Today, Allie had her first Easter Sunday. "He is Risen indeed!" Allie doesn't yet know or believe in Jesus, but she is one of the most well-known people in our church. I use pics of her at least five times a month, and this one is sure to get some publicity.
We had around 800 people at our church Sunday for worship, and it was great to meet so many people and have such terrific worship! I gave out free chocolate during the message, which was entitled, "The solid chocolate of Easter." Jennie and I also went out for dinner with my parents near Mansfield - after Allie's photo-shoot at home, that is.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter!
I couldn't resist. 9 months old, and Allie's bursting out of her crib. Video footage soon to follow...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Please don't read this post!
Sometimes I don't blog because I don't have a "title." I've logged onto this form, where I'm supposed to type - and I always have thoughts to type - but sometimes I shrink back because I'm unsure of what to call this entry, and if it will actually be interesting. But today, on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, it really doesn't matter.
Even with the title I chose, I figured, "Yeah, there's probably some irony in that title, because people always read what they aren't supposed to. That's human nature. So, if I pick a stupid title, people will read it anyway."
A few updates from the land of Delaware, Ohio....
- Allison is 9 months old today. She's been sick ALL week, and I've been sick the last couple of days. Not fun. My parents were in town, though, and it was great to see them. They are again off to a warmer climate for a few weeks. Yeah, Hawaii. I'm sure to at least get a keychain or T-shirt out of the deal. Then again, maybe not. It's all about Allie these days.
- Easter Sunday. Last time I actually led an Easter Sunday service, it was in Winona Lake, Indiana. One year, it was at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. A future post might be to compare the legend of Hacienda with the soutwestern culinary juggernaut that is Pancho's on Massillon Road. Just typing that previous sentence makes my mouth water. Anyhow, that "Easter Sunday" service at Hacienda goes down as one of the most memorable days of my entire life. My manager Brian called me just before that week to ask if I would be out of town on Easter. Of course I'm thinking he wants me to pick up a shift and wait tables. No, the guy wants me to plan a church service IN THE RESTAURANT, FOR THE STAFF. I am forever grateful to God for that opportunity to share with my friends and co-workers about Jesus Christ, my Savior, Best Friend, and the Leader of my life. I am also curious as to how God might have touched their hearts. I may never see Jeanie, Dale, Brian, Suzanne, Jill, Matt, Ken, or Venancio again in my life, but I still think of them and wonder how God is moving in their lives.
- Cavs Ramble - I'm not sure if any Cavs or NBA fans read my blogger. Actually, Tim Cooper in Denver does, so I'll continue typing. I think the Cavs made a good move in firing Paul Silas, although the guy is a terrific coach. I am feeling the same sort of frustration, just do whatever it takes to build a winner around Lebron. I don't feel sorry for a pro athlete, coach, or celebrity who gets fired. I mean, the guy just made about $10 million dollars in less than two years to coach a basketball team. No sympathy here, dude. Besides, there are about 5-7 new coaching jobs that Paul Silas will have a shot at in the next four months. He's been a winner everywhere he's been, but just not a championship coach. Great for turnarounds and startups.
- Mac Tribute - Over the last three years, I have become a Mac/Apple user. On staff at The Chapel, all the computers are Macs, so I felt somewhat forced into it. But after a year or less, I started to feel comfortable with Apples. At this point in my life, I can't see ever owning another Windows/PC type of computer. A lot of people are switching to Apple like me. On the one hand, I don't want to sound ignorant or arrogant about computers - some PCs are okay. But I am always hearing about Windows problems with hardware, software, connectivity, networking, multimedia - you name it. And I have used a Mac for three years straight and haven't had a single complaint. Not one. I don't even get pop-ups when I'm online! It's a great life.
- Purpose-Driven Blog - Yeah, I saw how the lady who was held hostage by the court-shooting gunman read to him from the Purpose-Driven Life - and maybe God used that to soften the guy's heart and let her go and turn himself in. First of all, that is an awesome story, and you've got to appreciate her faith, courage, and love in the midst of a very scary encounter. Second of all, The Purpose-Driven Life is an excellent book, and it's apparently now the best-selling non-fiction book of ALL TIME, or at least that's what CNN says. I wonder if they think the Bible is non fiction.
- This post is long, and I have so much more to say - more on The Bible, Marriage, the NFL Draft, Friends having Babies (welcome to the world, Jayson Herrera Kozick!!!), eHarmony.com, Grace Reunions, Dominican Travels, Denver Research, Ohio Wesleyan University, Canton McKinley hoops, Strawberry Jello, Friends having babies (welcome to the world, Robert Hardy IV), wedding vows, Bruce Willis, and a hearty shout-out to RedeemtheDay.org!
Even with the title I chose, I figured, "Yeah, there's probably some irony in that title, because people always read what they aren't supposed to. That's human nature. So, if I pick a stupid title, people will read it anyway."
A few updates from the land of Delaware, Ohio....
- Allison is 9 months old today. She's been sick ALL week, and I've been sick the last couple of days. Not fun. My parents were in town, though, and it was great to see them. They are again off to a warmer climate for a few weeks. Yeah, Hawaii. I'm sure to at least get a keychain or T-shirt out of the deal. Then again, maybe not. It's all about Allie these days.
- Easter Sunday. Last time I actually led an Easter Sunday service, it was in Winona Lake, Indiana. One year, it was at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. A future post might be to compare the legend of Hacienda with the soutwestern culinary juggernaut that is Pancho's on Massillon Road. Just typing that previous sentence makes my mouth water. Anyhow, that "Easter Sunday" service at Hacienda goes down as one of the most memorable days of my entire life. My manager Brian called me just before that week to ask if I would be out of town on Easter. Of course I'm thinking he wants me to pick up a shift and wait tables. No, the guy wants me to plan a church service IN THE RESTAURANT, FOR THE STAFF. I am forever grateful to God for that opportunity to share with my friends and co-workers about Jesus Christ, my Savior, Best Friend, and the Leader of my life. I am also curious as to how God might have touched their hearts. I may never see Jeanie, Dale, Brian, Suzanne, Jill, Matt, Ken, or Venancio again in my life, but I still think of them and wonder how God is moving in their lives.
- Cavs Ramble - I'm not sure if any Cavs or NBA fans read my blogger. Actually, Tim Cooper in Denver does, so I'll continue typing. I think the Cavs made a good move in firing Paul Silas, although the guy is a terrific coach. I am feeling the same sort of frustration, just do whatever it takes to build a winner around Lebron. I don't feel sorry for a pro athlete, coach, or celebrity who gets fired. I mean, the guy just made about $10 million dollars in less than two years to coach a basketball team. No sympathy here, dude. Besides, there are about 5-7 new coaching jobs that Paul Silas will have a shot at in the next four months. He's been a winner everywhere he's been, but just not a championship coach. Great for turnarounds and startups.
- Mac Tribute - Over the last three years, I have become a Mac/Apple user. On staff at The Chapel, all the computers are Macs, so I felt somewhat forced into it. But after a year or less, I started to feel comfortable with Apples. At this point in my life, I can't see ever owning another Windows/PC type of computer. A lot of people are switching to Apple like me. On the one hand, I don't want to sound ignorant or arrogant about computers - some PCs are okay. But I am always hearing about Windows problems with hardware, software, connectivity, networking, multimedia - you name it. And I have used a Mac for three years straight and haven't had a single complaint. Not one. I don't even get pop-ups when I'm online! It's a great life.
- Purpose-Driven Blog - Yeah, I saw how the lady who was held hostage by the court-shooting gunman read to him from the Purpose-Driven Life - and maybe God used that to soften the guy's heart and let her go and turn himself in. First of all, that is an awesome story, and you've got to appreciate her faith, courage, and love in the midst of a very scary encounter. Second of all, The Purpose-Driven Life is an excellent book, and it's apparently now the best-selling non-fiction book of ALL TIME, or at least that's what CNN says. I wonder if they think the Bible is non fiction.
- This post is long, and I have so much more to say - more on The Bible, Marriage, the NFL Draft, Friends having Babies (welcome to the world, Jayson Herrera Kozick!!!), eHarmony.com, Grace Reunions, Dominican Travels, Denver Research, Ohio Wesleyan University, Canton McKinley hoops, Strawberry Jello, Friends having babies (welcome to the world, Robert Hardy IV), wedding vows, Bruce Willis, and a hearty shout-out to RedeemtheDay.org!
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Mongolian BBQ...
I like eating at that place. There's a couple of them in Columbus.
In other news, it's time to put the "big kid" carseat in for Allie. Growing like a weed. I've never actually sat around watching a weed grow, but I just like to pull cliche's out that I don't have personal experience with. We do that every day.
Like, when you're tired, "I'm all tuckered out." Tuckered? Must have been named after "Tucker" the 1940's automobile. Or former Browns O-lineman Ryan Tucker. Or my fellow Lake-alumnus Harold Tuck. Or Annette Tucker.
Like, when you're hungry, "I'm starving." Even the slightest yearning for food gets classified as "starving" by a spoiled American like me who really has never had to go without food for any length of time.
Like, when you're angry... "I'm ticked." What do microscopic insects have to do with my anger? a "tick"? Or maybe I'm unknowingly referring to the sound a clock makes. "I'm tick-tocked."
Or when you're full, "I'm stuffed." Well, I guess that one makes sense. Nevermind.
(Disclaimer: While the above verbal diatribe lacks humor, content, and purpose, the author still felt the desire to write SOMETHING on his blogger tonight. Thanks for any understanding and grace you may give. Sincerely, the unsilent majority.)
In other news, it's time to put the "big kid" carseat in for Allie. Growing like a weed. I've never actually sat around watching a weed grow, but I just like to pull cliche's out that I don't have personal experience with. We do that every day.
Like, when you're tired, "I'm all tuckered out." Tuckered? Must have been named after "Tucker" the 1940's automobile. Or former Browns O-lineman Ryan Tucker. Or my fellow Lake-alumnus Harold Tuck. Or Annette Tucker.
Like, when you're hungry, "I'm starving." Even the slightest yearning for food gets classified as "starving" by a spoiled American like me who really has never had to go without food for any length of time.
Like, when you're angry... "I'm ticked." What do microscopic insects have to do with my anger? a "tick"? Or maybe I'm unknowingly referring to the sound a clock makes. "I'm tick-tocked."
Or when you're full, "I'm stuffed." Well, I guess that one makes sense. Nevermind.
(Disclaimer: While the above verbal diatribe lacks humor, content, and purpose, the author still felt the desire to write SOMETHING on his blogger tonight. Thanks for any understanding and grace you may give. Sincerely, the unsilent majority.)
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Wish List...
Yeah, I am starting to think I'd like an iPod. As much as I preach against materialism... ("iPreach"?)
Anyhow, I'm blog-happy today. Haven't written a journal in a while, so I've had them all stored up in me.
Life is great. Just returned to Delaware from a few days in Akron, and it was great to see some of our friends and family. We ate at Pancho's three times, and it probably wasn't enough. Love that place!
Visited The Chapel several times. Jennie, Allison and I enjoyed being at their staff meeting and lunch. They prayed for us and asked for an update on life and ministry here in Delaware.
The update went something like this: "We are really enjoying a great start at Delaware Grace Brethren. We love the church, the community, and the connections we've made already. It's starting to feel like home. Gary likes preaching, Jennie likes being at home with Allie and meeting new friends, and Allie likes to eat crackers and clap her hands on purpose!"
The prayer request went something like this: "Pray for our church as we are getting many visitors and new attenders. Pray for opportunities to connect with people in the community. Pray as we are going through the process of defining our core values, mission, and vision of the future for our church."
Wow - as I'm typing this, a couple of young people from our church came in to deliver the Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mints I ordered! Gotta love it!
Note: The picture with this article comes courtesy of Josh Smith. Josh is a longtime friend and entrepreneur for Gitgan.com. Gitgan is now the host of GaryandJennie.com, and he's done much of the design for my site pages as well. Anyhow, dude has an iPod and he's just showing it off. Where can I get one of those things?
The iPod Shuffle looks cool as well. Would I really use it? Please feel free to comment on that. Would I really use an iPod?
Anyhow, I'm blog-happy today. Haven't written a journal in a while, so I've had them all stored up in me.
Life is great. Just returned to Delaware from a few days in Akron, and it was great to see some of our friends and family. We ate at Pancho's three times, and it probably wasn't enough. Love that place!
Visited The Chapel several times. Jennie, Allison and I enjoyed being at their staff meeting and lunch. They prayed for us and asked for an update on life and ministry here in Delaware.
The update went something like this: "We are really enjoying a great start at Delaware Grace Brethren. We love the church, the community, and the connections we've made already. It's starting to feel like home. Gary likes preaching, Jennie likes being at home with Allie and meeting new friends, and Allie likes to eat crackers and clap her hands on purpose!"
The prayer request went something like this: "Pray for our church as we are getting many visitors and new attenders. Pray for opportunities to connect with people in the community. Pray as we are going through the process of defining our core values, mission, and vision of the future for our church."
Wow - as I'm typing this, a couple of young people from our church came in to deliver the Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mints I ordered! Gotta love it!
Note: The picture with this article comes courtesy of Josh Smith. Josh is a longtime friend and entrepreneur for Gitgan.com. Gitgan is now the host of GaryandJennie.com, and he's done much of the design for my site pages as well. Anyhow, dude has an iPod and he's just showing it off. Where can I get one of those things?
The iPod Shuffle looks cool as well. Would I really use it? Please feel free to comment on that. Would I really use an iPod?
Legacy...
Though Allison might lose the Underwood name when she gets married, she carries the Underwood legacy.
While I'm busy trying to figure out what my personal legacy and life-impact is going to be, there's no question about the legacy of the man sitting behind Allison in the picture.
That's my Dad, Jack D. Underwood. A faithful leader in his family, in friendships, and at church, my Dad has had immense influence on my life.
If I show my wife half the respect and love that my dad showed to my mom, Jennie will be incredibly blessed.
If I show my church half the loyalty and servant-minded effort that my dad has shown people at his church, God will be pleased.
If I show my daughter half the grace, support, encouragement, and friendship that my dad has shown me for the past 30 years, I will have done his legacy proud.
I was glad to get to spend some good time with him over the past week, but today is another one of those special days.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Thanks for loving God and loving people and always seeking to stand for what's right. Thanks for praying for me and for showing me what a real husband and real father looks like. Thanks for always believing in me, and saying I could do it.
I remember that feeling of telling some neighbor kids that my dad could beat up their dad. The more grown-up version of father-pride has me saying that I hope I become more like him.
While I'm busy trying to figure out what my personal legacy and life-impact is going to be, there's no question about the legacy of the man sitting behind Allison in the picture.
That's my Dad, Jack D. Underwood. A faithful leader in his family, in friendships, and at church, my Dad has had immense influence on my life.
If I show my wife half the respect and love that my dad showed to my mom, Jennie will be incredibly blessed.
If I show my church half the loyalty and servant-minded effort that my dad has shown people at his church, God will be pleased.
If I show my daughter half the grace, support, encouragement, and friendship that my dad has shown me for the past 30 years, I will have done his legacy proud.
I was glad to get to spend some good time with him over the past week, but today is another one of those special days.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Thanks for loving God and loving people and always seeking to stand for what's right. Thanks for praying for me and for showing me what a real husband and real father looks like. Thanks for always believing in me, and saying I could do it.
I remember that feeling of telling some neighbor kids that my dad could beat up their dad. The more grown-up version of father-pride has me saying that I hope I become more like him.
Feeding Update...
Allie likes crackers. She's eating baby food with rice in it.
When she wants more, she simply shouts, "Aaaah!"
She likes pears, peaches, blueberries, and sweet potatoes.
She doesn't like lemon. She doesn't like snickets either.
When she wants more, she simply shouts, "Aaaah!"
She likes pears, peaches, blueberries, and sweet potatoes.
She doesn't like lemon. She doesn't like snickets either.
Just like Dad?
When I was a kid, watching for the bus out the front window... I would pass the time by making silly faces in the mirror.
That explains all the facial contortions I produce in a desperate effort to ruin just about every picture that anyone takes of me. Gotta love it. It's an only child thang, you wouldn't understand.
Then again, if you were an only child, you'd probably understand. Unless of course, you didn't make faces in the mirror.
My kid does that. 'Nuff said.
That explains all the facial contortions I produce in a desperate effort to ruin just about every picture that anyone takes of me. Gotta love it. It's an only child thang, you wouldn't understand.
Then again, if you were an only child, you'd probably understand. Unless of course, you didn't make faces in the mirror.
My kid does that. 'Nuff said.
A Full Life...
Meet John & Jamie Fuller, along with their kids Chloe, Claire, and Jack.
John - or "J.P." - and I have history back to junior high, and I've known his wife Jamie for a few years now.
Jennie and I had the chance to reconnect with them during our time in Akron, and enjoy some tasty Parasson's pizza.
God has blessed us immensely through their friendship, and it is awesome to see him blessing their family as well. Their newborn, Jack, is absolutely beautiful, and Allie is hoping he'll call her soon.
Note to Jack Fuller... there ARE other guys out there (Caden Bahry, Turner Burns, Logan Jeffries, Noah Sommers, Isaac Spelman and Jack Ostovic - for starters...)... so you might want to start sending flowers right away.
John - or "J.P." - and I have history back to junior high, and I've known his wife Jamie for a few years now.
Jennie and I had the chance to reconnect with them during our time in Akron, and enjoy some tasty Parasson's pizza.
God has blessed us immensely through their friendship, and it is awesome to see him blessing their family as well. Their newborn, Jack, is absolutely beautiful, and Allie is hoping he'll call her soon.
Note to Jack Fuller... there ARE other guys out there (Caden Bahry, Turner Burns, Logan Jeffries, Noah Sommers, Isaac Spelman and Jack Ostovic - for starters...)... so you might want to start sending flowers right away.
"Sweet Cheekie"
I love Allie's cheeks. She's got a great sense of humor, and great cheeks. Her nicknames include the aforementioned "Sweet Cheekie," "Cheeky Beaky," "Cheekers," and "Baby Cakes."
No Comment...
Some pictures are worth a thousand words. Some are just strange. These are my friends Dan Bahry and Jeff Cooper, along with Coop's newborn, Olivia (playing the part of 'a football.')
Good Kid.
Well, she's 8.5 months old already, and Allison just spent a few days in Akron. Her first night there consisted of posing for about 57 pictures with the grandparents. Actually, I was the one taking pictures, as she rolls around, does push-ups, and pulls herself up onto things. No crawling yet. As they never say, "You gotta learn to roll before you learn to crawl."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
