Spring?

Apparently its 22 days until spring. Someone should tell the snow outside. Its snowing. Again. 1 inch this time.

Phrases...

For a while I've been keeping a mental list of certain phrases that drive me crazy. Here's my list in no particular order:

1. The Plural Nameses. When referring to good people or sports players people will say stuff like, "That team has its Chipper Joneses, Brian McCanns, and John Smoltzes." (I know Smoltz doesn't play with the Braves anymore, but he's Shana's favorite) What I don't like about this is when people pluarlize people's names when there's only one of them! There's only one Chipper Jones on the Braves not many Chipper Joneses. I know what the guy is trying to say when he says, "That era in the NBA had its Michael Jordans and Magic Johnsons." But really there was just one Michael Jordan and one Magic Johnson. Drives me nuts.

2. It Is What It Is. This is the most meaningless phrase of all time. Its a cop out and its totally overused. "Man, I didn't mean to rob that bank, but you know, it is what it is." What this phrase means is that you don't want to fix what you broke so "it is what it is." Or, I don't know how to explain something or I don't think I can change something so "it is what it is." I'm sure there is an appropriate usage of this phrase, but until that divine moment happens lets try to never use it again.

3. You Know (What I'm Sayin'). This is the ultimate filler phrase. Its like using "just" when you pray. Listen to any interview, particularly a sports interview and the usage of this phrase could turn into a college drinking game like no other. (I don't condone college drinking games, especially when this phrase is used....you know what I'm sayin'?) Sometimes only half of the phrase is used, you know, like when, you know, I don't know what else to say, and you know, I get tongue tied, and you know, can't finish my sentence, you know what I'm sayin'?

4. At The End Of The Day. This phrase has no cultural or social bounds. Athletes use it. Politicians use it. And at the end of the day, some of my professors use it. I know what it means and this one more than the others actually makes sense, but at the end of the day I don't care how much sense it makes because at the end of the day I'm tired of it....you know what I'm sayin'?

5. Anywho. I'm not sure what to say for this one. Remember in the movie Zoolander when Ben Stiller and his buddies used the phrase "Oh Snap" over and over (so glad that phrase is gone). They weren't using it because it was cool. They were mocking the phrase and those who use it. If I made a movie my "Oh Snap" phrase would be "Anywho." Urban Dictionary defines anywho like this: An extremely annoying [overused] misuse of the word "anyhow." Generally used by people who think they are being clever. Enough said.

6. I'll Be Honest With You. What were you being before? You'll be honest with me now? Are you doing me a favor by telling me the actual truth?

What if Tiger Woods got up and said, hey, you know, I'll be honest with you, at the end of the day I cheated. You know, its nothing that the Mike Tysons, Mark Sanfords, and Bill Clintons haven't done before. It is what it is. Anywho, I'm gonna go now. You know what I'm sayin'?

What would you add to the list?

ESPN Gets Pranked by Howard Stern

So what happened was... some guy who works for Howard Stern called in pretending to be Brian Westbrook, now, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was just released yesterday so therefore its big news. Which is why he was on the LIVE SportsCenter. But it wasn't him. Oh poor Scott Van Pelt. They handled it well.

Tiger's Apology

I couldn't come up with a creative title for this post so I went the direct route. Anyway, I want to weigh in on something that is really of no matter to me but apparently is one of those "Where Were You When You Heard..." moments. I was in my car on my lunch break at work when I heard Tiger's apology. Then I was at home. Then I was on ESPN.com. Then CNN.com. Then FoxNews.com. Then.... You get the picture. Good thing he didn't apologize on the day of the Haitian earthquake. We might have never gotten to hear that riveting new version of "We Are the World." By riveting I mean terrible and opportunistic.

What should we think of his apology? Well, I don't know what you think, but here's what I think. I think it was fine and sincere. Was it robotic, rehearsed, and staged? Yes. A lot of people are calling it fake because of the way he sounded. First of all, have you ever heard a Tiger Woods interview? He sounds just like he did yesterday. He's not Captain Personality. In fact, the most emotion you ever see from him is on the golf course. Never behind a podium. Second, put yourself in his shoes. You are about to bear you personal laundry to the world who already knows everything that happened thanks to the tabloid media and our celebrity-worshipping society. OF COURSE YOU'LL REHEARSE. Heck, I write out and rehearse my sermons. Wouldn't I do the same for something of this magnitude. Of course you'll write out exactly what you're going to say on the most humiliating day of your life! What was he going to do? Wing it in front of 100 million people. This morning over 50,000 people had already watched it on YouTube, and that number is probably very low and doesn't include television and all of the "news" websites. If you're not much of a public speaker, which Tiger clearly isn't, you're going to sound nervous, robotic, and fake. Most people can't even put together a complete sentence on purpose. Have you ever read comments on blogs or news sites? They're horrible. Try speaking in front of cameras and reporters about something like this. There's a poll on CNN.com asking if you think Tiger was sincere. Its about 50/50. Really? This accepting, tolerant society of ours is judging a man who just took full responsibility for everything he has done. Not only that, but he explained why he thought is was ok AND why that part was wrong too. It was a little on the therapy-speak side of things, but so what? This whole speech was probably therapeutic for him. He has done everything anyone can expect of a person in his situation. Did Bill Clinton do that? How about Mark Sanford, governor of South Carolina? Did Barry Bonds do that? Did Michael Jordan do that? Did Roger Clemens, Pete Rose, or Mark McGwire do that? Not even close.

I'm not at all trying to make what Tiger did seem ok. You know me better than that. However, he didn't sin against you or me or anyone except his family and God. He didn't cheat the game. I do think he had an obligation to make a statement like this because of who he is and because he is who he is because of the game that people pay to see. However, we created him. We buy his video games, clothes, golf equipment. We drive the ratings for T.V. when he's in a tournament on Sunday leading by one stroke on the back nine. We created the idol. We gave him the money. Why should we crucify him when he falls. This is more than a mistake that he made to be sure. This isn't one of those "we're all human, everyone makes mistakes" moments. However, it doesn't involve me or you. But again, put yourselves in his shoes. He could cheat everyday of his life if he wanted to. To make it worse he has the money and the friends and the agent to make it more accessible and more private than you or I. Do I think you'd cheat if you were in his shoes? Maybe. You've never faced temptation like that. You've never had a billion dollars and women waiting throwing themselves at you when you're in line at McDonald's. Not that Tiger eats at McDonald's. I heard a sermon yesterday that had nothing to do with this but the Pastor said, "The reason you've never cheated is because you don't have the opportunity." He wasn't saying that we'd all cheat. He was saying that because of our sin nature we all have the capacity to cheat and under the right circumstances... Women won't like to read this but men (both who read this blog) know exactly what I'm talking about.

Again, don't hear/read me saying that I think what he did is tolerable or understandable or excusable. Its not. At all. Not a little. However, when a man repents, and that's what he did yesterday, and takes full responsibility for his actions, dude, let it go. He didn't sin against you anyway. If you feel personally affected by Tiger's apology, like he owes you something more, then you should go repent for idol worship.

I think that's all for now, maybe an appendix later. What do you think about it?

Still Got It...

TobyMac that is. I know. I've blogged about him before. He's an old(er), white, Christian, rapper. With those powers combined it sounds like sure comic fodder or a dumpster fire. Or both. However, upon further review of the new album, I'd say its his best solo album. It also eclipses any dcTalk album except Jesus Freak. I don't actually own the album yet since I only had $2.02 on my iTunes account left over from a Christmas gift card. So I was able to download one song. "Tonight" - as seen in the video below. It features John Cooper, lead singer of Skillet, with whom TobyMac is currently touring. Fortunately there's myspace. I'm not a member of myspace anymore but you don't have to be to listen to the whole album online. To do that you can go here. I doubt most of you who read this blog even care all that much about his music, but love the hip-hop-rock-funk that is his style. You can't really find it anywhere else. Does anyone else dig this song? Or is it just me?

When People Apologize for Swearing Around You

If you've never been to this website you should go: www.stuffchristianslike.net. Anyway, this is today's post. Its very funny to me because on any typical day at my job within 10 minutes I've heard some kind of phrase that would make most of us uptight Christians blush. My boss is a former Navy M.P. who has been cutting meat for 25+ years. Most of the dudes I work with are a little rough around the edges to say the least. Its funny because they'll drop F-bombs all day but if its a G.D. or a dirty joke they usually apologize of restate what they just said with a "gosh dern." I appreciate the respect, but I also don't expect a lost person to act not-lost. So anyway, I found this post on how Christians feel when people cuss very hilarious. I'm thinking of trying number 2 or number 4. Enjoy...

When people apologize for swearing around you.

Feb 16th by Jon Acuff

#710.

The other day in the car, my four year old blurted out, “Stupid backpack!” I slowed down and asked her what she had just said. She paused for a minute and then responded, “Sometimes my brain says silly things. Silly billy, willy scoobaleedoo.”

Although I appreciated the verbal smokescreen she threw down to cover her tracks, she still said a word we’re not cool with at the Acuff house. But as funny as her response was, it’s nothing like what happens sometimes when people swear around Christians. Have you ever experienced that? It is a truly magical moment my friend.

Usually, it’s just that a word slipped into a sentence unexpectedly. Your friend suddenly catches themselves and says, “Oh, hey, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to say that. My bad.” And then the conversation moves on. But what are we supposed to do? What should your response be when you hear one of your friends swear near you? Funny that you should ask …

5 things to do when a friend swears near you.

1. Slap him in the mouth.

Right in the mouth. Go on, do it. I know a lot of people are going to tell you a kidney punch is most appropriate in this situation, but I disagree. For my money, few things offer the same sound, impact and “who dat” power of a slap in the mouth.

2. Weep softly.

Just start crying softly. Wipe your nose with your sleeve and keep looking at the person, shaking your head back and forth in clear, visible disappointment. The more tender the tears the better.

3. Swear back.

First two options not your style? Then go the other direction and make them feel OK about the swear by saying one of your own. As soon as they swear, say the real version of “melon farmer.” (I can’t explain what that really means but I think you know, I think you know.)

4. Hold them.

Want to make a slightly awkward situation even more awkward? Just embrace them. No side hug, I’m talking full frontal. Recreate that scene from the movie Good Will Hunting where Robin Williams cradles a sobbing Matt Damon and says, “It’s not your fault, it’s not your fault.” Do that exact same thing here.

5. Reassure them that you’ve heard that word before.

If I’m in my mid thirties and you swear near me, chances are, I’ve heard that word before. Maybe even a lot and more colorfully dressed up if I happened to be a mailman one dark, twisted summer. (That last one just got personal.)

If you do end up slapping people in the mouth, please don’t mention this site or the Stuff Christians Like book. This list is probably the kind of advice that makes Christian magazines keep avoiding me. But if you do make a big deal out of a swear, know that you’ve just asked someone to edit themselves around you and it’s really hard to get a friend to be honest when you’ve placed conditions on what they can say. I’m not justifying swears, but just hoping that if the choice is “help lead someone into a growing relationship with Christ,” or “avoid someone because they swear a lot” that we’ll all make a good choice.

New Snow Video

We had 8 more inches on Tuesday on top of the 3 or so that was left over. It was really nice. Some places it was only about 4-6 but some drifts were deeper. Class was canceled again and I'm off of work today. What does that mean...? Library. Good thing we got the sledding in yesterday. It was really fun. With so much fresh powder it was a little harder to sled (as you'll see). Shana and I took a ride together a few times which was really interesting. I wish we had that on video. It was crash-tastic. Zoe had a great time too. She loves the snow. Anyway, take a look...

Here We Go Again

Shana's Update: Favorite words lately...

I have been meaning to post them, but it has taken a while. Lately, I have been super blessed with friends that ask this question, "I am going to the grocery store, can I get you anything?" These words have been an incredible help. Another reason I love this season of our lives and being here on campus/in seminary. I hope I can be as good of a friend as my friends have been to me with asking me this question. So, friends you know who you are. I want to send a huge thank you for asking me this question. I hope that I can be faithful to ask you the same when I head out.

The reason this is so helpful is it takes an army to get a kid as awesome and good as Truett out the door. It is super annoying to go through all that when you only need one or two items. So, for all of ya'll not yet in this stage of life ask a mom if you can get her anything while you are out she'll kiss you for it.

New Blog Layout...Need Your Help!

Hey everyone. We've got a nice new blog layout. I've been working on it for a while. I had a little free time tonight to finish some of the graphics that better reflect our family. Hope you like it!

We need your help though. Somehow we've lost out blog links featured on the right sidebar. Its how we keep up with most of you. PLEASE leave us a comment with your blog address. I was able to remember some of them and locate them via Google, but some of yours didn't show up or I didn't get the name just right. Just take a sec and do it so we can stay in touch.

Thanks!

Family Snow Video

Check out our new video. We had a nice walk in the snow yesterday and some sledding today. Thanks to Shane and Jess Sander for babysitting Truett for a few minutes and letting us borrow the sleds. It was a nice date for us.



We're supposed to get a few more inches on Sunday. Craziness.

The Latest Snow

Well, we got about 6-8 inches of snow today - depending on who you ask. Either way it was a nice snow. We're supposed get another inch or so tonight along with 20-30mph winds and temperatures in the low teens. Hopefully we'll keep power this year and the roads won't get too bad.

Anyway, here are some pictures in no particular order...

Truett Video: More cool videos

I could watch videos of Truett for hours.

Top Three

Our Top Three Super Bowl Commercials:

#3

#2

#1

The marketing guys at Doritos deserve a nice raise. They win.

Honorable mention: Betty White and Snickers. All of the other Doritos commercials. The Brett Favre 2020 MVP Commercial. Casual Friday.

What were your favorites?

Oh well. P.C. wins out. Congrats to the Saints. They earned it.

Super Bowl Pick

I figured, just before the game starts, I'd throw my prediction out there for the Super Bowl. I'm looking forward to actually watching a really good football game regardless of who wins. However, I just can't bring myself to root for the Saints. I know. I know. It seems un-P.C. and maybe un-American (because the city of N.O. "deserves" a Super Bowl win) to root against them but they whooped the Falcons twice this year. I've never liked the Saints and I actually d0 like the Colts. I'd also like to see Peyton Manning get another ring. I think he's probably the best QB of all time and another ring would add to that idea. I like the story of New Orleans. It would make a great documentary or something about hope and joy for the city, but I just think the Colts are a better team. Not a much better team. But a better team.

So, not that it matters to me a whole lot, but I'm thinking
Colts 37 Saints 31

The score looks close, but I don't think it will be that close. The Colts will be up by a few touchdowns and then the Saints will make a comeback, but in the end, I'll go with Peyton and the Colts to win it in Miami, where snow isn't on the ground.

By the way, we're supposed to get 6 inches of snow on Tuesday. Yay.

Shana's Update: Contests

I was talking to a friend the other day about contests. Man it would be nice to win some free stuff at contests. Well, here is my first attempt. I read about this blog on my friend Jennifer's blog. It is the Modest Mom Shop. A very cute name. Well, they are giving away a free clothing item. There are some really cute skirts. I really like them, I will let you know if I win something. You should check it out if you would like to enter to win, although I am sure that will narrow my chances.

Funky Jesus Music

I think everybody needs some.


Shana and I are big goober Toby Mac fans. I think I've explained on here before my love for music. I think I'm pretty eclectic when it comes to my choices for music. Its probably surprising to some. But, judging by what I've heard from this album, "City on our Knees," "Showstopper," and now this background song "Tonight," sounds like a winner. Can't wait. Thanks mom and dad for the iTunes gift card for Christmas. Nice how that works out.

Great Tebow Article.

I care nothing for the Florida Gators (unless they're playing UGA). However, I do care about the Gospel and I think Tim Tebow does too. Read this.

New Semester, New Books. And Snow.

Here are the load of books I have for this semester. Some of these I read for my J-term class a few weeks ago. The best so far.... "How To Read A Book." You should check it out if you're much of a reader and have a hard time with speed and retention (like me).
My classes this semester:
Greek (online w/Dr. Pennington)
N.T. Theology (Tom Schreiner...he wrote the big red book with the same title as my class as well as being the editor of the NT portion of the ESV Study Bible)
Systematic Theology III (Russell Moore)
Hermeneutics (Jim "the human cross-reference" Hamilton)

Its hard to not be really overly proud of where I go to school. I think when I graduate I'll not have really realized the greatness of the professors here so I try to take in as much as I can while I am here. Other Southern grads will commiserate I'm sure.


And now for the snow. Last week I posted something about us "Expecting Again." Well this is what I meant. Yes, I know what it sounded like. THAT WAS THE POINT! Ha! Anyway here are pictures from the morning walk with Zoe. She loves the snow. As do I.

Our apartments.


And now for my favorite four legged girl:

Shana's Update: Gotta Question, please respond.

Ok, I got a hot piece of information yesterday from a friend while working up at the seminary. Talking about saving money, which is a hot topic around here, a friend suggested Christian Healthcare Ministries and Medi-Share for healthcare choices. We are currently on the Seminarian plan with the school. Well, these plans are non-profit christian organizations. Has anybody used or currently using these companies for health insurance? If we were to switch over to one of them, if approved, we could save tons of money. Any feedback anybody has would be much appreciated.

A Glimpse Into What I Do...

I've been meaning to make this post for a while. Its a little glimpse into what I do. Most people know that I cut meat but I don't think anyone really knows how it works. Over Christmas I worked a few overnight shifts to get ready for Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve. All I did was cut, trim, and tie tenderloins and standing rib roasts. I don't remember the exact totals but it was a few hundred of each. So, here's a look into my "tent-making" job.

The tools of the trade:
6" boning knife, 10" cutting knife, and a sharpening steel. The key to doing the job correctly and efficiently is having sharp knives all the time. A dull knife leads to cut fingers and a tired hand.


These next two pictures are all of the the cases of Angus and Hereford beef tenderloins and roasts that we went through.... in two days! That's a lot of bovine.



This year we also got some USDA Prime Tenderloins (Filet Mignon). Super expensive yet very rewarding to cut. This is the Ferrari of the meat world. These things pretty much just melt in your mouth.


This is how I operate. I line up about 12 of these babies and work in an assembly line fashion. Trim all of the fat off one by one and then come back and tie them up....


....like this.



These are the rib roasts. Some people call them Prime Rib or Bone-in Ribeye Roast. All the same. This is my favorite piece of meat. They weigh about 17lbs each. Don't get freaked out if/when you ever buy one just because they are big. They're really easy to cook.


This is what one looks like after we trim it. Trim it? But there's still a ton of fat on there right? Yep. The fat is where the flavor is. You can cut it off when you serve it but that stuff just melts over the meat while it cooks *drool*. The butcher twine is to hold the bones on the meat. We cut the bones almost all the way off - partly with the saw and partly with the knife - so that when you serve it you can just clip the strings off and have a boneless roast to slice. You get all the flavor from the fat and the bones without the hassle.


Here's 20 something of these things. These were just the Angus orders for Christmas Eve. I had another cart like this loaded up with the Hereford Beef. We would then cut these down into whatever size the customer ordered (3 bones, 5 bones, etc.). These 20 probably covered about 75 orders. (Notice my radio. Hey, it gets boring in that cold room by yourself for 10 hours).


Anyway, that's what I do. 3 years ago (yep. 3 years I've been doing this) I never would have imagined myself as a butcher. The Lord has amazing ways of doing what He does. If I never learned how to do this I'm not sure how we'd be paying for school right now. So anyway, I just "celebrated" my 3 year anniversary at The Fresh Market. I really enjoy the "work" part of what I do and I like to think I do it pretty well - at least I try to. The Lord has used the Fresh Market to teach me a lot about myself and the gigantic world of lost people that are around us. I'm thankful to the Lord that he has taught me how to "make tents." I'll do it as long as I need to - but truth be told, I'll be glad to move on - one day.

*Disclaimer: no cows were harmed in the taking of these pictures. They were already dead.*