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.