10 for the 2000s

As we look to the new year, it marks the end of the first decade of the new millennium. It's been a decade with significant events, significant change, and significant memories. On a personal level, this past decade is marked by the years of my "true adult" life (meaning post college, not living at home, full-time job).

Over the month of December, I'll be doing a series of posts remembering 2000-2009 by posting lists of 10 (some top ten, some just 10). Enjoy!

Noiseless

Last week I was in Franklin Nebraska on a farm. I was playing Disc Golf with Caleb Bislow, and my ears started to feel pressure. I couldn't figure out why. I got a little freaked out, wondering if vertigo was going to set in, an eardrum was going to pop, or something else medically tragic.

Then it dawned on me.

When we weren't talking, it was dead silent out there.

No Electronics pumping out Music, TV, Movies, or Talk Radio.
No Office noise like voices chattering in the next room.
No humming of a computer, keyboard typing, or halogen lights buzzing.
No Farm equipment running.

Noiseless.

I didn't like it at first. It was eerily quiet. Then my body started slowing down a little bit. I realized how much noise has been going on in my life over the past 6 weeks. There was the Audible noise like the things mentioned above, but it has also been the noise of projects, thoughts, questions, reviewing conversations, confrontations, etc.

As I soaked in noiseless, I began to catch a glimpse of God in the beauty around me, and I believe I also caught His gentle whisper saying, "You need more noiseless, buddy."

I needed noiseless on Monday afternoon last week. I need noiseless a little more often. It reminds me what's important. It also reminds me that I'm not as important as I sometimes think I am.

God's really big, and it blows me away how often I find him in the silence.

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

I Kings 19:11b-12

3 Posts to Make You think

I read these three posts last week, and they all challenged my thinking.

Austin Hostetter graduated from NMC last year and is attending Ball State University. Austin was very politically active in his High School years, and would label himself as a political conservative. In this post, he explains why evangelicals his age may be swinging to "the left", why an older generation may be freaking out, and why they may not need to freak out too much. It's a great read. Check out "a demographic change in evangelical voters."

Adam Cramer (2003 NMC grad) is currently in Africa finishing up a term serving with J-Life International. Adam gives a bit of a rant in this post on his holy disdain toward Black Friday. It's a little hard to swallow, but the truth runs thick in "Happy Consumerism Day."

Ryan Yazel (former NMC Intern) is the pastor at Keller Park Church in South Bend. He throws out a huge challenge in this post toward the church on how we respond to the day a person turns 18. Check out "The Worst Days of their Lives."

I like being challenged/inspired when I read blogs. Thanks to these 3 for doing so!

Kids In Need Sunday Message

To me, this may be one of the most important messages I've shared at NMC. If you want to watch and listen to it... go HERE. (I recommend watching if possible)

I'm Back and Ready to Blog

Get ready blog world. Probably an average of 3 posts a day ahead this week.

Thanksgiving

This weekend I pause to especially say thanks for:

• 2 years with a beautiful daughter.
• 9 1/2 years with an amazing wife.
• 15 years marked by a Savior.
• 32 1/2 years with a great Father.
• Eternity.
  

Week 12 Picks

I could get in a lot of trouble with some of these picks:

Green Bay at Detroit - Detroit is hurting after a great game last week (I swallow hard when I say "great game" considering it was against Cleveland).

Oakland at Dallas - Oakland won last week, but they're still Oakland.

NY Giants at Denver - Denver is hurting.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

Miami at Buffalo

Cleveland at Cincinnati

Carolina at NY Jets

Washington at Philadelphia

Indianapolis at Houston - This is the regular season matchup I am most nervous about as the Colts continue to march toward an unblemished season. Of course, they will probably start benching all their starters once they clinch Home Field Advantage, so an undefeated season is highly unlikely.

Seattle at St. Louis

Kansas City at San Diego - I think KC continues their upset streak. Stupid, I know, but who cares?

Jacksonville at San Francisco - Jax playing well lately.

Arizona at Tennessee - This will be real close. The Vince Young/ Chris Johnson combo is a scary one.

Chicago at Minnesota - Although he's on my fantasy team, I'm finding a little pleasure in the failed Jay Cutler experience (at least to this point).

Pittsburgh at Baltimore - Pitt is struggling. I don't think Big Ben will make it through this game.

New England at New Orleans - I hate choosing this one. On one end, I'd love to see New Orleans lose and the Colts be on top for wins in the regular season. On the other end, I NEVER want to see New England Win. the Bottom line, I think the AFC is stronger than the NFC. I think that New England is REALLY GOOD. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth...

Hitting the Road

We're loading up and heading out! Next stop is to see this guy and his family. Excited to talk, dream, challenge and be challenged over the next few days. Blogging may be a little sporadic!

I hope to at least put up a response to my movie viewing experience last night.

Silent Auction Stories: Part 4 of 5

Peyton Manning Autographed Picture

A-1 Peyton Manning Autographed Picture

This item was donated by a Small Group Leader. About 6 weeks ago, he came to me after a Wednesday Night and said he was thinking he needed to get involved in the Silent Auction. He told me he was a huge sports nut with lots of collectibles. He decided that he needed to donate his most prized possession.

You can bid on it here.

Brett Favre Autographed Mini-Helmet

A-2 Brett Favre Autographed Mini-Helmet

I was blown away when a Junior guy told me he would be donating this. He is a huge Green Bay and Brett Favre fan. This was no easy sacrifice for him. I'm still shocked at the current bid for this item.

Bid for it here.

Lunar Happenings

I guess there's a little movie about vampires, werewolves and forbidden love coming out this weekend. New Moon (from the Twilight Saga) is worthy of attention by parents and youth workers. In my web surfing today, two quotes that struck me from this LA Times article...

More than a week before its Nov. 20 release, "New Moon" had sold more than four times as many tickets as "Twilight" at MovieTickets.com at the same point in the sales cycle, with more than 1,300 sold-out performances -- including 900 midnight performances.

Then I read the following Facebook status update from one of our high school gals

my new moon frenzy is still goin! hyped up on monsters (the only energy i have) last night didnt get very much sleep but im ready to go see NEW MOON again! :) gotta love the twihards!

I am thoroughly intrigued by this cultural phenomenon. I blogged here and here about the books highlighting my enjoyment and concerns over the series. 2 thoughts I'm having.

1. I believe this movie could potentially beat out Titanic as top-grossing film. I know that seems crazy. Many say the factor to put Titanic so far over the top is the amount of preteen and teen girls who, suffering from what was labeled "Leo-mania" went back 6-10 times to see the film. MTV has hyped this movie like it's going out of style. The amount of fan freakout from the "Twi-hards" is insane. I've been pretty surprised by the high level of 20-30 year olds (primarily females) who are completely hooked by the books as well. I don't know if it will happen, but I'll just say I won't be surprised if this sets some box office records.
   
2. I wonder how many moms (or dads) and teen/tween daughters have set up "date
   Publish Post
   s" to go see this movie together? I know of a few. I hope there are a lot. I hope there is some discussion on the way home. I hope there are questions like the following:
   
   • Do you think there is an Edward Cullen (maybe not a vampire, but a guy that possesses his qualities) out there? What about Jacob Black?
   • Who do you think shows more respect to Bella?
     
   • Who do you think loves Bella more?
   • Where do you see yourself like Bella and different from Bella?
     
   • What message(s) do you think were being shared in this movie?
   • What are the messages you would say line up with your beliefs and how you want to live your life?
   • What are the messages you would say do not line up with your beliefs or how you want to live your life?
   • How would you say this movie defines love?
     
   • Do you think the depression Bella fell in after Edward left was healthy? Romantic? why?
   I hope this happens. I'm afraid far too many will simply let their daughters go watch with others and have no follow up for potentially valuable conversation. I'm afraid far too many will go on a "date", but miss the opportunity to model and encourage their child to "think critically" about the entertainment being taken in.

I'll go watch it. Probably this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to view it in a packed house; mainly because I will be there to observe the frenzy as well as the film.

Silent Auction Stories - Part 3 of 5

Ceramic Caroler Set

H-35 Ceramic Caroler Set

These ceramic carolers were handpainted by a High School Junior gal named Morgan . They are approximately 2 feet tall, and took her 7 years to complete. After finishing them, she had many thoughts on what she could do... ultimately, she decided the best choice was to help orphans in Kenya find health and hope!

You can bid for this item here.

4GB Apple Ipod

E-3 4GB Apple Ipod

Donated by a Freshman who explains, “When God first gave me the idea to give up my Ipod, I was all for it. But then I kept trying to tell myself that it wouldn’t be a big deal if I didn’t. In the end, I know that I had to because God was trying to teach me about sacrifice.

You can bid for this item here.

Silent Auction Stories: Part 2 of 5

Kenyan Giraffe

K-8: Kenyan Giraffe

Approximately 2′ Tall. Handcrafted in Kenya.

The story behind this item:

“This giraffe was given to us by Jeremiah and John. They are two Kenyan owners of a curio shop in downtown Nakuru. We have been taking our teams to his shop for over three years. Part of the proceeds from their curio shop help support the ministry for local street kids. During our October trip Jeremiah overheard us talking about the upcoming “Kids In Need” auction at NMC. As we were ready to leave he told me to pick anything from his store as a gift for the auction. When I picked up something small, he said, “No, no. Take something bigger”! Then he asked if I could get this giraffe back in our suitcase. When I told him I probably could, he insisted we take it to put in the auction. It lost an ear in the journey, but I was able to glue it back on. Just wanted you to know the story behind the giraffe!” (from Jamie Lengacher)

Bid on this Item here.

Handmade KIN Bookshelf

H-36 Handmade KIN Bookshelf

Freshman, Benjamin Hoover made this in his High School wood shop class. He could have easily just done a normal project and gotten the grade he needed. Instead, he decided to take it and do something more with it. It's a very nice Shelf... about 4x3 feet, and right now it's selling for much less than it should.

Bid on it here.

Trafficking: GAIN Awareness

I have had a lot of questions from Sunday over the Trafficking issue. For many, they were so disturbed by the possibility the child slavery and prostitution could have connections as close to South Bend and the Toll Road. Although I fully understand how close this hits to home, any child being solicited for slave labor a sex in any place is worthy of righteous anger and action.

PBS did a fantastic documentary on the issue of trafficking between Nepal and India. In the video, Gary Haugen and International Justice Mission are highlighted. One of our Blue Cup jugs is the International Justice Mission. It's almost an hour, but it is a great education on one of the greatest injustices taking place in our world today.



Just another reminder that God is our Baal-Perazim (The God who Breaksthrough-2 Sam. 5:20).
Also, Kalyn Lantz has shared with us about Tiny Hands International, a ministry dedicated to rescuing children along the borders of Nepal and Bangladeshi into India. I just read this on her blog today:

I just got word that God is using Tiny Hands to rescue 5-10 girls a day who are being trafficked from Nepal to India. That is 1825-3650 girls a year. That is over 25% of the 10,000 girls who are being trafficked annually.

Just another reminder that God is our Baal-Perazim (The God who Breaksthrough-2 Sam. 5:20).

Silent Auction Stories - Part 1 of 5

Our Kids In Need Silent Auction is underway. Students and Adults have created and donated items and all proceeds will go to the AGC Abandoned Baby Center in Kenya, Africa. The auction itself has been organized and is being run by NMC students.

Part of the beauty of this event is the multiple levels in which the GIVE sacrificially in our GAIN, GIVE, LIVE focus unfolds. Those who have donated have given sacrificially of time, talents, and treasures. Those who are bidding then have the opportunity to give sacrificially of their treasures. In the end, it all goes to provide life to some of the most beautifual little babies who have been orphaned.

There are several items as a part of this auction that have great stories behind them. I'm going to take a few posts and highlight those items. As you read, consider the possibility of joining in this group effort to do something bigger than ourselves by bidding ridiculous amounts on some of these items!

NFL Pick 'em: Week 11

Miami at Carolina
Washington at Dallas
Cleveland at Detroit
San Francisco at Green Bay
Pittsburgh at Kansas City
Atlanta at NY Giants
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Buffalo at Jacksonville
Indianapolis at Baltimore
Seattle at Minnesota
Arizona at St. Louis
NY Jets at New England
Cincinnati at Oakland
San Diego at Denver
Philadelphia at Chicago
Tennessee at Houston

After the race. My nephew finished 1st for his race, and Katylynn ran across the 1 mile finish line to a rousing reception.

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I go on a walk.

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Inundated in Statistics

I've unintentionally assumed the role of being the messenger of statistics when it comes to our Kids In Need focus. We have tried to do multiple elements to let the reality of these statistics settle in. One that has especially gripped me is this image.
The combined population of the 9 states in red is equal to the number of kids in Africa who have been orphaned due to AIDS.

There are times (many times) these numbers and images simply overwhelm me, but there are one other image that I keep in mind...

Lots of Activity

There has been a lot of activity around the Student Ministries office over the past 5 days.

• Taking pictures of auction items.
• Printing items for the Baby Walk.
• Preparing packets for race day.
• Prepping students for Sunday morning interviews.
• Entering code into the k.i.n. website.
• Preparing displays and auction cards.

What's most exciting is that a majority of this activity is students. It's a huge weekend with 5K.I.N., Silent Auction, Sunday Morning's message, and the Baby Walk.

Yay, McDonalds!

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NFL Pick 'em: Week 10

I'm currently sitting in 4th place after a decent week's pick and three guys failure to turn in picks.

Chicago at San Francisco
New Orleans at St. Louis
Tampa Bay at Miami
Detroit at Minnesota
Jacksonville at NY Jets
Buffalo at Tennessee - Trent Edwards will fair well in his return.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Denver at Washington
Atlanta at Carolina
Kansas City at Oakland - Seriously, why even play this game?
Seattle at Arizona
Dallas at Green Bay
Philadelphia at San Diego
New England at Indianapolis - Picking this with both my brain and my heart.
Baltimore at Cleveland - Upset Special

To Save A Life

Last night we had the privilege of hosting an advanced of the independent film To Save A Life. The screening was for area community and church leaders.
The film was written by Youth Pastor Jim Britts, and is set for a January 22 theatrical release.

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of Christian Movies (there are very few exceptions, End of the Spear is one that comes to mind). I usually find the directing subpar, the acting poor, and the plot lines overly simplistic and cheesy.

I did not find this film to be like that. There are a couple below average performances by supporting cast, but the main characters are fantastic. The story line is engaging, moving, and hits close to home quite a few times (sometimes uncomfortably too close to home). In fact, we had several 11th and 12th Grade Student Leaders present who loved the film and were challenged by it.

The bummer with an indie film like this one is that it may not last very long or get widespread release. At this point, the film is not set to release in our area. There's some things people can do to get it to their area. Here's some suggestions from the makers of the movie.

Today, I sent out three emails to area movie theaters letting them know I'd love to see the movie make it to their theaters.

Terrific 2s: 2 Prayers

The finale to the series.
Most nights where I'm home for bedtime, I put Katylynn to bed. Our pre-bedtime ritual consists of reading 2 or 3 of her current favorite books and then a couple of stories from her "Bible Book." After that, we pray together. She's learning to say prayers of Thanks... "Jesus, thanks for..." and she finishes it. Every night, I make it a point to pray two things for her.

1. God, allow Katylynn to see how much You love her.
2. God, teach Katylynn what it means to love You and to love others.

There is much more I pray over and for her on a regular basis, but these are the two prayers I want her to hear regularly, as well as what I believe to be the two most important things she could possibly grasp to expeirience the life her Heavenly Father desires for her to Grasp (see I John 4:17, Ephesians 3:14-19,& Matthew 22:37-40)

Baby Walk

This weekend has some awesome stuff going on with Kids In Need.
5K.I.N. Saturday Morning.
Silent Auction for Baby Center kicks off Saturday at 5K.I.N. and online Sunday.
I'm preaching on the K.I.N. focus this Sunday morning.

Maybe the best kept secret in all this is Sunday Night's BABY WALK. It's a part of our 3-week Sunday Night series called ENGAGE LaRGe at NMC. Each week puts a focus on the Local, Regional, and Global aspects of NMC.

Baby Walk is a Global focus. My wife and several students have organized this experience where you will have the opportunity to walk through the live of 4 different babies associated with AGC Abandoned Baby Center in Kenya. This event will allow participants to better grasp the reality of the AIDS crises in Africa and the hope that the Baby Center is bringing. It puts a face and life to the crisis. I see it as an opportunity for individuals to travel to Kenya without leaving home.

If you're reading this, you should seriously consider blocking out 45 minutes of your Sunday Night sometime between 5:30-7:30 to GAIN awareness on a significant Kids In Need issue!

Terrific 2s: 19-24 Months

1. I put caca in my mouth - Yup, you read that right. Somewhere along the way, Katylynn decided that her pacifier is called a ca-ca. This would be why she will not be making any trips to Latin America in the near future.
2. I go poopie on the potty, yay! - We bought her the potty to see if she would be interested. She was. She's far from there, but she's learning that there's a difference between her diaper and her "underwear" (a pull-up). During the day, if she has to go, she will begin to bounce and frantically say, "I got poopies." Fun times.

It's crazy to think that it's been two years to the date that I held my daughter for the first time. Happy Birthday to her, and looking forward to more great memories to come!

one of the cooler pics i've ever been able to take.

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Terrific 2s: Losing Grandpa... A Repost

Originally Posted Friday, Feb. 20, 2009

Grieving through a 15 Month Old's Eyes

(pic taken in Ludington, Michigan; April, 2008)

2 Stories:

1. Janelle briefly had Katylynn at the viewing (it was closed casket). There was a video with pictures of dad running. As Janelle was walking out, Katylynn pointed at the screen, then shrugged her shoulders as if to say, "Where's Grandpa?"
   
2. After everyone had left the graveside service, I took Katylynn with me to the grave site. I told her that we were saying goodbye to Grandpa and that he loved her very much. I bent down by the flowers, and she grabbed one. I told her she could put the flower on the casket by the others that were there. She did so. I asked her if she wanted to say goodbye to Grandpa. She waved goodbye.

Katylynn Ivy Prenkert (note her initials) will not remember either of these events, but I'm glad we will be able to share with her how much she loved her grandpa.

Terrific 2s: 12-18 Months

1. Meeting Ninnie: Janelle and I admitedly become Disney freaks. I think as we were in the holding pattern to starting our family, our visits to the Disney World Resort allowed us time to recapture our childhood as well as dream of the family to come. Add in Katylynn's blossoming love for all things Minnie, our December trip to Orlando had a pretty special moment when we bumped into her at Hollywood Studios.
2. Last Christmas with Grandpa: She went sledding. She opened presents. She made Christmas cookies. She had a blast. We had no idea it would be the last one with him, but it was a great Christmas.
   

Terrific 2s: Months 7-12

1. Bedtime: More nights than not, bedtime was my job. We began reading books together, and then I would simply hold her, sing and rock. Sometimes she would fight it, but eventually she would give in and lay her head on my shoulder. In those moments when the breathing became deeper and deeper, I would often think, "There's no better place to be than where I am right now."
2. Stay-at-home Dad: In the Fall of '08, Janelle would work Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesdays she'd spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa. On Thursday, it was my baby girl and me. Stroller Walks, trips to the park, and shopping trips were common and fun. We were really worried if we were making a wise choice when Janelle went back to work. Looking back on it now, I'm so happy she got nearly every Tuesday from September '08 to February '09 with my dad, and then Thursdays with me. I'm confident the bonding that happened in those times will pay huge dividends in the future.
   

Terrific 2s: 2-6 months

1. Cry Language: Someone told us that if you paid attention to your child's cries, you could tell what he/she wanted. The "I'm tired" cry sounds a little different from the "I'm hungry" cry which sounds different from the "I need changed" cry which sounds different from the "I'm hurt cry." As we tested this out, we felt like "Naaaaa" seemed to coincide with hungry and "Whaaaaa" went pretty close to nap and bed time.
   Whether or not it was accurate, it helped us keep in mind that she wasn't just crying to cry. She wasn't colicky, and may have just had a sweet cry, but it rarely got on our nerves.
   
   
2. An Internal Change: A lot changed the way that I did ministry, the way I worked, and the way I viewed things. I think it was an internal change that has had some major external effects. I'll call it "daddy eyes." Holding that little girl, realizing that it was Janelle and my responsibility to love, care, and provide for her. Knowing that I can't control everything that happens to her, but I can control how I'm going to respond to it began to mess with me. I can't look at gals in our youth group the same way. Recognizing that's somebody's daughter makes a move toward compassion over simply pushing toward conversion. Not totally sure how to explain it all, but it was in months 2-6 she changed me... big time!
   

Silent Auction Deadline this Sunday!

We're doing a Silent Auction to help Kids In Need. All items donated will be auctioned both at NMC and online November 14-22. All proceeds go to the AGC Abandoned Baby Center in Kenya.

At this point, here's some of the big dollar items we have donated:

• Big Screen TV
• Hand Crafted End Table
• Recliner
• Brett Favre autographed mini-helmet
• Peyton Manning Autographed picture (framed)
• 4 outdoor fire pits
• PS 2 with DDR pads and game
• Ipod
  

There's some pretty cool stories behind some of the items above. There's some other items that may not be "high dollar" but are very cool stories of students giving sacrificially of the talents and treasures.

If you're interested in donating something, items can be turned into the Student Ministries office this Sunday!

The Terrific 2s: Home and rolling

1. Bottles and Diapers: Saturday, November 10, we arrived home around 11:00 p.m. As I look back at it now, it feels like what commenced was 2 months of bottle feedings and diaper changes. It was during that time I gave Katylynn the nickname "Poops McGee." As I think back on it, I remember a lot of joy and peace in our home as well. God's faithfulness was so tangible in those early days as we were (and still are) seeing the most unlikely answer to a 6 1/2 year long prayer.
2. Dad Holding Her: It wasn't as big a deal at the time, but it's a huge memory I carry with me now. The Sunday after we brought her home, my parents came over for lunch and met their Granddaughter. After lunch, my dad sat on the couch and held his granddaughter for the first time. The mental photo of a proud and loving grandpa looking down at his baby granddaughter is etched in my brain now. On I'll carry with me.
   

Terrific 2s: The Hospital

1. The First time I held her: She was asleep in her little plastic crib when we arrived. Candy (birth grandmother) took her out and handed her to Janelle. After a few minutes (at 9:38, give or take 30 seconds) Janelle handed her to me and I held my daughter for the first time. Until that moment, holding newborns absolutely freaked me out. It was always awkward. I was afraid I would drop the tiny fragile thing I was holding onto. In that moment, I couldn't think of anything more natural. She seemed just as tiny and fragile as any other newborn I held, but this time she was my tiny and fragile.
2. The Handoff: We were in a hospital room next to Emily's. A little before 6:00 p.m., Emily rolled the tiny baby in on her bassinet, picked her up, handed her to Janelle, and through tears said, "Here is your daughter." Emily and Candy walked out of the room. I walked over and put my arm around Janelle, put a hand on Katylynn, and tearfully let the moment sit.
   

NFL Pick 'em: Week 9

Week 8 didn't have an impressive showing by any of the participants. I've been consistently picking with average to above average results in comparison to others. Craig is still riding a huge lead based on his early season, almost voodooish success.

Week 9's picks:

• Washington at Atlanta
• Arizona at Chicago - The Bears had a big win last week, but it was against a terrible team. The O-line is pathetic, and the Defense is average. Arizona Offense will win this game.
• Baltimore at Cincinnati - I'm done doubting the Bengals. I've always liked Carson Palmer. I'm glad to see him back and healthy.
  
• Houston at Indianapolis - This will be a good game. Houston is #2 in the division. They look good. They always play well against Indy. In the end, I say Indy will be the only remaining undefeated at the close of the week.
  
• Miami at New England - This is painful to choose. I'll be happy if I'm wrong. Miami did go nuts on NE with the Wildcat last year, but the Patriots are clicking and Brady looks healthy. All I'm asking is that Miami beats up the Pats a little bit as we head into next week.
  
• Green Bay at Tampa Bay - The battle of the Bays. Well, at least two teams with "Bay" in their name are playing. Not going to be much of a battle.
  
• Kansas City at Jacksonville - Out on a limb on this one. I say LJs benching will spark KC and Cassell will be clicking.
  
• Carolina at New Orleans - Carolina is better than their record. This is the upset special, by far.
  
• Detroit at Seattle
  
• Tennessee at San Francisco
• San Diego at NY Giants - Giants are overdue for a win. San Diego is struggling.
  
• Dallas at Philadelphia - Miles Austin has arrived.
  
• Pittsburgh at Denver - Denver, it was fun while it lasted.
  

The Terrific 2s: Pre-Birth

I'll be highlighting 2 memories/stories throughout the 2 years Katylynn entered our life.

Before Katylynn was born.

1. Fort Wayne Restaurant: We met a17 year old girl named Emily and her mom Candy. It was the first of two meetings prior to Katylynn's birth. Walking into the restaurant, I was tempted to treat it like an "interview" where we needed to sell ourselves to this gal and her mother. At the same time, Janelle and I both knew that we simply had to bring ourselves, share our story, get to know them, and see what God wanted to do.
   I had a lot of questions about what we were doing. The whole possibility of this adoption came to us so quickly and the birth was nearly 2 months away. We walked into that restaurant unsure if we were going to pursue it. We walked out certain that we needed to go through the application process. With what could only be God's direction, we had made our choice.
   
   
2. The Phone Call: It was October 23, just 5 days after the tornado had touched down in Nappanee. I had a nasty flu bug that just wasn't going away. I had hugged the porcelein 20 minutes prior to the phone ringing. I heard Janelle:
   "Hello"
   (pause)
   "O, Hi Gina"
   I knew this was it, we were about to receive the news. Gina is the adoption coordinator we worked with. In the midst of exhaustion from disaster relief work and a sickness that I was about to hear news that would change everything for us from that point forward. Janelle screamed with delight, ran back to the bedroom and said, "Derry, we're going to have a baby!"
   My less than enthusiastic post-puky response was "That's great!" My internal joy was unmatched!
   

The Terrific 2s: Quick Hits

First 2 words (not sure which was first):

1. Daddy
2. Ball

Current 2 favorite words:

1. Mine
2. No (fantastic)
   

2 Phrases she uses that make me laugh every time she says them:

1. "I got the jumpies."
2. "I got poopies."

2 Favorite TV shows:

1. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
2. Handy Manny
   Honorable Mention - Special Agent Oso (Drives Janelle nuts, so she doesn't watch it much)
   

The 2 Books I have read to her the most:

1. Mr Brown Can Moo, Can You?
2. Guess How Much I love You?

2 Favorite Stuffed Animals:

1. Ninnie (big Minnie Doll... not to be confused with her other two Minnie dolls "Baby Ninnie" and "Little Ninnie")
2. Bubby (Quite possibly the ugliest pink Easter Bunny doll I've ever seen).
   

2 Favorite Foods:

1. Grapes.
2. White Cheese.

The Ordinary turning into Extraordinary or Being Faithful in the Little Things

As we continue to move forward in our Kids In Need focus, it's been exciting to see where God is taking it. . As we've researched issues both at home and abroad, we've been moved by the injustices and needs facing kids. We want to do something. We're just a bunch of ordinary people desiring to see the extraordinary take place. The trick? You see, the issue of Kids In Need is so ridiculously overwhelming that we've had trouble coming up with a game plan for those whose hearts have been grabbed, we want to save every kid. We want to...

• end world hunger
• stop abortions
• get basic health care to those who need
• pay for kids to go to school
• see every orphan off the streets and with a family
• stop the trafficking to become prostitutes, slaves, or soldiers.

That's our ideal. That's the extraordinary we dream about. But the realist in each of us reminds us that we cannot do this. There's also a part of us that says, "I don't even know where to start."

I love how we're wrestling through this all, and I love the lessons I'm seeing us learn. Two blog posts I read this morning are evidence of this happening. They're worth a read.

Katherine Berkey is the heart and soul behind the upcoming 5K.I.N. Learn from her as she shares what she is learning in her post Extraordinary... I think not.

Geoff Cocanower is tearing it up as our in-residence Intern this year. Read some of his reflections in his post The Little things Matter!

The Terrific 2s: A Series

On Sunday, November 8 an amazing little girl will celebrate her 2nd Birthday. In the spirit of the 33s series I did leading into B-day #33, I will be sharing "The terrific 2s". Highlighting 2 stories, pictures, people, moments or memories of the most amazing gift Janelle and I could ask for...

Two Sundays I'm Excited About

This Sunday: First off, my daughter turns 2. More on that later. Second, as a part of our UNDER FIRE Series, we are focusing in on what it means to be spiritual multipliers for the sake of the kingdom. Pastor Dave will be highlighting the story of a lady that started volunteering at NMC Senior High as a Bethel Student, and has had a profound impact on many young gals. Many of those young gals have gone on to impact others who have impacted others. Her name was Janelle Lister. Her name is now Janelle Prenkert. It's a Sunday you won't want to miss.

Next Sunday: I'm in the box, and it's all about Kids In Need. Some students will be helping me with the message. I'm excited about the entire weekend and the amount of students who will be giving sacrificially of their time, talents and treasures to seriously address Kids In Need at home and around the world.

Youtubesday: Had a Bad Day

Cue Daniel Powter...