Tanner Blog

We made the switch...

2007-07-28T13:54:00.000-04:00

The Tanners have decided to bump up their blog hosting...

NEW AND IMPROVED SITE HERE

This is where we will be updating now....so if you are reading this and wondering why it has been a year since we posted. It is because we have moved. See ya in the VOX world.

Walt and Betsy Tanner

PS: to all the folks who have us linked (Kevin, Laura, Ian, Lindsay, Jenny and Gene) don't forge to change our link. Peace!

The Gospel According to Starbucks

2007-07-24T21:15:00.001-04:00

Below you find a well written write up on the book Betsy has just finished. Here you will find random thoughts from a dyslexic, horrible speller that just finished a book called "The Gospel According to Starbucks" by Leonard Sweet (I hear an 'Amen' from the older fellow in the back - Gene Jennings.)

It is funny to see people's faces when they ask me what book I am reading right now, and I tell them "The Gospel According to Starbucks." They look at me like I am going to say "Sike!" or "Are you serious?" No matter what you think of Starbucks or the title - this is a great book.

Sweet discusses the things the church can learn from Starbucks (one of the fastest growing companies and known names in the world - they do have Starbuck in Isreal!) One of the major points he talks about is that you don't go to Starbucks for the $3 coffee. You go for the experience. You go for the atmosphere Starbucks offers you. Raising the question what are the atmospheres in our churches? Do people enjoy the community that happens on Sundays? Are we doing our best to make people feel welcomed and not like they are walking into a holy huddle. Starbucks goes out of its way to make sure community happens. From the big soft chairs, to the arrangement of the chairs...almost like a living room!

Sweet brings up an excellent point that in today's home we don't build large front porches. Instead we spend money on large decks in our backyard. Why? Because we don't want to see our neighbors walking by. We want to shield ourselves from the world, and be all about us. He goes further to say that Starbucks has become our front porch in today's world. Again, a place we feel comfortable to have conversations. A place where discuss life. Where we see our neighbors. (tonight at Starbucks - Betsy and I saw people from TNC and we sat outside to have conversation)

Didn't know this, but the CEO at Starbucks is not the "Chief Executive Officer" but the "Chief Evangelist Officer." Apparently the hip thing to do in the Corporate world is to be an Evangelist. A word that the church is scared to use. Is now being picked up by the world. Funny! Basically they are preaching their "gospel." Whether it is Starbucks, Coke, Nike - they are out spreading the "good news" about their company. I find that very interesting.

That is just a few things from the book - but if you are interesting learning more about what the church can learn from Starbucks. This is a good read.

One more thing. Leonard says, "Coffee is the Baptist beer." And that "Starbucks in their pub." Great Quote.

Irresistable Revolution

2007-07-24T20:33:00.000-04:00

I finally finished Shane Claiborne's "The Irresistable Revolution: living as an ordinary radical." Walt wants me to write some thoughts about it, but I am not sure my thoughts are totally collected. I may ramble some. Condensing the book into a nice little synopsis is almost impossible, but here are some of the things I got out of it.

Social Justice: as Christ followers we should hate poverty, oppression, killing, and injustice in general. We should work to eradicate the social injustices of our times. God does not want us to be indifferent to human suffering. Instead, we need to meet the needs of our community and our world. As Mother Teresa says, "In the poor we meet Jesus in his most distressing disguises." How can we let our "neighbor" go hungry when our plates are overflowing? How can we let children in our community live on the streets when we have empty bedrooms and money to spare? When we do for the least of these, we do for Christ himself.

Isolation: I wrote in an earlier blog that I live an insulated and somewhat isolated life from the raging chaos outside my windows. I am safe, clean, and well fed. My brothers and sisters live in chaos that I am quite oblivious to. Sure, I know that it exists, but I don't experience it. My comfort level is much too great.

Why?: An old comic strip had 2 guys talking to each other. One asked why God allows all of this poverty and war and suffering to exist in the world. And his friend says, "well, why don't you ask God?" The fellow shakes his head and says he is scared. When his friend asks why, he mutters, "I'm scared God will ask me the same question." When we ask God why he allows the injustices to exist in our world, he likely would answer: "You tell me why we allow this to happen. You are my body, my hands, my feet." (This comes from pages 64 and 65 in the book).

War: This is a hard topic that I am still struggling with. Maybe I will write about it later.

Creation: God has allowed us to enjoy his creation, but he has only given us one shot at it. His creation is his, not ours. We are here to enjoy, not to exploit. We need to be environmentally friendly to preserve this precious gift. This means recycling, reducing our dependence on oil, using flourescent bulbs,and much much more. As Rob Bell has recently preached on: "God is green."

Love: Everything written above must be driven by LOVE. Most importantly, love for God. Then, love for our neighbor, love for justice, love for righteousness, and love for creation. When we love we will be driven to bring justice and equality.

There is so so much more to this book and I wish that everyone would read it. As I process more, I will write more. I want to be held accountable for the knowledge God has given me.

Dog Days

2007-07-14T16:32:00.000-04:00

This is Betsy again, and I am on a mission. I REALLY want another puppy (or another kitty--particularly an orange one). Every time I ask Walt he answers with an emphatic NO. I try to use my best lawyering and logic but to no avail. So, my new tactic is to bring in backup. Walt says he doesn't want to be known as "those people" (those who have too many animals and not enough sense). He says 2 dogs and a cat in the house is just one too many. So, I need your help (whoever in the world actually reads this blog). If you see Walt you can encourage him that it is wonderful and logical to let his wife get another puppy or kitty. You can be subtle or forthright--whatever it takes. Thanks for you help on my mission!

2007-07-09T20:41:00.000-04:00

Some thoughts from Betsy:

Lately I have thinking a lot about how, as a Christian, I am supposed to live. Christianity is not a set of beliefs, but a complete lifestyle. I suppose that my thoughts began on our trip to Israel and Turkey where we learned that the Kingdom of God is two pronged: defeating evil and bringing peace. Jesus called his followers to bring the Kingdom of God, so as a Christ-follower my life should be spent bringing His Kingdom. The question of course is, how do I do that?

As I was talking to Bobo about living as a Christ-follower, he suggested that I read (and then let me borrow) a book called Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. Wow! This guy and his community really live and love! Their whole mission in life is to love and be in community with the poor. They live for social justice, defeating poverty, and radically loving.

One prevalent thought has been: do I know any poor people? Am I interacting and sharing life with people in need? I live so insulated from the pain and hurts in the world around me. How can I defeat evil and bring peace when I never personally see evil and chaos.

My thoughts are scattered just like this post, but I am on a journey.

Long Lost Tanners

2007-07-06T11:38:00.000-04:00

WOW it has been over a month since we posted on the Tanner Blog. We had these grand ideas of posting and just never have. The Summer has been very busy. We have been out and about A LOT! And July is no slower with our HS trip called "Road Rules" - we will be living on RVs for a week. And then we take our MS group down to the beach for several days! Pedal to the Medal BABY.

I am thinking about moving to VOX with Kevin. It has a lot more features and may keep my interest up in maintaining it. If we move - you will be the first to know (all 4 of you who read this!)

On a side note: GO SEE "Live Free or Die Hard". It is great. I rank it up there with the original Die Hard. I told Betsy I was in 5th grade when John McClain battled 20 terrorist in a high rise in Chicago! And now I am 28 and he is still Kicking some - well butt! It will probably be our last movie in the big theatre for about six months. $9.25 for a movie ticket. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. A tad bit ridiculous.

Back from Israel and Turkey

2007-05-22T17:03:00.000-04:00

Well Betsy and I made it back from our adventure in one piece. I don't even know where to start on how amazing this trip was for both of us. I have been telling everyone that it was like trying to drink water from a fire hydrant - you get some in your mouth, but most of it ends up all over you. Ray blew our minds with all the information he threw at us.

Most people think it was neat to go over and walk in the footsteps of Paul, John and Jesus and it was. The amazing part was listening to RVL take God's word to a whole other level when you learn the culture and how it related to the text.

We will post pictures and little faith lessons from our notes we took - and we took plenty. Here is our logo book:
Gone - 16 days
Countries - 2
Cities - over 15
Hiked - 120 miles
Hours - 200 hours (hiking, learning, getting to spots)
High Temp - 120 degrees
Low Temp - 50 degrees (cold wind and rain)

Student Ministry Quote

2007-05-01T09:21:00.000-04:00

If you don't know who Shane Claiborne is....you will soon. He is a Tony Campolo student who lives an extreme life in Philly. They live in an abandon building making their own clothes, and taking care of homeless folks. He is starting a movement in college students and twentysomethings that could change the entire way we look at life.

Here is a quote from Shane Claiborne’s book "Irresistible Revolution"

“In my youth group days, I had seen all too many would-be Jesus radicals fall by the wayside because they had never been trusted with the adventure of revolutionary living. When I was a youth leader, one of the high school kids who had ‘given his life to Jesus’ got busted only a few weeks later for having acid in school. I remember asking in disappointment, ‘What happened, bro? What went wrong?’ He just shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘I got bored.’ Bored? God forgive us for all those we have lost because we made the gospel boring [or tried to entertain instead of offering God, purely]. I am convinced that if we lose kids to the culture of drugs and materialism, of violence and war, it’s because we don’t dare them, not because we don’t entertain them. It’s because we make the gospel too easy, not because we make it too difficult. Kids want to do something heroic with their lives….”

The Countdown Begins

2007-05-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

Friday Morning we set off for a once in a lifetime adventure. Betsy and I will be heading to Israel and Turkey for 16 days! We have lots to do...we will keep you updated throughout this week to see how we prepare.
Today lets take a look at our luggage. Can you figure out whose is whose. I have a feeling I will be be carrying three pieces of luggage - probably not the small one.

Watch out South Carolina

2007-04-30T19:54:00.000-04:00

Betsy found out on Friday that she passed the South Carolina Bar Exam!!! No more huge exams for her! Besides some paperwork and being sworn in, Betsy will now be able to practice law in SC. Woo Hoo!!!

Random Pics

2007-04-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

Betsy and roomates from Furman. Chilling at the Hayes home in Blackville.

Me and Bets at Healing Springs in Blackville, SC. Crazy story of Indians who found two Revolutionary soldiers who were dying and brought them to the springs and they were healed. The water is so clean the residents of Blackville come here to get water instead of the city water. Blackville is a very interesting place!

Jenny and John Kelly with some goofy dude on "Fly Beach!"

Betsy and Jenny hanging out on the Kelly's new boat! Sweet Ride. Shout out to Jenny who says she reads our blog! That leaves only 3 other people who are readers of the Tanner blog - not really.

Here is our driveway lined with azaleas a couple weeks ago. Pretty ain't they!

Catching up with the Tanners

2007-04-17T19:28:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since we have posted. So we thought we would get everyone updated on how things are going with us.

* Betsy is still waiting to hear back on the SC Bar.
* Walt forgot to tell you that his half marathon had to be put on hold. He realized that it was the weekend RIGHT before we head to Turkey and Israel. Too much going on to drive to Nashville and almost kill oneself.
* We are getting really really close to our trip with Ray Vander Laan. Click here to check out his website: www.followtherabbi.com. We are super excited about following the travels of Paul. We will be gone from May 5-May 20!
* It was a rough week with our new workout program: P90X. Not only are we waking up at 6:00am every morning and working out for 1 hour. We are also changing everything we EAT! We did before pics and everything. Maybe after first month we will post pics. Doubt it!
* We have figured out why poor people are overweight. It is WAY expensive to eat healthy. We are having to increase our food budge by a ton! A lot easier to pic up some KFC than roast asparagus and cook wild rice.
* Check out Laura Owings blog to see Walt be a guest on the Hot Seat.

"I Pity Da Fool..."

2007-04-03T09:50:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I preached at TrueNorth. The sermon title handed to me by the creative team was called "I pity da fool!" The reason was because it was April's Fool day - makes sense. So I took it from the point of Christ saying: "I pity da fool who..."

And before the picture of Buddy Christ is spread across CNN for sacreligious images - one of the points was to explain that using the word "fool" will not send you to hell...Matthew 5:22 says "Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,[c]' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."

So the picture was a point of the different images of Jesus we have Buddy Christ, Rock Star Jesus, Judgemental Jesus - who would send you to hell for saying "fool".
There was discussion of the graphic being too controversial - but I put that fire out on stage!

So here are some of my "I pity da fool who...." that I believe Jesus would say:

..believes diet is better than regular
…doesn’t take care of the widows and orphans
…thinks I was just some Jewish dude who wore Birkenstocks.
…doesn’t understand why I came from Heaven to Earth
…thinks the designated hitter is good for baseball
…doesn’t believe we drink sweet tea in heaven
…has never felt my love
…doubts my miracles
…really thinks the BCS system is better than a playoff in College Football.
… doesn’t know me.

The main point of the day was this fool statement: "I pity da fool who believes you must work to get into heaven." From there is all about Grace.

My prayer is always that God would be glorified even though I am the goober delivering the message. And I feel good that when I walked off the stage - His message was delivered and He was glorified by it...corny jokes and all!

Starfield Pics from TNC Live

2007-03-29T07:55:00.000-04:00

Our friend Mike Adams did awesome job with his awesome camera snapping a few shots with at the Starfield concert. SWEET!

TNC Update

2007-03-26T09:46:00.000-04:00

This past weekend at TrueNorth Church was awesome. We had our Dunk'd service Sunday morning (FYI: this is our baptism service). Instead of just sticking it in the beginging of the service so the pastor has time to change out of his wadders and get behind the pulpit by the second stanza of "Just as I am" - we made this very special event into that an unforgetable EVENT! We said EVERYONE into one service (huge change in set up of the gym). We did amazing videos spread out through the service with people's story on how God had changed their lives. And in the end over 30 people got Dunk'd in one day - yeah God!

That night we had one of the best concert bands around in the NAHS gym - Starfield. I had seen these guys before twice and loved both concerts! They do a great job of crowd interaction, taking you high, bringing you into reflective worship, and then ending on a huge engery bubble that bust when they walk off the stage. I told our TNC family they would ROCK the house....and I don't think anyone can call me a liar.
www.starfieldonline.com

I also realized I never gave the now 4 people who read this blog an outcome of our 180 weekend (D-Now). We ended up with over 80 students taking part in the weekend. The deal for them was if they got 100 students there I would shave my head - well they got 80. So I went with a mohawk! Shout out to Dustin Willis for the great job on the hair and the weekend. I kept it for 1 week and got rid of it - to the students dismay.
The really God thing was that we had 13 students either accept Christ or pray to MAJOR changes in their lives. 5 of them were dunk'd this past Sunday. That is why we do what we do at Element Student Ministry - to keep making heaven bigger.

"Not to us oh Lord, not to us - but to your name be the glory
because of your love and faithfulness."
Psalm 115:1

Basketball News

2007-03-26T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Final Four is now set. My bracket didn't do as well I has I hoped. I was pulling for Wisconsin to up set Florida and Kansas to win the Championship. But I do still have two teams in the Final Four....Georgetown and Ohio State.

One observation - most of the big boys shouldn't still be in this thing. Several of them were down to double digit leads to the lesser team. But because they can go deeper and longer they come out with the W. In the end they pull it out.

Would of been nice for one Cinderella to show up to the dance, maybe next year.

And in case anyone had missed the OTHER Tournament - Clemson has made it to the Semifinals of the NIT. Haven't been there since 1999. New York City here come. We have the chance to keep the title in South Carolina. USC has won the last two years. Go TIGERS!

March Maddness

2007-03-17T21:45:00.000-04:00

* The first round of games lacked a Cinderilla and excitement. Other than Duke losing - which wasn't that big of a surprise - nothing GREAT happened.
OH I forgot the Wisconin game...that was pretty intense.

* Betsy missed 6 games in the first round. Walt missed 6 games.

* The round of 32 got much more exciting.
- Ohio State almost loses...great OT (picked Ohio State)
- Vanderbilt takes it to Washington State in 2OTs (picked WSU)
- Pittsburg goes into OT with VCU (picked Pitt)
- And the night is still young

* Currently I am in 5 place in the TNC office pool.
- Gene (UNC)
- Jess (Ohio State)
- Kevin (Ohio State)
- Steve (Kansas)
BUT my picks look good going into the Sweet Sixteen!

* My Final Four look like: Flordia/Kansas and Georgetown/Ohio State. With Kansas beating Ohio State in the final.

* Betsy's Final Four: Flordia/Virgina Tech and UNC/Virgina. With UNC beating VA Tech. I am not sure her reasoning on those picks!

Unleashed Conference

2007-03-17T21:29:00.000-04:00

This past Thursday we heading to NewSpring to check out their Unleashed Conference. Kevin and Laura, who has the been blog in the bloging sphere, have already posted on this event - but I too will add my two cents.

* NewSpring has an army of volunteers who were there to serve. Great job guys. Some even took a day off at work to come and serve other people. Above and beyond the call of duty.

* It is funny to listen to Perry Noble with someone who has never heard him speak. They look at me and go "Did he really just say that?" Perry is what we call a no hold bars preacher. It can be offensive to some - funny to others. I will give him props, the dude brings the Word. And people come to KNOW JESUS!

* Cool seeing and catching up with people from Clemson and NewSpring. I am telling you that Clemson puts more people into ministry than many seminaries.

* Student breakout session was good - not so much new information. Just enforcing the main idea I took (and Laura) away from the conference - ENPOWER. They have several assistance and paid staff in their student ministry....but they were all at once ENPOWERED volunteers. So now it is my job to pray, seek, and enpower those around Element to continue to grow the kingdom of God.

Quick Update

2007-03-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

Blogging hasn't been high on the priority list around the Tanner House - we have been busy bees.
* Betsy took the SC Bar Exam last week - Praise The Lord (3 day exam)
* We moved this past weekend. Everything has been moved, but not unpacked.
* This past weekend was also Betsy's 26th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I bought her a house.
* This coming weekend is our big 180 Weekend (AKA:D-Now) with Element. Busy Busy week and weekend for Walter.
*Needless to say we haven't been around much or able to enjoy our new home. We look forward to chillin' next week with a clear schedule.

That's your quick update for the 2 people who read this blog! Go Tigers.

PS: USC's Garcia was arrested AGAIN for keying a professor's car. He will not be taking part in spring practice.

2007-02-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

This is our Middle School Crew we took skiing last weekend. It snowed all day! The slopes were packed, but BEAUTIFUL skiing!

And Walt was right...

2007-02-19T17:56:00.000-05:00

A month ago I posted about USC's highly recruited class. I mentioned that USC always seems to get great athelets, but they just "don't act right." I also said they will do alright if they can keep them out of jail. Well looks like Spurrier didn't listen and let his highly recruit quarterback get arrested Saturday Night down at Five Points. The ol' ball coach knows how to pick em'!

Word on the street was that 19 year old Steven Garcia got wasted, then got into a fight behind a bar, and then bowed up at police officer. Steven was one of the most sought out QBs in the nation. Apparently not the sharpest tool in the tool shed! Maybe we will get a showdown this year between the freshmen Garia(USC)and Korn (CU).

PS: If he ends up killing us over the next four years. I am sure I will hear about it from the USC dogs! I will just claim he needs to be in JAIL!

Chicks Gone WILD!!

2007-02-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

This is Betsy again. I am in a blogging mode tonight (probably proscrastinating from studying). This weekend was our chicks' retreat, "Chicks Gone Wild." I would love to write all about it, but I have been told that "what happens at a chicks retreat stays at the chicks retreat." I will say that our speaker, Lisa Harper, was excellent. I was reminded that God takes great pleasure in seeing his children do what they are passionate about. It does not matter how much recognition or success we get on this earth, God smiles when his chicks (and the guys too) live for him. Jill and Andy Phillips led worship through music, which was beautiful. We laughed, cried, created, and thoroughly enjoyed real community! There are some really wild chicks at TrueNorth Church, and I love it!!!

Super Size Me

2007-02-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

Walt and I just watched "Super Size Me" (this is Betsy by the way). That is the documentary where a guy named Morgan went on a McDonald's diet for 30 days. All he ate for 30 days straight was Micky D's. He ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner at McDonald's and if they ever asked him if he wanted to supersize it, he had to say yes. He gained 25 pounds, his cholesterol went from approx 165 to 240, and his liver turned to fat. His doctors were telling him he was extremely sick, but he finishd his "experiment."

What was the point? Fastfood damages your body. A couple of teenage girls sued McDonald's because they were obese and the judge threw out the lawsuit because they could not prove that eating fast food was the cause of their injuries. Well, fast food does cause extreme injury (in case you didn't know that).

A great documentary--everyone should watch it. I am not eating McDonald's again for a LONG time and I think I will stay clear of all fast food for a while (except for Chick-fil-A, which I love). I guess I will think more about what I put in my body.

Random Thoughts

2007-02-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

* I got out of Jury Duty because they settled all the cases. And I was getting pumped about putting someone in Jail.
* We went skiing a couple weeks ago with the High School kids. I chose to ski for the first time in a couple years, instead of snowboarding. Watching some of these other people snowboards made me realize I am NOT that bad of a snowboarder.
* Getting a Loan has more hoops than a hoola hoop factory!
* The Jack Bauer power hour is putting me to sleep. For heaven sakes Jack save the cheerleader, save the world - WAIT wrong show.
* If you aren't watching Studio 60 (NBC Monday - 10pm) you are missing the most creative, best writing on TV. "I have the animal kingdom axis of evil under my stage - a viper, a ferret, and a coyote."
* Oh dear heavens, I messed up my neck this week working out. Don't over estimate the importance of your spine. It's valuable.
* Finally made it to August in my reading through the bible.
* We just finished our flag football season. My team went 1-3-1 for the year. It was a blast. I am sure the Ben Gay stock shot up around the Augusta area.

College Football Signing Day

2007-02-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

Signing Day has come and gone. The Tigers didn't do as well as we did last year. But I think we got a good class of guys. We had the 22nd best signing day. Everyone above of us is a good football school and there aren't that many surprises, except two. One is UNC and their new coach Butch Davis bringing in the 15th ranked class. Not too bad for a Bball school. The second was Illinois (21st). Ron Zook is not a great coach, but he is a great recruiter! We are soon to forget that it is his recruits who just won the national title - that will make Steve smile!

NOW it is hard to swallow that USC had the 7th best in the country. Spurrier is too a great recruiter, but so was Lou Holtz. USC can bring them in, but often they "don't act right." Many of their great players get in trouble, have acamedic issues, or steal pictures of them selves and get caught. I will give credit to Tommy and the Clemson staff. They at least get guys who can act right. They aren't the smartest sometimes, but we do have one of the highest graduation rates in the country.

I am also pumped about new running back/special teams coach Andre' Powell. He comes from UNC and has coach the likes of Tiki Barber and Willie Parker. This will be great for the Duo in the Clemson backfield - Davis and Spiller.

Go Tigers!

Super Bowl XLI

2007-02-04T22:08:00.000-05:00

Finally Payton has gotten the monkey off his back. The strange thing is that I believe (could be wrong) didn't Steve Young remove his monkey from his back down in Miami? I have rooted for the Colts since my Clemson days of watching NFL with da boys. Many years I have heard the Colts will choke. They can't finish and come up short on the big games. NOT THIS YEAR BABY.

Another thing. I don't know of a classier team. Dungy. Payton. Harrison. These guys are the model atheletes. I would take these guys on my team anyday.

Sorry to Da Bears fans and nation. This includes my brother, Justin, who lives in Chicago and is a huge fan. Sexy Rexy (PTI reference) couldn't pull it off.

NOW OFF to Jury Duty in the morning.

SOLD!!!!

2007-02-02T14:03:00.001-05:00

Take a look at the house Betsy and I have signed a contract on. Closing on Feb. 22:

COLTS WIN!!! COLTS WINN!!!

2007-01-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

Two minutes ago Payton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts broke the back of the dynasty of the New England Patriots. Payton, who many said couldn't finish a big game, drove his offense down the throats of the Patriots' D. And the wonderboy Tom Brady who had ice flowing through his veins CHOKED and threw the INT.

I told Betsy at the beginning of the 4th quarter that whoever made the one mistake would lose, and Brady did with 23 seconds left. With that INT the Colts put the nail in the coffin and made history with coming back from the largest deficit (18 points) in play-off history.

What a game!

Jack is Back

2007-01-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

The first four hours of 24 are over, and I am left floored. Jack has been in a Chinese torture camp for a year and a half. He comes back to the USA and terrorists are now running things! But here comes Jack to save us.

In four hours: Jack has taken a "bite" out of crime - killing a man with just his teeth; he saved the life of one of the most influential terriosts in the world; killed his partner in crime, Curtis, and saw a nuclear bomb go off in LA! I wonder if Jack Bauer ever says, "Man it is going to be another one of THOSE DAYS!"

Six Miles

2007-01-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

It is offical. I have cracked the 5 mile mark in my Half Marthon Training. Sunday was my first long run for the training. The quest...six miles. The longest prior to this was five miles about five years ago. Thinking I would probably die, I left my will with Betsy and Bowden and set out on the adventure.

I am here to let you know I survived. I must be in better shape than I thought. I finished and felt great. Of course I sandbagged a bit, averaging a little under a ten minute mile.

Orginally I was all set for the Georgia Half Marathon on March 25th. But TrueNorth is having a big day that day, so I am going to have to head to Nashville in April. Which is cool with me. A couple more weeks to get ready!

Shot Spotter

2007-01-08T22:51:00.000-05:00

CRAZY! Didn't even know this techonology had been invented. Boston has just add the Shot Spotter technology to their "gun filled areas." Click here to learn more. Shot Spotter is a system that tells police when a shot has been fired 3 seconds after the triggered is pulled. They can tell within 10 feet where a gun has been fired.

Unlike "Minority Report" where the police are there BEFORE the crime occurs, this allows police to be their within minutes of a crime.

Apparently Charleston has this system as well. Crimals be WARNED!

Boxer Night

2007-01-08T22:11:00.000-05:00

The fun part of being a youth minister is just making up things to see who will actually do it. One of those ideas was Boxer Night. This past Wednesday at Element we kicked of 2007 with a fun night of come in your favorite boxers. We had great number of students who wore their boxers on the outside of their clothes. It was great. Since our theme was boxers, I had to invent some games centered around boxers. My favorite and i think most creative was a game called "Smell my Boxers." The volunteers where blind folded and then I held up boxers that "smelled" and they had to figure what was in there....mustard, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Fun Times were had by all.

Betsy Being Swore In...

2007-01-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

Here is Mrs. Betsy Buchanan Tanner being sworn in by Judge Dickert and Judge Annis making her an offical lawyer in the state of Georgia. This has taken 12 years of school. 4 years of undergrad at Furman. 3 year of masters at Georgia. Passing the Georgia Bar. AND NOW she is going for the South Carolina Bar and next....THE WORLD!

Context

2007-01-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

Last year in January 2006 one of my resolutions was to read through the ENTIRE bible. I have started this many many times, but have NEVER actually finished. Some people say I am ADD but what do they know...they don't know me. There was this one time I was in a store....wait...back to the Bible. (that might have confused some people-others laughed)

It is now 2007, and I have not finished the bible. But I have not given up. Currently I am in the month of JULY! Yes a little behind. Hey when you don't do it for a couple days, it adds up fast.

Now the meaning of the title: CONTEXT
The Old Testament is a struggle sometimes. Most of us who read the Word focus on the New Testament. Seriously, when you read the genealogy from Adam's house cat it can suck the life right out of you. I have just finished Deuteronomy. WOW. I guess I never realized how much the New Testament referenced back to the book of the Law. This was what the Religious were fighting for and Jesus was trying to break. Rob Bell talks a lot about this - knowing the context of the Bible. We read something Jesus says and try to fit it into our lives. Instead of reading it, looking at the audience He is speaking to, and then learning how POWERFUL His words were.

For Example: Deut. 22:13-20 talks about Laws of Sexual Morality. Verse 20 talks that if a woman is found not to be a virgin then she is to be dragged into the streets and stoned. Orders from God. It is in the Law He gave Moses. Taught for thousands of years. Everyone knew these rules. No if ands or butts. Jewish society was built on laws like this. Do something wrong - punished.

In John 8 Jesus comes into a situation where an unmarried woman is found in a sexual act and dragged (thanks Professor Gene) into the streets. This was not to say - we forgive you, but to kill her! Why? Because that was the law. Jesus steps in and says, "Yeah without sin, cast the first stone." (little KJV for you). The Law has past - a new sheriff is in town!

CONTEXT made this lesson of grace so much more powerful. Actually reading Moses Law and then remembering how Paul says the Law was the Tutor - the teacher (Christ) is now here - no need for the tutor!

"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor." eph. 3:24-25

Since our last blog...

2006-12-30T19:26:00.000-05:00

* we have been to Gvegas and back two times celebrating the holidays with the family.
* we opened all our Christmas presents!
* we grieved the loss of James Brown.
* we grieved the loss of our 38th President-Gerald Ford.
* we grieved the loss of the Clemson Tigers in the Music "Crap" Bowl!
* we did not grieve the loss of Saddam Hussein.
* Betsy has been sworn in (not at) and is an official lawyer in Georgia.
* Walt has been cleaning people's junk up for the new "simplify" series at church.
* we finally printed ALL of our digital pictures and made some new albums.
* Betsy is now studying for the South Carolina bar.
* we have watched: Monster House, Little Miss Sunshine, Season 4 of 24, and The Lake House - thanks to Netflixs.
* we have taken down our Christmas Tree.
* Walt has started working out again.
* Betsy still works out and can kick Walt's butt.
* Betsy has learned how to put songs on an ipod!
* we have gone to Columbia Museum of Art to see a Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit. For those who don't know, he was an architiect..and Betsy asked - yes he is dead!

And that's it. This will be the last blog till 2007. See ya next year in the funny papers.

Christmas Picture

2006-12-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

It took all morning, 30 pictures, but we er' done! Email em' to TARGET and BOOM you got Christmas cards in an hour. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE TANNERS.

Made: episode four

2006-12-11T23:04:00.000-05:00

Here is the final video of the Jim Bob Cooter made story. This was a great series. Special thanks to Landon Jones who played Cooter. And a huge thank you to Lance Jones who played Thomas Fitzgarld the III (coach). We can't forget the Element Production Staff (camera, editing, director, lighting, key grip, and donuts)....Walt Tanner.

Made: episode three

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

Sorry for the late post. Was a busy week in Charlotte!
Enjoy.

Youth Specialties 06'

2006-12-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

WOW! what a great three days. as our current conference guru at TNC (Mike Fielder) will tell you CONFERENCES will pump you up. this year for me wasn't so much the "speakers" it was more the atmosphere and opening up the gates of ideas for ministry. for me the best thing about the weekend for my soul was to laugh! youth specialties does a great job of bringing in CLEAN and FUNNY comedians and acts. i have not laughed so hard in years! to me laughter is a what keeps your heart young. i love to laugh, and every once in a while make others laugh, esp. Chuck! besty made me laugh so hard at the weirdest restaurant ever, that I spit my drink out across the table onto Betsy. the music was amazing as well - Starfield rocks! They did a great job both with ENERGY and WORSHIP. WOW.

Ok simple break down of speakers, bands, breakouts...limited to a few words. no one is interested in seeing my whole NOTEBOOK of notes:

SPEAKERS:
Kenda Creasy Dean (professor at Princeton)
excellent communicator, main point: listen to the students- guide the students. got a lot out of her message.
Tony Campolo (author, professor in Philly)
don't agree with Tony on lots of stuff, amazing heart, ok talk.
Phillip Yancy (author)
alright talk, didn't get much from ol' Phillip. great writer.
Chris Hill (from the Potter's House - TD JAKES CHURCH)
WOW...what energy. He is a black preacher and brought the word with amazing passion. Student Pastor with with thousands of students in urban context. great message of not being the light, but point others towards THE LIGHT (Christ).
Phil Vischer (creator of Veggie Tales -voices of most)
talked about rise and fall of Big Ideas (went bankrupt three years ago.) both bets and i did not agree with his message: wait on God until you have no dreams or ambitions. then God will tell you. as a fan of erwin mcmanus - and God - they both say GO! i believe God gave us dreams, passions, and ambition. yes we need to place those on the altar and never place them before God. sure God my allow your dream or passion to fail - but it may mean He wants you to move on to something else...not that your dream or passion was bad. Use our gifts to reach the world! Don't wait for an email, txt message or letter - our Father is the great designer. he builds us with a dna to go and change the world!
(sorry got a little caught up in that one.)
Ray Vander Lann (high school teacher, college/seminary professor, jewish scholar)
amazing lesson on being a disciple. thoughs who don't like to learn, might not agree. he is a teacher. this got me VERY VERY pumped about heading on a trip with him as the "Rabbi."

Stay tuned for breakouts and music (this entry had been WAY LONG!)

Thoughts from Charlotte

2006-12-01T17:38:00.000-05:00

Right now I am up in Charlotte at a youth conference (Youth Specialities). I have spent 24 hours up here in Char-Town. I have found that I am a big fan of Charlotte. The relationship between Charlotte and Atlanta, is a lot like NYC and Chicago. To me Atlanta is like New York...older. dirtier. faster. not as pleasant. Charlotte is more like Chicago... newer. cleaner. pleasant atmosphere.
All that said. Have enjoyed the down time of just walking around downtown Charlotte. Interesting architecture. Nice atmosphere. Very cool town. And if I had a dollar for every guy I saw today with a blue button down with khakis I could have paid for my conference.

Other thoughts:
*Kenda Creasy Dean (Princeton professor) has got some crazy stats.

*It is official I am old. I can't hear the mosquito frequency (if you don't know- a frequency has been found that only teenagers can hear...been created into a ring tone.)

*Student Pastor are an interesting bunch! There is SO MUCH diversity.

*I LOVE FREE STUFF - they have over 250 vendors. from tshirts to mission trips. from websites to seminaries. and they all are giving stuff away. tons of drawings for XBOX 360s and NANOs. We are suckers for free stuff.

*I have got to get back into the arts. I miss architecture, creative thinking, making things, challenging the process, expressions through mediums.

*Looking forward to more Starfield and Leeland - then hearing Elevenseventy tonight!

Fall Retreat 06

2006-11-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

too many thoughts - random thoughts

2006-11-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

I was informed by Betsy that we haven't blogged lately. It is not that there is nothing to blog about, I think of things ALL THE TIME. It is there is no time! So I have tons of thoughts - so here are a list of my random thoughts:

* yes clemson lost. no i am not a happy camper. it was a great game, and usc deserved to win. seriously - the only way we could stop them on third down was to intercept the stinkin' ball! and like i keep telling these usc fans - once every five years ain't that bad. that line will work this year.

* christmas decorations before thanksgiving should be outlawed. i put up with decorations before my birthday (12/7) except in my house - which betsy does not like...but decorations during the month of nov is ridiculous.

* betsy and i are in the process of heading to Turkey and Israel in May. we are SUPER PUMPED about it. first to travel with Ray Vanderlin (jewish scholar). second to walk the streets Paul preached from and the alleys were Jesus played as a boy. This blows my mind!

* 24 starts in a little over a month! The Jack Baur power hour is back!

* the local movie theater ticket has just gone to $9 a pop. are you kidding me! almost $20 for bets and i to see a movie. that may of been my last movie in the theater. i refuse to pay that much. in eighth grade when the price was $6 i swore i would not go any longer when movies are $10. and now i am that old when i say "i remember when..."

* continuing the movie rant. why must we pay $9 for a ticket, when they are now playing COMMERCIALS during the previews. they are getting more for my ticket and they are getting paid for putting the commercials up. here's an idea. lets not pay actors a ridiculous amount ($10 million) per movie. and i'm done.

* whoever plays Ohio State for the national championship will LOSE.

* i would put TrueNorth up against any portable church in the country! not to brag, but the transformation (steve's new word) that happens in that gym is awesome. God has truly blessed TNC with the people, talents, money, and passion. Yea God.

* simple is the way to go. all about simple right now. as a staff we are reading "simple church." great book on how complex the church has become. of course this is a reflection of our culture and society. simplicity is a fresh breeze in our chaotic lives.

* the blogging world has a lost a great blogger. chuck young has offically retired a blogger. he was strong out of the gate, but just lost passion. RIP - ears to the earth. if you haven't read laura ownings blog - check it out here - laura is a great writer and worth reading.

* the tanners are making a christmas card - no we are not all (betsy, walt, bowden, and chloe) wear matching white shirts. Bowden will have a white coat. if you want one let us know.

that's it for now.

Made: episode two

2006-11-16T17:55:00.000-05:00

Many people have been asking for Episode Two of Made. Here ya go! Jim Bob gets to meet his coach - golf pro Mr. Fritzgearld III (sp?).

Made: episode one

2006-11-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

We started a new series this week at Element called Made: becoming what God wants us to be. And of course we are playing off my favorite TV show on MTV - made. So here is our first episode where you meet Jim Bob Cooter and his dream to become a professional golfer. Each week you will see Jim Bob Cooter - or as his friends call him...Cooter....actually become a golfer.

Bowden Tanner

2006-11-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

Bowden chilling on the front porch.

Three Years Ago!

2006-11-01T16:02:00.000-05:00

Three years ago LAST NIGHT (Halloween) Betsy and I had coffee for the first time in three years of not seeing each other (Round 1). We caught up and talked about where we were and about life. Then Betsy asked me to go to a wedding - but I couldn't due to the fact I already had something that weekend. Even though she was heart broken - I quickly came back with I have a wedding I needed a "date" for. She said "Yes." One year later we were engaged and six months married! WOW how things have changed in Three Years!

Passed!!!!

2006-10-27T19:47:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I did in fact pass the Georgia Bar Exam. Results were posted online today, and I am an official lawyer (well, I have to be sworn in, but I am a lot closer to being an official lawyer now). What a relief!!!! Thanks for all the prayers!

Betsy

Lock Out Video

2006-10-26T09:34:00.000-04:00

Here is our most recent event with a 150 student staying up ALL NIGHT LONG! Enjoy.

First Two Catalyst Speakers & Thoughts

2006-10-23T21:01:00.000-04:00

Andy Stanley: Andy is a pastor of a small church in Atlanta called North Point (not really- it his huge). Andy is very talented communicator who brought the junk with his talk at Catalyst. He spoke on Daniel 4 and this statement repeated again and again - "...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."

Main Points:
*Leadership is temporary. At the end of the day God is the only thing left standing.
* Christian leaders ought to reek with humility
* God is sovereign!

Marcus Buckingham: Marcus is a very successful business man, author, consultant, and speaker. His latest book "The One Thing You Need to Know" focuses on the idea not to work on making your weaknesses better, but strengthening your strengths! Crazy idea. But this goes against our whole society. Society says we must be "well rounded". We live in a society that is remedial in everything we do. Why? Because we focus on being "well rounded".

Three Myths:

Myth #1

As you grow your personality changes--66% believe that. Not true. As you grow you become more and more of who you really are! "We're all a wee bit insecure about some part of our personality."

"Therapy is the price you pay for helping your kids know they are wrong."
"You show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser."

Myth #2

You'll grow the most by working on your weaknesses. We focus on our weak subjects in school. You can't ignore the "D." But that isn't where you'll grow. Weaknesses are areas of least opportunity. Study what your bad at and you get not bad!

Myth #3

What the team needs is for you chip in and do whatever is needed by the team. What the team needs the most if for you to identify your strengths and volunteer to use them. What the team needs isn't a vague willingness to do whatever it takes. Take a stand for your strengths!

*Don't be well-rounded.

Personally this was one of my favorite speakers. This is an area I personally needed to grow. I am good at a lot of things, great at none. This is definitely important in the church. The body of Christ is made up of so many parts and talents. We need people to discover their passions and gifts, and run at the world not well rounded - GREAT at what God has blessed them with...strengths!

Random Thoughts

2006-10-23T20:43:00.000-04:00

The purple Clemson jerseys looked sweet. Yes I know that everyone doesn't love them, but hey we played awesome and brought back an old Clemson tradition. If we would of lost, I can't say I would like them as well.
The Tigers will win the World Series against the Cardinals in six games - Steve (pastor) will remind me if I am wrong.
Lock Outs are like Crack for students. They are Jonesin for another before the last one is done!
Question from a Catalyst Podcast: "If your church was taken out of your community, who would miss it other than your people. Would the community plea for the church to say? Is your church making such an impact on your local community it would be truly missed? " Rob Bell - something to ponder on.
Apparently babies don't have gills in the womb. They do have "gill slits" but they are not used as gills. Who knew?
Betsy finds out if she passes the Bar this Friday at 4:30pm. This will either be a REALLY good day, or REALLY bad day. Pretty sure it will be a Good Day.

Clemson vs Georgia Tech

2006-10-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

Clemson on GameDay!
Clemson defeats Georgia Tech 31 - 7!

Walty likey!

More on Facing the Giants

2006-10-18T08:35:00.000-04:00

"Facing the Giants" was on the Today Show this morning. Very cool story. I learned a few things:

Alex Kendrick - Director and Head Football Coach is the associate pastor at Sherwood Baptist
The movie was made on $100,000 - taken up in donations! Remember it has made $4 million to date.
They created another movie "Flywheel" a couple years ago. Didn't do so hot.
Not on Today Show: found out that the assistant coach I liked JT Hawkins who is played by Chris Willis - works for Frito Lays in Albany and has seven kids and teaches Sunday school at Sherwood. He needs to get into movies!

This week at TrueNorth we are starting a new series called "Facing the Giants." (yes based on the movie) We are pumped about this series. There are so many people who face giants in their lives and feel like there is no way to defeat them. But God says different. And we are getting to do a lot of football stuff. Not giving anything away - but look for the GameDay crew set up for Sunday Morning!

Facing the Giants

2006-10-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

Betsy and I went to see "Facing the Giants" with our journey team this past Sunday. If you haven't heard "Facing the Giants" is a movie written and directed by two brothers at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia (I think).

The story of how it got to the big screen is great. Long story short - the brothers sent the movie to Third Day to see if they could get permission to use a song. Third Day thought it was so good, they sent it to Sony Pictures - and they picked it up. Right now it has made over $4 million in 3 weeks. Compared to "The Grudge 2" who made $20 million in its first week. BUT Giants is only showing in 400 theaters and has made over $11,000 per theater, and the Grudge only made $6,000 per theater. Way to go....when you combine God and Football in the south, you are going to win!

Overall a good movie - good story - predicable ending - some very bad acting. My understanding is that everyone was a part of their church or town, no high paid actors. VERY emotional! It moves you. The death crawl scene is one of the most powerful scenes I have seen in a long time. Sad to say, but will be label "Christian movie" - meaning it wasn't up to par to the rest of the hollywood. BUT the black assistant coach HILARIOUS! Someone should hire him! "I'm assistant coach. I at least should of gotten a moped!"

Rumor has it that Arkansas went to see this movie the night before the Auburn game - and beat the Auburn giants the next day. TrueNorth has decided to pay for the entire North Augusta High, North Augusta Middle, and Paul Knox Middle football teams to go see the movie! Hey if one kid gets it and sees that Christ is Lord-its a win!

Learn more and see the trailer at: http://www.facingthegiants.com/

Ian - I doubt that Boston theaters will be showing this one!

Dental School

2006-10-17T21:55:00.000-04:00

Apparently everyone should have their wisdom teeth taken out by an oral surgeon student at their local medical school. Everyone is SO AMAZED at my rebound time from the surgery. And that I trusted a student to do it. Hey when you got connections and no dental insurance...you do what you gotta do!

Walter's Wisdom Gone

2006-10-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

After only one day of losing my wisdom teeth, I am back to 97%. One tooth was a bear to get out, but other than a little soreness in that "hole" I am back to normal (which in not normal at all). Apparently this is not normal. Everyone said I will be out for the entire weekend. Walter's back baby!

This X-ray is not mine, but similar. My two bottom teeth were impacted. The top two were fine - but they had to go!

I must now regain my 27 years of wisdom I lost....they won't take too long!

Patience Umazi

2006-10-08T22:11:00.000-04:00

This is Patience Umazi. She is 7 years old and lives in Kenya. She is our Compassion child. While at Big Stuf I called Betsy and told her that God had really put Compassion on my heart and thought we should adopt a child. She said yes. Now the mission began. As I went to look at the over 50 children they had who were is need, I could not bring myself to chose JUST ONE! So I turn around, threw a pen over my should and said a prayer that the God would give us the child he had picked out. And Patience was the child I took home that day.

If you don't know, Compassion is Christian ministry that finds children in need all over the world and set them up to be adopted by someone who would pay for their schooling, clothes, food, etc. It is a great ministry that I had heard about many times over the past ten years. I continue to say later, later, later....well later is now.

We are so excited to helping Patience out. Betsy and I have already written her a letter, and she wrote us back with a picture drawn for us. Her birthday is in a couple of days, and we have a special letter and gift for her. I am thankful that God has blessed Betsy and I so that we can help those in need. One person at a time.

Past Week and Random Thoughts

2006-10-08T21:17:00.000-04:00

Tonight is Sunday - and I am chillin' like a villin'. It has been a productive day. Church starting at 7am, watching NFL, Bowden and I ran, clean the car, surfed on MySpace talking with students, getting ready for Lock Out....And now finally posting!

The past several weeks have been super busy for both Betsy and I. We have just finished a back to back weekends of weddings in Gvegas (Greenville). And almost every night Betsy or I have been out doing things. This past week the TrueNorth staff headed to ATL to a leadership and creative conference called Catalyst. It was stinkin' amazin'. I will fill everyone in on that trip in later post. And I have just come out of a SICKNESS and now Betsy is in the middle of the SICKNESS. Fun Times. That is the 411 on us - now Random Thoughts.

Weddings during College Football season should be outlawed. Seriously even if you aren't a football fan - respect those of us who are.
Yankees Lose...Yankees Lose....Yankees Lose!!!!
Six Years ago I bought a Detroit Tiger hat because one of my heroes wore a Tigers hat - Magnum P.I - yes he lived in Hawaii and drove a Ferrari. And now I will wear it with pride now that they have slaughtered the New York Yankees.
"My Hero" by the Foo Fighters can push you to finish any race strong. Today on our run - Bowden and I were 200 yards from finishing our 3.6 run - and dying! (two weeks off from sickness). Foo Fighters comes on the IPOD and I imaged the GreenWay lined with peeps singing My Hero - finished SPRINTING!!! And magnum PI was waiting at the end!
A new Era in Clemson Football has arrived! We beat Wake Forest. 24 Points in the 4th quarter are you kidding me.
Studio 60 (NBC) one of the best new shows on TV.
I am getting my wisdom teeth out Friday - Why do they call them wisdom teeth? Laura O, does Alan know the answer to this riddle?
Jeff Foxworthy (who was at the Catalyst conference) will make you pee in your pants.
Terrell Owens is the worst player on my fantasy Team! "Can you step into my office- you're fired."

Stayed for more post! Soon...Like in 5 minutes.

Tanner Rednecks

2006-09-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

Well this weekend I work harder at making Betsy a little more red around the collar! Mrs. Furman - Lawyer girl went with me to watch one of our students (Amanda Benner) race in her dragester! FUN TIMES at the Carolina Dragstrip. This is apparently one of the best dragstrips in the south east. If you knew my girl Amanda you would NEVER know she is a racer. But she GOOD.

Since our involvement, not only now have we been to the dragstrip, but also to a NASCAR race! Betsy had NEVER been into NASCAR until Walter. Two years ago for my birthday....she bought us tickets to Bristol (how awesome is my wife). She even has a driver now - Darrell Jarrett. Her theory was she used UPS - so that would be driver.

Don't let her fool you - she had a little country in her. She did do a year on the Rodeo circuit as a barrel racer! You can take the girl out of the country, but ya can't take the country out of the girl - even in the court room! Her is to all the UNDERCOVER rednecks out there - YEE HAW! (one of the greatest TV shows ever!!!!!!)

End of the Spear

2006-09-24T08:41:00.000-04:00

Betsy and I did not see this movie when it came out in theaters. I knew the true story of the missionaries, and had heard that the movie was great. Well Bets and I rented it the other day.
WOW! Never have I seen such an example of grace and forgiveness. It was amazing. As the family goes to live with tribe that KILLED their husbands and fathers you ask, "Could I ever forgive like that." Then there was the final scene by the river where Jonny's dad was killed and the tribal leader who speared him. Crazy good! If you haven't rented it - DO IT. And it isn't bad movie making either. Quality actors and great camera work for the jungles of Ecuador. It is not your traditional Hollywood movie - actually some good stuff!

Element

2006-09-19T20:54:00.000-04:00

If anyone was wondering what it looks like on Wednesday's at Element - here ya go! Thanks TJ for the pic...not only does TJ rock out by leading our student band, but also clickin' the pics!

Our current series is called "Face Off: facing lifes issues." The crowd is facing each other. Fun times. This is our Middles School Crowd.

Great Story...

2006-09-19T08:47:00.000-04:00

As I continue to push through read the ENTIRE bible (something I have started many times, but actually never finished in one time frame) I came across a story I read long ago. This is a GREAT Story for bald student ministers, but not a bed time story for the little kiddies. Why? Because kids die for mocking Elisha for his bald head:

"As he (Elisha) was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths." 2 Kings 2:23-24

And who says our God isn't a just God. God took out an entire YOUTH GROUP! Actually this is a crazy story and leaves me scratching my head. But I know God has my back if I scratch it too much and become bald.

"We're not going to kick any more" Tommy Bowden

2006-09-17T22:52:00.000-04:00

The title of this blog is the most honest thing Tommy has said in a long time. There was no hiding behind words - our kicking STUNK! I have been watching football a long time. NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE have I seen what I saw Saturday night! Are you kidding me?

BUT a HUGE win for the Tiger Nation! Bowden Bowl XIII goes to the younger Bowden. I was at the first Bowden Bowl and they said Papa would never be beat! What an amazing game. Now classic Clemson football will be we will lose to Wake Forest and Temple - then beat Virgina Tech. But this year is a new year! A new year where we can just give points to FSU and still win! Go Tigers!

Five Years Later.

2006-09-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

Today marks the five year remembrance of Sept. 11. This morning Betsy and I watch the Today show's pieces on Sept. 11.
All those feelings and emotions of that day five years ago came charging back when watching the shocking videos, the interviews of those who lost loved ones, and remembering where I was during this time.

The moment will forever be burned into my memory. We were getting ready for a presentation in Lee Hall (Clemson Architecture School) and listening to the radio. Honestly when the report came in on the radio I thought it just an accident. Then I SAW the second plane hit - and knew that our world would be forever changed.

I pray that we never forget! Knowing that we live in a fallen world, evil overflows into our lives. A lot of people knew I was a Christian in my Architecture Studio at Clemson and they came asking what all this meant, did God let this happen, is the world coming to an end, how do they find God. It was truly a time of seeking for everyone. I was honest in that I didn't have all the answers, but I did know the Light during this dark time. My prayer is that we continue to hold that light high in the air. A light that brings hope, salvation, healing, goodness, and love.

Today five years later - a lot has changed! The people who surround me now in work and worship, I didn't even know exsisted. Our country has made changes to adjust to this new era (post 9/11). Americans eyes now light up in fear at the word of terriorism. But one thing that is constant is that our God is still God! May we never forget.

W.W.J.B.D

2006-09-05T21:46:00.000-04:00

It seems like everywhere we go the questions that pop into my mind is What Would Jack Bauer Do! Would Jack Bauer let that waiter talk to his wife like that? Would Jack Bauer drink Diet Drinks? Would Jack Bauer wear boxer or briefs?
Don't we all wish we were more like Jack Bauer! Minus the killing hundreds of terrorist, not peeping for over 24 hours, and faking your own death.

Post by Walt - the things expressed on the Tanner blog in no way represent the theories, sayings, or even thoughts of the other half of the Tanner blog...Mrs Betsy Tanner!

Why do we yawn? And why are they contagious?

2006-08-30T12:42:00.000-04:00

Bill Nye the Science Guy (one of my old favorites on Saturday Morning) attempts to answer the question of we yawn? Bill is with me on not buying this whole "because you need more oxygen" idea. That doesn't explain why I yawn when Bill Bob yawns - just because he needs oxygen doesn't mean I need more! So why?

Click here if you even care about this question...to read Bill Nye the Science Guy's article.

Models for ESM

2006-08-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

The Element Ladies Pimping those SWEET "Limited Edition" Element Tees at school!

Element SM

2006-08-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

This past Wednesday was our "Element Kickoff." We had a great night, over 100 students were there. Everyone had a blast. Check some pics from that night:

Fun with Panty Hose!

Who is this guy?

Middle Schoolers Running through their sign!

The Element Student Band

Cool Pic of Kameron on the Drums!

Random Monday Morning Thoughts

2006-08-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

These are not connecting thoughts, just things floating in my head:

Great weekend of catching up with family and friends. Betsy and I headed to Gvegas for a few hours (36) Friday and Saturday. We got to see both our RENTS and hang with some friends. Good Times.
Awesome Sunday at TrueNorth. It is super sweet when you have to bring in MORE chairs for people in church. It isn't like TNC is in a small room or anything. Our auditorium seats 450! The second service was the largest I have seen in there (except Christmas Eve).
Steve hit a home run with this week's message of "Living Out." My favorite part was his -rant- on getting Messy for Jesus. How true. We are not a cookie cutter ministry where everything comes out PERFECT and looking the exact same. People of issues. Heck we have issues! So sometimes we (Christ Followers) have to get down and dirty with lives and sin. Scary - Yes! Reward - Heck Yes!....Great book "Messy Spiritually" by Mike Yacanelli (sp?)
Clemson Football in one week - YEE HAW!
Post that are upcoming - picture and story of how Betsy and I have adopted Patience in Kenya - through Compassion. She is not coming home with us to NA! Just financial help.
Post coming up - On perspective. Lately a lot of people have been talking "your perspective". A new look on the word perspective.

Baby Got Book (WhiteboyDJ.com)

2006-08-18T11:38:00.000-04:00


As someone who can quote all of Baby Got Back, this is something a little more holy! Thanks to Laura Owens for sending this one out. This will make you laugh out loud!

Back in the Saddle

2006-08-16T09:16:00.000-04:00

Many of asked why we have checked out of the bloggin' world. We have been running around and just not keeping things up to date. Our Summer is over for Element SM, but the school year has begun.

Betsy is stoked (a word that Betsy has NEVER used) about her new job. This year she is a law clerk for two Judges in Augusta (Judge Dickert & no idea). I will let her give you the 411. She has already helped in decisions in the court room - Cool.

TrueNorth is turning two! This past week we cracked 1,000 for the first time since the summer began. Which means vacations are over and people are getting back into the grove. It was awesome to look out during the second service and not see one seat avaiable! We were SLAMMED. I have an idea - we should move to the gym. Oh wait we are in three weeks! This is going take TNC to a whole new level - and that is very exciting. Personally I believe that TNC is one of the fastest growing churches in the South. HOW SWEET!

God is truly moving and blessing at TNC. Life change is happening, families are being saved, people are "cross eyed", individuals are dying to their selves and living for Christ, and Christ is receiving all the glory! Does it get any better than that....yes. It's called heaven - but until then TNC will do!

TrueNorth on the News!

2006-08-14T16:53:00.000-04:00

Click on this here to see local CBS station's story on TrueNorth Church.

Great Story for TNC - God keeps on pouring out His blessings.

Charleston Pics

2006-08-04T14:32:00.000-04:00

Cool Fountain (our "inn" was in front of the park)

Self Portrait in the park (yes it was 100 degrees outside)

Bets and Walt at the SC aquarium (those are some good looking kids!)

New Charleston Bridge (Sweet!)

Correction

2006-08-04T09:26:00.000-04:00

Betsy here--I wanted to make a quick correction. I said that I feel pretty good about the Bar Exam, not very good. I have a peace about it and am not anxious. I am just very happy to be done studying and ready to start my new job!

Back in Action

2006-08-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

The Tanner blog has been MIA due to the busyness of life.

1) Betsy made it through the BAR EXAM and feels very good about it.
2) We are now North Augusta Residents - the move from Thomson was flawless!
Betsy wants to give our NEW address:
455 W Martintown Rd
North Augusta, SC 29841
3) Walt has returned the pulpit to Steve after the Davis vacation.
4) Our one year anniversary trip to Charleston was awesome (pics of Charleston to follow).

And now we start a NEW CHAPTER with the Tanner Family. New City, New Job, New House, but same story. Stay tuned for the Adventures!

The Banquet - Luke 14:15-24

2006-07-25T17:02:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I had the great honor of preaching at TrueNorth Church. This entire summer we have had one series: Short Stories. We have basically been teaching Jesus' parables. These have been great sermons and Steve has hit a home run with everyone. So Walter had big shoes to fill. How did I do? Not going to say you can see for yourself at www.truenorthchurch (and catch up on all the TNC sermons).

I will say I personally felt good about the sermon. I pray the main point that we have all been invited to the banquet table of God and that it is by His grace we sit there came across. This week - The Lost Sheep. I have never had to bat two innings in a row! Usually I am a pinch hitter once and out - hopefully I didn't set the bar too high!

Busy Couple of weeks

2006-07-25T16:57:00.000-04:00

Here is what is going on with Betsy and I:

Last week:
Big Stuf Camp
Preached Sunday (The Banquet - www.truenorthchurch.com)
studying for Bar Exam

This week:
Betsy takes Bar Exam (praise Jesus!) - in Atlanta Tuesday and Wednesday.
Moving Friday
Preaching Sunday (The Lost Sheep - come and see it live! The second show is completely different than the first...Don't forget to tip your waiter or waitress)
Family dinner Sunday (guest in NA)
Sunday afternoon head to Chuck Town (Charleston) for 1 year anniversary!

Post Big Stuf Blog!

2006-07-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

Yeah! We made it back from Big Stuf. What an amazing experience for our students. For many of them this was their first experience with a "youth camp". They loved it. The beach was awesome. The speakers rocked the house. And the worship bands were unbeliveable. Plus God was all over the place. It is cool to see students just through a couple days of focus in their lives get a few steps closer to God. To know that Christ is showing up a little more in their everyday lives is truely a blessing. And for me that is what it is all about.... to see those kids growing, building a solid foundations. Some are farther along than others, but it is still neat (who says neat) to watch it build block by block.

Big Stuf Bound

2006-07-14T15:17:00.000-04:00

Saturday at 7am we ship out for our second trip of the summer. This adventure takes us down to Panama City, FL to Big Stuf Camp. This will be my first trip to Big Stuf, but from everything I have heard in the past -this will rock your socks off. And the peeps who have already been this year said this years is the best YET!

Needless to say, our 24 students and I are pumped about spending time at the beach together and worshipping our God in an amazing atomsphere. They may have wireless - if so I will try and post to let everyone know how we are doing. If there is no internet....until next week! Pray that our students will meet with God and hear his voice.

Cultural Relevant

2006-07-11T21:00:00.000-04:00

Ian Wilson has a great article on being "Culturally Relevant." Here is a clip from it:

"Knowing pop-culture is not relevant.
Wearing "random t-shirts" is not relevant.
Smoking cigs and throwing back brewskies is not relevant.
Swearing now and then is not relevant.
Even listening to U2 is not relevant."

We at TrueNorth consider our church to be one that tries to be Culturally Relevant. But I agree with Ian in that being Culturally Relevant isn't about a look or music we listen to but a way that you look at your life. The Church for the past several decades has created a Christian sub culture to protect ourselves from the evil "secular" world. This isn't what we see Christ do, he criticizes the church of His day for separation of those who were lost. To me being Culturally Relevant is about looking at the culture we live in and sharing Christ's love, not creating a holy huddle.
Way to go Ian...that seminary degree looks to be making you a regular Christian theologian. But I do wear "random t-shirts".

New Words for Websters

2006-07-08T21:11:00.000-04:00

1. Bling-bling: n - flashy jewelry worn especially as an indication of wealth;
2. Unibrow: n - a single continuous brow resulting from the growing together of eyebrows
3. Himbo: n - an attractive but vacuous man (Betsy had never heard of this word)
And the most interesting word added in my option:
4. Google: v - to use the Google search engine to obtain information about (as a person) on the World Wide Web.

Five years ago who would of said that the world google would be a verb in Websters Dictonary. Betsy says I make up words all the time....maybe I should start writing them down and send em' to Webster.

Nooma Videos

2006-07-06T20:07:00.000-04:00

If you haven't heard of NOOMA, you are probably in the majority of the world. NOOMA is a company that has been set up to produce short films (10-12 minutes) that deal with God issues. I first found out about NOOMA two years ago and fell in love with all their videos since -13. The main communicator is Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill in Grand Rapid Michigan - I thought he was the only communicator, but I heard that other communicators are soon to join Rob at Nooma.

What does Nooma mean?
The name NOOMA is an English phonetic spelling of the Greek word pneuma, which is commonly translated to “spirit” or “breath”. Pneumatology refers to the study of spiritual beings, particularly the interactions between humans and God.

Where do I find Nooma Videos?
Nooma videos can be order and watch (small clips) at www.nooma.com and they have been picked up by Zondervan and can be found at Family Christian Bookstores.

Why am I writing about Nooma?
Well - before this week my favorite noomas were "Sunday" and "Bullhorn". But my new favorite is number13- "Rich." Not so much in scenery and camera work (which is awesome in all of the brilliant short films) but the content. AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! I have watched it twice in three days. This issue has been on my heart for several months - GIVING (not so much money, but our lives...time, sweat, energy etc)
The conversation (Rob Bell and you) starts with a bummer sticker Rob saw "God Bless America" and Rob tells how God has already blessed America -

The USA makes up 6% of the World's Population and uses 40% of its resources
Only 8% of the world's population have cars
Over 1 billion people don't have clean drinking water
800 million people will not eat today & 300 Million are kids
Around a billion people in the world live on a dollar a day (if we get a dr pepper for a dollar we are lucky!)
Experts say to give EVERYONE in the world basics of life (clean water, food, shelter and even electricity) would cost $20 Billion....that is how much Americans spend on ice cream in ONE YEAR!

How rich are we? We take clean water for granted. We take our cars for granted. We take our food for granted. We are SO RICH! Everything we have is a gift. Lets start sharing the gift. May we as children of God help take care of those who need lifted up. Not so that we feel good about our selves, but because God has called us to. Commanded us to.

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with EVERYTHING for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

"Moving on Up to the Eastside."

2006-07-03T20:07:00.000-04:00

Betsy and I have started packing up our current rental home in Thomson, GA to make the move to another rental home in North Augusta, SC (this is to get us closer to the TrueNorth). In doing so - I came across this old pic of my old roomie when it snowed in South Carolina!

Loved the pic - so I posted it for all the world to see! I am sure in the next week or so you will see all sorts of random things we find packing.

Post Go Camp Post

2006-07-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

This past week we took 24 students to Columbia, SC for our first mission trip. The camp was called "Go Camp". The idea for the camp came from Dustin Willis, Chris Barrieau and myself less than a year ago. Dustin is the pastor of Midtown Fellowship in Columbia - who sponsored the camp. Midtown set up all the sites the students worked at during the week. Dustin and the Midtown Crew did an amazing job of setting up this camp up. The Chris Brown Band lead in worship and ROCKED the house!

You see this wasn't a trip where you go work in the day and chill in the evening. Our students (and others from three other churches: trinity United Methodist, Hampton Height Baptist, and First Baptist Gray - 60 in all) worked in the morning and afternoon. Came back and had free time - then amazing worship and teaching and tons of fun during the nights!

This was a great trip for our students at TrueNorth Church. Many had no idea what to expect, and came anyway. I truly believe our students have started understanding it is not just about them. Dustin did a great job during our teaching time to explain sacrifice, service, and obedience. Our students lives were changed. They are ready to go into our community and put into practice what they have learned. Now it is my job to continue that passion and excitement for mission and service in North Augusta/Augusta. It is awesome to see the lights come on with students understanding: less of me and more of You.

Visit the Go Camp MySpace at www.myspace.com/gocamp

The Phad (that's pad with a ph)

2006-06-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

Sorry ladies these STUDS are taken! Martha Ann, Betsy and Sally are three of the luckiest ladies in THE WORLD to have such manly men! These are two of my college roomies - Casey Callahan and Ian Wilson. Both are in seminary - I was the only one graduated from Clemson and escaped from the classroom! "Strength and Honor!"

David Crowder Band

2006-06-21T17:46:00.000-04:00

MSN music has David Crowder listed as a nominee for artist of the month! They are running against: Nelly Furtado, Frankie J, Busta Rhymes, and Neil Young. You can vote by clicking on the link below.
http://music.msn.com/music/artistofthemonth

I believe this says how far Christian Music has come! That the leading Christian Band who writes a huge amounts of songs sung in today church, be considered "talented musicains" in the world's culture. Nelly Furtado, who has a new single out, is getting beat by some crazy looking Christian group from Wacco. Jesus ROCKS!

Element Student Ministry

2006-06-14T16:08:00.000-04:00

This good looking group is our high schoolers after playing kickball and dodgeball last Wednesday.
This week is Ulitmate Fribee! In the words of Toby, "My skillz aren't as good as they once was, but I'm good once - as I ever was."

Grillz

2006-06-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Nelly's song "Grillz", Betsy got herself a nice grill for her top row! Bets has more Grillz than George Forman.

(Old picture found from Ski Retreat this past year!)

Is Jack Bauer a Type of Christ?

2006-06-13T13:16:00.000-04:00

Post from Mark Driscoll (Pastor of Mars Hill in Seattle)
"With the fifth and arguably best season of the hit television show 24 now concluded, Jack Bauer can take a much needed shower, get something to eat, and power up his cell phone battery which magically lasts forever. At the risk of sounding blasphemous, I would like to offer the suggestion that perhaps 24 is incredibly popular because Jack Bauer is a lot like Jesus, as the following correlations indicate:

Jack and Jesus are both dudes who worked in construction.
Jack and Jesus have disciples and Jack’s disciples have names like Chloe, Michelle, Bill, and Tony.
Jack and Jesus do not lie and can be trusted to accomplish whatever they promise.
Jack and Jesus both oppose evil and seek to bring forth a glorious shalom world, free of tyranny and evildoers.
Jack and Jesus were both betrayed by a close friend who ended up dying as a result of his sin.
Jack and Jesus are both saviors willing to lay down their life for those they love.
Jack and Jesus were both resurrected from death; Jack was essentially put to death to fool the Chinese government and then resuscitated. "

This year Betsy joined me on the bandwagon of "24". I was hooked after watching Season 4 last year, and now Betsy and I are offically Jack supporters. With Season 5 over, we have been going through withdrawal of our "Jack Bauer Power Hour." So we did what anyone would do...joined Netflixs and now have finished half of Season 1. AWESOME STUFF.

Thoughts on D Day: June 6, 1944

2006-06-06T21:30:00.000-04:00

Today, 6.06.06 , is not the end of the world as some would have you to believe. It is the anniversary of one of the most important days in WW II - D day. In honor of that, I and a select few spread out across SC watch "Saving Private Ryan" every year. The WW II vets who saw "Ryan" said that it couldn't have been more accurate unless you had a camera on Omaha Beach.

We often forget that freedom comes with a price. Freedom as a nation and freedom from sin.

Paul reminds us, "For you were bought at a price..." 1 Cor 6:20a
The price Paul talks of was death on a cross, and the freedom from sin was our reward. May we always honor Sacrifice for freedom is never free.

New NBA and Barry Bonds 715*

2006-06-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

This years playoffs are the most NBA basketball I have watched since the Jordan Era. I will have to say that I do believe the NBA is on the move back up after spending the late 90s and early 00s at its ultimate lows. The "Thug" years are offically over and the Nash-a-nator winning two MVP shows the times they are a changing. With Allen Iverson and "Star"berry on their final years, the new blood of the NBA has a ton of potential.

It is King James league and the rest are just playing in it! LeBron is sticking amazing and actual has a good head on his shoulders for a 20 year old with millions in the bank. D-Wade is another awesome young gun who is shining in the playoffs - 69% from the field are you kidding me. And young Dwight Howard in Orland (#1 2004) is an awesome Christian.

Here is to the new blood of the NBA - keep it up young ones, keep it up!

Barry Bonds
My boy Ian Wilson is a much better writer than I so I will just send you to his link on his thoughts on Barry Bonds and his 715th homerun. I support what Ian says: "Barry Bonds is a cheater!" Click here to read Ian's Blog.

Men's Weekend

2006-06-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

In the beginning of May I took part in a reunion of Clemson/Blue Ridge. It was a mixture of guys who either went to Blue Ridge, went to Clemson and Blue Ridge, or just Clemson. I fell into the "just Clemson" category. A majority of us all knew one another from previous events or just hanging out together. All in all we had 12 guys in our weekend.

We stayed in an awesome cabin outside of Boone, NC. Shout Out to Casey "Kat Phat" Callahan for finding with sweet cabin and setting the weekend up. It was full of old stories, lots of red meat, hikes in the woods, old stories, poker, ESPN, lots of laughter, and few more stories.

The scary thing is that we are grown ups! There were ministers, seminary students, engineers, salesmen, doctors, and all sorts of real job having people there. But when placed in a room together it is official we all become little boys. All the sounds, smells, jokes, and behavior of elementary boys made up the majority of the weekend. Except when the OLD MEN wouldn't play ultimate Frisbee!

until next year in the wise words of Waynes World- "Party on Wayne, Party on Garth."

Post Beach Report

2006-05-31T16:37:00.000-04:00

Betsy and I decided to come back!
It was tempting to just stay down at Fripp Island. We looked at purchasing one of those small houses down there and just live, but then we woke up and realized our $1.5 million didn't exist!

It was a good vacation. Very relaxing and energizing. Both of us got very toasty. Betsy learned that just because she has become a Tanner doesn't mean her skin will become "tanner". HA! I kill me - yes these are the jokes Betsy lives with.

Lots of time on the beach, lots of time "attempting to fish", and of course lots of seafood! It is good to be back. Stay tuned for Pics.

Graduation and Beach

2006-05-20T16:25:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally graduated from Law School this morning (Saturday, May 20). The ceremony was a bit long and the gowns were hot, but the point is that I am completely finished with school. It is hard to believe that I know have a law degree. I pray I will use it wisely. To celebrate, we (Walt, me, my mom and dad, and my nephews--Blaine and Cade) are headed to Fripp Island for a week at the beach!!! Woo Hoo!!! See ya in a week when we will come back nice and tan (or red).

Da Vinci Code Review"

2006-05-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

Betsy and I went to see Da Vinci at the 3.15pm showing on Friday afternoon to beat the crowd. We both had listened to the book on CD (since we drive long distances) about 6 months ago, so we knew the story. After reading the book and hearing that they were coming out with a movie I was 100% saying this would be a great movie.

I WAS WRONG!

It was a good movie, maybe even a shade on the better than average. But it definitely goes under the category of the book was better than the movie - MOST BOOKS ARE! The movie was choppy and did not tell the story in a comprehendable way. We followed because we knew the story and maybe my judgement was tainted because I knew the story, but I felt like it fell short of my expectations (which were set very high).

Stick a Fork In Me...

2006-05-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Cause I am done!!!! I officially finished my last law school exam and thus my last law school activity!! I graduate this Saturday (May 20) and then I am headed off to the beach with the fam! How exciting!! I have 2 full weeks with no school work to worry about at all. Then, I will hit the books to start studying for the Georgia Bar Exam. But, I am not thinking about that for the next 2 weeks :) Fun! Fun!

Good Quote

2006-05-10T15:31:00.000-04:00

Erwin McManus - pastor of Mosaic in LA:
"Run as fast as your character goes deep, not as fast as your talent goes wide."
Can I get an AMEN!

Hate the Game not the Player

2006-05-10T15:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I(Walt) went to my first Mayor's Prayer Luncheon in North Augusta. The Right Reverend Steve Davis was a guest prayer, so TrueNorth Church had a table. Well the guest speaker is the head coach of the team I and most Clemson fans will rank at the top of the list of most hated teams - Georgia Bulldogs!

Yes, Mark Richt was the speaker at a CHRISTIAN EVENT. I was SHOCKED! To my surprise I was very impressed with him a speaker and up standing Christian man. Hey even Sodom and Gomorrah had a missionary!

So I may hate the Team, but I admire the coach. He is no Bowden - but he did mention Papa Bowden lead him to Christ while coaching at FSU. What a family!

GO TIGERS!!!

Hank Hill finds Mega Church

2006-05-08T11:42:00.000-04:00

Mark Driscoll had this on his blog and couldn't resist.

Even if you don't watch King of the Hill - funny clip on Mega Churches. Hank recently went church shopping in an episode of King of the Hill. Of course, he landed in a megachurch with high-definition TV and good coffee. You need to see this one for yourself.

Coming Out of Winter Hibernation

2006-05-02T14:26:00.000-04:00

Betsy and I have started coming out of our Winter hibernation. Before Betsy and I were married we both worked out and ran throughout the week. But since our physcial health has not been up to par. Betsy leaves early and gets home late. Living in Thomson, GA doesn't give us a great place to get exercise in.

This past week we have put 13 miles under our belt in exercise. Two three mile runs and a 7.2 mile hike at Hickory Knob Park has been very refreshing. Bowden also enjoyed the hike - she got to play in the Lake and LOVED it. Nice flat hike, but Betsy and I really really miss the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yes they are only three hours away, but they used to be in our backyard.

Goal: Half Marthathon in the fall - Betsy hasn't caught this dream and actually HATES the idea. Hey we need something to get us off our Butts. Stay tuned to see if we actually do it.

My Space takes over the world

2006-04-27T22:05:00.000-04:00

TrueNorth is doing a series called: His Space - a place for hope. We decided to use the whole my space movement and teach from it.
Steve did a great job on Easter informing people that Christ took "my space" on the cross and made it "his space." The rest of the series is about our bodies and giving up my space and making our lives his space. Check it out on the TrueNorth Church website.

PS: Steve created a myspace page - click here - for HisSpace
And Element Student ministry also added a myspace page - click here