I did a sermon about Mr. Clean this Sunday. Focusing on Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees (Matthew 7:1-20), we looked at our own efforts to "get clean on the outside" and look religious or look good to God and others. Only Jesus can clean us, and He starts on the inside by forgiving and cleaning our hearts...
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Jennie is at a small group leaders' meeting right now. She's leading a women's small group in our Tuesday morning ministry called "Calico" - 15 women each week studying through Proverbs. Part of a larger group of about 80-90 women, they are going through a curriculum recommended by Gail Benn at The Chapel. I miss Jack & Gail - very cool people!
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I hear John and Jamie Fuller are running the Akron marathon, in competition with Sybil Lambert. Haven't heard if Hilary Derr, Adam Barton, or Dave Smith are going after it again. Should I run one sometime?
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Ohio State looked great in thumping Iowa, 31-6. Great to see Troy Smith leading the offense and dominating a game. The defense actually dominated, and I wouldn't be surprised if OSU finishes the season 11-1 and a BCS bid.
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In a couple of weeks, I am attending the "A2" Conference at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. I'm excited for a time of challenge, learning, and thinking through what the church should be doing. Take a look at this great video they have put together as an intro...
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I saw The Day After Tomorrow last year. Good special effects, unrealistic plot, but it was all about an unusual rash of destructive weather, and how the world responds to it. After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita (which fortunately was a level 3 instead of level 5 when it hit land), it is hard to believe we still have a lot of "hurricane season" to go. It's certainly a heartbreaking and shocking time to see so many people suffering right here in America. Hopefully, this will awaken churches - and citizens - nationwide to meet the other existing needs like poverty, illiteracy, abandoned children, and many others that don't get the headlines on CNN.
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Tom & Christie Burns had their baby today - Everett Thomas Burns -- at about 3:30pm or so here in Worthington! So happy for them. Turner now has a baby brother! Congrats, guys! Can't wait to meet him!
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LOST is in its second season, and Jennie and I are hooked on the show. Last week's first episode was thrilling, and they always seem to leave you hanging for next week. This show feels much more like a movie than a TV show - better acting, filming/cinematography, and better character development and plot. I love that it's really more about the characters than the actual mystery or plot. Unlike "The Day After Tomorrow," I guess... and that's a good thing.
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Go Tribe! Indians can still win the Central division, or at least get the American League wild card spot. Hottest team in baseball since the all-star break.
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Allie is asleep. She is teething, too. We had a moment this morning, where all three of us Underwoods brushed our teeth. Allie holds the toothbrush in her mouth, wiggles it around, and laughs. She has the cutest laugh, which always sounds like a spontaneous burst. She is also the 'celebrity child' at church, as everyone knows her. Allie is great around people, but sometimes I think she could get smothered, spoiled, or just tired of being around people. A little brother will be a good thing for her.
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Monday, September 26, 2005
LUKE UNDERWOOD coming soon...
Luke Underwood is alive and kicking. 27+ weeks old. Already a human being. Jennie and baby are doing great, still due to enter the "external, breathe-on-your-own" world on Sunday, December 25. We'll probably induce labor on the 15th, though. At least that's what our Doc Hammett, says, and he's pretty good at this stuff.
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FAQ's about "Luke"...
Q: Did we name our son after Luke Skywalker, star of "Star Wars"?
A: Even though Gary played with Star Wars figures as a kindee-gartner, our light-saber-wielding Jedi had nothing to do with it.
Q: Did you see that one movie where Chris Farley imitated Darth Vader, saying into a running fan, "Looooke, I am your fatherrrrr"?
A: Yeah.
Q: That was awesome.
A: Yeah. Any more questions?
Q: Can we get Luke his first Ohio State outfit?
A: No, Gary already did that about two months ago. But please feel free to get Luke his third, fourth, or fifth Buckeye outfit.
Q: Oh, I get it! Luke is named after Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator, Luke Fickell, right?
A: Well, Gary did enjoy watching Luke Fickell in the late 1990's as he played for Ohio State. Gary also lived in Akron while Luke Fickell was an assistant coach for Akron University. Let's just say that it's a nice "side benefit" for our son, but he wasn't named after this former all-Big Ten performer.
Q: Is Luke going to have a big head like his father?
A: Please don't go there. He is currently "measuring big" as Doc Hammett puts it, but all babies have heads that are larger than their other parts.
Q: How is Jennie feeling?
A: Pretty good, but she's starting to feel very pregnant, and we can't believe how quickly the next couple of months will go!
Q: I like these FAQ simulations on your blog. Do you think you'll ever do another entry like this?
A: Sure. Whatever the readers want. Whatever keeps them logging on. This is a consumer-driven website.
Q: Cool.
A: That's not a question, is it?
Q: Uh, I guess not. I'll stop asking you questions so you can go finish watching The Day After Tomorrow. Is it true that Jake Gyllenhall is a terrible actor?
A: I thought you were done asking me questions.
Q: Sorry, have a good night.
A: Um... yeah... you too.
Friday, September 23, 2005
The Little Brown Jug...
Jennie and I got to see one of the biggest events in Harness Racing (as if I know what THAT means) yesterday. It's the biggest event of the year in Delaware, as over 52,000 people were here for these races.
The horse I was pulling for was called "Village Jolt," and my Grace friends will know why. Village Jolt won its first race, and then finished second in the championship race - which is known as the third leg in the Harness Racing Triple Crown. No surprise to see "Village" come in second.
Most of the people were betting on horses all day, as there were about 20-25 races throughout the afternoon. Of course I didn't. It's a pastor thing, you wouldn't understand. Or maybe you would. But I was tempted to.
My fun was more like "fantasy harness racing," where I'd pick the horse and pretend the stakes were high.
The horse I was pulling for was called "Village Jolt," and my Grace friends will know why. Village Jolt won its first race, and then finished second in the championship race - which is known as the third leg in the Harness Racing Triple Crown. No surprise to see "Village" come in second.
Most of the people were betting on horses all day, as there were about 20-25 races throughout the afternoon. Of course I didn't. It's a pastor thing, you wouldn't understand. Or maybe you would. But I was tempted to.
My fun was more like "fantasy harness racing," where I'd pick the horse and pretend the stakes were high.
Scenes from the Fair...
Wednesday night was Allie's first trip to the fair - actually, ANY fair! We went to the Delaware County Fair, where our church band played for an hour and we saw lots of people we knew.
The fair is just a few blocks from our house, so we can hear it at all hours of the day this week.
Allie enjoyed meeting many different animals - pigs, goats, alpacas, "duck-ee," and of course this horse.
The horse would try to NIBBLE on Allie's arm, and she laughed like crazy. Picture tells story.
The fair is just a few blocks from our house, so we can hear it at all hours of the day this week.
Allie enjoyed meeting many different animals - pigs, goats, alpacas, "duck-ee," and of course this horse.
The horse would try to NIBBLE on Allie's arm, and she laughed like crazy. Picture tells story.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Predictions... if you care!
Last year about this time, I made a prediction about how the Browns would do in 2004. The Browns finished the season with a record of 4-12. With shocking accuracy, I predicted that exact record!
Here I am in 2005, and some of you are challenging me to duplicate my predicting prowess.
The Browns looked great in beating the Green Bay Packers AT LAMBEAU FIELD on Sunday. Let those words sink in to your heart and mind. The Browns beat the Packers. See, I run in some circles where certain Packer fans like to rip on Cleveland. The Browns could go 1-15 this season, and I'd still hold my head up high in those circles.
Anyhow, let me say that Browns' new coach Romeo Crennel is a great guy, the perfect fit, and off to a solid start.
Let me add that the people making decisions about players (GM Phil Savage, President John Collins) are just as solid.
HOWEVER, the Browns simply do NOT have the talent to contend or do very well this year. They have players with better character, leadership, and teamwork - but they don't have much more talent than last year. If this team succeeds, they will be a "poor man's" Patriots - relying on the TEAM concept to eke out a few victories.
Because of their lack of talent, I'm hoping they get higher draft picks next year. In order to do that, you must lose a majority of your games. Nobody loses on purpose, though, so the Browns could mess my plan up. Apparently, they would rather try to win football games than try to get a shot at Matt Leinart, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, or (of course) A.J. Hawk. Apparently, they didn't get the memo that they were supposed to roll over and play dead in front of the ghost of Reggie White or Vince Lombardi.
This Browns team is going to win a few ballgames this year. Not because they're all that great yet, but because there is such equality in the NFL, and because they have a coach who will prepare them and put them in position to win.
In short, I think the Browns go 6-10 or - at best - 7-9. Sadly, I think they will still lose some close games they could win. But the best is when they beat better teams in their own stadiums while frustrating their hall of fame quarterbacks.
MEMO TO PHIL SAVAGE, BROWNS GM: With the 6-10 record, you'll probably pick somewhere between 6 and 10. That's an ideal place to grab A.J. Hawk and solidify your defense for the next 12 years. He's Spielman 2.
Tuesday Ramble...
Since my last few posts have been on Tuesdays, I thought I'd "check in" with a weekly update from the land of Underwood.
- Jennie and I went to the Ohio State game Saturday. They beat San Diego State 27-6 in one of the sloppiest offensive games I've ever seen. Still not sure what Jim Tressel is doing with his quarterback situation.
- We ate lunch at some "Alumni Grille" down on Lane Ave there, and the nachos were great. The food and atmosphere were all BUCKEYE, and the Ohio State athletic director - Gene Smith - walked right in and ate at the same place with us! Not every day you get to eat lunch with a Big Ten Athletic Director, now is it? Actually, Gene was in the other room, reserved for OSU dignitaries... Once they hear about my Buckeye Room, I'm sure to get an invite.
- Allie is almost 15 months old and cuter than all get out.
- Jennie is 26 weeks pregnant and cuter than all get out.
- The Cleveland Indians are the hottest team in baseball, and all are getting out of their way. 34-11 since the all-star break. Fans still aren't selling out Jacobs Field, and I don't blame them. Give them one more week and they'll be back.
- Exciting goings on in the life of the Ostovics. We're happy for you guys!
- Life as a lead pastor is going well, and I guess as challenging and exciting as I could have asked for. Can't believe it's been a year since our week of interviewing here in Delaware! Jennie and I are loving it. We get our first taste of the Delaware county fair this week too. We had heard about what a big deal this thing is, with over 50,000 people attending Thursday's fair festivities. But now, every night, we literally HEAR the noise, the announcers, and the fanfare from this fair, just blocks from our house.
- Speaking of our house, I had another encounter with BEES. Some of you remember when I drove a mini-tractor into a tree with a bees nest the size of a small country. Well, this time, a zillion bees built a nest inside the front wall of our house. We keep finding dead bees in the basement. It's great!
- Actually, it's not great.
- October is usually my favorite month of the year. I probably wrote about this last year, how I love the weather, the football, the whole smell of fall. The colors are great too, eh? But October 14th will always be known in our home as the due-date for Laura, the baby we miscarried. Yep, we still love her, miss her, and think about her on a regular basis. We also identify deeply with others who have lost a child - or cannot have children - for various reasons. God has enlarged our hearts and our ability to sympathize. He's also reminded us that this world is not our home.
- A few weeks ago, Jeremy Bear asked me for a review of Hootie & The Blowfish's new album, entitled Looking for Lucky. I recently confessed to my small group that Hootie is my favorite artist of all time, and the legend only gets better. When "pop culture" or opinion gave up on Hootie after their first album (1994-95), I think their music started to get better, deeper, and more refined. (As I type this, I quickly realize that I should do another post, ranking their albums and songs of all-time, but I digress...) Overall, I think I am as committed to Hootie as Jer is to the Beatles. Gary is to Hootie as white is to rice. As Barton is to Dylan. As Tressel is to conservative playcalling. As Kelliouse is to making silly noises. Whatever that means. Anyhow, Jer - since YOU asked... the new album, "Looking for Lucky," is actually very catchy, original, and heart felt. The group actually has four or five songs that refer to religion and quote Scripture. I'm not saying there's been any conversion here, but if the lead singer of Korn can come to Jesus, then Darius Rucker could easily have the same response. "One Love," the first released-single of the album, talks about One transcendent love that can tear down all walls of hatred and discord in our society - and He's talking about God's love. I think this group might have Southern Gospel background.
- This concludes the weekly ramble. Do any of you use podcasting? I think that's cool.
- Jennie and I went to the Ohio State game Saturday. They beat San Diego State 27-6 in one of the sloppiest offensive games I've ever seen. Still not sure what Jim Tressel is doing with his quarterback situation.
- We ate lunch at some "Alumni Grille" down on Lane Ave there, and the nachos were great. The food and atmosphere were all BUCKEYE, and the Ohio State athletic director - Gene Smith - walked right in and ate at the same place with us! Not every day you get to eat lunch with a Big Ten Athletic Director, now is it? Actually, Gene was in the other room, reserved for OSU dignitaries... Once they hear about my Buckeye Room, I'm sure to get an invite.
- Allie is almost 15 months old and cuter than all get out.
- Jennie is 26 weeks pregnant and cuter than all get out.
- The Cleveland Indians are the hottest team in baseball, and all are getting out of their way. 34-11 since the all-star break. Fans still aren't selling out Jacobs Field, and I don't blame them. Give them one more week and they'll be back.
- Exciting goings on in the life of the Ostovics. We're happy for you guys!
- Life as a lead pastor is going well, and I guess as challenging and exciting as I could have asked for. Can't believe it's been a year since our week of interviewing here in Delaware! Jennie and I are loving it. We get our first taste of the Delaware county fair this week too. We had heard about what a big deal this thing is, with over 50,000 people attending Thursday's fair festivities. But now, every night, we literally HEAR the noise, the announcers, and the fanfare from this fair, just blocks from our house.
- Speaking of our house, I had another encounter with BEES. Some of you remember when I drove a mini-tractor into a tree with a bees nest the size of a small country. Well, this time, a zillion bees built a nest inside the front wall of our house. We keep finding dead bees in the basement. It's great!
- Actually, it's not great.
- October is usually my favorite month of the year. I probably wrote about this last year, how I love the weather, the football, the whole smell of fall. The colors are great too, eh? But October 14th will always be known in our home as the due-date for Laura, the baby we miscarried. Yep, we still love her, miss her, and think about her on a regular basis. We also identify deeply with others who have lost a child - or cannot have children - for various reasons. God has enlarged our hearts and our ability to sympathize. He's also reminded us that this world is not our home.
- A few weeks ago, Jeremy Bear asked me for a review of Hootie & The Blowfish's new album, entitled Looking for Lucky. I recently confessed to my small group that Hootie is my favorite artist of all time, and the legend only gets better. When "pop culture" or opinion gave up on Hootie after their first album (1994-95), I think their music started to get better, deeper, and more refined. (As I type this, I quickly realize that I should do another post, ranking their albums and songs of all-time, but I digress...) Overall, I think I am as committed to Hootie as Jer is to the Beatles. Gary is to Hootie as white is to rice. As Barton is to Dylan. As Tressel is to conservative playcalling. As Kelliouse is to making silly noises. Whatever that means. Anyhow, Jer - since YOU asked... the new album, "Looking for Lucky," is actually very catchy, original, and heart felt. The group actually has four or five songs that refer to religion and quote Scripture. I'm not saying there's been any conversion here, but if the lead singer of Korn can come to Jesus, then Darius Rucker could easily have the same response. "One Love," the first released-single of the album, talks about One transcendent love that can tear down all walls of hatred and discord in our society - and He's talking about God's love. I think this group might have Southern Gospel background.
- This concludes the weekly ramble. Do any of you use podcasting? I think that's cool.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Thanks Dad!
Yesterday, my Dad & Mom were here in Delaware, helping us get our home ready for our new baby.
Jennie's due-date is still December 25th, but the doctor is saying he would be willing to induce her around December 15th.
We have heard some painful stories about those who have induced a pregnancy. Our doctor's thought on that was that it's much tougher when it's your first delivery. This would be Jennie's second, and he felt pretty good about it. He's pretty laid back, and everyone in Delaware speaks well of him. Dr. Hammett has a great reputation and of course lots of pictures of himself with the babies he's delievered.
Uh, anyhow, back to my Dad. He was a workhorse around here yesterday. Painting, installing things, rebuilding our baby's room, closet, blinds, and everything. My parents have to be exhausted after the last two days with us. Allie has been sick, so she's helped everyone wake up several times per night.
Jennie's due-date is still December 25th, but the doctor is saying he would be willing to induce her around December 15th.
We have heard some painful stories about those who have induced a pregnancy. Our doctor's thought on that was that it's much tougher when it's your first delivery. This would be Jennie's second, and he felt pretty good about it. He's pretty laid back, and everyone in Delaware speaks well of him. Dr. Hammett has a great reputation and of course lots of pictures of himself with the babies he's delievered.
Uh, anyhow, back to my Dad. He was a workhorse around here yesterday. Painting, installing things, rebuilding our baby's room, closet, blinds, and everything. My parents have to be exhausted after the last two days with us. Allie has been sick, so she's helped everyone wake up several times per night.
Want a TV?
There's the TV in our Buckeye Room... It's 46" and doesn't work. Born in 1989, nobody fixes or sells televisions like this anymore. A real antique. Also, the entire wall was built around it. Any takers?
Dude paints too?
Yeah, I actually painted much of the place myself. I really wanted to put my mark on the Buckeye room and the new baby room.
I was good with the roller.
See that red wall? It took four coats to make it look Ohio State red. Also Wisconsin red, for those Badger readers out there....
I was good with the roller.
See that red wall? It took four coats to make it look Ohio State red. Also Wisconsin red, for those Badger readers out there....
Piano Teacher?
Jennie and Allie are playing the piano in the newly-finished "Buckeye Room" in our basement.
Thanks Mom & Dad...
Yesterday, my mom and dad helped us paint and finish two very important rooms in our house. The first room is our new baby's room.
I realize that I haven't told the web world yet that...
We're having a BOY!!
So we painted the upstairs "nursery" white and blue (ironically, the colors of Gary's high school alma mater, Lake High!) to match the great baby decor set we recently purchaesed.
We also spent much of the day painting and preparing our basement room, which is now appropriately titled, "The Buckeye Room!"
Or, if you're Allie, the "Boo-Kah" room.
I realize that I haven't told the web world yet that...
We're having a BOY!!
So we painted the upstairs "nursery" white and blue (ironically, the colors of Gary's high school alma mater, Lake High!) to match the great baby decor set we recently purchaesed.
We also spent much of the day painting and preparing our basement room, which is now appropriately titled, "The Buckeye Room!"
Or, if you're Allie, the "Boo-Kah" room.
Boo-Kah!
Last week, Allie made many people very proud of her. She was walking around the house yelling, "Boo-KAH!" "Boo-KAH!"
After a couple of days, we realized she was copying the sounds of her toy football, which shouts, "Go Buckeyes" when she drops it. "Go Buckeyes!"
What a great kid!
Go BooKAH!
After a couple of days, we realized she was copying the sounds of her toy football, which shouts, "Go Buckeyes" when she drops it. "Go Buckeyes!"
What a great kid!
Go BooKAH!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
People I don't like...
I spent the weekend with some people I really like. Jennie Underwood. Allie Underwood. Okay, I love those people. I also spent the weekend with many of our youth from Delaware Grace, up at Lakeside near Lake Erie. Jennie and I had a great time up there, and enjoyed hanging out with many of our junior and senior high students. We also had a lot of great adult volunteer help, led by our youth director Dustyn Vanzant and his wife Robin.
Anyhow, I guess I was going to start this post talking about people I don't like. Is it wrong to "not like" a person just because he plays for the other team? Is it wrong to wish harm on someone just because he's not wearing the right uniform? Is it wrong to hope a grown man gets tackled a lot and experiences a lot of frustration on Saturday night at 8pm in Columbus?
Right or wrong, I've attached the above picture of a person I do not like. I respect him, but I do not like him. If God calls me to "love my enemies," then I guess I am hoping this person experiences a form of "tough love" this week. In the long run, it may benefit his career to lose one game. He may be challenged to greater levels of hard work, preparation, and passion for that elusive big win.
I suppose if I could get the guy in the picture to believe that it's in his best interests to lose, then I would actually be showing "love" to a person I do not "like."
Is it wrong to have a favorite team? Is it right to root against a team because they wrongfully mock respectable animals (like a steer)?
Well, right or wrong, I don't like Vince Young. I wish I could go see Vince's humiliation in five days, but it's too expensive!
Apparently, Vince, people are willing to pay big money to see you lose. But believe me, tough times like this will make you a much better man. Might even remind you that you need God.
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