The Mighty Men

Bigtime Praise

2005-07-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-
I just wanted to share with you a crazy story about how God can pull someone out of a seemingly impossible situation and give them comfort and hope. There is a guy about our age, Justin, that used to go to my church but stopped about 4 years ago. His grandma is still a faithful member, however. About 2 weeks ago Justin's 15 year old sister died in a car wreck. As you can imagine, the family was devastated. Immediately people in our church began praying for this family, as well as making visits and sending cards and food. About a week passed and the family remained on the top of everyone's prayer list, including mine. Last Wednesday, I was teaching a prayer class (first adult class to teach!) and Justin was there! He hadn't been to church in over 3 years, but he was there! It was incredible, God moved in that room in a very powerful way. People were praying for God's will to prevail and for the family to somehow come to terms with what happened and to seek God for their comfort. There were very few dry eyes. Justin was also at Church this past Sunday morning and Sunday night! People always talk about how an event such as the death of a loved one can bring you closer to God, but unfortunately the reverse often happens. I was just amazed at the power of God when you pray to Him with faith and dedicate yourself to allowing Him to show His love through you. There is a good chance that Justin, his parents, and his girlfriend Monica may become saved through this ordeal. Please keep all of them in your prayers and know that you serve a living God.

Zack

2 prayer requests

2005-07-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

Guys I have had a pretty bad weekend. A lot has happened, first of all guys I need you to pray hard for a guy that is in our youth group named Justin Tisdale. On Friday night a bunch of the Youth Group went to the Casting Crowns concert. He left early and went to hang out with his cousin (from what I understand is not a good influence). Anyways, at about 2 in the morning I received a phone call that Justin was in trouble. His cousin got robbed beccause of some sour deal he made with these guys. These guys put a knife to his neck and Justin wrestled the guy to the ground but in the process this guy put the knife in Justins leg. Justin had been drinking that night and made some bad decisions following that incident. So now he is suffering through some physical pain but also is very mad and "revenge" has even crossed his mind. So guys please be praying for him.

Ok now Im gonna be selfish and tell you what is on mind and what I am going through. So as some of you know in December I got a speeding ticket in Nashville. Well it turns out that there is some rule in Georgia about people under 21 years of age getting a ticket for 20 over in another state. So Saturday my parents got a letter in the mail that said that my liscense is going to be suspended for 6 months. Guys I am not sure if it is a good rule or not but it was a pretty discouraging thing for me. Because of the fact that I live 15 hours away from where I am going to school, so this is definately going to effect me a little. So guys please be praying that we get this worked out.

Thank you guys! I will be praying for all of yall!
Saller

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

Random Thoughts

2005-07-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Heeeeeeelllllllloooooooo (think Seinfeld),

Hope the Lord has blessed you all this week. I'm actually at work right now and things are pretty slow....so...I decided to post!

For some reason God has really put Ezekiel 16 on my heart this week. If you haven't read it before, it basically describes how God saved us and gave us totally undeserved mercy....and then how we "trusted in our beauty" as the text puts it, and turned from God...and then how God atones for all that we have done, even though it should be punished on our heads and not his sons. But don't just take that summary, read it, because it uses very very strong language and really gets the point across.

The point that God stressed to me was that, honestly guys, how much forgiveness is flowing through the relationships in your life. We, sometimes, are so wicked and so horrible in the things that we do and think...and God not only forgives us of them and gives us everything for life and Godliness, but he also atones for our sins with his own perfect son (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Christ calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven, or to "love your wives as Christ loves the Church". I sometimes think we can pass off those huge statements just as "yea, seventy times seven...whatever that means....but, of course, Jesus didn't really mean that many times." I'm not saying to let people walk all over you and for you to be naive; we are told to be as shrewd as serpents....I'm just saying try to genuinely love people just as Christ loved you, and BECAUSE Christ loved you, and when you do love people, forgiveness will, as a result of love, flow out from you.

Once you've read Ezekiel 16 I believe it's very hard to go and deal harshly with your wife, brother, friend, girlfriend, etc... So, I just wanted to encourage you guys to let forgiveness flow through you and really show people, through your forgiveness, how much Christ's forgiveness really means to you. Not only will we demonstrate how much it means to us, but also it will demonstrate how much greater Christ's forgiveness is...we, through sin, have offended an infinitely good and perfect God...we deserve death....but he pardons us. Praise be to God for that!

As Paul exclaimed in Romans, "Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death? Praise be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (Romans 7:24-25)

With Much Love,
Donny

The Mighty Mac Daddys!

2005-07-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Alright men (and you are men), I want to chime in along side of the latest post with some observations:

1. Why is it always about the women?

2. Who is the next lady killer?

3. Who will Max mac in in the UK?

4. Is it true that Bryson has $786,349.00 in the bank from mowing lawns?

5. What is the difference between the giant ball in Times Square and Matt Saller? >> The giant ball falls once a year for new year and Saller falls once a week. Ouch!

Hey seriously, I love you guys and miss you guys and want to hear about what God is doing in your life. I know Max and Chase are chillin with the Brits but I want to hear from them. Max, you better start posting pics on this sucker. It is easy to do so just let me know if you need help.

Please be praying for Kim and I. I preach this Wednesday at Highland and then travel to Katy, Tx to preach and interview at Cinco Ranch. The next weekend I'm in Ca for a wedding and preaching and then the next week I am doing a camp in Co.

I love you guys.

Prayer Requests

2005-07-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hey guys this post is one that I thought that we could all comment on when we have prayer requests so that we can all be praying for them.
Matt

Greatest Summer Ever

2005-07-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Ok guys first of all I would like to apologize for the lack of writing on this blog. I am absolutely having the greatest summer ever. First we will start off with camp. Fellas camp was AWESOME! The them was Breakaway. Which was a very good theme for me spiritually. And for the real exciting news. I did my first baptism. Her name was Brianna Claiborne. I have known her since she was very little. When she first asked me to do it early in the day I thought she was joking and then that night when we were walking down to the pool she asked me again and my stomache dropped. And when I got into the pool to do it I literally was holding it in to not pee my pants. But it went good I didn't forget anything at least I hope not (the last thing we want is for it not to be official lol).

Ok so I went to Uplift at Harding University. And no joke fellas that week changed my life. It was one of the most spiritually uplifting (hint the name) weeks of my life. I became a lot closer with God and the kids in the youth group. I also decided that I believe that the Lords plan for me is to spend my life serving him through youth ministry; while focusing on junior high kids. It was just a real reassuring week for me.

And also at Uplift (ok I know guys this is going to sound kind of dumb) but I basically fell in love! Her name is Amanda Makool. She is awesome and in my opinion and my youth staffs opinion she is perfect for me. To be honest with yall I am not sure that I have had this feeling before. She is a great girl who I have a whole lot in common with. The only negative is that she goes to Harding. Guys please pray for this situation and help me to see Gods will in this.

We'll yall I hope that everything is going great, and that everyone is having a good summer! Guys I am going to start a prayer request blog that we can all comment on and put our prayer request so that we can be praying for each other.

"The Lord himself goes before you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged." Deut. 31:8

Mucho Apologies

2005-07-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Fellas,

Hello my fellow mighty men...I know this is my first post so mucho apologies for the lack of...but the internet at my house hasn't been working since I've gotten home and short trips to the library had to suffice for email. But now it works! So, expect more posts.

Well, to give you all a general update: my summers going great! Still working at Universal:Islands of Adventure, but I also got a job at a Gym and they're paying me $10 and hour! (for basically doing nothing but answer the phone...it's great!) I have some more time now to read great books and really try to get into the word everyday b/c I'm not working as much at Universal b/c the other high-paying job.

But now...for the really freakin good news (sorry if the "freakin" offended anyone...this situation just called for it)! Maxwell you should especially appreciate this due to your endeavors with your lady friend (which, by the way, I want to know more about...so post!) That situation with the girl that I had mentioned back in Abilene is going great! In fact excellently...no...magnificently! In case you may have forgotten, her name is Morgan...and she's the most amazing girl ever! And we're officially dating...like "boyfriend" and "girlfriend." So...no complaints in that dept., except for the fact that she is spending most of the summer in Tallahassee, FL with her Dad and little bro, which is fine w/ me, but of course, I wish she was in O-town (Orlando) with me :-( But she's doing a really good thing by spending time with her little brother and w/ her Dad whom she doesn't get to see to often.

But, just to recap, summers going great and, to my surprise, I'm actually dating the girl who I've liked since, basically, freshman year of high school...I was always like "there's no way she'd ever like me"....and now were dating...it's hard to believe...but nevertheless, really great!

Hope everything is going great with you guys, and I know the whole blog thing has kind of died, but never forget, it can still be salvaged. Remember how many times Jesus brought someone back from the dead...I think we should be able to do that with a blog. Much love and be safe! Don't forget to post!

-Donny T.

Hey Yall!

2005-05-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say hi to matt and joel b/c you two are the only ones who read this!
Life is good.
Star Wars was awesome.
and relationships are swell. Jess and I had our first "Defiine the Relationship" Talk, which was a subject that came up naturally, i might add. Anyways, Sometime this week she is coming over for a family dinner before she leaves back home.
God is Good!
Love all of yall. Matt, how is N-town. I am sure the kids love you!
-Maxwell the turtle (or should i say snail?...hmm)

Check out these pictures:
http://homepage.mac.com/acandleburns/PhotoAlbum26.html

What up from N Town

2005-05-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Howdy folk! Nashville is AWESOME! I have got to spend a lot of time with old friends and it is cool because I keep running into my old friends. It is really weird being back at my church but with a different role and without my parents attending here also. I hope everything is going good for everyone. Maxwell and Quail Man thanks for being the only two people to write on this thing. That is ridiculous!!! I hope everyone is have a good summer! Peace and God bless,
Saller

My Funnest Date

2005-05-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Guys,
I just went on one of the funnest dates of my life!! It was so awesome. I took JP to Spanos and met up with Chace and L'nae. We ate and then were able to watch Ben and Joy Langford (Joy is Jessica's sister) swing dance. Once they were finished they were given a round of applause.
After dinner we all went for a walk and was dissapointed to find the Grace closed, however, there was country dancing right in front of the Grace. We all joined in even though we were probably 20-30 years younger then most everyone there. It was crazy awesome.

Check out the pictures:
http://homepage.mac.com/acandleburns/PhotoAlbum25.html

Love Yall
-Maxwell

Nicknames

2005-05-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, I call Matt Maxwell - Max. (I know, very original) I also call Matt Saller - Salad. (Again, not too much creativity)

I don't have Nicknames for the other guys so I was wondering if you all could help me come up with Nicknames for one another. Here are the rules: Be kind and not crude. I used to have a housemate we called "Mule" because he was ... shall we say, "equipped" but that would be an example of a not so good choice.

So have it! Just post your input as a comment to this entry.

Joel

I have another date!!!

2005-05-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to let all of you know that i have another date tonight with the infamous JP. We are going out tonight and it is sure to be a swell time. I am hoping that Chace and L'nae will accompany us along with Bryson and possible HW. WOW. We have not had a triple date since Bryson dating T-Crow, Chace dating Erin Holland, and myself dating Jordan Lott. Wow, time has flown by. Anyways, just wanted to let all of you know what is going on here in A-Town.
Miss all of yall and hope to hear from you soon.
post by Maxwell

What annoys Matt #1

2005-05-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

1. People who say that they are going to write on the blog but dont! Guys ok we all knew that Chace and Bryson would never actually do this but there are a bunch of us that could be. Michael we all know that you spend a lot of time on the computer (that being your job and all) so post on this thing. Zack come on take a break from Ashley for 5 mins and tell me how you are doing! Drew, youre not in the Airforce yet.

Getting very impatient to hear how my friends are coping with not being in school,
Saller

Heck yes!

2005-05-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

So it is ridiculous how good it feels to be done with school and to be home (even if home is in Georgia and it SUCKS!) Oh well, I'll be in Nashville on Friday, by the way the people I am staying with were some of our families good friends when we lived there. TJ (their son) was one of my really good friends, so that will be fun. Ok guys so now that summer is here lets start writing on this. Maxwell I wanna here about how you are planning on arresting your gf next (which by the way I still believe that you should stalk her lol), Donny you better start informing us on your new hunny in FL, Bryson you are gonna have a whole month without all the girls flirting with Max, Chace well I am pretty sure that none of us want to here about your perfect relationship (same to you Zack) Joel when is that 40 day fast gonna start ;) All right guys have a good first week! Peace out!
Saller

Lunch Date

2005-05-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hey guys.
I hope everyone is haveing a great day. Hey, you guys need to start writing, I am starting to feel like a really big nerd for being the only one of who post. Anyways, last week was good. Last weekend I saw the theatre dept's SHORTS and was very pleased with the whole presentation, especially "Out West" which starred JP.

I hope everyone's finals are going well, mine are almost over.

Just letting everyone know that B has a lunch date tomorrow with HW. He is pretty stoked!

See yall later.

post by matt

The Cop Thing

2005-04-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
well i know that all of you are wondering what happened last night with the "whole cop thing." Well, nothing happened. Sadly, I think I came to my senses and decided to create the Wanted Posters instead. Once the posters were made I was on my way to drop them off when I ran into the very girl I was trying to surprise. After a movie classic slow motion run-and-hug we talked and expressed the busyness of the week.
Talk is good. It calms the nerves.

Oh, by the way, my parents are drawing and my sisters and I are in charge of Communion thoughts on Sunday!! Needless to say, I am kinda nervous, but the Lord will provide strength and peace when needed.

Had a great dinner with Matt Saller. Eventhough he and I can clash, quite literally, I am truly blessed to have a friend such as he.

I am tired, stressed, exhausteed, and happy. The Lord is faithful through all circumstances.

posted by Maxwell

Pick a Date

2005-04-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I've ever shared this story with you but it was on my heart today so here it goes. Many of you know that I look at Bob Strader as a Father and God has used him powerfully to speak encouragement, wisdom and blessing into my life. Although I never played for him, I still call him "Coach" and he has coached me for almost twenty years. We became friends the first week of my sophomore year when I went up and introduced myself to him by saying, "My name is Joel and I figured we should meet because I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of each other." You see, Coach was the Dean of Men at ACU. I was right too. I couldn't find my classes, books, or alarm clock, but had no problems finding trouble. And everytime I found trouble I also found myself sitting in Coach's office. We had many "come to Jesus" conversations at his desk. His desk was roughly the size of an aircraft carrier but was dwarfed by the size of his heart. Coach loved (still does I think...) me so much.

This morning I vividly remembered one of our talks. I had gotten in trouble for something (serving the poor, praying, healing a blind man... something like that) and Coach pushed his Daytimer across the vast desk and right into my hands. The conversation went something like this:

Coach: "pick a date!"

Me: "I already have a girlfriend." (kinda missed the mood of the moment)

Coach: "pick a date!"

Me: "A date for what?"

Coach: "the date you are going to grow up"

Me: "what"

Coach: "you heard me."

Me: "why?"

Coach: "because Joel, when you are ready to grow up you just pick the date and let me know. Then I'll help you. But I can't help you until you make the decision to grow up."

Me: (silence for a long time)

Coach: "just pick that date and I will help."

Me: "today."

It was one of those life changing moments for me. I will never forget it. I wanted to share it with you guys because I want to be a "Coach" for you. I want to challenge you to keep growing in the Lord! I have seen you all grow this semester and I want you to keep growing throughout the summer. I love you and want you to know that I will help you any way I can.

I'll leave you with these words from M.P. Horban:

"The work of God is held back not by bad men and women, but by good ones that have stopped growing."

Posted by Joel

Welcome to the e-home of the Giant Killers!

2005-04-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Alright guys, don't make Saller mad or he will have to break his "guns" out on us. This is the place for us to share what God is doing in our lives, share some great stories, and encourage one another. So get after it. Whoever writes the least buys dinner for everyone dinner when school kicks back up!

I love you guys!