My Little Elephant

One of the things Katylynn's birth mother talked to us about was how much she loved dressing up for Halloween and going Trick or Treating.

My mom is an amazing seamstress who has made some pretty awesome costumes for my nephews including eeyore, Bob the Builder, Mickey Mouse, Batman & Robin, and (this year) Calvin and Hobbes.

Last year, Katylynn was Minnie Mouse. She didn't go Trick or Treating, but she wore the outfit for her birthday party as well as when we went to Disney in December:
This year, it was time for Katylynn's first Trick or Treating experience. As we thought about her costume for this year, many ideas were thrown out. We decided to go with something in honor of the first animal noise she learned:


She got down saying "Trick or Treat." She didn't quite get down that you only take one candy when they offer you some. She captured the heart of several people as we stopped at their door. She also earned some extra candy at a couple stops by making her elephant noise (pursing her lips and blowing). She had a ton of fun.

We may have had even more fun than she did.

As we do this, we honor two amazing ladies who have been instrumental in Katylynn's life.

*This is what I call my "Where the Wild Things Are" picture.

NFL Pick 'em: Week 8

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

So, to review, I believe...
... the three undefeateds will stay undefeated.
... St Louis will get their first win in the "who cares" matchup of the week.
... the Titans will stay defeated.
... "Brett's revenge" will feel a little incomplete as he splits with his old team.

K.I.N. - Two Big Events

AN ESTIMATED 100,000 ROMANIAN KIDS ARE INSTITUTIONALIZED IN ORPHANGES. EVERY YEAR, 1 MILLION+ LEGAL ABORTIONS ARE PERFORMED IN THE UNITED STATES. 1 EVERY 30 SECONDS.

This event is the vision and dream of an NMC student and is being organized by NMC Students. The 5K Run/ 1 Mile walk is an effort spread awareness and raise financial support for two ministries that are seeking to make a difference for the sake of Kids In Need… one locally and one globally.


Reason Enough to Act (RETA) is an organization that fights the growth of abortion rates, by counseling individuals to be great parents and alternatives to abortion.

Romania Orphanage - Pastor Corneliu from Maranatha Baptist Church in Romania is someone NMC has partnered with. Pastor Corneliu works closely with a government run orphanage to provide hope and love of Christ to those without parents.

Cost: $15 by 10/31/09; $20 after until race day.
No shirt guaranteed if registering after 10/31.
Register at NMC or online by visiting www.helpingkidsinneed.com/events/5kin.

EVERY YEAR 2.1 MILLION KIDS ARE ORPHANED BY AIDS. 1 EVERY 15 SECONDS.

This student organized event is an opportunity for the church body to come alongside the AGC Baby Center in Ngata, Kenya. Items will be auctioned off Silent style with all proceeds going to Abigail’s Fund (providing the necessary funding to house and care for orphans at the Baby Center).

Opportunities to get involved:

DONATE: Donate valuable items (autographed memorabilia, electronic equipment, antiques) or create something (photography, art, wood working) that can be a part of the auction.
Donation deadline is Sunday, Nov. 8. Items can be dropped off at the Student Ministries office (located just inside Entrance G). Check out some ideas at www.rwandanight.com

BID: Take part in bidding on the items that have been placed in the auction both live at NMC and online at www.helpingkidsinneed.com from Saturday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 22.

Still Want a Shirt?

Did you not order a shirt, but still want one?
We have a limitted supply of both t-shirts available.
They are $15 each and all proceeds go to help our adoption.
Call, email, text, facebook either Janelle and I and we can hook you up.

Light Switches and Closing Doors

I don't know if there is a technical term for it, but my daughter is in what I'll call the "light switch and door" phase. She will stand next to the light switch and say, "Up, Daddy." I pick her up, and she flips the light switch up and down, up and down, watching the light turn off and on, off and on. She loves to watch the room light up when she flips the switch. The door adventures work a little different. If a door is open, she loves to push or pull it shut. Once the door is shut, there is a level of frustration that sets in with her. She struggles to reach the knob and she hasn't figured out how to turn it to get it back open.

From a spiritual sense, the tween and teen years (5th-12th Grade) are very much a "light switch and door" phase. It is a time to see students' spiritual light bulb switch from religion to an authentic relationship with Christ. When the light turns on, it's exciting to see. These years also serve as a point where students are faced with opportunities, choices, and temptations that often result in them spiritually closing the door. It is a heartbreaking experience to see this happen, but it is also extremely exciting to watch as students work through the steps to figure out how to turn the door knob in order to open it back up.

What we're doing at NMC Student Ministries is seeking to create "light bulb" moments or opportunities to "open the door" in the lives of 5th-12th students.

• Wednesday Nights filled with biblical teaching, age appropriate worship, and opportunities for CHANGE.
• Sunday Morning Youth Classes where students can begin to GROW.
• Small Groups/ Workshops that help students CONNECT with each other and caring adults.
• An initiative where students are seeking to ENGAGE the issue of Kids In Need both at home and around the world.
• Continual challenge to students to be spiritual reproducers as they MULTIPLY!

It's worth the efforts. God is on the move in and through students! Thank you for allowing us to provide a space where the door can be opened and the light can be switched on!

Shirts Are In!

The shirts are in and they're awesome.
If you are having them mailed to you, we'll be sending them out in the next 48 hours. If you're picking them up, Janelle will be in contact.

If you didn't get one ordered but want to purchase one, we have extras. Let me know!

NFL Pick 'em: Week 7

Not a great week last week,but I'm sitting at a 3 way tie for 5th place, inching my way back up.

This week's Upset special is Miami over New Orleans. I think the Dolphins are going to turn a corner.

Week 7 predictions:

Green Bay at Cleveland

San Diego at Kansas City

Indianapolis at St. Louis

Minnesota at Pittsburgh

New England at Tampa Bay

San Francisco at Houston

Buffalo at Carolina

NY Jets at Oakland

Atlanta at Dallas

Chicago at Cincinnati

New Orleans at Miami

Arizona at NY Giants

Philadelphia at Washington

Run, Jon, Run

My friend Jon is doing something really cool that ties in with our upcoming 5K.I.N. race.

Check it out, and consider partnering with him!

We're Jumping the Atlantic!

One of my personal dreams has been to see a team take a Short Term Missions (STM) Trip that takes us across the ocean to Africa or Asia. All our IMPACT teams have been to Latin or South America. This trip has nothing to do with disappointment in previous teams. These have been fantastic trips for ministry and personal growth in students.
It's been more about a desire to come alongside some of the more significant economic and spiritual crises that can be found in these continents.

Multiple factors have played a role in preventing us from doing this trip.

1. Cost - It's significantly more expensive to travel across the Atlantic v. South.
2. Ministry Partner - Who will we be working with? Will our work, in any way, assist the ministry that is going on in that area. This is a HUGE deal to us. Much of the STM experience is to the benefit of the traveler over those being traveled to. If the partnership is not taken into consideration, there is much potential to do more damage than good to the ministry happening in that area. In the times we have felt like we have a good partner, we've run into issues with #3.
3. Ministry Opportunities - What will we be doing? We need to make sure the ministry is within the skills set and capabilities of a High School student.
   
4. The Right Students - There needs to be students with a level of Cultural Readiness. The culture shock of exposure to poverty as well as avoiding the "Ugly American"perception in African and Asian cultures are essential to creating a positive experience. We have always felt that, in order to take a High School IMPACT team to Africa or Asia, the students on that team would have to have a previous STM experience in another country.
5. Timing - It takes longer to travel. We need the right leadership in order to make this a successful experience, and that leadership needs to be available at the right time.

If you look through this list, you can see how some items can work against each other. For example, the right student (#4) will struggle with the cost (#1) because they've already had to raise the funds and/or pay for previous experiences.

I'm excited that this year marks a time where the stars have aligned. We will be doing our first ever NMC IMPACT trip across the Atlantic to Kenya. Over Spring Break (we actually will leave the Thursday before Spring Break) Janelle and I will be leading a group of 10 High School Juniors and Seniors to the AGC Baby Center in Kenya, Africa. This trip also correlates very well with our Kids In Need (K.I.N.) focus for the year. Our first training meeting is this Sunday, and I'm extremely excited about the quality of team and the depth at which we are going to be able to dive into discipleship as we prepare for this.

I Just Don't Get It

• Getting email on your cell phone.
  
• HGTV.
  
• Recreational running.
  
• The Wakarusa Pumpkin Tree.
  
• Paying the extra $$ for organic food.
  
• Glenn Beck.
  
• Swine flu panic.
• House (the TV show).
• Neckties.
• Love for Tom Brady.

NFL Pick 'em: Week 6

Went with the underdog on quite a few.

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

T-shirt sale ends Saturday!

Come on, I know you've been putting it off. You can't put it off any more. You want at least one of the cool t-shirts my awesome wife desinged? Or maybe a set of 8 notecards created by that exact same awesome wife (I only have one wife, just to clarify)?

The sale ends Saturday!

More info here.
Order online here.

All profits go to help pay for our international adoption.

The past 72 Hours

They've been crazy, but crazy awesome!

The Hayride Outreach was last night, and simply stated, GOD SHOWED UP!

We had 5 students do a powerful drama that has proved to be our most effective gospel message Presentation we've done. At the close of the drama, Geoff invited the students who would say they are Christians to stand up and walk out of the room. Those who would say they did not have a relationship with Christ, but want one were invited to stay back and talk with a leader.

I was a little confused and shocked as I saw close to 100 people stay in their seats (probably 30 were leaders there to pray with others). We clarified just to make sure... this is primarily for those who would say they aren't sure they are Christians. As we began to talk and work with students, there were many that were at a spot to drive a stake into the ground and begin to truly live out the faith they've already claimed. There were also many who said, "I'm not a Christian."

As we continue to follow up, we are excited to see what God has in store.

NFL Pick 'em Week 5 results...

I finally made up some ground on everybody going 11-3 on my picks.

In the process, I may have proved a prophetic gifting. Last Thursday, I wrote:

NY Jets at Miami - I think Chad Henne will do better than expected. I also think the Jets are bound to cool off.

Google Searches: Volume 9

The following have been key word searches on Google that have led to this blog.

• Friendship Stats
• I follow you into the homes of the broken.
• Austin Gutwein Maggie moments You tube.
• Kids In Need NMC
• Rob Bell lunch
• Kory Lantz
• christian subculture is wrong
• "the college" "my dorm" blogspot
• janelle james derry new hampshire
• lanyard tree for conferences
• origin of name ninnie
• spelling of mustaches
• starfish illustrated sermons
• twain toms shoes in panama city
• U2 Bill Hybels Concert
• van diemen's redskins
• what's this salty substance coming from my eyes (my personal favorite)

Comliments of Google Analytics, a great little widget to throw on your blog, if you haven't already.

Me - "Bed time baby girl."
Katylynn - "Picture time."
Me - "No. Bed time."
Katylynn - "Picture time Daddy."
Me - "Okay. One picture."
-take the picture-
-show the picture to her-
Me - "Ok. Bed time."
Katylynn - "Picture time. (holds up minnie doll). Just Ninnie."
Me - "Night night honey."
Katylynn - "Night night daddy."

AND SCENE.

The 33s: This past year

1. Katylynn's 1st Birthday.
2. Vacation in Florida.
3. Katylynn meets Mickey and Minnie.
4. Christmas Cookies.
5. Last Christmas with Dad.
6. Winter Retreat.
   
7. America's First Black President.
   
8. Slumdog Millionaire.
9. Uncharted Territory.
   
10. "Life is a series of events that prepare us for the next event."
    
11. February 6, 2009.
12. February 8, 2009.
13. Simple Stories.
14. Rwanda Night.
15. Lost, Season 4.
16. Geoff Cocanower.
    
17. 9th Anniversary celebration in Florida (just Janelle and I).
18. 1st Summer without doing a GO or IMPACT trip.
19. Summer Camp: I WANT IT!
20. What If?
21. Aleigha Grace Thompson.
22. Star Trek.
23. HP and the Half-Blood Prince.
    
24. Kids In Need.
25. Katylynn "goes poopies on the pottie!"
26. Katylynn learns to pray.
27. Going to the park with Katylynn.
28. TOMs Shoes
    
29. Famous 3:16s
    
30. Disc Golf Tour.
31. U2 360.
    
32. The Big Announcement.
33. My Coke Rewards.

The 33s: 28-32

1. High Speed Internet.
2. Xanga.
3. Myspace.
4. Facebook.
5. This blog.
6. Switchfoot.
7. Mac v. PC (I have one of both).
   
8. My first text message.
9. 3 trips to India.
10. Caleb Bislow reunion.
11. Maasai, Kenya, Rwanda Night.
    
12. First time preaching.
13. Prayer Room.
14. Unanswered Prayer Journey.
15. The phone call about a potential adoption.
16. The phone call to the birth family.
17. The phone call letting us know we've been selected.
    
18. Holding Katylynn for the first time.
19. Emily giving us Katylynn and leaving the hospital.
20. Bringing Katylynn home.
21. My first nap with Katylynn.
22. Katylynn's first steps.
23. We own a mini van.
24. Trip to Ludington. Dad reads to Katylynn.
25. Court date where adoption is finalized.
26. Nappanee Tornado.
27. Reading Harry Potter books.
28. ESPN Radio.
29. Colts win Super Bowl!
30. Cubs still don't win World Series.
31. Juarez Mexico.
32. Becoming a dad.
    
33. Rocking her to sleep.
    

The 33s: 23-27

1. IMPACT Peru.
2. Flying to Colorado to propose to Janelle.
3. Barnabas.
4. Full-time at NMC.
5. Disc Golf.
   
6. Wednesday Nights in a tent.
7. Hiked the Grand Canyon.
8. Shawn LaRue (a.k.a. Billy).
9. Y2K scare.
   
10. Wedding.
11. My first Laptop.
12. AOL Instant Messenger.
13. Sydney Olympics
    
14. Orchard Park Farms apartment.
15. 3DYC Session Planning.
16. Summer Camp.
17. Learned video editing.
18. Building Project at NMC.
19. Purchase house at 802 Locke.
20. Almost left NMC for a church in Michigan.
    
21. Lots of athletic events.
    
22. Grandma Prenkert died.
23. Janelle totaled her car outside the church.
24. Bought Grandma's red car.
25. Peyton Manning to the Colts.
26. Steve Bartman (grrrr...)
27. Seinfeld Finale.
28. Friends Finale.
    
29. Lord of the Rings Films.
30. Brad, Chad, and Justin.
31. Wawasee Revival.
32. Broke the 200 barrier on Senior High Wednesday Night attendance.
    
33. My first Cell Phone (roaming charges, remember those?)

NFL Pick 'em: Week 5

I went 11-3 in my picks last week, but I'm still sitting at the bottom of the heap; 3-way tie for 2nd to last. Can I make some improvements this week?

Cleveland at Buffalo - The Derek Anderson switch was positive for the Browns, but the trade of Edwards made a statement to me, and I think they will continue to spiral down.

Dallas at Kansas City - Dallas looks bad. Kansas City looks worse.

Minnesota at St. Louis

Oakland at NY Giants - Even if Eli doesn't play... it's the RAIDERS!

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia

Pittsburgh at Detroit

Washington at Carolina - Carolina got the week off. They can't be as bad as they've looked. I expect a major improvement in the coming weeks.

Cincinnati at Baltimore

Atlanta at San Francisco - This is going to be a good game that nobody in our area likely cares about.

Jacksonville at Seattle

Houston at Arizona - Fitzgerald will have a breakout game here. I'm guessing 150+ yds. and 2 (maybe 3) TDs.

New England at Denver - Upset? It seems like it, but maybe it's not.

Indianapolis at Tennessee - I've picked Indy and Tennessee to win every week. Every time I've been right with Indy. Every time I've been wrong with Tennessee.

NY Jets at Miami - I think Chad Henne will do better than expected. I also think the Jets are bound to cool off.

the 33s: The College Years

1. Oakwood.
2. Freshman Block with Gerig and Staples.
   
3. Cornerstone Music Festival.
4. A lonely night September 16 in my dorm room where God showed up.
   
5. Gary Wright at Spiritual Emphasis week.
6. A inner transformation that goes outward.
   
7. Slurpees.
8. Group Showers.
9. Consistently reading my Bible and journaling.
10. Bethel Missionary Church.
11. Laundry.
12. Dave Slater.
13. Princess Di and Mother Teresa die... Princess Di seems to get more attention, and that really bothered me.
14. NMC internship.
15. First SOAR class.
16. Late night talks in the dorm.
17. The Ed-O-Meter.
18. My first Email address.
19. Dial-up Internet.
20. All Nighters (for papers only).
21. Ramen Noodles.
22. Egle Hall.
23. Throwing Pennies in a cup.
24. Grandpa Prenkert died.
25. WCW Monday Nitro in Fort Wayne.
26. Summer Blockbusters (Independence Day, Armageddon, The Rock, Con-Air, etc.)
    
27. Janelle.
28. Jamaica.
29. Isreal.
30. Ecuador for three months (enough memories for 33 of it's own).
31. Plankeye Concert at NorthWood High School.
32. Cutting Edge Choir Tour to Florida.
33. SEMP.
    

The 33s: High School

1. Tennis.
2. Quitting Art after 2 weeks and joining the Choir.
3. Wrecking Scooter, spending a week in ICU with a blod clot in my head.
4. My first U2 Album - Achtung Baby.
5. Driver's License.
6. First Road Kill - A horse.
7. Florida Spring Break (3x with Youth Group).
8. DC '91 and '94.
9. Quitting Basketball mySophomore Year.
10. Swimming.
    
11. Teaching on Rock Music in Youth Group.
12. Jim Andrews, Jason Davidhizer, Jesse Sheets.
    
13. Kurt Cobain.
14. Tompos's House.
15. Wayne's World.
    
16. The "Gs" (Len, Chuck, Eric, Jason, Jason).
17. Dressing as Amish for State Football Game.
    
18. Raising money at a basketball game to buy a tie for semi-formal (mom said it was too expensive).
19. Waterbed.
    
20. Cellophane Dream (my rock band).
21. A lot of religion and no relationship.
22. Super Mario Kart.
23. Video Unlimited.
    
24. Lifeguarding at the Nappanee City Pool.
25. Started the Tailgaiting tradition before Football Games.
26. Homecoming and Sweetheart Runner-up.
27. Dating around.
28. Speed (the movie, not the drug).
29. X-Fest.
30. Dawning Generation.
31. The Turquoise Ford Festiva with a sun roof (nicknamed "the roller skate" by Eric).
32. Dallas Cowboys (winning a lot of Super Bowls) and the Buffalo Bills (not winning a lot of Super Bowls).
33. CD collection growing from 0-90 in a year and a half.
    

The 33s: Jr High (6th-8th Grade)

1. Mr. Smith Social Studies... My first male teacher.
2. Being Dan Quayle in the mock 88 election at our school.
3. Flag Football 6th Grade was the only organized football I ever played.
4. Roller Skating Parties.
5. Sarah - First "girlfriend". Passing notes, walking her to class, and sitting together at sporting events.
6. Amanda - Second "Girlfriend." Second verse, same as the first.
7. Crystal - 3rd "Girlfriend". Yup, nothing real new, except #8.
8. Taking a hammer to the bracelet Crystal boughtt me for Christmas... note the long hiatus in memories involving girls.
9. Clearly Casual Little League - 1 win the entire season against the team that won the championship.
10. Vanilla Ice - Ice, Ice Baby.
11. Hammer Pants.
12. Lines in the side of the hair.
13. Rat Tails (never had one, but they were considered cool).
14. Snap Bracelets.
15. 45-29-9 (my locker #79 combo).
16. Michael Jordan.
17. Rick Mirer.
18. Doug's Sports Cuts.
19. Traded all my football cards to Silas for a single baseball card. 3 months later, Football Card values skyrocket.
20. New Kids on the Block.
21. Oregon Trail.
22. Getting in a fight with B.J. before school.
23. Bart Simpson shirts.
24. Study Hall.
25. Jr. High Destination Unkowns (D.U.) at church
26. Youth Pastor resigns two months after I start the Youth Group.
27. Running out multiple Sunday School teachers.
28. Wendy's sister Kari kidnapped and murdered (case was finally solved Feb. 2008).
29. Michael, Jason, Chad and I taking our bikes out to go TPing.
30. Getting Diabetes.
31. Writing the White Knights Trilogy in 8th Grade English.
32. Skateboarding.
33. Nintendo.
    

T-shirts for Adoption

A little break in the blog series...

We received an email Friday Night letting us know our application with the international adoption agency has beeen accepted!*

I also wanted to let everyone know there are some new developments on T-shirts and Note Card sales that will help us for our international adoption.

1. Children's Sizes available: You can get a shirt for each member of the family.
2. Order Options: Don't like ordering stuff online, or would you rather pick stuff up from us and not have to pay shipping and handling? You can go to Jeanette's Fabric Boutique in Wakarusa (that's my mom, and I love her!) and order,
   OR you can print off the order form below, and mail your cash or check to Janelle.
3. Go online and order: you can still go to prenkertphotography.bigcartel.com and place your order by paying through paypal!

Sale ends in 10 days! Thanks to all those supporting us in this venture.

*People have asked me how much this is going to cost. I have not put specific costs because I don't want that to be the driving factor, plus there are a lot of variables that come into play. But, at the encouragement of several, all said and done, the costs (application, home study, legal fees, dossier, travel expenses) will land around $20,000-$25,000. We will outline some more specifics on costs, location, and process at a later point!

The 33s: Grade School (1st-5th Grade)

1. Mrs Vanbruaene 1st Grade, Mrs Stubbs 2nd, Mrs Lantis 3rd, Mrs Angelmeyer 4th, and Mrs Miller 5th Grade.
   
2. Michael Jackson Thriller.
3. Football at Recess.
4. Basketball at Recess.
5. Ramona Quimby.
   
6. Breaking my pinky in 3rd grade (only bone I've ever broken... at least that I know of).
7. The Super Bowl Shuffle.
8. The Challenger Space Shuttle.
9. Ronald Regan.
10. Pee Wee League Baseball (Countryside Insurance).
11. Robby's Basketball Games.
12. Overnighters at Chad Metzger's.
13. Riding Bike through Wakarusa.
14. Maple Syrup Festival.
15. NorthWood Football goes to the dome.
16. Our first VCR.
17. Basketball in the driveway.
18. Wiffleball in the side yard.
19. Football down the front hill.
20. Demolition Derby down the back hill.
21. Wakarusa Bowling League.
22. Indiana History.
23. Baseball Card collecting.
24. WWF.
25. Children's Christmas Musicals.
26. Alyssa Milano.
27. Four Square.
28. 5th Grade Softball.
29. 5th Grade Basketball.
30. Cussing the first time.
31. Canvas Converse.
32. 3 different pastors.
33. Wisler Family Christmas Sharing time.
    

The 33s: The Early Years

Prior to 1st Grade:

1. My Tigger Shirt.
2. Swimming at Grandma and Grandpa Wisler's.
3. My cousin Heath's death.
4. Family Camp at Prairie Camp.
5. Going to Softball games at Prairie Camp.
6. Movie Night in my dad's classroom.
7. Bugs Bunny right after naps.
8. Naps.
9. Peter Pan on an 8-track.
   
10. Dressing up as the Easter Bunny (thanks for the memories Aunt Jackie).
11. Visiting Jim, Pat, Shelley, Lori and baby Mikel in Brazil.
12. Pastor Knight yelling when he preached.
13. Drawing on paper during church service.
14. Sunday afternoon to Gradma and Grandpa Prenkert's.
15. Nursery School at Waky Methodist.
16. Learning to dial a rotary phone.
17. My Blankie.
18. Mom getting the store started at home.
    
19. At the store with mom.
20. Baths.
21. Lite Brite.
22. Memory.
23. Pong.
24. Combined Birthday Party with Matt, Shelly, Karla, and others at McDonald's.
25. Brother's telling me mom wanted me to be a girl.
26. Praying a prayer someone told me to pray so I wouldn't go to hell.
27. Praying that prayer again an dagain.
28. Kangaroo shoes.
29. Playing under the bridge.
30. Getting left at home when my family went to church.
31. Family devotions in the morning.
32. Grandma Wisler's candy jar.
33. Nikki, our dog.
    

The 33s: Oh The Places You'll Go

33 places I would have never found myself if it weren't for Student Ministries:

1. Screaming "I want it" along the shores of Lake Erie (Summer Camp).
2. Lima Airport 3 times (IMPACT trips).
3. In a hot spring on the Andes baptizing new believers (IMPACT Peru).
4. Walking through an agricultural strike (IMPACT Peru).
5. A stage with 400 Indian youth looking on (India Youth-O-Rama).
6. Standing outside Mother Teresa's Home (India).
7. Westmister Abby (in transit to India).
8. Eating Lunch with Rob Bell at TGIFridays in Mishawaka (thanks to an invite from Terry Linhart).
9. Worshiping in Nashville with 10,000 other youth workers (Youth Specialties Conference 2005).
10. Standing before multiple couples (former students) as they exchange their vows.
11. A Basement in Nebraska dreaming with Caleb Bislow on how we could partner with his efforts.
12. Emergency room at 1:00 a.m. as we wait to hear news on a young man's dad who was in a motorcycle accident.
13. The Behavorial wing of the Elkhart General Hospital while helping a teen fight back against the suicidal temptations.
14. Approximately 250 different homes of Graduating Seniors as we celebrate their milestone.
15. In the basement of the YMC crying out to God to see Him move.
16. At the foot of the toppled World Trade Center sharing about Jesus.
17. Across the table from the star football basketball player as he admits he often wants to quit and step out from all the pressures.
18. In Terry's office talking, praying, dreaming, arguing, venting, encouraging, listening, and/or crying.
19. Spring Hill Camp with Jason and Chris as we dream up a Winter Retreat, and in the process we connect with each other.
20. In a room with students as they truly let the words "What If?" become "Why Not?" and eventually, "Let's do this!"
    
21. On a stage acting as a Crocodile Hunter to drive home a point on abandoning your Comfort Zone (3DYC).
22. A Basketball court in the Dominican Republic getting schooled by the locals (IMPACT).
23. Panama City Beach Spring Break, watching teenagers flood the streets, and having my heart break for the hurts that would be self-inflicted that night (Cutting Edge Tour).
24. Oklahoma City bombing Site (Cutting Edge Tour).
25. Worship Center Stage, opening up God's Word.
26. Brown City Camp (in all my travels, still maybe the most mysterious place I've ever been).
27. Baptismal in the church in Juarez, baptizing a couple who were impacted by our students (IMPACT).
28. Enough basketball games, tennis matches, musicals, dance recitals to last a life time.
29. Cedar Point enough times that I actually don't enjoy the roller coasters.
30. Kneeling next to a student as he says the words, "God, I give it all to you."
31. The office I type this from.
32. Personal dark, inner spaces where motive, attitude, and convictions are far from pretty.
33. Deep inner places where the only thing of beauty to be found is the Savior who has set me free.

The 33s: Family Vacation Memories

Vacation with mom, dad, brothers:

1. California - I faintly remember the Matterhorn at Disneyland, and being absolutely terrified by the Abominable Snow Man.
   
2. Rio de Janero Airport - Getting lost.
3. Brazil - Pizza place I ate pizza with corn on it.
4. South Carolina - I fell in Mall Fountain.
5. South Carolina - I rode my first Roller Coaster.
   
6. Mammoth Cave - Stalactites and Stlagmites.
7. Mammoth Cave Area - My first waterslide.
8. The Upper Peninsula - Skipping Rocks on Lake Superior.
9. The Upper Peninsula - Watching bears eat the trash.
10. Bear Cave State Park - Multiple Wisler (mom's side) Family retreats.
11. Chattanooga, TN - Watching Robby play college ball, and riding an Alpine Slide.
12. Colorado - Rock Climbing (freestyle).
13. Ludington - First time going and staying at Uncle Rex's Cabin.
    
    Janelle and Derry Memories:
    
14. Honeymoon Palm Springs, CA (2000) - ummm, no comment.
15. Florida (2001) - Staying at the rattiest hotel ever on the way down.
16. Disney (2001) - First time taking a picture at a "picture spot" (a tradition that continues to this day).
17. Chicago (2001) - Thanksgiving Weekend. Blue Man Group, parade, Lincoln Park Zoo. Just the two of us.
    
18. Fort Lauderdale (2002) - When we made it a point to not talk about church or ministry related stuff the entire time.
19. Ludington (2003) - Tipped the Snowmobile and couldn't get it restarted for an hour while we froze to the bone.
20. California (2003) - Went on the Price Is Right. Janelle's lifelong dream to play Plinko and win big did not pan out.
21. Disney (2003) - Our official addiction began on this trip. Intentionally running Janelle into a sign while walking toward the Osborne Spectacle of Lights.
22. Florida (2003) - Getting my bike was stolen on the beach.
23. Mexican Rivera (2005) - Surprised Janelle with a 5th Anniversary Cruise. Horseback riding along the beaches and ziplining in Puerto Vallarta.
24. Ludington (2005) - All the Prenkerts together to celebrate mom and dad's 40th.
25. Las Vegas (2007) - Surprise Spring Break trip for Janelle. Cirque De Soleil - Ka'. Absolutely amazing.
26. Dewart Lake (2007) - God speaks to both Janelle and I that we need to check into a situation with a 17 year pregnant gal looking to place the child in adoption.
27. Disney (2007) - On Disney property. Disney Dining Plan. So many conversations about how we are going to parent (we brought Katylynn home 3 weeks after returning from this trip).
    
    Janelle, Derry, and Katylynn Memories:
28. Ludington (2008) - Katylynn's first night away from home.
29. Ludington (2008) - Dad reads to Katylynn (it was also our last time in Ludington with Dad).
    
30. Dewart Lake (2008) - Took Katylynn swimming for the first time.
31. Daytona Beach (2008) - Katylynn's first time on the beach.
    
32. Disney (2008) - Katylynn meets Minnie.
    
33. Disney (2008) - Katylynn poops in the tub during bathtime.

To most of you reading, this is probably the lamest list of The 33s I've made so far.
For me, it is the best, BY FAR.

The memories outlined above are so much more than just that. They are charished moments with the most incredible gift God has blessed me with, my family. There's something so valuable about getting away from everything else so my undivided attention can be placed on those I love most. It's the one thing I am not afraid to splurge on, because I do not see it as wasted money.

The 33s: Books

I'm glad to have interacted with the following books (in somewhat chronological order). I link to these books, because I want more people to read. Maybe you should go to your library today or place an order on Amazon. Reading is a good thing!

1. Dr Seuss's ABCs
2. Snoopy and the Red Baron
3. Bears on Wheels
4. There's a Monster at the End of this Book (starring, lovable, furry old Grover)
5. Spunky's Diary - Janette Oak
6. The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis (by grouping all seven together, I can give you more books... The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was my favorite)
7. Jerry Todd: Pirate - Leo Edwards (Leo Edwards books are rare. My dad read them as a kid, and when the Galien, MI library closed, he bought all the books. We read mean of them together, so I'm letting Jerry Todd Pirate sit as one of the whole set of books.)
8. The Adventure of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain
9. The Hobbit - JRR Tokien
10. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - JRR Tolkien (again, I group three books together to give you more books)
    
11. Bo Knows Bo - Bo Jackson
12. McMahon - Jim McMahon
    
13. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee (one of two books I was assigned in High School that I actually read cover to cover)
14. Lord of the Flies - William Golding (the other assigned book I read cover to cover)
15. Boy's Life - Robert McCammon
16. A Time to Kill - John Grisham
    
17. The Bible - God (it was right about this point in my life I began a true relationship with God, and my reading took a major pause. My reading focus also makes a slight shift)
    
18. Jungle Pilot - Russell Hitt
19. No Comprimise: The Life Story of Keith Green - Melody Green
20. Just As I Am - Billy Graham
21. The Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster
22. The Freedom of Simplicity - Richard Foster
23. The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
24. The Boy who Cried "Abba" - Brennan Manning
25. Dangerous Wonder - Mike Yaconelli
26. The Barbarian Way - Erwin McManus
27. What Matters Most - Doug Fields
    
28. Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling (7 books; grouping them together again)
29. Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell
30. Season of Life - Jeffrey Marx
31. Take Your Best Shot - Austin Gutwein
32. Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see? - Bill Martin
    
33. Mr Brown Can Moo, Can You? - Dr Seuss

That's right. I'm right back at where I started. I'm looking forward to reading at least 1-10 again, this time with someone else looking on and listening!

The 33s: Albums

33 CDs, Tapes, or album purchases on I-tunes that have gotten significant play by me (again, in somewhat chronological order):

1. Vanilla Ice: To the Extreme
2. Run DMC:
3. Beastie Boys: License to Ill
4. John Mellencamp: Scarecrow
   
5. AC/DC: The Razor's Edge
   
6. U2: Achtung Baby!
7. U2: The Joshua Tree
8. U2: Rattle and Hum
9. U2: Under a Blood Red Sky Live
10. Pearl Jam: Ten
11. Nirvana: Smells Like Teen Spirit
    
12. Weezer: Weezer
13. Billy Joel: Greatest Hits
14. Steve Taylor: Liver
    
15. Bush: Sixteen Stone
16. Soul Asylum: Grave Dancers
    
17. DC Talk: Jesus Freak
    
18. Live: Throwing Copper
19. Prayer Chain: Shawl
20. Third Day: Third Day
    
21. Five Iron Frenzy: Our Newest Album Ever
22. Poor old lu: Sin
23. Poor old lu: A Picture of the 8th Wonder
24. Switchfoot: Legend of Chin
25. The 77s: Echoes O' Faith Live
    
26. U2: All That You Can't Leave Behind
27. Switchfoot: The Beautiful Letdown
28. David Crowder: Illuminate
29. Leeland: Sound of Melodies
30. U2: How to Dismantle the Atomic Bomb
    
31. Switchfoot: Oh! Gravity
32. Desperation Band: Who You Are
33. Jon Foreman: Summer EP

*It's ridiculous for me to try to limit this list to 33... many have been left out, but these are all albums that I would listen to from track 1 to the end during a time in my life.

The 33s: TV Shows

33 Television shows that were a part of my life growing up (kind of chronological):

1. Bugs Bunny and Friends
2. The Smurfs
3. The A-Team
4. Knight Rider
5. Transformers
6. G.I. Joe
   
7. Ducktales
8. Who's the Boss (Alyssa Milano was my first major crush)
9. Growing Pains
10. Full House
11. Family Matters
    
12. Saved By the Bell (I wanted to be like Zack Morris)
    
13. Fresh Prince Of Bel Air
14. Cheers
15. Blossom (Whoa!)
    
16. Late Night/ Late Show With David Letterman (I've officially switched to Conan, and it's not because of the big scandal. I made my decision before that).
    
17. Late Night with Conan O'Brien (he makes me laugh every night)
    
18. Seinfeld
19. Friends
20. The Simpsons
21. Star Trek: Next Generation
    
22. Freaks and Geeks (Lasted one season, one of the best shows ever)
    
23. Monday Night Football
24. Survivor (not a fan anymore, it's grown old; but I was hooked from Season 2-5)
    
25. The Amazing Race (don't watch anymore, but if I could do one reality show)
    
26. 24
27. The Office
28. Prison Break
29. Around the Horn (still like it better than PTI)
    
30. Lost (the best show ever)
31. The Colbert Report (It's where I get my fake news)
    
32. Chuck (r.i.p. Why did they cancel you?)
33. The Mentalist
    

The 33s: Movies

33 of my all-time favorites (kind of in order... once you get past 20, there is probably ones I would replace if you asked me tomorrow)

1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (I really think of them as one really long movie)
2. Saving Private Ryan
3. Slumdog Millionaire
4. The Truman Show
5. Dead Poet's Society
6. Shawshank Redemption
7. Simon Birch
8. Last of the Mohicans
9. Signs
10. The Karate Kid
11. What About Bob?
12. Raiders of the Lost Ark
13. Sneakers
14. The Outsiders
15. Hoosiers
16. Elf
17. The Rookie
18. The 3 Amigos
19. Braveheart
20. Shrek
21. The Sandlot
22. Remember the Titans
23. Gross Pointe Blank
24. Cloverfield
    
25. Goonies
26. The Usual Suspects
27. Napolean Dynamite
28. Hotel Rwanda
29. U2- Rattle and Hum
30. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
31. Back to the Future
32. The Matrix
33. A Bugs Life
    

All this Week: The 33s

I turn 33 on Friday. Last year I did a blog series leading into my birthday called 32 years, 32 memories.

This year, I'll be doing a little series called the 33s. Various lists of 33 that somehow pertain to my life. Enjoy.

Weekend Snapshots

• Friday Evening: A run to watch Fairfields streak end.
• Saturday Morning: At Feed the Children with 150 of my closest friends. 3005 boxes of food and personal care products reading to head out to some kids in need.
• Saturday Early Afternoon: Disc Golf at Little Big Horn. Probably my least favorite course in the area.
• Saturday Afternoon: Watching the Notre Dame Game. Great game. I'm far from a die-hard Irish fan, but I'm pulling for them this year.
• Saturday Evening: Lots of laughs with the Katylynn. She had the "jumpies". Then played "Daddy chase Katy", and finished out seperating our Dora toys from our the vegetables.
• Sunday Morning: Great message from Don. Fun discussions in our OT class.
  
• Sunday Afternoon: Watched the Bears because the NFL's programming rules are just stupid; but hey, I knew the Colts would win anyway... 4-0 baby!
• Sunday Evening: GrowU at NMC. Dr. Chad Meister shares concerning Moral and Religious relativism. Fantastic stuff.
• More Sunday Evening: Came home to put Katylynn to bed. She prayed with me for the first time; repeating me when I'd say, "God, thanks for mommy... God, thanks for Daddy... God, thanks for Nanny and Bubby (grandma & grandpa Lister)... God, thanks for Sadie (friend). By far, the highlight of the weekend.

*The weekend was interlaced with various visits to the recycle bins to collect coke caps and codes from 12 and 24 packs of Coke.

NFL Pick 'em: Week4

I went 10-6 last week.
I'm currently in last place:

Detroit at Chicago - This is the week Forte breaks loose for 100+ and at least 1 TD.

Cincinnati at Cleveland - Ohio battle of bad teams... except Cincy may be decent.

Seattle at Indianapolis - I'm saying the Colts have a very strong chance of carrying a 9-0 record into their matchup with New England.

NY Giants at Kansas City

Baltimore at New England - This could be a great game.

Tampa Bay at Washington

Tennessee at Jacksonville - I've gone with Tennessee every week. They're bound to pay off for me one of these weeks.

Oakland at Houston

NY Jets at New Orleans

Buffalo at Miami

St. Louis at San Francisco

Dallas at Denver

San Diego at Pittsburgh

Green Bay at Minnesota - I'd love a tie in this game. It is an interesting matchup, but the second matchup at Green Bay is much more intriguing to me.