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Over the past couple of weeks, so many people have been praying for my family and offering up words of encouragement. I’ve tried to get back to some through text and Facebook but I know I’ve missed some. So first off, let me say thank you to everyone for their prayers for my family. The past few weeks have been rough, but your prayers have made a tremendous difference. Also, thank you for all the help with transportation, food, cards, etc. The love has been overwhelming!

Let me try to give a quick background and update for this who are wondering:

On December 20 my dad went to Urgent Care because of what he thought was a rapidly spreading rash below his belly button. When the doctor saw it, she immediately sent him to the ER by ambulance. What he thought was a rash turned out to be a serious infection. When my dad got to the ER, they told him about the severity of the infection and told him the infection and the needed surgery could very well be life-threatening. As we found out later, it was a staph infection (MRSA). The doctor thought they might have to cut out a major section of skin and then go back and do skin grafts later on, which would be incredibly dangerous and would involve an incredibly long recovery. They put him in ICU.

Thankfully, the doctor decided to put my dad on antibiotics and see what happened. However, if the infection spread in the least bit, he was going to do surgery immediately. Thankfully, the infection did not spread through Sunday night. The doctor decided to wait another 24 hours. As time progressed, the antibiotics seemed to kick in and begin to work. The redness seemed to go down and the area began to slowly get smaller.

On Monday afternoon, the doctors decided there was no flesh-eating bacteria in the infection and they felt the infection would not be fatal. After a couple days, my dad was moved to a regular room. The infection continued to get better and finally, the surgeon came in and drained the infection. This was very painful for my dad because he had to cut on infected skin. I’ll leave out the gory details but basically he stuck his finger down in the wound and pulled out a lot of the junk in there. Yes, still gory. At that point, gauze had to be packed inside the wound so it could heal from the inside out. This meant it had to be pulled out and packed again 2-3 times a day to get all of the infection out.

If you have not been through this, it is EXTREMELY PAINFUL. I had to endure it in high school. What my dad had was much worse. My dad was in the hospital for 10 days total but got to come home with a pic line in place on December 29. Since then, he has been getting antibiotics through an IV and my mom has been replacing the gauze in the wound a couple times a day. Yes, he says it’s still painful.

Thankfully, the doctor took the pic line out today and said my dad can take oral antibiotics. He’s happy with the progess that’s being made and they expect a full recovery. My dad is itching to go back to work on Monday.

Once again, thank you to everyone for everything. I’d ask that you still continue in your prayers because there is still a little ways to go in this. But God has been faithful through all of this and we have truly felt his love and peace as well as the love of others around us.

As a sidenote, I’d really appreciate it if people would bring exercise equipment instead of food next time. There was not one bad dish or dessert. It was all delicious and therefore has caused me to gain 15 lbs in the last week.

We all have Christmas songs that just annoy the mess out of us. Here’s a list of 10 that I could do without. You may disagree with me, but oh well. It’s my list

10. “Deck the Halls”
It may be a classic, but have you ever looked at the words. I don’t understand what half the song means, and the other half is littered with “fa la la’s.” And I know the meaning of words change over the course of time, but I really don’t want to “don” my “gay apparel.”

9. “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth”
The song sounds like the kid from Up recorded a Christmas album. This video shows how “goofy” the song actually is:

8. “I Saw Three Ships”
It sounds like an old Irish drinking song and repeats itself over and over and over and over. I’m not not even sure what the song is about, except there were 3 ships, and it was Christmas.

7. “Feliz Navidad”
When every English-only-speaking American knows every single word to the song, it’s time to invent something new. The song is catchy and fun around November 29. By December 24, it’s annoying. Maybe it’s time for us to learn new Spanish songs.

6. “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer”
Have you read all the lyrics to the song? Grandma gets run over and killed and the family takes it just fine. No big deal. Apparently she was drinking too much egg nog, not taking her medication, and wandering around aimlessly. This song isn’t fun. It’s family neglect! Grandma is dead and no one cares! Very disturbing. Not to mention, it’s backwoods hillbilly music. Here’s a clip from the movie that was based off the song. Yikes!

5. “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
When I heard this song in Elf, I loved it. That was until I read the lyrics. This guy sounds like a total pervert who is bent on seducing the girl in any way possible. Don’t believe me? Check out the lyrics:

I really can’t stay – Baby it’s cold outside
I’ve got to go away – Baby it’s cold outside
This evening has been – Been hoping that you’d drop in
So very nice – I’ll hold your hands, they’re cold as ice
My mother will start to worry – Beautiful, what’s your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor – Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I’d better scurry – Beautiful, please don’t hurry
Well maybe just one drink more – Put some records on while I pour

The neighbors might think – Baby, it’s bad out there
Say, what’s in this drink – No cabs to be had out there

She’s trying to get away. He’s trying to get her to stay. And then comes the kicker: “Say, what’s in this drink?” Did he spike it? Sounds a little concerning to me! Here’s a video featuring Rainn Wilson with a funny take on the song:

4. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Even though the song is innocent, in the kid’s mind, he just saw his mom cheating on his dad with Santa. But no worries for the boy. Just plenty of laughs. Riiiiiight.

3. “Santa Baby”
When I hear this song, it makes me feel dirty. It seems like it turns Santa and Christmas into something sexual and deviant aka the opposite of what Christmas is about! And sorry…but NO video for this one.

2. “The Little Drummer Boy”
“Pa rum pum pum pum” are not real lyrics. They’re not even words. Well, “rum” is, but that clearly has nothing to do with the song. I don’t know why but this song has always annoyed me. Maybe because it takes a biblical story and adds a fictional character. Maybe because I’m never seen an ox and lamb keep time. Maybe because drums can’t be used in worship (kidding). I don’t know. Here’s a very awkward encounter between Bing Crosby and Davie Bowie:

1. “Christmas Shoes” by Newsong
This is difficult to put on here because I’ve met and talked with the band many times and they are incredible guys and incredible musicians. I love 99% of their music and their concerts are always great. However, this song makes me hate shoes. I’m not big on “feel good” and “make you cry” Christmas songs. Also, if Momma is about to die, shouldn’t the boy be at the hospital and not buying shoes? And doesn’t he know Momma can’t take those shoes to heaven with her? (I’m being ridiculous. Don’t hate me.) Actually hate me if you want, but when “Christmas Shoes” is being performed live in July, I have reason to make it #1 on my list.

There are many other songs that could have made the list, especially if I journeyed outside the realm of “classic” Christmas songs. Things like “Last Christmas” by Wham, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid, and “Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” by John Denver could all make a list somewhere.

What Christmas songs do you find most annoying?

(P.S. The 10 greatest versions of Christmas songs coming tomorrow)

A couple weeks ago I took a few shots at my gender with my post entitled “Don’t Be That Guy!” Well ladies, today it’s your turn. Without further ado, I give you “Don’t Be That Girl.”

The girl who trashes Britney Spears…and dresses just like her—don’t be that girl.

The girl who wears stiletto heels and a miniskirt to a baseball game–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks showing cleavage is a God-given right–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks Twilight should be nominated for Best Movie Ever–don’t be that girl.

The girl who breaks up with a guy so she can “date God” but dumps God 2 weeks later so she can date a different guy–don’t be that girl.

The girl who tries to show off her underwear in a way that looks like she stuck a slingshot down the back of her pants–don’t be that girl.

The white girl who actually thinks she looks good dancing and singing to rap–don’t be that girl.

The girl who only goes on dates cause she’s low on money and needs a free meal–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks she can actually sympathize with characters on Sex and the City–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are disgusting but knows every word to their songs–don’t be that girl.

The girl who texts more than talks during a date–don’t be that girl.

The girl who has no problem proving she can out-burp any guy–don’t be that girl.

The girl who has her wedding date picked out before she’s met her groom–don’t be that girl.

The girl who constantly talks about her old boyfriend while with her new boyfriend–don’t be that girl.

Any girl who has ever said a Lifetime movie was “well done” or “deserves a sequel”–don’t be that girl.

The girl whose Christmas lists consists of the words “Prada” or “Coach”–you won’t be my girl!

The girl who thinks Matthew McConaughey is a good actor–don’t be that girl.

The girl who constantly says “Well at least you don’t have to go give birth!”–don’t be that girl.

The girl who can’t believe it’s not butter–just kidding. You can be that girl.

Tomorrow morning I’m headed to Dallas, Texas for the first ever D6 Conference. As an employee of Randall House, I’m honored and excited to be part of this conference. I’m looking forward to the speakers, the interaction with friends, and yes…even working while I’m there.

If you’re at the conference, stop by the D6 Booth and say hi. There’s a good chance I’ll be working it.

See ya in Dallas!

Just wanted to write a simple note and encourage everyone to pray for Pusch (aka Eric Puschmann aka Pastor Pusch). He’s been in the hospital for a couple days and can use our prayers. Praying for you Pusch!

A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times reported a story that, unfortunately, is not very surprising. However, for many parents it might be. According to the story, in many ways parents are clueless as to what their teens are doing on social networks. The survey polled 1,013 teens and 1,002 parents. Here’s some of the results they found:

• 37% of teens said they used social networks to make fun of other students, but only 18% of parents believe their own angels do so.
• 13% of teens said they posted naked or semi-naked photos or videos of themselves. Only 2% of parents said their kids have done that.
• 24% of teens said they signed on to someone else’s account without permission, while only 4% of parents said their kids have done that.
• 28% of teens posted personal information that they normally would not have revealed in public, but 16% of parents said their kids did that.

It’s very important that parents understand what their teens are doing online. Many parents don’t want to invade the “privacy” of their teen, but it’s also important that parents keep their teen safe and away from illegal or potentially dangerous actions. It’s one thing for a teen to take Facebook quiz called “What Twilight star am I?” It’s another for a teen to post naked or sexually suggestive pictures and/or personal information such as a cell phone number or home address.

Many parents will want to see these stats and think, “That’s disturbing. But my kid isn’t involved in that.” Seems like the majority of the 1,002 parents said the same thing. Look how many of them were wrong.

To read the full story, click here: What Parents Think Teens Are Doing on Social Networks and What the Teens Are Actually Doing

Before I deleted my MySpace page, if you went to the section marked “Heroes” you would see a variance of names. Some were former youth pastors that had a major impact on my life. Some were family members that made a difference for me. Others were the all-too-typical answers of musicians and athletes.

As I’ve gotten older, my idea of a “hero” has changed. Some of these people are still the same. I still consider my parents, my Truth and Peace leaders, former youth pastors and pastors, and mentors to be my heroes. However, the list of celebrities has changed and been replaced by people that are closer to me and even younger.

While I was reading Francis Chan’s book Crazy Love he asked a question that made me stop and think. To paraphrase, Chan asked: What are you doing right now in life that requires you to step out in faith?

For most of us, that question would be unanswerable. We live in our nice homes/apartments, have multiple TVs with cable, DVR or Tivo, and cars that work. We have a close group of friends that we’re comfortable with so we don’t venture out to meet new people who are different than us. Even though our paychecks might not be what we want them to be, we still live beyond our basic necessitities and don’t give much thought to giving to others in a way that squeezes our pockets. In a sense, we don’t make sacrifices. Let’s be honest: giving $10 to missions is probably not a real sacrifice on our part if we’re about to spend $40 on lunch later in the day.

The more I thought about this, the more I realized I DO know people living with faith, through faith, and in faith. I do know people making sacrifice after sacrifice because their faith has impacted the way they live on a daily basis. Thankfully, I’m lucky to call these people my friends.

Who are these people? It’s the couple who has poured their blood, sweat, and tears into a small Nashville church in a troubled community. There’s no paycheck and there’s not much appreciation from people. In fact, they’ve faced the opposite. However, they continue to do what God has called them to do. It’s the friends that have spent their summer working overseas in France and China, training and preparing to travel abroad and share God’s love with those who do not know Him. It’s the friend spending the next 11 months in China because her heart is absolutely burdened for the people. It’s the couple on Laos and the couple in Mongolia, giving up their comfortable lives to serve people who are lost and do not know Christ. It’s the couple that moved away from home to attend seminary in a brand new city in order to further their education to be more effective tools for God’s serve. It’s the incredible girl that just left Nashville to teach in St. Croix because her heart has been heavy for the people and the island for many years.

These people have stepped out in faith. They’re not waiting until a certain age. In fact, all of them are under 30. They’re being faithful to what God has called them to do.

These people are my heroes.

Today is my first day back at work since Friday. I’ve been sick since Friday night with…well…you don’t need the details. Let’s just say it’s been bad. Just to get back into the habit of blogging again, here’s a few things I learned from being sick:

1. Daytime TV is BORING!
Even with 100 channels, my choices are limited. Do I watch Sportscenter for the 8th time? Soap operas? Spanish soap operas? SpongeBob Squarepants, SpongeBob Squarepants, and later…more SpongeBob Squarepants? Maybe syndicated game shows hosted by Donnie Osmond where the grand prize is a new bike? It’s rough!

2. Daytime TV is targeted at people living in their parents’ basement
No joke! Pretty much every commercial starts out, “Hey, are you sick of living in your parents’ basement?” And then it’s (unrealistically) followed by, “Do you want to make lots of money in a professional field you absolutely love?” And then comes the greatest part…you only have to sign up for a 2 week course at a local community college and you’ll be on your way to designing graphics and animation from the 1980s, working in a technology field with computers that still use floppy disks, and becoming a dental hygienist while wearing glasses that were popular with the cast of Saved By the Bell. Gotta love outdated “come-to-our-school-and-find-a-job-in-a-bad-economy” commercials.

3. If you can’t eat food, you don’t want to see food!
Seeing a commercial for Chili’s or accidentally turning it to the Food Network was like being waterboarded. I didn’t even have to eat the food to feel it start coming back up. Too graphic? Whoops. But you get my point!

4. Gatorade and Powerade are part of a delicious and balanced breakfast.
I would probably be dead and dehydrated without you! Thank you!

5. If you take medicine that makes you a little loopy/crazy, don’t text, call, or chat with anyone online.
I sincerely apologize. ‘Nough said.

For those of you are like me and only get your news from ESPN (I’m exaggerating…a bit), you might have missed this story. As of July 1, 2009, it is against the law to text while driving in the state of Tennessee. Here’s the full story from Knox News:

NASHVILLE – Rachel Nichol says reading or sending cell phone text messages while driving isn’t such a good idea – she’s had five fender benders, including one in a fast-food drive-thru.

“I was texting and I rear-ended someone each time,” said Nichol, a 20-year-old Nashville bartender. “You’re not looking at the road. You’re only using one hand to drive and it’s really dangerous.”

That’s why she supports a law prohibiting the behavior. It’s among new Tennessee laws that take effect today.

Violators of the texting prohibition would be fined $50, but the action would be considered a nonmoving traffic violation, meaning no points would be added to a person’s driving record.

It also exempts certain officials – such as officers of the state, campus police officers and emergency medical technicians – when performing their duties.

Opponents argued that law enforcement may not be able to tell whether drivers are texting or dialing and that texting is already covered under the state’s distracted driving law.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper agreed with that in an opinion he issued earlier this year when he said officers can currently cite a driver “whenever unsafe operation is caused by cell phone use, text messaging, applying cosmetics or any other activity that prevents the driver from operating the vehicle in a safe manner.”

But Maggi McLean Duncan, executive director of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, said the group believes the new law is still necessary.

“They felt the proposed legislation which is now becoming law clarified it very succinctly not only for law enforcement, but for the judicial branch, as well as for citizens,” she said.

Safety Department spokesman Mike Browning said the new law “does create a challenge to law enforcement in distinguishing between texting and dialing on a mobile phone, since the statute does not require that all communications be performed with a hands-free device.”

However, he said the Tennessee Highway Patrol will enforce the law “to help promote public safety.”

“Motorists should be aware that texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that can result in an injury crash or even death to the driver or other motorists,” Browning said.

Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.