That’s What She Said

The other night, at the dinner table, I heard Kim say the following: “Clark, stop putting that fork between your toes and put it back on your plate.”



In her defense, she’s now claiming she said that last part with a smile on her face. I’ll let any of you mothers of small children make the call on that one.



Do you think Karsyn's misery is the source of Clark and Quincy's happiness?

An Odd Fear of Gravy

The memory is really quite vivid. We’d be sitting there in church in Quincy, Illinois trying to be still. Songs were being sung, trays passed, prayers prayed. Then it would happen. We’d begin this slow and low song, almost like a funeral dirge... and I’d start to cringe. Though the verses passed at a snails pace, I knew the chorus would hit us with a rush… a very scary rush. Before we’d even hit the chorus, I’d see it: a huge, almost pond-size, bowl of gravy with a lone hand reaching up as if grasping for a life preserver. Then it would start. “Up from the gravy he arose, he arose…” Scared me to death! And I don’t mind saying, it made me quite leery of those mashed potatoes and gravy we’d be having soon after.

My friend James Glasscock was always afraid of some mysterious stranger named Andy and questioned why he would want to walk with him and talk with him. Once again, it was due to these crazy church songs. “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am his own.” That’s enough to frighten any small kid away from church.
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On another note, my mom begins a new journey today. My folks now have internet in their home! So welcome to the web family mom.

That means you guys need to watch your language from here on out.

Baby Ana

This last weekend I overheard a part of a conversation going on in our backseat between Quincy and his friend Allison. They must have been discussing cousins because I hear Q say, “My cousin Ana died when she was a baby. But don’t worry cause she’s with God now. Well, I don’t know if she’s still a baby or not.”

It was two years ago today that Baby Ana passed away, breaking all of our hearts. Two years ago today she stepped into a realm that we don’t understand but can only imagine. We won’t know if she’s a baby or full grown until we, one day, are blessed to step through to that same realm. (I’m guessing full grown, however that plays out with a redeemed body. I’m betting she looks just like her mom.)

Until then, our prayers are with Wendy, Chris, Hayden and Ana’s twin sister, Campbell-bell. May God bless you today with much peace. We love you.

What you might have missed.

Does anyone know what Adolph Hitler, Colin Powell, Jessica Lange, Luthor Vandross, Don Mattingly, Carmen Electra and Joey Lawrence all have in common? If you said they were all born on April 20th, you win the prize. (Angie, tell them what they’ve won!) Whoa! (Said with my best Joey from Blossom voice.)

It seems that April is a busy month for birthdays. Also celebrating were Jed Clampet, Axel Foley, the 6 Million Dollar Man (Or was it just one million?) and Superman’s dad (Marlon Brando). You have to wonder what the party would be like if Chuck Connors, Jackie Chann and Steven Seagal celebrated together. I’m pretty sure I’d rather go to the party for Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brian and Jerry Seinfeld.

Lew Alcinder could come too. (Real name anyone?) Peter Rose probably wouldn’t get voted in and no one would know where to send Saddam Hussein’s invitation. Perhaps we could get Barbara Streisand to perform, though I hear she’s shy.

Even Shirley MacLaine celebrates one of her birthdays in April!

And after all that partying, surely someone would end up in the Betty Ford (also April) Center.

Also celebrating would be Kris Smith and Greg True; both April 1st babies. (You have to watch out for anyone born on the first.

Jeff Gearhart’s birthday was in April. Jeff, can you believe Herbie, not John, Hanckock’s birthday is on the 12th!

Paul Miller celebrates in April and boy is he getting old!

Anna and Campbell (a.k.a. Campbell-bell) Chapel were born in April.

And on April 15th, when everyone else is celebrating the paying of taxes, we in the Rush house party in honor of Kim who just turned 30! (She’ll always be 29 to me.)

Imagine all the stories Tom Clancy (also an April baby) could tell.

Sensational Journalism

Is it just me or are others bugged with the sensational journalism that seems to enjoy whichever current tragedy or massacre?

I heard CNN teasing a later story this morning by saying, and this is not a lie, “Would the Virginia Tech tragedy have been avoided if students were allowed to carry fire arms?” And then something along the lines of following up this “debate” from the state where it is allowed.

People! Is this really a “debate”? And, please don’t let that state be Oklahoma.

While I was away...

While I was in Tulsa, Kim’s sister and her two daughters came to Guadalajara. Kelcey brought Kira and Kia to Mexico so that Kim wouldn’t be alone. I came home to find Kira turning my little Karsy into a cover girl.

Kira told Karsyn how to pose, and Karsyn did it.

I’m thinking Kira has a future in photography...

...these photos were taken by her.

...and Karsyn might be a future model.

So it's been a while.

I got back from Tulsa on Tuesday. What a fun trip! The singing at Memorial on Wednesday was the best I’ve heard in recent memory. …just to be topped by the singing at AIM-a-palooza on Friday night.

The classes were great. So fun to hear what God is doing in his church all around the globe. And the fellowship was a once-in-a-lifetime treat. So many friends, so little time.

And then there’s family! Even my grandma was there. I hadn’t seen her in 3 years.

I even got to golf. I’m horrible and only golf for social reasons. But it was great spending 3 hours chasing my stray tee shots with Dad, Dusty and Shawn Mays. (Shawn and Arleen are recent additions to the family. Well, Arlene was voted in, but Shawn is in somewhat of a probation period as he’s a Cub fan and can’t kick the habit.)

Which brings us to tonight. The first pitch is less than an hour away! Is anyone else suiting up?

Off to Tulsa!

One more sleep!

Tomorrow morning we take Q to school and then head right on out to the airport. I should be in Tulsa by 5:00 p.m. I do have my doubts though. I'm not sure I can make it through customs in Houston during the hour provided, back through security and on to my gate. I'm betting I get the next flight.

Kim heads back out to the airport about that time, here in Guadalajara to pick up Kelcy and her two daughters. I'll be back in time to spend a couple of days with them before they make their way back to California.

Hope you all have a great week. I'm really looking forward to seeing many of you in Tulsa.

Baseball Season!

Today we had our second baseball practice! The team, it turns out, has been practicing since August. Cory Burns found out about the team two weeks ago so Josiah and Quincy have practiced with them today and last Thursday. We're not sure if they'll get to play in the games or not.


We're really not even sure how many more times they'll attend practice. It is a blast, but they are behind the rest of the kids and don't have the attention span. The practices last for over 2 and 1/2 hours. The boys have a blast... for about an hour and a half. I think we'll keep going back as long as the boys want to, but will try not to push them for our entertainment. (And it is entertainment!)

It's hard to make out the ball, but Quincy is connecting in this photo.


Josiah takes off for first after hitting the ball.


One of the funnest things is coming home and re-living the day. Q and I sit down at the table to eat and he tells me about all the great things he did. (As if I weren't there to see them.) So far, the real highlight has been getting hit in the face by grounders and not crying. Happens more than you'd think.



He didn't exactly catch it, but notice how he stays in front of the ball. We all know he didn't learn that from his dad.

Quincy's not exactly the biggest kid on the team... but he's looking good!

Rush Family Update

This is our most recent newsletter. We've been having problems sending it through our AOL Groups. So if you no longer receive it but want to, let us know and we'll add you to the list.

Also, thank you so much for your prayers for us. We know that the work we are a part of is so richly blessed because so many are watering the fields with prayer.

Growth in Jocotan
Almost immediately after Omar’s baptism, he began talking about those he wanted to share his story with. Since making the decision to change his life, almost a year ago, Omar began escaping to his home after work, avoiding the streets along with the people and the temptations in them. Just recently, though, he’s begun reappearing, and reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. Many (if not all) are asking him what’s different. Why the change? Some have even asked, “Are the brothers paying you to change?” To which he’s responded, “No. I’ve just started reading the Bible, and it is changing me.”

Many are making fun of Omar for not joining with them as in the ‘good ole days’. Others see Omar’s changed life and want the same. It looks like God is positioning him to impact more and more old friends. Please keep Omar in your prayers. As exciting as this is, it is often slow and taxing. Right now, Omar feels alone in his neighborhood among his friends.

José Julian
One of the first ones Omar began talking about reaching out to was José Julian. José Julian is the husband of Omar’s sister Lilian, though they’ve been separated for three years. José Julian is an alcoholic and wants to change. Omar feels responsible for José Julian’s lifestyle as they were friends even before they were brother-in-laws. And Omar’s influence was one of the factors that lead José Julian into drugs and alcohol. Now, Omar wants to influence him for Christ. We can’t tell you how fun it is to hear Omar talk like this without prompting from us. He really wants to share the gift that God has given him in changing his life for the better.

On one Sunday morning, when just Omar, José Julian and Tim were sitting together, Omar was confessing his desire over the weekend to return to his old way of life. José Julian, who was with us for just the second time and hadn’t said much up until this point, began encouraging Omar, “Cuňo (short for brother-in-law), don’t give up. See these changes you’ve made. You’ve made me think I can do it! Cuňo, I want these changes for my life too! Don’t go back now.” Tim sat in awe of what Jesus was doing among this family.

With the steps toward God that José Julian is making, Lilian is more and more open to reconciling their marriage. Jesus is actually causing healing in this broken home! As you pray with us, please focus on the marriages in our body: for God to unify the couples and bring them closer together as families as they draw closer to him. It is exciting seeing how the transformative power of Christ has become a testimony of God’s power and that it will also increase their influence for God in their neighborhood. It seems like God is already answering our prayers about the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Baseball
Around the corner from our home is a children’s home called Ciudad de los Niňos (The City of Children). For quite some time we’ve wondered how we might be able to minister to them. However, they are a catholic-run orphanage and we were told by others that they didn’t allow volunteer work from non-catholics.

Tim passed by the other day and saw some of the kids out throwing a baseball around. So the next day, he stopped by the office and asked if he could help them out coaching baseball. Tim was passed on to Juan Pablo who has just recently organized a baseball team among the kids and is very eager for some reinforcements. Thus, Tim is now helping, twice a week, coach 13 to 16 year olds. His first practice was last Wednesday and he LOVED it. The kids have hardly any baseball experience, but still had a blast.

Q School
Good news on the school front: we’ve found a school for Quincy that we really like that is very close to our home. Thank you so much for praying with us about it. When Kim took Quincy for the entrance evaluation (that’s very normal in Mexico… even for the 1st grade), she met a neighbor of ours who’s son will be in the same class as Quincy. Her name is Carina and Dario is her son.

Other Prayer Requests
Please keep praying for the leadership growing among all the churches in the area and for the time the emerging leaders spend together each month. Omar has been attending these meetings with Tim and we pray for more contact between our church and the others in the area.

Tim will be traveling to Tulsa for the workshop there at the end of March. Please prayer for safe travel, renewal, and God’s working during that week. He will be speaking Thursday morning about what God is doing in Guadalajara. Kim’s sister and nieces will be here while he is gone.

Quote of the Day

"The only statistic I can ever remember is that if all the people who go to sleep in church were laid end to end they would be a lot more comfortable."

Attributed to Queen Victoria, taken from The Shaping of Things to Come by Frost and Hirsch

Blood Diamonds

Has anyone seen this movie? Very intense. Too much violence. But the violence is different when you get the feeling the story is truer than you might have imagined. Thus, how true is it? Someone in Tulsa ask our Africa-expert Clint what he knows.

If you haven’t seen it, I’d suggest you go right now.
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For those that might not know, Dennis Wilson left today for Cozumel, Mexico. He and Theresa and family are moving there to take over a children’s home. He will spend the month of March in a complete emersion language school. Theresa and kids will arrive after the school year ends. Please keep this wonderful family in your prayers.
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Quincy keeps asking us when baseball season is going to start. I was pretty proud of that until I realized his true motive for asking. We turned off our cable after the World Series and do not have plans to start it again until baseball season starts. He must have put two and two together and he really misses Discovery Kids.

I’m missing American Idol and Law and Order myself.

Comings and Goings

I woke up this morning worried about two things; both involving travel. (I have to admit that I’m much more of a worrier than I should be.) First, I was thinking about how grateful I am that we won’t be driving out of Mexico this year on furlough. It seems that Nuevo Larado and the border in general is becoming more and more of a war zone (drug wars). And it is so frightening passing through there with the family.

The other is the drive we’ll make in a couple of hours through Jocotan to be with our church in that neighborhood. It is a very poor neighborhood with all the stereo-type action… lots of drunks wandering around, lots of unattended kids playing in the streets. And to get to the family's home, we have to back down a dead-end street. I hate it! I’m always afraid a small kid is going to run, unseen, behind the car. This scares me for the child, but also for my own. If we were to hurt one of theirs, getting out ourselves wouldn’t be a certainty.

So this morning, God had this to share with me (from Psalms 121).

“I will keep you from all harm – I will watch over your life; I will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Again, I’m in awe that this all-powerful God, can communicate to us on even the most obscure level, speaking to fears that are ours TODAY.

TULSA!

This is what I’m looking forward to in Tulsa…

I love listening to my dad talk about what all happened during the day; the behind the scenes look. I love listening to Dusty talk about what he heard and what he thought about what he heard. (I have to admit, Dusty is about 5 years ahead of me, spiritually speaking. He tells me what he’s thinking and it takes me that long to understand/ come to terms with/ agree with what he said. He might be a prophet… or I might just be slow.)

I can’t wait to have breakfast with Angie Burns. I can’t wait for AIM-a-palooza at the Thornton’s on Friday night. I’m going ahead and planning on tearing up during the flag presentation on Friday evening. The standing ovation gets me every time.

I’m stealing Jay Jarboe, and Sherry too if she’ll come, for a cup of coffee at some point. Jealous?!

What about you? Favorite memory? What excites you?

New Favorite Quote

My new favorite quote comes from Leonard Sweet, talking about fundamentalism in The Three Hardest Words in the World to Get Right (p. 22):

“A yearning for yesteryear, a hankering after the palmy days of the past, a nostalgia for what never did happen, is at the heart of fundamentalism. The Bible challenges us to “remember the days of old,” to honor the “years of many generations,” but not to live in them. Alpha and Omega are yoked, but Alpha is not Omega.

Reminds me of something my brother mentioned 3 to 5 years ago. I can’t quote him, but the gist was this: the problem with the restoration movement is that Jesus never called us to move back… he calls us to move forward according to what the Spirit is telling us Today.

Tulsa Workshop

I made my tickets last week and I can’t wait! The workshop starts on Wednesday the 21st. Are you going? If you follow my dad’s link to the right, and go down to his post from Wednesday, February the 14th you can see a schedule.

To the ex-AIMers out there, you might be interested to see that our own Angie Burns will be speaking on Friday. And, not mentioned on the schedule, the first annual, AIM-a-pa-looza will be held after the Friday night session in the home of Jason and Heather Thornton. (Reunion for ex-AIMers.) Angie will be in charge of the stories. (Angie, do you think you can get Paige to come and help you out with that?) Stuart will be in charge of the door prizes. (Can someone let Stuart know?) And Jason will be in charge of the singing. I’ll be in charge of eating nachos. (Could someone bring nachos?)

Can’t wait to see you all there!

Allergies, Colds and Tulsa

Feels like forever since I’ve blogged. Pat Sheaffer came into town a week ago last Wednesday so I was pretty busy having a big time with Pat. After taking him to the airport on Monday, I decided on my way home that I might be coming down with something.

BUT, I had an appointment with the Allergy doctor on Monday so I couldn’t get sick yet. I don’t know why I’ve waited 34 years to make this appointment. He gave me the little scratch test, and surprise, I’m allergic to everything. I’m not just saying that… there was nothing that didn’t swell up. In fact, there are still some red spots on my arms 6 days later. Is this normal? I somehow felt vindicated. (Like when you get hit real hard but don’t bruise and you think, hey I wish I had something to show for the pain… I watched my arms swell up and I was so glad.) Now, it’s time to get well. I started the shots on Tuesday but they may take 2 to 3 months before they start making a difference. I can’t wait!

My cold that started on Monday took its sweet time migrating into my chest, where it has stayed. Gotta love it. But the great thing about Mexico is the self-medication. Today I finally started some antibiotics.

I’ll post more on this later, but is everyone making plans to attend the Tulsa Workshop in March? Just a month away! There’s still time to make it work.

Cline Paden

I received the following letter today and thought many of you who read this blog might be interested to know how Cline is doing. What a great man!

Dear brethren,

I am sending this email out widely and asking you to forward it to those on your email list, if you feel that it is appropriate.

As many of you know, Cline R. Paden has been very ill in the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease for quite awhile. Recently he has taken a turn for the worse and has apparently been near death on a couple of occasions. In the last couple of days he has rallied a bit but this may be temporary.

We want to open a channel of communication with as many as possible, since Cline is such a beloved brotherhood figure and since he has influenced so many across the years. Here is what we are asking:

Check our website at www.sibi.cc. You will see a picture of Cline and can click on it to get a current report on his condition.

Send an encouraging email to Cline. You may want to share some story of his influence in your life or just share a scripture, prayer or some comforting message. I will take a stack of emails when I visit Cline and read them to him. This will mean more to him than you can know. Send your emails, addressed to Cline, to tadair@sibi.cc or just respond on the website update page.

Share the news of the website update with others and be prepared to forward the notice of Cline's VICTORY, when that time comes. Selfishly we hope that is a long time coming, but many of the medical signs indicate that it may be near.

Thanks for your interest and concern and your prayers for Cline and the whole Paden family.

In Christ,
Truitt Adair

8 Years!

On Sunday, as we drove to our friends’ house to watch the Super Bowl, Kim and Quincy were squealing with delight over the beautiful rainbows along the way. At one point, when I thought they were done, Kim got a fresh glimpse and shouted so suddenly that I thought we were about to get hit by a car. After I let her know we almost drove into oncoming traffic, she told me to lighten up. “After all, that’s why you love me.” …referring to her getting excited over simple things like rainbows.

So today, in honor of our 8th year anniversary, I thought I’d share a few more reasons why I love Kimberly Gwin Rush.

*The other day Quincy asked her to sing a song for him, so she does… in Russian! After finishing she looks at me and says, “Huh, I didn’t know I knew that song.”
*I love that she gets excited that Clark might be left handed (like her).
*I love that she can’t watch a movie at night without falling asleep.
*that she reads the Daily Bible to the kids at breakfast.

*that she’ll take batting practice with the rest of us.
*that movies like Meet the Parents stress her out.
*that Karsyn is a miniature version of her.
*that she’d rather eat veggies than chips but doesn’t give me a dirty look when I have one more piece of pizza.

*that when she’s pregnant she craves Long John Silver’s
*that she’s not pregnant!
*that she is SOOO Beautiful.
*that she can do more than one chin-up.
*that she adores my family. (Sure, who wouldn’t like Mom, Chris, Wendy and Crystal… but Dad and Dusty too?!)
*that I tried to sneak down stairs this morning without waking her at 6:30 and there she was reading her Bible on the couch.

*that she would ever date me, much less marry me.
*that she played in the Baseball Rapido League with me… and was good!
* have you heard her sing? She’s definitely not a Rush.
*that to her, playing scrabble in a coffee shop is romantic and my running and playing with the kids is attractive.
*that she’s smarter than me but doesn’t make an issue out of it. (She was valedictorian of her class at LCU.)

Resolutions and Christmas

So it’s one month and five days since resolutions were made. How are you doing?

I’m not getting any skinnier, but besides that one, I’m doing ok with the resolutions. And I’m re-upping to try again this month to loose a few pounds. (I’d tell you what my other two resolutions are, but over a cup of coffee. I feel better about people laughing in my face as opposed to laughing at their screen.)

And how are we doing with our Christmas presents? Still loving them or are they hiding away in the closet?

We always make fun of my dad for getting us presents he always wanted when he was a kid. But now I understand. I don’t even get my kids presents I wanted. I get them stuff I WANT!

Thus Clark got a batting tee this year and Quincy, Clark and I each got puffy balls that we can whale on in the house without breaking anything. Thus, can you tell in the pictures who’s having the most fun?

Some families read together at bed time. Ours takes batting practice.

Apocalypto

Has anyone seen Apocalypto yet? A friend loaned it to Kim and I to watch on DVD. I put it in one night at about 9:30 thinking I'd watch about a half hour... hour tops. At about 12:30 we were both wide awake in bed wondering if we'd ever get to sleep.

I can't really say if I liked it or not. It was very interesting and kept you on the edge of your seat, or bed as the case may be.

It should be mentioned that it is all in subtitles. (Someone needs to tell Mel it's ok if he uses some English again.) And our subtitles were all in Spanish. Even if we missed a word here or there, the movie isn't about the dialogue.

I know it isn't based on Aztec civilization, but it reminded me a lot of books I've read on that time period. Still, I wouldn't call this a period piece.

I'm curious to hear your opinion. Also, any movies you'd suggest? When Angela Myers was here, she always knew what movies to rent. She never let us down. But now that she's gone, we have no idea what's good anymore.

Must Read

My friends Jason and Maggie Harris have a two year old. You gotta read their most recent post. http://www.team-harris-happenings.blogspot.com/

We're talking about quality entertainment here!

Swimsuit Calendar

I thought I might let you preview a couple pics from the coming Rush Family Swimsuit Calendar. (Now wouldn't that be a great idea for a fund raiser!)

These babes were caught frolicking on the beach a year and a half ago.


Quote of the day by Mark Driscoll as quoted by Frost and Hirsch in The Shaping of Things to Come:
"I want to prepare like an evangelical; preach like a Pentecostal; pray like a mystic; do the spiritual disciplines like a Desert Father; art like a Catholic; and social justice like a liberal."

I love that quote. Though, it is harder to reflect on when it sets next to Clark in a speedo.

Today I called my friends Cory and Toni after dropping Quincy off at school and they were just getting their kids into the car. This was odd as their boy, Josiah, usually starts his school day before Q. Toni explained that the school was starting late because of the cold weather. And by cold weather they mean 62 degrees. Ha! I'm sure Cory and Toni find this especially amusing as they just returned from West Texas where they were iced in a few days longer than they expected.

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So did you get to see the game last night? I got to see a bit of the Bears and Saints... just as the Bears started pulling away. But I missed the Colts/Pats. Was it as good as I think it was?

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My favorite quote of the week comes from Karsyn. "Zeka, no yicka my bobum!" She has begun undressing and taking off her diaper before anyone is ready to re-dress. Thus she spends a lot of naked time which our dog finds intriguing.

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After my last post on dreaming and wondering about the great things God can do, I sat down to read Proverbs. And this is what jumped out at me...

"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." Proverbs 19:2

It seems like God operates with such balance. "Dream", he says, "and know that I'll out-do it." But bookends it with, "Don't be hasty, do seek advice."

Just when I think I have him figured out...

Beyond Our Imagination

A week or so ago I wrote my dad to share with him a dream that I have for future ministry; a dream that is rather “out there”. I was curious to read what he would write back.

He wrote, “God has called us to believe He can work beyond our imagination… Eph 3:20. So if you have imagined this, God has already said He can match it and then out-do it.”

That same day, Trey Morgan made a comment on my blog that referenced Luke 18:17. I could not, for the life of me, remember what that passage was about. When I sat down later to find out, God overwhelmed me. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

I love it! I love how little children receive any gift. Their hope for what is inside is not at all limited by the size of the box. The box could be shaped like a toy car. But if it is a BB gun they want, that is what they believe to be inside. (I wouldn’t suggest giving a BB gun to a small child, but you get the idea.) Kid’s imaginations are limitless! And when God is the giver of the gift, no kid will be disappointed after the wrapping paper has been pealed away.

And notice that Jesus doesn’t say “receive eternal life” but rather “the Kingdom of God”. In the past, I’ve been far too narrow in my understanding of God’s gift.

So friends, we’ve been given THE KINGDOM OF GOD, what do you say we do with it? Where does your imagination lead you?

Football Picks

During the final week of the baseball season, when the Cardinals were in the midst of their 3rd 7 game losing streak, I told everyone who'd listen that they would win the World Series. (Sure, I'd said that for 18 years straight, but it finally paid off.)

I figured the Cards were the best team in the NL the last 2 seasons but hadn't won it all yet. My point being: once you get to the play offs, the regular season doesn't matter.

I think that's how the Colts are this year. In fact, I think their slide at the end of the season will finally give them the push they need to get over the top. So I'm saying the Colts win it all. (But if they don't make it past the Patriots this weekend, will that make Brady the greatest quarterback ever?)

My mind says Bears, but my heart says Saints... too good of a story.

So I say Colts over Saints in the Super Bowl.

What are your picks?

Let's have a little contest. And as usual, Angie Burns will send the winner a little prize package. (Angie, you are too sweet to keep offering stuff like this.)

Christmas with the Cousins!

Karsyn the Fairy

Caleb and Mason are ready to open some presents!

Hayden's ready to go to work on the docks.

Papa Terry and Campbell Bell.

Clark and Quincy get ready for family picture day.

Check out Hayden's new car! This is one of the rare moments HC wasn't wearing his matching OU football helmet.

Does anyone remember Dot from the Animaniacs? "Hi, I'm cute!"

Mason, Clark and Quincy take a breather.

Emma helps Karsyn build a tent

Papa Terry gives all the grandkids a ride on the tractor through the farm, er, streets.

Our Sunday

This Past Sunday, the 7th, Omar planned to be baptized. So we, the forming church in Jocotan, gathered with the church in Mariano Otero and drove out of the city to a place that was supposed to offer natural warm water springs. (Or that’s what I thought.) Actually it was a picnic area with a few swimming pools and though the water wasn’t freezing, I wouldn’t go so far as to say it was warm.

Naturally, we were all very excited. Not only was this a huge step in Omar’s walk with God but it was also a great step for the church in Jocotan; a beginning of sorts.

And to make a fun day even funner (can I make that word up?), after baptizing Omar, we look over to see Gerardo, a young man of about 18, had slipped down into the pool and was waiting his turn. We knew he had been thinking about taking this step, but weren’t expecting it for quite some time. However, seeing Omar baptized by family, Gerardo was given the courage to do the same.

AND! After Gerardo was baptized by his father, who was baptized last April, we look up to see Adriana making her way through the crowd to join us in the pool. She was then baptized by her husband who himself was baptized in November.

How fun is that!

Favorite Names

What is your favorite name for God? I've never really pondered this question though I think I've always liked God Will Provide or God Is With Us.

For the last couple of years though, I've been a big fan of Happy Father. Quincy mis-heard a friend's prayer and thought they were addressing God as Happy Father, instead of Holy Father. ...and it stuck. I love that in Q's pure little mind it makes total sense to address the all-powerful creator of the world as Happy Father. Now, the twins are beginning their prayers in the same way.

I've never really considered how I address God before, but I'm going to change that in my personal time with God. I'm going to use Bible names and I'm going to use personal relationship names.

God is my Redeemer. My God Loves me. Happy Father. My Father is Happy with me.

What about you? What is your favorite name for God?

Happy Christmas

What a fun Christmas! We spent 10 fun-filled days in Tulsa with family and friends. We couldn't have asked for a better trip. Santa was good to all and so was mom's cooking. She just kept finding more and more cookies in the freezer. Don't know how she does it.

Quincy had his first trip to the dentist. That is now his favorite place to go in Tulsa... seriously.

Papa Terry gave tractor rides. And the cousins (all 9 of them) played together beautifully. Speaking of the 9, each time we talk about the cousins we think of baby Ana. Check out my brother-in-law's blog remembering her. http://chrischapel.blogspot.com/ He makes a point that is important to remember during the holidays.

The 10 crazy days were much fuller than we expected. We couldn't fit it all in... though we gave it a great effort. From late night and early morning coffee with friends to PF Chang with enemies. (Ok, the Mayes aren't enemies, but Shawn is a Cubs fan.)

On another note... how about them Red Raiders! For once, we set a record that is good and has nothing to do with Bobby Night. The largest comeback in bowl history. You can read all about it at:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/specials/bowls/2006/12/29/ttech.minnesota.ap/index.html

Merry Christmas

We leave for Tulsa in just a few hours. I really ought to be packing I guess.

A few years ago, before opening presents on Christmas, my dad asked us to go around the room and tell our favorite Christmas memory. It was really a neat experience... except that everyone's favorite memory involved the one Christmas I was in Portugal. (Who'd have thunk?) After a bit, it got just a bit awkward.

But here's hoping that you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with many favorite memories.

Go Retro in 07

I don't know about you, but I usually get excited about seeing a movie re-make of an old t.v. show. Some end up being good, others... not so much.

But why haven't they re-made Gilligan's Island or CHiPs?

In traffic today I was pondering such deep questions as these and even came up with an interesting cast for Gilligan's Island. Why not use the cast from That 70's Show? Kelso as Gilligan, the girls as Mary Anne and Ginger, the mom and dad as Mr. and Mrs. Howell. The son, (Eric, I think) as the Professor, and the red haired girl's dad as the Skipper.

I'm really surprised no one is doing Gilligan yet. With the success of Survivor and Lost, you'd think you could make G. a bit more edgy and it would score big time... though perhaps not with my cast.

And who wouldn't pay to see a spoof of CHiPs?

And while we're at it, how about Ron Howard re-doing The Andy Griffith Show or Happy Days?

I've heard Tom Hanks has been approached about another Bossom Buddies but he wouldn't do it without his original cast-mate. And I wasn't a big fan of Three's Company, but I'm thinking it would sell. Love Boat anyone?

Other ideas? Who would you cast as the lead?

One more idea, why not go ahead and spoof a curent show... like CSI? Or does CSI Miami qualify?

Vivan las Chivas! (Long live the Goats!)

The Guadalajara Chivas won Mexico's version of the Super Bowl yesterday afternoon. The Chivas are the pride of Mexican Soccer once again. (So weird though... I could have sworn I saw my dad and brother sitting on the 4th row.)

The Chivas are one of the more popular teams as they have a special place in Mexican pride. They have a tradition that no foreigner is allowed to play for the Chivas. Thus, Quincy will never play for them though Clark could one day. (I'm not being sexist towards Karsyn. It's just that their team colors are not pink. She is already opinionated about that.)

Can you imagine a team in the states signing players based on their race?

In other news... I got to see the Cowboy game last night. Ouch!

Listening to God

So what do you know about listening, and I mean really listening to God?

I'm learning two things... it helps if you DESIRE it. You can read and pray all day, but unless you are expecting to hear God speak to you, you won't hear it.

And second... you have to say YES to what you are hearing. If he's calling you to change, confess, give... if you don't do it, it seems to clog the pipes of communication. He needs you to say YES so he can say more.

That is my 2 cents. And seriously, that is all that I know.

What's been helping you listen? What can you teach me?

One Great Idea!

Please go to this post http://shanecoffman.blogspot.com/ by Shane Coffman, the praise leader at Memorial Drive and read about what they did with their Wednesday night this week.

You'll be encouraged.

Rush Family Update

This is a little long, but I've blogged our November Newsletter if you are interested in reading it.

(Alejandro's about to be baptized by family)

Monday, December 4, 2006

A Day at the Waterfalls
The Month of November started off with a huge splash! It seems that God had been bringing different ones from different churches to a decision about baptism. So the churches met together the first Sunday in November to witness the baptisms together. Five in all were baptized, but not necessarily the five we had expected. We believe God is moving in the hearts of many more that just weren’t to that point on that given Sunday.

(Angeles is between 70 and 80... she doesn't know.)

It was very encouraging to see over 100 people there representing at least 4 of the churches we are currently working with. When the churches multiplied into two about a year and a half ago, we numbered less than 50. We did have many guests and visitors that were with us for the first time, but it was still easy to see that God has added to our numbers in a huge way.


(Joe with Morgan and Natelie after their baptism... Luis was also baptized but is not pictured.)

The Church in Jocotan
We aren’t exaggerating when we say that we are always encouraged when we spend time with the family in Jocotan. They come from such a rough background that is so far beyond our own experiences. But they are always eager to talk about Jesus and stories from the Bible. They love sharing what they’ve read and how it has inspired and encouraged them.

The matriarch of the group, Lucia, has been back with us for the last couple of Sundays. She was baptized a few years ago but hasn’t been heard from much in the last couple of years. It has been interesting, and even sad, to see her children grow past her in their devotion to God. So please keep her in your prayers, that she would take life with Christ seriously.

And could you also pray for Omar. His job has him living 2 hours away during the week and home only on weekends. He seems to be doing well, but this past Sunday there were signs of the world getting its grip on him and tugging. He has talked a lot about being baptized when his brothers are here in December. We are certain that Satan wants to derail this new relationship with Jesus. Please pray with us that Satan not come between Omar and his Father.

Visit from Malissa
A former missionary to Guadalajara, Malissa Sheafer came down for a brief visit just before Thanksgiving. We all enjoyed visiting and catching up, but the missionary wives were especially encouraged. They were able to leave the kids with dads and get together for a girl’s night out which really isn’t as common as it should be. I (Tim) am so thankful for Malissa’s coming and offering such a special ministry to Kim. She is always such a blessing.

(Some of the kids at the Missionary Retreat)
Missionary Retreat
Though Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated here in Mexico as a national holiday, many of the Mexico missionaries were able to get away from their respective cities and meet for a 3 night stay in the mountains located two hours outside of Guadalajara. The weather was cold, the food was hot and the friendships renewed! It was such a blast. I heard that there were upwards of 80 in attendance from Mexico City, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Morelia, Leon, Lazaro Cardanas and Guadalajara. The majority of those in attendance were old friends from our days in Lubbock so that made it even more special.
(Thanksgiving meal in the Mountains)
As you may remember us mentioning, it was our team’s turn to host the retreat so we had a blast planning the sessions, speakers, food and game times. Thank you so much for your prayers on our behalf. Everyone that we talked to felt renewed and we think it was a neat time for unifying the efforts of the Kingdom here in Mexico. Plus, we all had a lot of fun. Kent and Karen Smith, from Abilene, TX were generous enough to spend their Thanksgiving with us and lead our discussions of Christ centered life and ministry. God was really powerful throughout the time.

Coming to Tulsa!
On December the 18th we will be FLYING into Tulsa. We want to say thanks again to our family at Memorial for flying us home. We are still in a blessed state of shock that we won’t be racking up the mileage in the old Ford. This will be our first Rush Family Christmas in five years. (I can’t believe it has been that long.) Since our last Christmas together 6 new Rush grandkiddies have been born. That house is going to be a-rock’n!

Support
The bad news: As most of you know we are losing $875 of monthly support beginning in January.
The good news: God has already supplied us with $650 of that amount. (We just found out about a large chunk of that this morning.)

We want to say thank you for all of your help. So many of you have done much more than we’d ever imagined. Thank you.

Editor’s Note: More Good News… since writing this newsletter 2 days ago, we have found out the final $225 has been pledged. You guys are too good to us. Thank you again, so much.

Merry Christmas!

We just got off the phone with Santa Clause (a.k.a. Papa Terry). Too fun! For the second night in a row we watched an old v.c.r. copy of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. And afterward we decided to call the North Poll to make sure Santa knew we would be in Tulsa this year for Christmas. Each of the kids took turns telling Santa what they want in varying degrees of verbality. (I think I made that word up.) I didn’t think the kids would ever get to sleep after the call. We are all too excited.

So, will you be opening gifts on Christmas morning? Eve? Every night the week before? Besides the Cowboy game, is there anything particular you will be doing on Christmas? Family traditions? Early morning golf outings to public courses that are left open?

Go Cowboys!

How about that game. I actually got to see most of it today... except for my brief nap to start the 3rd quarter. How fun. So, do you think Romo is for real? I would love to see the game in English and hear what Troy Aikman et. all are saying about him.

Most are sick in our home. Clark and I are almost over it. Karsyn is in the middle of it. And Kim is just getting started. So far, Quincy's the only one spared.

I don't know about your house, but ours goes on like normal until Kim gets sick. Then it is as if the fabric of society has torn in two.

The pictures above were taken almost a year and a half ago when all were sick.

Interesting Quote

I read this in The Shaping of Things to Come and thought it was interesting. It is The Gospel and Our Culture Network (GOCN)’s definition of missional church.

“The missional church represents God in the encounter between God and human culture. It exists not because of human goals or desires, but as a result of God’s creating and saving work in the world. It is a visible manifestation of how the Good News of Jesus Christ is present in human life and transforms human culture to reflect more faithfully God’s intentions for creation. It is a community that visibly and effectively participates in God’s activity, just as Jesus indicated when he referred to it in metaphorical language as salt, yeast, and light in the world.”

Don’t know about you, but I like it for any church.

Thanksgiving Retreat

What a fun retreat to the mountains. We bunked with the Gearhart family and the cabin was a rock’n. They have 3 very cute and well-behaved children. But combined with our 3, there was never a low decibel level. Hopefully I’ll have some photos soon to share.

Kent and Karen Smith came down from ACU and shared with us what God is teaching them. Each session was a great encouragement. I think Kim cried during 2 of the 3 classes.

Besides our team from Guadalajara there were those from Tlalpan in Mexico City, a couple from Cuernavaca and the Gearharts from Lazaro Cardanas, two families from Leon, a family from Morelia and AIMers from Mexico City, Toluca and Leon. I think I’m missing some, but the place was packed.

I was especially excited to see Benjy and Chris. Lots of fun conversations and some good food too. And we even got to see the second half of the Cowboy game. How great was that! We didn't get to play football on Turkey Day and had to settle for friday. (Don't want to brag, but the missionaries beat the AIMers. ...we couldn't have done it without Elaine's killer blocks or Morgan's blazing speed.)

It’s never the same being away from family for any holiday, but God provided a bit of extended family. And we are so grateful.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

I think I’ve mentioned Paul Miller before on this blog. But when I think about one man sharpening another, I think about my relationship with Paul. I loved road trips with Paul because we would hash, rehash and hash again our problems and solutions. Together we were discovering what God was doing in our lives.

This may sound like I’m taking too much credit, but I believe aspects of AIM were shaped by our relationship. We added to what we were learning by asking Jay, the director (and our mentor) at the time, a ton of questions. Then we took what was sharpening us and tried to use it to sharpen those we were trying to mentor. What a fun time!

Today, I’m surrounded by guys like Joe Pruett and Cory Burns as well as Kim. Each, in his/her own way, is sharpening me. My prayer is that somehow I can do the same for them.

So who has been sharpening you? How so? And who have you been sharpening?

Giving Thanks

Who’s excited about Turkey Day?

Tomorrow we head about 3 hours away to the mountains for a retreat with missionaries from all over Mexico. I can’t wait. There ought to be upwards of 70 in attendance. And the majority are old friends of ours from our days in Lubbock, Texas.

I think that this year I’m especially thankful for a few particular faces that will be there. …special friends from a very important and forming time in my history.

So what are you thankful for?
What are you especially looking forward to?
Will you be rooting for the Cowboys? Would you root more if T.O. weren’t in the picture?
Will you be playing any ball in the yard? And if so, whose jersey will you be wearing? (I’ll be wearing T.O.’s 81. A friend of mine, Joe Pruett, knew I always wanted a Cowboy jersey and also knew that I am not a fan of T.O. So he thought it was pretty funny. It was.)
How much weight are you going to commit to losing after the first of the year?

*If you answer any of the above questions, Angie Burns will send you a free book.
Does that sound ok Angie?

The Big Day

Well, today’s the big day. Before Christmas season officially begins, before the Thanksgiving turkey is put in the oven… Mary Rush turns X years old today! (Sorry, I don’t think it’s my place to say what X is. But I will say that 52 years ago, today, she was celebrating her 9th birthday.)

Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Mary Rush just happens to be a charming and beautiful woman who fears the Lord. So let her be praised!

Do you have a favorite Mary Rush story?

To be honest, I can’t think of ONE story that defines my mom. In my mind I see a quilted mix of memories involving kindness, peace and joy wrapped in a history of faith.

The picture of mom and the twins above was taken a couple of years ago. Since then, the twins have gotten bigger. I think mom has actually gotten smaller.

This photo is a little old, but it is one of my favorites. I was reminded of it this week when Q informed me that his friend pictured here, Maria Jose, was whom he would marry someday.

Other happenings this week...

I almost blew up. That was new. Kim and I were visiting some friends when their electricity went out due to a storm. They had an elderly woman in their home who was on an oxygen machine. She didn't know how it worked and couldn't get it started back up. So a couple of the youths and I were trying to help her out. (All the adults were gone when we showed up.) As there were no lights, the 18 year old boy was using his cell phone for light. He kept turning nobs and moving hoses but couldn't get it to work. All he could do was allow great amounts of oxygen to escape in loud bursts. The younger girl was starting to freak out a bit as the elderly woman began to panick. Trying to help, the young girl thought she'd shed some more light on the situation by holding a candle closer to the oxygen tank. I suggested that wasn't the best idea.

We did get it going again. And as far as I know, the elderly lady is doing just fine.

What's Your Gift?

If you are like me, you’ve struggled with discovering your spiritual gift. Probably, most tests leave you cold. They promise to shed light on your place in the kingdom but usually leave you with just as many questions as before.

Just consider… what if we are asking the wrong question? Or perhaps we are just looking for the wrong thing. What if you and I ARE the gifts? What would happen if each day we decided to be a gift in the lives of those around us?

If each day, we tried to give ourselves to others, after a short time we’d realize what “Spiritual Gift” we possessed. Try it for just a month, even a week. Ask yourself each day, “How can I be a gift to those around me?” After a short time, look back and examine how you went about it. Was it through encouragement, teaching, giving…? This will take a little more commitment than a short exam, but I think it might lead us towards some answers we’ve been looking for.

Proverbs 14:31

“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Kim and I have been talking about making a concerted effort, at least once a week, to do something kind for the poor. No passing out tracks or asking for Bible studies; just random acts of generosity. One thing that we are excited about doing is buying a bunch of kids’ shoes and going to the center and giving them away to barefooted children of people living on the street.

What are fun things you could do for the poor in your city?

A Day Without Light

Ok, so it wasn’t really a day without light, but we did just finish up over 24 hours without electricity. (Little miscommunication between the bill receiver and the bill payer, but that is all squared away now.)

It was really kind of fun going without electricity. Before dark, we rounded up all the flashlights and candles to get ready. Then, we went outside, across the street to play while it was still light outside, though very dim in the house. Then we fed the kids and read stories and put on jammies to the soft lights of candles and flashlights. (Even flashlights that growl and make monkey noises… thanks to great birthday gifts the twins received from the Shroeder family.)

Things took a not-so-fun turn when the water ran out. Without electricity, the pump couldn’t fill the tank. That got a little less fun this morning when each of the twins threw up. …so much harder to clean up children, clothes and bedding without running water.

In the end, we’ve decided we should spend more evenings in the dark, but hopefully not without water.

newsletter

Here is the link to our latest newsletter from Guadalajara.

http://www.memorialdrive.org/outreach_TimRush110306.asp

Baptism Sunday

Just want to share with you about a wonderful Sunday we shared yesterday with the churches in Guadalajara.

About a year and a half ago the church in Guadalajara decided to multiply into two. The vision was to continue from there, multiplying and planting churches in the homes of new christians.

Yesterday all the churches got together for a baptism Sunday. There were about 6 churches represented and well over 100 people. (I think many were with our body for the first time. But I should point out that when we multiplied we numbered around 45.) We met at a water fall outside of town to share 5 baptisms together. There were a couple that no one expected. And there were a few we expected that chose not to. So who knows what the future brings. But it sure is fun!

Above, Luis celebrates.
Alejandro gets ready...

and is buried by family.
Angeles, about 70 (she doesn't really know) is lowered into the water. Afterward, she and her daughter stood forever hugging and crying. One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
Kim with Morgan afterwards. Natali, Morgan's twin sister was baptized too. But as you can imagine, when viewing the pictures above, we didn't get good pictures because of the crowd.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

First let me say, if you’ve not heard Angie Burns and Felicia Patton sing this, you’ve missed out.

Trust with ALL of my heart? Acknowledge him in ALL of my ways? That sounds like a full-time job. But it also makes for a fun full-time relationship. This makes me think again of my brother’s blog… mentioning how much fun my dad has living in the kingdom. I think I might have just stumbled upon his secret.

(If you haven’t read it already, go to Dusty’s blog @ http://rustydush.wordpress.com and read the post titled Fun at the World Series.)

The Gods Must Be Crazy

I remember in the late 80’s when the movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy came out. So many people at church and school came up to my sister and brother and me and told us we HAD to go see that HYSTERICAL movie. For whatever reason, they said, the movie reminded them of us. They thought it was so funny and knew that, because of our sense of humor, we would too. One evening the three of us decided to go see this GREAT movie that all had been raving about. (This isn’t the point of the post… which come to think of it, there is no point. But how cool to grow up with a brother and sister that you could have fun hanging out with.) Back to our story… I don’t mind saying, we were quite offended. We were offended that people would see this movie and think that we too would find it funny. I don’t think we lasted 30 minutes. We kept thinking, “Surely this will get better. Surely it will be funny soon.” It never did.

If you want to rent a great movie, let me suggest:
The Power of One (Historical Drama… perhaps the greatest movie ever made)
Frequency (Suspense/Thriller)
The Man Who Knew Too Little (Comedy)

Other suggestions?
Any busts we shouldn’t see?

And if you are offended by my view of The God’s Must be Crazy… well, you should be.