what a weekend!

...'nuff said. It's about time! GO DAWGS!!!!

my cousin's wedding!

Curt and Megan!

#17 Tiger Paw Hole

Gwen and I are traveling down tonight to Clemson, South Carolina for my cousin Megan's wedding. Megan and I are close to being twins. We were both born in March of '83 and have blonde hair. She's a sweetheart and I'm looking forward to having her soon-to-be husband Curt in the family. She and Curt will be tying the knot Saturday. I can't believe she's getting married! But wait, Gwen and I got married almost a year ago ourselves. Life goes by fast. It doesn't seem like too long ago that all of us cousins were playing together during one of our frequent trips to see family. I'm also looking forward to playing golf with dad tomorrow afternoon at the famous Walker Course at Clemson University. Maybe you have seen the #17 Tiger Paw Hole. My grandfather (Papa) is also going to ride around on a golf cart with us. It should be a blast. Congratulations Megan and Curt!

NC State Fair!

Gwen and I went to the North Carolina State Fair last night with two of our best friends, Garrett and Lara. The fair is in Raleigh for two weeks every October. It is one of the only things in Raleigh that make a country boy feel at home. We had a blast eating good, unhealthy food, talking, laughing, and going to the Josh Turner concert! Gwen and I might go again tonight!

leaving a legacy

This morning Gwen and I were reading Proverbs 6:20-23.

"My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life..."

Recently, Gwen and I have been noticing how much our parents' influence have shaped us. In many conversations we find ourselves frequently referring back to principles they have taught us. Each day, my thinking, actions, and decisions are influenced by my parents. Now, indirectly instead of directly. Early in childhood I was obedient for fear of punishment. Now, out of conviction. As we understand that raising children is in the near future for us, we often discuss adolescent behavior (often observed from the teens in our ministry), discipline, and other general parenting topics. Obviously we have everything to learn, but the principles that we plan to instill in our children and the way by which we plan to instill these principles are almost identical to those of our parents. As Solomon exhorts his son to allow the commandments and teachings of he and his mother, it is his hope that they guide their son after he is out from under their authority and care. Gwen and I see this happening in our lives and we pray that this will take place with our children. Thank God for the legacy left by our parents! (Deut. 6:4-9)

we've got company!

Last night, Gwen's mom and grandmother arrived at our house and are staying until sometime Tuesday. We're so glad they are here! They are traveling from central Florida and making the rounds to see children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

big game tomorrow!

Most of the UT fans believe the dawgs are going to come to Knoxville and punish the Vols. I don't know if it will be punishing but it will be a good one at least. Who knows, the dawgs may run away with it. A few factors to think about:

• UT is desperate for a win


• UT did not play last week


• last year they had a big win in Athens


• UGA has to win this one to go to the dome


• Will Neyland stadium effect the dawgs?


• It hasn't hurt them the past three visits to Neyland (UGA looking to go 4-0 at Neyland)


• Mark Richt is 23-3 in opponent's stadiums

Well there is a lot more to think about but let's pray for the DAWGS!! UGA 28 UT 17

no posts for the next few days

I won't be posting any for the next few days because I have a paper on the emerging church to write today and tomorrow morning I'm going to Bear Island, NC for camping, kayaking, and surf fishing. A group of fathers and sons are going on this trip and I'm excited about hanging out with them and building relationships and enjoying God's awesome creation. Pray for me. Gwen is actually going down to Georgia for a wedding and to see some family. Pray for her too!

reThink...

Steve Wright, my boss and friend, has written a profound book on student ministry called, reThink. If you are a student pastor, senior pastor, parent, youth worker, teacher, professor, student, etc. you MUST get this book. Go to http://www.inquest.org/ to learn more about the book and to purchase it. If you get the book or would like to know more about it please let me know. What are you doing? Order that book! You won't regret it.