, your vote counts! (I don't know what that means)

Shana's Update: Pregnancy Photos

I apologize for all the blurriness. I took these really quick on my phone in the bathroom at work. Last night at work (Sunglass Hut) a bunch of people asked me how far along I was. That was a first, so glad I look pregnant and not just fat. I measured again last night and I gained another 1/2 inch. That is a total of 5 inches. I think I might stop weighting myself, it is starting to freak me out. Granted I have only gained 6 pounds, but I have never been good with gaining weight. It messes with my mind. Starting to get my sweet tooth back, MAYDAY MAYDAY!!

OO, Shout out to my galpal Maggie. She gave me some prego clothes. This is one of those dresses she gave me. This is the first time I have gotten to wear it. This is definitely one of my favorites. Got a bunch of "you look so cute" comments today. Which I definitely could use for my self-esteem. Thanks Maggie.

The New Calvinism via TIME Magazine

TIME has published its "Top 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now" for 2009. Guess what's #3? That's right - Calvinism. I was pretty skeptical when I clicked on the link waiting for a scathing review of this widely misunderstood doctrine of grace. However, this article is very positive and right-on in terms of historical and theological accuracy. Its totally worth reading.
Check It Out.

Shana's Update: Pregnancy

I am almost half way there. Can't believe it. I think I am pretty obviously showing. Josh took a picture yesterday, so we'll try and make sure it makes its way to the blog. Everybody has been asking me if I can feel the baby, and I am pretty sure I started feeling the baby kicking today. I have noticed it several times. So, that is pretty neat. Kind of a weird feeling. Don't feel to hot today. Not sure if it is pregnant sick or getting sick from being exhausted to the max from a crazy weekend. We'll see. That is all for now.

P.S. I am so sick of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Bedknobs & Broomsticks

Today at work the crazy produce guy Dennis was singing this song Portobello Road from the movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks." He was blown away when I started singing along. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is one of my favorite Disney movies ever. I imagine that a lot of people don't know it, but when the Disney Channel first came out (before everything was so Raven and Hannah Montana) it used to show these great old movies that Disney used to make - Parent Trap (the original), Pollyanna, Swiss Family Robinson, Follow Me Boys, Pete's Dragon, and this one - Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Here are a few clips. What's your favorite old Disney movie? - let's think pre-80's.

Hilarious Prank!

Shana's Update: Chic-fil-a again

Ok, so I am getting ready to leave for ATL tomorrow. I am so excited. Today is my Friday at work, I did the dance to go along with it this morning. Josh loves my beebop dances. Some of you may have read my earlier post on Chic-fil-a. Well, this time we are going to be prepared. I figured out where all the chic-fil-a's are off I-75 on the way down to ATL. It is a little sad, they are really spread out and only cluster themselves around the big cities. Pretty much there are some in Knoxville, and then we don't see another one until Carnesville in GA. We'll have to plan meal times accordingly. I am super excited though. So, do you know what is for dinner on the way home tomorrow? If you haven't guessed it, Chic-fil-a baby!!!!! Already cleared it with the hubby, he is the bomb. In the words of Dick Vitale,"THAT'S AWESOME BABY!!"

P.S. Did I ever mention that Josh and I met him on our honeymoon. Dick lives in Sarasota (wooohoo, you are always supposed to yell when locations are named that you are from). We ate at the same restaurant for Breakfast, The Broken Egg. He eats there every morning at 10am and signs autographs, just in case you are ever in the area. There are lots of cool people who live in Sarasota (wooohooo).

P.S.S. I almost blew it, I had gotten the chic-fil-a locations for the wrong highway, yikes! That could have been fatal.

Book Suggestion...

We're almost at the half way point of the semester. I'm thinking of all of the books I have to read and they're all theological in nature or instructive - or both. After this semester I'd like to read a really good story. It can be fiction, a biography, or any good book you've read that you think I'd enjoy. I have a book that Shana got me for Christmas called Operation Solo. Its a true story about "the F.B.I.'s man inside the Kremlin." Its about the spy game during the Cold War. Pretty fascinating. It seems like its told in story form. However, if you have a better suggestion fire away. Even if you think I've read it suggest it anyway. I haven't read much fiction in my time. Leave your suggestion as a comment...Thanks!

Random stuff and concerts

I haven't really updated about life in general lately. I've kind of been in a cave. No posting except for theology and politics. No videos (there won't be any soon either - no time - but I have a good idea for one at the end of the semester). Here's a little update though...

This is turning out to be a very rewarding semester. It's really hard, but stuff that is really challenging and life changing... more on that someday.

We're leading a small group at church for teenagers. Its awesome. All of the students are there because they want to be. They want to know more about God. Its cool. Some of them simply want to know the meaning of sin and how to be saved. Others want to know what double predestination is all about (I don't believe in that, but it got brought up one week - not by me). We meet again tomorrow night, so if you think about it pray for our students. Some don't know Jesus - but I think they're close.

My wife is awesome. If you haven't been reading her posts you should. She's funny and totally growing in the Lord. If you missed her post on Chic-Fil-A scroll down and go to "older posts" and find it. Very funny.

I'm listening to The Fray right now. Thanks to George for the hook-up. Its a live version. As I'm listening I'm hearing a lot of people singing EVERY word loudly. I've never understood this. When I go to a concert I go to hear the band - not to out-sing them. I sing during the parts when they point the microphone to the crowd because I'm easily swayed by microphones. But I like to hear the band - so I don't really sing at concerts. I love and appreciate good live music.

We're joining Crossing this Sunday. Dustin (our pastor) calls it "getting memberized." Funny.

Me and John the Canadian went biking today. It got up to 60 degrees I think. Its the warmest day we've had since last November. The trail we went on was in good shape but its changed a lot since the ice storm. There's a massive jurassic-park style tree that's down way back in the woods. Its amazing. I'll try to get a picture. It was great to be outside and not freezing. It was also good to be outside and be active. I'm not in as bad of shape as I thought, but I'm not where I was just before Louisville turned into the Tundra.

I fell on the trail. Shana got me clipless pedals and shoes for Christmas and today was the first day I got to try them out. I had practiced some in the parking lot, but the trail was the big test. It was pretty muddy and I did well until the end. It was a pretty technical downhill part and I tried to avoid a root and lost it. I imagine it was pretty funny. I like the shoes.

Man, this is a long post. I'm going home (to GA) next weekend. We're on a "wedding shower circuit" for Andy and Caitlin. I'm pretty pumped. I'm really proud my brother is marrying Caitlin. It will be cool having her in the family.

Ok - I think that's all for now. Oh wait - I think I'll post some prayer requests. Is that ok? Will you pray for me? I hope you will. Ok, here's some: Pray that I won't be lazy. Pray that the Lord will save my boss at work. He needs Jesus. I'm really looking for a chance to share the gospel with him. His name is Jeff. Pray for our lost students at church. Pray for my wife and my child. Shana's experiencing "growing pains."

The End.

Shana's Update: Poll on the side!

There is a new poll on the side bar. Vote for what sex you think the baby will be. What fun. 19 days till we find out!!!!!

Shana's Update: Pass It Forward Winner

Tessa Masters is the winner. I will be telling her all my money saving secrets in regards to groceries. Since she is at home in Atlanta, we will be communicating all through email. I am thinking about saving these emails for later posts on my cheep skate label. Stay tuned....

Congrats to Tessa, don't forget to pay it forward.

Shana's Update: Pay it Forward

I have been challenged by one of my friends from church to do this. Most of you have probably seen the movie, it was pretty good. Well, my friend is making me baked goods for no reason. Therefore, I need to pay that forward with something that I am good at.

Josh is always telling me that I should help other people out with this, so I guess now is the time. I am gifted in organization/order. So, the first person to comment on my blog will get my time to help them with organizing their home. Anything from clutter, to managing a budget, to cutting costs at the grocery store. You specify your need and we'll set up a date and time.

You might need to give me your email, if I don't have it, so that we can set something up.

OO and the last part, if you comment for my pay it forward, then you have to pay it forward yourself. Obviously, you don't have to organize someone, but whatever you are gifted at.

Calvin on Jesus' Sacrifice

The Awareness of God's Wrath Makes Us Thankful for His Loving Act in Christ
"For if it had not been clearly stated that the wrath and vengeance of God and eternal death rested upon us, we would scarcely have recognized how miserable we would have been without God's mercy, and we would have underestimated the benefit of liberation."

God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness; His Love Precedes Our Reconciliation In Christ
"For God, who is the highest righteousness, cannot love the unrighteousness that he see in us all. All of us, therefore, have in ourselves something deserving of God's hatred. With regard to our corrupt nature and the wicked life that follows it, all of us surely displease God, are guilty in his sight, and are born to the damnation of hell. But because the Lord wills not to lose what is his in us, out of his own kindness he still finds something to love. However much we may be sinners by our own fault, we nevertheless remain his creatures. However much we have brought death upon ourselves, yet he has created us unto life. Thus he is moved by pure and freely given love of us to receive us into grace. Since there is a perpetual and irreconcilable disagreement between righteousness and unrighteousness, so long as we remain sinners he cannot receive us completely. Therefore, to take away all cause for enmity and to reconcile us utterly to himself, he wipes out all evil in us by the expiation set forth in the death of Christ; that we, who were previously unclean and impure, may show ourselves righteous and holy in his sight."

Christ Has Redeemed Us Through His Obedience, Which He Practiced Throughout His Life
"And here was no common evidence of his incomparable love toward us: to wrestle with terrible fear, and amid those cruel torments to cast off all concern for himself that he might provide for us. And we must hold fast to this: that no proper sacrifice to God could have been offered unless Christ disregarding his own feelings, subjected and yielded himself wholly to his Father's will."

The Condemnation of Jesus Through Pilate
"But when he was arraigned before the judgment seat [of Pilate] as a criminal, accused and pressed by testimony, and condemned by the mouth of the judge to die - we know by these proofs that he took the role of a guilty man and evildoer."

That guilty man was me.

Shana's Update: Feminine Appeal

I am trying to keep up with my husband with all the books he is reading. He reads a ton, for school of course, but still it is a ton of reading. Figured I can't let him intellectually and spiritually blow me by. Anyways, I just finished Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. Here are some questions you might be asking:

1 - Who is Carolyn Mahaney?
A - I didn't know her before either, but in the book found out she is from Sarasota, FL. How crazy is that!
2 - Never heard of that book.
A - I hadn't either, but my trusty friend Lauren always gives me books for gifts.

I am trying not to absorb myself in only pregnancy and baby books. Well, this book was awesome, have I said that yet. Rocks you to your core, seriously. I challenge any woman out there to read this. Not a huge book. I read it at the gym on the bicycle and finished it within a few weeks. This will be one of those books that I will need to pick up probably every year or so and read again. What a spiritual awakening! My favorite chapter in this book was "The Delight of Loving My Husband." Talked about how easy it is for us to serve. Sometimes when people ask us for evidence of loving our husbands we always point to our service to him, which isn't bad we need to do that, but the to actually love with tenderness and passion is swept aside and forgotten.

Here is a quote from the book, "Our emotions are a warning system God graciously gave us to attract attention to the sin in our hearts. When we're not experiencing loving feelings toward our husbands, that's an alarm going off: ding, ding, ding. There may be sin that needs attention." OOO how true!

Man seriously ladies this book rocked my world. You have to get it! I could type quotes from it all day. If anybody wants to borrow mine they are welcome to it.

SHOUT OUT
I almost forgot to do this. This is a shout out to my friend Lauren Watson. Zach and Lauren always get us books for gifts. Just wanted you guys to know that we read them all. Over the years I think I count 7 books you have given me, this is number 6. I have one more to go. I am sure I will get it done in plenty of time for my birthday ;)!

The Holy Land Experience

I just saw a commercial for "The Holy Land Experience" in Orlando, FL. It's a theme park about Bible times sponsored by TBN. On the commercial they have a new feature - you can receive the Lord's Supper from an actor portraying Jesus. I have major problems with this. It entirely cheapens and devalues the meaning of the Lord's Supper. It's the same principle if you were to go get "baptized" in the Jordan River in actual Israel. You can do that. These are sacred ordinances set up by Jesus for the church. These people make a mockery of acts of worship that are to be holy and set apart. There are severe consequences set forth in the Word for people who don't take them seriously. This is totally ridiculous. If you or any of your friends or family decide to go support this place, really, think again and examine what's the real meaning behind the sacred things they commercialize. Men and women have given their lives simply for the chance to take communion or be baptized. This is a disgrace.

Jimmy Fallon

I just watched the opening of "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" (used to be Conan's show) via hulu.com. Pretty funny. I like Fallon. He was a little uncomfortable but he's really funny. Besides - his house band is THE ROOTS!! Sweet. I realize that most of you have no idea who The Roots are. They're amazing. Go check them out on YouTube if you are so inclined. He had some pretty good jokes about Obama (surprising). His best joke: "Microsoft is opening new stores to compete with Apple. They'll be just like the Apple Stores except the staff will freeze when you ask them a question." HAHA! Oh yeah - they slow jammed the news too. The Roots will make that show.

Family over the Economy

Why do I love Southern Seminary? Because I get to take classes from guys like Dr. Russell Moore. He's my ethics professor. You should all subscribe to his blog if you don't already. Here's an excerpt from his post today - I'll post a link to the whole thing at the bottom. Take the time to read it - especially the last sentence.

"Why does the seemingly godly church member in one of our congregations or parishes drive his pregnant teenage daughter to the nearest city under cover of darkness to obtain an abortion? Because, no matter how much he “votes his values,” when crisis hits, he wants his daughter to have a “normal” life. He is “pro-life,” with, as one feminist leader put it, three exceptions: rape, incest, and my situation.

Why do Christian parents, contra St. Paul’s clear admonition in 1 Corinthians 7, encourage their young adult children to delay marriage, sometimes for years past the time it would take to discern whether this union would be of the Lord? Why do we smilingly tell them to wait until they can “afford” it? It is because, to our shame, we deem fornication a less awful reality than financial hardship.

Why do our pastors and church leaders speak bluntly about homosexuality but not about divorce? Because, in many cases, they know the faces of the divorced people in the pews before them—and they fear losing the membership statistics or the revenue those faces represent.

Why do we speak endlessly about marital communication and “love languages” but never address the question of whether institutionalized day care is good for children, or for their parents? It’s because pastors know that couples would reply that they could never afford to live on the provision of the husband alone. And they’re almost always right—if living means living in the neighborhoods in which they now live with the technologies they now have. Why do we never ask whether it might be better to live in a one-bedroom apartment or a trailer park than to outsource the rearing of one’s children? It’s because the American way of life seems so normal to us that such things do not even seem to be options at all."

Go here for the rest.

Shana's Update: Chic-fil-a

Why is Chic-fil-a so good? I want it for every meal it seems. They just built one close to us here in KY. They are few and far between. There are only 2 of them that we know of in Louisville. Every time we go they are packed, good for them. Isn't that just crazy. When ever we drive home, we end up driving forever starving, hoping that a Chic-fil-a will soon show up on a highway sign, but it rarely does. Sometimes we have to settle for dollar menu elsewhere. Which leads me to another question, why doesn't Chic-fil-a have a dollar menu? My only thought is that their food is so amazing people will pay more than a dollar to eat it. I know I will. Although I just wish it was a dollar than I might be able to eat more. I don't think there is anything on their menu I don't like. Which is a huge deal. I think Josh could go there and get me anything and I would be ecstatic over it. What do you think the teller would do if I said surprise me the next time I placed my order.

People here don't seem to know about their breakfast. Almost like an entirely new gospel we must spread. Good for us, I just got a coupon for free breakfast. Looks like they are trying to spread their gospel of amazing breakfast. Well, I already know about it and will gladly take the coupons to eat free. Maybe that is where I need to get my next part-time gig at, holy cow that would be awesome. That just came to me. Man, it is soooo good. Josh has caught me getting lunch there (which is a no-no, we're on a tight budget), I blame the baby. It is all baby SJ's fault, can't help it. So far I think it is working ;).

This is Amazing...

If I only had more free time - and photoshop - and more talent...

Another Nugget From Calvin

*Note - I don't like the word nugget, but I can't think of anything else. Morsel is way worse. Lump? Nub? Chunk? Hunk? Wad? I guess I'll stick with nugget.

Calvin on the on the hope of Christ from the Old Testament to the New...
"Accordingly, at the beginning when the promise of salvation was given to Adam [Gen. 3:15] it glowed like a feeble spark. Then, as it was added to, the light grew in fullness, breaking forth increasingly and shedding its radiance more widely. At last - when all the clouds were dispersed - Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, fully illuminated the whole earth [Mal. 4]."
-The Institutes of Christian Religion, Vol 1., page 446.

Amen to that.