Hill-arity

The Bat Saga: Update

2011-07-05T14:57:00.000-06:00

After a 6 hour saturday night stay at Brenner's Childrens' hospital, we all received our first round of vaccinations. Honey did amazing. Here's a little video of her passing time during our hospital wait.

We got our 2nd of 4 rounds of shots today down in Shalotte, NC while on my fam's beach trip. All seems to be going well. We're hoping our insurance is going to help with cost and just trying to be thankful that we don't actually have the chance of getting rabies now that we're getting the vaccine. The amount of time that this ordeal has cost us is the hardest pill to swallow, but we're excited about a few more days on the beach!

The Bat Saga: Lesson Learned

2011-07-02T14:59:00.000-06:00

I rarely update this blog anymore, but its useful for instances like this, so here goes.

For those of you who have already heard about our "bat saga," thanks for your prayers and for asking about it. Below is the most current info. For those of you who haven't, here's the skinny:

Thursday night
We found a sickly bat in our downstairs entry way, inside. I covered it with a bucket and slid it out the front door. I snapped a photo for the amusement of my tweeps and posted it on twitter. My public health nurse mom saw it, called, and said we need to make sure that bat doesn't have rabies. In my 33 years, I'm sure I've learned that bats are one of the main sources of rabies (a fatal neurological disease), but I didn't remember at the time. When I went to look outside and see if the bat was still there, it was too late, he'd flown away, or so we thought.

We didn't know if we had been exposed to the bat and possible rabies. We didn't know how long he'd been in our house or how he got there. We researched and discovered that bats can bite you without you even realizing it because their teeth are so small. Everyone we talked to Thursday night thought we were going to have to get the rabies vaccine.

Friday
Nat spent all day on the phone with the state vets, animal control, health departments, doctors, Bruce Wayne, and other local bat experts. Since she also has mad detective skills, she went snooping and found that our lil friend had climbed off our front stoop and died. This was great news, because now we could test and see if the bat was rabid. Animal control came and sent him off to be tested, but sadly, since he was outside and dead overnight, another animal had eaten part of his brain, so our chances of being able to test him were limited. We just had to wait.

Saturday
The test results just got called back to us and they could not test the bat, so now we're left with 2 options:

1. Hope that we were not infected with rabies and let it ride. If we were exposed and not treated, then we'll all but certainly die. Kinda freaky to think about. But the chances of that bat having rabies and of us being exposed are so stinkin' slim.

2. Each get a series of five rabies vaccine shots over 14 days which cost close to $5000/person. This is merely precautionary because we're not sure we were exposed. The shots are supposedly really painful for lil ones, so we're not too excited about getting Honey 5 of them.

Now

Nat's on her way home from work and Honey is napping. Nat and I just decided over a phone call to take Honey to Brenner's children's hospital tonight and I think we're going to go ahead and get the treatments started as well.

Such a weird situation. If I would have just kept the bucket on the bat, this whole deal could have been so much simpler. So, I wanted to write this post for a few reasons.

1. To make all of you aware of the danger of bats and rabies, if you didn't already know. If I would have read a blog about bats before Thursday night, my life would be much less complicated.

2. Just to keep you in the loop. It's easier than writing a long text message.

3. To ask for prayer. These past few days have just been way harder emotionally than we anticipated. We're so thankful there is a vaccine (mad props to my boy Louis Pasteur), but the whole unknown piece of the puzzle makes it an uneasy dilemma.

Here's to Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale,

Drew

The Go Bananas Band

2011-05-21T05:59:00.000-06:00

Here's a little highlight video of Natalie and I performing with our fairly new children's party band, "The Go Bananas Band" at our most recent party. Let me know if you need to hire some high energy entertainment for kids! The more $ you pay me, the more fun the party.
Sincerely,
Silly Stan the Banana Man

May 2011 Life Update

2011-05-15T12:36:00.003-06:00

As you can see, I sadly haven't posted in a long while. I hope one day to start blogging about life in the Hill house again, but this season of life and year of transition hasn't allowed for much of that. Maybe this summer?

Here's a brief update on the Hills:

After I graduated from Denver Seminary in May 2010, we moved back to NC and landed in Greensboro. We love GSO and it already feels like home with great friends and community. We're so thankful. Its been such a blessing to be near family too!

DREW

I'm working part-time at Church of the Redeemer , an Anglican Mission church, as the Family Ministry Pastor (birth-high school). We love being there and the richness of the church history and tradition we get to celebrate. Its a church plant, only a couple years old, so its still small enough where we can know everyone, but growing weekly. I get to lead worship some and cherish the opportunity to love on the kids. We have a great staff team that oozes grace and constantly reminds me of the good news of the Gospel.

I also work part-time as the Interim High School Pastor at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point. They initially hired me to speak to the high schoolers for a month last August, but I've hung around there all year while they continue to search and pray for a full-time person. It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to get to know those kids and speak on a weekly basis.

My costume for a
YL "Find Your Leader" Hunt

After 7 of the last 10 years on staff with Young Life, I'm now a volunteer leader again for the first time since college. I'm leading at Northwest Guilford High School, Go Vikings! (Some of my high school friends won the state championship in Lax this weekend!) It has been eye opening to be leading as a volunteer again and has given me great appreciation for the 30,000 volunteer leaders across the country (and world) that give their lives away to teenagers for the sake of the Gospel. This new perspective has sent me on a new blogging adventure, which is one of the reasons this blog has not been updated. In January, I started keeping a blog for YL leaders around the country to provide helpful resources, current ideas, and encouragement. It has been a fun project and one I'd like to invest more time and energy in. I've been encouraged by the response it has received and how many leaders it seems to be reaching. I'm all about sharing ideas and working together, after all, creativity is just forgetting where you stole it from. (I made that up, if I remember correctly.)

I continue to dabble in other side projects like selling Human Slingshots, occasionally shooting photos with Lifetouch (I shot the NW prom this weekend), and performing with my fairly new children's party band, "The Go Bananas Band." Silly Stan the Banana Man actually has a concert for 50 two-four year olds tomorrow (end of the year preschool party!) True story. Let me know if you need to hire some high energy entertainment for kids. The more $ you pay me, the more fun the party.

NATALIE

Nat finished her last seminary class this week! Its been a long journey towards her Masters in Counseling, but she's almost there! She needs 200 more internship hours and 2 short independent studies and she'll graduate from Denver Seminary in August!

She started her counseling internship at Moses Cone Hospital's Behavioral Health Center yesterday and is privileged to be a light in that dark place. She is primarily counseling patients struggling with suicide and could use all the prayers you could give her. I can't think of anyone better to be around when feeling so low and I'm confident that God will use her joy, laughter, education, wisdom, gift of discernment, and incredible southern accent to bring life to folks facing death.

One of the highlights of Nat's year has been the chance to lead a College Life (YL for college) Small Group of freshmen ladies from UNC-Greensboro. The group has bonded in a unique way and Nat's excited about journeying with them through these years of college. They even had a sleepover last week! I wasn't invited.

Natalie just wrapped up her 3rd Mother's Day (1st one was while Honey was inside) and really has found her sweet spot in being a mom. It's amazing to watch her and Honey. They have a bond that makes me tear up just thinking about it. Nat spends most of her days at home or at the park with Honey and all their new friends. We love being parents and we're thinking it's about time to start shooting for round two.

HONEY
Although her daddy slipped and dropped her when spinning her around at the park this weekend (and she got 6 x-rays and spent 4 hours in doctor's offices but is only bruised up, no broken bones!), Honey has had a pretty fun year. She turns 2 on July 19, 2011 and is looking forward to her pool party. (We have a pool in our townhome complex!)

Her favorite things are puppies, splashing in water, Barney, markers, playing the guitar, painting her toe-nails, and dancing. In Target yesterday she about had a cow to try on a pink tu-tu bathing suit, so mommy gave in and stripped her down right there in the store and put it on her. She proceeded to spin around while saying "rina." She loves Angelina Balle-rina. I have a feeling I need to start saving $ for dance classes.

She had a verbal explosion recently and can now carry on a conversation with us. It's amazing to see how much she understands and picks up on. I've got to stop cussing so much in front of her. Probably our favorite thing about being parents these days is listening to Honey sing. If God even feels half the joy hearing us (His children) sing to Him as we do listening to her, then wow....just wow. I'm going to keep singing my heart out!

We cherish your prayers as we daily depend on our Father to teach us how to parent. It's the hardest, most awesomemest, and most important thing we've ever done.

Lolli & Pops with Kessler & Honey

Honey, Kessler, & Courtney

If you read all this, go buy yourself a Coke Zero. You deserve it. All that Coke taste with zero calories. You can't beat it. Seriously.

(This blog is sponsored in part by The Coca Cola Co.)

Doug Hill is 60

2010-11-23T09:58:00.002-07:00

A lil tribute to my dad from his kids at his surprise 60th party last month:

Halloween Thoughts

2010-10-27T19:42:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't been posting on the blog lately, a sign of the speed of life thats been hitting us. I do hope to get back in the bloggin' swing of things in the next few weeks. For now, I just wanted to share a quick link to another blog I read sometimes. Different authors share on this website, but this particular post is from Jason Gray regarding his thoughts on Halloween. Its a long read, but some worthwhile thoughts of freedom from fear and the joy of redemption. http://www.rabbitroom.com/?p=10435

Please help us WIN a lil contest

2010-10-07T19:18:00.003-06:00

Friends, would you please take a moment and help us win a lil contest by making a short comment on Honey's photo album at this link:http://laurenjacksonphotography.com/blog/archives/229
(Theres a link to comment at the bottom of the blog.) If we get the most comments we'll win a large canvas photo of Honey and if you take the time to comment, YOU will be entered into a drawing for a FREE PHOTO SESSION and disk of images (That's a $350 value!) with our friend and photographer Lauren Jackson. Thx!

Leonard Family Beach Trip

2010-09-13T11:49:00.001-06:00

Here are some pics from our trip to Myrtle Beach last week with Nat's extended fam!
This is the slide show:

Or you can view individual pics:

Leonard Fam Beach Trip 2010

Fullness Awaits

2010-08-12T00:30:00.000-06:00

Unlike my wife or mother, I am not addicted to any blogs. It probably would be a healthier addiction for me than my latest fad of Friday Night Lights, season 2 on Netflix, but I'm still hoping Coach Taylor lets Riggins back on the team, so that usually wins out.

One blog that I do read is written by one of my heroes, Allen Levi. I don't know Allen well, but he's one of those rare people you meet who radiate humility, wisdom, and the aroma of Christ. Allen is a singer/songwriter and has an amazing way with words. A few years ago he interviewed several people from his hometown in Hamilton, GA and put together a CD of songs about them called "People in my Town." It is one of my top 5 favorite albums of all-time. On the record, he interviews and sings about a man named Shorty Floyd. After listening to his story through song many many times, although I never met him, I almost felt like Shorty had become a friend of sorts. Two weeks ago, Shorty passed away.

Last night I read this post that Levi wrote about Shorty. (I highly recommend reading it!) I read it once to myself and spilled tears all over my keyboard. Then I read it out loud to Nat and cried like a baby again.

Its crazy how beautiful words can be. Its amazing how beautiful life can be. And yet, we only know in part. The fullness awaits. 1 Corinthians 13:12

Honey and Kessler

2010-08-03T21:50:00.000-06:00

Here's a cute video of Honey rocking and singing to her cousin Kessler!

Update on my Dad

2010-08-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks to many of you for praying for my dad. If you haven't heard, last week my dad was in a bad accident on the raquetball court and was ambulanced to ICU at Baptist hospital. He had a fracture in his neck/spine and bleeding on the brain. After a few days in the ICU, he was moved to a regular room and is now home. He's been doing better, but today he is in lots of pain. Looking like a long road to recovery. Please pray for him and for my mom as she has lots of stress on her and is having to miss lots of work. Thanks for praying. We'll keep you posted as anything changes.

Johnny Lingo

2010-07-26T08:50:00.001-06:00

I was speaking with a friend the other day who was struggling in his marriage and was reminded of a cool story that you may have read before, but if not, its for sure worth reading again. Enjoy and be challenged:

Johnny Lingo’s Eight Cow Wife

   When I sailed to Kiniwata, an island in the Pacific, I took along a notebook. After I got back it was filled with descriptions of flora and fauna, native customs and costume. But the only note that still interests me is the one that says: "Johnny Lingo gave eight cows to Sarita’s father." And I don’t need to have it in writing. I’m reminded of it every time I see a woman belittling her husband or a wife withering under her husband’s scorn. I want to say to them, "You should know why Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for his wife."
   Johnny Lingo wasn’t exactly his name. But that’s what Shenkin, the manager of the guest house on Kiniwata, called him. Shenkin was from Chicago and had a habit of Americanizing the names of the islanders. But Johnny was mentioned by many people in many connections. If I wanted to spend a few days on the neighboring island of Nurabandi, Johnny Lingo would put me up. If I wanted to fish he could show me where the biting was best. If it was pearls I sought, he would bring the best buys. The people of Kiniwata all spoke highly of Johnny Lingo. Yet when they spoke they smiled, and the smiles were slightly mocking.
   "Get Johnny Lingo to help you find what you want and let him do the bargaining," advised Shenkin. "Johnny knows how to make a deal."
   "Johnny Lingo! A boy seated nearby hooted the name and rocked with laughter.
   "What goes on?" I demanded. "everybody tells me to get in touch with Johnny Lingo and then breaks up. Let me in on the joke."
   "Oh, the people like to laugh," Shenkin said, shruggingly. "Johnny's the brightest, the strongest young man in the islands, And for his age, the richest."
   "But if he’s all you say, what is there to laugh about?"
   "Only one thing. Five months ago, at fall festival, Johnny came to Kiniwata and found himself a wife. He paid her father eight cows!
   I knew enough about island customs to be impressed. Two or three cows would buy a fair-to-middling wife, four or five a highly satisfactory one. "Good Lord!" I said, "Eight cows! She must have beauty that takes your breath away." "She’s not ugly," he conceded, and smiled a little. "But the kindest could only call Sarita plain. Sam Karoo, her father, was afraid she’d be left on his hands."
   "But then he got eight cows for her? Isn’t that extraordinary?"
"Never been paid before."
   "Yet you call Johnny’s wife plain?"
"I said it would be kindness to call her plain. She was skinny. She walked with her shoulders hunched and her head ducked. She was scared of her own shadow."
"Well," I said, "I guess there’s just no accounting for love."
"True enough," agreed the man. "And that’s why the villagers grin when they talk about Johnny. They get special satisfaction from the fact that the sharpest trader in the islands was bested by dull old Sam Karoo."
"But how?"
"No one knows and everyone wonders. All the cousins were urging Sam to ask for three cows and hold out for two until he was sure Johnny’d pay only one. Then Johnny came to Sam Karoo and said, ‘Father of Sarita, I offer eight cows for your daughter.’"
"Eight cows," I murmured. "I’d like to meet this Johnny Lingo."
"And I wanted fish. I wanted pearls. So the next afternoon I beached my boat at Nurabandi. And I noticed as I asked directions to Johnny’s house that his name brought no sly smile to the lips of his fellow Nurabandians. And when I met the slim, serious young man, when he welcomed me with grace to his home, I was glad that from his own people he had respect unmingled with mockery. We sat in his house and talked. Then he asked, "You come here from Kiniwata?"
"Yes."
"They speak of me on that island?"
"They say there’s nothing I might want they you can’t help me get."
He smiled gently. "My wife is from Kiniwata."
"Yes, I know."
"They speak of her?"
"A little."
"What do they say?"
"Why, just..." The question caught me off balance. "They told me you were married at festival time."
"Nothing more?" The curve of his eyebrows told me he knew there had to be more.
They also say the marriage settlement was eight cows." I paused.
"They wonder why."
"They ask that?" His eyes lightened with pleasure. "Everyone in Kiniwata knows about the eight cows?"
I nodded.
   "And in Nurabandi everyone knows it too." His chest expanded with satisfaction. "Always and forever, when they speak of marriage settlements, it will be remembered that Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for Sarita."
   So that’s the answer, I thought: vanity.
And then I saw her. I watched her enter the room to place flowers on the table. She stood still a moment to smile at the young man beside me. Then she went swiftly out again. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The lift of her shoulders, the tilt of her chin the sparkle of her eyes all spelled a pride to which no one could deny her the right. I turned back to Johnny Lingo and found him looking at me. "You admire her?" he murmured. "She...she’s glorious. But she’s not Sarita from Kiniwata," I said.
   "There’s only one Sarita. Perhaps she does not look the way they say she looked in Kiniwata." "She doesn’t. I heard she was homely. They all make fun of you because you let yourself be cheated by Sam Karoo."
"You think eight cows were too many?" A smile slid over his lips. "No. But how can she be so different?"
   "Do you ever think," he asked, "what it must mean to a woman to know that her husband has settled on the lowest price for which she can be bought? And then later, when the women talk, they boast of what their husbands paid for them. One says four cows, another maybe six. How does she feel, the woman who was sold for one or two?" This could not happen to my Sarita."
   "Then you did this just to make your wife happy?"
"I wanted Sarita to be happy, yes. But I wanted more than that. You say she is different This is true. Many things can change a woman. Things that happen inside, things that happen outside. But the thing that matters most is what she thinks about herself. In Kiniwata, Sarita believed she was worth nothing. Now she knows she is worth more than any other woman in the islands." "Then you wanted -"
"I wanted to marry Sarita. I loved her and no other woman."
"But —" I was close to understanding.
"But," he finished softly, "I wanted an eight-cow wife."

" 1 John 4:10-11 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

How much are you worth?

Human love is dependent upon the value of the object.

The Love of God is not dependent upon the value of the object, rather it creates value in its object.

Do you realize your value?

Are you ascribing value to others?

Honey's 1st B-day

2010-07-23T19:55:00.000-06:00

On July 19th, Honey turned 1. Its hard to believe! You have two viewing options below, both are adorable. For a quick look at some pics, there is the slide show below, OR you can watch a video of the highlights. Hope they both brighten your day!

We're Moving (Again): "Le Decision"

2010-07-22T12:37:00.000-06:00

A few months ago we felt that God was clearly calling us back to the east coast after 3 years in Colorado, but we didn’t have jobs yet, so the move felt confusing and risky. One month ago we unloaded our U-haul into my Mamaw’s basement in Winston-Salem and she has been an amazing host during this season of transition. While we would have loved to not move multiple times, we are thankful for the time we’ve been able to spend with our families and with Mamaw on Westwin Drive!

After months of prayer, job-hunting, interviewing, etc… we have FINALLY made a DECISION. (Hope the video above made you smile. In case you are not a sports fan and have been hiding under a rock this summer, it was a lil spoof on LeBron James “Decision” to leave the Cleveland to play bball in Miami.)

In mid-August we are moving to the NW part of Greensboro, NC for me to start a job that is complicated to explain, but one that I’m EXTREMELY excited about. The job basically has three parts:

- working for a network of AMiA churches (Anglican Mission in America) to help provide leadership, training and resources for other youth ministers

- working with The Church of the Redeemer (an AMiA church in Greensboro) to help develop the youth ministry there.

- leading Young Life in Greensboro, and potentially pioneering Wyldlife for middle schoolers in the area.

Because the job is a new position, it is only part-time pay at the time, hoping to grow into a full-time position. In order to help make ends meet, I will be working part-time with my uncle shooting school photographs. We are also praying about raising some additional financial support. We didn’t want the lack of funds to be the determining factor in our decision and are confident that God will provide. It is just clear that this is where He wants us and we’re thankful for some peace and clarity after a long season of confusion and living in the unknown.

Natalie will also be looking for a counseling internship in the area as she is CLOSE to finishing her Masters in Counseling. We are praying for a free place to live in the area, and open to renting short term in hopes to buy a home eventually. Thanks for all of your prayers!

Drew, Nat, and Honey

Boom Boom Pow in the Boom Boom Room

2010-07-21T09:53:00.002-06:00

The Gift of a Minivan

2010-07-14T16:41:00.020-06:00

For the past 11 years I have driven a sweet 95 Toyota Camry. At the ripe age of 15, the Hill-mobile has 250,000 miles, less than half of the original paint job, and isn't exactly "cool" since it has no AC. The lack of AC wasn't much of a problem in Colorado, but being back in the south is a different story. There's nothing like carting a 1 yr old around in a car thats 110 degrees. While the Camry was dying a slow death, we were wondering how we were going to pay back school loans and get a new vehicle.

The week we moved back to NC, we were blown away by the generosity of some friends who GAVE us their 1999 Chrysler Town and Country Minivan. It is amazing and has already been a huge blessing transporting us to the beach last week. We are so grateful and constantly reminded of God's provision! Thanks again Linda and Tim! Honey Cate loves her new ride!

Now that we drive a minivan, I feel more than ever like an official dad. This video is pretty hilarious, it's called the "Dad Life." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZa7hU6tP_s

The 21st Annual Ocean Isle Beach Extravaganza

2010-07-12T16:40:00.001-06:00

Benediction

2010-06-30T19:07:00.001-06:00

After my post a few days ago on "Downward Mobility," I felt it appropriate to share a prayer that my mentor Bob shared with me during this season of transition. It was written by Brennan Manning.

May all your expectations be frustrated.

May all your plans thwarted.

May all your desires be withered into nothingness.

So, may you experience the powerlessness

and poverty of a child.

And sing and dance in the mystery of God.

Downward Mobility

2010-06-28T13:41:00.001-06:00

Ever since I first started reading Henri Nouwen when I was in college, I have been haunted by his idea of "downward mobility." My daily email from the Henri Nouwen Society today was another timely reminder.

The society in which we live suggests in countless ways that the way to go is up. Making it to the top, entering the limelight, breaking the record - that's what draws attention, gets us on the front page of the newspaper, and offers us the rewards of money and fame.

The way of Jesus is radically different. It is the way not of upward mobility but of downward mobility. It is going to the bottom, staying behind the sets, and choosing the last place! Why is the way of Jesus worth choosing? Because it is the way to the Kingdom, the way Jesus took, and the way that brings everlasting life.

Just minutes before I opened this email I was reading through a stack of newspapers that my mom had set out for me to see. Each paper featured a different friend from high school. One was a wedding announcement, but the others highlighted the recent accomplishments of successful friends in their respective occupational fields. After reading those articles, my sinful nature began to scream lies at me that my worth and value were only as good as my worldly success. I began to ask myself the questions, "What do I need to do to get my name in the paper? How can I become famous? What does 'success' really look like? Do I need the approval of humanity?"

It's a real tension, one that I've faced head on over the last few weeks of unemployment. I so badly desire the approval of others. I want to make my parents proud and prove to any skeptics that I can do anything I put my mind to. As a man, one of my deepest, and seemingly innate desires is to be respected. The world offers respect to those with $, power, and influence. These are all strong temptations I'm facing as we navigate where God is calling us next, but do these temptations really offer what they promise?

As much as I want respect and success, even more that that, I want to forsake the ways of the world for the way of Jesus. I want to have the faith to believe deep within my core that the last shall be first, and the least shall be the greatest. I want to have the courage to live simply and to fight the lures of the world.

If you read our blog, odds are that you are someone who loves and cares about us. Thank you for that! Would you love us right now by praying for us? Would you pray that God would give us clarity as to what He is calling us to next? Pray too that He would give us faith to resist jobs that look attractive and comfortable from a worldly perspective, and the courage to climb down the ladder of success into the way of Jesus.

Goodbye Mile High

2010-06-13T00:50:00.001-06:00

Some pics from our lil goodbye shindig tonight...

Since I'm not blogging much

2010-06-12T22:13:00.001-06:00

You should check out my brother's blog at http://blashhill.blogspot.com/

He just might be the funniest and most random person I know. His "From the Bowels of My Brain" posts sometimes leave me in tears.

Happy 30th Nat!

2010-06-08T22:10:00.002-06:00

Natalie turned 30 yesterday and it was a fun excuse to cancel all other plans and spend the day together. Thanks to the Wilkins for loaning us their boat for lunch on Bowmar Lake and Honey loved her first time in an outdoor pool! Seems like there is much to blog about, but also much to pack, since we move in just five days. Hopefully the blogging will pick up in later June!

I made Nat a lil book for her b-day at a cool website called Picaboo.com.
Here's the link to the book if you would like to see it:

Life Recently

2010-06-08T21:24:00.000-06:00

Honey's 1st tri-cycle ride

A Night at the Grizzly Rose

Nat's mentor Janis got Honey her first Build-A-Bunny!

Nat and Emily braving the ragin' Platte

Nat painted Honey's toes. Adorable!

Pattie and Andy Glassick

Perkins, Gleaves, Shaffers, Roberts, Dubys

What's Next 4 The Mile High Hills?

2010-05-19T00:12:00.003-06:00

On June 15th we're dropping from 5,280 ft in altitude down to 898 ft. Although it will be easier to breathe, I'm not that excited about the heat, humidity, and pollen. Maybe the Bojangles' sweet tea and chicken biscuits will make it worth it!

It will be bitter sweet to say farewell to the incredible mountain views and amazing friends we've made over the past three years residing in the Mile High City, BUT...we are so thankful to get to share Honey Cate with our friends and families in NC and GA.

Since a few of you are asking, here's the plan:
-Our nephew (Nat's brother's baby boy) is due to be born June 13th, so we hope to spend some of our first week back in NC loving on him in Kannapolis, and catching up with all of our other family as well, including our other 2 nephews: Pierce and Kessler!

-We're gonna set up headquarters in Winston-Salem in my Mamaw's basement for a few weeks, enjoy some time at Ocean Isle beach with the Hill/Craft/Kessler clan and make up for lost time with my sister Abby who's been in Honduras all year teaching 2nd grade!

-I'm also speaking at some youth camps in Texas, so we'll be gone for a few weeks for that and I'll be spending lots of time prepping.

-We're also gonna explore some possible job opportunities for me, hoping to start somewhere in August. I'm looking for a youth ministry job, preferably one where I get to spend lots of time with teenagers who are searching. I'm also excited about having an opportunity to train folks who want to learn more about how to reach teenagers. Right now Athens, GA (www.asmwa.org) and a church partnership with Young Life in Greensboro, NC are both great potential options! We cherish your prayers and we discern where God is calling us!

-Natalie still has 3 classes left before she graduates with her Masters in Counseling, but is going to do them online, including 1 class this summer. She also has a couple hundred Counseling internship hours she needs before graduation, so she'll be looking for a counseling internship wherever we end up.

-We'd love for you to help us network for jobs as well. If you have any leads or connections, just email me and I'll shoot you my resume.

We're excited to see what's next! Thx 4 ur prayers!

Drew, Nat, and Honey

Graduation Thoughts

2010-05-17T23:41:00.004-06:00

This past weekend I graduated from Denver Seminary with a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Youth and Family Ministries. It was the end of a ten year loooong journey. I started seminary right after college in 2000 at Southeastern Baptist in Wake Forest, NC, then transferred to Gordon-Conwell in Charlotte, then transferred to Fuller in Colorado Springs, and spent the last three years finishing at Denver Seminary.

Despite all the $$$, time, and hard work that it cost me, I am so thankful to have learned all I have learned, but the most valuable thing I'm taking with me is a greater sense of self-awareness. Yesterday a friend told me that he was reading John 3-4 and realized something for the first time. As Jesus talks to Nicodemus and the woman at the well, it seems that the more they understand who they truly are, the more Jesus reveals His true self to them. This has been so true in my own life as well. As I understand more of who I am apart from God's grace, I understand more of how holy and worthy God is of our worship and very lives. The more knowledge I learn, the more I realize how very little I know, and how all knowledge is rubbish compared to knowing Christ himself.

Paul says it best in PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11 (The Message Translation)
"The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it."

Crazy to think of that hard earned diploma as "insignificant dog-dung" but I hope I'll continue to fall so deeply in love with Jesus that I would be willing to throw every honor and credential out the window, just to know Him more. The journey continues...

Pics from May 2010

2010-05-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

2 Minutes of Young Life

2010-05-06T12:32:00.002-06:00

Here's a brief glance at what our weeks have looked like over the past 2.5 years of being on staff with Littleton Young Life. Its going to be hard to say goodbye to so many great memories!

Total Eclipse of Denver Seminary

2010-04-30T21:37:00.001-06:00

Famous Friends

2010-04-30T14:58:00.002-06:00

I don't have many famous friends, other than Vince Carter, who was my study partner in college (and we still talk often, but not that much, kind of, well, not really since our class ended in 97, but we're still good friends), but my buddy Cory Cavin was on TV this week:

Princess Night

2010-04-26T21:16:00.004-06:00

Hope this makes your day!

2010-04-22T14:26:00.001-06:00

Easter Pics

2010-04-12T11:49:00.002-06:00

Click on the pic below to see more pics from Easter. Thx to Lolli for smockin' Honey's dress and to our friend Lauren Perkins for shooting some pics for us!

Easter Pics 2010

Blake, Abby, Suellen & Honey

2010-04-02T23:46:00.006-06:00

Happy belated b-day to my brother Blake (March 25th) and Happy b-day to my sista Abs of steel who enters the year of Air Jordan tomorrow (April 3rd)! Happy b-day also to my sis-in-law Suellen (March 31). We love and miss you all! So thankful for you. In honor of your bdays, we thought we'd post a video of your niece eating. I'm sure there's nothing more you could wish for on your b-day than to watch 5 minutes of Honey Cate eating. : )

Open My Ears

2010-03-25T16:43:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I took some seniors from Arapahoe High School with me to help out at a local Capernaum Young Life club for teenagers with disabilities. In our senior small group, we’ve been talking about how Jesus came to bring heaven to earth, and how we reflect him when we love others. It was the first time any of the seniors had ever interacted with kids with disabilities and it was good for my soul to watch God open their eyes, and to hear Him open my ears. It didn’t take long for them to realize that these kids that weren’t as different from them as they originally thought. Even the way they did YL club was almost identical to the way we do it. Kids sang fun songs, got messy with silly games, and one of the leaders shared part of the Gospel.

After his talk, he broke the kids up into small groups for discussion around one question, “Where have you seen God working in your life.” Honey Cate and I sat in a circle with 6 kids and 1 leader, a few of the kids were in wheel chairs. I was blown away by the depth of responses I heard. One kid said that he had always wanted to be a firefighter, but when he was younger, he was in an accident that resulted in a brain injury and now he can never be a firefighter. He said he felt like God wasn’t working in his life because God was not allowing him to reach his dream of fighting fires.

A few other kids shared from their hearts, and then it was Buddy’s turn. Buddy sat in a motorized wheel chair and started speaking passionately about something, but I couldn’t understand a word he was saying due to his slurred speech. After he finally paused, the teenager sitting next to him, a 15 yr old named Joey, started interpreting what Buddy had been trying to communicate. Joey told us that he was Buddy’s younger brother who had come to Capernaum YL with Buddy to help him along. He told us that Buddy was talking about how he experiences God through music, specifically the band “Mercy Me.” Buddy kept talking and I slowly began to make out a few of the words he was saying. Joey took another shot at translating Buddy’s 2nd round and Buddy corrected him on something, then they both laughed.

It was beautiful to watch those teenage brothers interact. As I listened to Buddy and couldn’t understand him at all at first, I was amazed that Joey could identify exactly what he was saying. It was clear that he had spent a lot of time with his brother, and had eventually learned how to hear his voice. God gave me a gift in that moment. It was as if He was whispering to me, saying “Be with me, listen to me, and slowly, you too will learn how to hear my voice.”
In this season of transition, when I’m about to graduate from seminary and have no clue what God is calling me to do next, I long to hear His voice.

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T11:03:00.003-06:00

My mom (Linda, aka, L-boogie, aka Queso, aka Lolli) made this onesie and bow for Honey to wear today! Thx Lolli. Luv, HC

And Honey's cousin Kessler has one to match!

In the midst of Lent

2010-03-16T23:05:00.002-06:00

Just heard today about what Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI is doing for Lent. Thought it was an interesting idea. I know that Lent is already in full swing, but its never too late to start. If you're looking for something to help you, click below:

Lenten Calendar

Here is a Lenten prayer from Henri Nouwen:

O Lord, this holy season of Lent is passing quickly. I entered into it with fear, but also with great expectations. I hoped for a great breakthrough, a powerful conversion, a real change of heart; I wanted Easter to be a day so full of light that not even a trace of darkness would be left in my soul. But I know that you do not come to your people with thunder and lightning. Even St. Paul and St. Francis journeyed through much darkness before they could see your light. Let me be thankful for your gentle way. I know you are at work. I know you will not leave me alone. I know you are quickening me for Easter - but in a way fitting to my own history and my own temperament.

I pray that these last three weeks, in which you invite me to enter more fully into the mystery of your passion, will bring me a greater desire to follow you on the way that you create for me and to accept the cross that you give to me. Let me die to the desire to choose my own way and select my own desire. You do not want to make me a hero but a servant who loves you.

Be with me tomorrow and in the days to come, and let me experience your gentle presence. Amen.

Moments

2010-03-11T01:00:00.001-07:00

My brother posted this video on his blog. Beautiful.

Moments from Everynone on Vimeo.

Live a Life Worthy of the High Calling You Have Received

2010-03-08T20:20:00.004-07:00

Because I know my mom will ask me...(and I'm thankful that I have a mom who loves me enough to listen to sermons I give!)...below is the sermon I preached today in chapel at Denver Seminary. The bottom video is an mp3 of the sermon with the 3 minute intro video I used edited in. The top video is the 3 minute intro video by itself. There's also a link at the bottom where you can download the mp3. Enjoy.

Here is also a link to download the file.

Young Life Olympics

2010-03-05T15:26:00.001-07:00

Honey Loves 2 Kiss Her Mama!

2010-03-03T00:28:00.001-07:00

Click on the picture to see:

Honey Loves to Kiss Her Mama!

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T10:31:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to a post about Lent and Ash Wednesday that I posted last year: The Mile High Hills: Ash Wednesday

Happy Valentine's Day from HC

2010-02-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

vday

Olympic

2010-02-13T16:32:00.001-07:00

We're feeling very Olympic today.

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Hard Work

2010-02-09T22:26:00.003-07:00

Many thanks to Julie and Jimmy Grahl for lending me Roy Williams autobiography, "Hard Work." I loved it. Highly recommend it for any Tarheel fan! Not the most skilled writing I've ever read, but it was a treat to get the behind the scenes stories from Tarheel basketball and inspiring to hear just how hard Coach Williams has worked to get where he is at. Honestly, knowing his story better makes this season just a lil more bearable. That a Roy! Click here to buy it.

Honey's First Solid Foods

2010-02-08T16:23:00.001-07:00

I realize this blog is turning into a slideshow of our daughter, but can u blame us?

HC solid foods

Lauren Perkins Photography

2010-02-06T15:53:00.002-07:00

Our friend Lauren Perkins took these pics of Honey. If you need to hire a photographer in Colorado, she's great! Contact her @ laurenrene.perkins at gmail dot com. Thanks again LP!

Honey by LP Dec 09

The Hardest Part

2010-02-02T22:26:00.002-07:00

This Sunday my church gave me the privilege to preach for my first time. We were finishing up a series entitled "Life Together" and I preached the final message which I called "The Hardest Part." If you are so moved, you can listen or download it at this link: http://newdenver.org/sundaysatndc/messages/

Congrats Ti-Ying

2010-01-30T19:12:00.002-07:00

Just found out today that my old friend Ti-Ying Lee just got engaged. This video below is a tribute to her. Congrats Ti-Ying!

6 Months Old

2010-01-18T19:52:00.002-07:00

Honey Cate turns 6 months old tomorrow!!! Here's a lil video of her jumping in her new jumpy seat thing. Thanks to the Roberts for letting us borrow it. Sharing is caring. : )

Back to Blogging

2010-01-14T16:31:00.001-07:00

For those of you who still follow our blog, you may have noticed that we haven't posted in almost a month. Its been a whirlwind of travel and getting back settled in, but we are so thankful for the time we were able to spend in NC and GA over Christmas. I'll get back to blogging soon, but just wanted to share a few photos and let you know that we haven't forgotten you all out there in the blogosphere!

When we left our small group in Athens 2.5 years ago, there were only 2 kids, now there are 5!

Honey Cate loved meeting her friend Sutton Grahl who is exactly one month younger. Drew did not love watching the Heels lose to Charleston with Sutton's dad, Jimmy. Natalie loved seeing Sutton's mom, Julie.

Honey loved rockin' with Mamaw Craft and is so thankful that she made it through surgery safely!

And even though no one gave HC the baby afro wig that was on her wish list, her daddy came through in the clutch and had one delivered and waiting in our mailbox when we got back to Denver. Best $13 I ever spent. Honey loves her afro.

Electronic Christmas Card

2009-12-18T23:06:00.004-07:00

Cash is tight. Stamps are expensive. Blogging is free.

I know your fridge has probably been asking you for a Christmas Card of Honey Cate to put on it, so good thing you've got a color printer. And to make it even more fun, we've given you three options, but I'd go with the middle one if I were you.

Merry Christmas,
Drew, Nat, and HC

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Play Date

2009-12-17T10:43:00.004-07:00

Honey Cate and her friend Ainsley Pearl were only born one day apart.Yesterday they enjoyed a lil play date together. Thanks to AP's mom, our friend Emily Agniel, for the pics! "What you looking at girl?"
"If you won't gimme a hug, I'm gonna put u in a headlock."
"Ainsley, we sure our cute. Let's pose for a pic."
"All this playin has made me hungry, lemme eat your fingers."

Traditions, Collections, & Questions for the New Year

2009-12-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

TRADITIONS
Each New Year's Eve Natalie and I attempt to go on a little date and spend some time remembering and dreaming. We each take a piece of paper and write down a list of things we're thankful for from the previous year. We then take turns sharing those with each other. We also take another sheet and write down our hopes for the coming year and then share those. It has been a sweet tradition and thanks to Nat's organizational prowess, we have all of our lists from the past 5 years. We believe that "creativity is just forgetting where you stole it from" so feel free to be creative and "steal" this tradition if you are so moved. : )
COLLECTIONS
When I was a kid, I collected sea shells. In middle school I collected baseball cards. In high school, I collected girl's phone numbers. In college, I collected funny skit clothes for Young Life and the Annual Franklin St Halloween Party. After college, I started collecting books (I was getting older and more boring I guess). Over the past few years, I've started collecting something a little different..."good questions." In honor of the coming new year I have posted some of those good questions below. (You might have read some similar ones I posted last year.)

If you attempt to answer all of them, you'll probably drive yourself crazy, but I'd encourage you to take some time (either alone or with someone who knows you well) and think through some of these questions. Remembering...celebrating...dreaming...they are all very spiritual practices. I hope these questions are as helpful to you as they have been to me.

Special thanks to our friend "White Lightning" for reminding us to remember!

Questions for the New Year
2009 (time past)
-The most fun times you can remember:
-Your greatest flashes of creativity:
-Memorable things you heard people say:
-People you came to appreciate in a new way:
-People who were pure, unbounded fun:
-Times that music touched you deeply:
-In what ways did you change?
-Movies that impacted you:
-Things that books taught you:
-People you found especially interesting:
-The most compelling philosophical insights you encountered:
-Times when you entered a place of mystery:
-People who came through for you:
-Ways you messed up:
-Ways that you were magic:
-Times that God took you by surprise:
-The most stimulating discussions:
-Things you remember that you'd rather forget:
-The most difficult times:
-People who poured out their souls to you:
-Ways you were challenged to be a better person:
-Times when you entered a place of mystery:
-Your choice for time person for 2009:
-Terms you would use to describe yourself in 2009:
-When everything was going wrong and suddenly turned out right:
-People who disappointed you:
-If you were to give a title to 2009:
-Your most significant accomplishments:
-What spiritual practices generated the greatest benefit to your soul
-Was there any anger, guilt, greed or jealousy that needs to be resolved
-Did you love your wife as Christ loves the church
-Did you honor God with your finances and give generously?
-Did you cultivate your prayer life?
-How did you do as a father?
-As a husband?
-As a son?
-As a grandson?
-As a brother?

2010 (time future)
-What apprehensions do you have about the coming year?
-What journeys would you like to take?
-What daring and potentially thrilling things would you like to do?
-What would you like to change about yourself?
-If 2010 is to have a title, what do you want it to be?
-If you knew now that 2009 would be your last year on earth, what would you do more of? Less of?
-What major things do you want to accomplish this coming year?
-Who do you want to get to know better this coming year?
-Any wild predictions about what will happen throughout this nation and the world?
-Who are the top ten relationships you intend to influence in 2010
-How will you be more effective with these people than in 2009?
-What one change could you make in your behavior that would help you to live in greater alignment with your values?
-What has to happen in 2010 for you to label it “your best year yet?” (life, marriage, family, work, church...)
-What is the wildest, most unconventional thing you could do this next year to live with more passion?
-What out of the box thinking could you do in your job/ministry?
-How will you honor God with your finances in this next year?
-In what specific areas will you give more generously?
-Who will hold you accountable to be at your best this next?
-What are the most purposeful daily habits you could develop/upgrade over the next 12 months?
-Identify specific messes or clutter projects you’d like to clean up in the next 12 months
-Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Identify 3 qualities you’d like to see associated with your name as well as how you’d define each quality.
-How will you take better care of your health in this next year?
-What will you do to daily renew your mind?

Eye Heart Country Music

2009-12-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am a loyal lover of country music. Part of the enjoyment of country music is its simplicity. Singer/Songwriter Andy Gullahorn wrote this brillant song below. While he was attempting to mock Country Music, I'm confident enough in my love of country to enjoy laughing at the song, and at myself. People often ask me what I'm gonna do after I graduate from seminary. Honestly, I'd love to play country music in small town bars. We'll see if I can talk Natalie into that, but until then, may these 3 minutes bless your funny bones.

Introducing Kessler and Cookie

2009-12-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

Our family keeps growing and we are so excited. You can tell HC is pumped just by the look on her face!

On Monday Dec 7th, my brother Blake and sis-n-law Ashley gave birth to our nephew, Kessler Staton Hill. We are bummed to be 1700 miles away, but excited to get to meet Kesslaaaa in a few weeks! You can read more on their blog.

We are also pumped for Nat's brother Nate and our sis-n-law Suellen (pronounced Swell-in by folks who live more than 45 minutes from a Walmart). They are expecting a little brother or sister for Pierce in June. Pierce likes to call the baby "cookie," so we'll go with that. Can't wait to meet you Cookie! You can read more about Pierce's adventures on their blog as well.

Merry Christmas From the Hills

2009-12-03T15:08:00.005-07:00

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Crooked Creek 2009

2009-11-26T22:22:00.004-07:00

A few weekends ago I had the privilege to take some of my high school friends from Arapahoe High to Crooked Creek Young Life camp outside of Winter Park. It was an amazing weekend of building deeper relationships with each other and introducing many of them to the extravagant love of Christ. Thanks to many of you for praying for us and financially making it possible for some of these kids to go. Below is a little video from the weekend and a link to some pics if you are interested.

Crooked Creek Snow Camp 09

Thanksgiving in Winter Park

2009-11-26T16:27:00.003-07:00

Tip of the day: To avoid traveling during holidays, just have a baby and the family will travel to you!

Nat's folks, Papaw and Nana Leonard, came to see us for thanksgiving and Nat's brother Nate (cool word play huh?) and our sis-in-law, Suellen, and our nephew Pierce also made the trip. While the ski slopes sadly reminded us of the NC mtns (slushy and short), we enjoyed tubing, sledding and sleigh riding in the 60 degree weather. Here's a little video of one of our days tubing:
Here's some more pics too. There's some great ones of Papaw Leonard giving HC a manicure and Pierce and Natalie having a water war in the jacuzzi. By the way, when playing hangman, "jacuzzi" is a great word to use. I've won at least $8.50 over the years using that word. Drew

Thanksgiving 09 in Winter Park with the Leonard Clan

Old Friends & the Redlight Angel

2009-11-18T23:41:00.010-07:00

I woke up stressed out on Monday morning. I needed to raise $900 this week to help some of my high school friends get to Young Life snow camp. Our trip to Crooked Creek Ranch is almost here and there are so many of my friends who I'd love to come with me, but $ seems so tight for everyone. I feel that tension and understand that 150 bones is a lot for 48 hours of camp, but I'm just convinced that its worth it, and will be 48 hours of sheer awesomeness.

I prayed. "God, I know that Young Life camp is not the only solution and that You are way bigger than a Giant Swing and Frisbee Golf in the snow, but I'd sure love to be able to give some of these kids the gift of experiencing You at Crooked Creek. If you want that to happen, you're gonna have to show up." He wanted it to happen.

It started earlier this week with a Facebook post I almost didn't write. It was a simple ask for anyone who wanted to sponsor a kid to go to camp. I got only one reply, and it was beyond unexpected. One of my friends in high school, who I probably haven't talked to in 13 years, wrote back and told me that he would love to help. He's mailing YL a check for $150. I'm still blown away and encouraged. You made my week Heath!

Then yesterday Natalie got a random text message from a friend who was visiting us last week and heard me talking about camp. She was asking if we still needed $ to help get kids there. Another $150 in the mail. Totally out of the blue. Thanks Brittany and Chris for loving us by supporting these kiddos! I can't fully express my gratitude.

And then today came...and it was crunch time. I was encouraged, but still needed almost $600. I had made some great plans to rake a few yards with kids, but snow still covered the ground. Now what could I do to raise funds? I had two of my high school friends in the car, but was in a hurry to pick up some more. I was stuck at a red light, but thankful for a windows-down-kinda-day following last week's "wintry mix." I noticed my friend Jan standing on the corner about to cross the street in the quaint Littleton downtown we refer to as Li-do. The red light gifted me enough time to answer her question of what I was up to. "Trying to raise money for camp," I yelled as we drove away. A little while later my phone rang, and it was Jan. She said that she had some work that we could do if I brought some kids over. I'm not sure if she really did need the help or was just trying to find something for these kids to do to help them to get to camp, but either way, she was an answer to prayer. She was an angel at the red light. I'm not sure how hard those guys worked, but I guarantee you they were overpaid! That family blessed our socks off. And boy am I thankful.

Thankful for old friends on facebook, for 160 character text messages that say so much, and even thankful for red lights.

Father, its still crazy to me that You choose to work through such sweet surprises to remind me that You're in control. Forgive me for ever doubting that. I'm just itching to watch You show up in even bigger ways at Crooked Creek. Bring it on...

Tip of the Day

2009-11-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

Tip of the month: This month our cell phone numbers are made public for telemarketers. If you call the number below, and it will take literally 30 seconds to do, it will block your number. No gimmicks, it's legit. I did it myself! Just FYI. 888-382-1222

Too Busy Not to Blog

2009-11-10T23:47:00.004-07:00

It's been ten days since my last blog entry and usually that's a sign that life is too busy. Our friend Emily Brown is in town visiting and tonight she asked me about me our blog. She wanted to know if I typically just sat down and blogged my thoughts, or if I only blogged when I had something specific to write about. I replied with later, but thought I'd give the whole "just sit down and type" a go for tonight.

I'm not a blog-oholic like my mom or wife, meaning that I don't read many other blogs, but I do read a few. One of my heroes, a musician named Allen Levi, doesn't blog much but he wrote an entry this weekend that made me smile. Part of his entry just included a random series of things he was thinking about, so I thought I'd do the same.

Our 5th anniversary was this weekend and my mom came and kept HC for us so we could get some alone time. I cherish every second I get to be with my incredible bride. Her love and beauty amaze me more each day. And as much as I loved being "away" with her this weekend, both of our hearts deeply missed the few hours away from our daughter. Oh how I'm slowly discovering more of the way our Father longs to be with us.

I'm a nightly janitor at my school and I kind of look at cleaning professors offices a lot like I've looked at going to counseling in the past. Every time I've had an appointment to see a counselor, which have been quite a few over the past 8 years, I have dreaded going and tried to think of an excuse to get out of it. But I've always gone...and always been thankful. Cleaning, like therapy, never seems like its gonna be much fun, and its not always fun, but I'm always thankful for that time. Its been a real gift ever since I started doing it almost 4 months ago. Not just the extra $ to help with the bills, but even moreso, the hour of solitude to end each day. I remember when I studied abroad it Italy in college and had more "down time" than I'd ever had before. No cell phone, not too many people I knew, and a lil commute to and from Fiesole to Florence every morning and afternoon. I think the solitude that I experienced then was one of the reasons I still describe that season of life as my most intimate with God. I would say the same about my time emptying trash cans every night. It's crazy how singing loud at midnight, alone in an empty office building, can be such a sweet time of worship.

Worshiping always makes me want to go for a run. Even right now, at 12:30 late tonight, I'm checking the weather to see if tomorrow's morning sun will provide enough heat to motivate me to set the clock an hour earlier. It says its gonna be 47, which leaves me little excuse. If you like to gamble, I'd say the odds are pretty strong that even with the accountability of this blog post, I'm gonna probably end up horizontal and stationary come sunrise. We'll see.

I am taking a bunch of my high school friends to Crooked Creek Young Life camp in a few weekends and my thoughts today have been quite consumed with how I'm gonna raise the $150 x 6 kids I need to help raise more $ for. I don't have many friends in town that actually have yards with leaves, so the raking option doesn't seem great. I thought about renting Honey Cate out, because people like to hold babies, but Nat is worried about the whole Swine Flu thing, so that won't work. I also prayed for the $900 and God just reassured me that He's got this covered. Ever since then, I've been humming the last line from a song called "Distress Signal" by my friend Jeremy Casella: "Nobody holds you, nobody holds you, nobody holds you like the hand of God. Nobody holds you, nobody holds you, nobody holds you like the hand of God.Nobody holds you, nobody holds you, nobody holds you like the hand of God."

I think that I'll close now and let that truth and melody sing me to sleep. Drew

A Snowy October

2009-10-31T23:39:00.004-06:00

We closed out the month of October today in style, which is more than I can say for our beloved Bulldogs who took a Teblow to the heart. After watching Georgia get blown out by Florida, we cheered up with a mini-me costume party here on campus. Boy, do we have some fertile seminarians around here..lots and lots of 'chidrens' runnin round. We then took a lil a hayride. It wasn't quite as fun as I remembered, especially since it was in a shopping center parking lot and not on the Robertson's farm. Everyone with toddlers went around our apartments trick or treating, but the sad thing about trick or treating with a 3 month old is that the folks giving out candy know that you as the parent are going to eat it, and not the 3 month old, so they are more stingy. Tightwads. My hope is that next Halloween they might actually think we'll let Honey Cate eat it and load us up some more. For dinner we enjoyed a tour of three different "Chipotle" restaurants, dressed in aluminum foil in order to get free boo-rittos. Looks like we now have lunches for the week! I'm actually blogging tonight because of that extra hour of sleep we're getting due to Daylight Savings time. Don't forget to set your clocks back and enjoy these pics below from the past week:

October 2009

"Spending Christmas" Part 2: Trade As One

2009-10-31T22:39:00.000-06:00

A week ago I started a series of posts I'm calling "Spending Christmas." As we approach the highly commercialized holiday, I just wanted to throw out a few alternatives for how you might "spend" Christmas this year. Last week we looked at "Kiva," an amazing micro-lending organization. This post is devoted to another incredible organization called "Trade As One." This is a simple website that allows you to shop for fair trade gifts as opposed to buying stuff that was made with slave labor or labor that was paid unfairly. It's a great concept, especially as you think about Christmas gifts. If you're gonna buy it anyway, why not buy it "fair trade" and help families get out of poverty. Check out this brief video or visit their website for more info. How will you "spend" Christmas this year?

Great Baby Gifts

2009-10-26T23:50:00.000-06:00

We've been given a lot of amazing baby gifts. This weekend we attempted to have a cookout in 30 degree weather and needed to break out a few of them. Thanks to Aunt Suellen for Honey Cate's festive pumpkin hat and to Melissa (Lewis) Litwiller for this sweet fleece vest Peakaru!

Happy Birthday Pops!

2009-10-26T12:44:00.004-06:00

Today is my dad's (Douglas Melvin Hill) birthday and we just wanted to send him a shoutout via the intraweb. We love you Pops and are so thankful for you! Honey Cate is especially thankful for your massive chest for her to sleep on. She can't wait to see you in just a couple months! Thanks for being an amazing dad and Pops! Wish we could be with you today. WE LOVE YOU POPS!

Our Church

2009-10-25T23:41:00.001-06:00

Here are some pics from the first 2 services that we've had at our church, New Denver Church. Its a new church plant in town. For more info you can check out www.newdenver.org.

"Spending Christmas" Part 1: Kiva

2009-10-24T15:50:00.004-06:00

Retailers are already beginning to market for Christmas and it has got us thinking about how we are going to spend our money this holiday season. Here's the first post in a series of a few ideas on how to "spend" Christmas a little differently this year.

I'm sure many of you have already heard about "Kiva," but Nat and I just recently learned about it. (Thx Norton!) Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website. It is crazy cool and empowers individuals like me and u to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. It's worth checking out at www.kiva.org. Here's a video of how the lending actually works. Maybe this is a great spending alternative to the normal trip to the mall this Christmas?

A Fistful Of Dollars: The Story of a Kiva.org Loan from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

A Compassion Video from the Catalyst Conference

2009-10-21T00:55:00.000-06:00

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

It's awesome to see how just $30/month can change someone's life forever. You can forward to the 3:45 mark and watch for 6-10 minutes. Wow.

Man Crush

2009-10-19T21:02:00.003-06:00

Most of you who know me know that I have a partial man-crush on Andy Stanley. For any of you who listen/watch his sermons, this will be hilarious. For those of you who don't listen to Andy, you're missing out. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Lolli

2009-10-12T21:02:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Lolli! My mom turns 40+ tomorrow and Honey Cate wanted to make a lil video to tell her how much she loves and misses her. We all love u mama! Wish we could be with you on this October 13th! You're an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, friend, cook, servant, listener, giver, etc...We thank God daily for the blessing you are to all 3 of us! Love you, Drew, Nat, and HC

That Girl Can Move

2009-10-08T21:02:00.000-06:00

Conviction

2009-10-07T12:02:00.003-06:00

Last night I played ball with a few friends and during a water break I entered into a conversation with a buddy about our weekends. Before I knew it, I found myself talking badly about someone we mutually knew. It was stupid and worthless conversation, but nevertheless, my attempt at humor took a stab at someone else behind their back. The sad part is that I didn't even think twice about it, until...

On my drive home my phone rang and it was the friend I was playing ball with. He asked if I had a minute and then proceeded to point out the hurtful words I'd spoken an hour earlier. I was caught off guard at first and initially wanted to defend myself... but then conviction set in and I realized that he was right on the money. He told me that he'd heard me preach a sermon on James 3 and the power of the tongue just a few months ago and felt like he needed to call me out. He then invited me to hold him accountable for how he too uses his words.

I'm so grateful to him for the courage it took to make that phone call. It would have been easier to just never mention it and avoid any confrontation, but his boldness was an example of true friendship.

After thinking about why I spoke harsh words about someone else I was saddened. My words were spoken out of hurt. I felt rejection by someone and so I chose to try and harm them with my tongue. Why does revenge lurk in my heart? In many of our hearts?

My next step, after writing this lil blog post, needs to be a phone call to the person I spoke badly about. I don't want to make that call, but I know that I need to ask forgiveness. I want to use my tongue for good and to apologize.

That one phone call last night has shook up my week pretty good. Its not fun to look in the mirror and realize who I am apart from God's grace, but its awesome to live in this love relationship with a God who wipes our slates clean every day. Thank you Matt for reminding me of my need for a savior!

Now off to make that phone call...

New Denver Church

2009-09-29T18:39:00.000-06:00

I've recently gone on part-time staff at a new church plant called "New Denver Church." I know it sounds like a funny name for a new church in Denver, and that is how the name started, but it actually became permanent as the church thought about the idea of being an agent of change in this city and making it "new." The church is a plant from Andy Stanley's church, North Point Community Church, in Atlanta and we actually launch worship services this upcoming Sunday night, Oct 4th at 6pm. You can check out more at our website, www.newdenver.org I'm still doing Young Life and seminary, but couldn't pass up this opportunity as New Denver created a Leadership Development Program for seminary students. Myself and two of my friends at school are doing the program together. My specific job is service programming. Above is a picture of all of our staff: the 3 families (Malecs, Herbsts, and Reddens) all moved out here from Atlanta and the 3 of us doing the LDP (us, Chanceys and Hartles.) Below is a picture of all the staff kids. Notice the cutie on the far left!

A Visit from Blash

2009-09-28T22:45:00.000-06:00

My brother Blake and sis-in-law Ash came to visit us last weekend. We thought they wanted to hang out with Nat and I, but later discovered their true motives were merely that they wanted to love on their new niece. Blake and Ashley, or Blash, are expecting a little cousin for Honey Cate on Dec. 28th. His name is Kessler and we're thankful to be home over Christmas when he arrives! This pic below is of us at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. We didn't intentionally color coordinate. Blake has a sweet camera that takes pics like this:

It was Ashley's bday when they visited so Honey Cate wore her special "Happy Bday Aunt Ash T-shirt."

Blake also gave HC her first shoulder ride, first flip, and he claims she took her first step with him slightly holding her. Silly Uncle Blake.

Honey Cate is so thankful that they came to visit and can't wait to meet her other Aunt Su and Uncle Nate over Thanksgiving!

She's Growing Fast

2009-09-27T21:48:00.001-06:00

Honey Cate at 10 weeks old:

Honey Cate in September 2009

Honey Cate's 1st Trip Ever

2009-09-14T20:58:00.001-06:00

We spent the weekend at Crooked Creek Ranch Young Life camp outside of Winter Park, CO. It was our leader retreat for all the YL leaders in Colorado. One advantage of having a newborn at YL camp was that we got the room hookup. No bunkbeds for us!

This is a picture of our Young Life team: The Bentleys, Hills, and Kriegers. (missing from the photo: Andy Thompson, Jake Weidmann, and Angela Ramlett)

Traveling with an 8 week old required a little bit more gear than I'm used to traveling with. Instead of having folks ride with us, we filled the extra seats with a pack n play, stroller, boppy, paci, moby, and other things that ended in a y sound. Honey Cate did great though and was a little angel all weekend!

The Mystery of Motherhood

2009-09-09T23:20:00.000-06:00

This is from someone else's blog post that a friend shared with Natalie about motherhood. Natalie told me that the author of this post below really put words to many of the feelings she was having about being a mom. I thought it was well written and worth sharing. Enjoy...

Today we celebrated the upcoming birth of a new baby. The mom-to-be is one of my last friends to have their first child, and there is something so incredibly special about that. Something so special you just don't get when you are pregnant with that first baby. You wonder why everyone has constant big goofy smiles, fluffing all over you and can't keep your hands off your belly. :) And then you have that baby. And you know. So Momma, this is what I hope you remember over the next few weeks:
For at least the new two years, probably more, you will have very littlecontrol over your life. It starts with labor -- you can't plan it (I know, it killed me too!), you can't tell that little one how or when to come, and you can't control how the labor will go. All you can do is relax, let go, breathe, and realize you have to give it up to the people that know best...the nurses, your doctor, God.

After the baby is here, you will have zero control over your life because that itty bitty patootie will rule. your. world. You will feel exhaustion like you've never known. You will want to give your right arm for a few straight hours of sleep. You will have to plan to leave the house well ahead of time. And when you do leave the house, it will be 30 minutes later than you had planned.

Speaking of sleep, even the best sleepers (ours slept through at FIVE weeks) will drive you absolutely mad at times. They will sleep three hours at a time for a few nights...sleep for six one night...you will get on your knees thanking God...and then that next night they will will wake up every two. It is a bit maddening. There are also nights when they just don't want to sleep, thank you very much. They would rather just lay there staring at you, thank you again.

Because of this, there may be times you will look at your child at 3 a.m.,begging him to PLEASE JUST GO TO SLEEP. You may not even like him much at those moments. YES -- I said it, there are times you just are not nuts about them for being itty bitty and helpless and ruling your world (at 3 a.m. nonetheless).

And then that moment passes, and in the middle of the night, you will look at your baby's sweet eyes in the dark, rub his tiny head and you may just cry because you are so incredibly blessed to have this child. To be rocking this child at 3 a.m. You will realize there is no place you would rather be, ever.

You will be overwhelmed at how people love your baby. Yes, you know your friends love you. But you will realize you didn't have a clue how much they love you until you see the way they love your child. You will realize how much you mean to the people around you, because of the way they love your baby. It will overwhelm you, the love you will feel in those first weeks.

A few weeks after that sweet bubby is born, you will start needing a little somethin'. Just a little -- a little something in return for all that feeding, loving, feeding, smooching. And then. THEN, your child will smile at you. YOUR CHILD. He will smile at you like you are the sun and the moon and the stars and it will be one of the best moments of your entire life. You will spend the rest of your days trying to get your child to smile at you like that again.

One of the biggest changes I noticed after our son was born was the new "weight" of being a Mom. It's the best way I can explain it. It's like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, in a good way. You now have a life to look after, and that is a really big deal. Sometimes that weight is really noticeable. You will feel it all the time -- but mostly when you leave the baby with Daddy for an hour. Or with Grandma for an evening so you can go out with friends.

From the day that baby is born, you are ALWAYS, ALWAYS thinking about them, worrying about them, wondering about them. You may not realize it, but it's always there. That weight lessens as they get older, but it's only because you get used to it. You are now a Mommy, and that comes with so much wonderful responsibility.

Your life is about to change for the better. You will never be the same. You will come back and read this a few months from now and have a whole new appreciation for these words. And when someone you love has their first baby, you will try to express to them the crazy, indescribable love they are about to feel, and you won't be able to put it into words for them either.

You are about to meet the love of your life, and I am so happy for you.

The Nifty Fifty

2009-09-07T10:28:00.005-06:00

Its hard to believe that Honey Cate is 50 days old today! In honor of this festive occasion, we've listed 50 things about HC that we're thankful for..we'll actually 50 would probably be a little obnoxious, so how about 10?

10. The way she props up on her arms and looks into our eyes when she lays on our chests.
9. Her many, many funny faces when she poops.
8. How sweet and dainty even her little cries are.
7. The fat rolls on her thighs.
6. Her little voice when she tries to talk to us.
5. The way she loves to take warm baths in the sink.
4. How she falls asleep so quickly whenever the car starts moving.
3. That she seems to love dancing with daddy.
2. She gave us 8 hours of straight sleep last night!
1. Just the fact that she is OUR daughter, whom God entrusted to us. Amazing!

Happy 50 days Honey Cate! We love you more and more as each day passes. Its hard to believe, but its true!

Happy 35th Anniversary Lolli and Pops!

2009-08-25T03:34:00.000-06:00

Today marks Honey Cate's 37th day of life and my parents' 12,775th day of marriage. Wowsers. Mom and Dad, we are so thankful for your commitment to each other and to us over these 12,775 days of marriage. I hope you know what an amazing gift that is, not only your children, but also your granddaughter. All 3 of us love u bunches! Hope that your anniversary week is filled with excitement and time to reminisce about the 12,775 days you've been married. WOWSERS! HAPPY 35th!

This pic above was taken the first time my folks got to meet their granddaughter.

Video of our Nursery

2009-08-19T15:56:00.001-06:00

Many of you have requested to see our nursery. Request granted:

"Two Mile" High Hills

2009-08-16T23:18:00.001-06:00

We spent almost 10 hours in the car today driving through Rocky Mountain National Park. We even got snowed on a bit at the tope of Trail Ridge Rd (about 11,000ft high= 2 miles.) Honey Cate did great on the long car ride and we got to end the day with dinner in Winter Park with old friend Stu Nelson. Glad to be home!

Honey Cate's 1st Rockies Game

2009-08-14T13:55:00.002-06:00

"Lolli" & "Pops" were proud grandparents on their first day meeting their granddaugher!

After going to bed at midnight on Monday, my parents left on Tues morning around 3am to take my sister to the airport to spend the year in Honduras. Then they jumped on a plane for Denver. I could tell they were exhausted when they got here, and maybe should've changed the plans, but this pic says it all.

I'm not quite sure how much of the game Honey Cate saw either!

U Know U Wanna Put This on Your Fridge

2009-08-14T12:24:00.000-06:00

The many faces of Honey Cate Hill keep us constantly amused. Hopefully they will brighten your day as well.

Honey Cate is getting another BOY cousin!

2009-08-12T15:48:00.007-06:00

My brother Blake and sis-in-law Ashley found out yesterday that they are going to have a baby boy around Dec 28th! Honey Cate is so excited to have another boy cousin! His name is going to be Kessler Staton Hill, aka "K-State!" We couldn't be more excited!!!

We just got a pic in the mail from Honey Cate's other cousin, Pierce Leonard, and it might be the cutest pic anyone has ever sent her! Thx Pierce! Honey Cate loves it!

We also wanted to share with you a song that we have been playing a lot for Honey Cate. Our friend Allen Levi wrote it and posted it here on his blog. Honey Cate LOVES it Levi! There's a ton of other treasures on his blog too as he has been posting songs he wrote this summer on there for free. Enjoy.

Honey Cate Loves Visitors

2009-08-09T23:51:00.005-06:00

Its been so fun to have some family and friends from NC come in town to meet Honey Cate. The Crafts (My Uncle Terry, Aunt Sharon, and Cousin Robbie) timed it perfectly on their trip to visit Kinsley in Vail and won the award for first family members to meet Honey Cate. I'm sure Terry will continue to remind us of that. : ) Nat's folks, Bill and Mary, were able to change their flight and spend a week with us after we got home from the hospital. They were such a huge help! My old friend, Scott Rudicil, crashed on our couch for a night during his road trip from NC to LA. He'll be writing some screen plays that I'm sure we'll be paying $12 to see in a movie theater someday soon!My sister Abby spent a week with us before she heads to Honduras for a year on Tuesday. She'll be teaching 2nd grade and you can follow her on her blog @ www.abbyheel.blogspot.com
My cousin Kinsley Craft was able to swing by before she finished Summer Project with Campus Crusade in Vail. Dounda, my parents (Doug and Linda), are coming soon for a week of needed relief. We're so thankful for family! Speaking of family, Honey Cate finds out on Tuesday if she is going to have a girl or boy cousin from Uncle Blake and Aunt Ashley. She is SO EXCITED she peed her pants...literally!

Honey Cate's Arrival in Pictures...

2009-07-23T00:49:00.003-06:00

The arrival of Honey Cate Hill on July 19, 2009

Introducing "Honey Cate" Hill

2009-07-20T18:01:00.009-06:00

Yesterday, on Sunday July 19th @ 1:06pm, our lives changed forever...for the better! Natalie gave birth to our daughter, Catherine Honey Hill, whom we're calling "Honey Cate!" She weighed 7lbs and is almost 20 inches long with a little red hair. We are still at Denver Health, but hope to come home tomorrow (Tuesday). She is healthy, breastfeeding, sleeping great, and we are so stinkin thankful! Nat's water broke at midnight on Saturday night, 2 weeks early, and we were dog-sitting at a friends house. I had to run home to our apartment to grab the car seat, borrow a video cam from studmuffin Evan Perkins, and pack a bag for the hospital, and then came back to our friends house. Nat labored there for 7 hours and then we went to the hospital. She was 5cm dilated when we arrived in the OB screening room and then we went to Labor and Delivery. Nat labored on a workout ball for a few hours, then in the tub for a while, and made the final push for an hour or so on the hospital bed...and then at 1:06pm out came...A GIRL! We both had a feeling that it was a girl, and it was! She is precious! The midwife placed her right on Nat's belly and I cut the cord and then Honey Cate and Nat bonded for an hour or so. I'll never forget it!
We've been learning to change diapers, to burp, the breastfeed, how to function on no sleep, etc... I think Nat went 50 some hours in a row with no sleep since her water broke right as we were getting ready for bed on Saturday night. She has been such a trooper and God has really given her so much strength. I was so proud of the way she pushed through hours of hard labor...and my respect level for all moms in the world has greatly increased! Watching her labor and then our daughter come out was so surreal!
Today I pushed Honey Cate around the hospital in this little crib while I tried to give Nat a break to take a short nap. While I pushed her and watched her sleep I was overcome by emotion and couldn't help but just worship our Heavenly Father for giving me the incredible blessing of being a father myself. I'm sure all of the nurses that I passed while crying were wondering what the heck was wrong with me...but I just can't explain the joy of parenthood. Even now as I write this, and Nat is on the phone with her Aunt, lil Honey Cate is sleeping in my arms. Its much harder to type with a baby in your arms, but way worth the extra effort.

Thanks so much to everyone who prayed for us and we will keep u posted. Honey Cate can't wait to meet you!

Our families are sadly many miles away in NC, but this is a pic of us web-chatting with my mom and dad tonight...the beauty of technology...and web-camera software!

The Water Broke!

2009-07-19T05:12:00.002-06:00

Friends and Fam,

Its 5am on Sunday morning and Nat's water broke around midnight (late Sat night). She is having contractions every 7 minutes or so and being a real trooper. We've got the bags packed, the car seat in the car, and are ready to head to Denver Health whenever things get a little more intense. Just wanted to ask for your prayers...(James 5:16- The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective!)

We will keep u posted, but it looks like we're going to have a July 19 birthday in the family! Our due date is August 2nd, so we're safe at 38 weeks...

Thanks for your prayers...

Drew, Nat, and ???

Availability

2009-07-13T13:26:00.003-06:00

The fact that I had to spell check the title of this post might be a small sign of how unfamiliar I am with even the term “availability.” I think I’ve always wanted to be an available person, in theory, but in reality I have placed a much greater emphasis on productivity than availability. I’ve sadly expected others to be available to me, but my own pride falsely convinced me that I am too important to have any unscheduled time in my palm pilot.

Tonight I picked up a friend and Denver Seminary Doctoral student from the airport. Robert is a pastor in Compton (near Los Angeles) and flies up to Denver every 6 months to take a class towards his Doctoral degree. We met a couple years ago soon after Nat and I moved out here and now Robert and I see each other a few times a year. As we were driving to the seminary from the airport tonight, he mentioned how surprised he was that I was actually able to pick him up.

“How come?” I asked.

“Well, you’re always just so busy and got so much going on, I just didn’t expect you to be able to come get me on such short notice” Robert replied.

It wasn’t the first time I’d heard those words, but it was the first time I heard them and not been proud. I typically respond to comments like that with inner pride from my busyness, honored that someone realizes how “important” I am. For me, “busyness” has been synonymous with “importance”… until this summer.

These past few weeks have felt like a complete u-turn from my normal pace of life. In light of the impending birth of our first child, Nat and I both chose to take the summer off from taking grad school classes and have tried to be intentional about enjoying each other and our last few months being MWOKS (Married With Out Kids.) We are both still working part-time, but without the stress of school work, it has felt like a huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. It has been amazing.

Free time is way underrated. Having gaps in my schedule has been so life-giving. I’ve been able to spend days helping friends move. We’ve gone to dinner with other couples spontaneously, without planning it weeks in advance. I’ve enjoyed many days rafting down the Platte River with friends, just wasting time together. Nat and I have been able to watch movies at night…and tons of “30 Rock,” which only gets funnier with each episode. I’ve caught a few Rockies games…learn to breathe correctly while swimming…played some board games…and even had some alone time.

What I’m realizing is that somewhere between ages 13 and 31, I began to value having a packed schedule over being available to others. Middle school was the height of availability for me. I intentionally didn’t plan things, just so I could be free to go over to a friend’s house if I got invited last minute, which is typically the M.O. of most pre-teens. In High school, things began to change. The goal of not only being accepted at UNC, but more importantly, reaching the “pinnacle” of being a Morehead scholar quickly trumped any desire I had to be available to others. A full schedule equaled a full resume…and a full resume was exactly what I needed to elevate myself above the competition. O how deceptive is the ladder of success.

This summer I don’t feel very productive. I’m not checking a ton off my to-do list. Even the time I’ve spent writing this little post is worthless by any means of measure.

Even still, I’m becoming quite convinced that creating some margin in my calendar is worth it. I’m learning that availability leads to beautiful things…things like intimacy, friendship, and the community that I have been longing for.

I know that in a few weeks life is about to change. We'll have a baby, classes will start back, and Young Life will be in full swing. Heavenly Father, help me live with margin in every season of my life. I'm convinced its the way You intended life to be lived.

Prego Shots

2009-07-12T20:52:00.002-06:00

Our good friend Lauren Perkins hooked it up and took some prego pics of Nat for us. Many of them were too "scandalous" to post on the blog, but they are awesome! Thx LP!

Isn't my 37 week pregnant wifey just adorable?

This pic is with the prayer journal that Nat has been keeping for the baby. She is so thoughtful. She kept a prayer journal for her future hubby for years before we even met and gave it to me a few nights before we were married. Its crazy to think about when we'll give this baby journal to our grown child one day...

Missin our Families

2009-07-07T00:16:00.002-06:00

Although we could not be more excited to be having a baby in just 25 days or so, we are sad to have had to miss both of our family beach trips this year (because its not really safe to fly when your due in less than 4 weeks.) My brother recorded this video a few night ago on July 4th at the Hill-Craft-Kessler beach extravaganza. Pretty entertaining!

Buena Vista

2009-06-29T05:23:00.001-06:00

Last week we were able to go to Buena Vista, CO and visit a few friends working @ Young Life Camps up there.

Bart, Victoria, and Charlotte Scarborough were @ Frontier Ranch!

We made the trip with our good friends from Denver Seminary, Ryan,Emily, and lil Cole Roberts!

It was such a treat to get to spend some time with Candace Conglose who was doing work crew @ Trailwest!

The Five Week Countdown

2009-06-27T16:39:00.002-06:00

35 weeks down, only 5 more to go! Some of Nat's friends threw her a shower this mornin and she got this cool diaper cake! She is wearing a maternity shirt that our crafty sis-in-law, Suellen, made for her! Some of the gals @ the shower created little onesies for our baby...we're gonna use them to decorate the baby room too.
Nat has been quite crafty herself as she has been making some decorations for the baby room. Here are two of her masterpieces:

Experienced parents have been telling us that we should go to the movies because those days are quickly fleeting, so we took their advice and splurged last night. In this pic we're sporting our sweet 3D glasses from the movie "UP!"

New free Nooma Video

2009-06-23T06:45:00.002-06:00

Rob Bell's newest Nooma video, "Corner," can be viewed here for free. Its 11 minutes.

Happy Pops Day

2009-06-21T17:27:00.003-06:00

Nat and I are so thankful for our dads...Thug and G-dub. Pastor Mark Driscoll has posted a free e-book on fathering as a lil fathers day gift to all dads. You can download it at this link. I am currently reading a book called "Becoming a Dad" that is filled with great insights. Only 5.9 weeks to go! Nat took me to the Rockies game today to celebrate my first father's day. The Rocks have won 16 of the last 17. We're jumpin back on the bandwagon.

Woodleaf Young Life Camp

2009-06-18T22:14:00.006-06:00

I spent last week in California @ Young Life's Woodleaf with a busload of my high school friends. Other than spending 54 hours on a bus and missing Nat's birthday, it was one of the highlights of my year. I love getting a front row seat to watch God work. Thanks to many of you who prayed for us, it couldn't have gone better! Here are a few pics from our 9 day adventure...

If you would like to see more pics, click below:

Woodleaf 2009

A few of the highlights of the week:
1. The workcrew performed their own version of these cardboard testimonies as demonstrated below. It was powerful to see how kids identified who they were before and after Christ.

2. The summer staff performed their rendition of this skit done below to Lifehouse's song "Everthing." My favorite part of the video is at the end when Jesus picks her up after she falls.

We're Getting Another Cousin

2009-06-16T09:44:00.000-06:00

We recently found out some REALLY exciting news!!! Our soon to be born child is getting another cousin! My brother and sis-in law are expecting their first baby just 5 months after our baby is born(Aug 2nd due date), on Dec 28th! We're pumped! Find out more http://blashhill.blogspot.com Congrats Blake and Ash!

Free National Parks Weekends

2009-06-09T09:21:00.001-06:00

My brother let me in on this little secret...

In a move aimed at giving America a break during these trying economic times, the National Park Service is allowing visitors free entry during three weekends this summer. Visit such parks as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park for absolutely free from June 20-21 (Father's Day weekend), July 18-19, and August 15-16. Admission to some of these parks range anywhere from $3 to $25. Be aware that this offer does not apply to any fees charged for camping, reservations, tours or concessions.

Happy Birthday NAT!

2009-06-06T09:06:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow, Sunday June 7th, is Natalie's 29th birthday! Isn't she adorable at 32 weeks pregnant?

ConGRADulations Abs of Steel and Robcat!

2009-05-10T10:02:00.007-06:00

On this Mother's Day weekend, it is the hard to believe that my baby sister, Abby, and my "little" cousin, Robbie are graduating from college. We sadly were unable to make it, but wanted to give them both shout outs for jobs well done! We love you both so much and are so proud of you!
Here's a sweet pic of my mom and sis in honor of both graduation and Poodle's day, i mean Mothers' Day!And one of Robbie during the last year of his life when I had a greater amount of muscle mass than he did. That next year when he turned 9, everything changed. And a real pic, to make up for those 2 above...Extra props to my sis for waiting for hours on end outside of UNC basketball practice this season in order to get the entire team and coaching staff to autograph the team pic she gave me for my b-day last month!

And finally, here's a shoutout to the newest mother in my life...happy first ever mom's day nat, you are going to be an amazing mother!