Happy Halloween!

It's that time of year! Time for all the ghosts, goblins, and superheroes to come out to play. I am always so amused when it gets to mid-October because there are always some strange people out there that say these kinds of things:

"You shouldn't celebrate the devil's holiday."
"We shouldn't celebrate Halloween because it is of the devil."
"If you go trick-or-treating then you are going straight to you know where."

These kinds of things amuse me because last time I checked, Halloween has been about 2 things. 1. Getting as much candy as possible. 2. Having fun with your family. I don't personally know anyone who has become possessed because they dressed up like Big Bird. However, I do think that our world is turned off by the way that churches and church people react in their efforts to "not be like the world."

To those people, I would encourage you to join me, my family, and the millions of other people around the world and go get you some candy! It will make you feel better.

I know everyone has an opinion on this subject. I just thought I would express mine! I just think that people make a bigger deal out of things than they should. Thanks for letting me vent! Also, check out what this guy had to say about Halloween. It's pretty interesting!

I am pumped up!!

JR and I have been more strategic than ever over the past few weeks in our message planning. We are intentionally building towards a big night next week. We are hoping to see many begin a relationship with Christ that night.

Last week, we preached a message called "The Watchman". It was based on an idea in Ezekiel 33: 1-9. The watchman had the responsibility to warn the entire enemy that the enemy was coming. God has appointed us as watchmen over our families, friends, and others in our sphere of influence. This message helped to create the need for telling their friends about Christ.

Tomorrow night, we are preaching a message called, "Just Walk Across the Room". It is based on some of the ideas found in Bill Hybels' book by the same name. We want them to see that they can have an eternal impact in someone's life by simply walking across the room. It's that easy. This is a practical message to encourage them to invite their friends and share their "story" with that person. We are praying for God to use this night to help the students to see that this really is something they can do. You won't want to miss it!!

Next week is the week! We will be speaking about the "Choices" we have in life. It has the potential to be the single most creative Gospel presentation that we have ever done! This past Sunday, our students wrote down the names of people they would like to see begin a relationship with Christ. We have encouraged them to bring those people, regardless of age, that night. We will also give them another opportunity to write down other names tomorrow night.

I don't know that I have ever been more excited about what God is doing in the Middle School Ministry here. We are seeing some unique things happen! Feel free to come and check out what God is doing!!

Oh yeah, these services couldn't be as creative and awesome if we didn't have an amazing team of interns to help with the process! JR wrote about them yesterday and all I can say is "ditto!". The creative team meetings have certainly taken things to a whole new level. You guys are amazing!!

How big is she?

I put one of my shoes beside her so that you can get an idea of how big Anniston really is. The shoe is a size 11. There is no need to call social services, I do not make my child sleep next to smelly shoes. However, you might notice that she has her head turned the other way!

It doesn't get much better than this...

Today was awesome! Joni, Brayden, Anniston, and I all hung out at home all day. It was fun to hang out with them. Apart from a trip to Walmart for me and Brayden, we were all here together today. I love my family and really enjoyed hanging out with them!

Brayden is learning to be gentle with Anniston and not try to karate chop her in the face. Yesterday, he hit his mom in the eye with an alarm clock. Now it looks like I punched Joni in the face.

Ephesians

Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

If could think of a verse right not that would describe my life, I would have to choose this one. How could I have ever imagined that God would allow me to marry the most awesome woman in the world? How could I have ever thought that my children would be so amazing? How could I have ever imagined that God would allow me to be the Middle School Pastor to the greatest students on the planet?

I certainly give Him all the glory. I could have never imagined that it could be this good!!

Same story....different year...

Ok, I have mentioned several times that I believe that I take this college football thing too far. I think tonight confirmed it for me! Clemson looked horrible in a 24-7 loss to Va Tech. First of all, let me say that I said even before the game that I thought Tech was underrated. They have lost 2 games, one to Ga. Tech and one to Boston College. They lost both games to the teams that have the best opportunity to play in the ACC title game.

However, that does not excuse Clemson's performance. I am so glad we only have Will Proctor for 1 season. He has not played well in the past 2-3 games and played as bad as I have ever seen a quarterback play. I know that it was a tough environment but there is no excuse for that performance!

Clemson does this to me every year! They get my hopes up and then they come crashing down. How does the #1 scoring team in the country get held to 150 total yards? I guess we'll have to put this behind us and move on. Bring on Maryland!

Anniston

Many of you have asked how Anniston is doing. She has done really well since she has come home. She continues to gain weight and get stronger each day. She currently weighs 5lbs and 4ozs. She is so incredible!

Joni, Brayden, and I are making adjustments to accomodate her needs. I have been feeding her at the late feeding (11 or 12) and Joni gets up with her at 3 or 4. This seems to work out well for us.

She will not be able to get out much, which means that we will be spending lots of time at home. Brayden seems to be adjusting well to having a new person in the house.

Well, I think it is time for me to feed the most awesome girl on the planet! Look for new pics soon!!

Bloglines...

I have been meaning to tell everyone about this great resource that I have found. Bloglines is a tool that will allow you to go to one site and view multiple blogs. So instead of having to go to 20 different sites, I can go to one site and there is a link to all 20. It also lets you know if the person has written a new blog since you read them last. It saves TONS of time!! To check it out, just click on this.

Here are some blogs that I would suggest you check out:

JR Lee - The High School Pastor at Crosspointe and one of my greatest friends in the whole world.

Jeff Bumgardner - The former(It hurts me to say that.) Worship Pastor at Crosspointe. He used to be my friend until he decided to move all the way to Cali...lol. Now where am I going to watch the UFC fights?

Perry Noble - The Pastor of Newspring Community Church in Anderson, SC. One of the coolest guys I have ever met. God is using him and his church in a tremendous way.

Josh Currie - A guy that I am forever indebted to. He teaches the Millington/Woodstock small group for the Middle School Ministry and also plays in the High School worship band. He also works with Tracie (told you you would get a mention) and Andrew at American Cellular.

Andrew Nelson - A guy that knows more about ohms and feedback than I care to know. I haven't met many more people that are more committed and dedicated than him. Certainly not your typical sound guy!

JC Thompson - The man who works so much that I hardly ever see him. When he isn't working, I can guarantee that he is talking about Memphis football somewhere! He also runs pretty fast, just in case you wanted to know!

There are many others that I would suggest but we would be here all day.

Lesson Learned...

When I was a kid, I remember being somewhat a Miami Hurricanes fan. Clemson wasn't that great and Miami had a great run of winning National Championships in the 80's. Therefore, they were the other team that I pulled for. My feelings have changed since the Canes have moved into the ACC. I still want them to win, but only when it helps Clemson.

One subject that has been much talked about lately has been the fight with FIU. First of all, it was just a fight. It happens all of the time in sports. People just need to get over it!

Secondly, I really liked what Donna Shalala, the President of the University of Miami had to say. "This university will be firm and punish people who do bad things," Shalala said. "But we will not throw any student under the bus for instant restoration of our image or our reputation. I will not hang them in a public square. I will not eliminate their participation at the university. I will not take away their scholarships."

Unfortunately, Christian people seem to react in a way that is contrary to the way Jesus would have reacted. We are quick to pass judgement and condemn people. Why not try to help them through the situation? Why not stick with them to the end? It is easier for us to write someone off than to walk through the fire with them! It seems that a public university understand the importance of this concept.

All around us, there are people that do not know Christ! There is 0% chance they are going to Heaven because they do not know Jesus. I believe that it is time for the Christians and the church (as a whole) to stop turning their backs on those people. Last time I checked, Jesus was all about being in the places where the "sinners" were. I don't know about you, but I am committed to not throw anyone "under the bus". I want to see them come to know Jesus and have an intimate relationship with Him.

Johnny Hunt and the Tigers

I was so excited about having lunch with Perry Noble last week that I forgot to mention that JR and I also went to lunch with Johnny Hunt on Friday. This was awesome because he is one of the guys that I admire most in ministry. Upon meeting him, it is easy to see that he loves Jesus and is one of the most humble men I have ever met. I have learned so much from him and it really excited me to be able to hang out with him and Ken Lassiter for a little while. Of all of the things that he has taught me, the most important would probably be "to stay close and clean". What a simple but powerful prayer!

Gotta brag on my Tigers a little! They are ranked #10 in the AP poll. This is the highest that they have been ranked in a long time! I hope they don't jack it up over the next few weeks. Just think, they are 1 missed extra point away from being undefeated! I am hoping for a good showing in Blacksburg this week.

Resources...

From time to time, I will have people ask me about what I am reading and some help in selecting something to read. I have just read 3 pretty good books that were all totally different. All of them were written by pastors of churches that are getting it done. I love to read! Music and books are my addiction!! Here are a few suggestions for you:

1. The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee. This book helps the reader to move from beyond small groups to authentic community. He has some creative ideas about how to reach your neighborhood and community. I certainly agree with this quote, "The future of the church depends on whether it develops true community. Unless we sense that we belong to each other, with masks off, the vibrant church of today will become the powerless church of tomorrow." It is a great read for anyone and everyone who cares about a true sense of community.

2. The Church of Irresistible Influence by Robert Lewis. This book helps us to understand that is necessary for the church to build bridges into the community. Lewis calls out the church by declaring that today's church exists solely for itself. It is only concerned with routines, facilities, and filling buildings for performances. Few churches are building bridges where they matter most, in the community. This has led to the irrelevance of today's church in society.

3. 7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley. This book was my favorite of the three. This book calls for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry. Some of the ideas are things that are contrary to things I have been taught all my life. However, they make sense and will help us to be more effective in reaching our communities. I would recommend that everyone pick up this book and take to heart its principles!

These are just a couple of things that have challenged the way that I view ministry and reaching people. They were a huge help to me and will be to you also. Check them out! (I even made life easy for you. If you click on the book title, it will take you to Amazon, where you can order the book.)

How bout dem Tigers??

Last night, my Tigers put a "whoopin " on GA Tech. I was so nervous and scared all day long. They made Tech look like a Conference USA school! (Just kidding, my Memphis friends.) Tech came into the game ranked #13 and has had a great season. They are certainly no slouch. They played horrible and Clemson's defense kicked some Yellow Jacket booty!

The offense seemed to struggle at times but worked through it. James Davis and CJ Spiller both had enormous games. The next test will be Thursday night against Virginia Tech. I keep waiting for the Tigers to blow it. I hope this is not the week!

Anniston want a cracker?

Brayden and I both got back into the house last night, which meant that was the first time my entire family has been under the same roof. I have been wondering how he would respond to this little person suddenly taking over the house. I thought he might get really jealous, after all, it has been all about him for 2 years. He hasn't been that way at all. He has wandered around the house all day saying "baby". Several times, he has climbed up on the love seat so that he could see down into her bassonet.

Earlier today, Brayden was eating crackers. He decided to be nice and try to offer Anniston one. It was so funny! We tried to explain to him that she could only eat "mo" (his word for milk). I am pretty sure that he does not understand. It has been a great day to hang out with the 3 people I love the most!

Waiting...

Today is a big day for Clemson football. For the first time ever, Gameday comes to Death Valley. Tonight, they play Ga. Tech, who is ranked #13. Clemson is ranked #12. I really hate it when Clemson plays a big game at night. That means I will be nervous about it all day long!! I hope they do not get embarrassed by the Yellow Jackets. A win means they could move into the top 10. A loss means that they have blown the opportunity to win the ACC and go to a BCS bowl. I know I have said this before but I really think I might take this stuff too seriously!

I saw a really funny sign on Gameday. It said, "Superman wears James Davis (a Clemson running back) underwear." That was pretty funny! I wonder if it is true?

Perry Noble

After meeting with him, I decided to compose a list of the reasons why I love Perry Noble. Here ya go:

1. He is a normal guy. I am sure that at some point in your life you have had a face-to-face meeting with someone you consider to be one of your heroes (not seeing Batman at Six Flags). Unfortunately, it turns out that the person you respected is a jerk. This has happened to me on several occasions. Perry is just a normal guy who God is using in a tremendous way!

2. He made time in his schedule for 2 guys that he has only contacted through email. He wasn't so busy that he couldn't give me and JR some time. We were expecting an hour and we ended up spending an hour and 45 mins with him and Shane, a really cool guy on his staff.

3. He absolutely loves to see people have a real encounter with Jesus, whether this is for the first time or 100th. A few weeks ago, they had 214 people saved in one day. WOW!

4. He is a Clemson fanatic. Enough said there! He talked about how lots of the players have been saved at Newspring.

5. He really believes in vision. He is really big on not allowing someone to hijack your vision. There are always people that will try to push their agenda on your church or ministry. These people mean well but they will try to use their influence to determine the direction of their ministry.

6. I saw him talk to several people in the restaurant and he was genuinely interested in their situation and what was going on in their life. The dude really cares about people! Most people think that a guy that runs over 6,000 people on Sundays doesn't really care about every person. Nothing could be further from the truth.

7. He blogs daily. One of the first things that I do each day is to read his blog. It pumps me up!

8. He believes in excellence! If you can't do it right, don't do it.

9. He surrounds himself with awesome and incredible people. They have the same vision and heartbeat! They see God moving there and do not mind going the extra mile. An simple example of this is that his receptionist and admin. assistants are the nicest people on the planet!

10. He is not afraid to live on the edge. He said that if you want to reach lost people, you have to be willing to do some things that will even make you uncomfortable. He is not afraid to offend the religious Pharisees.

Needless to say, it was certainly worth the cost of the plane ticket! I am so glad that our meeting with Perry exceeded our high expectations!

Heroes...

One of the things that I have always tried to do is identify a list of a few people that I would consider as my heroes. Some of those people are athletes, some are actors, but most of my heroes are people that I look up to spiritually. About 6-7 months ago, JR and I thought "What if we try to meet one of them?" We knew it would be a long shot, but we decided to try to do so. So, all this to say that we contacted Perry Noble and asked him to give us a little of his time. The meeting was rescheduled a couple of different times, but finally happened yesterday.

Wouldn't you know that it worked out for Anniston to come home from the hospital on Wednesday, a day before I left. This caused me to question whether I should go or not. Joni really encouraged me to go because she knew how long I had looked forward to this day. Devin and Jesse agreed to keep Brayden for us, so that it could just be Joni and Anniston for a couple of days. Needless to say, the past 3 days have been pretty eventful.

Yesterday, the day started at 4 am because we had to catch a 7:15 flight. Our first flight was cancelled and our 2nd flight was an hour late. The drive from ATL to Anderson was a very quick one. I am still surprised that we are not in jail for driving so fast. One of the things that JR and I like to do is to invent games to keep life interesting. While we were flying, we decided that we should scroll through our iPods and sing OUT LOUD whatever song was in front of us. It was hilarious (and I am sure very annoying for those around us...lol)

Perry graciously pushed back his schedule to meet with us. We were terrified that we not going to be able to meet with thim after flying and driving like crazy to get there. He was a very gracious guy!

Home Sweet Home!

Yes it is true! Anniston is finally home!!! Today is a special day for a couple of reasons: 1. She got to come home today. 2. Today is she is 2 months old. The doctors really surprised us by allowing her to go home today, instead of this weekend. She currently weighs 4lbs 12oz. She has been off her oxygen since Sunday, with the exception of a little at feeding times. Please pray with us that she continues to be able to stay off of it. She is on a couple of different monitors that would alarm us if anything was going on with her. Hopefully she will not have to wear them for an extended period of time.

Because Anniston was born so early, there are certain precautions we must take. We must try our best to protect her from contact with as many germs as possible. Therefore, we have to ask that you do not come to visit her at this time. Trust me, we certainly want you to see her and we want to show her off. However, we must protect her health. One of the biggest concerns is RSV, which is simply a cold for you and me. It can lead to pneumonia (Does anyone really know why there is a "p" there?) pretty easily. I promise that the day will come when everyone can see her and we cannot wait for that day.

Having a premature baby is going to dramatically alter our way of life. For example, due to RSV, the doctors suggest that Anniston is not in public from Oct-Apr. That is a really long time! Joni is going to be spending lots of time at home with her and could use your prayers and encouragement. So, if you don't see her around as much, it is because she is home with Anniston. She still loves Jesus and has not left the church...lol.

Thanks so much for all the prayers that have been prayed on our behalf. We are eternally grateful! Please continue to pray for us!!

Todd Lollis
www.toddlollis.blogspot.com

I think I hear Michael W. Smith singing...

While I was a teenager, I spent much of my weekends and Wed. nights hanging out with my church's "youth group". (By the way, I hate those words! At Crosspointe, we don't have a youth group, we have a student ministry. Our students are out in the culture engaging their friends and encouraging them to turn to Christ. They are doing ministry. They are not just a part of some little group.) Ok, sorry about the rant.

I can remember several occasions when people did move away. It was always a sad time. The thing I remember most was that in every one of those situations, the song "Friends are Friends Forever" was played. As I result, I now have a phobia of ever hearing that song.

This Sunday will be Jeff Bumgardner's (www.jeffbumgardner.blogspot.com) last Sunday here at Crosspointe. I have mixed emotions about he and his family moving to California. I am really excited for them because God has called them to a great church and I know that God is going to use them in a tremendous way! I am sad because they are some of our greatest friends and we will miss them dearly. It will be really sad to see them go! However, I do believe that it is God's plan! Want to know how I know? I have been a huge Dodgers fan for years and I desperately want to go to Dodger Stadium for a game. Jeff will be really close! Who says God isn't at work? LOL!

So Jeff, it the words of a cheesy 80's Christian artist..."Though it's hard to let you go. In the Father's hands we know, that a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."

Sniff...Sniff...Does anyone have some kleenex?

Isn't She Awesome...

Randomness...

1. Brayden is getting adjusted to the new bed. Yesterday, for the first time, he got out of bed and walked into our room while we were taking a nap. It was pretty cool, except that he had never seen us both asleep before and it freaked him out!
2. Clemson plays Ga Tech next weekend on ESPN. It is a matchup of the #12 and #13 teams. I am already nervous about the game.
3. There hasn't been much football talk around the office. JR is a Miami fan and Jeff is a UGA fan. Not much to talk about for those guys! Clemson just needs to take advantage of a down year and win the ACC!!
4. I am so glad that the students are back from fall break. I really miss CrossOver when we do not have it.
5. I really, really, really want Anniston to come home this week! Look for new pictures soon!

Weekend Wrap-up

I love weekends! I look forward each week to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday because I know that I am going to get to hang out with the people I love the most! Unlike some husbands and fathers, I actually love to hang out with my family. I take that time seriously and try my best to guard our time together. If not, others will plan your entire schedule for you, if you let them.

Friday night, Joni and I went to dinner. I look forward to the opportunities that we have to spend time together, with no kids. (Tip for guys: It is not a date if you bring your kids along!!) It is so important and vital for couples to get away for a few hours and spend time talking about things other than work and the kids. I love my job and my kids. However, I realize that Joni and I need a break from those things. I am not really sure, but I think she likes hanging out with me too!

Saturday, I hung out at the house for most of the day. Brayden and I went to Lexi's soccer game. If you have not watched 4 year olds play soccer, you are missing some entertainment. I admire the people that coach those kids because I am not sure that I could take it. I am too competitive! It did make me anxious for Brayden to be old enough to play sports. I can't wait for that day. We ate dinner at Bigfoot, for the second weekend in a row! I love the place!!!

Sunday, we were at church in the am and pm. Sundays are tricky because we both try to go to the hospital, along with being at both church services and sneaking in a nap. I usually go to the hospital after I dismiss the students for their small groups. I got home in the early afternoon and took a stinkin' long nap! Naps are what makes Sunday afternoons so awesome!!! Joni goes to the hospital before church and I bring Brayden to church with me. After church last night, we went over to the Bumgardner's house to hang out. I love those guys and I am sad that they are moving! We had a great time just talking and watching some crazy reality shows.

Ready...

Joni and I are so ready for Anniston to come home. She seems to be doing really well and getting better every day. She currently weighs 4lbs 8oz. We are not sure when they are going to allow her to come home. They seem to be telling us a couple of different things. This leaves us more confused than anything. The doctors seem to have a difference of opinion for some reason. Hopefully, we can find out on Monday exactly when we will get to bring her home.

Thanks so much to everyone who has prayed for her and been such an encouragement to us. You mean more than you know!

Today is a weird day because Clemson does not play. They played on Thursday night and defeated Temple 63-9. It is also strange because we have no plans for the day. We didn't plan anything because we thought we might be bringing Anniston home today. The good news is that we are getting close -- really close!

A Little Disappointed...

Joni and I spent the whole night with Anniston Wed. night. We arrived at the hospital at about 8pm. They moved her into the room with us about 9:00 and the fun began. It was so awesome to be able to hang out with her and not feel rushed. Usually, I have to get back to work or it is time for shift change but last night we could hold her as long as we wanted.

Although we didn't get much sleep, we had a great night. They decided not to allow her to go home. We are not sure why because they seemed to have no clear reason. The doctor told us it would be a couple of days. To say the least, we were a little disappointed! I think we really got our hopes up and now we are more anxious than ever!

Moving Quickly...

Today the nurses told us that they want us to "sleep in" with Anniston tomorrow night instead of this weekend. She could possibly go home on Thursday!! Things certainly seem to be on the fast track with her now!

FYI - She weighed 4lbs. 5oz.

Brayden

One of the greatest joys in my life is Brayden. I wanted a boy really badly and God was gracious enough to grant my wish. He is the most awesome kid! This weekend, he walked around the house in his Clemson jersey (standard clothing on Saturdays for all males) yelling "Go" every time I would say "Go Tigers". He fell asleep on my chest while we were watching the game. It was so cool!

Last night, he experienced something totally new. We needed to transition him out of his crib so that Anniston will have a place to sleep. So, last night he slept in a regular full size bed (3-4 ft off the floor) for the first time ever. Joni and I were so paranoid that he was going to fall out and break his face. He is the easiest kid on the planet to get to go to sleep. I think he takes that after his dad! Night 1 down, with no broken bones, cuts, or scratches.

Excitement and Nervousness!

I went to see Anniston yesterday and got stuck in some pretty bad traffic on 240 and Walnut Grove. How long can you possibly work on one intersection? It seems like they have been working on that road FOREVER! I almost missed the opportunity to see Anniston because I got there right at shift change. I begged them to let me back for a few minutes and I am really glad that I did.

They told me that they want us to "sleep in" with her this weekend. That means they will have put her in a room with us for the night. That way we can take care of her and experience everything for ourselves. The doctor also ordered equipment for our house. Do you know what that means? You guessed it!! She is coming home soon! We cannot wait. After 53 days of having to leave the hospital without her, we are more than ready.

We are also a little nervous. They are going to have to send her home with some oxygen and a monitor. We have to go to the hospital and take a CPR class. To be honest, taking that class will probably be a little freaky.

We have waited for this day for so long. Now we cannot believe that it is finally going to come!!

New AP Poll

Tigers are ranked 12th. To borrow a line from my good friend Forrest Gump, "That's all I've got to say about that!"

Tall Hair = Assertiveness??

Joni and I had dinner with Mike and Eileen Findley at Bigfoot Lodge. Bigfoot should really put me on staff there because I tell everyone I know about that place. I think it is my favorite restaurant downtown because I love the atmosphere and it is cheap (the main factor in my decision). While we were there, the waitress told me that she could tell that I was going to be assertive because I had tall hair. How strange is that? So I guess now your hair tells people something about your character. Go figure that one out!

Catching up...

Here are the random thoughts of an insane person's mind...

1. It is Saturday, I cannot believe that I haven't posted since Wed.
2. Anniston is doing great. She weighs 4lbs. 1oz. This is a major step in her being allowed to come home. She is doing really well on her feedings. She needs to continue to progress in that area and get off the little bit of oxygen that she is on.
3. I went to the eye dr. yesterday and he told me that my contacts were too strong. I knew that the guy I went to last time was a weirdo, this information just proved it. I am also checking into laser surgery to correct my vision.
4. Anniston got a blood transfusion on Thursday. This will replenish her red blood cells, since a premature baby cannot produce them fast enough.
5. I have been trying to get up at 6:00am every day for 3 weeks. This will help me to have more time to read, pray, and exercise. This is difficult for me because I am such a night person. Week 1 is done!!
6. Clemson drove me insane today. They trailed 17-3 at the end of the 3rd quarter. They won the game 27-17. I didn't give them much of a chance after the 1st quarter. I was so relieved they won. They should move up a few spots in the poll.
7. We are not sure when Anniston might get to come home, but I really feel like we are getting close. Today is day 50 in the hospital.
8. Gas is under $2. That excites me!
9. Joni and I had dinner with Mike and Eileen Findley. Addison, 2 months old, was also with them. It is so hard to believe that she is only 4 days older than Anniston. They are awesome people and I really enjoyed hanging out with them.
10. I might take this college football stuff too seriously.
11. The Dodgers continue to disappoint me! A sweep? Give me a break!
12. The fires downtown were crazy. The Methodist church was the oldest church in Memphis.
13. Excited that Auburn got beat. I wish Tennessee hadn't won!
14. I ran 3.1 (5k) miles non-stop today for the 1st time.
15. I have been reading the book of Romans lately. Talk about deep and challenging!!

I love Wednesdays...

Wednesday is my 2nd favorite day of the week. Why 2nd? My favorite day of the week is Saturday. I absolutely love hanging out with my wife, who is my best friend and the most unbelievable woman in the world. I also love to hang out with Brayden and Anniston. Brayden is turning into a little wild man. He goes wide open all the time. Anniston is the girl who should be arrested for stealing my heart. By the way, she continues to do well. She weighed 3lbs 13ozs today.

Wednesdays are my 2nd favorite day because I get to hang out with some of the most unbelievable students that I have ever known. They are the reason that I do what I do. I have a deep burning passion for them to be closer to Jesus each and every day. CrossOver is about 2 things: helping those who don't know Christ to get to know Him and helping those that do know Him to know more and have a deeper relationship with Christ. That's it! That fuels everything we do! It is so cool to get into their world and help them to make a difference. I can't believe that I actually get paid to do this!! Don't tell anyone, but I don't have a choice. This is what God has called me to do.

Jesus, thank You so much for allowing me to be a part of Your great plan. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Please help me to make the most of what I have, where I am!

Anniston

Here is the most recent picture of her @ 6 weeks old and 3lbs 12ozs!

Tigers Roll...

Clemson destroyed yet another high school team (La. Tech) this weekend 51-0. They are playing better than I have seen them play in a long time. They are ranked 15th in the lastest poll, which is 1 spot behind Tennessee. That should change this weekend, when UGA beats Tenn. Clemson plays Wake Forest, who is the most surprising unbeaten team in the country. We'll see what happens!!

Movin' On Up

Anniston continues to amaze me! When I went to visit her today, she weighed 3lbs 12ozs. That is 3ozs more than yesterday! She looks a million times bigger than she was in the few days after she was born.

Yesterday, she drank a whole bottle for the first time. Saturday was the first time they had ever tried her on the bottle and she drank 10cc. Yesterday, she goes and drinks all 44cc. That is so crazy!!

Today is day 44 in the hospital. As I was adding that up today, I guess I didn't realize that it had been that long. We are so ready to bring her home!!!