Sign up to win FREE stuff

Yeah, that's right, free stuff. All you have to do is go to my website at LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD and sign the guest book. You don't even have to buy anything! Just sign the guest book! You will be entered to win 35% off a one time total purchase!

As an added incentive, if you sign up as a client (which is free) and actually buy something on your visit as well, you will be entered to win a free RE9 Kit!

Since September, my wife has been selling Arbonne products. Arbonne has everything from skin care, hair care, makeup, and health and wellness products. Since September, all we have used in our house is Arbonne. I can tell a huge difference in my face, and in the way I feel.

Here's a few things you need to know:

Most types of lipstick in the cosmetic industry contains lead. That's right, lead. There is no regulation on the cosmetic industry, so there is no problem with them doing this. And, its not just your cheap lipstick, its name brand, department store lipstick as well. Arbonne's lipstick contains no lead, is botanically made, and contains no animal by-products.

Most types of mascara contain bat poop. That's right, good ole bat poop. Arbonne's is poop free.

The face and body care has no animal by products in it. Did you know there are kitchen's and restaurants who sell their used grease to body care companies to put into their body wash and face wash? Arbonne does not.

It has now been a week without caffeine and oh yeah, I'm still FAT!

Okay guys and gals, I've gone a whole week now without caffeine, unless you count the microscopic amount that is in chocolate, which I am not eating a lot of either. One week down, and here's the lowdown-

I can live without caffeine. Caffeine is not my ruler. Caffeine is not required to pay attention, wake up, energize or any other excuse we use. However, even though I'm drinking mostly water, and eating significantly better, i've gained weight. I realize that caffeine is a metabolism boosting agent, and without it, it is harder for me to do this whole lose weight thing.

I will say that stopping the whole Diet Dr. Pepper craze has helped me realize that I do control what I put in my body, and that I CAN control the cravings. Its just a rather difficult thing to do.

I'm pushing 260 now, officially reaching the most I've ever weighed. There's a guy on the Biggest Loser this season who just went home last night that weighed 285 when he got there. I'm reaching a weight that people are going on television reality shows for now. This past week has had a big impact on me in regaining my control of myself. I know that I can do this. I just have to stick with it. Even at my lunch the other day with Jason, at a Mexican place, I drank water. Last night at the State Playoffs for basketball, I drank water with my meal. This is hard, because we've trained ourselves to think that soft drinks just go better with certain meals. Its not true!

So It has been requested of me by my dear loving wife that I weigh 225 by the time the baby gets here. As difficult as it my be, I'm game to try. I've written on here many times about starting this out, and failing miserably. NOT THIS TIME!! I've got more control now than I've had in a while. I just have to get off the couch and move.

The Aftermath of a Day Without Caffeine

I decided to kick it in to high gear yesterday by simply just quitting on caffeine. With recent reports that Diet Sodas actually don't do what they're supposed to do, I decided it was only hurting me in my effort to lose weight, which if you haven't figured out by now, is a huge issue for me.

So yesterday, I consumed no caffeine (to my knowledge). I usually start the day out by drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper (DDP) first thing when I get to the office. Then I'll drink another one mid morning. Then I'll usually have at least one with lunch. Around 1:30 or so, the mid afternoon slumps start to kick in, and I consume another. Then, depending on the rest of the day, I may have one with dinner (especially if we eat out). Over the course of any given day, I may consume 6 to 8 cans of DDP, or more diet soft drinks if I eat out (I love refills, especially when I pay $3.00 for a soft drink).

Yesterday, I had no caffeine. Yesterday went well, no real effects, just a little fatigue, and nothing more. I thought to myself this would be easier than the last time I kicked this little habit. I went to bed last night earlier than usual (go figure) and rested well. I woke up this morning, and ....

BAM!

It was literally like my head had been beaten with a blunt metal object. It had been at least 30 hours since my last known caffeine consumption, and I was feeling it in a major way, and I still am. It is now 10:38 a.m., and I am moving slow and starting to feel sick. I've read about how different people respond in different ways to caffeine withdrawal, most experiencing headache and fatigue, but others have physical symptoms like runny nose, neck pain, and the jitters. Check, check, and check, yup, I'm experiencing them all.

Baby Girl Widick (a.k.a. Ladybug)

Things are really getting exciting around the Widick household. We've nicknamed Baby Girl "Ladybug". I've finally been able to feel Ladybug move around. Not a whole lot, but enough to feel her move a slight bit.

Last night, after reading about playing music through some headphones placed on the pregnant woman's belly, I picked up my Ipod and scrolled through the music. I thought long and hard about what song I wanted to play first for her. I thought about all sorts of songs, and finally settled on a song done by the Zoe Group, an A Capella song called "Great Is the Lord".

This song was the song Kristen and I used for the lighting of our unity candle in our wedding. Here are the lyrics:

Great is the Lord
and most worthy of Praise
In the city of our God,
the Holy Place
The joy of the whole earth
Great is the Lord
in whom we have the victory
He aides against the enemy
We bow down on our knees before you
And lord we want to
lift your name on high
And Lord we want to thank you
for the works you’ve done in our lives
And Lord we trust in your unfailing love
For you alone are God eternal
throughout earth and heaven above.

We have yet to visibly see Ladybug move or kick. However, last night, after this song repeated through the second time, right after the line "And Lord we want to lift your name on high", we saw her kick. She didn't just kick, it looked like she was kicking a 60 yard field goal into the wind. Kristen said it was the most pronounced kick she's felt yet.

I can't help but think that Ladybug is already praising God and worshiping Him for the life she will live, and last night, God gave us comfort and joy with that one slight movement, and I won't ever forget it. I am so excited and thankful for the joy that she has already brought. God be praised.

Sometimes you feel it, sometimes you don't

With many apologies do I write this. We've been swamped at church lately, especially with our annual pilgrimage to Gatlinburg, TN for Winterfest. Just about every free moment I have outside of normal church activities goes toward getting people in rooms, groups, vehicles and more for Winterfest.

But since the Writer's strike is officially over, I feel like I should get back on task. Sorry for the delay. Thanks to Greg for calling me on it.

Baby Widick is doing well. We go back to the doctor on Thursday for our monthly check up. How's that for Valentine's Day? After which, we'll have a our Junior High Valentine's Fun Night at the church building.

We spent the past two weekend in preparation for Baby Girl. Last weekend we painted the nursery a color called "Candy Mix", which is basically a light pink color. We put new blinds up, we've bought a rug, got the crib ready, and now the room could handle a little girl. Except for the fact that we don't have a mattress yet, maybe we'll be able to afford one of those before she comes! Baby stuff is expensive! (Cough, hint hint, we're registered at Babies R Us if you'd like to purchase us some gifts...)

Profound Lesson from a Strange Old Man

Working in a church building daily always has its fair share of interesting people who stop by. More often than not, when the door bell rings at our building, it is a case for someone needing some benevolence. While the church always wants to help everyone, there are times when churches run out of funds. This is the case for us now, as January was a hard hitting month for people needing assistance, and we ran through our budget rather quick. I never know what to do with the people who come seeking assistance after we are out of funds for the month. I always offer them a prayer, or an opportunity to come in and talk. Today, at around 3:30 the doorbell rang. Philip, our minister, was meeting with someone in his office, and our secretary is on vacation, so I got up to answer the door. I was already going through what I was going to say in my mind: "I'm sorry, we're out of funds for the month, but can I pray with you?"

As I opened the door, a feeble man of about 75 years of age stood there. He appeared not to be a benevolence case. I introduced myself and asked if I could help him. He looked me as straight in the eyes as anyone ever has, and said: "I've been a Holy Roller, a Pentecostal, a Baptist and a Catholic. None of them worked for me. So I thought I'd give you guys a try. What can the Church of Christ do for me?"

I stood there baffled, not knowing what to say. I usually am pretty quick on my feet when I am asked a question, but that one took me off guard. What can the Church of Christ offer me?

Now I must let you know, it ended up that this guy was a long time friend of one of our Elders, Mack Whitaker, and had some clothes to drop off for our benevolence Clothing House. He was just pulling my leg, and the guy is a faithful member of a church nearby. But the question still lingers in my head - what can the church of Christ do for me?

I'm going to have to get back to you on it, because I'm not really sure if I have a real answer to give. Any of you guys have any thoughts?

Follow Me

“Simon, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes Master you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
He then asked a second time “”Simon do you love me?”
“Yes Master, you know I love you.”
“Shepherd my sheep.”
Simon was upset as Jesus asked a third time “Do you love me?”
Simon answered “Master you know everything, you’ve got to know I love you.”
Jesus said “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Simon would glorify God. And then he commanded “Follow me.”
Turning his head, Simon noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?” Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you?
You – follow me.” John 21:15-22

What would your life look right now if you decided to completely follow Jesus? Would it look a lot different than it does now? Why would your life look different if you decided to completely follow Jesus?

Think on this for a moment: When people hear your name, what do they think of? Is Christ thought of at all when someone hears your name? Think for a moment of all the things that might go through someone’s mind when they hear your name.

Spend some time in prayer over your commitment to God, and examine yourself to see if you are being truly committed. Are you ready to take ownership of the name God has given you and be the Christian He needs you to be? Are you ready to completely follow Him?

Reality is sinking in

Kristen is now almost 21 weeks pregnant. She is starting to fill out the belly of her maternity clothes. It is obvious now that she has something growing inside of her. Its been that way for about 4 weeks now.

But it wasn't all that real until last Thursday at the doctor's office. He clicked the lights off, turned on the ultrasound machine, and voila! There was our daughter. My how she had grown. She went from being the size of a grape to being the size of a banana.

My brother and my sister both had girls first, so I felt in my heart that we would probably have a girl as well. The doctor asked if we had a preference before he started, and we told that we didn't, but we felt like it was going to be a girl. We explained that it kind of ran in my family.

He showed us the head, and the stomach, the kidneys, some feet and hands, ribs, the spine, and finally he asked us again "Are you sure you want to know?" We told him yes, and he told us "Well, it looks like the trend....will continue. Congratulations, you're having a girl!" He then showed us how he knew (I thought we were still looking at the head) and pointed out the little girl parts. I was so excited. I couldn't see Kristen's face, but I knew her face was filled with joy and tears (which later, she confirmed for me).

Now, it all seems so much more real to me. We have a healthy daughter that God is blessing us with. Each day, I see Kristen growing more and more. Last night, I laid my head down on Kristen's belly, and I felt our little girl move just the slightest bit. Kristen now feels her daily. Everytime she feels her move, she beams with delight (I know that in a few weeks she'll grow tired of it, but for now its still very exciting to her).

God is truly blessing our lives. Money, possessions, appearances...all of those are great, but family is so important. Thank you God for blessing my life.

Its a GIRL!!!

Well, after 21 weeks, we went to the doctor today to find out if we were going to be blessed with a boy or a girl. You can see for yourself:



I've had a feeling the whole time it would be a girl. Kristen did as well. Looks like the voters had it right this time. We are so excited. We went straight from the doctor's office to Babies R' Us to register (hint hint).

Pregnancy: Week 20

Here are the latest pics. This is from week 20. The first two pictures in the black shirt are in a "Maternity" shirt. The second two pictures in the greenish shirt are in a non maternity shirt.

Don't forget to vote to your left!

Boy or Girl?

On Thursday of this week, Kristen and I will go to the doctor to find out if we will blessed with a boy or a girl. I have posted a poll for you to vote on the left. Please take a moment and vote for whether you think we'll have a boy or girl (if you're reading this on facebook, go to www.youthministerlane.blogspot.com to place your vote!).

Do you need to lose weight?

Arbonne offers some pretty good weight loss supplements. They offer protein and fiber shakes, dietary supplements, and energy supplements. If you are interested in looking at these, go to our website at lookgoodfeelgood.myarbonne.com and check them out.

If you are real interested, we are offering the entire weight loss set, a $150 value, for free to one lucky customer. Just visit the site, buy only one item, and sign our guest book, and be entered to win a free weight loss kit. Its good stuff!

What are you hiding?

I know most of you have seen this video, but I just can't stop watching it. Watch, and then read some thoughts I have afterwards.



By day, he sells cell phones. But he wants to do more. Much more. He has a dream to do what he feels he was born to do, and that is to sing.

Notice when he says he is going to sing opera, the British judge gives kind of a "Oh boy, this will awful" look. And the first time I saw it, I thought the same thing. "No way can this guy sing opera. This is a classic "American Idol" screw up audition, and I'm about to laugh".

However, when he starts singing, something comes out of him that no one really expected. Something beautiful, something inspiring.

So ask yourself this: What am I hiding inside of me that I've never let anyone know I can do? Better yet, what talent has God placed inside of me that I've never let people see?

Inside of all of us as Christians, God has placed His Holy Spirit in us. Through God, we can do immeasurable things. God takes those who by human standards are failures and turns them into Peters and Pauls and other heroes from the Bible.

Paul Potts, the guy who sang, said he often lacked the confidence to get up and perform. Don't let lack of confidence ever keep you from doing something for God. He was there with Moses, in front of the Egyptian Pharoah. He was there with Esther in front of the King. He was with Jesus as He walked the long walk to the Golgotha. He'll be with you, too.

1948, A Long Time Ago

On January 7th, 1948, a young Joe Widick was born into this world. Now, 60 years later, no one could have foreseen his impact on the world.

For around 30 years, he taught in one of the most under appreciated systems in the schools, the private school system. Not only private education, but Christian Education was where he landed. He spent many a night staying up late working on yearbooks, slideshows, newspapers, grading tests, driving the bus for sports teams, cleaning the building, counseling with families, preparing lessons, devotionals, classes, coaching, directing plays, and many other things.

Every Sunday, he would wake up to go and preach for a local country congregation of around 30 or so members. He would diligently preach the word of God in the morning and in the evening, and do it again Wednesday nights.

He woke up early every day of the school year for many years to drive the school bus for the kids who had no other way to get to school, most of the times having none of the kids ever saying thanks.

He was in charge of running the scoreboard and keeping stats for the home basketball games, except for when he had to take the yearbook and newspaper pictures.

During the summers of all the school years he taught, instead of taking time off like so many teachers are able to do, my father worked loading and unloading trucks, and many other various jobs, just to be able to help out with the family bills. There's no way we would have survived. He also took pictures as a wedding photographer, sports team photographer, and many other small projects to help make ends meet.

After many years of serving as a teacher, his job was changed to the position of Principal. He diligently did all he could to bring more AP classes to the school, to up the ante on the education of the school. While doing this, he dropped a few of his responsiblities, but worked all the more.

Now, he serves as an Elder and as a Minister for the Maple Hill Church of Christ in Lebanon. He continues to influence people every single day. Over the past 60 years, my father has influenced thousands of people, all the while humbly bowing his head and not taking any credit.

Here's to my father, Joe Widick, a great man with a love and passion for serving our God in any way possible. Thanks for all you've done for me, my family, and all the people you've ever helped, which are way to many to ever count. I love you dad.

Time to start it all

This past week, my wife and I spent a wonderful week in Atlanta, GA at the National Conference for Youth Ministers. After seeing many wonderful friends that I haven't seen in a while. We heard many encouraging speakers and are motivated for this upcoming year. We were real excited to have our friends Jason and Jenny McKnight with us most of the week.

Some of the things I learned this past week:

1. I can live without the internet. I went from Wednesday to late this evening without using the internet...and I survived.

2. Is the church doing it right? Are we too focused on the building instead of the actual church? Is this really how Jesus intended his church to be, confined to a building?

3. I need to be a better minister to everyone. To my teenagers, to my parents, the staff, the members, the elders, everyone!

4. Amos 5:21-22; What does it mean? Is there a meaning for us today that we can learn from Amos? Am I courageous enough to be an Amos?

Thoughts?

Second Thoughts about Jesus

Spiritual Resolutions. They should be a priority. Too often times they are not. Check out my good buddy's resolution over at ALREADY AND NOT YET.

I mentioned in my last post that I would report on my spiritual resolutions for the year. These are never simple, and these should not be taken lightheartedly. On Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching at our church in Guntersville. I spoke from the passage of Luke 9:57-62. It reads:

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me. "But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God".

All three of these guys had a reason to postpone their commitment to Jesus. Here are three things I get from this, and three things I resolve for the year:

1. Jesus needs to know that I have what it takes to follow Him.
2. Jesus needs to know that He is my my number one priority.
3. Jesus needs to know that I won't ever look back on my decision to serve Him.

Jesus knew the first guy was reluctant to follow Him. He saw something in this wanna be disciple that said "The life of a Christian may have trails and tribulations, and I can't handle that. As soon as it happens, I'm gonna give up". Jesus needs to know that we won't give up, whether the task at hand is working in a nursery at church, preaching to the shut ins at the nursing home, dealing with benevolent cases, or praying for others.

Jesus knew the second guy wanted to put a bit more emphasis on his family, friends, home...whatever the case may be... above Jesus. I can't imagine making a decision without my family's support, but if my family is going against what Christ wants, I would have to do so. But more importantly, Christ HAS to be a priority in my life. Jesus does not accept second place. Proclaiming the kingdom of God – the good news of Jesus Christ for us today, demands our allegiance above all other commitments in this world. Let me repeat that. Jesus demands our allegiance above all other commitments in this world. Above our family, our jobs, our possessions, our hobbies, our guilty pleasures, and anything else that you can think of!

Finally, no one can plow a straight furrow in the soil by looking back. We can’t whole-heartedly live for Jesus with constant second thoughts and reservations.

Do you ever have buyers remorse? Maybe you’ve bought a new house or a new car, you know, a major purchase, and as soon as you bought the item, you immediately regretted it. Buyer’s remorse can have a powerful impact on you. However, Jesus needs to know that you don’t have second thoughts about your decision to follow Him.

I so desperately want to be a child of God, an obedient loving child of God. I want to live for Christ without reservation, hesitation, vacillation, indecision or fluctuation. I want to live for Jesus with determination, resolution, perseverance and fortitude. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God to guide and a determined fixing of my eyes on Jesus, this is possible.

How'd You Do?

How'd you do on your 07 Resolutions?

I didn't do so well. In fact, I seemed to have failed miserably. But this upcoming year, I have a little bit more motivation.

I'm more motivated because in just a few short months, I'll have a child here depending on me to provide it with the things it will need. I need to be around to take care of those things.

I started running last week, and I've done okay so far. I figured if I could diet and exercise through Christmas time, I could do it any time.

So here are my physical resolutions for 07. I will follow later with my others.

1. Lose at least as much weight as my wife gains through her pregnancy.
2. Be consistent in my exercise and diet plans.
a. Exercise in some form 6 days a week
b. Eat consistently 3 meals a day with 2 or 3 small snacks in between.
3. Be able to shave my beard off because I won't have a double chin anymore.
4. Eat in a most healthy way except for twice a month, when I'll be able to eat whatever I want.

Spiritual resolutions to follow later.

A modern day Scrooge

I have to admit, this year Christmas has not been fun.

Yet.

I'm still holding out that possibly Christmas could arrive at any moment and "happen", but that hasn't occurred yet.

At some point, buying presents becomes ridiculous.

I'm all for buying things for family and friends, for needy, for those you work with, for those people you only see once a year at Christmas time, you get the point. The problem I have is the fact the actual process of buying Christmas presents is ridiculous. It is an overwhelming phenomena that sucks the very being out most men.

Women could shop for hours, picking up every item in the store, saying "Oooh, he'll love that" or "That's exactly what she needs". Men, we can walk into a store, look aimlessly at the walls and racks, and walk out with either nothing, or the absolute wrong thing.

Yesterday, as I was in Huntsville shopping, I saw man after man with a hopeless and lost look on their face. They all appeared to cry out "Why oh why don't I ever listen to the hints that she gives me??" Men picking up items like that Lowe's commercial asking the ladies in the store, "Do you think my wife will like this?"

Then you have the guy that goes into guy stores looking for things for his wife. That's always comical as well.

I say next year, we all forfeit gift swapping, and just spend time with each other. Being 4 hours from my family, that's what I look forward to the most this year, is a family get together, playing Phase 10 and eating food till midnight, talking about past Christmas days and enjoying watching the children open presents.

But next year, I'll have a kid. That's right, i'll be even more at a loss, because what do you buy a baby who will be 7 months old? Better start buying for next year now.

Youth Group Family Retreat

We had a great weekend at our family retreat. Can't wait till the next one!

Baby Widick, Week 15

Hey everyone. Just updating everyone on Kristen and her pregnancy. She is officially in the second trimester now. She is still really tired, but the nausea is pretty much gone. While she continues to do her housekeeping business, she is going to be cutting back after the first of the year. Her Arbonne business is going great (be sure to click on the link to the left to visit our site and purchase!!).

Many people have asked us if we have a preference as to whether we have a boy or girl. The answer, NO!!! Kristen would like to have one of each, I just want God to bless with a healthy child.

Pray for us while we continue with this pregnancy. Here are the 15 week pregger pictures of Kristen:

Another reason for a playoff system:

Seriously? After an entire college football season, this is what we get? A washed up LSU team vs an Ohio State team that just doesn't seem to make the grade? Are these really the two best teams in the nation?

Ohio State, a One-loss team, reached a national championship game by doing nothing more strenuous than turning on the TV. Congratulations. The Buckeyes will go 50 days between their last game and their next. FIFTY DAYS!!!!

The 10-2 Mountaineers were eliminated partly because of an injured thumb.

An 11-2 Oklahoma team beat Missouri for a second time this season -- including Saturday's 21-point win against the No. 1 Tigers on a neutral field -- and got left out of the running (I can't believe I'm actually defending OU, but you have to).

LSU, also 11-2, a team that has had more ups and downs than Lindsey Lohan's career is going to play for the national championship. You think the fact the SEC commissioner Mike Slive, who doubles as the Bowl Championships Series coordinator, has anything to do with them making a championship game appearance?

Poor Mizzou went from No. 1 to a non-BCS bowl (the Cotton) in less than 24 hours. Meanwhile, Kansas, which lost to Missouri late in the season and failed to reach the Big 12 title game, was invited to a BCS bowl, the Orange.

Georgia, which is 10-2, was in the BCS title game discussion despite not winning its division or conference championship. They were ranked ahead of both Ohio State and Tennessee the day before the conference championships on Saturday. Does barely beating TN qualify a top 2 ranking? Meanwhile, GA draws the only undefeated team in a Sugar Bowl game.

USC, playing as well as anyone these days, finished 10-2, also has the same argument.

So let's look at it this way: Here's the season to justify a playoff system. If the Rose Bowl will ever talk, it may happen. Let's look at the line up for the playoff:

FIRST ROUND:

#1 Ohio State vs #8 Kansas
Ohio State would probably win this game. With Kansas choking at the end of the season, and Ohio State being in a slightly tougher conference, OSU comes out ahead.

#2 LSU vs #7 USC
I'm an SEC fan till I die, but LSU would get thumped by USC. USC is playing too good a football right now, and LSU is barely scraping by.

#3 Virginia Tech vs #6 Missouri
Really, who cares? My pick would be Missouri.

#4 Oklahoma vs #5 Georgia
Here's the best game of this round. My hat is tipped to Georgia. They played in a better conference, and they are stoked right now.

Round Two:
Ohio State vs. Georgia
It seems that every time Ohio State plays an SEC team, they end up getting thumped. I feel it wouldn't be any different this go round. Georgia comes out on top of USC.

USC vs. Missouri
I think USC would beat Missouri. USC would come out ahead.

Round Three: REAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

USC vs. Georgia

In this crazy wacky season, it doesn't matter if you can win your conference or not. Apparently, rankings really don't matter either. This would be a tremendous game. I think SEC speed comes out ahead, and Georgia with their black uniforms come out on top.

What do you guys think?

Vote for Zach

This past summer, at Impact at Lipscomb University, we heard a special guest speaker named Zach. Zach is a teenager, and has personally contributed to freeing of slaves worldwide. Who would have thought in today's day and time that slaves still were a common part of life in many areas.

I just found out that they opened voting today on CNN Heroes for Zach. In the category of young people making a difference, people are asked to vote and the leading vote getter will advance with the opportunity to appear on a prime time special with Anderson Cooper. This would allow Zach to speak to millions of people about modern day slavery and how he feels God is using his generation to bring freedom.

We have asked CNN to change the short sentence describing his work. $20k is what Zach has contributed personally. He has raised much more money than that through the many schools and churches doing the work. Also, the real power in what he's done for the cause of abolition is in raising awareness and mobilizing a new generation of activists. We've asked them to change it to "Raising awareness and mobilizing students to end slavery."

Anyway, can you help get the word out and ask your friends, network, constituents to vote? Since Zach doesn't have a large organization behind him like the American Cancer Institute, or other such entity, there isn't a large database voting. But, perhaps we can encourage a grass roots effort to get out the vote through MySpace, Facebook, your network of connections, etc.

There is a cash prize involved which Zach would like to use toward the aftercare and education of rescued child slaves if he were to be selected.

People can vote here: www.cnn.com/heroes Your vote doesn't post immediately. You can vote as many times as you like until Monday at
noon.

Thanks! Good luck Zach.

Look Good Feel Good

Not too long ago, my wife ventured into the wonderful world of multi-level marketing. She is now a consultant for Arbonne. Arbonne is very similar in products to something like Mary Kay, but after a few uses, I've determined its MUCH better.

So, we decided we like the product so much that I've signed up to be a consultant as well! Those who know us are probably sick of hearing us talk about it, but its so wonderful. You truly do get what you pay for.

The products are all natural, so if you are one who cares about the environment and your health, these products are great. They have a men's kit, which has a face wash, shave gel, and some toner and moisturizer. I've been using this kit for about 2 months, and my face has never been happier. I was cursed with bad skin, acne, oily skin, and baldness! The men's kit is working wonders, it really is.

They have anti aging skin care systems, aromatherapy, nutritional products, and much more. I'm posting a link to the site, which is called Look Good Feel Good. Go there and start shopping today!

Well, its about time we tell you...

Hey everyone. After 4 wonderful years of marriage, God has decided to bless our family with a new addition! Kristen and I are happy to announce that we are going to have a baby!

Now, I know most of your initial responses...Lane? A Father? No way...but its true! Kristen and I have decided its time for the family to grow. We love our Chloe, but she's a bit too hairy and she licks everything in sight.

Kristen is 9 weeks pregnant, and is due on May 29th. Just in time for camp, Impact, and about a zillion other things that a youth minister is involved in. No worries though...God will take care of us.

We solicit your prayers in all of the times we have ahead of us. Kristen is doing well, with the typical nausea and fatigue that accompanies a human being growing inside you. Yesterday we met with the doctor and we got to hear the heartbeat! Its a strong baby, and Kristen is determined that the child is running a marathon inside her belly.

So, any advice from anyone?

Cell Phone Manners?

I didn't write this. I saw it on msn.com news and I just loved it, so I thought it would put it here as well.

The world of cell phones drive me crazy, even though they are a necessity. So here are the top rules of good cell phone manners.

Be nice to the person behind the counter
Last week I was waiting in line to order lunch behind a man blabbing away on his phone. When he got to the counter, he handed the cafe employee a piece of paper with his order and said, "I'm on an important call." So is it just me or is that completely rude? Doesn't the person behind the lunch counter deserve just an ounce of respect? I think so. Next time Mr. Important, hang up or at least put your caller on hold.

Take it outside
I'm also in favor of taking your phone outside, or at least away from the table, when you get a call in a restaurant. No one around you, much less your tablemates, cares to hear what you have to say. That is, unless you're guiding someone to your table in a cavernous eatery. And if it's really important, you could always text. But even that has a limit, as well.

Use your inside voice
I'm always fascinated how people's voices (me included) automatically go up a few decibels when they get on a cell phone. I can understand when you're using your phone in a crowd, near a construction site, or next to your local airport runway, but it happens even in quiet rooms. I just don't get it.

You're welcome
Have you ever held the door for someone who's been on the phone without them acknowledging your presence? It happened to me last week. Remember folks: Even though you're on the phone you still exist in this world to other people.

Drive to distraction
I know I'll open a whole can of worms here but please, when you're driving with a phone use a headset. And whatever you do, don't text while driving. Yikes.

Yes, they're talking to you
I don't pay $10 to hear your cell phone ring during a movie so turn it off. But if you absolutely have to keep your phone on, please turn it on vibrate. And please don't start talking until after you've left the theater. It's just being polite. The same goes for weddings, funerals, and other milestone events. Every time I went to my college's graduation, they'd ask people to turn off their phones before the ceremony. And every time, someone's phone would ring and they'd slink out of the building. Remember that when they ask you to turn off your phone, they're talking to you.

Work out your body, not your mouth
I don't care how important you think you are, the gym is no place for a cell phone. Don't talk when you're doing cardio and don't take up space on equipment so you can sit and catch up the latest dish. If you're bored while you spin, read a magazine.

Not in the bathroom
Don't use your phone in a public restroom. That's just gross.

Remember the people around you
If you're out with a group of friends, it's fine to answer the phone for a few minutes. Just don't make that conversation more important than the one you're already having. Granted, I know I'm throwing stone from a glass house, but be courteous and keep it to a limit.

Bluetooth geeks
I've made no secret of the fact that I think wearing a Bluetooth headset when you're not talking on the phone just makes you look like a geek. That's why I'm saying it again here.