Carolyn Mahaney

Just have a second, but I wanted to send the ladies here. I have been trying to do better about using my commute, where my mind is usually just on mush-mode. I've been popping in some of these talks by Carolyn Mahaney.

They have been so incredibly timely and encouraging. Do you have an Ipod or MP3 player? Is there some way you could get them to your car or computer? They are really helpful and the focus is godward. Be encouraged.

Quotable.

Jerry Bridges, an author I respect and appreciate, has a new book out called Respectable Sins.

Just to meditate on THAT is probably helpful... refined sins.

This quote makes me want to go grab the book right now. And the second paragraph of this quote is just as important as the first.

The motivation for this book stems from a growing conviction that those of us whom I call conservative evangelicals may have become so preoccupied with some of the major sins of society around us that we have lost sight of the need to deal with our own more “refined” or subtle sins.

While seeking to address these “respectable” sins, however, I also want this to be a book of hope. We are never to wallow hopelessly in our sins. Rather, we are to believe the gospel through which God has dealt with both the guilt of our sin and its dominion over us.

Healthy Competition

You've seen box tops before, right?
They look like this:
Our school collects them. Dustin and I find them on our cheap muffin mix, pancake box, kleenex boxes, TP, etc.

Last year, my class got creamed in the grade-wide contest. I mean, we lost big time. It was a sad day.

And besides winning, of course, the idea is to raise money for your school.

So, will you help us out? It's super easy, and we're getting competitive as it looks like we might have a chance this year. :)

Just keep them in a ziplock bag. Then, say mid-Spring of next year, just stick them in an envelope and mail them to me. Just look up Southern's address online and address it to Dustin and Jamie Butts. It will get to me. And you will receive... a fun thank-you note from a bunch of neat 5th graders. You have my word.

Oh, and here's a recipe that looks yummy from their website!

Thanks. Oh, and I know this blog is lacking thoughtful posts of any real significance. Maybe soon...

Are you in?

A Plug for our Neighbor :)

Need a photographer?

Know someone in the 'Ville who is getting hitched?

Our neighbor, David, is GOOD at what he does. And he and his wife are growing to be dear friends of ours. We have a dinner swap going now (We switch off cooking on Monday nights! She's a great cook, too!) and we love right-up-the-stairs-neighbors that you can really borrow that proverbial cup of sugar from!

I know a lot of you guys and gals like photography (Mrs. Gerlt, Vivian, Cozarts, etc) so have fun checking out his site. (Find the Hot Air Balloon Pics, which are terrific!)