:: true north indications ::

the dean boys brawl.

2009-06-24T23:59:00.004-04:00

As one of five brothers, I'm a guy who knows the joys and sometimes pain that comes with a good ole brotherly brawl. When our friends, the Dean's, came by to meet Miss Aubrey Adair Smith, their boys wanted to put on a show. So, with the help of Daddy Matt, Baby Luke showed his older brothers Josh and Caleb that he ain't scared! This is how little boys are suppose to do it. Brotherly love at its best.

video inserted.

Can't you just picture me and all my brothers
getting into things like this!!

We had the Ladies enjoying the show.

We were so glad they got to come visit.

Sad to see them leaving, but excited to know where they are going.

entire Smith crew.

2009-06-23T22:59:00.003-04:00

This weekend we had a great time with the whole Smith crew. All of my brothers and their wives came into town to hang out with Aubrey.. and celebrate Father's Day together. Here are a few shots of the entire Smith crew.

All the Smith men... my Dad's 6 boys.

Those sharp Smith Ladies.

Then Luke started something fun.

If you can't tell.. when we all get together.. we like to have a good time.

My First Father's Day.

2009-06-22T22:49:00.003-04:00

Today was an absolutely fabulous day! Today was my very first Father's Day. I woke up with a pride in my heart that I really can't explain. As Meredith and I took Aubrey to our church, our friends greeted us with the warmest of smiles.. and me with the perfect amount of joy and sincerity to say "Happy Father's Day."

At first it was something completely surreal... just really not feeling real at all. But as the day went on, the phone calls came, the family visits happened, the conversations continued, the text messages received, things began to settle in. I am a Father, this is my day. Then the presents were presented.

Little Miss Aubrey -- with the help of her beautiful Mother -- picked up a few books for her Daddy to read to her. One called "Dance Me, Daddy," which tells the story of a father and daughter's relationship through the seasons of life -- always to the steps of dancing. In the 13 days that she has been alive, I've already found such joy in swaying with her in my arms. I look forward to the many, many dances to come... even those 3:30 am sleepless dances probably coming tomorrow night.

The next book was a classic. It is a classic. Where the Wild Things Are is a book all about adventure and dreams. These are two of the things that I hope to teach my daughter a lot about. We fail in life when we do not pursue our biggest dreams, because we cease to live out life as our greatest adventure. I cannot wait to turn the pages of this book with our Aubrey for the many, many story-book reading nights to come.

Unwrapping these simple, yet perfect presents.. along with reading the cards that accompanied them.. made this Father's Day something very special. It really set in for me as I sat and held my Little Lady, I am a father. I am a father who loves his child so much, I cannot explain it. She has not done a single thing for me -- she can't right now -- but my love for her is so great that I would do absolutely anything and everything that I could for her. It makes me so thankful for a perfect love that is even more great.. so much greater.

Today was an absolutely fabulous day!

** I even got an idea of a part to a date to take Aubrey's Mom on for her birthday in October... check it out.

The Movie Trailer >> Where the Wild Things Are. Get excited.

So, What did you give or get for Father's Day??

friend's photo.

2009-06-21T19:46:00.001-04:00

We had a good friend Kelly Cavin come over to the house to take a few photos of Aubrey as a gift to us. She and her mom, Sharon, have a great eye and impressive ability to get the personality of a child. You can check out more information on them at KalosPhoto.com; as well as their other creative expressions at TheStampedEnvelope.com.

Here are a few of the shots they got...

You can see a few more of the photos at www.KalosPhoto.wordpress.com. Thanks Kel and Sharon!

smile.

2009-06-16T18:12:00.001-04:00

This is a smile worth seeing... worth a triple look!!! Enjoy.

introducing the new grandparents.

2009-06-15T23:29:00.001-04:00

With all the excitement going on in our lives, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the ones who are sharing the excitement with us.. the ones who many years ago had this same excitement when we came into the world. Our parents.. the new grandparents.

Again, we will start with the last name connection and move forward.

This is "Pop". The world knows him as Ted Smith, Jared's father. He really thought there were not enough Smith's in the world, so he has had 6 Smith boys. It was a true joy to see his eyes light up when he first held our Little Lady - a little Smith lady. It was something really special.

This is "Ebba". The world knows her as Evelyn Smith, Jared's step-mother. She has two little guys of her own, who just became some of the world's youngest uncles. You'll meet them later probably. She had to be out of town with business when the Little Lady arrived, but she is planning on making sure she makes up for every bit of the lost time with her.

This is "Honey". The world knows her as Kris Moore, Jared's mother. Aubrey gets her middle name, Adair, from Honey's maiden name. She raised four incredible boys -- if I do say so myself -- and never got to shop for pink or girlie baby things.. she gets to all she wants now!!

This is "Bear-Bear". The world knows him as Barry Moore, Jared's step-father. Bear-Bear goes with Honey. He says that Aubrey captured his heart as soon as he laid eyes on her -- if you look at all the photos, he really cannot stop looking at her. We never got to experience Barry with his two little ones, so it is a blessing to see that pure delight in his eyes with our little one in his arms.

This is "Daddy-O", or "Diddy-O" as a florist recently put it. The world knows him as Wallace Justice, Meredith's father. He was the first of his family to bring the next generation onto the family tree, and is now the first grandparent of all those on his generation. He was so ready for our Little Lady to get here, he would send us text messages days before we induced that just said, "Well???," as if we wouldn't tell him if something were happening. Well, now she is here and I don't think his smile could get any bigger. He is a proud grandfather, and should be.

This is "________________". The world knows her as Sandi Justice, Meredith's mother. Aubrey is named after her father. She is holding out to let Aubrey decide what she wants to call her. In a family with amazing "Nana's" and "Mimi's," she is wanting to find that name which is just right for her granddaughter to call her. When I see Meredith interacting and loving on Aubrey, I know exactly where she got it from; because I imagine it being just the way Sandi was with her. I can't wait to hear the name that Aubrey chooses for her. I am certain it will be something special.

So there they are. Each of the new grandparents. I'm glad you have gotten to meet them, because I'm pretty sure you will be hearing a lot about each of them. Meredith and I are truly blessed to have each of them in our lives.. and each of them as a loving grandparent to our Little Lady. We are thankful for their love.

** So you have meet them, how about you? What do you want your "Grandparent" name to be??

Aubrey's First Press Coverage.

2009-06-13T17:18:00.000-04:00

It might take a while for some to get mentioned in newspaper articles, but for Aubrey it only took 5 days!! Of course, it does not hurt to have an uncle heading to pitch for Auburn next season.

Uncle Slade has been covered in many articles as the MLB draft has been approaching. Slade made the decision to pass by the draft and head to he Plains of Auburn. He made his feelings known to all the scouts that called. We are all thrilled to see him fulfill his dreams of wearing that AU uniform.

Slade made sure that everyone knew his plans for the summer, as the fall is approaching. J.D. Davidson writes, "For starters, the recent Fort Payne High School graduate has just a few weeks of free time before he begins his baseball career at Auburn. He wants that time to himself. Well, himself, and his new niece.

“I’m going to try to spend as much time as I can with my new niece,” Smith said. “I’m just going to work out and get my arm back in shape, so when I get to Auburn I can compete for a starting job or a weekend SEC job.”

You can check out the full article from the Times Journal.

Aubrey's Photos.

2009-06-13T15:25:00.002-04:00

We wanted to share a few of the shots that we've loved so far. We hope you enjoy them too.

the Little Lady smile.

2009-06-12T10:40:00.002-04:00

here is a glimpse of that Little Lady smile on video.

the Little Lady smile. from Jared Smith on Vimeo.

Here is a glimpse of Aubrey's little smile.

She is sporting a gift from her "Honey", that honors her "Pop" who played football at Auburn and her Uncle Slade who will be wearing those colors on the baseball field next season.

Aubrey Adair Smith :: video.

2009-06-11T10:48:00.001-04:00

Okay.. so are you wanting a bit more than these few photos? Well, here is a Little Lady on video.

Here is a little showing of our Little Lady. We just wanted to say hello to all of our friends around the world. Hope you enjoy.

heading home.

2009-06-11T10:40:00.002-04:00

This Smith family just got the word that in a few hours we will be heading home. We get to pack up and cruise on with little Aubrey home to Wisteria Circle. We can't wait for all of you to come meet this precious child.

Little Aubrey.

2009-06-10T22:52:00.003-04:00

Today was another delightful day in the St. Vincent's delivery suites. We had to hang out here for one more evening to make sure that Meredith's white blood count levels back down. It does not seem to be anything major, but the doctors just want to have her close to monitor them. We both see it as a blessing to have an incredible hospital staff right outside our door, ready to take care of any need that we might have. Meredith has been so strong pressing forward with all of the issues.

Aubrey has been outstanding today. She is already getting a touch more personality in her. Last night as Meredith and I were holding her close and talking with her about our family, she kept giving us this precious smirk and a very flirtatious smile. It caught us both as a great surprise, as it almost seemed Aubrey knew exactly what she was doing to us.

We have had some more great friends give wonderful compliments and fun visits to see this new addition. Thank you for all your kind words and comments on here and other places. The internet service here at St.V's is very spotty, so I haven't been able to load up all of the photos I want to.. but I thought that I would share one of my favorites I got lucky taking this morning. You gotta let a proud father show off his Little Lady a bit more on here.. and if you like them, trust me.. a lot more will be coming soon.

Please keep us in your prayers. We will find out in the AM if we can head on home tomorrow or will need one more day to monitor those levels. Either way.. we are just so glad we get to spend it with this beautiful daughter.

the story behind the name.

2009-06-09T23:06:00.002-04:00

We wanted to Thank You all for your extra sweet comments, compliments, and continued prayers. Aubrey is only a little more than 24 hours old, but she has already captured our hearts. We hope this photo brings a smile to your face like it does ours.

So let us tell you how we came to choose the name Aubrey Adair Smith. Family has always been something extremely valuable to both Meredith and I, so we knew that we wanted to honor our family by carrying on family names to the next generation.

We will start with the end and move forwards.

Smith, I know, I know what you're thinking.. you didn't have a choice in that one. Although it is true, and also that there are plenty of Smith's out in the world, we are so excited to bring in the next generation to our Smith crew - there is something very significant and special about our crew - and especially that we are bringing the next generation in with a Little Lady. As a guy with 5 Smith brothers, I never would have thought a girl would come.. but I honestly wouldn't want it any other way. Come on, look at that girl.. can you blame me??

Adair is my mother, Kris' maiden name. It has always been a name I have loved, because its a crew I have always loved. We don't get to see each other as much as we want to, but when we do get together.. you better watch out.. cause it is guaranteed to be a laugh-filled, fun time. It is an honor to connect our Little Lady to the Adair family with her middle name.

Then there is Aubrey. Aubrey was the name of Meredith's Grandfather, her mother, Sandi's father. He passed away when Meredith was 4 years old. I never got to meet him, but have always heard some incredibly special things about this man. He has always been special to Mer and her family. The amazing, un-planned, part of it all is that yesterday, June the 8th, would have been Mer's grandfather's 90th birthday.. yes.. our Little Lady has the same birthday as her namesake!! How cool of God is that.

So there you have it. The main reasons why we went with the name. Plus, we just like the flow of Aubrey Adair Smith. Once you meet her, we know that you will love it too.

** side note, we also found out today that my Dad has a distant cousin named Aubrey Smith. So now we definitely have all sides of our families covered.

I'll leave you tonight with a little bit of Aubrey's personality coming out.. I don't know where she gets this stuff from. Thanks for checking in to find out a little bit more of our daughter, Aubrey Adair Smith.

:: Aubrey Adair Smith ::

2009-06-08T23:00:00.001-04:00

We want to introduce you to our daughter..
:: Aubrey Adair Smith ::

Born on June 8, 2009 at 5:07pm.
Weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz. - 21 inches long.

We thank you for your prayers.. Both new Mom and Little Lady are doing great now. We can't wait for you all to meet her.

Trust me.. more photos are to come!!

40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes

2008-12-15T16:04:00.001-05:00

spreading.the.word

2008-12-12T16:09:00.002-05:00

with a little creativity >> video

wôrd.twö.yó.måmå from Jared Smith on Vimeo.

perspective.

2008-11-21T15:19:00.003-05:00

here is a good friday video for you.. Perspective on things can change so quickly. I think this could help.. especially with the thanksgiving season around the corner.

video

thanks to ragamuffinsoul.com for sharing.

seasons.

2008-11-14T17:10:00.002-05:00

I don’t know about the weather where you are, but back in Alabama the signs of seasonal change are everywhere. This is a season that I love. When the leaves begin to transition from glowing growth of green to an array of tones in orange and browns. There is an undeniable beauty in looking unto the clusters of trees around me and see the variety of creativity in the colors. I really love this season. I love that the Creator chose to give us these transitions in the seasons. That He can capture my heart by the falling of the leaves as I cruise through the streets of my life now, moving from one thing to another.

Change of the seasons are all around us. Nature is revealing the change of seasons. Our nation is in a season of change. The life of Meredith and I is preparing for things to change. We do not know what the future has in store… but we know the One who does. We know the One who changes all seasons.

“Daniel answered and said:
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
To you, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise…”

- Daniel 2:20-23

Often times these seasons of change can become overwhelming. We can feel the darkness in the mornings. We look around the world to see no glimpse of any light. We can have major doubts if the next season will ever come.

My question rests in this? How will we chose to act if the One in whom the light dwells does not reveal that light right away? What if He has greater lessons of trust and faith to be learned in this season of change? He has promised to walk us through all seasons, but often we don’t chose to live like He is. I have been seeking Him for some lessons in this season and have been challenged greatly by the words of Habakkuk 3:17-18 –

“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

I think this is the greatest of responses that we could have in any season. His understanding is so much higher than our wisdom. We often don’t get what He is doing in our lives. But He wants us to see Him at work in all seasons and situations. He is our only promise of light to come.

You might be currently in a pretty steady season. Things might be going well for you. Or your world might be completely upside-down with no fruit being produced on the vines. You might be really feeling this season of change. I do not know where He has you.

But I can tell you this.. in every situation of my past - and there have been some tough ones - the Lord has been completely faithful. He has come through in ways that I never would have dreamed, where credit can only go towards Him. He has revealed his light in the most perfect of timing. Its not always the easiest answers to our situations… but He is faithful to carry us through them, if we let Him. He has been faithful in seasons of the past, and that puts me trusting Him for this next season of our future.

Lord,

I will trust and I will rejoice,

I will have faith and take joy,

I will give thank and glory,

I will sing and praise — You, the God of all our seasons.

relevant.

2008-11-10T19:02:00.003-05:00

I've been reflecting a lot on church styles lately. There are so many different ways to approach how you "do church".

Some churches are outstanding at maintaining the traditional form of worship and church services. People connect with the richness of the hymns and order of the worship.

While others offer a quality towards the more modern scene of life today. They remain faithful to the Message of history, but aim to present it in a more "relevant" style. They often use music of pop-culture to influence the thinking of God in the world today.

I see the value in both approaches... and in this video I can see... well, I'm sure you will see what I see.. when one style tries the approach of the other --- Pure Awesomeness.

What do you see??

beautiful words.

2008-10-27T19:27:00.001-04:00

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in Him, and He will act.

- Psalm 37.3-5

free tunes.

2008-09-16T16:39:00.003-04:00

I have really been enjoying some great music lately. I thought that I'd pass it along... because not only is it great.. it's free. like.. for real free.

Phil Wickham >> Singalong.
must hear :: Divine Romance

Daniel Bashta >> Worship in Motion.
must hear :: Christ in Me

click it.

download it.

enjoy it.

share it.

elections.

2008-09-05T10:58:00.000-04:00

It feels like the presidential elections have been going on for almost two years now.. really, because they have. As all of America, and most of the world, shift their attention to the distinctions between the two main candidates, I really appreciate Dr. Joel Hunter's viewpoint on the outcome of this pivotal election >>

"The elections aren't the end of our efforts. They are the beginning.... No matter who is in office, that's God's person to prompt us into action. So our real job starts after November."

- Dr. Joel Hunter,

impact.

2008-09-03T14:47:00.004-04:00

I've been doing a lot of reading and reflection upon one word lately. The word comes with a simple definition :: the effect or influence of one person, thing, or action, on another. It can come in the smallest of words or in the largest of actions. We make it whether we are strategic or naive towards it >> Impact.

We all have the opportunity to stake claims upon which type of impact we will make. I believe that we all have a responsibility to strive towards making a positive impact on our world [[ insert the whole "leave a better world for our children" speech from any politician ]]. But for those of us choosing to follow Jesus, I believe that responsibility moves beyond into a command >> see Matthew 5:13-16.

We cannot control the way in which others respond.. their response is an action of their choice; but we can control our actions to influence, inspire, and impact (( sorry for the alliteration there, it just came out )). Some might respond to our actions in full agreement and gratefulness with hopes of continuing the impact.. others can respond in misunderstanding or even resentment with desires of stopping or reversing the impact. Their response is not in our control.. our only control is in the actions of ourselves -- carrying the hope to impact.

Here is a man looking to make an impact >> he is simply called Banksy. His choice of medium is the color of a spray can. His action of impact is to apply his talents with paint upon deserted buildings among communities in need of inspiration. I was influenced by his latest trip to New Orleans.. His images share a story with a grand opportunity for beautiful impact. Some may respond differently.. but you have to appreciate his heart to make an impact.

[[ there are rumors that Banksy has recently left his mark upon two buildings in Birmingham -- I'll grab some photos if I can find them ]]

++ my questions to ponder >>
-- Do I want to leave an impact? If so, of which type/magnitude does my heart want to leave??

-- Are the actions of my life moving towards the purpose of making an impact?

-- What actions can I make to increase the impact upon those around me??

:: good quote on the subject >>

"We must never underestimate the importance
of one moment, one word, one deed
in the life of another human being."

-- Erwin McManus,
Seizing Your Divine Moments, 117.

disqualified taekwondo.

2008-08-23T13:31:00.003-04:00

Now there are many ways that someone could respond to being disqualified from the bronze medal match at the Olympic games... Cuba's Angel Matos choses this as the best method of response towards the Olympic referee >>

At least he got his point across.
-- but then he also got banned for life from the Olympics.. so maybe not the best of responses.

google street.

2008-08-11T09:22:00.001-04:00

I saw this and had to pass it along >>
"Google Street View finally found Waldo ..."

- from Relevant's Slices

coming soon.

2008-06-16T22:20:00.006-04:00

so Mer and I have a LOT of things going on.. hopefully I'll find some time to post about those plans soon.

But I just wanted to say that there is one show premiering soon that I'm totally looking forward to watching >> ABC turns a Chinese classic show into an American fad >>

but it looks awesome!! Check it out. What do you think??

encouraging words this morning.

2008-04-28T11:25:00.006-04:00

So this morning I pulled an old book of my shelf, it was a copy of Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God Day-by-Day. It was given to me back in 1999 by a great friend, Michael Wright. He gave it to me for my high school graduation and wrote some very encouraging words on the inside covered. Well, those weren't the only encouraging words that I re-read this morning.

I opened up to the reading for today, just to see if I had read it back then and wrote anything about that day. April 28th -- I got nothing. But on the page to the left (the 27th) I come across these words of my hand writing: "Father... I have asked you to show me where you want me, and you reply not with a position but a perfect answer. Father, help me to be close enough to you so that I may hear your voice and recognize your calling."

These were words that I had penned over a decision for my summer plans. The Lord was completely faithful to lead me to exactly what was best for my heart that summer. Now, fast forward a great 8 years and as I graduating from another era of school, my prayer is exactly the same :: Father, show me where you want me. His reply - exactly the same :: close enough to Me to hear My voice and recognize My calling.

Thank you Lord for the re-reading of those encouraging words this morning.

$3 worth.

2008-04-21T11:10:00.004-04:00

"I would like to buy $3 worth of God please
I want just $3 worth

Just enough to equal a soothing cup of warm milk
Or a snooze in the sunshine
Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep

Enough of God to make me feel love and forgiven
But not so much to make me love and forgive others
Not so much that it will make me seek justice for the oppressed
Or to embrace the person with AIDS
Or make room for the refugee
Or to feed the hungry
Just $3 worth please

Enough to snack on for two Sunday morning hours of bliss
I want ecstasy
Not transformation
I want the warmth of the womb
Not the terrible pain of new birth

Give me a pound of the eternal
$3 worth of God please
And could you put that in a brown paper bag…"

- adapted from Tim Hansel, $3.00 Worth of God

useful list.

2008-04-01T11:32:00.002-04:00

I just thought that I would pass along an impressive list of the 101 Most Useful Websites... there are some good ones out there -- this may help you find a more useful one.

duke basketball.

2008-03-25T19:41:00.009-04:00

so if you have been lucky enough to have any free time lately, or just haven't been getting things done that you should have, you probably have been watching a lot of basketball. It is the month of March.. and there is a big tournament going on.. but you probably haven't been watching any basketball like this >> check out the video.

now of course duke would go on to lose the next game.. you might have loved that or hated that.. but I personally think it was because they didn't have the frog in the game.

test drive.

2008-03-06T15:44:00.008-05:00

Over the past few years, I've been able to buy and sell cars through Wholesale Auto Plus. It has been an outstanding deal as my form of the apostle Paul's "tent-making" alongside ministry. I've given test drives of many types of cars to many types of people.. some legit folks.. some not-so-legit folks.. but here is a story of a man that definitely took a test drive of a car way too far >> 2,000 miles too far.

by the way.. here are the two cars that I currently have for sale >> come on, you know you want a convertible!!

defense.

2008-03-05T00:22:00.006-05:00

so I know that I'm not the greatest of basketball players out there.. but I do know that this ain't the way that you are suppose to play defense...

and this dude actually made it to the NBA. Well he definitely just got posterized.

encyclopedia.

2008-02-26T18:39:00.006-05:00

a new site launched today.. well.. for a bit. the Encyclopedia of Life site had 11.5 million hits in over 5 1/2 hours, which is just a few more than here. but because of the massive demand, the site crashed. I'm sure they are working on increasing that broadband.

the AP describes the new site as offering "limited Web pages for 30,000 species. There are also "exemplar pages" that go into more depth with photos, video, scientific references, maps and text of 25 species... Eventually, planners hope to have all 1.8 million species on the Web and already have set up 1 million placeholder pages."

dang, just another thing on the web to distract us from the work that needs to get done.

referral.

sinful.

2008-02-18T15:39:00.014-05:00

I came across a very interesting article today :: America's Most Sinful Cities.

The article displays, in accordance to the "7 Deadly Sins" :: lust, gluttony, avarice, sloth, wrath, envy and pride :: the American cities that have "fallen the farthest from grace." It is extremely interesting to see the cities in the ratings.. but a question hit my heart.. is that the right thing to rate??

Just because my city is rated #2 in gluttony and #5 in sloth doesn't mean that we have turned more from grace.. or even that we need it more. We all need it. But it could mean that we love the One who gives grace more..

Jesus asked him, "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?" -- Luke 7:41-42

We all have a sinful debt. We all owe something for it.. and none of us can repay it.. no point in gauging the debt.. the gauge must be in how much we love the gracious Forgiver of our debt. Where do you rank in that?

Insert song :: Jesus Paid It All.

love.

2008-02-16T15:59:00.004-05:00

with this being the weekend after Valentine's day.. I thought that I would share an old video that I came across from way back in the day. One of Frazer's finest -- keeping in mind that this was done while the Budweiser "Wazzz up" commercials were rolling.

It includes John Schmidt, Rob Webster, Shane Segars, John Ed Mathison, and Bruce Wilkinson - the guy who wrote Prayer of Jabez.

the winning three.

2008-02-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

the Giants pulled an upset by three.. so I thought I'd give you my winning three.. my favorite commercials from the night >>

The Uni-Brow, by Planters :: funny because its ugly.. and I'm sure its one of David Nasser's favs.

Baby II, by E-trade :: funny because its like a Mikey flashback from Look Who's Talking.

What is Love, by Diet Pepsi :: funny because it reminds me of a guy in seminary with me.. seriously, wake-up.

similarity.

2008-02-01T13:16:00.000-05:00

I don't know if it is only because my friend Brad George has gotten me back into playing Halo (the original) or not. But when I came across photos of the new Hummer HX concept car, I could not keep from picturing the always helpful Warthog from the game. Whether you consider using it as a panzy-way to play or not.. you have to see the similarity...

- okay, so minus the whole guns and aliens thing.

If you want to check out some of the other concept cars revealed at the Detriot 2008 show.. check them out here.

ripple.

2008-01-31T12:50:00.000-05:00

so you might have read the post from yesterday and thought.. that's great.. but I don't have the spare cash to give each month -- even for the better causes. I understand. I might aim to challenge you some in what you use that cash for.. but I understand. So let me show something that will offer support for some cool causes that you can do.. because its Free.

here is a site that you can offer support towards your choice of causes :: water, food, education, or money. And all that you have to do is click.. you've already done it probably 50-100 times today.. why not one more to help a great cause. It is a brilliant concept that is connected with money through marketing.. but in a legit way. Check it out -- view how it works -- and make it your home-page. Why not start each day with something that helps other folks of the world. Make a click.. start a ripple (sorry, I know its cheesy, but I couldn't resist).

hate.

2008-01-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

There are not many things that really get to me. I don't have that many things which I can say that I really hate. But I hate a certain tv commercial. No way around it.. I hate it. It rubs me wrong every time that I see it. It is the commercial with Sarah McLachlan about abused animals, set to her "In the Arms of an Angel" song. (I would post the video on here.. but I don't want to let more people see it.)

Now, I'm FOR helping stop abuse of animals. I really am. And I'm not against Sarah McLachlan.. according to this, she helps out some good charities. But I hate the fact that the commercial is produced in the exact way as commercials for supporting impoverished children. It forces my mind to connect the two.. and in comparison.. one totally outweighs the other.

This is goes sort of in step with my boy B's post about the amount of money spent by Americans on their pets. I get that the charity for abused animals needs financial support. But how can a person feel obligated to send $20 a month to help an animal, when there is a massive need to help a person!! Which cause is more worthy of the support?? There are plenty of great organizations -- Christian based and non -- that accomplish great things in support of people, through monthly contributions :: World Vision, End Homelessness, or Give Grace -- just to name a few... you can check out the charity navigator for others.

Its really not that I hate animals.. cause I don't.. but that commercial.. the way that it is presented.. I'm sorry, but I hate it.

just crazy.

2008-01-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

so a good friend of mine, Taylor, revealed to me just how crazy Tom Cruise really is... if you haven't seen it yet... you need to just watch this video.

and then once you've seen the craziness there... check out some funniness here.

fame.

2008-01-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

"Fame is just having your name known by a lot of strangers."

- this is a great quote by Robert Zimmerman... a man who would change perspective on a lot of things while being known to those strangers by a differnt name. there is some strong irony there.

Christmas Mix 2007.

2007-12-19T22:16:00.000-05:00

so here is the order to the Christmas Mix that has been going over and over in my playlist... getting me fully ready for the travels and time with family and friends ahead. Merry Christmas.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Coldplay
Winter Wonderland - Jason Mraz
Angels We Have Heard on High - Chris Tomlin
Baby, It's Cold Outside - James Taylor
I'll Be Home for Christmas - Tony Bennett
Silent Night - Sanctus Real
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Bethany Dillon
Let It Snow - Michael Buble
O Holy Night - The New Orleans Horns
O Come, All Ye Faithful - Starfield
What Child Is This? - ZOEgirl
Go Tell It On The Mountain - James Taylor
Santa Clause is Coming to Town - Ray Charles
Carol of the Bells - Harlem Boys Choir
Jingle Bells - James Taylor
My Favorite Things - Tony Bennett
O Holy Night - Shawn McDonald

you can check out some of the tracks thru i-tunes by clicking on them.. you can actually download for free the New Orleans Horns - O Holy Night ... by clicking on it. Enjoy.

you got a song worth adding?? let me know.. even if it's that great old school n*sync christmas.

Foy getting some love..

2007-12-02T15:37:00.001-05:00

so the great info line at Foy Student Union of Auburn University with the classic phone number >> eight.foy.foy - foy.two.foy.foy .. is getting some Today show attention. Pretty cool. War Eagle.

Mr. Football nominations.

2007-11-21T15:32:00.000-05:00

The Alabama Sports Writers Association has just released its list of nominees for the 2007 Mr. Football Award. Check it out... in the 5A Offensive listing there is a name that you might recognize.

Birmingham News article

Way to go, Bro.. but remember, I can still take you!

The Bible Experience

2007-11-19T22:36:00.000-05:00

so I think I'm sold! With a cast like that... and the power in those words... yeah, it's going onto this year's Christmas list. You can check out more at InspiredBy.com.

around the world... on your own strength.

2007-11-15T12:55:00.000-05:00

So how long do you think it would take you to travel all the way around the world by your own power?? -- not with a motor, not with a sail, but moving by your own strength -- pedaling a bike, padling a boat, even rollerblading like its the 90's. well these folks did it.. and it only took 13 years!!!

check out their story.. it is amazing and crazy all at the same time!

the ESPN article and the Expedition 360 website

60-year-old with no shame..

2007-11-12T12:18:00.000-05:00

so as I was taking a break from working on a paper this morning on Church Leadership, I came across this article on Reuters. The dude is just wrong, but very bold in his actions...

check it out >> no shame "art"

The boldness connected with this guy's wrong decision-making reminded me of a quote from Calvin Miller's book The Empowered Leader. In it a fictional letter is written to a pastor with the following words expressed, “Anyway, Pastor, make a decision and take off. I’ll follow you even if your decision is wrong. I’d just as soon go the wrong direction now and then, as never go anywhere.”

interesting words... interesting thoughts. I'm okay with bold... not so much wrong.

now thats what i'm talking about...

2007-08-12T22:12:00.000-04:00

this little "princess" has got it.. she knows her King.. well done. Psalm 23.

just a little bit of what i'm feeling..

2007-05-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

When the brilliant ethicist John Kavanaugh went to work for three months at "the house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking a clear answer as to how best to spend the rest of his life. On the first morning there he met Mother Tersa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him.

"What do you want me to pray for?" she asked. He voiced the request that he had borne thousands of miles from the United States: "Pray that I have clarity."

She said firmly, "No, I will not do that." When he asked her why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of." When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."

- from Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning

So as another semester comes to a close, I start to hear the question put before me more and more... "What are you going to do after seminary?"

My response is simple >> Continue to Trust.

you need to read this..

2007-05-14T23:04:00.001-04:00

someone helped ashley home.

you just really need to read it. thanks b for sharing it.

words from the psalmist...

2007-04-24T01:22:00.000-04:00

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge.

these were words that were shared with me by a dear friend three years ago in encouragement, and they still ring so true in my heart today.

give some help..

2007-04-17T14:38:00.001-04:00

so how about helping some friends win a trip to LA. Check out the Sephora.com/smashbox .. and check out video #1 and #2.. they are solid displays of creativity. then VOTE for #1!!! both of them will go if #1 wins.. so take a second and Vote.. come on.. all the fun kids are doing it.

2007-03-13T13:23:00.000-04:00

so we have all seen them. the bumper stickers that have spread like wildfire. a very simple and clean design that started with W.. representing the Presidential candidate, who would of course win (twice). but now.. i've got a problem. because you see, individuals (who usually mean well) have taken this great design and have ruined the appealing aspect of it. They are everywhere. There is just about every letter out there representing so many different things :: C - the River, D - the Party, J - the Messiah, even with two letters :: BR - the Governor, Al - the University.

I know that the creators of these stickers wanted to provide a cool and trendy emblem for their vehicles that made a statement, but they have forgotten the key aspect to the design.. the W is what the President is known by!! No one calls Bob Riley - BR. No one calls the Cahaba River the C. and yes, I'm ALL about my boy JC.. but still.. can we as Christians not get original in our designs for our Savior.

Elections are on the horizon. Individuals are looking for new ways to advertise their candidates.. all I'm asking is please, let us lay to rest these design. It has had its run. Lets call it The End. other than one using the letter F, there was nothing close to the original.

.: invisible children :.

2007-02-17T17:17:00.000-05:00

the World Tour is rolling. these are some cool peeps.. leading a powerful world-changing movement. "Thirteen black vans, filled with teams of four, are driving an uprising across America for the next three and a half months. More than 1,300 high schools, universities, religious institutions, and other venues will see the “Invisible Children: Rough Cut” documentary and learn about the situation in Northern Uganda." If you get a chance to catch it in a town near you.. don't pass it up!! check out the new World Tour video below..

>> it comes with a special cameo that many of you will enjoy!!
www.InvisibleChildren.com

after the super bowl..

2007-02-13T11:58:00.000-05:00

just a cool and respectful side to this year's super bowl.

representin'

2007-02-12T18:16:00.000-05:00

so my boy Ryan Mims is representing AL right on this season of American Idol. Hopefully you'll all get to enjoy his tunes on the show. So be on the look out. You can check out a video from Fox6 here about him.. or give him a listen at www.RyanMims.com

classes back in full swing..

2007-01-31T23:21:00.000-05:00

So after taking two highly intense Jan Term classes, I have now settled back into a full, yet managable class load. I'm taking 6 classes plus an internship at Redstone Church this semester.

My classes are completely solid. I mean, my profs have really just been blowing me away with their words and wisdom. So.. I thought I'd share some of my notes.. just part of the introduction to my class.. but it has some powerful words that could be great to chew on.. so I hope you enjoy.. they are just my flow of thought from Biblical Theology..

"The Word of God >> it’s His Word.. not our own.. we cannot have Word without the full experience of the Spirit. We must rely on the same Spirit that drew us to belief in Christ, to give us the ability to read meaning from Scripture.

For true understanding we must turn to the Spirit.. it is more excellent than all reason. The same Spirit that moved through the inspiring of writers of the text must penetrate our hearts to allow us to understand them.

“Without the Spirit, the Scriptures would be a dead letter to us – just words on a page.” – John Frame

Westminster Confessions >> the Holy Spirit can move through, with, beyond, or even against our best abilities with the Scriptures.

Karl Barth – Only by prayer will we grasp that it is God’s Word.. not our own. We must be in the posture of prayer when we read Scripture.. we cannot get to base one without Him. Ora et Labora >> Prayer and Works."

2007-01-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well i guess its a little late to say it.. but it doesn't need to go unsaid.. Happy New Years.

I hope yours has started off smoothly.

We have traveled all over during the holiday season, enjoying the wide spectrum of family and friends. One good thing of all that driving is playing through all those lost tunes stored deep in the ipod. I've been rolling in the new year with a great old folk mix. I've forgotten how much I enjoy the true talent of story-teller musicians.

Wilcox, Edwin, and Shawn Mullins are some of my favorites.. but what about the newbies out there.. you know any great folk musicians that are worth giving a listen??

2006-12-12T11:22:00.000-05:00

just a photo with someone moving to birmingham.. and his extra smooth new hat. what can i say.. he is a smith.

this Christmas season..

2006-12-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone has a truly amazing Christmas season. I really hope that I do. Yeah, I know.. that sounds a little bit greedy.. a tad self-centered. But my hope is not to have an amazing Christmas by the ways of our culture.. but by the way of One much higher.

You see, the pages of the Old Testament have been coming alive to me lately. Yes, mainly because thats what my class studies are covering, but the Lord's Spirit still moves through them. And this morning my heart has been resting in this one passage from the book of Haggai.. just check it out..

Haggai 1:5-6 >>
Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

As I read through the pages of this very short book (only 2 chapters), I started to think about how we look for so much out of our holiday seasons. The anticipation of things to come are so great. We hope for so much. But yet I realize, we (I definitely included) miss the true hope that is there. We will probably eat of extra tasty food: turkey and ham with all the trimmings, maybe a t-bone from Waffle House.. we might get our fill - for that day. Then we can drink some of the best eggnog, tea or wine (you know, depending on age), but the next day we again will be thirsty. We can receive some the coolest of clothing: lucky jeans, inspi(red) shirts, diesel shoes, or Members Only jacket (they are on a come back); but each of them will fade - beyond the point where the fade is cool. And all of our Christmas cash can be spent on things as if it had just fallen out of our pockets.

But the Lord had something so much cooler for the people of Israel in the message of Haggai.. it was HIMSELF. "I am with you, declares the Lord"(1:13). "I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts"(2:7). The people were rebuilding the temple, which was the place of God's presence. But this temple was small and NOTHING in comparison to the temple which had been destroyed earlier.

But the Lord was showing His people.. it has nothing to do with the size of our temple or house (the coolness of our clothes, the taste of our food and drink, the amount of our Christmas cash).. it is He - by His presence - that makes things glorious. It is presence of God in Christ that can amaze you this Christmas season. That is the message of the season that puts me in awe.. God came to the earth as a baby - to be with us. I hope we each have an amazing Christmas season in that.

slingin slade smith..

2006-11-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

so you gotta let me do a little bit more of big brother bragging here.. check out an article just released online on my little bro - Sophomore quarterback at Fort Payne. They are 11-0 for the first time in school's history. It's all pretty smooth.. so check it out.

lets play some monopoly..

2006-11-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

so forget all the crazy odds.. cause someone still has to win! I got Park Place and if you got the match then we will be splitting the pot - 60/40 >> your way!! So let me know what pieces you got and we can have some fun. Here is what I got ::
- Park Place (Boardwalk gets us a $1,000,000)
- New York Avenue (Tenn & St. James gets us $1,500)
- B&O & Penn Railroad (other railroads gets us $5,000,000)
- Baltic Avenue (Mediterranean gets us $50 - which is more than 0!)

2006-10-24T21:03:00.000-04:00

so let me tell you how smooth our God is.. and He connected the dots to that point thru a problem that Jake had. See Jake had an issue with losing his F11 key, which just causes a lot of problems - especially when you are sporting a stylish apple like he has. but my issue with the F11 does not have to do with the physical key itself.. well.. sort of.. but not really.

okay.. so where in the world is this going?? well here it. Hit your F11 key. Go ahead. Yes, the one towards the top of your keyboard.. between F10 and F12. Just hit it.. you like that?? yeah, pretty cool, huh? now don't freak out.. it didn't mess up your computer, you can just hit it again to take you back to your "regular" view of things >> and that was my problem - I hit it again.

see my F11 on my keyboard was fine.. it was my F11 in my life that was the issue. as i went through my papers, exams, and assignments, I carried a viewpoint that our lives are just "regular." nothing special. nothing spectacular. nothing big to it. for me.. i am just getting a masters. but as my heart began to long for something more.. our God revealed Himself as that thing in life which is so much more. it is Christ in us that makes us so much more than "regular." We as Christians are HIS!!

how did He draw me to that? not by the passages I'm use to.. it was in the words of Balaam, found in Numbers 23:20 (check it out.. its a cool OT story), "I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it." in its context things get really smooth in God's blessing of His people, Israel. A covenant which was formed with Moses for God's chosen people. Moses lead his people not by his own strength, but by the glory of God. A glory which transformed Moses' regular life into something so much more, by giving him a small glimpse of His glory - Exodus 33 (another good one).

we can so quickly fall into the belief that our lives are all about the here and now. the daily tasks of life that become so redundant and minuscule. we can begin to walk through life thinking that there is nothing exciting about it. but God's Word declares something so much greater. "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:4). God has chosen to bless us with Life. a non-normal life, but Life in Him.. Life for Him.. and Life through Him. There is nothing larger than God's glory, and He has declared us a part of that, and there is nothing that we can do to change that. nothing! Christ has declared us His. So when those times come when you just don't "feel" it.. all you might need to do is hit that F11 to get that better view of the "bigger picture" for our lives.

what do you want for Christmas??

2006-10-17T16:06:00.000-04:00

so i have definitely found something for my Christmas Wish List :: click on the photo above to view the details. make sure to check out all the Product Descriptions >> the last one is the best!!

little bro on a highlights show..

2006-10-07T18:47:00.000-04:00

so check out the video of Fort Payne over Etowah..

it was an awesome game by both teams..
Fort Payne is 6-0 for the first time since the 1950's!!

another fun saturday..

2006-10-01T22:35:00.000-04:00

so after a crazy friday of 2 tests and 2 papers due.. which yes, that made watching the auburn game a little bit different as I had my Old Testament notes out.. but Mer and I headed up to Fort Payne - for another Ft.P victory. 5-0 for the first time since 1971.. how about that for the Wildcats.

so after all that, I got to enjoy a great dove shoot with some fun guys. Smith Newspaper Publishing opened up their lodge for a day of shotguns. Barry, Slade, and I were joined with family friends - the Smith's (its their place) and the Barnes - then had some cool additions to the squad. We had 4 Auburn Football players with us. After a close win on Thursday night, these guys took off to a cabin in Mentone and came to the shoot. I'll let you guess who they were - one had a great interception Thursday night while covering SC best receiver.. one scored his very first Auburn career touchdown (first of many to come).. one who is from Fort Payne and annually attends the shoots.. and one who I was thrilled to see as he was one of my Basic guys from the days at Frazer.
>> if you get three out of the four.. i'll be very impressed. feel free to use some online rosters - espn has a good one.

there were a lot of birds flying.. but not many in our direction.. but as always - had a blast in camo with the guys. War.Eagle.

happy birthday bro..

2006-09-26T17:34:00.000-04:00

So my little brother Slade.. ain't so little anymore. Today is Slade's birthday!! Up in Fort Payne, he went to get his license, and I'm not talking about the drive with your momma kind.. I'm talking about the real deal drive by yourself kind. Slade is 16 and will be cruising through Ft.P in his LandRover - and yes.. i could go on and on how that one isn't fair!! Come on.. some of you remember the Prelude.
Many of you know how much I value authentic brotherhood.. and I can say that it is only because of all the brothers that I have been blessed with. My life would be completely different without them. Regardless of how far away in distance we are.. we always find a way to stay close in heart.

Slade has got that Smith charm. We always have a ton of fun.. and we always will as long as he remembers that no matter how "big" he gets.. I will always be able to take him down!! He knows it.

But I have to say how proud I am of Slade as a brother - both by blood and by spirit. Slade is a Christian. He knows where true life is found >> in Christ alone!! His deepest desires are for the Lord to be reflected through his life and his passions.

I love seeing the leadership in my "little" brother continuing to form. It's there with his friends at church and school.. and its there on the playing fields. I love watching compete with the talents he has been given and worked hard to train, but I love watching him more lead his teammates into the presence of the Father.

Happy Birthday #6
keep playing the game for Jesus.

-----------------------------
if you want to keep up with Slade on the ball fields..
his games are online at www.FortPayneSports.com
or the game coverage at The Times-Journal

you gotta love the weekends..

2006-09-21T12:19:00.000-04:00

Meredith and I have been living it up on our weekends.. doing a ton of traveling for everything from football games (a lot of those) to beach trips and reunions. Putting a lot of miles on the car is always fun, but can get you tired for the week.. but hey.. come on.. you know its worth it.

we headed down to orange beach with the cool kuhlers!! had a blast just relaxing on the beach, throwing the football in the rain, and playing some putt-putt golf with the cooper's from redstone.

check out the heavily fortified sandcastle that patriso and i made with our flag waving high.

then we followed it up with another great weekend trip to nashville.

we had a straight up stellar time with the old au crew in nashville this weekend. great times of catching up and late-night celebrating of new things going on. definitely something we have to do more often.

mer and i didn't get to stick around for the dancing at decade.. but still had an awesome time hooting and hollering for those tigers at sam's for the auburn vs. lsu game.. war.eagle!!
we had a great time.. a great cooked breakfast.. thanks ladies for the hospitality.. but you always have to watch out for that chair.. hanna knows.

are you ready for some football..

2006-08-29T10:42:00.000-04:00

cause I definitely am.
war.eagle

get abstract..

2006-08-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

so here is a fun site to get all your inner Jackson Pollock expressions out.. just click to get creative.

our new couch.

2006-08-15T00:25:00.000-04:00

our new couch finally came in.. and this thing is huge!! we are still trying to get it all situated, but we love it!!

a great sunday..

2006-08-15T00:06:00.000-04:00

Mer and I had a blast this past Sunday out at FarmLinks with our church >> Redstone. We had gone to breakfast with my beautiful grandmother and great aunt in Sylacauga.. and then headed over to Parcell's Farms for a small group leader training. After the training was over, the fellas just had to play a round on the amazing FarmLinks course.. I highly reccomend it, especially when its free.. thanks JH connections!! Pictured above is Matt, Rob, Jason and I on the 250-feet elevated 194 yard par 3.. which I put a soft 7 iron onto the green pin-high on. The place is definitely one of the best I've ever played.. right up there with Indian Pines.. okay, maybe not.

The training was a great time of reflection and encouragement from Luke 24.. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" and that is my continual desire to leave an impact on the lives of others, so that the Spirit of the Lord would burn deep in their hearts, as we live life-on-life.

those photos from Tulsa..

2006-08-09T17:43:00.000-04:00

so Mer and I had lost our cable to load from our camera.. and I owed Ty some photos.. so here they are.

Ty and Amanda in front of their new place in Tulsa..

they live right off of Route 66..a few pictures of their places

Slade chillin on the couch.. our flight was delayed so we had to spend one extra night..

so here is their neighbors to the left..

and here they are to the right.. no lie.. right next door.. short run south of the border.
and because of our flight mix up (which did put us in the airport for 7 hours.. not so much fun) we did get to go to a great cookout at some of Ty and Am's new friends' land.. with a couple of these.. that part.. yeah.. really fun!and lastly a shot that I got on the road to Tulsa.. just a sign for a certain world traveler who I thought would enjoy. Sorry alittle late.. but come on.. its there.

thanks to Firestone..

2006-07-14T18:24:00.000-04:00

this is going to be my weekend in Nashville..

Firestone has hooked us up with tickets and pit-passes to the Indy Firestone 200. I'm totally pumped about it all.. plus the chance to see some great Nashville friends.. good weekend ahead!!

list of my travels this week..

2006-07-08T15:17:00.000-04:00

so here is the order of the states that i've traveled to in this last week >>

Alabama
Mississippi
Tennessee
Arkansas
Oklahoma
Georgia
Alabama
Florida
Alabama
Auburn
Georgia
South Carolina
North Carolina

Auburn was a special stop that gets treated as a state.. Right now Mer and I are in Tuxedo, North Carolina at Camp Greystone giving a hand for the weekend. Pictures of all the travels to come.

i'm heading to Tulsa..

2006-06-28T22:32:00.000-04:00

well Ty and Amanda are all packed up and ready to move to Oklahoma..
I'm going to join in on the fun of driving across the country (half-way)
and catch a flight back to B'ham with Slade and my Mom.
Tulsa >> here come the Smith's

:: David Ely ::

2006-06-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

well this weekend Mr. David Ely is getting married!! I won't be able to make the wedding, but some of his groomsmen and ushers came into Cocina today for lunch with him. It was great to catch up on all that the Lord is doing through him.. and his new bride (who I got the privilege to meet once before in the restaurant >> the kid has done good - trust me!!). But since I won't be making the wedding celebration, I thought I'd send a shout out to him blog-style.

we can all be blessings this new family with prayers as they go on administrative staff with the Navigators in Colorado Springs, CO. If you want to holla at him with a congrats, you can reach him at David.Ely@navigators.org .. May the Lord amaze you, David, with His love through Mary Beth's heart. Congrats to the new Ely family!!

Proverbs 3:5-6

2006-06-19T17:32:00.000-04:00

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

I will trust in the Lord when I don't understand,
until I can trust in the Lord because I do understand.

- Cars -

2006-06-11T23:01:00.000-04:00

You just gotta see this movie.. Pixar has definitely done it again!! And what will make it even better is if you can go to the Saturday or Sunday matinee.. Mer and I got to go today while we waited for some putty to dry in the kitchen before we painted. It was so awesome because the matinee was filled with Moms, Dads, and a ton of kids.. which just makes any good animation even better. The movie is extremely well put together,, and keeps you laughing the whole time. So go check it out.. I guarantee you'll be glad you did.

a lots been going on..

2006-06-06T18:27:00.000-04:00

so a lot of things have been happening with the Smith fam, and Mer said I need to post some stuff about it all.. so here you go >> i know you've been wondering..

I've officially returned to a job that some folks might remember >> waiting tables. bringing back the good ole days at lonestar.. but only now at a smooth new restaurant called the Cocina Superior. It's a real stylish place with a serving staff that is cool and all about some teamwork.. which makes any restaurant better. so if you are in b'ham,, come check me out for lunch.

Mer and I had an incredible time with my family in Santa Rosa for a week. Had a ton of fun with all the bros and Mer, Kat, and Amanda.. plus the always important Barry and Momma. When we go to the beach.. we go ALL out at the Beach. Eating at some of the best restaurants ((it was great running into k.a. at the Red Bar >> its like Chappy's = you are always going to see someone you know there)) As well as the brothers playing some extra competitive games ((even ones we , Robert & I, created - pictured below)) Santa Rosa with almost the whole family >> It truly doesn't get much better than that!! We even got to swim with a few "special" friends..

The house is coming along nicely.. about to start getting into some paint colors. we still haven't been in town long enough to get out of the boxes and everything situated.. but we are getting there. i'll post a few more sneak peeks in the next few days.. but Mer and I want to do the place up right before we put it on the full out display.

All the bros shaved our heads for the summer.. here is Slade.. yeah, i know.. there is some resemblance.

I've been able to read alot lately.. finishing up some great classics >> Raggamuffin Gospel and Seizing Your Divine Moments.. while starting some new ones >> Gilead, Ruthless Trust, and God is the Gospel.

This one is for Momma Jessie.. just to add to those flashbacks.

and finally me and one smooth riding Harley. if only it was mine..
one day.. one day.

so there you go.. just a few of the things that have been going on with me.. and now its your turn to update >> can't wait to see them.

2006-05-05T11:39:00.000-04:00

The Lord has taken me back through some of my journals, and I wanted to share a piece from it..

So many times we forget >>

>> We remember the gracious Jesus in his care, love, compassion to the sick, poor, and needy; but we forget the giant burden that Christ embraced on the cross.

>> We forget all the torture and pain wrongfully poured upon his body, that he did not have to choose to receive. We forget his human flesh that was torn and beaten.

>> We forget the any opportunities in which he could have simply said "Enough," and it would have all ended.

>> We forget the value of his forgiveness - forgiveness that is not at all deserved.

>> We forget the power he carried within himself that he used not to rise and fight with, but to lay down his life with.

>> We forget how the world was shaken by it all, how our lives should be shaken by it all.

>> We forget the tears weaped by a mother.

>> We forget the denial by his "brothers".

>> We forget You, my God, in what it took to offer this needed sacrifice.

But oh Lord, may we never forget that the story did not end in the grave. For your power that raised Christ to life again is the same power that changes our souls.. sets our hearts free.. and pours out your grace for all who believe. Your story is not over.. but is being lived out by Your Spirit in our lives.

Thank you my Savior for all that I forget and the parts that I will never know.

so we bought a house...

2006-03-24T13:36:00.000-05:00

yep yep.. the Smiths are homeowners.

The seller has accepted our offer.. at a good bit less than their original asking price >> I mean, come on, did you really expect us not to work a deal?? I mean.. the Lord can work it!!

3205 Wisteria Circle :: its the 3rd from the last on the right.. at the end of the cul-de-sac. (its not one of the possible votes posted.. but one we just came across driving through a neighborhood.. thanks for giving your input though!)

Needless to say.. we are a little excited. Thanks for all your prayers.. and please continue as the rest of the process must go on before closing - which is set for April 12.. it will be cool to celebrate Easter in our first house. and don't worry.. pictures will come!!

2006-03-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

More pleasing to Me than all your prayers, works, and penances is that you would believe I love you.

-a prophetic word quoted in Ragamuffin Gospel

sometimes it is still just so hard to believe it.

return of it all..

2006-03-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

So I know.. I've sort of been leaving you hanging on the issues of what's lost. Not sure if you've been pondering on it at all or not.. but the Lord has moved in me to see some depths of despair - in longing for more than this world can offer >> desiring to re-fill the human soul to completion from what was lost in the fall.

When I first heard the list of things lost :: innocence, intimacy, life, identity, and dominion :: the Lord took me back - way back - to a message I had once heard.. a message that stayed with me not from coolness of the illustrations, but from power of the Scriptures. It's a message from the very first series at encounter in Langdon Hall >> yeah, way back.

The Lord has me soaking up His Truth in the story of the Lost Son.. from the pages of Luke 15. I know you know the story,, but have you really grasped all that has been returned.. check out the Scripture :: with just a little of my own stylizing added in >>

Luke 15: 17-24 -

When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me life on of your hired servants.' (notice when it comes time to say this to Father, how much he is able to get out.. his Father is restoring his dominion). So he got up and went to his father.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him (intimacy, check).

The son said to him, "Father, I hace sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger (identity in his Father's Name) and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it (innocence returned in sacrifice). Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. (Life.. He said it.. not me.)" So they began to celebrate.

There is a power more mighty than anything that this world has to offer,, and it is found the greatest love story ever written.. by the One who created it all.. and even though we didn't deserve any of it.. He returned it all. So now He calls us to live (the way we were created to :: as His sons and daughters) and celebrate - i think thats the least that i can do!

so how was your weekend...

2006-02-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

.. cause ours was pretty smooth.

what's lost.

2006-02-10T13:35:00.000-05:00

what’s lost... and I’m not talking about the tv show.. I’m talking about what was lost in the soul of Man after the fall. We’ve been talking about it in one of my classes.. and I just have to share it.

As John Eldridge declares so profoundly in Epic.. the story of Man did not start with the Fall in Genesis 3.. but instead in the Creation of all that is Good in Genesis 1. Well my professor, Dr. Lyle Dorsett, shared with us a list of the five major things lost in man because of the fall.. these have been shared in thought of many theologians thru the years... I hope you get the chance to ponder on the reality of life without these things..

Innocence :: God breathed life into Adam and it was all good.. naked in the garden.. walking in beautiful relations with the Creator... then the fall and what happens.. Adam and Eve discovered they were naked and hid... innocence was lost.

Intimacy :: Adam and Eve walked, talked, and live with the Lord.. not just in a personal relationship, but in an intimate one... lost in the fall.. separated because of sin.

Life :: When Adam and Eve were told not to eat of the fruit, it was said that if they did.. they would die.. not kick-the-bucket dead right there.. but the breathe of God within their spirit – the true source of life – would die.. it did in the fall.. and we are born still-born because of it today... sin brought forth death.. and our true life was lost.

Identity :: Adam and Eve knew exactly who they were.. they heard it straight from the lips of the Creator.. but sin changed all of that.. and even today souls are still trying to find out exactly “who they are”... identity was lost.

Dominion :: Adam and Eve were placed in authority over all the creatures of the Earth... they were told to name each animal.. there is huge authority in that. We now try to get to the top.. climb the corporate latter.. be number 1. We are always trying to regain control through our flesh... only because that dominion that was once there has been lost.

These are each things that we were created with.. deep down each of our hearts long for these things.. and our flesh tries and tries to satisfy these needs still. But they are lost...
How can they be found... I’ll share the truth and what the Lord has moved in my heart with this soon.

Dear Lord,

2006-02-01T13:11:00.000-05:00

"Grant me the grace of wonder. Surprise me, amaze me, awe me in every crevice of Your universe. Delight me to see how Your Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not His, to the Father through the features of men's faces. Each day enrapture me with Your marvelous things without number. I do not ask to see the reason for it all;

I ask only to share the wonder of it all."

- prayer of Rabbi Joshua Abraham Heschel

this is my prayer - my Lord, my Jesus - amaze me with Your glory and grace... shine Your love upon me in a new way or open my eyes to a way of old.

make your vote...

2006-01-16T17:12:00.000-05:00

so Mer and I have been looking all over birmingham for the perfect house for us... and we thought we should get your input... so take a look and post your vote...

this has definitely been an exciting time for us, but we don't just want the house that we like... we want the one that the Lord has for us. so if you would... pray for us to be lead to it... that is our biggest prayer these days and we would treasure it if all of our friends and community could join us in lifting up our requests to Father... then when HE comes through, because we all know HE will... we can have one heck of a party after move in day!!!

and okay... so one of them is alittle bit out of our price range... but still... our God is big!

two e-mails.

2006-01-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

so I got two very moving e-mails today… both coming from special people… the subjects of each one being completely opposite than the other… yet each stirred my heart powerfully for the Word >> and there was God.

the first e-mail that I got was from an incredible old friend, who the Lord has used in my life in a big way. this is a brother who is living up the journey of life… never knowing exactly what the Lord is doing within him, but following the lead of his heart continually. I was moved with excitement for this dear friend as he told me of his time “walking on rocky ground”… by the shear truth of the Lord’s hand being upon his life… and the thrill of knowing the destination of his next journey being one absolutely filled with the beauty and glory of our Creator in His creation. the words to Wonderful Maker began to resound within my heart for this brother… with joy in the truth of God’s sovereignty and grace.

then I opened the other e-mail, this one coming from one of my real brothers… in regards to the grandmother of his dear girlfriend. Amanda’s grandmother had been in my prayers as she was put in the hospital last week due to an asthma attack. this e-mail told of her passing away early this morning. the news of which took my heart to a time of mourning.. so small in comparison to what Amanda’s entire family were experiencing, but my heart went out to them – and still does. that’s when I turned to the Word… not in search of answers so much.. but because it was what I wanted to do. and that is where the hope in the truth of God’s sovereignty and grace was revealed.

I turned to the pages of Romans.. as that is what I have been reading through.. to find these words.. "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." (Romans 14.8-9)

my heart still goes out to Amanda’s family for the loss of a loved one.. while still being excited for the adventure to come for Joey >> and it is only by the unfailing truth of God’s sovereignty and grace on our life and our death that I can declare it. We are the Lord’s!!

one true sign

2006-01-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen... By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise... For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. - Hebrews 11.

these are words that inspire me greatly in this time... this time of preparation for things to come... this time of training and learning... this time of great dependence on the Lord to fulfill his promise in my calling. oh how I cannot wait for that "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

this world tries to lead us to do so many things... to try this... to pursue that... saying that this is how to obtain that "wonderful" life you are suppose to live [thanks ktb]. but the One True Source of life declares... "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect... Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." - Romans 12.

so I chose to rejoice in the hope of His faithfulness in all things promised to us - His beloved sons and daughters... and trust in His leading of my heart, made pure by His blood, to test and find those things that are declared "good... acceptable... perfect." Thank You my King for them.

the christmas season

2005-12-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

Christmas was an awesome time of celebration for Mer and I… a time definitely on the road – as is every holiday – driving from B’ham to Montgomery to Fort Payne to Montgomery to B’ham within four days… but always worth the distance, when we get to spend the time in such great company – including the always eventful Christmas throw-down at Lele’s (this could have been one of the best out of the many years – thank you Lele for all of them.) and the marvelous reunion with old friends – from Cali to ATL and Nashville to the Plains - loved every minute… and not to forget it all kicked off with an outstanding Abbeville wedding!! Here, Here to the New Kuhlers family!

I have to say that we were blessed tremendously with incredible gifts from loved ones, and had the total joy of giving some great ones too. I got hooked up with great gifts from my many Santa’s helpers :: gifts that were mainly as Biscuet put it “old person stuff” (even though I did get Mrs. Pac-Man!!) but I was moved in realizing the amazing grace in and through those who love me… my brother Ty said we should do this like every three months – Amen to that!!

And as always… with all four boys at the house in Fort Payne… Mario Cart definitely comes out of the closet… and the winner is…

finals...

2005-12-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

so my "finals" are alittle bit different..

but the celebration of being done with them is about the same.

sing it... then repeat it.

2005-12-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

so friday night i got to have a great time and enjoy an incredible concert like days of the old... many of you can remember the fervor of my past.. seeing vertical 19 times live.. traveling anywhere for a good show... and definitely making sure that somehow (sometimes not so much on the up and up) i would have a great seat. well its been a while since i've really loved a musical concert >> that wasn't a worship event. for some reason that fervor just hasn't been brewing up much. but i gotta say that friday night mer and I went out with some good friends (Robert, Betty, Josh Brooks, Erin, Susan D., and a few others) to a smooth venue (WorkPlay) to see an awesome performance (Mike Warren and Howie Day).

the night started with a good meal at the Jazz Cafe, with friends Josh Brooks and his girlfriend, Erin, and Robert, Mer's brother, and his girlfriend, Betty. We thought we were hitting up St. Anthony's - an italian restaurant that Josh recommended - but came to find the place was bought and changed to the Jazz Cafe, which still had all the favorites from the St. A's menu, with a few new extras. It was a great atmosphere, and good company... even though JBrooks and Erin had to cut out alittle early in order to save some seats at WorkPlay, which we were all so glad they did.

then we rolled over to WorkPlay after the great Beth (SD) joined up with us to get her tickets. to find jbrooks early leaving to be such a value as a booth in middle was held for us... perfect location, and even better when the booth right next to us opened up for friends to join in.

its was great show, with Michael Warren opening up and even getting in alittle "church" - pumping out a song of praise with great harmony - was really glad he took it to that level.. which had me thinking all about how awesome that venue would be for a true church service - couldn't help it... thats just who i am.

then with howie hitting the stage the jams of the place continued. it was awesome to see him live once again - i think the last time i saw him was back in '99 opening at an Aware show - T.Lyles representing! but to see his powerful transition into the world of looping was awesome. for him to pull a rhythm, record it, loop it back, then move on to the next beat on top of that, then the next... too smooth. its a must see. but it was a fun show.. not the cleanest.. but humorous.

but it was good for me to enjoy the show... and my heart was honestly moved in worship through the music.. which is something i never used to get out of it. plus a vision for why can't church look like that.. a "cool" place where His presence is felt. i'm just loving where the Lord has me right now.

this ones for the REV.

2005-12-02T12:56:00.000-05:00

so this one goes to the matteo, whose ordination last night only legitimized on paper what has been brewing up and overflowing from within him for years now... and has been constantly affirmed by so many... i definitely throw all of my two-cents (nickel worths for ktb, aka "ki.ki") into that bucket.

mr. (now the reverend) matthew david dean is one whom i value greatly to call my dear friend. one in whom i honestly don't know if i would be doing what i am if had not been for him. one whose life has been a joyous celebration of the Lord's forever faithfulness... even through all of the toughest of times in his life. the Lord's hand has always been upon him. it was through his painful journey that the Lord used to reveal truth into my blessed situation and guided me to the best of things. it was in my phone call to him one january night from the C-zone parking lot in Auburn, while he was in birmingham (cool place switch there), that i was led to tell Meredith my true feelings way back when. [[a call that i am forever grateful happened... i won't want to be in this thing without the woman thats now my bride]]

and speaking of brides... let me just state was is so well known by anyone around them (and stated by himself last night)... Matt would not be the man he is now, if he had not married the amazing April. the joy that it is to see them together - in life and in ministry. i remember praying in our original small group over April (after her date with a depute sheriff - ask her about that one) for the dynamic man who could lead her like she deserves to be led... then the Lord answered in Matt. the combination of hearts within those two could not be meshed any better. it has been exciting to see how God has blessed so many - myself included - and how their beautiful family will bless so many for the generations to come.

but it was a true honor to be there as a tiny part of the formal proclaiming of the calling on Matt's life in ministry. i would not have missed it for anything.. just to see matt in that sharp new blazer was worth my drive. but what a blessing it was to join in that beloved community in celebration of who God is and what He is doing. I thank Him for it, and for my brother the Rev. Matthew Dean.

(( insert picture from 10th grade with curly haired Matt, Stanley Raye Lawson, and myself sporting our new 'foakleys' - those are fake oakleys - at the washington monument for DC/LA 97... representing the 4 mosegrooves and a wigwam... oh yes, oh yes.))

John 4:13-14

2005-11-29T09:55:00.000-05:00

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

>> have you been thirsty??

the game...

2005-11-19T19:59:00.000-05:00

all i gotta say >>
WAR.EAGLE

happy birthday to mi madre

2005-11-18T11:36:00.000-05:00

she is a stunning 31 years old, with only a few years of experience.

I hope that it is a marvelous one >> cause she deserves it.

i hate that mer and i will not be able to celebrate it with her today..

but oh the fun it will be celebrating in Auburn!

2 smith birthdays!!

2005-11-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

so this weekend Mer and I got to throw down a big time celebration >> Luke’s 3rd Birthday Party!! Luke [[my youngest bro]] was decked out in his Wiggle’s gear, with every type of play ball around him. And you think that my family is allllllll about boys… well every kid that came to this thing was a boy… for real like 12 of them out running around… sorry, but just no room for the girls – except for the awesome ladies who prepared it all.

..Mr. Luke Motlow Smith..

but the day wasn’t just all about Luke,,, because in the craziness of the Smith family… my Dad and Luke have the same birthday >> November 14th. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY >> LUKE :: the big 3… and TED :: looking good for the double nickel!!

2005-11-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

happy birthday to this stud with four of his sons...

JESUS >> i need HIM.

2005-11-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

so how great is our God?? do you know? cause i thought i did... and then He showed me more and more that i ain't got a clue!!! let me tell you about it...

so late last night i was studying hebrew - it ain't that impressive... things weren't clicking like i needed them. so i was like, "Lord, i need You." and the response to my heart was so strong, i was blown away once again. cause His reply to my heart was, "Jared, you need me a whole lot more than just in Hebrew." the realization of the truth in that took me to my knees... in humility and brokeness.

you see, i don't know about you, but i go through my day thinking things are going pretty well. i can't count the number of times that i have the "how are you,, good,,, and yourself,, good" talk... and it has really gotten in my head that I am doing good. that things are going well because of what i got to offer. that it comes down to me >> but oh how the Lord has changed that one.

me - in my strength - ain't got nothing to offer, but here lately i've got myself relying on what i can produce - in class, in relationships, in sports, in business, etc. i get talking with friends - old and new - cutting up and laughing, talking about how good God is... and what He has done... but for me, it has been only from the reflections of what Christ has done in my past,,, not so much doing in me now. and thats where it hit me last night... i need Him >> Now more than ever... cause HE is all that i got going that is good!! how about you?

brokeness by Christ is such a gift... cause from it we can realize more and more that in our weaknesses, HE is truly is made stronger!! - Amen for that.