Lots-o-Links 11.5.08

Quick Molly Update: Molly is about to lose it.  She is averaging somewhere around 3 hours of sleep a day or less for the last 6 weeks.  No joke.  She has maybe had two nights where she slept at least 6 hours.  She has had several nights where she didn't even doze off.  We thought it was the steroids taken in the first few weeks.  It's clear that it's so much more than that.  This morning was a breaking point.  She has gone from acting sluggish and tired to wanting to punch me in the face.  That's not all that uncommon, but it's much more than normal.  Let me explain how bad things are...

This morning we sat down to talk and she started to tear up.  I said what I always say when Molly cries, "You know, Jesus didn't cry" (my "Away in a Manger" reference).  Most of the time that makes her laugh and then we figure things out.  Not this time.  This time she barked back at me right away, "MAYBE JESUS DIDN'T CRY, BUT JESUS SLEPT!"  Touche. 

Links...

Lessons from a failed church plant (HT)

5 cool church tools

I know it's last minute, but if you are near Columbia, Missouri you need to check out Karis Church's Theology Weekend.  It's this weekend and the speaker is Bruce Ware.

Jonathan Dodson: Deacon Training I, Deacon Training II, Increase the community in missional communities, Wisdom for planters, especially bivocational

Speaking of missional communities, consider Alan Hirsch's four points: INCH

The art of thank you note writing

Election Night stuff...

I enjoyed Obama's speech last night. It gave me goosebumps. It was like a Disney moment. I watched a sea of people who had the Obama-shaped hole in their hearts filled and wondered what the next four years will look like.

I just hope that Obama doesn't continue in the direction of his voting record. It's remarkable to me and deeply ironic that our first African-American President will be our country's strongest defender of treating unborn babies as less than fully human.

And I'm sorry, but Michelle Obama's dress was awful. 

Did you see the CNN election night hologram? Pretty cool...

Anyone miss Dan Rather? Me too...

Comments

[Chris Meirose]

Amen on the ugly dress.

[Kyle]

I've been following your blog silently mostly and I just wanted to let you know you and your wife are in my prayers.

[Darryl]

I can't imagine how draining all of this must be for all of you. You have our continued prayers and love.

[Max]

Hey guys, I just wanted to drop you a note, too. Although I don't participate in your blog, its one of the first places I go every day. My wife and I keep up with what's happening with Molly and my heart just aches for you all. We are praying for you. Hold on to the One who alone brings real hope and sustenance. God bless, Max (Perth, Australia)

[BJ Stockman]

May God do a miracle in Molly's body!

I can remember being in difficult health situations in my family and this verse always came to mind:

Ps. 121 "I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth"

[Richard]

I said what I always say when Molly cries, "You know, Jesus didn't cry" (my "Away in a Manger" reference)

Dude! Not smooth!

You both are in my prayers.

[Debbie SC]

praying for molly.

[Paul Dirks]

Praying for sleep...