Dancing....

Okay, I have to admit that I am a fan of Dancing with the Stars. We have watched it faithfully for the last two seasons and were excited for season 4 to get here. That being said, imagine my excitement when a friend asked if Gretchen and I wanted to attend a live taping with him and his wife. I said yes and then two days later we were off to Hollywood. I will be quick to admit that I am not a huge fan of the whole Hollywood scene - but on Monday night I will admit I had a total blast.

We arrived in Hollywood about 3 hours before the line started forming (right beside the white pole - this is an inside joke for Gretchen). We passed the time just spending time with each other and have an all around great time.

Because we were there so early we were 14, 15, 16 and 17th positions in line. Guaranteed seating! We got in and sat down in seats in the balcony that were big enough for the likes of the extremely thin Hollywood types - but that did not curb our enthusiasm. The MC guy got us all going and then Billy Ray Cyrus came to the balcony and spent some time shaking hands and greeting the "regular people". HE WAS THE ONLY STAR THAT I SAW DOING THAT (I am beginning a vote for Billy Ray campaign).

The show was awesome (I think I got a workout just watching the camera guy maneuver his way around to get the good shots). We cheered and laughed during the entire show. I got Cheryl to wave to us, a personal thumbs up from Bruno, an I am not worthy bow from Billy Ray, and toooooo many memories.

DEFINITELY SOMETHING I WOULD DO AGAIN!!!!!

Great Force for Good

I just got done reading an article from a friend who is a Minister of Education in Austin (David Proctor) and he wrote that there reasons Bible Fellowship Ministry (of course his church still calls it Sunday School) is a great force for good.

1. Bible Fellowship does its work every week of the year
2. Bible Fellowship is for everyone
3. Bible Fellowship is organized for outreach, nurture and ministry
4. Bible Fellowship has the Bible as its textbook
5. Bible Fellowship is church-centered

How about that for some focus!

Let's all keep pushing to make Immanuel the best Bible Fellowship Ministry in the country!!!!

So Long Cuddles

Last night started out like a typical Wednesday night. We all came home after being at church and it was time for the girls to get ready for bed. The standard procedure is that they get ready and then I go through some strange rituals (another story for another post). The end result is that I put them to bed and pray with them.

Last night all was going according to plan until I heard a frantic cry from Malory which was followed by Marissa running down the hall stating that Cuddles (Malory's hamster) had died. Of course I had to play dad and veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Sure enough Cuddles had breathed her last.

Malory was very upset (as well as were the rest of us). This after all was her first pet. I remember many of my pets meeting the same fate - so I could sympathize. I just felt really bad for her and stayed with her until she fell asleep. I remember my dad doing the same with me (many times). I am sure this is not the last time this will happen.

Tonight when I get home we are going to have a small little service to memorialize cuddles. I am sure that will put closure to this issue. Here are some things I remember cuddles for:

1. Putting a smile on Malory's face
2. Watching Malory's friends light up when they came to visit
3. Small in stature - big in bite
4. Malory learning responsibility

I am sure many of you can sympathize with Malory (and me for that matter). I will let you know how the memorial service goes.

How did this happen

How did I become a pac 10 fan? I say that with saying that I have been and will always be a Colorado Buffalo Fan. The problem with that this time of year is that they rarely make it to the dance in the first place.

I grew up in Big 8 (now the big 12) territory. Going to CU football and basketball games were a huge part my life then. I will admit that I was also closet Texas Longhorn (I guess I just thought their uniforms were pretty cool - burnt orange - hook 'em horns).

With that being said this year I find myself cheering for USC and UCLA to go all the way in this years tournament. I truly would enjoy an all LA final game, of course I would cheer for USC to win it all.

I just cannot imagine how I got to this point. I feel like a total trader.

I am in serious need of help. Of course all would heal if CU would get a clue and put a valid team on the court.

HELP!!!!

Just Wondering

Final Four time... I love all sports (seriously I will watch anything related to sports - even curling). My favorite sports are HS and College Football (followed closely by professional football), NASCAR, Hunting, Fishing (yes I consider them sports) and the Final Four. Notice that I did not say College Basketball was one of my favorites. I enjoy a good College B-Ball game, but I really do not get involved until the Final Four tournament comes around. I really look forward to this years tournament because I think the mix of teams is very good (a lot of teams could take it). I really never pull for the Cinderella team mainly because I did not know many of them existed until the tournament. This year I really like numerous teams. Kansas, Texas, Carolina and USC are teams that I would like to see go for a while.

I am curious to know who you see taking it all the way (no this is not a pool).

Equipped for Excellence

What exactly does it mean to do something with excellence? Booker T. Washington said that Excellence is doing a common thing is an uncommon way. I think in terms of giving 100%, not holding anything back.

With that being said, is it not true that we are to be equipped for excellence? We should each pursue excellence in regards to all that we do for Christ. We should also pursue this as a church. Pastor recently preached a sermon on a Sunday night entitled “Equipped for Excellence”. If you did not get a chance to hear it – PURCHASE THE CD! It presented what we are to be doing as a church in the area of our Bible Fellowship Ministry. It is a great resource.

Another great resource, which promotes excellence in our Bible Fellowship Minsitry, comes our way every spring. Equipped for Excellence is a great conference to attend if you are working (or wanting to work) in our Bible Fellowship Ministry. At the conference you will hear from some of the greatest trainers in the nation in regards to Bible Fellowship Ministry. I have attended for the last 7 years and have always been extremely blessed!

You can get information about the conference on their website www.equippedforexcellence.org or by calling the Education office. If you register by March 25 the conference is free! I really hope to see many Immanuel Bible Fellowship Leaders in attendance on that day.

Welcome

Welcome! I am glad you chose to visit. As the weeks pass, more posts will be available for you to view. Please let me know what you think.

Onward to 2000

I hope this will become a constant source of encouragement for those of you who desire to take your department/class beyond where it is right now. I read a great article that listed ways to make what we do a 7 day a week strategy. It has to become that in order for us to all acheive the goal that has been set before us. I am anxious as to what you do to make this happen already. I will include a link to the article for you to check it out yourselves.

http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D162375%252526M%25253D200839%2C00.html?

I hope to hear from some of you soon.