Tuesday Ramble...

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...
-----
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!
-----
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?
-----
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.
-----
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...
-----
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.
-----
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!
-----
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.
-----
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.
-----
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.
-----